Authors Notes: Alrighty then it begins, the first chapter of Love or Blood. I'm afraid I put waay to much detail into this story already, I just can't bring myself to change it or stop XD. These chapters will be long so my updates may be scattered and not posted frequently (my bad) so here is my random story that I hope turns out okay. I don't know, constructive criticism is appreciated.

Love or Blood

Chapter one: Scroll of the Thief

We entered the Castle's courtyard through a small hole in the stone structure. We were both small enough to slip through easily and were well hidden in shadow on the other side. It became obvious that I was right to assume that the guards had all changed shifts for there were none in our sight. I silently praised myself for being correct.

We carefully made our way up the wooden veranda to the dungeons. Although I could see no danger my heart was beating rapidly, sweat forming on my brow. An adrenaline rush I believe, but I held a composed face. I didn't want the Shadowfoot to know I was paranoid.

I guided her to the dungeon's door and offered to pick the lock. She simply shook her head and pulled out a key. "I picked it from the captain of the guard's pocket," she said with a mischievous smirk on her face. Needless to say, I was impressed. I never could never bring myself to pickpocket. Far too personal.

The door creaked open as we made our way in. I carefully shut it behind me and walked over to her. She was crouching by a wall, invisible to the untrained eye. I watched her as she pulled out a small mirror from her pocket and used it to look around the corner. "Shit!" she swore under her breath.

I silently made my way over to her. "What is it?" I mouthed. She simply peered at me through her hood, cocked her head toward the side and held up one finger. Someone was nearby.

I nodded. This was something I was good at. I could always get by people unseen if needed be. I took the mirror from her to get a good look at the person in the other room. It was the jailer. He was sitting at a table reading a book. Not a very good method of keeping watch but all the more easy for us.

I smiled as right behind him was a small bookshelf with a ceramic vase perched upon it. With some luck, it could be used as a distraction. I held out my hand to her and mouthed "Coin." she quirked her brow but reached into her pocket and handed me a Septim. Taking it I waved my hand at her to stand back. You must always take precautions.

Silently, I unsheathed my dagger, holding it by the blade in my gauntleted hand. I carefully balanced the coin on its hilt and then, taking in a deep breath, jerked it upward. The coin flew into the other room, I pressed my body against the wall and listened as the Septim made a small 'ping!' once it ricocheted off the vase. Then like clockwork, it was followed by a large crash.

I struck gold, the vase smashed to the floor.

As soon as we heard the guard's chair scraping across the floor we bolted into the room. While his back was turned we made our way to the jail room door. Korana quickly shoved the captain's key into the lock and turned it. We ran straight in but didn't make a sound.

Shutting the door behind us Korana and I made our way down the cell block. Not bothering to listen if the guard would check on the prisoners he was far too invested in his book to care in the first place. Standing upright, Korana pulled back her hood and walked toward the closest and only prisoner in the vicinity.

"I'm looking for an Argonian," she stated quietly to the old Nordic prisoner. He took one look at her and without any hesitation began to barter his freedom for information. She, of course, did not want to risk letting loose some eerie old Nord and refused.

I, on the other hand, wasn't listening to them argue. I was looking around.

People are not reliable.

I made my way over to the last cell. I was peeking in the bars of each small room, looking for any type of clue as to where the other prisoners could have gone. Then just as I was about to turn around and go back to Korana, I slipped. Thankfully I did not fall, but I did look down to see what it was I had stepped in. It was blood and still fresh, I could feel it's shockingly cold temperature and strange thickness through my quilted shoes.

Argonian blood.

"Korana!" I whispered just as she was about to unlock the Nord's cell. She looked up at me with a lock pick in hand as I beckoned her to come forward. She placed the small copper rod back into her pocket and made her way towards me. Once she was reasonably close, I pointed to the blood on the floor. "I can feel it. It is Argonian's, surely." her eyes widened in shock and she began to look around frantically, fingering the hilt of her dagger. I know she had said that he was a friend of hers, but up until now, I did not believe it. We soon found that there was a trail of the crimson fluid. It lead us to the wall opposite of the jail's entrance.

"I think there is more over there," Korana said squinting off into the darkness, "If I could just see." She reached up to grab the torch that was mounted to the wall but it didn't come off. Grunting she began to pull on its handle. As she yanked at it harder there was the faint sound of rolling gears followed by a low groaning.

We both pivoted to look at the wall, the source of the racket. Our eyes simultaneously widened as we watched it move. It was no wall, but a secret passage. We exchanged curious glances but quickly made our way in, making sure to push it almost al the way closed when we reached the other side.

Almost, it would look sealed from far off but if it was indeed a trap, we can still make our escape.

xxxx

It turned out to be a long set of tunnels. But we soon came to a fork in the passage. It was obvious that one way led to the palace and the other to the unknown. I was going to follow Korana through the left passage when she stopped me.

