They arrive back in Riverwood two days later, exhausted from all the travel. Dark shadows are cast underneath their eyes and their minds are muddled and tired. Fareeha wills herself to drag her tired feet into the Sleeping Giant Inn, where she is sure Delphine awaits to dish out new orders. Angela follows behind, just as tired and worn out as she is. They had barely slept in the last two days and had traveled as quickly as possible to escape the Thalmor.

Entering the Inn immediately makes Fareeha want to crawl into a bed and sleep for an eternity. The warm and dim atmosphere drowns her in the urge to rest and let her body recuperate, but she pushes it away and makes her way across the Inn in search of Delphine.

"If you're looking for Delphine she's downstairs." Orgnar says as he idly cleans a mug behind the bar, "She's been waiting for you two."

Fareeha nods and gives him a polite smile in thanks before heading down into the hidden basement.

"Ah, you made it out alive!" Delphine steps forward, relief washing her face, "Did you learn anything useful?"

Fareeha leans against a table and Angela flops down into the only chair in the room, her head drooping back.

"Yes and no." Fareeha replies, "It turns out the Thalmor know nothing about the dragon attacks or their return."

Delphine frowns and places her hand under her chin, "Really? That seems difficult to believe, are you sure about that? You didn't miss anything?"

A tired sigh escapes Fareeha's lips, "Yes of course, why would you send us if you weren't going to believe us?"

"You're right, you're right," Delphine waves her hand in apology and her face softens, "I just . . . I was sure it must have been them. If not the Thalmor, then who?"

"There's more though, have you ever heard of someone named Esbern?" Fareeha asks, hoping Delphine would know who he is.

Delphine's face perks right up with both surprise and a shred of hope, "Esbern? Where did you hear that name?"

Angela pulls out one of the Thalmor notebooks and tosses it onto the table, "The Thalmor are looking for him, they think he might be able to shed some light on the dragons reappearance."

Delphine snatches up the notebook and flies through it, her fingers flipping pages and her eyes scanning every inked word.

"Divines, I thought the Thalmor got him years ago, the crazy old man." She snaps the book closed and places her hands on the table, determination filling her eyes, "This makes sense, if anyone would know anything about dragonlore, it would be him. I just can't believe he is still alive."

"So the Thalmor want him because he might know what's happening?" Fareeha questions.

Delphine nods, "Besides the fact that the Thalmor want to kill every last Blade out there, Esbern is an expert in ancient dragonlore. He was an archivist before the great war, studying the history of both the dragons and the Blades. He was rather obsessed with it actually. Nobody really ever paid attention to him, but now I suppose he isn't as crazy as we all thought."

"So now we just need to get to him before the Thalmor do," Fareeha says. "The Thalmor seem to think he's hiding in a city called Riften."

Delphine smirks, "Riften eh? Probably down in the Ratway then. Try to find a man called Brynjolf, he's . . . well-connected, might be able to help you find Esbern. It's a starting point at least."

"Should we bring him back here once we find him?" Angela asks, leaning forward in her chair.

"Yes, I'll need to speak with him. Oh and if you think I'm paranoid, you may have some trouble getting Esbern to trust you. Just ask him where he was on the 30th of Frostfall. He'll know to trust you then. But you have to get to him before the Thalmor. You better get going as soon as possible."

Angela groans and stands up. "More traveling."

Fareeha pats her shoulder, "We can sleep in the carriage. Now come on, Delphine's right, we need to get there as fast as possible." She turns to Delphine suddenly remembering something very important, "You still have all our gear and supplies right?"

Delphine nods and gestures to a large chest, "It's all in there, as promised."

Angela and Fareeha retrieve their belongings and dress themselves in their armor and cloaks. Angela looks preticularily relieved to have her staff back in her hands. Fareeha gathers her travel pack and gets ready to leave but Delphine stops her and Angela, "What about Malborn? Did he . . ?"

Angela shakes her head, "I'm sorry Delphine, we couldn't help him. Amelie got him."

Delphine looks crestfallen and her fist clenches at her side, "Damn that Wood Elf, and damn that Thalmor bitch."

Though Delphine is trying to keep a cool face, Fareeha can tell she is hurting underneath. She nudges Angela's arm to indicate that they should leave Delphine to mourn the loss, "We'll check back in when we get Esbern. Thank you for the help."

Delphine looks up, "No, thank you Dragonborn," She turns her head to Angela, "And you, Mercy, I don't think I could've done any of this without you two."

Fareeha shoots her a genuine smile and bids her farewell before heading up the stairs and into the main part of the Inn.

"We should eat before we leave, can't travel on an empty stomach," Angela says as she approaches a table. Fareeha couldn't agree more, she had very little food since they fled the Embassy.

Within a few minutes, Orgnar sets down a plate of potatoes and cream for each of them, free of charge. They dig in hungrily and soon the plates are scrapped clean and their bellies full. Despite her mental exhaustion, Fareeha feels much better now that she has eaten a warm meal. She can tell Angela feels the same way by the smile that rests on her lips.

"Well, I suppose we better leave. How far is Riften?" Fareeha asks Angela as she stands up and stacks the plates for Orgnar.

"It's just past Ivarstead, in the Rift. So just over a days walking time but we could get there before that if we took a carriage."

Suddenly Fareeha is struck with an idea. "What about horses?"

Angela's face lights right up, she clearly likes the idea already. "It's a little faster than carriage, and we could probably save a lot of money in the long run. There's a stable outside of Whiterun where we could purchase two."

