I spat a glob of blood from my mouth and quickly tried to catch my breath, glaring up at the bear. It wasn't as much of a fight as it could have been, but taking quests as I could find them across Skyrim wasn't supposed to be glamorous. It was supposed to help me. Still, two months in, I was no closer than I'd been before. There were little trails here and there, but nothing definitive. Even his home (or former home, as was more likely) in Falkreath had turned up empty. I'd still look everywhere I had to for him, no matter how long it took, but...

As of right now, I had something else to take care of.

As the bear charged, I readied the silver sword on my right. Dropping my left blade, I held the other hilt tightly in both hands and thrust it in front of me. The bear couldn't stop in time, the massive mammal throwing itself right into the blade. It gave a roar that quickly cut off as I shoved the sword even deeper into its skull, killing it instantly.

I pulled my blade away and wiped the blood from my face, then sat back and inspected my shoulder. The damn bear had thrown me to the ground, and though I doubted it was a break or dislocation, I'd definitely have a bone bruise. I was lucky it hadn't been my right arm, or else I'd have had to be out of commission for a few days. As it was, using both blades wasn't entirely necessary.

Stretching out, I stood and walked towards the mouth of the cave. Another job, another septim.

...

"Good work." The red-haired Nord put a pouch in my hand, and I took it on her honor that it was the correct amount.

"Thanks, Aela." I backed away, nearly slamming into Skjor on my way. "Ohp, sorry."

Skjor scowled at me with his one good eye. "Watch where you're going, outsider."

"Alessia." I faced Aela. "You should talk to Kodlak. Join up permanently." I waved her offer away.

"Sorry, not my thing." Besides, my endgame is one that none of you would approve of. "But I'll be here for a few more days; feel free to toss any more jobs my way."

Aela crossed her arms, though it wasn't angry or unfriendly. "All right," she accepted, "but our membership is at a low. We could use a warrior like you in our ranks." We both glanced at the table as a few of the newer members- Njada and Athis- got into a scuffle. "But it's your choice. Stop by again sometime, huh?"

"Will do." I shook Aela's hand before tucking the gold pouch into my pack and heading out the door.

...

A few days later, I had my next job, however dull, tucked into my tunic's pocket beneath my leather. Just a delivery, nothing else. Even so, I'd gotten a good twenty septims out of it, and every bit would help. I had taken jobs all over the central-western side of the province but hadn't gone east just yet. I was waiting until I had the coin and possibly a guide. With over five years out of the country, the province was half-foreign.

I entered the threshold of Riverwood, taking a deep breath of the smell. Freshly-cut pine filled the entire town, and the sound of the sawmill going was familiar. The clanging of metal was a sign that the blacksmith was hard at work.

"...Ey, lovely! Why don't you sit on me lap tonight?" I averted my eyes from the drunks, ignoring their catcalling. It wasn't the first time, and it wouldn't be the last that some asshole was looking my way. Disregarding them was easy, but if they laid a hand on me, I'd cut it off. It wouldn't be the first time I'd done that, either. "C'mon, don't be heartless, baybee!"

I turned the first left in the town, heading up to the Wood Elf's home. Rapping my knuckles on the door, I stepped in at the weak 'come in' from behind the door, followed by a heavy cough. Cautiously opening the door, I glanced around until I located the bed. A very pale Faendal was lying down on his furs, a bucket beside him that utterly reeked. Fighting the urge to vomit as well, I took the potion from its pouch and set it at his bedside table. He retrieved it with a shaking hand and sat up, grunting as he did so. "If you don't mind me asking, what is it?"

The Wood Elf chugged the potion and sighed in relief, though I knew it would be a while before the medicine took effect. Faendal tossed the glass bottle into his puke-bucket and met my eyes. His were black through and through, though it wasn't unnerving. "R-rattles," he replied at last, coughing again into his sleeve. "A... and I..." He vomited again, drops landing outside the bucket. I had to pinch my nose as the smell got worse.

"You know what, save your strength." I backed away from the sick Elf and left the house, the swinging door slamming behind me. A glance at the sun told me it wasn't even noon just yet; there was time for a quick meal before heading back to Whiterun.

I headed down the rough dirt path, my mind wandering. The inn was just to my right, the sign swinging in the light breeze in front of the building. The Sleeping Giant Inn. Would I buy anything from Orgnar? Of course not. Nothing against him; I just needed to save the septims. I had some food in my pack, and that would be enough.

