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Chapter 14: Zephyr

Old Life Festival and New Life Festival were two holidays that signaled the changing of the year.

It was a time of merriment, love, laughter, forgiveness, gifts, and most importantly the times we cherish together. This would be my third time celebrating the holidays with my guild family. Usually I would go out and buy several exotic trinkets from the khajiit caravans. But this year was special. I needed a way to thank Leila for everything she has done and the perfect way to thank her was with the perfect weapon.

I knew Leila was proficient with her archery. What wood elf wasn't? She was a master archer, even more skilled with the bow than she was with a sword. Which, to me, was saying alot. I couldn't even touch her with a wooden sword. To think she was even more deadly with a bow. I knew that is what I had to get her. It was something I needed to get her. And so I sent letters to several contacts around Skyrim. Told them what I was looking for and that I wanted it for New Life Festival. There was one reply worth making note of..

Just a few days before the last day of the year, a well-known Breton merchant from High Rock would be visiting Solitude, carrying all sorts of legendary weapons. I didn't want to miss him, so I rounded up Lorena and Arissa on the long trip to Solitude.

And here we are..

The horses trudged through the thick, powdery snow. The path had been completely obscured, thanks to the mid-winter blizzards that usually plague northern Skyrim this time of year. But Ysmere was a tough horse, as all Skyrim bred horses were, but mine was especially. Looking back at Lorena and Arissa, all wrapped up in heavy furs and well knitted scarves, brought inner warmth inside of me. They were here on their own free will. Volunteering to travel with me to Solitude in time to catch Sebsis Berrard.

The Breton merchant who was known for the extremely rare and renowned weaponry he sells in Skyrim. More importantly, I was legitimately buying a gift for Leila. I figured this man would have something worth while.

Looking up, I can see the great stone arch stretching across the mouth Karth River. The river was the only thing between us and Solitude.

'We tether our horses here and take the ferry across.' I said, jumping off of Ysmere's back. I took his reigns and began tying it on a nearby tree. It was best not to use city stables anymore. It seems that the guild's armor was being recognized across the province. And so have our horses. As thieves of the Thieves Guild, we had to be wary. Anything can happen, and our horses would be vulnerable inside the stables. So instead, tethering them near certain escape routes was the smarter thing to do.

The ferry was a small boat that ran back and forth over the icy waters of the Karth River.

'Oh, I just love this time of year.' Lorena said hopping onto the small row boat and tossing the ferryman a septim. 'Everything is so beautiful!' She looked up, and I followed her gaze to the huge stone arch towering over the mouth of the river. The city was defended by soaring peaks of the mountains that surrounded it. Solitude was a fine representation of the Nords ingenuity. I had to give it to them, their architecture was absolutely amazing.

We crossed the river, and tipped the ferryman well. Making way onto the main road to the gates of the city. The large walls of Castle Dour that protected the city, were decorated in light of the coming of the new year. Old Life Festival and New Life Festival was celebrated by all mortals. From khajiit to Dunmer. It was a time where differences were forgotten, and old quarrels were set behind us. Atleast for the holidays..

'Alright ladies, we're pretty early so lets enjoy our time here.' I said as we walked through the large gates. The city was beautiful and so open. Children ran through the open streets, guards sang songs of merriment and joy. Women stood in groups, gossiping of the latest fashions and the most handsome men in town. 'We'll meet back here for the auction, when Sebsis arrives. I don't want to miss anything good, we didn't come out all the way out here to look at pretty decorations. I want to get something special for Leila, as a thank you for everything she's done.' I said, looking into two pairs of brown eyes.

Arissa waved her hand. 'Don't worry, don't worry.. We aren't going to delay you. As a matter fact i'd rather stay with you for now, don't make much sense for us to see the city separately. It is the holidays and all.' She said, grinning.

I nodded and looked at my little sister's small face, who gleamed at me with a precious looking expression. She looked at Arissa and back at me. 'I'll stay with you two until I find something interesting. Okay?'

I snorted. 'It's settled then, we'll explore as a trio.' I've been to Solitude a couple of times before, but never during the festivities of the up coming holidays. This city was a wide and beautiful place. Filled with so much culture, it was a prime example of nordic and cyrodiilic cultural integration.

