Chapter 2

The moment Brie reached the guards barracks she realized just how much of a mistake she had made. Her superior, Lex, was waiting for her when she arrived. He was dressed from head to toe in the shiny armor she had seen before and it nearly blinded her as she approached him. His cheeriness so early in the morning was beyond irritating, though Brie tried to grin and bear through it.

"Good morning," Lex greeted her, his voice light.

"Mornin," Brie replied as she stifled a yawn.

"Hurry up and get a set of armor on so we can begin our patrol."

"Alright," Brie responded, and she smirked. "Captain."

Lex ignored her tease and turned his attention towards getting breakfast.

A long time passed and Brie did not return. Lex finished eating his breakfast and returned his dishes to the kitchen before he headed to the armory to see what was taking the elf so long. When he found her, he couldn't help but laugh.

Brie shot Lex a scowl when she heard him laughing.

"You're a cruel Captain," she whined.

"Have you never worn armor before?"

"Actually, I haven't."

"Let me help."

Brie sighed and admitted her defeat. She had struggled for over ten minutes to put on a shiny metal chest piece and had failed miserably. It was far too big for her, and Lex left Brie alone for a moment while he searched for something smaller. When he returned, he helped the frustrated Elf into a suit that fit her better, but even after everything was on she still didn't feel quite right.

"It's too big," Brie sighed. "I feel like I'm swimming in it."

"You're going to have to get used to it."

"Isn't there anything smaller?" Brie persisted.

Lex's breath hitched in his throat when Brie peered up with him with round, wide eyes. Her brows furrowed together and she pouted her bottom lip ever so slightly.

"U-Uh," Lex coughed, and he looked away. "That's the lightest armor we have, Brie."

"Alright."

Brie sighed, and she spent another couple of minutes finding a sword. She'd never really swung one before, and after testing some of the swords that hung from the racks she settled on a silver shortsword since it was the lightest in her hands.

"I take it you don't know how to fight?"

Brie spun around to face Lex. His bright armor glittered in the sunlight that poured through the windows and for a moment she squinted at him.

"No, I don't."

Lex sighed, and he glanced around at the other weapons hanging from the racks.

"You're going to have to take some sparring lessons."

"With you?"

Lex blinked, and he looked over at the Elf. She looked uncomfortable in her bulky armor and she hesitantly held the sword in her hand, unsure of what to do.

"No... I'm not a trainer."

"Oh."

Brie was slightly disappointed. She was curious to see what Lex was like in a fight, but she had a feeling his job was rather lackluster, hunting the elusive Gray Fox. She couldn't imagine it was a thrilling job.

The air was slightly awkward so Brie quickly sheathed the sword and strapped the belt around her waist.

"Ready?"

"Ready, Captain."

Lex didn't know why, but something about the way Brie said Captain made him feel strange. However, he shook the feeling off and the pair exited the watch tower together. Brie walked slowly, her movement greatly decreased by the heavy armor. She quietly followed a couple paces behind Lex, her armor chinking noisily as she walked.

First, they patrolled the Arboretum. The weather was bright and clear, lending to a rather pleasant walk in the gardens of the Imperial City. However, after around ten minutes of following Lex wearing the uncomfortable gear Brie was thoroughly annoyed. Despite the coolness of the morning air she was beginning to sweat inside the oversized armour, but she stubbornly remained silent and followed her Captain at a steady pace.

After around an hour later they had exhausted their patrol around the gardens and so Lex took Brie towards The Green Emperor Way. They spent a lot of time hovering near the gates, looking out at nothing. People came and went, going about their business, and Brie was thoroughly bored well before noon. Just before they took a break for lunch Lex began walking once again and they ended up near the gate to the Arcane University. By then, Brie was beyond annoyed and seriously regretting her decision to become a guard. Her skin burned underneath the armour and her limbs ached from the excess weight they carried. She was bored out of her skull and feeling quite miserable. They barely talked, and for somebody who liked to ramble when in the company of others, it was physically painful for Brie to remain quiet.

After what seemed like quite possibly the longest four hours of her life, Brie was finally taken back to the Watch Tower for lunch. She thought it was something she'd look forward to, but after strolling around in her uncomfortable armour for so long it left her feeling nauseous, and so Brie had very little appetite.

