Ugh it has been WAY too long! This chapter took much longer than I would have liked, but I didn't want to rush things. Hopefully it doesn't feel rushed. Sorry for such a long wait! Rest assured, I have no plans on giving up on this story. If I ever do, I will post an update. Sorry again for the wait! Reviews/messages and follows appreciated.

Note: I do not own Skyrim or its characters. I have only thought up my own OCs for this story. This is rated M for a reason and will have mature themes. I will try to remember to put a warning before every chapter but if one is missing or you think something should be added please let me know. Also, here is a small guide to help with my writing style.

Italicized with no quotes is the character's thoughts

"No italics with quotes," is the characters speaking the common tongue.

"Italicized with quotes," is the character speaking another language, most likely falmer.

Hope that helps.

WARNINGS:mild language, violence

"Get outta my sight!" the Nord bellows.

Ysrae ducks as a tankard is thrown at her and leaves her captor's quarters. She hears him curse and break something. She huffs and briskly walks to the archery area. She picks up a bow and arrows and begins shooting a dummy, anger bubbling up. She shoots the dummy in the head over and over, imagining the face of the pig enslaving her.

"What happened today?"

Ysrae glances at the doorway and sees Scouts leaning on the wall.

"Hmph," she shoots the dummy. "The usual. I tried to convince him to give back my amulet."

Scouts scoffs and moves next to Ysrae, "I do not know why he just doesn't just give it back to you."

Ysrae grunts her agreement. "One would think he would return it since he loves me," Ysrae sneers.

Scouts' eyes widen, "He said that?"

Ysrae nods, "He is twisted." She sighs and sags. It feels like there is a massive weight on her shoulders. "I do not know how long I keep up this act." She puts her head in her hand, holding back a sob.

Scouts puts his hand on her shoulder. Ysrae leans towards him and allows Scouts to pull her into a gentle embrace.

"I am so tired of pretending to care about that bastard," She mutters into his shoulder.

His arms tighten around her, "I can only imagine," he whispers. "I will get you out of here and it will be alright."

Ysrae sighs. "I know. I-It's hard. I am just so tired."

Scouts moves back just enough so he's looking in Ysrae's eyes. "Don't give up yet Ysrae." He strokes her cheek, "I have a feeling my opportunity to get you out will be soon."

Ysrae sniffs, "I hope you are right. Ysrae silently cries into his shoulder as he strokes her long jet-black hair.

….

Ysrae carefully scrapes imp stool and deathbell paste into a healing potion. Many of the bandits, including the leader, are gone for a raid. Ysrae is using the opportunity to sabotage the supply of healing potions. She smiles and replaces the stopper for the potion, shaking the bottle until there is no sign anything was added to it.

"That's not for me is it?"

Ysrae gasps and spins around. She releases her breath when she sees it's Scouts, "Gods you scared me! No, it is not for you. Do not drink any of the potions in here."

Scouts walks to Ysrae and takes the potion from her hand, "What will happen if I do?"

Ysrae shrugs, "It should not kill you, but it will not heal you either. Might be painful." Ysrae replaces the bottle on the shelf. She glances at Scouts, "You aren't going to tell anyone about this…right?"

Scouts softly laughs, "Wouldn't dream of it."

Ysrae gives him a grateful smile. Her eyes drop to the ground, her smile falling.

She hugs herself, "Do…do you think I would be able to sneak out? While he's gone?"

Scouts gives her a sad smile, "I wouldn't try it. Because most of them are gone, there are more people guarding the entrance. I don't think they would kill you, but I assume the punishment would be severe."

Ysrae nods and sighs. "Yes, you are right. And you cannot try to sneak out. They would kill you."

Ysrae's eyes widen. That last part slipped out. Scouts' eyes are wide.

"I-I am sorry," she whispers. "I never meant to tell you that. I know he used to be your friend but…" Ysrae trails off, feeling helpless.

Scouts sighs and crosses his arms, "No. It's ok. I think I knew if I showed any sign of disobedience I would be killed. We have not been real friends for quite some time. Although, it is weird to hear it out loud."

Ysrae nods, meeting his eyes. "Are you ok?"

He gives her a toothy smile. His pointed teeth used to unnerve her; now his smile is one of the few things she likes.

"Well," he holds his hand out to her, "shall we ruin some healing potions?"

….

Ysrae stares blankly at two men and a woman poorly shooting arrows into targets. If she actually cared, she would be correcting all of their techniques. But she does not care and she does not want to show the enemy how to aim better. She has given them some tips so they have improved slightly, but not enough to really be helpful; like how to conserve your stamina.