'I'm surprised to see the nords around here are comfortable around magic. Who would've thought.' Arissa proclaimed, referring to the orbs of light that had been floating around the districts. 'This would never fly in Windhelm.'

'Remember, this city was once the capital of Skyrim and the direct link to the empire before the war. The nords here are use to the integration of all types of mortals.'

'These lights are so pretty.' Lorena said trying to grab one, the light quickly fleeing from her hand floating off somewhere else. 'Hey! Comeback here!'

I chuckled. 'That must be the candlelight spell. They float around for long periods of time and illuminates dark areas. For any adventurer or mage it's handy to have.' I explained staring at the hundreds of floating glowing orbs that moved about the city.

We approached the market. There were rows of stalls selling all types of wares, children running, slipping and sliding on the icy streets, chucking snowballs at each other. The salesman seemed to have their hands full with the multitude of customers doing their last minute holiday shopping in time for New Life Festival. I looked at my sister, and my guild sister and they gave me the same look back.

'Meet back here in ten minutes.' I said with a wry grin.

'The person who grabs something lowest in value has to buy rounds for an entire week.' Arissa stated, smirking.

'Goodluck to you both.' Lorena was already making her way into the crowd of people. Arissa quickly followed, and I ran behind. We often had small contests like this. It put a twist on our downtime when we were actually on jobs. The rules were simple. We steal items for ten minutes and meet back to a rendezvous spot. The contest was to see who could steal the most valuable mark in the set time period. The loser would have to buy everyone rounds at the Flagon for an entire week.

I looked around for a perfect mark and spotted a stall with some exotic looking potions. I made a quick and close pass of the stall, grabbing one. The stall owner didn't even acknowledge my presence as she talked with her customers. Feeling accomplished, I threw the small vial into my pocket and kept walking. Keeping an eye on Lorena and Arissa. I repeated the same thing three more times until I was satisfied of what I grabbed.

Orbs of lights, and some inaccurately thrown snowballs flew over my head as I waited for Arissa and Lorena to return. Finally the two imperial girls came back on their final minute. I folded my arms. 'Well? Let's see what you two brought.' I said confidently.

'I only managed this thing.' Arissa dug into her pocket and took out a small silver jewelry box, with an empire insignia engraved on the lid. 'It should fetch a good price, I suppose.'

I swallowed hard. I knew deep down that I had already lost. I lowered my shoulders and took out the potion I snagged. 'Resist cold..' I said depressingly holding it up.

Arissa laughed. 'By the nine, Plagarius. Did you atleast try?'

'Hey, those potions are hard to get a hold of.' exclaimed Lorena.

'Well what'd you get?'

My little sister snickered mischievously as she dug into her pocket. Holding her hand out revealing a golden ring with a huge diamond attached to it. 'This little thing.'

I sighed. 'Beaten by my little sister.. I feel so ashamed.'

My thought of failure suddenly became insignificant. Across the winding, ice and snow covered street, a man accompanied by a large entourage of prestigous looking guards came through the city gates on large carriages, carrying a large collection of chests. I grinned and my eyes went wide. 'He's here, that has to be him.'

A large crowd of Solitude's citizen were already swarming the caravan. Lorena, Arissa and I forgot about our little game and we made our way through the crowd to get a better look at the infamous merchant.

'Patience! Patience! My beautiful and willing customers, the auction will begin as soon as my men set up.' The Breton man seemed to be middle aged. He had streaks of grays in his combed back hair. Wrinkles, riddled across his face. The man had a fine taste in clothing. Wearing fine threads that rivaled the Jarls of Skyrim. He clapped his hands 'Men, hustle, hustle! We mustn't leave our customers waiting for so long.'

There were quiet murmurs across the crowd.

'I wonder what kind merchandise he brought this year?'

'Would I be able to afford anything this man has?'

'I hope he has something for my fiance?'

After a few more minutes he was ready to begin. The first item was a full dwarven set of armor. Which was bought by some imperial for almost five hundred gold. The next item, a sword by the name of Aetherius. It was impressive, but not an item suited for the guildmaster.

