It was not the letter from Ocheeva, that stated Gogron had returned alone, that set his teeth on edge. No. It was that Shadowmere had returned with Gogron that had his nerves prickling.

Shadowmere would never leave her chosen-riders side unless commanded or the Void commands her to. The imperial paced his room in the belly of the fort outside Cheydinhal, the dust whirling around his boots. He looked up as the wind rocked the ladder from the outside. I will go to Anvil and find Elymi.

Lucien climbed the ladder and slipped out of the fort, closing the hatch behind him. Walking to the front of the fort, he looked up at the stars and noted that the sign of the Shadow was in it's zenith. Walk always in the shadow of Sithis. A snort and a joyous whinny had the man look to his left, unsurprised to see Shadowmere standing ready for action outside the main fort doors.

He stroked her nose and ran his fingers through her mane. "I will be a few moments, my friend. I must find out what happened in Anvil from Gogron. Wait for me at the Cheydinhal stables."

Lucien watched as the void horse trotted around the walls then stepped into the city itself, walking briskly along the inner wall to the abandoned house well. He slipped into the Sanctuary easily and looked around shortly, not perturbed by the Dark Guardian who stopped lumbering around to look at him. "Gogron." It raised a skeletal hand and pointed to the training room.

The orc was found draped over the mannequin he hacked to pieces, shaking and Lucien knew why. He remained silent until the orc had calmed and stepped back to resume his training. "Brother."

Gogron whirled around, eyes red and puffed. He's been crying. Why? "Who-! Oh. Speaker. I did not realise you were in the room. Forgive me, I am not in the best of appearances to be graced so." Lucien held his hand up, silencing the further excuses. "You assisted your Sister on a contract in Anvil. But she did not return. Tell me everything that happened."

The orc sat and told his recounting of the events that occurred. He hesitated at some parts but continued after a look from his superior.

"We returned to the Count's Arms and I- I angered her. She left and did not return that night. I had gone out to the stables but her horse was still there. I asked the guards, the innkeeper and the tavern owners. None had seen her."

The two sat in silence. Lucien blinked slowly. "What did you do to anger her so much she would storm out and not tell anyone where she was going?" Gogron looked down and his shoulders started to shake again. The imperial held back a frustrated sigh. Something deep inside Lucien stirred, making him more uneasy than he was. "Tell me, Grogron."

"I kissed her."

Elymi looked around the room, closed her eyes and listened but heard nothing but the flies that pestered her. She stood, shakily, bracing herself against the cupboard and stepped slowly over to the door to the outside. If I can get it open, I would be able to know where I am, or some clue as to where, and find help. Then find out who has captured me.

She turned around, her hands flailing for the door handle and she nearly squealed in delight upon finding it. Nearly.

She pulled but it held fast, a constant clunking of tumblers telling the elf what she dreaded. He's smart enough to know to lock the door. Damnation.

Elymi walked around the room, knocking over barrels, groaning as she found the contents to be balls and rolls of yarn and cabbage. Am I in a house of Sheogorath? She walked over to the door the figure came out of before and tried the lock, it opened noiselessly. She stepped into the room, lit by more candles and peered at the bed, a single chair and short table. The most light seemed to come from a higher surface on the side of- Elymi fell forward, throwing up, the gag keeping most in her mouth, forcing her to swallow and she cringed as the bile burned her throat.

A woman's head sat atop a platter.

Decomposed and rotting, it started at her, mouth agape in a silent scream, eyes blind.

If only incredibly disgusting, it is well preserved.

Elymi purposely looked away from the head, stomach threatening to turn over on her again as the sight had burned itself into her eyes so that she saw it when she blinked. I have to get out of here before I become like her. Or the other poor s'wits in this hole. She hurried to the door and stopped when her eye caught a magic tome.

Magic! Why didn't I think of it before?! She felt fire burning along her veins quickly, and heard the ropes snap when they gave in to the element dancing on her finger tips. Unwrapping the gag, Elymi rubbed her jaw then headed for the door. I'll burn it down if I have to.

Her hand, cased in fire, had nearly connected with the door before it was opened and the dark robed figure stopped dead in his tracks. The two stared at each other then reacted, a life of combat giving fast reflexes.

The man ducked the hand of fire Elymi thrust forward, she jumped back and to the side, away from his dagger. Lightning erupted from his other hand and Elymi screamed as it rattled up her side, gasping and coughing blood as his dagger found its way into her other side.

The elf coughed, unable to breath as rage and pain engulfed her senses.

Now is not your time, little elf.

She gasped and felt the Void swallow her. But she still felt the dagger in her side, saw the man reel back and cast a spell then flee at the sound of shouting.

Elymi staggered forward, the chilling warmth of the Void leaving her as she fell onto the grass, blood flooding her eyes. Sailors ran over and she recognised the ships moored to piers.

Anvil. I was right. I am by the docks and a beach.

She smiled when she was lifted.

So... I'm typing this while listening to Red vs Blue, season one.

Caboose has just gotten into Sheila. :D