If Lex noticed her discomfort, he didn't say anything. He wasn't used to having somebody accompany him on patrol and it left him feeling awkward, especially because his partner was Brie. He had agreed to go along with their agreement without much hesitation but he was still unsure of their arrangement, and of the Elf herself.

Brie sat across from Lex and he noticed that she barely touched her food. Her cheeks were flushed and she mostly stared out glumly at the dining hall of the tower, wishing she could be anywhere else.

"What do you think of everything so far?"

The Elf blinked, and when she fixed her gaze on Lex his pulse raced. He didn't understand why she had that effect on him and it was really unsettling.

"It's uh... uneventful."

Brie couldn't help but smile as Lex's face softened and he chuckled.

"Today it is. It's not always like that."

"You really like your job, don't you?" Brie responded lightly.

Lex was silent for a moment as he chewed his food. Then he nodded.

"Yes, of course."

"How long have you been in the watch?"

"Well..." Lex paused to think about it. "I believe it's close to nine years now."

"Wow."

Brie hadn't realized just how devoted the man sitting across from her was to his job. She almost felt bad that she had made fun of him so much, but it wouldn't stop her from using him for her own gain.

Or so she thought. The night before Brie had laid in bed, unable to sleep, and had mulled over her encounter with Hieronymus Lex. He had struck up a deal with her so easily, when he barely knew Brie. It had both surprised and confused her. She was torn between feeling like he was up to something and genuinely taking the Imperial for face value. It left her feeling more confused than confident.

He seems like such a straight arrow but... how can I be sure?

As Brie sat across from Lex that afternoon, studying his face while he ate, she couldn't help but feel that he was probably the straightest arrow around.

So... why did he make a deal with a thief?

Brie knew the answer but she was curious to hear it from him. She had seen the posters plastered around the city and nobody was as passionate about finding the Grey Fox as Lex. She found her eyes roaming over the features of Lex's face with great interest. She had completely forgotten about her own lunch and was content to simply watch the Captain, her mind filled with too many thoughts.

He was typical for an Imperial, with a straight set jaw and rounded ears. Brie had to admit that he was quite handsome, and she leaned her chin on her hand, her expression thoughtful. What struck her the most was his bright blue eyes. His face was free of wrinkles and there wasn't a grey hair in sight but Brie was curious to know how old Lex was.

Lex felt her staring and he glanced up for a moment before hastily looking back down. He finished eating his meal and placed his fork down.

"Aren't you going to eat?" He asked, confused by the Elf's behavior.

"How old are you?"

Brie watched as Lex blinked, surprised by her response.

"Why do you want to know?"

"No reason," Brie shrugged, and she winced as her shoulder ached. "Just curious about my Captain."

Lex sucked in a deep breath, trying to ignore the flurry of emotions that bubbled inside of him. He needed to keep his distance from the new recruit. Her carefree attitude was dangerous.

"I'm twenty-eight," Lex finally responded briskly and he gathered up his plate. "If you're not going to eat then we should get going."

Brie nodded and slowly pulled her aching body up from the chair. Lex disappeared into the kitchen for a moment and when he returned the pair exited the Watch Tower and continued making their rounds throughout the city.

This time they started out in the Temple District. As time dragged on, Brie became increasingly uncomfortable in her armour. She tried to pass the time by striking up a conversation with her quiet partner but he was reluctant to talk and eventually she gave up trying.

It was nearing four o'clock and the sun was beginning its descent in the sky when Lex gestured for the Elf to follow him. They slowly made their way towards the Waterfront district with Brie lagging several paces behind. She wanted to rip her armour off and collapse onto her bed but there were still a couple hours left to patrol.

Lex nodded politely to citizens and guards as they passed him. Brie stifled a yawn and dragged her feet, feeling utterly miserable.

I don't know how he does this, she thought angrily. Day after day for almost a decade. It's insane.

Something out of the corner of her eye caught Brie's attention. She turned her head towards the movement just in time to witness a skinny female Dunmer pickpocket one of the citizens that lingered near the Marie Elena.

The Elf looked her way, and they made eye contact. Brie opened her mouth to say something but was abruptly cut off as the Dunmer took off at a run, bolting past her. She gasped as the thief smashed into her shoulder while she ran past her and Brie was unable to recover due to her bulky armour. She fell down onto the hard stone ground with a loud crash of metal.