The woman huffs in frustration and tosses down her simple wooden bow, "What's the point of this? I only ever use a warhammer."

The two men mutter they're agreement.

She smiles maliciously at Ysrae, "We only have to do this because of Tove's obsessions with this elf." She sneers the last word.

Ysrae just crosses her arms and says in a monotone voice, "Get back to shooting."

The Nord woman gets in her face and growls, "What are you going to do about it, elf?"

Ysrae looks down at the shorter woman, unimpressed. "I do not care what you do," Ysrae smiles sweetly at her. "By all means, disobey the boss's orders. I'm sure he will not mind you defied him."

She turns a deep red and storms off. Ysrae just shakes her head. The men glance at Ysrae, but eventually go back to shooting. They clearly don't want to enrage their short-tempered leader. Ysrae moves to correct the closest one's stance, but shouting explodes in the background. Ysrae thinks she hears something along the lines of 'that damn mouthy elf.'

Ysrae rolls her eyes and proceeds to adjust the man's grip on his bow. Stomping steps enter the room. Ysrae glances over her shoulder and sees the woman is back, a smug grin on her face. Next to her is the leader. Ysrae immediately lowers her gaze and turns to face him, giving him a slight bow.

"Care ta explain?" he growls.

Ysrae straightens up, but he holds his hand up to her and turns his gaze to the woman.

"Care ta explain why ya bothered me when she's doin' what she's supposed ta?"

Her smug face falls and she clears her throat, "The elf may be doing what she's supposed to now, but she wasn't being helpful before you came in."

"Did you want me to hold your hand?" Ysrae can't help the snide remark from slipping past her lips.

Lucky for her, the boss roars with laughter, "Can't handle one little elf, Freva?" He moves to Ysrae and slips an arm around her waist, still laughing.

Ysrae decides to get revenge and whispers in his ear, "M'lord, she threw down her bow and refused to keep practicing before she started bothering you. She said learning how to use a bow was a waste of time. Perhaps we should teach her a lesson?"

He grunts.

Ysrae takes this as a sign to continue, "Maybe she will listen better if she is beaten in a fair fight against a "filthy" elf."

He smiles sadistically, "I have a better idea." He lets go of Ysrae and walks to the woman, blocking her from view. "Congratulations Freva. You've won a fight ta the death with tha elf down in tha pit."

Ysrae is surprised, but smiles. She could do with a good fight, especially against this woman who has mocked and tortured Ysrae any chance she gets.

"Go wait by tha pit," he commands without looking at Ysrae, "I will bring you a weapon inna bit."

Ysrae nods and rushes away, missing whatever he orders the rest of them to do. Excited/nervous energy rushes through her and she quickly makes it to the pit. She absently mindedly grabs at her chest, looking for the amulet of Auri-El she hasn't had for ages. She clenches her fist, anger beginning to flood her.

"Hey."

Ysrae jumps and looks over her shoulder, relieved to see Scouts-Many-Marshes.

"So," he moves closer and stands in front of Ysrae, "you are going to be fighting Freva."

Ysrae smiles, "It appears so."

Scouts-Many-Marshes frowns at her, "I know you don't particularly like anyone here, but she isn't a terrible person. I know," he says before Ysrae can retort, "she has been unkind to you, but she is in love with Tove. Truthfully, it may also be partly because you're an elf. But I think it's mostly because, in her mind, Tove favors you."

Ysrae huffs and looks away in disgust, "If he "favors" me I would hate to see how treats someone he does not favor."

Scouts-Many-Marshes sighs, "Look, I am not asking you to like her, but please," he clutches Ysrae's hands in his, "don't kill her. She is one of the few friends I have left in this place and I don't think she truly hates elves. She wasn't part of the group that attacked your clan. She was here with me and a couple others. She would not say what everyone left for, just that she refused to go."

Ysrae sighs and looks into his gray eyes, "He said it was to the death. But if I can, I will avoid killing her…for you."

Scouts-Many-Marshes's face seems to darken and he turns away. Ysrae stares at him. Is he blushing? She smiles and pats his hand.

He clears his throat and faces her, "Thank you." Scouts lowers his voice, "You aren't going to see me for a while. I should be able to sneak out during all the excitement."

Ysrae's eyes light up, "Do you have a plan?"

"Somewhat," he mumbles. "Look, it will take me some time, but I will be back as soon as I can."