"But I haven't got the money to buy one."

Angela waves her hand, "Oh no, no, don't worry about that. I'll cover it."

"Are you sure? I can always pay you back." Fareeha insists, feeling a little bad about using Angela's money for herself.

Angela laughs, "I've got too much anyway and nothing to ever spend it on. Besides, having horses would make a lot of things easier."

Fareeha smiles wide and nods. "Then let's make a stop in Whiterun."

The two exit the Inn, invigorated by both the food in their stomach's and the thought of no more endless walking and carriage riding across Skyrim.

They make it to Whiterun quickly, the sun still hanging low in the morning sky. It's a warmer day, the trees cast long soft shadows across the earth and the air doesn't carry the burning bite that it usually does.

The stable pops into view as they approach the city, the smell of hay floating on the breeze. Angela approaches a man standing beside the stables, ready to deal business.

"Ah, hello! What can I do for you ladies this fine morning?" The stable man greets as he notices them.

"Actually, we're looking to buy two horses for traveling, do you have any for sale?" Angela asks, her eyes looking behind the man and at the five horses standing in the stalls.

"Well it just so happens I do," He turns around and walks up to the stalls, "These three here. You won't find stronger horses anywhere else."

Angela chuckles and approaches the stalls, Fareeha following close behind. Fareeha had always loved horses. She loved the feeling of racing on it's back, feeling the wind whip through her hair as they sped through the open desert. She had never had a horse to call her own though. She inspects the horses and finds herself drawn to one on the end, a stallion, whose coat is so dark brown it almost looks black. Shaggy black hair crosses his forehead as he looks at her with fathomlessly dark eyes.

"Taking a liking to him?" The stable man asks as he stands beside her, his crossed arms leaning against the edge of the stall.

Fareeha nods, "Yes, he's very beautiful." She turns to see Angela stroking the nose of a blue roan. "What about you Angela?"

She turns to face Fareeha, a genuine smile spread across her lips, "I believe we've both made our decision, yes?"

Fareeha laughs and nods.

"Well, how much for the roan and the stallion?" Angela asks, pulling out a hefty coin purse that puts Fareeha's to shame.

The stable man rubs his chin and faces the horses, a low hum echoing from his throat as he thinks. "Two thousand septims for the two horses, a thousand septims each. I'll even throw in the saddles and gear."

Fareeha nearly chokes when she hears the price, she would never have been able to afford one horse, let alone two.

Angela pauses for a moment and then smiles, "I'd say that's a fair deal." She extends her arm and gives the stable man's hand a firm shake.

The stable man turns to Fareeha, "Do you know how to tack a horse?"

"Yep."

"Well how about your friend and I deal the funds inside and you prepare the horses?"

Fareeha glances at Angela who nods, "Alright, sounds good to me."

The man gestures to a wall of equipment, reins, bridles, harnesses and stirrups all hang ready. Fareeha sets to work immediately, working on the saddles and harnesses. She is gentle, her hands working smoothly as she makes sure not to pull anything too tight. She leads the horses out of the stables and waits patiently for Angela to finish paying the man. Her eyes linger on the roan Angela chose, his coat a stunning gradient of black and silver.

Soon Angela emerges from the stable, the man following behind with a very happy look.

"Well we're all done here, you're free to take them now." The man smiles warmly and pockets his now bulging coin purse. "Good luck to you."

Angela thanks him with a dip of her head and approaches Fareeha and the horses.

"This was a great idea Fareeha," Angela praises as she stands next to the roan, eager to get into the saddle.

"Do you need any help up?" Fareeha asks, ready to lend Angela a boost.

Angela waves a hand and chuckles, "No, I've been riding horses since I was a child." With that she places her hands up on the saddle and in one swift, fluid motion, hauls herself over the horse till she rests high upon his back.

Fareeha smiles with amusement and does the same, her legs adjusting in the stirrups and saddle. It had been a while since she last rode a horse, but it is already coming back to her. She urges the horse forward until they are walking on the road. Her hips sway with the movement of the horse and she knows that she'll be sore later, but it's still much better than walking.

"So what about a name for him?" Angela asks, gesturing her head to the dark stallion Fareeha rides.

"I'm not sure, I haven't really thought about it yet. What about you?"

"I was thinking Jesse."

"Jesse? Sort of an odd choice for a horse?"

Angela smiles, "I have an old friend named Jesse, though I haven't seen him in a long time. Seems appropriate to name such a fine horse after him."

"You were close?"

"Very, I've known him for a long time. After my incident with Gabriel, I just haven't seen him. I hope he's doing alright, he was always known for getting into trouble, though he has a kind heart."

Fareeha gives Angela a reassuring smile, "I'm sure that when all this is over you'll see him again."

"I hope so."

The rest of the day goes by nicely, with no trouble. The sun warms their backs and the sweet smell of the forest fills their lungs. The sound of hooves steadily clopping along the road is soothing to Fareeha, making her feel safe and unbothered by the threat of dragons and the Thalmor.

They pass through Ivarstead while the sun is still up, and enter the thick lush forest of the Rift, following the road to Riften.

"So what's Riften like? Have you ever been?" Fareeha asks, breaking the silence that had been comfortably sitting between them.

"Unfortunately yes, I've been."

"Unfortunately? I take it you don't enjoy it?"