'There's tons of good weapons here, Plagarius, buy something.' Arissa whispered and the merchant auctioned off another suit of armor.

'None of these things fit Leila. I'm looking for the right gift.' I whispered back.

'Can I get eight hundred septims?' Sebsis called out. 'Going once, going twice?'

'Eight hundred here!'

'Sold to my fellow Breton, in the red scarf.'

I looked around at the crowds of people surrounding the man's caravan. All eager to see what he was going to auction next. Worry began to build in my stomach. I began to think that he had nothing for me to actually buy and coming all this way was for nothing.

The sun began to hide behind the tall walls of castle dour occasionally shooting beams of sunlight across the city. By now, Sebsis had almost been through a good amount of his merchandise and still there was not one thing that could fit Leila. I grew impatient, as the Breton raised up a dragon priest staff in the air.

'Calm down, Sev he still has a good deal of chests and weaponry to go through.' Lorena said trying to calm me down.

I grunted out loud, disturbing two nordic girls who shot two blushful glances back at me. 'He sure is taking his sweet time. We only have two more days and they need to be spent racing back home to Riften. I'm afraid this was all a failure..'

'Don't be such a downer, Sev.' Arissa butted in. 'He'll bring something good, I have faith.'

I ran my hand through my long hair. 'This means alot to me.'

'It does to us too.' Lorena's small voice had hint of impatience. 'That's why we asked you if we could come along.'

I shook my head and sighed heavily.

'And now ladies, gentlemen, and argonians..' The merchant began. A few hisses started from the crowd. 'My latest and rarest addition to my collection..' He picked up a golden metal bow, it was of dwarven styling. 'A bow said to be lost in legends, found, and re-tempered to it's original glory.' Sebsis held the bow with two hands high above his head. My heart nearly skipped a beat. 'This bow has the magical ability of ultimate flexibility. For any archer, it's the perfect tool, for fast reloads and powerful launches. It's dwarven metal, can literally bend!' He grabbed the bow and motioned himself bending and twisting. The bow bent backwards, forwards, and twisted all the way around.

'Sev! Do you know what that is?' Arissa asked wide eyed.

'What!?'

'That has to be Zephyr..'

I tilted my head slightly. 'Zephyr?'

'Yes! I've heard Leila recount many tales about it. Buy it! I promise you she'll be happy..'

I nodded.

'The opening bid for such a weapon will start at one thousand gold!'

I raised my hand high. 'One thousand gold here!' I yelled.

Sebsis pointed my way. 'A buyer for one thousand gold! Do I hear fifteen hundred gold? Going once, going-'

'Fifteen thousand gold, here.'

My head snapped to where the snake-ish voice had originated. A redguard man who looked to be very, very high nobility. He stood there, with a very egoistic look on his face. His dark skin, clean and shiny. A multitude of jewelry littering on his body.

Sebsis stood there wide-eyed and grinning. 'Oh, can the imperial top that? Do I hear eighteen hundred? Let us not stop here friends.'

I bit my lip. 'Fine i'll go eighteen hundred-'

'Two thousand!' the redguard turned to me, an insidious grin on his mouth.

My jaw dropped. Gods-damned him.. How in Oblivion does he have two thousand septims so readily to spend without hesitation.

'Big bro, he's winning,'

'Like Oblivion he is.' I snapped. 'Twenty-five hundred septims..'

'Oh! Can the redguard noble top my dear imperial friend's bid?'

Whispers and murmurs from the crowd began to fill my ears.

'How does that man have so much coin?'

'That good looking man is wealthy.'

'No he can't be, look at that ragged face and dirty hands.'

'He's good looking, but I don't think he's wealthy at all, look at what he's wearing.'

'Fools! Look at his armor, he's with the the Thieves Guild!'

The whispers and glares everyone shot at me made me smile to myself. I'm proud of what I do, so who cares what people thought.

'Don't think you've won, imperial..' The redguard said glaring at me. He turned back to the merchant and raised his hand. 'I offer three thousand septims for the bow!'

Sebsis jumped. 'Sold! To the fine redguard gentleman!'

My knees felt week, no matter how hard I tried, I failed at buying Leila the perfect gift. The legendary bow Zephyr would of been ideal. I groaned and lowered my head in shame. 'I lost..' I said nearly collapsing. Arissa put her hand on my shoulder. 'I failed..'

