Author's Note:
Thanks for taking the time to read Skyrim Days. I developed the idea for this while doing several play throughs of Skyrim with many different role plays. It got me thinking, this could make for amazing storytelling and here we are! So sit back snuggle up and enjoy Skyrim Days.
Chapter 1:
"…y…ey…Hey you. You're finally awake. You were trying to cross the border right? Walked right into that Imperial Ambush…" A blond hardy looking man spoke to me as my eyes dazedly opened. I had taken a look around and noticed two others in the cart with us. One looked like your average thief but, the other was gagged and looked more official and familiar but couldn't place him. It was then I noticed I was bound like these other men and being transported by Imperial soldiers as some kind of prisoner.
All I could think to myself was, "How did I even get here…" Before that, let's have a chat about me before we get further in.
My name is Gillian Auros, I'm roughly a 26 years old human fairly built, with some uniquely silver eyes and teal hair that is pulled back with a side braid. I come from the Royal House of Auros located in Cyrodil. The Auros line is a family of gifted Mages and Scholars who had some unique body alterations due to the exceptional amount of mana in our bodies.
My father is Raven Auros, a human Mage Knight of the Imperial army and my mother Lillith Auros, a human Sage of the Capital. A family of fantastic Magic users… and then there is me, their prodigy heir THAT CANT USE MAGIC! Listen, it's not that I can't I just don't know how my brain can't wrap around the idea of it and manifest it in any way possible. Have you ever tried casting magic I bet you have and nothing happens right? That's what happens to me because no matter my teacher, tutors and masters it doesn't make sense to me. One master said my magic is under a lock my own body created and needs to be released making this twice as hard.
Even without magic, I'm not incapable. I'm pretty handy with a weapon and I love my trusty Iron Axe that I was taught to forge myself.
Now with some background out of the way, let's get into the meat of the beginning.
A few days earlier, in the Capital City in the House of Auros.*
My mother slightly annoyed scolded me, "What do you mean you want to leave Gillian? What could the outside world possibly offer you that you can't gain here?" She spoke at one end of the large dinner table.
My mother Lillith, is a lavender colored hair woman that's long and billowing, with silver eyes and was fairly tall, slender with pale skin. She stood taller than my father and much taller over me. Donning some dark robes with golden trims and a strong magic aura around her.
My father Raven, at the other end was not as tall as mother but slightly taller than me. He has slicked back white-blond hair, a little less built than me, his skin was fair with a small beard growing and wore a white clean suit with some fancy gold details and his Rapier at his side.
My father spoke in a deep tired voice, "Gillian I understand you're insecure about not being magically adept in the family. But, going off to the unknown isn't going to help you and might be more dangerous without it."
I stood from my seat and confidently spoke, "Mother. Father. I understand your concerns but I believe I should go out on my own and discover myself as well as spread the Auros name and its influence there's so much outside..." After i rambled on to my parents, they looked unimpressed, more so my mother.
She then massaged bridge of her nose and sighed, "Listen, if you're really serious about your travel-"
I was too excited I cut her off, "Thank you mother for your bless-"
She raised her hand to finish, "Silence, I would rather you go off with our full support than you sneaking off on your own. You're reckless and even gullible at times. So yes you have my blessing. We will send word to some associates in the province of Whiterun of you're coming. That way we can at least guarantee you won't be totally alone." I was very happy to hear this and as I looked at my father he shrugged and nodded in agreement as he was eating. Mother spoke again, "Now we will send you off with a care package something that should keep you afloat until you can make your own way. Also, have you come up with a destination for this adventure?"
I pulled out my Journal from my side and began looking in it and informed my parents of the land of Skyrim.
Upon hearing this my father questioned, "You've been planning this for some time I suspect. You understand that Skyrim is more barbaric than here correct? There are more dangers that could take your life if you aren't careful?"
I responded and reassured him, "Yes, I've looked into it quite a bit and even done some reading of the land, politics, commerce and crime. It's also filled with ancient magics and ruins that might help discover my magic within me." Father looked at Mother without any further argument to make. After some more discussions later we concluded I would set out the following morning for Skyrim.
Later that evening as I prepared for bed, mother knocked and entered my room. She then hugged me and said, "Make sure you return to us in one piece. I can't risk destroying another nation and keep it under wraps a second time."