"I feel that this is where we must part, miss Gale." she said quietly, "For I fear that danger lies down this path. You have more than proved yourself to our guild." she smiled at me and then spoke even softer than before. "The Grey Fox will hear of your skill, Prowler. Go, take your scroll and earn your keep. Whatever you get I'm sure you've more than deserved. Shadow hide you, Gale. Though with the scroll I doubt you'll need it."

I smiled and went to part, "Shadow hide you, Korana."

She nodded her face almost blank, "It usually does." She then smiled, flicked up her hood and hurried down the path.

"It usually does." Strange thing to say, but I am no one to judge. I turned and took the right tunnel. I was certainly ready to earn my keep. Not that this was much of a heist, but I do believe that when the opportunity for wealth comes around, you would be a fool not to take it.

I have only known Korana for little over an hour now, but I fear I'm already beginning to think like her.

xxxx

The passage I took led me to the Castle's basement. I made it a point to be as silent as the grave, for in one of the rooms of the wine cellar I heard deep snoring. I can't be entirely sure but I believe the snores are not human. Far to throaty. I think it may be an Orc.

I made my way through the basement and Castle. In a short amount of time, I had passed through the great hall and located the private living quarters of all 'important' staff members. To my surprise not all were asleep, there were several maids in little white aprons that were still scurrying about.

I thought that strange but paid it little mind. This was the largest Castle of Cyrodiil besides the White Gold Tower, of course. It could have use of a night shift.

By the time I had passed another small group of maids I reached down for the scroll and read it carefully. I closed my eyes and said the enchantments under my breath.

I have never been that good at magic, but the sensations one gets when correctly casting a spell are undeniable. I could feel the magic slowly seeping from the parchment and into me. It's a sporadic tingling that climbs its way up my fingertips and forearms. Like the odd sensation of your body being tightly wrapped in cool silk. I knew it had worked, I may not be talented in the Arcane arts, but I do know the effects of them.

Once the scroll was just paper, I smiled broadly and pocketed it. I had become invisible. I was a mere ripple of colors and blended in perfectly with the background.

It was now time to get my take.

xxxx

The Castle's Steward and Stewardess were the first on my list, for the simple fact that they were the closest to me. I went to enter the private rooms and didn't even unlock the door. The scroll's spell did it for me once my fingers brushed against the doorknob. I was mildly startled, then impressed.

I made a makeshift sack out of some spare cloth I had found in a chest of drawers. With that in hand, I took everything that I thought to be valuable and easily replaced. Spare gold coins, pearls, and the occasional rogue gem. I quickly took from all the important members of staff.

I was quite pleased with the outcome. I had taken mainly small things, so I still had much room in my sack. There was only one more prospect in the entire Castle and that was the Count himself: Janus Hassildor. Needless to say, I was a bit hesitant to steal from the Count himself.

I have heard strange rumors you see. He was either very shy like myself or mentally unstable. It was frightening.

Against my better judgment, I decided to rob the Count. This was a once in a lifetime chance and I couldn't get caught. I'm not going to let some crazy town gossip push me away from a better living. Though I can wholeheartedly admit that I am being greedy. But after all I have been through, I think I deserve it.

Hastily, I made my way to the Counts manor. It was larger than the servants quarters and the great hall all put together. He had many spare rooms and multiple studies. The walls were adorned with exotic paintings and sculptures. With me being a lover of art, I found myself staring in awe at everything.

I was amazed by the manor and my new found wealth. Everything I took was small, most no larger than a fist, but all was expensive. Little gold statues and trinkets filled my bag to the brim. I was about to leave when I wandered into a library and when I see books, I'm taken.

The walls were lined with tomes, both old and new. They reached the ceiling and one would have to use a ladder to reach them. Each was neatly placed on dark maple bookshelves that had been mounted to the stone walls. I wanted to take them all so badly, but that is something I wouldn't do. If someone had stolen my books I would be heartbroken. I rarely have the luxury to enter another state of bliss by reading, but once you find a good story and you have it in your possession you will never want to put it down or let it go.

It's like entering another world. Who am I to take that away from anyone?

Instead, I went to roam the Count's halls once more, though I felt more uneasy this time. I soon came across his bedroom and crept inside. It was awfully dark but as far as I could tell no one was around. I began to search through the Count's many possessions for anything valuable. Everything was of course, but I was looking for specific things. Small things.

His room was, though dark, very rich looking. He seemed to have taken a liking to the color red, as most of his furniture was a velvet dark burgundy or other rich, red fabric. One end of the room held a massive fireplace. Its mantle had very odd but interesting engravings. Soot and ash littered the floors nearby it. I had to wonder if the maids were shirking their work. Besides the soot dust too was present on nearly everything I touched or brushed against. Papers littered any smooth surface. Silver goblets and crystal glasses were also on anything flat. One cup perched atop a book left me pouting. There was still red wine within it. If I had not been careful I could have knocked it over and tarnished the covering.