Angela shakes her head, "It's a city crawling with corruption and deception. Maven Blackbriar controls everything, from the flow of supplies that enter the city to even the guards, all held underneath her thumb. Not to mention the Thieves Guild, who steal for their own profit. It's a city best to pass through as quickly as possible."

Fareeha frowns, she hated nothing more than criminals who illude justice. "Why hasn't anything been done about it?"

"People have tried, but anybody who challenges Maven are either thrown into prison or just never heard from again. I wouldn't trouble yourself over it now, our priority is Esbern, and then we leave."

Fareeha nods, though the information sits uncomfortably in her stomach.

The sun begins to lower in the sky, washing the land in the warm colors of the sunset. The forest itself seems to glow under it's radiance. Tall trees with leaves of reds, yellows and oranges rustle under the soft breeze. Remnants of sunlight stream through the branches and high canopy. It's such a surreal sight, compared to the rest of the terrain she's seen in Skyrim.

"How come there's no snow here? It's like a completely different season." Fareeha asks, her curiosity piqued by the beautiful colors of the forest.

"This is the Rift, a deep valley shrouded by high mountains. Winter almost never touches here, unlike the rest of Skyrim." Angela replies, lifting her head to look at the leaves above. "It's stunning."

Looking at Angela, with the warm glow of the sun cloaking her, there is nothing more beautiful to Fareeha. "Like you."

Angela's cheeks turn as red as the leaves above her. Fareeha smiles and brings her horse right in beside Angela, before leaning over in her saddle and kissing her on the cheek. Angela lets out a little surprised gasp, "Don't fall, you'll hurt yourself!" Her face is still beat red and she looks a little flustered.

Fareeha lets out a hearty laugh that echoes off the high canopy as she settles back into the saddle, "Always looking out for me, my own guardian angel."

"Well, I suppose you could say that." Angela smiles and winks at Fareeha, making it her turn to blush.

Soon the walls of a city part through the trees and Fareeha can hear the sound of water. The forest thins and they find themselves walking on a worn path beside a large lake, its still surface reflecting the light of the dying sun. The walled city of Riften lies before them, like a dirty beacon. A set of stables rests beside the main gate.

"We can keep the horses there when we're in the city." Angela says, pointing to the stables. They hop off their horses and lead them to the stables where Angela pays the stable boy to untack them and give them feed. Fareeha gives her horse one last stroke on the nose before approaching the city gate, where two guards await.

"Hold there, before I let you into Riften, you need to pay the visitor's tax." One of the guards says, blocking the door with his body.

Fareeha lifts an eyebrow, "The visitor's tax?"

"For the privilege of entering the city, of course."

Fareeha is not impressed, with the knowledge that Angela had given her about the city guards, she knows this is a scam. "This is obviously a shakedown, just let us in."

The guard crosses his arms, "You either pay the tax like everybody else or you don't get into the city. Simple as that."

Angela steps forward, her face held in a slight frown, "You wouldn't deny Mercy entrance would you? I have important matters to be held within your walls."

The guard uncrosses his arms and takes a step back, "Mercy . . . oh why yes, of course. Go right in."

"Thank you." Angela leans in close to his ear, "And I would advise you to stop scamming and stealing from poor travelers."

The guard bows his head in shame and mutters an agreement under his breath. The gates open and the two women enter the dirty city. Wooden walkways and bridges weave themselves around buildings like a spider web. Much to Fareeha's surprise, the entire city is floating on the lake, nothing but wooden arches to support it. The wood creaks under her boots as she takes a step forward. The people in the city walk quickly and with their heads down, eager to get home as the sun dips behind the mountains, the light shrinking away with the coming dark.

"I hate doing that." Angela sighs once the gates are shut behind them.

"Hm?" Fareeha pulls her attention away from the strange layout of the city.

"Using my name to intimidate people."

"Except you didn't intimidate him. He was trying to steal from us and I can only imagine how many others he's stolen from. Perhaps next time he goes to do it he'll think twice after what you said to him."

"I know, I know, it still gets to me sometimes."

"But the people love you, you're they're champion."

Angela sighs again, "To some yes, but it's not always that simple, some fear me and my power. They believe that no Mer should hold so much power over life and death."

Fareeha opens her mouth to reply but something or someone blunders right into Angela, nearly knocking her off her feet. A surprised gasps escapes Angela's lips as she straightens herself and turns to face her attacker.

Except her attacker is nothing more than a small girl, still in her teen years.

The girl straightens herself and bows deeply before muttering a sorry and scurrying off.

"Are you alright?" Fareeha asks Angela.

"Oh I'm fine," Angela says but then her face turns into a frown, "Wait a minute . . . " Angela starts frantically patting her sides and pockets. "My coin pouch, it's gone!"

Realizing that Angela had just been robbed by some kid, Fareeha immediately jumps into action, running down the alleyway where the girl had ran. Angela follows behind her, their footsteps thudding overtop the wooden planks. Fareeha sees a wisp of long dark hair disappear around a corner at the end of the alley. Fareeha pushes her legs a little faster and she rounds the corner just in time to see the girl trying to climb over a gated fence.

"Come here, you!" Fareeha lunges and grabs onto the back of the girls shirt and hauls her off the fence. She puts herself between the girl and the fence so she can't run off again. Angela appears from the corner, her hair astray from running.

"Alright you little brat, give her back the money." Fareeha scolds, crossing her arms and trying her best to be intimidating.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." The girl says stubbornly, raising her head and looking away from Fareeha with a smug expression.