Ysrae nods, a smile tugging at her lips. "You better get going," she murmurs, "he should be here soon."

Scouts hums his agreement and gives Ysrae's hand one last squeeze, "Stay strong land strider."

Ysrae takes a deep breath and turns away, hand clutched to her chest. "Auri-El grant me strength," she whispers. Ysrae knows she would normally be able to beat the Nord woman no problem. However, she knows she isn't in the best physical condition. If she's honest with herself, she is not in a good state of mind either. The abuse from her captor is taking its toll on her.

She hears heavy footfalls behind her. Ysrae turns and sees the leader. He has a surprisingly gentle look on his face.

"You ready?" he questions.

Ysrae nods, "What will I be fighting with m'lord?"

He smirks, "A bow o' course." He pulls Ysrae's bow from his back and hands it to her.

Her brow furrows. Ysrae prefers a bow the majority of the time, but a bow is at a disadvantage in this sort of situation. She will be vulnerable in close combat. Ysrae can feel anger rising in her chest, leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. She swallows hard but says nothing.

"Oh," he puts his hand in a pouch he always has around his waist, "you also get this." He hands her his personal glass dagger.

Ysrae chokes back more anger. "Thank you," she manages to rasp out.

Everything is always a game with this skeever. Ysrae slips by him, going to get some arrows. He grabs her wrist and yanks her back.

She can't help but glare at him, "I need arrows if I am to fight with a bow."

She wrenches her arm out of his hand and swiftly walks away. She returns to the training area and angrily packs a quiver full of steel arrows. I will not lose to these Nords. I have more motivation to live than they ever will, Ysrae thinks angrily.

"It's a shame," a deep voice rumbles behind her.

Ysrae turns and crosses her arms. A young, blonde Nord is leering at her. She gives him an icy stare, but stays silent. His smirk falters.

"Speak," she demands.

He mumbles something unintelligible. Ysrae snorts. That's what I thought. Ysrae grabs the quiver and stalks out of the room. She takes a deep breath and slows her pace. She slowly makes her way back to the fighting pit. She is not looking forward to this, but at the same time she needs to vent her rage.

The leader gives her entry to the pit, glowering at her. Ysrae knows she will pay for her 'disrespect' later. She sighs and makes her way to the center of the pit. The Nord woman isn't here yet. Ysrae goes to the stream flowing along the edge of the pit. She kneels next to it and splashes water on her face. The cold water shocks her senses and makes her feel revitalized. She whispers a prayer to Auri-El and tries to quiet her mind. Ysrae is not sure how, but she needs to find a way to disarm and incapacitate the Nord without killing her.

Jeers and whoops ring out, signaling the arrival of Ysrae's opponent. She sighs and stands, looking up at the bandits gathering around the pit. Most of them look…feral. There's a bloodlust in their eyes that can only be satiated with death. Ysrae swallows hard. She is becoming more and more unsure if she will be able to spare the Nord. Speaking of, said Nord is making her way down the wooden ramp into the pit. The Nord is smiling and causally waving at her comrades like this is a game.

Fury rises in Ysrae. Something like this should be treated as a Gods damn solemn occasion. I caused this. Ysrae freezes from that thought. I caused this and I was excited. Shame swells in her, leaving an acrid lump in her throat. I am no better than them.

The door to the pit closes with a clang, but Ysrae barely hears it. The cheers get louder as the Nord- as Freva takes her place ten feet across from Ysrae.

"Put that snowback in ground!"

"Kill the elf!"

Ysrae clenches her jaw. Hopefully they will not kill me if I defeat her.

"Right," the leader's voice booms out, "Freva feels the elf disrespected her. An' tha elf wants ta put her in her place."

Booing rings out. Ysrae swallows hard. I regret making this happen.

"Ta settle tha score, they will fight ta tha death," an insane smile crosses the leaders face. Cheers erupt.

Why? Why did this have to happen? All I wanted was to spar. To blow off steam.

"Prepare yourselves!" he bellows.

Freva draws what looks like a steel greatsword from her back. Ysrae slings the quiver onto her back and knocks an arrow, but leaves the bow lax in front of herself. It is too late to go back now. I can beat her. I have to beat her.

"Begin," he yells.

Freva screams a war cry and charges. The scream shoots icy fear into Ysrae's veins, but she holds steady. She expected Freva to charge immediately. Freva swings the sword down and Ysrae rolls behind the woman at the last possible moment. The blade hits the ground with a solid thunk. Ysrae gets up, puts the arrow between her teeth, and moves back just in time to dodge Freva's sweeping back swing. Ysrae can hear the crowd jeering. She ignores them, she has to concentrate.