'We'll find something much better, Sev.' Lorena was trying to comfort me, but it wasn't working.

'To Oblivion, with something else.'

I looked up to see rage building in Arissa's brown eyes. She clenched her fist and looked at me. 'Listen Sev, I know you said you wanted to buy her a gift, and I understand the notion behind that. But we failed.. Now it's time for a new plan. We're thieves of the Thieves Guild, and that man disrespected us just now. I won't allow it.. Spending coin is not our strong suit. Taken what we want from this world is.. So what do you say? Let's do what we do best.' She held her hand out.

I grabbed it and looked into her dark brown eyes. I saw passion and pride weld up inside her. My mouth twitched into a grin. 'Right.. What was I thinking, no, what was he thinking..'

The sun was fully set allowing the billions of shining stars to dot the sky, like flawlessly cut diamonds in a black sea of twilight. The cold air nipped at my face as the crowds of people began to die down. I watched as the redguard man walk away towards the direction of the Blue Palace.

'What's the plan?'

I scratched my head and pulled my hood over. 'We know he's heading towards the Blue palace. We'll just have to break-in and find him.'

Arissa chuckled. 'Break-in the Blue Palace, ha! Good one, Plagarius, your jokes are improving.'

I stared at her blankly.

'Sweet Talos, you're serious..'

'Have we any other choice?' I asked in a bound and determined tone.

Arrisa sucked her teeth. 'We could always not break-in the most heavily guarded fortress in Skyrim.' She said, looking down at the ground.

'Arissa, you were just saying we are thieves of the Thieves Guild!' Lorena pointed out. 'Are you eating your words now?'

'Gods-damn it.'

'It'll be easy. All I have to do is disguise myself as one of the guards make my way in, have a little conversation with our redguard friend and walk right on out.' I said almost proud of my quick planning.

Arissa brow furrowed. 'With the bow, eh..?'

I scratched my head again and looked at Arissa. 'Uh..'

'Exactly.' Arissa said folding her arms. 'The other guards will ask about it. Then they will suspect something's up. And besides, all of these guards are strictly Nords. Stormcloak veterans at that, and you sound nothing like a Nord.'

I laughed. 'I could do a pretty damn good Ragvir impression.. Arissa, have faith in me. I am one of the guild's best infiltrators after all.' I said proudly. It was something Brynjolf had told me after I had completed almost one hundred consecutive break-in and entering jobs. Even, Vex was impressed with how much I had improved over the short period of time I had been in the guild. Doing jobs like breaking into stormcloak forts, secured castles and citadels had earned me quite the reputation.

We made our way into the gardens of the Blue Palace and sticking to the shadows. There was a single guard outside standing watch. I signaled for Arissa to get and position and Lorena to stay behind and watch out, in-case anymore guards appeared. My feet was quiet, as quiet as they can be. I snuck up on the unsuspecting guard and withdrew my dagger. From behind, I held my dagger close to his throat. The guard nearly tripped and i pressed the dagger closer on his throat. 'Hello, friend.'

'Blast, not again.' The guard said. 'I'm sure to get fired now.'

'Nevermind that, Nord.. I'm the type of mortal that likes to keep things clean. What type are you?' I asked in a threatening tone. I awaited his answer.

He nodded. 'The same, the same, what is it that you want?'

I shot a glance over to Arissa's position and nodded. 'Alright, that is great to hear, just walk right this way.' I said leading him into the shadows. Arissa jumped out of the bush clenching her fist tightly.

'Sorry I have to do this.' She pulled back her balled fist and her blow connected with the guards head, knocking him completely out.

'Ow, ow..' She said in agony shaking her hand. 'Probably should have taken his helmet off first.'

'I think the man would have died without it honestly.' I said blinking in shock at the girl's strength. 'Nicely done..' I added. She shot smiled at me.

I stripped the man of his armor with the help of Arissa. The armor was heavy, and clunky. I never wore any other set of armor besides my guild armor, so it took sometime getting use to. It'll be especially hard if I had to make an escape, in-case I was discovered by anyone. I pushed my head in the bulky and heavy helmet. 'I could barely breathe in this thing.'