"Don't play stupid kid, I saw you take it."

"No you didn't."

"Yes, I did." Fareeha says with a grumble of annoyance.

"You mean this coin purse?" Angela says with a smile as she leans in and points to a bulge in the back of the girl's tunic.

The girl looks nervous and her eyes start scanning the area for an escape route.

"Don't even try it." Fareeha growls.

"Look, we're not going to hurt you," Angela says gently. "Just give us back the coin and we'll leave you be."

"How do I know you won't rat me out to the guards?"

"I promise we won't"

The girl's eyes shift to Fareeha, and more importantly, her giant sword, "And she won't beat me up?"

Angela laughs and Fareeha roles her eyes, "No, she's not going to beat you up. She's actually quite nice."

"Well . . . alright then." The girl pulls Angela's coin pouch from the back of her shirt and hands it to her.

"Thank you," Angela says as she secures her money, "What's your name?"

The girl's eyes narrow, "Why do you care?"

"I'm just curious is all," Angela replies.

"It's Hana." The girl says, looking a little shy all of a sudden.

"Well Hana, shouldn't you be at home instead of robbing people in the streets?"

Hana makes a show of sighing and rolling her eyes, "You're not my mother."

Angela laughs and Fareeha snorts. The girl has sass. "No I'm not your mother, but I am just trying to help you."

"Okay, mom." Hana grins, her eyes twinkling.

Angela smiles and leans back, "Well we best find an Inn, it's getting late."

"Agreed." Fareeha replies, eager to sleep in an actual bed. The sky is dark and the stars are starting to shine high above. Torch light lights up the streets and illuminates walkways and buildings.

"But before we go, . . ." Angela reaches into her coin purse and tosses Hana a few septims, "Here, and please try to keep your hands to yourself next time." She shoots Hana another motherly smile and turns to walk back down the alley, leaving Fareeha with Hana.

"She means it, kid, think before you steal, or next time you might get caught by someone not as merciful as us." Fareeha glares at Hana, hoping that her stern voice will sway the younger girl, except she can feel a tiny smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

Hana fakes surprise, her smug smile still growing. "Gasp! Meaner than you? Perish the thought!"

Fareeha huffs and puts her hands on her hips, "I'm being serious you know."

Hana leans in and waggles her eyebrows, "Why don't you get back to your lover? You're keeping her waiting."

Fareeha is completely taken aback and her mouth gapes open in surprise, "How did you-"

"Fareeha," Angela's voice floats from the other end of the alley where she is patiently waiting.

Hana snickers and gives Fareeha a little wave, "Later, lady." She runs off, hopping over the fence and disappearing into the shadows of the city.

Shaking her head, Fareeha returns to Angela who looks at her with a confused face, "What, did she say something to you?"

"Nope, nothing at all."

"Right," Angela replies with a drawl, clearly not convinced but she lets it drop anyways. "There's an Inn just ahead, we can rest there for the night and look for Brynjolf tomorrow morning."

"Sounds like a plan." Fareeha yawns and rubs her eyes. "So is it your new mission to save every citizen from their greedy intentions?"

"What do you mean?" Angela asks as she approaches the front door of the Inn and pushes it open.

Fareeha laughs, "Well first the guard and now Hana, at this rate you'll convert every citizen here in no time."

A chuckle escapes Angela's throat, "No, but I can try to help, and besides, I took a liking to Hana."

Fareeha raises an eyebrow, "Even though she tried to steal all our money?"

"Well that's definitely not all my money but she's just a kid, kids do stupid things sometimes. I'm sure you did dumb things to harass people when you were younger."

"Nah, I mostly just punned people to death."

Angela laughs again and the corners of her eyes crinkle, "Aha, yes, you and your puns. They're not very good, you know."

Fareeha shrugs, "I know. They're terrible, but that's why I love them."

Angela wraps her arm around Fareeha's waist and leans her head against her shoulder, "Well I love them too."

The morning comes with the sun rising over the lake, a wispy layer of mist crawling on it's glassy surface. Fareeha and Angela prepare for the morning, getting washed up and eating a meal inside the Inn.

"So do you know anything about this Brynjolf?" Fareeha asks Angela as they exit the Inn and look out over the city.

Angela shrugs, the fur on her mantle rising up to meet her cheeks, "I've never heard of him. Like I said, I usually try to steer clear of this city."

Fareeha takes a deep breath and pushes the crisp air out of her lungs. "Well I guess we better ask around."

They stroll into the town square, where it is bustling with people. A blacksmith works at his forge, meticulously melding a sword, a multitude of shopkeepers try to sell their items while customers browse, none of them aware of the threat that hangs over them all. A feeling of sonder washes over Fareeha. All of these people, living lives as complex as her own, filled with their own goals, loves, needs and tragedies. And yet, they pass her by, her mind soon forgetting she ever saw them. It makes her sad in a way, realizing that there is so much going on around her, just to be forgotten and overlooked.

"Excuse me, do you know where I could find someone named Brynjolf?" Angela's voice pulls Fareeha back to the present where she is asking a Dunmer selling vegetables.

The Dark Elf scoffs and points towards the market square, "Don't know why you'd want to find that cheat, but he's usually down there, ripping off gullible customers."

Angela raises her eyebrows before thanking the Dunmer. They turn around and make their way into the square, where people bustle all about.