I didn't get the chance to go up the stairs, though it was more by choice than a forceful stop. Two voices from my back clearly addressed me. Both were slurred and cracked. I usually ignored the drunks when I came by them, but I found myself amused for some reason this time. Their idiocy was laughable.

Red-rimmed eyes stared at me with interest while the men's bodies swayed back and forth. Both drunk, both in light armor. Their weapons were clean, mostly untouched, and obviously for show. The bear headpiece one wore was fake, again for display. They had experience being drunk but still handled it as well as any alcoholic would. Slurred words were signs of any drugged brain, but their childish demeanor and short words meant their intelligence wasn't any better than one.

My judgment was complete and certainly entirely accurate. Their eyes were set on me, though it was unclear how many of 'me' they saw. The one wearing a false bear headpiece spoke first.

"Oi, oi!" he slurred, blinking rapidly. "L-look at this fine lass... oh, she's a b-beauty who... looks a bit parched." He attempted a wink with bloodshot eyes. "I think... I may... offer to b-buy her a pint of brew..."

The other man let out an indignant huff. "Not if I g... uh, get to her before you do!" He let out a grunt. "You... you always go after the p-p-pretty ones and leave the beasts for the rest of us!" He belched loudly. "Aye... she must be a witch, then! Look at those eyes. They put some sp-spell on me! Come on, pretty l-lady, come and lip wrestle w'me!"

I didn't care about their arguments. My quick fingers had already purloined the coinpurses off their belts. I'd get more use out of the gold than they would anyhow. There wasn't much in the small pouches, but again, every little bit helped.

"I saw that." Instantly alert, my eyes roamed to the area the voice had come from. A (rather handsome) man in spiked black leather was leaning against the inn's wall.

My attempt to analyze the man fell flat. I couldn't tell a damn thing. I could usually tell what someone was, even what they were thinking, but somehow, this was different.

"I don't know what you're talking about," I bluffed, standing up straight while trying to ignore my nerves as I approached him. I prided myself on being able to talk my way out of almost any situation, but judging from the look on this particular man's face, he wasn't buying it.

He pointed to the two drunkards, both still arguing. "I saw you filch their coin while they were distracted. Oh, don't worry. I'm not going to report you." The man shifted his position and ran a hand through his short chestnut hair as he leaned against the wall. "So you're someone who doesn't lip wrestle, got it." His voice took on a nasty sneer. "Or you're just looking for someone to kiss your boots. If it's the latter, I'd suggest asking elsewhere."

I tipped up my nose, already slightly annoyed. "So you're someone who doesn't kiss boots, hmm? Too bad, mine were looking dull." The man didn't smile, but I could see a spark of amusement in his golden eyes.

"Got a thing for feet, huh?" A frown fitted itself over my face, something I was sure the ranger didn't miss. "I'm sure that dog scampering around would be happy to put a few layers of drool on 'em for you." He gestured to the furry hound, then the drunks. "So, are you so used to those kinds of comments that you turn up your nose at all of them like some damn noble?"

I pursed my lips before responding with a pandering tone. "I'm sorry, princess. Do you want someone to pay attention to you, too?" I grinned at the scowl the man gave.

"Wha- princess?!" He composed himself quickly and laughed without a smile. "Those two only wish they could work up the courage to whistle at me." He looked at me again. "I'll be fine. They've been harassing every pair of legs that's crossed their path for days. Yesterday they got so drunk that they wolf-whistled the blacksmith."

"I take it the blacksmith is..."

"A man, not to mention a married one. You'd think they'd have the sense to quit that shit after they got their noses broken by his wife." A wicked gleam flashed through his eyes as though recalling the memory before his attention returned to me, gaze roaming up and down my body. I put my weight on my left leg and crossed my arms as he spoke again. "You're the first they've been right to admire, though." The man shook his head. "Anyways, just give them a wide berth from now on."

"I was already planning on it, but thanks. Why are you telling me this?"

The man shrugged with a slight snicker escaping his full lips. "Maybe I'm just a nice guy? Nah, I need to get going, and I wanted to foil the drunks one last time."

"Ooh, a mischief-maker. I like it." The man lifted a brow at me as though trying to decide whether or not I was making fun of him.

"Who are you, anyway?" He squinted at me, waiting for a reply. "Cat got your tongue, princess?"

I had to fight hard to prevent a fierce scowl, knowing that he wanted a reaction. "I'm Alessia." His left brow raised slightly, and I figured he suspected I was using a pseudonym.