As she said that not only was it nice but, a little concerning. I could never grasp the full extent of mother's powers and neither could many others. In that moment all I could say was, "Thank you," and "I will." As soon as she left I laid to rest to begin my new life the next morning
The next morning, around sunrise, I had finished packing my Travel Pack and my parents saw me off. Father lent me a horse and extra satchel packed with supplies ufor the trip. After our goodbyes, I rode off passing the beautiful gardens and pathway to the enchanted gated fence. As the guards attending it opened it I dashed off feeling the free wind glide through my hair and sun kissing my face. I didn't look back but I could feel Mother and Father happily sending me off.
Finally, I have what I've always wanted, freedom with no longer being enclosed inside, while forging my own path and story now. The ride was great and according to my maps I should be reaching the Skyrim boarder within a few days which is no issue. Traveling north though I could tell the difference in weather. It was less comfortable and a more chilled airspace. The clothing I was wearing was very comfortable but I'm sure the further north I get the less effective they will become but later me would figure that out. My current goal was to make it into Skyrim as fast as I could while retaining much of my resources so a four days ride was my goal.
After hours of riding and the occasional break we came to the end of the day. I made camp within a nice grassland a fair ways away from the mountains in the distance. I could see the base of ice peaks in the distance with many dark clouds above and blocking most of the mountain peaks. Today was pretty simple, passing by the commoners was pretty much a refreshing sight to see. The farms, the animals it was… different. I couldn't imagine how difficult it would be here in this region of the Empire. We rarely have many bandit issues in our section of the Capital. As my thoughts were going, I drifted off to sleep thinking of the smooth sailing it was so far. This routine continued on the next two days as I'd gotten closer to the Skyrim border I could see the path leading up the mountains to the entrance into Skyrim.
On the fourth day things took a harsh turn. In the middle of the night just before the mountain pass path, I had made a stop in a forest clearing out of the way for camp. The air was quite and the only sounds was the rustling of bushes and trees. It wasn't until I heard the sound of a blade unsheathing and footsteps rapidly approaching me that I managed to jump to my knees and roll away from my attacker. I was shocked I couldn't see my attacker and pinpoint their location. All I could see through my sleepy daze was a distorted space where I believe someone had stood but it disappeared as soon as the attack failed. My packs were opposite of me in the campsite and my Axe was attached to it. I stood silent trying to listen cause I felt eyes on me but from where? I made a mad dash towards my axe and the figure bursted out of the bushes behind me still invisible. With seconds to spare, I ripped my Axe from its leather strap and swung it back deflecting the blade strike. The veil dropped and revealed a figure I had only heard about in stories and I was mortified. The person was the Dark Brotherhood.
The Dark Brotherhood was a shadowy organization of assassins hired to kill their intended targets. Their means of contact were outlawed and anyone found in possession of the materials needed to summon them was immediately arrested. Somehow, someone who knows of my journey, caught wind and is trying to put a stop to it before it begins. It couldn't be did someone betray me?
Beneath the dark hood I saw the piercing blue eyes of a female Khajiit, and those eyes were determined to plunge her blade into my heart. Jumping to my feet dodging her next strike, I lunged forward swinging the Axe either to strike or disarm the Assassin it did not matter. What mattered now was not letting her kill me in this moment. Our weapons clashed fierce and hard. I was not new to combat but, her speed was incredible on a whole other level than I've ever seen. Her hands were so swift my eyes couldn't follow. After a few more swipes she jumped and roundhouse kicked my arm, injuring it and whipping out a second blade.
"It is time for your end Imperial. You are impressive though. Almost a shame I must claim your life now." In her feminine, raspy voice she mumbled. In a flash, she lunged at me, dashing past and slashing my arm somewhat deep where she had kicked me. The pain was so intense I gritted my teeth, screamed in pain and fell to my knees. The Khajiit stood in front of me pointing her blade at my throat.
"What do you want from me?" I coughed and mumbled. To my surprise she responded.
"Someone of Skyrim wants your life and I have been sent to claim it." She coldly spoke as she looked down on me battered and bleeding.
"So you're willing to risk death to kill me, do you have any idea who backs me? I know about the Dark Brotherhood and its practices. Here's what gonna happen I'm gonna beat you into submission and you're gonna tell me what I know." Stalling for time and thinking of a way out was my only hope is to distract her from killing me right now.