"Never done an honest day's work in your life for all that coin you're carrying, eh lass?" A nordic accent comes from behind Angela.

"Excuse me?" Angela turns around to face the man who just spoke, a slight frown furrowing her brow.

The man is tall, with rusty hair and a broad frame, a Nord. He leans in and lifts his eyebrows and gestures to Angela's coin pouch, "I mean you didn't earn all that coin by working."

Angela frowns and takes a step back from the man, "Actually I did earn it, I don't steal."

The man chuckles and the expression on his face tells them that he still thinks otherwise. "Well, if you say so." He extends his hand before him. "Where are my manners, the name is Brynjolf. And you two . . ?"

Fareeha's eyes widen in surprise and she speaks up, "You're Brynjolf?"

The man looks a little taken aback, "You know me?"

Angela nods, "Actually we're looking for you, we need your help with something very important."

Brynjolf crosses his arms and leans back against his stall behind him, "I hope you're not expecting free information or help, because you won't find it here."

"Please, we're looking for someone, can't you at least point us in the right direction?" Angela asks, her voice firm and steady.

"Tell you what, if you help me deal with a bit of business, then I'll see if I can help you."

Fareeha's eyes narrow, "What sort of business?"

"The kind where you try not to get caught by the guards. I need you to steal something."

Angela's eyes flash and she grips her staff tightly, "I already told you, we don't steal." She says through gritted teeth.

"Then I won't help you, simple as that, and around here, help is hard to come by."

Fareeha steps in front of Angela and looks Brynjolf in the eye, "Look, we just need to know if you've seen or heard of an old man named Esbern, he'd probably be hiding out in some place called the Ratway."

"Aye, I know your guy, but as I said before, I won't tell you where he is unless you help me first. Just hear me out."

Fareeha exhales and gives him a curt nod. She doesn't want to hear what he has to say but she knows that he might be their only chance.

"I'm going to cause a distraction and you're going to steal Madesi's silver ring from a strongbox under his stand. Once you have it, I'll need you to place it into Brand-Shei's pocket without him noticing. Got it?"

"A frame job? You can't be serious!" Angela snarls, "I will not frame an innocent."

"Then you'll never find Esbern."

Fareeha lightly tugs on Angela's arm to pull her away from Brynjolf. She hates Brynjolf's plan just as much as Angela does, except she knows that it must be done, for the greater good. "Angela please, we need to find Esbern. This might be our only chance."

Angela's face softens and her voice lowers, "There's got to be another way."

"There might be, but it might take much longer. We need to get to Esbern before the Thalmor do, or we'll have much bigger things to worry about." Fareeha says as she places her hands gently on Angela's shoulders. "Just let me do it, you won't have to worry about a thing, and then we can leave this all behind us."

"I won't let you do this by yourself!" Angela exclaims.

Fareeha chuckles, "It just won't do if the famed 'Mercy' gets caught stealing a silver ring. It'll be fine, trust me."

A sigh escapes Angela's lips but she nods, "If this is what it'll take then so be it."

Fareeha gives Angela a small smile before turning back to Brynjolf, "I'll do it."

Brynjolf claps his hands together and smiles. "Perfect! The man you're planting the ring on is over there, the Dark Elf." He points to an elf who idly sits on a barrel, chatting with a customer. "And Madesi is the Argonian over there, the ring is under his stall. Are you ready?"

"Yes, just do what you're going to do."

Brynjolf steps into his stand and starts waving his hands, "Everyone, gather 'round, I have something amazing to show you!" He continues to call out, drawing the attention of everyone in the square until they are all standing around his stall. Fareeha slips to the back of the crowd until she is standing right beside it. She glances around with wary eyes. It would seem Brynjolf's distraction is working, as everyone's attention is pointed towards whatever nonsense he is spewing out. She can see Angela's blonde ponytail poking out from the crowd where she waits. Taking one last look around, she ducks behind Madesi stall and opens the hatch below it.

Sure enough a small strongbox rests inside it, a lock keeping it sealed tight. Fareeha quickly reaches into a pouch in her pack and pulls out a small lockpick. She had a few with her just in case she ever needed to get out of a tight spot. Or in.

Her blood pounds in her ears and her heart races, but she keeps her fingers steady as she wiggles the lockpick around until she hears the satisfying click. The lid pops open, revealing its shiny contents inside. A whole stash of gems and jewelry sits inside the strongbox. She carefully picks through it until she finds the plain silver ring, being careful to not draw attention to herself. She pockets the ring and closes up both the strongbox and the hatch. Silently she drifts around the crowd, weaving behind vacant stalls. With hushed footsteps she places herself behind the Dark Elf Brynjolf had pointed out and reaches into her pocket to pull out the ring. Her fingers feel the cool silver and she hesitates, her conscious telling her to expose Brynjolf. But she needs him and the information he carries. Cursing both Brynjolf and herself, she slides the ring into Brand-Shei's back pocket. He doesn't seem to notice and Fareeha quietly backs away, making eye contact with Brynjolf to tell him the deed is done. She hangs back as he wraps up his little show, the crowd dispersing and heading back to their stalls.

She approaches Brynjolf and Angela, her face held in a frown. "It's done."

Brynjolf reaches into his pocket and pulls out a tiny pouch clinking with septims, "Here, payment for a job well done. You know I could always use someone with your skills."

"I don't want your money or to join you, I just want to find where Esbern is." Fareeha growls, still feeling bitter over what she just did.