Arissa took a step backwards, her brow furrowing. She scanned me from head to toe. 'Well,' She shrugged half heartedly. 'If you keep the helmet on you definitely look the part.'

'Good, I don't have to do anything else, but look like a guard. There won't be much guards around since it's late.' I pointed out. That was the plan atleast.

I turned toward the entrance and looked back. Arissa nodded. 'Be careful, Plagarius.'

'You can count on it.' There was no need to reassure her that i'd be okay, Arissa knew well what I am capable of. Even when, she teased me on some subjects. She knew well that I had the courage and intellectual integrity to admit I'm wrong or can't complete a job. If I thought I could do something, she trusted me enough.

The architecture was magnificent.

I always enjoyed beauty where ever it may lay. The architecture of a building, the beautiful mountains of Skyrim, the face of a certain imperial girl, my age. I was most certainly an admirer of all things beauty. I took a deep breath and began the search for the redguard man.

There had to be hundreds of rooms in this place. I must have peaked in atleast twenty broom closets and pantries before I found my first bedroom. Still, none of them housed the redguard. I turned to walk down another long winding corridor.

'Guardsman.'

I spun around to see a guard walking hastily towards me. I backed up a step. 'Why are you patrolling down this way. This is my hall, ain't you suppose to guard Jarl Elisif?'

I cleared my throat. 'I..uh.. Just got lost is all. I'm suppose to be guarding some redguard.' I almost busted out crying at how bad my nordic accent was. The other guard fell silent for a little while and stared at me. Even though I could not see his eyes behind his helmet it felt as if he had grown suspicious.

The guard chuckled. 'Oh, aha, you must the new guy, don't you worry about a thing. We all got lost the first night here.' He pointed down the hall. 'Head down this hall and right up the stairs, that's your post. The redguard man stays in the third room there.'

My anxiety was replaced by composure. Nords could be so thick-head at times. 'Thank you, friend.'

'No problem.'

I turn to begin head down the hall the other guard had directed me too.

'Uh..'

I froze. 'Y... Yes?'

'You might want to get that cold checked out by a healer, kinsman. Don't want to have to pull a double shift, ya know what I mean?'

I almost busted out laughing. 'Right! I'll get to it.' I broke into a half-run. The clunky metal made a mess of noise as I clambered up the steps.

The first room I stepped into I just knew it was the man's. It had to be. It had occurred to me by just looking inside this one room that the redguard man was some sort of collector of rare items. The room was littered with dwarven artifacts, decorative trinkets that looked priceless and prestigious looking weaponry. I was fascinated and I couldn't help but to tinker with some of them. It was as if my imperial blood went into a frenzy. My joy came to a halt when I heard voices outside the room. I hastily threw myself into one of the shadowy corners.

'Bring it right this way.' The Redguard man stepped in, followed by two guards carrying a display case. The legendary bow Zephyr sat snugged inside the glass display case, waiting for me to get my hands on it. They finally set it down where they had been directed to. 'Ah, there. Isn't it a beauty?' The redguard asked the two guards.

One of the guards shrugged. 'I've always been a sword man, myself. No time to admire bows when they all do the same thing.'

'What do you troll brains know about the artistry of rare and ancient artifacts.. Go, go! Move along now, I am finished with the both of you.' He chased the two guards out of the room and they clambered out, closing the door shut behind them.

A smirk slowly grew on my face. I was finally alone with him.

I stepped out of the shadows. 'You've got quite the interesting collection here..' I said grabbing a wooden mask off one of his display shelves.

'Didn't I tell you to be on your way, you thick-headed-' He froze for a moment. 'Put that down!'

'No, no, my friend. I will not put anything down unless I am heard out.'

'You've lost your mind, guard..'

'Oh, I'm sorry..' I tore off the helmet that had been covering my entire head. I could tell by the terrified look on the redguard's face he knew what this was all about. 'Much better, eh. Recognize me now?'

The redguard backed off slowly, trying to get as much room between me and him as possible. I looked him straight into his hazel eyes, and saw fear and confusion. The man didn't know if I was there to rob him or kill him. But I wanted so desperately to take everything he owned in that room.