The Khajiit narrowed her eyes gripping her sword, "You think you can defeat me in this state, how amusing. I almost want to indulge your request for my own amusement." We held eye contact for a short while until she pulled her blade back a bit. "Very well, Imperial defeat me in your state and… I'll consider your offer."
Without giving her another moment, with my still good Axe arm, I swung upwards rushing at her. She seemed surprised of my little bit of energy left in me even though I was rapidly losing strength and blood as I moved. She leapt at a tree trunk and started leaping from tree to tree at blurring speeds until she charged with another spinning kick on my already destroyed arm. With a snap of the bone it went limp, the pain was too much and I was enraged by her condescending laughter. I felt something deep inside surge, for a brief moment I had a moment of clarity. The Assassin made another lunging attack. With all my strength I had left, I whipped backwards throwing my Axe at her. Her expression had changed then, as the momentum of the Axe and her momentum collided, it dug deep within her shoulder and she was left stunned and unfocused. I stood and with my non broken arm close-lined her finally taking her down.
The fight was won and I was victorious. I slumped next to the dazed and injured Khajiit and took her weapons from her hands as she lay stunned. My Axe was stuck deep in her almost hitting a vital artery in her neck and she was bleeding at an incredible rate. I knew fighting was bad but it's worse than any readings or training I have done. I removed my Axe but then in the same wound stuck her sword all the through pinning it through to the ground below. I could hear intense grumbling and moaning from the downed Assassin.
"This will be your grave Cat. I have won and now you'll tell me what I want to know." I walked to my torn pack and took out a red potion and chugged it until I could feel my bone repair and wound slightly close. The pain was still there because of how severe it was but over time it should go away.
The Khajiit was wheezing in pain and laughed, "Silly humans, you all believe everyone is your ally cause you're strong and well connected. Allies grow with envy some want your Imperial head on a plate. I may not be the one who grants your death but I am one of many. The contract is out and we will collect it! Hail Sithis!" With that she pulled out a black vial and drank it until her body grew cold and lifeless.
I had a new determination not only to see my goal through but, go after the one who targeted my life. I searched the Assassin found her gold pouch and took it since she doesn't seem like she'll need it anymore and a note.
"The Black Sacrament has been performed by a client and some fool named Gillian Auros is wanted dead. This contract is to be carried out and completed. Failure is not an option. ~ Astrid" I dropped the note on the body and begun packing my things. Astrid… that name sounded familiar at least from what I know she is a higher ranked member of the Dark Brotherhood her whereabouts are unknown but she knows about me and that's worst case scenario.
With no more time to rest I placed my backpack on, hoisted myself up and prepared to take off but, my horse was now missing. The lead was cut and looks like it was set free. One annoyance after the other which meant I had to set out on foot.
Trudging now up the mountainous path exhausted from my encounter it dawned on me that this was not a fairytale as I had wished it to be. Several hours passed and I finally made it to the border gate. I looked up weakly and with a sigh of relief, breathed in the new chilled area sweeping from the mountains which put a little pep in my step and continued further past the border gate. I traveled until I met a fork in the road there were signs directing me to my left that read, "Helgen, Falkreath, Riverwood and Whiterun" the right read, "Riften, Shor's Stone, Ivarstead and Windhelm." So I made my choice and went left towards Whiterun.
It didn't take long for me to run into some natives of the land, the Natives here were Nords, a strong and hardy group of people. Some of the proudest people you'll ever meet. This group looked like a militia of sorts and heavily armed. The head of the group saw me making my slow way in their direction and he halted the group. This strong looking, blond man called out to me.
"Hail traveler, what business do you have in the lands of Skyrim? The lands are crawling with the Imperial Legion and the Dominion making it unsafe for anyone to travel alone come with us and we'll see to it that your weariness is taken care of." The man spoke proud and true, he almost had the bearing of a King the way he commanded the air around him. He must've seen me stumbling, my ripped and bloody clothing and tired eyes as I came closer.
Before I could lift my head and greet him what I could only guess was Imperial Soldiers leapt out from the rocks, trees and bushes surrounding the road. The sounds of battle began to ring out once more. I was too weary and weak to fight I watched as the Nords begun to fall until the group was no more than a few. I was clubbed in the head with a pommel by a soldier. Before I fell unconscious I saw an older gentleman clad in Golden Imperial armor approach the group and all went dark.
And that's how we got to this point and now, here's where my journey really begins in the land of Skyrim.