Brynjolf shrugs and places the pouch back into his pocket, "Well, you're right, Esbern is hiding in the Ratway, past the tavern called The Ragged Flagon. That's where my organization runs from, if you ever need to find me, look for me there."

"How do we get to the Ratway?" Fareeha asks, knowing that it is probably well hidden.

"The Ratway is a series of interconnecting tunnels beneath the city. There's an entrance down on the lower level of the city, near the water. You'll know it when you see it."

Fareeha nods her head in response and turns to leave, not wanting to thank Brynjolf for his help. Angela mutters a goodbye under her breath and follows Fareeha out of the market square.

Angela leans in to Fareeha and wraps an arm around her waist, "Are you okay?"

Fareeha sighs and puts an arm around Angela's shoulder, "Yes, I'm fine. I just hate that he made me do that."

"It's like you said, we didn't have a choice. Don't feel guilty."

Fareeha smiles and kisses the top of Angela's head, her soft blonde hair tickling her face. "Now, please tell me you know where to go because I still have no clue."

Angela giggles and takes Fareeha's hand in her own before taking the lead. "Come on you, it's this way."

Angela leads her down a set of stairs until they are standing on a dock that lines the lower layer of the city. Dirty water runs from the lake and weaves like a river between small shops built into the base of the town. The smell of fish and mucky water taints the air and Fareeha crinkles her nose.

"Well this is pleasant." She mutters under her breath.

Angela scans the area and points towards a gated door on the other side of the channel, "There, that must be it."

They cross the water over a small bridge and stop in front of the entrance. It's dark and a rotten smell is floating from its depths.

"It's a sewer, isn't it?" Fareeha groans, already anticipating the feeling of soggy boots and rancid air.

Angela pushes open the gate, "Unfortunately it looks that way. Come on."

They enter the dark cavern and close the gate behind them. Darkness closes in and Fareeha has to strain her eyes to see properly. Dim torchlight glows from ahead, a small beacon. Much to her discomfort, filmy water sloshes around her boots as she begins to make her way forward, the water echoing of the slick walls. She feels Angela grab her hand and she squeezes it back. "Stick close to me. We don't want to get separated."

The two creep forward with careful footsteps, edging closer to the light. A corner appears ahead and they turn around it, finally finding the source of the light. It's a small room with hanging moss clinging to the roof. Water glistens on the walls and torches flicker in the damp atmosphere. But they aren't alone. Before Fareeha can even register what's going on, two men jump at her, ragged cries ripping from their throats. She flinches and waits for the bite of steel, except it doesn't come.

She opens her eyes to see Angela standing in front of her, her Caduceus staff raised above her body, blocking the two attacks simultaneously. The two men look surprised and Angela uses that to her advantage. With a strong yank with her staff the two become unbalanced, their swords nearly wrenched from their grasp. With a blur of motion, she rams the butt of her staff into one of the men's stomach and turns to wack the other one over the head, sending him toppling to the ground. Within an instant both men are on the wet ground unconscious.

Fareeha's mouth is hanging open, she hadn't even seen the men quick enough to act; and yet Angela had dealt with them before she could even process what happened. "You never cease to amaze me."

Angela shrugs and blushes slightly, "Can't have the fabled Dragonborn getting killed in a sewer, now can we?"

Fareeha chuckles and moves closer to a wall to reach for a torch, "Where would I be without you?"

Angela laughs in return, "Probably still getting lost on your way to High Hrothgar."

"You're probably right, I'm hopeless with directions."

Angela bumps Fareeha's shoulder with her own and gives her a warm smile, "Then it's probably best I'm here with you."

They exit the room, a torch held in Fareeha's hand, illuminating the tight corridors. They wind their way through the tunnels, frequently running into dead ends and deep water that sends chills up Fareeha's spine. She isn't one for deep water. The moisture in the air makes their skin damp and everything seems slimy; the walls, the floor, their clothes, even their hair. Not to mention the occasional skeever that jumps at them when they pass. Eventually they reach a door illuminated by torches.

"Do you think this is it?" Angela murmurs.

"Only one way to find out." Fareeha says as she pushes open the door. Instead of another small tunnel for them to creep through, they are greeted by a massive cavern, with a roof held high above their heads. The floor is much drier and much cleaner. Furniture lines the walls and on the far end of the room Fareeha can see people.

"This must be the Ragged Flaggon Brynjolf told us about." Fareeha explains as she scans the area. She grips Angela's hand and approaches the other end of the room, caution guiding her footsteps.

A bar rests against the wall where a man stands behind it, polishing a tankard. Wooden tables surround it, candles and plates sitting on top. Fareeha counts three people; a bald man resting in a chair, a silver haired woman looking over some papers and the man behind the bar.

"Well look who it is, the lovebirds have decided to come visit."

A familiar voice resonates from behind Fareeha. "Hana?"

Sure enough, Hana stands behind them, grinning from ear to ear. Her chestnut hair drapes behind her back and her bangs graze her eyebrows. Her eyes are twinkling with both amusement and mischief. "So what brings the righteous duo down here?"

Angela smiles, "We're looking for someone, Brynjolf sent us here."

Hana cocks her head, "Bryn sent you? That's not like him to willingly send strangers down here." Suddenly her eyes widen and a sly smile spreads across her smug face. "Don't tell me he made you take on a job in exchange?"

Fareeha rolls her eyes and looks away, "Unfortunately yes."