In my hometown of Anvil, my family house was not even the size of this room. But I much preferred our bright, humid, home to his darkened chamber. Even the woodwork of the furnishings was a deep, dark cherry wood or maple. The walls looked in some spots as though at one time there may have been windows here. But now it was just a dark stone archway with heavy curtains to hide the odd structure. I found it strange. Windows were easily seen on the Castle from the outside.

I wanted to look around more but the place made the tiny hairs on the back of my neck stand straight up and I wasn't in the habit of sticking around when that happens. Opening my bag, I made my way over to his most expensive looking belongings.

I was going through his desk when I thought I heard something behind me. I carefully turned around and upon seeing no one, shrugged it off. But soon after I felt an odd tingling sensation creep up my spine followed by a sudden wave of near crippling nausea. It faded soon, but I once again turned around. Still, there was still no one there but I decided to leave anyway. One can never be too careful. And despite the quiet stillness, I felt like I was being carefully watched.

Holding the bag tightly I bit my bottom lip and was heading for the door when I looked down and noticed that to my horror, I was visible. I held my pale hands out in front of my face and froze. The scroll's time had not been up yet. I wrinkled my brow and recalled the odd sensation I had moments ago. That strange sudden nausea... Don't dispel charms make one nauseous?

No sooner had that thought came into my head did I feel someone yank my hood back. I whipped around and hastily made way to pull it back up when I stopped. Shocked beyond recognition, for my assailant had red eyes. Eyes that belong to the undead.

Gasping I reached for my dagger and drew it out quickly, pointing it towards the glowering vampire. I didn't know how an undead had got into the castle, or how it found me for that matter. All I cared about was the scowl set on its face and the fact that it was advancing on me.

"S-stay away!" I warned but the creature was not fazed. My weak threat went in one ear and out the other. My heart was pounding so loudly I could hear the blood pulse in my ears "Don't come any closer or I'll-"

To my astonishment, the vampire scoffed. "Or you'll what? What will you do, thief?" Now that's a hypocritical statement if I ever heard one, as a vampire decided to break into the Castle, but I was not about to speak to the creature again, lest he starts snapping at me. "You would think that with all the damn rumors being spread about you thieves would know better than to enter my Castle!"

I blinked in confusion, his words did not register properly in my very frightened mind. "Y-you are-" I squeaked, but I did not finish what I was going to say for I tripped over my own feet and landed hard on the floor. I may not have been the 'most' clumsy thief in Cyrodill, but my lack of agility tends to show at the worst times.

I quickly, while facing the vampire, backed away on the floor. My dagger still in my right hand pointing straight at him, albeit shakily.

"Yes, yes I am your Count, little thief. And a vampire." He mocked quietly, "But I bet you weren't expecting that. Now perhaps if you followed the legal system, you wouldn't be in such a life threatening situation. Caught red-handed by a vampire. You are not a very lucky robber, are you?" He then quickly but casually flicked his wrist, as if swatting away a fly. I watched on pathetically as my dagger was taken away from me by magical means. It flew out of my grip and sped toward the Count. He held out his hand for the silvery gleaming blade and caught it effortlessly. I heard rumors that the Count was a powerful wizard. I guess I should start heading rumors a bit more.

"Y-you are Hassildor?!" I stammered, staring up at him, still thoroughly dumbfounded. I could not wrap my head around any of it.

"That is Count Hassildor to you, girl." he snapped, his scarlet eyes locking onto my face. The look made me freeze. "You're awful slow to aren't you? But then I should have known that. Only a fool would break into here. I'm guessing you don't you know the law?" Honestly no, I did not. I never really asked someone about it. It seemed foolish to me then. "Of course you don't. Well then allow me to educate you," He started, crossing his arms behind his back, "Breaking into the Count of Skingrads home is punishable by death. Pity, I do hope your little excursion was worth it."

I was silent but utterly repulsed. Death? I felt my stomach sink. I didn't want to believe that it was true, but I did not see any reason why the vampire, or Count Hassildor, rather, would lie to me. But it now made sense why I had gotten such a valuable artifact from Korana - the risk was high, so the pay was high. I shook my head frantically. I had lost the urge to flee entirely. I just sat on the floor, staring up at him while shaking my head.

I should have known better. I should have left while I had the chance. I have never been lucky. What was I thinking, robbing a recluse wizard?

The Count was still just standing there, watching me. He wasn't fazed by my now horrified expression, though I hadn't expected him to be. "No," I suddenly said weakly. I couldn't bring myself to say anything else, really. All I wanted to do was shake my head and say no. No, no, no over and over again. It simply wasn't fair.

