Ana awoke the next day curled up in the blanket on her bed. She looked over her shoulder to see Valmorren sleeping on the floor like he usually would, his blanket covering up to his shoulders. She sat up and stretched before rubbing the sleep out of her eyes. She smiled to herself as she remembered the events of last night. For someone who never thought she needed to fancy anyone before, she felt like a young girl giddily talking about her first crush.
Ana swung her legs carefully over the side of the bed and began to get dressed. As she tightened the bodice of her normal clothing, she heard a sigh from Valmorren. She looked over to see him turning, hand over his eyes. His skin seemed to glow a yellow as the light hit his bare chest. Valmorren sat up, rubbing his eyes. He noticed her as he looked around the room.
"So, you finally woke up before me?" he asked with a sleepy smile. Ana chuckled and went to him. She leaned down and kissed him tenderly on the cheek. Valmorren grabbed her waist and pulled her down onto his lap, kissing her in return. Ana giggled and held onto him.
"I love you," she told him. Valmorren stroked her cheek, replying with a similar statement. The two rested in each other's embrace for a few more moments before Valmorren moved Ana next to him. He got up and got dressed himself. He looked as if he were thinking over something. Once he was done, he looked at Ana.
"Hey… when do you want to go to Riften to get married…?" he asked. Ana thought over his question for a moment, not remembering why they were both in hiding until now. She frowned, not knowing. It might've been safe for Valmorren since it's been years, but she was a recent criminal- if you consider almost a year being recent.
"I don't know… Would we have to wait forever since we're both wanted?" she asked. Valmorren frowned, thinking to himself again. He quickly went over to his desk and pulled it from the wall. Ana was confused until he removed a panel in the wall she never even noticed. She heard metal clinking and realized Valmorren was mumbling numbers to himself. After a while, he stopped and re-examined the things inside the panel.
"Val..?" Ana asked, confused.
"There's enough here for the both of us. There's a face changer in Riften that charges high prices, but their handiwork is amazing. We could go to Riften, change our faces, and get married. Then, we wouldn't live in fear anymore," Valmorren explained.
"Are you serious?" Ana asked in shock, "That exists?"
"Yes. At least from what I've seen. There's a place called The Ragged Flagon underneath the city. That's where I heard they resided," he continued, "I never actually considered it because it seemed like a long shot, but… I'm willing to give it a shot if you wanted to do this, too."
"I would, but," Ana began," Changing your face? What if something goes wrong?"
"I think it'll be unlikely. There were people going in then coming out and I could barely recognize them," Valmorren told her. Ana was still skeptical but was willing to try. She stood up.
"When would we leave?" she asked.
"Now, if you want. It takes two days to get to Riften anyways," Valmorren said.
"Well, I can walk for the most part, but in order to keep my leg from getting hurt worse, we'd have to stick to the roads," Ana said, gesturing to her leg.
"True, your leg is still healing. I'll be wearing my armor- that's kept me disguised for years. But what about you? Do you have a hood or something you can wear?" he asked. Ana shook her head.
"Should we wait..?" Ana asked.
"A few more days wouldn't hurt. I don't want to risk us getting caught after all this time," Valmorren said. Ana nodded and sat down on the bed. Valmorren went over to her and lifted up her healing leg. He pressed his hand gently against her wound and a yellow-white glow emitted from it, causing her leg to feel cold. Once Valmorren was done, he moved her ankle around slowly.
"We'll repeat this process at nighttime then the morning until we're ready to leave, okay?"
"Okay," Ana said, excited for the days to pass.
.
Longer than a few days had passed. It had been a week since the two decided to go to Riften. Ana was able to fully walk just fine thanks to the constant healing and physical therapy. She was gathering her things as she and Valmorren readied themselves for travel. Valmorren felt like the happiest person in the world despite his obvious paranoia. Ana placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Hey… no one will harm us while we're out there. We'll make it to Riften before you know it," Ana told him. Valmorren looked at her and sighed, nodding. He hoisted his pack over his shoulder and let Ana exit the room first. Ana felt her pulse quicken. It had been a month or so since she had actually been outside. She climbed the ladder and pushed the hatch open, light blinding her as she emerged. She covered her eyes and pulled herself out of the hole in the ground. She stood up and adjusted her pack, looking around to see if anything had changed. Valmorren pulled himself out slowly, shutting and locking the hatch behind him. He covered it up and went to Ana's side. The two began to walk, Ana examining the terrain, taking in everything. The air was colder and clearer than the underground. She could sense the smell of pine and feel the crunching of branches or leaves under her feet.