'It's you! The imperial from earlier. What do you want? Are you here to kill me? I'll scream for the guards!' He cried out.

I waved my hand in the air. 'No, i'm not going to kill you. And I won't rob you neither..' I moved in a little closer, making him jump backwards into the wall. 'You see, I came all the way here to get a good friend of mine a gift for New Life Festival.' I pointed to Zephyr. 'That bow there was the ideal gift. I also vowed that I was going to buy it, and not steal it.' I looked at the cowering man maliciously. 'You took that opportunity away from me.'

Finally he stood up tall. 'You can't have it, I won't let you.'

I sighed. 'I was afraid you was going to say that..' I said dropping the wooden mask on the ground. The redguard's eyes widened with horror as I lifted my foot and crushed his priceless mask. 'Please, just let me buy that bow from you and nothing else will be broken, you have my word.'

'That..was.. Do you know how much coin that thing costed me?'

I shrugged half heartedly. 'I don't really care. My eyes are set on the bow.'

He shook his head violently. 'You actually think you'll get away with this?'

I dug into my pocket. And pulled out a small little purse. Flipping it upside down and emptying the contents onto my hand, I held it out to the man. Eight flawlessly cut diamonds sat, cupped in my hands. What I learned about this world and being in the Thieves Guild is that money always talked. No matter how stubborn someone can be. With the right price eventually they all come around sometime. I moved in a little closer, this time the redguard's curiosity was peaked enough to stand his ground and move closer to me.

I closed my hand and put the diamonds back in the small sack. I looked into his eyes to see any sign of him giving in. But his brow creased

'This thing is priceless, I was lucky to buy it off that fool of a merchant. Don't think you can barter with me like-'

Annoyed I pushed what looked like a dwemer vase right off of it's stand. It fell to the floor and shatter into hundreds of pieces. I looked back up at the redguard. This time his cowardly trembling returned. I dropped the diamonds at his feet, broke open the glass display and attached the bow on my back. I glared back at him before running straight out the room. Guessing which way was the exit, I ran as fast as I can letting my thief instincts take over. In the distance I could hear the redguard calling for the guards. And the clanking of armor after that. I bit my lip desperately looking for a way out.

There was guards turning at every corner and I began to get anxious. I wasn't moving as fast as I liked to with the heavy metal armor on so I ended up shedding the boots and the outer metal layer. Revealing a single layer of chainmail.

At this point the windows was my only option. Sneaking out onto the ledge. I could hear the guards yelling and screaming for back up. Down into the gardens I spotted Arissa and Lorena still hidden in the shadows.

'Arissa!' I called out. She looked up almost immediately. 'Arissa! Take Lorena and get to the horses! Things went south, I'll meet you there!'

'What in Oblivion happened!?'

'No time to explain!' I yelled back, she nodded and they both disappeared into the shadows right before an entire platoon of guard came rushing pass.

The ledge I was sliding down on, connected to the city wall. With all the leg strength I had, I jumped onto a Castle Dour wall.

'There he is, the thief.' One of the guards yelled. 'Stop!'

I ran as fast as I could. My fingers and toes began to grow numb and I silently wished I hadn't taken off my guild armor. Even if they didn't really do anything against the cold atleast it was something. I was barefooted, tired, and annoyed. Running for my life on top of the castle dour walls of Solitude. Attached to my back, was the legendary bow, Zephyr, and behind me was a legion of Solitude guards, ready to capture me and throw me in some dungeon prison to rot.

I ran only to see atleast twenty guards blocking my path. I skidded to a halt. And spun around to run the other way.. It didn't matter. I was surrounded on both sides. There were two ways down, over the wall into the city, down onto the stone ground or the other side, into the frigid waters where the Sea of Ghost and the Karth River met. The icy waters would surely kill me in a matter of minutes. There was no escape, either side of the wall warranted my death.

'It's time to face your crimes, thief!' One of the guards spat out.

I chuckled. 'Sorry, I never actually stole anything, I gave that man a reasonable payment.'

'That's enough outta you! You have committed crimes against Skyrim and her people. Give up and come with us.'