"Well, perhaps your death will prove to be useful to me. I daresay that I wont be bothered by the Thieves Guild for quite some time now." He paused and looked casually off to the side musing. The pause was discreetly allowing me to soak the horror of it all in.

I was to be the subject lesson to my guild. Trespass here and you die. Short, sweet and to the point. But not fair. For me it never was. Yes, I stole but couldn't I give it back and do some time in a jail cell? Death?! A small bag of gems is worth more than my life?!

If I had known that I would have never entered the castle.

"No! T-take it back," I said as I cautiously pushed the bag of stolen goods over to him. My limbs were beginning to shake as if that simple movement had made me over exert my body. I quickly wrapped my arms around my torso, hugging myself to keep them from trembling further. He quirked his brow as he watched me. I was still on the floor, using what little dignity I had left to keep from groveling. "P-please, just...take it back." Truthfully, my willpower was failing fast. I bit my lip to keep from begging.

"You honestly think trying to return my possessions would make me have a change of heart?" He snorted and prodded the bag with the toe of his shoe, "You didn't get to take much but there is still enough in here to seal your fate. Gems or no, you broke into my Castle." The Count commented lamely. He looked over my petrified form again, as though he was considering what to do next. "Though as an act of kindness, I shall put in a request for the guillotine. It seems the most gentle way. One good turn deserves another, after all."

My insides had begun to squirm. Guillotine. I have watched some die by it, that horrible device. Sometimes it doesn't immediately kill you. It may not fully sever the first time and the victim is still living. I could imagine myself being placed beneath the large, sharp, metal blade. Hearing the sliding sound that resonates off of the wood as the executioner raises the device…

The little dignity that I had fled. I was no longer holding on to pride. I wanted my life, I wanted to live, I wanted my head! What have I done so far in my life that is so horrible that I deserve such a cruel demise? "Please no!" I cried, my bottom lip beginning to quiver. "H-have mercy on me, Lord! I-I'll do jail time! I will forever, please!" I swallowed hard, though the lump forming in my throat made it difficult to do so. "Anything! I-I I swear I'll do anything at all! Please spare me!" I bit my lip mercilessly as hot tears had begun to streak down my cheeks but I felt no shame in crying. This could be the last time I do it after all.

The Count just watched me unfazed, his expression blank, then curious..."No." he finally answered flatly after what seemed like forever. "I can't have you go to jail. Not even the Castle guards know of my condition. I cannot have you gossiping in the cells. My men are greatly impressionable."

I found it so hard to believe that he could send me to die so easily. He spoke without emotion, but then again he was indeed a vampire. I doubt that I could appeal to his good will, he most likely doesn't have one. But it was that thought which had broken me, No good will, no way out alive.

Sobs began to shake my entire body as I hugged myself with one arm and hid my face in my free hand. I was to die. You never really think of death until it's too late. My life was neither long or good, but it was my life, mine. It was the only thing I could ever really fight for and now it along with everything else was soon to be gone. Simply taken away.

Everything leaves me.

Just then there was a loud bang on the door. The Count didn't even turn to face the noise, he just said, "Enter." and waited. A tall green Orc came in with a look of panic on his face. "Lord Hassildor," The Orc began hurriedly, "There has been a jail-" He then suddenly stopped, he must have saw me.

"Break? Yes, I'm well aware Shum. But look what I have found, a little bandit." I didn't bother to look up, I couldn't. I just hid my face in my hands and cried like the world was ending.

Well, technically for me it was.

There was a short pause. In that time I could tell that the new company was trying to assess the odd situation. But like I said, it did not take him long to do so. "Shall I escort her to the cells, Sir?" I heard the Orc ask. Peeking through my fingers, I watched the Count shake his head.

"No, have her locked in one of the spare rooms. The holding closet will do. She knows what I am and I cannot have her alone with the guards for long."

There was another short pause, then the Orc finally spoke,"My Lord, come morning, what shall I do with her?"

"We'll keep her for questioning. See what part she played in the prison break. Then, call the executioner. I believe we will be having this one at the chopping block soon enough." The Orc had a slightly stony expression on his face as he walked over to me and took me by the arm, though gently.

"Sir," He began, "If it is not…too bold to say," I could sense the Orc's trepidation. But then again when a vampire is glaring at you like that I'm sure I would be hesitant too. "She is but a child."

The Count quirked his brow and nodded. "I'm well aware."

That was all. He sent me and the Orc on our way. The Orc, Shum, didn't speak as he lead me through the dark Castle to my room to await my death.

Author's Notes: (once again lol): Okay, I usually don't do notes at the end of my chapters, but the whole 'nausea and dispel charm' thingy was my doing. I think it's safe to assume that when someone casts a big spell at you like that, without you knowing it, there would have to be some type of side effects. Okay~ I think that's all for now. Next chapter might be up within the week. I'm not sure though, so no promises! :P XD