Hours passed as they walked together, trying their best to stay hidden. Ana began to hear someone moving. She and Valmorren froze, listening closely. They could hear frantic panting and whimpering. It sounded as if whoever this was frightened for their life. The two moved slowly and continued to listen in. Ana could see a figure as the two got closer to the noise. Long, dark hazelnut hair flowed jaggedly as nature made its nest in it. Pale-gold skin shone in the light seeping through the forest. Ana stopped, narrowing her eyes in concern. It was another Altmer, but she looked… familiar. Ana moved closer and quicker, wanting to get a better look at this odd person.
"Ana!" Valmorren whispered worriedly. He followed her, trying not to get caught. Ana stopped, waiting. The girl looked around, Ana only catching glimpses of her face. Soon, she turned around and Ana could see who she was. Her heart leaped and her eyes widened. Without thinking, she sprung up and ran towards the girl.
"Enorra!" Ana shouted, embracing her younger sister tightly. Enorra was shocked and panicked. She tried processing everything that was going on. Ana had begun to sob as she hugged her sister tighter.
"Ana…?" Enorra asked quietly, "You aren't dead?!"
Ana pulled away, tears streaming down her face. Valmorren ran up to them, afraid they were going to be caught.
"You guys can catch up later. Remember, Ana-" he began, looking at Enorra then back to Ana, "We're still wanted like this."
Ana nodded and they went back to sneaking their way to Riften. Enorra was eyeing Valmorren oddly, not knowing who this odd man in the dark armor was. Ana walked with the two, holding onto Enorra as they did. She had an indescribable happiness swelling in her heart. As the sun began to set, Valmorren stopped them.
"We can set up camp and rest for a while if you both want," he said without looking back at them, "I know Ana would definitely want to catch up with you."
"I think it's a great idea. I want to hear everything, Enorra," Ana said, looking at Enorra. Enorra was hesitant, but she agreed with Ana. They headed a bit farther into the woods and set up bedrolls. Ana let Enorra use hers.
"Alright… so who are you?" Enorra said, looking at Valmorren. Valmorren took his helmet off and smiled at her. He recognized the name of Ana's sister as soon as Ana said it. He remembered Ana reminiscing about her childhood and going on about Enorra.
"My name is Valmorren. I'm your sister's beloved," he said. Enorra's eyes widened and she looked at Ana.
"Is that true? And how does he know me?" Enorra asked.
"I told him about you and the rest of our family. Also, yes, it's true. That's why we're headed to Riften. We're going to change our faces and wed," Ana told her.
" Is he a royal?"
"That hardly matters by this point," Ana told her.
"But what about his family? He's a fugitive, too?"
"Yes, I am. My last name is Adhire," Valmorren explained.
"Ad-" Enorra began to shout, but she caught herself and quieted down, "Adhire?!"
"Yes, Adhire."
"Our family is good friends with yours. After Ana was sent off to be executed, they brought up a son of their s who had disgraced them and his officer. Was… was that you?" Enorra asked.
"They said that?" Ana asked. Enorra nodded and looked back at Valmorren.
"They might have been talking about me. I don't know if any of my brothers did the same. I haven't heard any news of them for years," Valmorren answered.
"Wow," Enorra whispered in surprise. Ana sat down next to Valmorren on his bedroll.
"So, Enorra. What happened? Why are you in Skyrim?" Ana asked her. Enorra tensed up and frowned.
"I stuck up for you. I found a letter and brought it to the guards, exclaiming the guards framed you. I think… I think someone hired the Dark Brotherhood to kill Molran," Enorra said. Ana's eyes widened and her heart dropped.
"The Dark Brotherhood…?" Ana asked, "What did the guards do?"
"I guess I'll start from the top when I found the letter," Enorra began.
.
Enorra had wide had when she finished reading the letter. It described what to do, who to frame, and details of Molran's whereabouts. Ana had been framed and she wasn't going to stand for it. She looked like she was about to drop dead when she was paraded about Cheydinhal. Her parents were proud of her injustice, glad to be rid of "a dirty woman". Enorra, filled with rage, ran outside and shouted to her parents. They turned and looked at her with annoyance.
"Enorra? What are you doing out here? We're talking with the Marron family right now," he mother said. Enorra rushed over and presented the letter to them.
"Ana was framed, mama. She didn't do anything wrong and we sent her away like she was some animal," Enorra said, "The Dark Brotherhood must've-"
"Hush, Enorra! We do not speak of the Brotherhood so freely. And your sister was a monster. She deserved what she got. Now, go inside and finish up your studies," her father interjected.
