I stepped through the last sewer gate, The light blinded me even though the sun was past halfway on its downturn. The contrast from the sewers to this wonderful sight was astonishing. The water reflected the light ahead of me and the trees on the opposite shore swayed in the wind as they wound their way up the mountain. I made my way to the water's edge and splashed my face to wash away the dirt and grime of the sewers. The guard had pointed me in the direction of Weynon Priory, but I needed to head to the Imperial City first.
I made the short trip up the hill and around the Prison. I paused momentarily at the prison door.
"I will never again find myself inside those walls again as a prisoner. Today I am a changed man. I must find the strength to believe what others say is true of me," I said resolutely.
The market district was buzzing with life. A man was running around passing out the latest edition of the Black Horse Courier. An article on the front showed a picture of the supposed Gray Fox. I assumed it was just some story made up by the Guard to keep themselves looking busy. Surely somebody that notorious could not elude the Imperial Watch for so long while remaining right under their noses.
"You really need to stop this Jarme. It's not good for your reputation. Just think if you were to be caught! You would be sent to jail for an eternity!" Prianth said worriedly.
"What do you expect me to do? I can't find work, and we need to eat. Trust me dear. I've come very far from what I used to be. I did it for you. I did it for us. I haven't tasted the sweet nectar of skooma in five years now," I replied. Bringing back the memories of my reckless younger years always haunted me so.
"I cannot love a thief. Jarme, I love you, but I do not love what you've been doing,"
I woke up to a guard dragging me to the edge of the walk.
"Are you alright? You simply collapsed in the middle of the sidewalk," the guard asked.
I was still a bit confused, thoughts of my memory going through my mind. "I'm… I'm alright. Thank you very much,"
"What's your name? You look a bit famished." The guard looked me over contemplatively. I was sure he assumed me to be a common beggar from my appearance and unsophisticated garb.
"I'm Jarme. I could use a meal. Where do you recommend I go?"
"Well, The Feed Bag is cheap, but it won't fill you up. Good for a quick bite though. In fact I'm headed over there now. My name is Palonzo. I'll take you over and treat you. You seem to have an interesting tale behind that face of yours. You surely aren't a common beggar?"
I got up to my feet, "I'm new to Cyrodiil. Haven't been here very long, but far from a beggar. I used to craft bows. Ran into a bit of trouble with competition, and here I am now." It wasn't the complete truth, but surely better than giving him more of a reason to analyze me.
"Surely you aren't that great of a craftsman. That bow of yours is rusted to the core," Palonzo mocked.
"Right. Sure is."
He stared at me unsure of what to say.