"Alessia?" he interrupted. "You wouldn't happen to be the friend of a Kaidan fellow, would you?" I instantly became wary.

"Why?"

"Don't worry, princess. I'm just curious. I met up with a fellow naned Kaidan a while ago, and he mentioned he'd been held up in a prison with a woman named Alessia." He paused, apparently waiting for me to remark on that, but I refused to give him the satisfaction. "So you're a troublemaker yourself, then. You know, I like my women frisky. It makes it exciting."

"Yeah, that's nice. I'm not your woman."

"Didn't say you were, princess." I bristled at the nickname. "So what, are you new to Skyrim?"

"No. Not really, that is. I used to live here forever ago, but it's been a while since I came up for a visit." His brow lifted even more, denoting his apparent interest. "Where are you going, out of curiosity?" I continued, trying to turn the conversation back.

He pursed his lips. "I was tracking my wolf Karnwyr. We were separated while hunting a week ago. It's why I can't make more gold off Kaidan. Well, I've heard rumors about bandits holding pit fights somewhere on the eastern side of Skyrim, so here I am. He's all I've got, and that's the only lead. So I'm off to shut them down before something happens to him." ...Good as any, I guess. Plus, I'd have a sort of guide to the east.

"Want some company?" The man peered at me. "On the road to find your wolf?"

"What? Why would you want to come with a stranger? I could be a crazy-ass murderer for all you know, one of the Nords that hate Imperials so much they'll kill 'em on sight."

"Then I guess that'll make it interesting." I slid one of my swords out of its sheath, briefly showing it off. "I'm a mercenary. Looking for work, anyway. I'd love to tag along if you want me to come with. I'm heading east anyhow." I put the blade back. "I can help you get your wolf back."

The man stood up straight and crossed his arms. "Enthusiasm like that could get a pretty girl like you in trouble."

"Maybe I like trouble." I gave him a sly grin. I waited on a response for a few seconds before he sighed deeply.

"You look like you can handle yourself. I guess if they're running a ring, there's probably going to be more than just a few bandits. I wouldn't complain about my odds if you wanna come. I could certainly do worse for company."

I smiled, amused. "Sounds like you're offering me a one-night stand." I was rewarded with another chuckle.

"Sounds like someone's hearing what she wants to hear." Again, his eyes roamed over my figure. "But that doesn't mean it can't be open for discussion." He gave me a wink. Despite the light-hearted flirtations, his following words held a tone I could only describe as threatening. While he spoke, I fought down the urge to shiver. "But keep in mind, princess, I don't trust anyone, not even the man pouring my drink." His words were spoken with scorn. "The only two things I trust anymore are myself and my wolf. Got it?" His sour demeanor was contagious, and my annoyance rose.

"I'll help you, but don't ever think you can order me around like that," I spat, lips curving downwards into a frown. Our playful banter had stopped all too quickly.

"Then we understand each other because the same goes for you." His scowl deepened. "Before you jump to any stupid assumptions or try to get him to lick your hand, Karnwyr is not a pet. That wolf and I have been together since I was seventeen. He's closer to me than..." I thought I saw a forlorn look appear on his face, though it was gone so quickly I couldn't be sure. "He's closer to me than a brother."

"Well... if you two need your private time, then just say." Although his calmer expression did not return, the tension in the air lifted somewhat. He rolled his eyes, but to my relief, he did not glare.

"Born to be a jester as well, were ya? Apologies if I'm too busy focusing on a matter of life and death rather than being your adoring fan for a few half-baked jokes." He pulled away from the wall and beckoned for me to follow. "Every minute we waste here is another minute Karnwyr is being held against his will. And probably worse," he added under his breath. "Let's get a move on, ladyship."

"Alessia."

"What?"

"I already told you, my name is Alessia." At least, it is now. He stared down at me, golden eyes flashing. "You don't have to call me 'princess' or 'ladyship,' little boy." His lip curved up in annoyance as he leaned in far past my comfort zone. His nose was inches away from my own.

"Don't call me 'little boy', or I'll have to show you just how wrong you are." I could see my reflection in his deep amber eyes, and an odd wave of trepidation struck my chest. The taunt had earned quite a different response than expected, and my heart thudded heavily as I swallowed through the nervousness. His long lashes almost touched my forehead. "You can call me Bishop from now on... princess."

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New mods (or mod content) used/referenced:

Skyrim Romance: Mara and the SR Team