"No!"
"Excuse me?" her father asked slowly, standing up straighter. His height was high up and his current posture greatly increased his intimidation. Enorra stood her ground.
"I-I mean… Just read the letter, papa! Please! Ana did nothing wrong," she pleaded. Her mother sighed.
"Excuse us," she told the nobles she was talking with. She led Enorra away from the group. "What on Nirn has gotten into you, Enorra?"
"Mama, please…" Enorra said, her heart wrenching with guilt, "It's all in the letter, I promise you."
Her mother pursed her lips and opened it up.
"If it makes you freak out this much, Enorra-dear, I shall read it," she said in annoyance. Her eyes scanned the paper once. Twice. Three times. Her eyes slowly widened and she grew terrified.
"Where did you get this, Enorra?" she asked with a sharp tongue. Enorra was shaken by the question, her mother's voice venomous.
"I found it in Molran's room, mama. I was cleaning his things when I found it on his floor," Enorra said honestly. Her mother suddenly ripped the letter apart.
"Both of my daughters murdered my son and lied to me about it?!" she screamed, "Both of my daughters are insane!"
Enorra's father looked in their direction with concern. He dismissed the guests and walked towards them.
"Enorra! What have you done to upset your mother?" he asked.
"She was in on it with Ana! She lied to me about killing my son, blaming it all on this fake letter!" her mother exclaimed. Enorra's father glared in white-hot anger.
"Guards! Take this murder away from us! I have only a son, and he has returned to the Aedra as he should," her father ordered. Enorra felt her heart drop. As her mother sobbed into her father's chest, guards grabbed her roughly by the arms and dragged her away. She kicked and fought against them, but their grip was tight.
"Mama!" she screamed, sobbing in fear. She never wanted this to happen. "Mama, please!"
There was no response. She was shoved into a cart, one of the guards in the back with her, another in the front. The guard with her wrote in his report journal, examining her every move. Enorra hugged her knees to her chest and let her tears silently fall down her cheeks. The guard with her had attached her leg to a ball and chain to keep her from getting away.
"Where are we going..?" Enorra asked herself quietly.
"Skyrim," the guard answered, "You won't be given the privilege of dying in your home country. The Nords will take care of you."
Enorra looked at him with fear. The stories she had heard about the Nords terrified her. They were known to be extremely brutal and merciless- even if it was just for fun. She stayed in silent fear for most of the ride to Skyrim. The guard sitting with her moved closer, leaning into her personal bubble. Enorra whimpered and moved her face away, his breath smelling disgusting. His hands reached out to her and began to caress her.
"Please, stop…" she said quietly, causing him to hesitate. He held her hands together and shoved her down.
"Don't tell me what to do, bitch," he snapped at her. Suddenly, the cart stopped, jolting the two. Enorra used this to her advantage and scurried away as far as she could. The other guard came to the back and let her out. He unchained her leg and tied her arms together.
"Keep it in your pants, Dorkan," the first guard snapped. He looked at Enorra, "Now, get out of Cyrodiil. If you live, good for you. If you die, it's one less problem for anyone."
Enorra was frozen still. The first guard huffed and grabbed her arm, leading her around the cart and shoving her ahead. She stumbled and continued walking, hearing the sound of footsteps behind her fading. She glanced over her shoulders and saw the guards leaving, the second guard now up front with the first. Enorra sighed and headed forward, feeling a certain sorrow in her chest. She struggled against the bonds on her hands, attempting to get them off. She continued to struggle and walk at the same time. Her skin turned raw and began to bleed, causing her to stop. After several hours of walking on her own, Enorra began to feel tired, scared, and sore. She followed a light she saw in the distance and hoped from the bottom of her heart it was a place she could get help from. Upon coming closer, it looked like it was a shack. The light was an abandoned lantern off to the side. Next to it was the corpse of whoever lived here before. Enorra went inside and observed a bed with a table next to it. On the table, it had a dagger. Enorra rushed over and quickly cut herself free. She sighed in relief as the bloodied ropes fell to the floor. Enorra lied on the bed, feeling extremely tired. She closed her eyes and began to rest.
The next morning, Enorra searched for bandages to wrap her arms up with. She grabbed the dagger on the table and cut bottom pieces of her dress off, wrapping herself up in those. She continued to walk onward, taking the dagger with her for protection. She found herself becoming lost in the woods-
.