I bit my lip. I searched my head desperately to find a way out of my predicament. The guard withdrew their swords and advanced on my position. I felt the freezing cold chill against the back of my neck. A blast of freezing air coming from the sea hit me like a brick wall. I back up slowly and looked down. It had to be atleast a one hundred foot drop to the sea. Even if I was to survive the drop. The cold would lay claim to my life.

It hit me with a pang.

Only a few hours earlier, I had been playing a game that was common among thieves. The game was to steal one item that had more value than your opponents. I managed to steal an Resist Cold Elixir. The gods-damned elixir!

Another realization hit me as I pulled the vial out from my pocket. This miracle. This unimaginable twist of luck. Was all thanks to a daedric god.

I laughed and uncorked the vial as the guards kept advancing. Tipping the contents of the vial into my mouth I just smiled. At first there was a chilling sensation on my tongue. Then, a burst of warmth shot from my throat into my belly, then down into my legs, back up into my arms and finally my head. I no longer felt any cold in the wind and air around me. Delight filled my head as I tried to swallow my fears. leaping onto the ledge of the wall, I turned to look at the advancing brigade of guards.

'What are you doing, imperial. That's suicide!' One of them yelled.

'Sorry gentlemen, but I can't be arrested right now. This bow needs to get to it's master, and I need to see her smile when I give it to her.' I said. I spread my arms and fell backwards off the wall.

I couldn't describe the pure exhilaration. Is this what it was like to be on skooma? The world I know, this world of thievery. Robberies, extortion, infiltration, lock-picking, pick-pocketing. It was a drug with a high that i'll never become tolerant of. I was untouchable in a sense. When you aren't apart of the common rabble you hold a strange sense of pride. It's almost as if you are just too good to be apart of society and their rules and laws. And being in the guild, you're apart of something bigger, but also, you only have a duty to yourself. I often ask to myself how.. how did I become so proficient in taking another mortal's belongings. And why does it feel so good..

My body made a large splash as I dropped into the waters below the great arch. The water was cold, but because of the elixir, the cold didn't bother me in the slightest. Usually, you'd feel the pain of your veins and nerves freezing over, but the elixir stopped all of it.

The swim to shore was tiring. The sea birds came to investigate, as I slowly, and agonizingly pulled myself up onto land. Slivers of chills began to creep up my spine and I felt the chill of the air on my skin slightly. The water on my face had already begun to freeze. And terror began to bite at my mind as I realized the Resist Cold elixir was wearing off at alarming speed. Shaking, uncontrollably, I tried to stand but it was just too cold.

'Let's put some warm clothes on you, Plagarius.'

I turn to see my little sister and Arissa standing there were my tunic and armor at hand. I smiled as they rushed to get me dressed.

'I swear, by the divines, you are one courageous person. Big bro.'

'I guess I was tired of being a coward, like when we lived with father.' I said, my teeth chattering.

Lorena shook her head. 'You were courageous, even back then. I've never met anyone so brave.'

I chuckled.

'Gee, Sev.. You've been talked about in the guild all year. Save some of the insane acts for the rest of us.' Arissa said throwing my winter cloak over my head.

I looked her in her eyes and smiled. 'I have one more up my sleeve, just you wait.'

Our boots pounded down on the paved street as we made our way through the city of Riften. You can hear the people counting down to New Life Festival, which made us run even faster.

"59"

"58"

"57"

People all over Tamriel were counting down. I was counting down internally as I pushed and shoved my way through the annoying crowds of people that populated my city.

"45"

"44

"43"

I could hear most of the citizens in the street roaring the numbers out as I skidded around the corner and dashed into the backstreet where the Temple of Mara was located on.

"33"

"32"

Arissa's and Lorena's heavy breathing filled my ears as they tried to keep up with me but I didn't falter. I won't falter, not now, not when we're so close.

'Come on, we can make it!' I called back to the two girls.

"20"

"19

"18"

The stone alter screeched back, and we hopped around impatiently for it to reveal the hidden entrance into the Guild's Cistern. I jumped down nearly breaking my legs, but I ignored the pain. The Cistern had been empty, which was expected. Everyone would be in the Flagon celebrating.