"Brie!" Lex called out, and he quickly knelt down beside the Elf.

"The D-Dunmer," Brie gasped, having had the wind knocked out from her. "Stole from t-the Nord."

Lex considered going after the thief, but when he looked up he found the woman was almost completely out of sight as she took off towards the city gates. He was more concerned about Brie as she groaned and struggled to sit up. He quickly grasped her hand and helped Brie to her feet.

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Brie hissed angrily.

She tried to ignore the throbbing pain in her side and wondered why Lex hadn't gone after the thief.

"Do you remember her face?"

"Yes... why didn't you go after her?"

"You were hurt. We can make a report about the theft later."

Brie frowned, and then she shrugged it off. She tried to walk but it was difficult. After he finished speaking with the victim, Lex hovered close by, unsure of what to do or say. He followed Brie as she hobbled towards the Waterfront properties and she did not stop until they reached the edge of the lake. She sat down one of the boulders with a loud sigh and Lex remained standing. He stared out at the water for moment, content to give Brie a few minutes of rest. They had stood in almost the same spot just the day before and had struck up a secret agreement between themselves.

After a few minutes of silence, Brie asked the burning question that was on her lips.

"Can I ask you something?"

Lex glanced down at the Elf, noticing that she appeared to be in pain as her brows furrowed together.

"Sure."

"Why are you so obsessed with catching the Gray Fox?"

It was a question he had been asked so many time before, but he never had a very good answer.

"I uh... I really don't know," Lex admitted, and he shrugged. "I don't have a solid explanation for why I am so fixated."

Lex frowned, and he stared down at the gently lapping waves as a light breeze created ripples across Lake Rumare.

"I guess..."

Brie glanced up at Lex with a curious expression.

"It's kind of like why you steal. I just do."

"I understand."

Lex didn't really explain anything at all, but Brie completely understood what he was trying to say. It made perfect sense to her. Sometimes there were no grand explanations.

The pair were silent for a few more minutes. Finally, Brie stood up and Lex asked her if she was good to continue their patrol.

"Yep. Let's go."

They began walking back up the slope towards the Marie Elena. While they walked, Lex couldn't help but wonder something about his new partner.

"Brie?"

"Yes sir?"

"How old are you?"

Brie laughed, and she glanced up at Lex as she shuffled slowly beside him.

"Well, I know you think I look like a child..."

"I-I don't think you look like a child," Lex stammered. "I know you're a woman."

"Oh yeah?" Brie responded lightly, and she grinned. "That's nice of you."

Between her light teasing and pretty smile Lex found himself growing flustered and he nervously rubbed his cheek with a small frown. Brie noticed the blush that crept up his neck but she pretended otherwise.

"I'll be twenty-five next month."

"You're young."

"And what are you? An old man?"

Despite how much her body ached, Brie found herself able to concentrate for the rest of the evening as they patrolled the Waterfront. Nothing very interesting happened and Brie was able to get Lex to talk a little as they walked around.

It was almost ten o'clock when Lex finally dismissed Brie for the night. He could see she was struggling to stay upright, her body swaying slightly as she yawned with half closed eyes.

"You did good today. Get a good night's sleep."

"Okay," Brie responded sleepily. "Goodnight sir."

He watched the Elf as she slowly made her way back towards the Watch Tower to discard her armour. She was more than ready to ditch the stifling metal and when she reached the barracks it took her a good fifteen minutes to get everything off. After struggling with the last piece, she tossed it down on bench with a loud sigh of relief, and she winced as pain shot through her hip. She lifted up the hem of her tunic and found that her pale skin was bruised from her encounter with the thief. She quickly made her way back home and had a quick meal before knocking back a potion to help her aches and pains.

What Brie didn't know was later in the night, when she was tucked away in her bed fast asleep, Lex finished up his dinner at the Bloated Float Inn and returned back to the Watch Tower. Before retiring to his room, he took a detour to the blacksmith's quarters and inquired about commissioning him to make a smaller set of amour that would fit an elf. He left a little while later with a small smile on his face and he couldn't help but think about his new partner as he drifted to sleep.