"-And that's how I ended up here, I guess," Enorra finished. Ana and Valmorren were quiet, trying to process everything.
"How long were you wandering?" Ana asked.
"And the guards just let you go like that..?" Valmorren asked.
"I was wandering for days, I think- it seemed like forever. And, no... They didn't let me go that easily," she said, tensing up. Ana frowned and put a hand on Valmorren's shoulder as he began to ask another question, gesturing for him to drop the subject.
"At least you're alright now, Enorra," Ana said, thankful she didn't have to endure the same torture Ana did. Enorra nodded and went over to her sister, hugging her tightly. Ana returned the hug, holding onto her, never wanting to leave her out of her sight again. Valmorren watched them until he realized his eyelids were growing heavy. Letting out a huge yawn, he tapped Ana's shoulder.
"I think we should get some rest. The earlier we do, the earlier we can get to Riften," he said. Enorra and Ana agreed, each of them getting comfortable in their "beds". Each of them fell asleep- one after the other- until morning came.
.
The next night, the trio had made it to Riften at last. The guards recognized Valmorren's armor and let them pass easily- no toll required. Valmorren's intimidating physique with his armor set off many people, causing them to feel fear. The guards definitely didn't want any trouble with a man that looked like he could kill a giant with one hand. Little did they know how soft-hearted Valmorren really was.
"Alright," Valmorren began, looking around, "We need to get to the Ragged Flagon and we'll go to the temple in the morning."
"Sounds good," Ana said. Enorra was holding her hand, sticking with her as she did when the two were younger. Valmorren led them down to the sewers under the city and made sure to keep everyone close together. It smelled rancid and felt mucky. Dripping noises and odd squishing was heard as they walked through. They eventually came to a big room with lanterns along the walls. Valmorren led them down to a door and opened it up for them. When Ana entered, she noticed a floor in the middle of a pool of water. There was a bar over in the back and people talked with one another. Whether or not it was business or banter, the place still unnerved Ana. Valmorren took his helmet off, leading them ahead, hoping the rumors were true. He asked around for a man or woman who changed faces.
"Sounds like you're looking for me. I can change your appearance- whether it be beautiful or ugly- for a price, of course," a woman spoke up.
"Yes, it's two thousand each person, correct?" Valmorren asked, going up to her, hope swelling in his chest.
"Of course. Do you have the-?" she began, but before she could finish her question, Valmorren slammed his coins down. "Ah. So you've come prepared. Good."
She collected the coins and looked at the three.
"Only two of you?"
"Yes," Ana said, "He and I will be doing this."
"Ah. Who would like to go first?" the woman asked.
"You go first, Ana," Valmorren whispered to her. Ana nodded and stepped forward. The woman smiled.
"Come with me, then," she said, leading Ana away. After what seemed like hours, The woman returned with Ana. Ana's face looked tighter and her eyes were more almond-y shaped. Her lips were fuller and pouted more, giving her a sweeter and less noble-like look. Valmorren smiled at her and followed the woman for his turn. Enorra stared with wide eyes as she examined at her sister's new face.
"You look… weird," Enorra said, "But in a good way."
"Thanks?" Ana asked, laughing. Her face became serious. "Will anyone back home recognize me?"
"Not right off the bat, no. But if given a bit of time, they will," Enorra said. Ana nodded. After a while of waiting, Valmorren came out. His ears were sharper and his nose came out more. He had a few scars from his face healed (or removed) and had his lips thinned a bit. He laughed as the odd looks from the two.
"Am I really that different?"
"Sorta," Ana replied with a smile. She went up to him and gave him a tight hug, happy they were able to do this.
"Two lovers eloping without family permission, I'm guessing?" the woman asked.
"You can put it that way," Ana laughed, "Thank you."
"Don't thank me. Be on your way, this is a business after all, not a lounge," the woman said, dismissing them. The trio left the sewers. Ana and Valmorren felt happy they were disguised permanently, but both of them still had the fear of being discovered. They held onto each other as the three went up the stairs to Riften's main square. Valmorren could feel his nerves getting to him as he realized the two were actually doing this. He led Ana and Enorra to the temple of Mara, telling them to wait for him while he went in to arrange everything.
"Ana, you're getting married and you don't even have a dress," Enorra whispered.
"I know… but it's still a happy day, isn't it?" Ana asked. Enorra rolled her eyes.