Ysrae swiftly and easily dodges Freva's next few attacks. Freva roars in frustration and swings the sword high over her head. Ysrae gambles and blocks the blade coming down on her with her bow. Freva's eyes widen in surprise. Ysrae forces the blade off to the side, leaving Freva's flank open. Before Freva can react, Ysrae kicks her hard in the knee. She falls to the ground and loses her grip on the sword. Ysrae smoothly removes the arrow from her teeth, knocks it, and draws her bow. Ysrae strides backwards out of Freva's reach. Freva has a look of shock, anger, and shame mixed on her face.

"It's over," Ysrae whispers, loud enough only for Freva to hear. "I do not wish to kill you. I was told you refused to attack my clan."

Freva laughs, "A lot of good that does me now. I'm guessing Marshes told you?"

Ysrae stares down at her, unmoving. She refuses to give away her only friend in this Gods forsaken place.

"I told him not to get all buddy buddy with you. Tove's not so little elf squeeze."

Fury engulfs Ysrae. She shoots an arrow just next to Freva's leg and draws another.

"Do you really think," Ysrae says in a low, quivering voice, "I want to be in his bed almost every night? What I want more than anything is to be back home with my friends and family he killed." Tears prick her eyes, "My father died in my arms because of that dirty bastard."

"Finish it," the leader calls out.

"I'm sorry," Freva murmurs, "but we can't both leave alive." She throws dirt in Ysrae's face.

Ysrae gasps and stumbles back, "You Nord bitch!"

Ysrae drops her bow, covering her burning eyes with her hands. She can hear movement. She moves her hands and blinks rapidly, desperately trying to get rid of the irritant without rubbing her eyes. The tears in her eyes have made her virtually blind. She sees movement and tries to roll in the opposite direction. She trips and hits the ground, landing hard on her chest.

She feels the wind of something pass by her. She launches herself forward, praying to Auri-El the Nord woman isn't in front of her. She quickly wipes the tears from her eyes. Her vision is still blurry, but she can see the stream off to her left. She runs for it. Ysrae slides into the stream and dunks her head into the water. She pulls her head out and gasps for air. She wipes her eyes just in time to see a sword swinging at her. She gathers all of her magica into her hands just as the blade hits her side.

Ysrae cries out in pain as she's flung to the ground. She releases a healing cloak spell. Ysrae rolls away.

The woman laughs, "A little spell won't save you from me."

Singing gold light swirls around Ysrae. She can feel the gash in her side sewing itself back together. Ysrae gets to her knees and discreetly pulls out the glass dagger. The woman charges and Ysrae launches herself towards her. Ysrae thrusts the dagger. It hits her target, sinking to the hilt under the Nord's chin. The Nord's eyes go wide, her body going slack. Ysrae holds her up, her beautiful golden spell still swirling around her.

"H-How?" the Nord wheezes out, blood flowing from her mouth.

Ysrae whispers in her ear, "How are you not being healed by my spell? I worked hard to make this spell so it only affects me. Or are you asking how I beat you?" Ysrae rips the dagger from the other woman's throat and lets her crumple to the ground. "I beat you because I am stronger than you."

Ysrae looks up at everyone watching. They are all silent, stunned. They clearly thought their friend would win. The only one not frozen with shock is the leader. He smiles widely and opens the pit door. Ysrae looks back down at the woman. Blood stains the ground. It appears she is no longer breathing.

"I'm sorry Scouts," she whispers. Ysrae drops the dagger. She sighs and slowly leaves the pit. She goes to the slightly private area of the stream where Scouts helped her fix her nose. She stares at her blood covered hands, shaking. Ysrae falls to her knees.

I did not want to kill her. I just wanted to teach her a lesson. Ysrae squeezes her eyes shut, forcing back tears. Why did it have to end this way? She hugs herself, stifling a sob. I don't want to be here anymore. I don't want to be forced to share his bed anymore. Everything hurts. I just want to be with father.

Ysrae's arms drop to her side. There are voices behind her. She thinks she hears the leader, but she cannot make out the words. They sound miles away. She turns back. They are moving towards her.

"Forgive me, Father," Ysrae whispers. She pulls magica to her hand, "I am so tired of fighting."

Ysrae releases the magica and forms a shimmering barrier, blocking the only way into the stream. The leader slams his fists into the barrier. Ysrae turns away. She grabs her head and screams her anguish; tears bursting forth.