"Ha!" Hana slaps her knee and laughs, "Oh the irony is too perfect!"

"Oh shush." Fareeha huffs, trying to hide the smile forcing it's way out. Something about Hana's laugh made her want to laugh too, like it's contagious.

"Who're your friends Hana?" The bald man calls out from his seat at the table. He had been watching them quietly all along.

"These are the two I was telling you about, the ones who caught me earlier."

The man chuckles and gets up from his seat to greet them, "Oh never you mind Hana, I apologize for her earlier actions. I'm Delvin, it's a pleasure."

Fareeha extends her hand to shake Delvin's, "I'm Fareeh and this is Angela. Brynjolf told us we could find someone down here."

Delvin crosses his arms and raises an eyebrow, "Who're you looking for?"

"An old man named Esbern. We need to find him, it's urgent." Angela replies.

Delvin lets out a huff and turns to Hana, "So do think they can be trusted?"

"Them? Oh, they're harmless." Hana looks directly at Fareeha and wiggles her eyebrows, "I don't think they're gonna do anything that'll hurt us."

Delvin nods and turns back to Fareeha, "Well if Hana likes you, then I suppose I'll tell you. She might be a handful but she's a great judge of character."

"So you know who we're looking for?"

Delvin nods again, "Yes, he's been hiding past our hideout, in the deepest sections of the ratway. Paid us good coin to keep him hidden."

"Can you take us to him, please?" Fareeha asks.

Delvin shakes his head, "I swore to never go back in their, place gives me the willies but . . ," He turns to Hana and smiles.

"No, absolutely not." Hana glares back at him, knowing what he's about to suggest.

"Come on Hana, you know the ratway better than anyone else. Don't you want to help these nice ladies?"

Hana rolls her eyes and huffs, "Fine!" She then points a finger at them, "But only because you didn't rat me out."

Angela's face brightens, "Great! I'm so glad you're coming with us!"

"Yeah, yeah, what's your name again?"

"Angela."

"And your lover?"

Angela's face goes bright red and Fareeha can feel herself burning as well.

"That's Fareeha."

Hana snickers and gives them a toothy smile. "Well come on, it's this way." She takes the lead and passes through a door behind the bar.

"She's really something huh?" Fareeha whispers to Angela under her breath.

Angela chuckles softly, "She sure is, I like her."

Fareeha smiles to herself, "I like her too, even though she is a little brat."

"I can agree with that."

"Quit lagging you nerds." Hana calls from ahead, waiting impatiently for them.

"What does nerd mean?" Angela whispers to fareeha.

"I have no clue, probably some young kid slang." Fareeha whispers back with a shrug.

They pass through the door Hana was waiting at and enter a whole new area of the ratway. It's not as wet and it's much more open, with multiple layers.

"Watch out!" Hana shrieks as she yanks on Fareeha's arm and pulls her to the ground. An explosion of electricity erupts above Fareeha's ahead, showering them in lingering sparks.

"What the hell!"

"It's the Thalmor!" Angela calls out, already preparing herself for battle.

Fareeha jumps up and looks down below her, to see three Thalmor soldiers rushing up the stairs to meet them. Across the room is another Thalmor, some kind of sparks glowing out of his hands. Magic.

She immediately jumps into action, her hand grasping the hilt of her sword and drawing it from her back. Hana does the same, grasping two slim twin daggers.

"I've got these idiots, go take down the freak with the magic!" Hana yells as she jumps to meet the Thalmor coming up the stairs. Angela joins Hana, her staff poised.

"Go!" Angela calls out, "We've got this!"

Fareeha nods and without taking a second thought, leaps over the edge and lands on the floor beneath her where the mage waits, his hands sparking and his face twisted into a malicious smile.

"You were the two who got into the Embassy, weren't you?" He snarls.

Fareeha ignores his question, "We're not going to let you get to Esbern."

"Oh I think we will!" He lunges forward, the air crackling with electricity. Fareeha leaps out of the way, feeling the current of his magic scorch past her. He attacks again, his fist flying through the air. Out of habit Fareeha uses one hand to let go of her sword to block his blow, but ends up getting a shocked by his magic. It takes her breath away and she stumbles back. He uses her momentary confusion to hurl another ball of sparks at her, which explodes in her side. With a gasp she falls to her knees, fighting for breath. The magic tears through her body, burning and searing along it's path.

The Thalmor approaches, his face reflecting the blue light of his magic. Unable to get her limbs to move, Fareeha braces herself for another blow.

"Fareeha!" Angela's voice calls from above, ripping Fareeha from the pain. With all her strength she wills herself to get back to her feet, where she faces the wicked man.

"Still fighting eh? We'll take care of that." His smile soon turns to a choked gasp as Fareeha suddenly lunges forward, her sword piercing his body. With a gurgle of blood he slumps forward and collapses on the cold stone floor.

"Are you alright!" Angela races down the stairs, followed by Hana, who actually appears to be concerned.

Fareeha leans over with her hands on her knees and exhales deeply, "Yeah, I'm alright thanks. Did you finish the others?"

"Oh thank Stendarr, you had me worried." Angela turns and puts a hand on Hana's head, "And Hana did all the work, she's quite the little fighter, you two could learn from each other."

Hana grins and shrugs, "I've always wanted to learn how to wield a claymore."

Fareeha straightens herself and holds out her blade to Hana, "Want to hold it?"