"Come with me real quick. We wear the same size clothes. I'll hem the dress for you and do your hair. It's your day, Ana," Enorra said. She pulled Ana to the back of the temple and found a place for them to change. Enorra took her dagger out as, as evenly as possible, cut the jagged edges of the dress. She picked a bunch of flowers and put her hair up, decorating it with them. Ana smiled, remembering how she always had to do Enorra's hair before a noble gathering or something of the sort. Enorra twisted her hair up into a bun and used thick pieces of grass to hold it together. She got into Ana's pack and found an extra set of clothes she had.
"Can we use these as a veil?" Enorra asked.
"Enorra, no. Please get out of my-"
Enorra held up a hand and caught a clothesline of fancy clothes. She snuck over to it and tried to pick something.
"Enorra!" Ana whispered, "Get back here now!"
Enorra looked back at her and sighed. It wasn't any use to go through all this trouble changing themselves to live freely just to have them captured again. She went back to Ana and examined her.
"It isn't much, and the dress goes down only to your ankles. You got taller, didn't you? That thing was long on me," Enorra commented. Ana shrugged. "Anyways, let's get you to your ceremony. I'll go check with your fiance on how things are going."
With that Enorra left her alone. Ana looked around and noticed a broken mirror a few feet behind her. She carefully picked it up and looked at her reflection with wide eyes. She truly looked different. Enorra had done a few twists and braids up into a bun, and it looked good. It was much better than when she first did her hair- aka leaving it in a tangled mess of fuzz. Ana caressed her face gently, the familiar stranger enrapturing her in her own beauty. The scar along her cheek was left there. Ana kept it in order to remember how she got here. She didn't believe in getting rid of her scars- no matter how horrible. They were remnants of the past events that made her stronger.
"Ana," Enorra said, scaring her back to reality. Ana stood up and looked over at her. "Your man is ready."
"He has a name, Enorra," Ana said, amused.
"I know. It's Val, right?"
"Valmorren. But, yes. Val works," Ana answered. She followed Enorra into the temple, her feet barefoot. When the doors opened, the priest grinned.
"And here is the blushing bride now!" he exclaimed happily. Valmorren, now out of armor, looked over and grinned at her. Ana walked down the aisle as Enorra took a seat, excitedly watching the wedding. Ana went up to Valmorren and she grinned back at him. It was just the two of them in their eyes, the priest's words blurring together in background noise as the couple stared into each other's eyes. The priest had soon stopped talking, which made them wonder if he waited for a response from them. They looked over and he gestured towards Valmorren.
"Do you agree to be bound together, in love, now and forever?" he asked again.
"Ah, yes! I do. Now and forever," he said with a goofy grin that made Ana's heart leap. The priest looked over at Ana.
"Do you agree to be bound, in love, with this man now and forever?" he asked her.
"I do. Now and forever," Ana said, grinning.
"Under the authority of Mara, the Divine of Love, I declare this couple to be wed. I present to the two of you with these matching rings, blessed by Mara's divine grace. May they protect each of you in your new life together," the priest announced, finishing the ceremony. Ana and Valmorren placed each other's rings on their fingers. Valmorren leaned in and kissed Ana lovingly, Enorra cheering them on. The two held one another's hand and began to walk towards the exit of the temple.
"Wait, Ana! I want to talk with the priest really quick," Enorra said, jumping up and going to him. As Ana and Valmorren waited, they began to discuss what they were going to do now.
"Well, would you like to settle down?" Valmorren asked.
"Well, I mean look where we are. We're in a new country I've only ever been in for noble reasons. I wonder what things are hidden here," Ana said.
"Adventure? That does sound really fun. I haven't been through Skyrim's holds in so long. Why not? And when we're ready, we can have a family someday," Valmorren said. Ana grinned and nodded. They looked over to see Enorra walking towards them.
"Did you guys decide to stay here?" Enorra asked.
"Oh, um. We decided we wanted to adventure together," Ana said with a smile.
"Well… I want to stay in Riften. As a priestess," Enorra said.
"Oh really? Why is that?" Ana asked.
"Well, remember when we were kids and I always loved the sermons from the priests and priestesses of Mara. I know I'll be safer here and I'll be able to do what those men and women did when we were younger," Enorra said excitedly.
"Well, if this is what you want, Enorra. Just be safe, okay?" Ana asked. Enorra nodded excitedly, hugged her sister tightly before going back to the priest. Ana laughed and looked back at Valmorren.
"So, what would you like to explore?" she asked.
"Everything," Valmorren joked. Ana laughed.
"Then we better get going, huh?" she said. The two said goodbye to Enorra and began their new life together happily.