"12"

"11"

"10"

I ran across the stone bridge and middle platform, pass my chamber and straight through the corridor to the back door that lead the Ragged Flagon

"9...8...7...6"

I burst through the door and looked around frantically for Leila. My fellow guild members were all counting down readying their mugs for a grand toast that they did every New Life Festival.

"5...4...3...2.."

'Leila!' I screamed, as hard as my voice and throat allowed me too. I had too. I had to give Leila her gift. It meant everything that she got it right at this moment. The guild fell deathly silent as they all turn to glare at me. 'Where is Leila!?' I asked desperately.

'I'm... here Sev..what happened?' She said as the members parted revealing my small and lithe but strong, powerful, and skillful guildmaster.

It was strange how I never really noticed how tall I had got. Just a couple of years ago, Leila was half a head taller than me. Now i'm half a head taller than she is. She looked at me with those piercing emerald eyes. 'Leila..' I said detaching the bow from my body. 'I wanted to give you a gift tonight.' I presented the bow to her. 'It means alot to me to give this to you, and I went through alot to retrieve it.'

'My word, is that the Zephyr? It is isn't it, I haven't seen that since my days in the Silver Crescents!' Niruin exclaimed.

My gaze turned back to Leila who hasn't said anything yet. I search her face for any type of reaction, but there was none. She just stared down at the bow, not saying a word.

I felt everyone's eyes drilling into my skin. Until it happened.. Leila looked up at me and I nearly flinched. There were tears streaming down her cheeks, flowing out of her, now soft, emerald eyes. It caught me by surprise and I began to back up.

'Good going, Plagarius. You made the guildmaster cry.' Arissa whispered from behind. 'What'd you do?'

'H...ho..how am I suppose to know?' I whispered back.

The bosmer took a step closer to me and threw arms around me and pulled me tightly against her body. Her arms moved up and embraced my head. I was wide-eyed and confused. She held me tighter and didn't let go.

'You know kid..' She whispered softly in my ear. 'You truly are something special.'

My heart leaped up into my throat and my knees grew weak. Leila pulled back and looked into my eyes again. 'Thank you, Severus Plagarius, it's a wonderful gift.' She said wiping her eyes. She puckered her lips and reached in and kissed me on my cheek. My jaw dropped to the ground. And the entire guild let out an extremely razor-sharp gasp. They were as surprised as I was.

'Leila..I..'

She shook her head. 'Just smile for me, okay?'

I nodded vigorously and managed a smile.

Leila spun around to face the guild. 'Alright, You gods-damned Lilly-livered milkdrinkers! Drinks are on me all night from this moment forward!' The entire Flagon erupted into roars of celebration. Every guild member held there mugs up high and clashed them together in one mighty toast.

I turned to see Lorena had already joined Ragvir, Ania and Paws in the celebration. I laughed silently as she began pulling Paws' ears making him spill his mead all over himself. I scanned the flagon and caught the eyes of one sixteen year old imperial girl leaning against Vekel's counter. I put on a smile and she returned it.

'That was something wasn't it?' I said walking over to Arissa.

She chuckled 'Yes. It truly was. But she's right you know.. You really are something special..'

'You think so?'

'I know so.' One of her eyebrows raised.

We stared into each others eyes for a few moments and I wanted to break down right there and confess everything. I wanted to tell her how she made me feel, how I get when ever she was around, how much I need her. I wanted to tell Arissa that I loved her and wanted to be with her until I died. Arissa ran her hand through her long brunette hair, moving any stray strands from her face. She quickly licked her lips and looked at mine. My heart was racing faster than a horse, and my mouth began to water. I felt beads of sweat form on my neck and trickle down my back. Her face took a more serious form and I watched her eyes scan my entire face. My breathing became heavy, but nothing happened for a few moments.

Arissa just smiled, and all of a sudden she felt a million miles away again.

'You lost.' She said.

'Lost? Lost what?'

She chuckled, covering her mouth. 'Our little game in Solitude.. And that means you have to buy me a drink. Remember?'

Scratching my head I let out a sigh. 'Fine.' I said disappointed, staring at the ground.

Arissa put her hand on my shoulder. 'Sev..'

I looked up at her and she brought her face in close with mine and our lips connected..