Author's Note: Thank you all for the kind reviews - you have no idea how they motivate me. :D

I awoke to the kiss of a blinding sun an the rumble of wheels, slipping from a sweet, sleepy haze and lulled by the gentle rock of motion. I yawned, a smile curving my lip as I reached for the little awning, pulling away a wisp of a curtain and looking at a strange new world.

Cyrodiil.

A land of kings, of gold and jewels - a sapphire sky, emerald grass waving like a sea for distant leagues as the sun stained it glassy gold. I caught my breath, trying to devour it all, my smile stretching wide. Wow. "It's beautiful."

"You awake back there?" I startled at the wagonman's gruff shout. "An hour's travel will take us to the city."

An hour. An hour until I'm truly free. It was exhilarating, and our slow, steady pace - over rolling hills, a grand bridge beyond glittering water, under a falling sun -

It was strange, agonizingly slow, and exquisitely beautiful.

I drifted off again, two weeks travel weighing heavily on my bones. Cyrodiil - the word prickled my tongue like an exotic fruit, and echoed in my mother's voice.

I miss Cyrodiil, sometimes. She'd stroke my hair and murmur, eyes distant and bright. The cities, the people. She would write letters to old friends, and sometimes she'd wistfully watch the skies, searching for something I couldn't know. Nothing, sweet. Just looking. As though she was waiting, wondering...

Maman... I felt a pang of guilt and pulled from the window, snuggling into my cloak. Did you want to be free, too?

"Heeeya!" I jolted again at the man's call, at the jerk of movement, the whinny of horses, and sudden stop. A clutter, footsteps, the creak of the carriage door and he was there, lips drawn tight in a frown and silver brow high on his head. "Right, missy. I'm setting up and off. The Talos Plaza is just through 'n doors there. Best of luck to ye."

I stumbled down, blinking under the sun's glare and clutching my bags close, mouthing - The Imperial City.

Ivory stone spires rose above great walls, almost glistening in dusk's light. I gingerly climbed the cobblestone trail, giving one last, nervous glance to the wagon before settling my gaze ahead. A majestic door greeted me, metal and polished wood curved in dragonic twists.

Breath caught, I pushed against the great door, into the crown of a king's realm.

I gawked around me, slowly approaching a dragon statue rearing its head in the center of the area. The homes were strange, like fortresses with columns and small, gleaming windows. A world of ornate stone. I slipped my bag over my shoulder again, grimacing at its weight.

I'm exhausted. I sighed, smiling in spite of the weakness in my legs. The university, then.

...But where?

I pushed back a panicked leap of fear in my throat, searching around me - so many people, so many shades of skin and kinds of clothing, a beastfolk I'd only seen in books hurrying by with a whiskered smile and flick of its tail.

I don't know these people.

I gnawed my lip, trying to collect myself. I knew nothing of them, their customs - the Imperials that had once seemed so similar to me, the beastfolk, the mer. A fascinating mingle of people, both strange and exciting. I sat, watching an Imperial woman with an uncanny resemblance to Miss Tucket amble by. Hopefully not all like her. I managed a small smile.

Just be polite. Be yourself. Ask.

"Excuse me - " I called to a man, blinking as he hurried by. "Um. Excuse me, miss?" A Dunmer, fiddling with a gold chain around her neck, kept walking. I swallowed, hoping I didn't look as pathetic as I felt. "Excuse me, sir, can you tell me -"

"Go bother a guard!" Came the curt reply, a tawny-skinned mer throwing me a frown before marching off.

Guard. Fine. I swallowed again, gaze landing on a man clad in armor, hovering around a corner with a gleaming sword buckled to his waist.

I did not want to bother him.

"Pardon me, citizen."

I jumped, flushing scarlet as a hand pulled from my shoulder. "Oh!" I gasped, gazing wide-eyed at the warm smile and gaze of the Imperial man before me. Silver gold armor, penned with another dragon - a royal guard. "I'm sorry, you s-startled me. Sir."

"Quite alright." He chuckled, eyes crinkling pleasantly. "You seem a bit distressed. Can I help you, citizen?"

"Y-yes, if it's no trouble." I said meekly, barely daring to meet his gaze again. "I need to find the Arcane University, please - sir."

"Certainly. Just follow me." He turned, gesturing me to take his lead. "Are you a new student?"

"Yes, sir. From High Rock." I relaxed at his tone, his easy stride. "I just arrived."

"High Rock, eh? You've come a ways. Here, allow me." I flushed again as he took my bag. "I'm afraid some of the citizens are a bit gruff towards travelers. Should you need help - " He gestured to another guard, nodding at his salute of 'captain' before continuing. "Ask one of us. It is our duty to make sure the civilians of the Imperial City feel safe here."

"I will. Thank you, sir." I smiled brightly. "I never did get your name."

"Adamus Phillada, captain as of last month. It is quite an honour."

"You deserve it," I blurted before gasping, cheeks going hot. "I mean, you were just - it's nice to meet someone so friendly."

He laughed, a deep, resonating sound that made me blush deeper. "Thank you, miss. We could use more kind folk like you in this city." As another great door closed behind us he gave me my bag, casting his eyes to the tower before us. "Here you are. Good luck, miss..." He trailed off, brow wrinkling.

"Dust." I beamed. "Miss Dust."

"Miss Dust." He repeated, a slow smile on his lips. "Welcome to the Imperial City."

"Thank you," I breathed, watching him go with a final wave, striding up the stairs and admiring the sheen of mystic stonework below before going inside, my pulse thudding and my name on my lips. Dust. Not Gabriel, not Toltette. Dust.

"Ahh, there you are. How do you do." A Mer greeted me, giving me a mild look over before beckoning me close. "Gabriel, yes? Tired after traveling, I am sure. Come, I'll show you the Apprentice's Quarters."

My room. Apprentice Dust's room. I strode to keep up with the Dunmer's strides, grinning ear to ear and gawking like the near child I was. An alchemy garden! All these buildings... I chuckled to myself, following obediantly as the Dark Elf escorted me into a hall, into hushed rooms and gestured to a warm, beckoning bed.

"As much as I would like to give you a tour, it must wait. I'll expect you tomorrow, Miss Dust, in front of the main tower at seven strokes sharp." The Dunmer smiled, wry in spite of his official tone. "Rest well, Miss Dust."

I tumbled into bed after he left, still buzzing with excitement. I was certain I'd never sleep, tapping my fingers in a soothing rhythm and watching the flickers of my light spell that followed, but when my head settled on the pillow and I vowed to rest only a moment I drifted into warm, heavy sleep.