Hana's eyes widen and she holds out her hands.

"Two hands, it's heavy-" Fareeha says as she places the hilt of her blade in Hana's grip.

As soon as Fareeha let's go of her sword, the weight of it brings Hana down to the ground with a clatter.

A string of foreign words fly out of Hana's mouth in what Fareeha can only assume are curses. "That thing's heavier than I am!" Hana gets up from the floor and tries to pick up Fareeha's sword. With a mighty huff escaping her mouth Hana manages to pick it up and hold it in front of her. Her arms soon start to shake and Fareeha takes her beloved blade back before Hana drops it again.

"Let's just stick with the daggers for now." Fareeha laughs as she sheaths her sword on her back.

Hana grumbles something under her breath and rolls her eyes. "I could still take you, you know."

Fareeha raises her eyebrows, "I'm sure you could."

"Come on you two, we have to get to Esbern, before the Thalmor do."

Fareeha nods and scolds herself, she had completely forgotten for a moment. She just hopes that the Thalmor didn't know where he was exactly, so that Hana could lead them straight to him. Hana takes off and makes her way through the corridors, Angela and Fareeha following close behind. They encounter a few more Thalmor but they fall before Fareeha's and Hana's blades before they even realize what hit them.

After a certain point Fareeha becomes numb to all the twisting corridors and tight hallways. Without Hana's help, she would never be able to navigate her way in or out of this labyrinth.

"We're here." Hana states once they reach a heavily barricaded metal door. "He's in there, but he never comes out."

Angela puts a hand on Hana's shoulder, "We'll take it from here, you just wait for us and keep a lookout for more Thalmor.

"Understood."

Fareeha approaches the door and knocks on it gently, "Hello?"

"Go away!" A metal cover on the door slides open and a pair of weary looking eyes peers out at them.

"Esbern? Open the door, I'm a friend." Fareeha says softly, trying to be as unintimidating as possible.

"No, that's not me, I'm not Esbern." The old man says, his eyes shifting. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Angela buds in, "It's okay, Delphine sent us."

Esbern's eyes widen and a small gasp escapes his throat, "Delphine? How do you . . . so you've finally found her and she led you to me?" Suddenly the wrinkles in his face hardens and his eyes narrow, "How do I know you're not some Thalmor spies?"

"Please let us in, we need your help with the dragons." Fareeha persuades, hoping to break through Esbern's wall of paranoia. "And I'm the one you've been looking for. I'm the Dragonborn."

Esbern still doesn't seem convinced, "Anyone can say that." He moves to close the small window in the door but Angela blurts out, "Where were you on the 30th of Frostfall!?"

Esbern stops and turns to look them over closely, "So Delphine really did send you?"

Fareeha nods, "Yes, she told us to ask you that, though I'm not sure what it means."

"I'm sure you wouldn't. Alright, come on, I'll let you in, just hold on a moment." He closes the door and a series of locks clinking together echoes from behind the door as he unlocks them all.

Fareeha can only imagine how many securities he's put into place to keep unwanted visitors from entering. Finally the big door slides open and Fareeha and Angela step through. Esbern closes the door behind them and turns to meet Fareeha.

"You . . . Dragonborn? Is it really true?"

Fareeha nods,"Yes, Delphine seemed to think it was really important."

Esbern laughs and his eyes well up, "Important? For more than she even realizes! If you really are the Dragonborn, then . . . then there is hope after all. For so long all I could do was watch our doom approach, helplessly.

A knot forms is Fareeha's gut, "Doom? Do you mean the return of the dragons?"

"Dragons, no, they can be killed. The Blades killed many back in their dragon-slaying days. No, the dragons are merely the final portent of the End of Days."

"End of Days . . . please tell me you're not literally talking about the end of the world?" Fareeha groans, feeling sick in her stomach.

Esbern nods firmly, "The prophecies have foretold what signs will precede the end times. And one by one, I have seen them fulfilled."

"Prophecies?" Fareeha asks, skeptical. She had never heard anything about prohecies.

"Alduin has returned, just as they said he would!" Esbern explains, ignoring Fareeha's earlier skepticism, "The dragon from the dawn of time, who devours the souls of the dead!"

Fareeha glances at Angela, "Devours the souls of the dead, like Reaper . . ."

Esbern continues to explain, getting wrapped up in his own words, "No one can escape Alduin's hunger, he will devour all things and the world will end. Nothing can stop him."

"It can't all be hopeless, I might be able to help, Esbern." Fareeha says quietly as she places a hand on the old man's shaking shoulder.

Esbern holds Fareeha's gaze and sighs, "You're right. I forget myself, I've lived without hope for so long . . . but now that you're here . . . The prophecies are clear. Only the Dragonborn can stop Alduin. But we must go and take this conversation elsewhere. Take me to Delphine."

Fareeha nods and prepares to leave but a chilling voice slides through the air like spider's silk.

"Come out Dragonborn, I know you're in there."

The voice sends chills up Fareeha's spine and her blood runs cold.

"If you don't want the little pipsqueak to end up like your friend Malborn, I wouldn't be taking my time."

Angela looks at Fareeha, both panic and horror running rampant across her features. Willing herself to move, Fareeha opens the door to face the enemy outside.

"Amelie."

A/N: Ach! Sorry for the long wait, I just got really busy with university stuff. Hopefully the length of the chapter made up for it. Hope you all enjoyed and let me know what you think, cheers!