INNOCENCE. They say that innocence is life’s greatest illusion. And now my innocence was nothing more than just that, an illusion. I may not be a Thalmor assassin, but I am a murderer now. There was no turning back now.
As Skeever opened the door into the barracks, we were met by a surprisingly small amount of guards. Or at least ones that were awake. The beds were filled with sleeping Nords; Nords that would surely not hesitate to kill us on sight. I was hesitant to walk out across the room but I knew that in order to pull this escape off without a hitch, I would have to show confidence above all else.
This was much easier for Skeever to do; he was a nord and blended in. I was an Altmer. I stand out in a room full of anything but other Altmers. I was a head taller than anyone else in the palace. We walked very briskly out of the doorway and across the room, down the hall way, up the stairs and into the throne room. The throne was empty except for the two guards posted at the main door. Time to see if our disguises work. We walk across the room and towards the door.
This was the longest walk I think I’ve ever made. It seems like we continued to the door for what felt like days, but never reaching out destination. I just knew that at any moment we would be discovered and hauled back to those cages or even killed. Much to my surprise we were able to make it out the door without drawing attention.
We continued out of the palace and down a side corridor as we made our way into The Grey Quarter. I must admit, I had not planned this far ahead. I was confused as to what to do next but I knew that we couldn’t stay in the streets.
The city was sleeping and the streets were quiet as Skeever and I made our way to the New Gnisis Cornerclub. We entered the establishment and we were bitterly greeted by the Dark Elf barkeep. Our disguises worked much better than expected because we were given such a cold welcoming. I removed my helm to reveal my identity. The barkeep’s face went snow pale.
“Oh.” He gasped. The elf turned and yelled to the back room. “Delyna! You have a guest.” I could hear someone stirring behind the wall and a figure emerged in the doorway. It was the dark Elf lass I had spent the night drinking with. Shocked, she dropped the mug she was cleaning and sprinted towards me, leaping into a warm embrace.
“I thought you were dead!” she proclaimed! She let go of me then proceeded to the door of the Cornerclub and locked it. “Not dead yet.” I laughed.
“Come, sit down and let me get you something to eat.” She ushered Skeever and I to a table and soon we had a hot meal in front of us. It felt like days since I last ate. As soon as she sat the plate down, I immediately began to scarf down the food. I look out of the corner of my eye, over to Skeever to see him doing the same.
“Why are you dressed as a guard? And who’s this?” She asked. I swallowed hard and began to tell the story of my imprisonment, torture, and escape. “But one thing I don’t understand…” I continued “…is why I was even incarcerated in the first place. I don’t remember anything of the night I was last here.”
I looked up from my plate and stared into the lass’s eyes, hoping that she had the answers I was looking for. I could see in her eyes that she had what I seek. The female elf hung her head. “Rolff.” She said with great misery. “Rolff Stone-fist. He is a Nord living here in Windhelm and he hates all elven kind. He walks around the Grey Quarter at night and likes to shout insults at us. “
Sounded like a typical Nord living in Windhelm to me. But Delyna was greatly disturbed by it. “He wandered in here that night you and I drank, and he started shouting as usual. He saw you were a high elf and labeled you as a spy. He has a tendency of doing that. You were drunk and you fought. Then in the morning he had his brother Galmor send soldiers down to get you.”
As she spoke these words it became clear; this was just a big misunderstanding. I thought of a minute that I could go to Rolff and explain, but then I remembered the two guards that lay slain in the prison.
“I cannot stay here.” I boldly stated. Delyna stared curiously at me. Her eyes asked why, but her mouth did not move. She could tell that I had great shame, and that I was not released from prison. “My cousin has a farm just outside the city gates. It will be much safer for you and your friend there.” So without further conversation, the three of us headed back out into the streets.
Upon reaching the farm we are welcomed inside by her cousin, Belyn I believe his name was. He did not ask many questions about whom we were or why we were showing up on his doorstep at two in the morning. But I got the sense that he and Delyna were in to helping people. We were shown to a storage room with furs and hay piles laid about. A simple lantern lit the room.
“I’m sorry I can’t do better on such short notice.” Belyn apologized. I assured him that this was more than adequate. He left the three of us some bread and water. I thanked him several times before he retired to his room.
It seemed like Skeever fell asleep instantly from when he first lied down and now just Delyna and I remained awake.
“Who is he?” she whispered to me. It was a good question. I knew very little about him. “A Nord who was trapped in same prison I was. Beyond that, I’m afraid I don’t know much about him.” I replied. She just kind of grinned as she took my hand and spoke softly. “A wise man does not ask where his blessing comes from, he is simply thankful for them.” She had a good point. I don’t know where Skeever came from, or why he was in that cell. But if it weren’t for him, I’d probably be dead.
The night air was cold and the wind outside howled as wolves do before they take down a prey. I was tired but did not sleep. Seeing as how I would likely never see Delyna again, I decided to spend what time I had, in her company.
“I’m Delyna.” She said with a smile. “Lolindir.” I replied. She sat up on her knees and leaned in close to me. “You are new to Skyrim yes?” She asked anxiously. “Yes, I am.” I replied. Her eyes lit up and she began to grin from ear to ear.
“What is life like in the other providences? Are they plagued by war and hate as this one?” I could tell that life in Skyrim was taking it's toll on her. She was like me, she dreams of a place where there can be peace and acceptance. But sadly, no such place exist anymore.
I smiled at her and admitted. “I’m afraid I don’t know much of the other providences. I only know of my homeland.” A rather disappointed look took over her grey face. “Papa said that the Summerset Isle was full of tyrants and cruel lords.” I grinned at her. “Your papa may be right. But I do not hail from Alinor.” Her excitement turned to confusion in the blink of an eye.
‘You are an Altmer, no?” She asked dumfounded. “Aye, I am. But I was not raised one.” At this point I could tell I had her full attention. I began to tell her the tale of how I came to be.
“Twenty-four winters have passed since I was born in on a ship sailing from Summerset Isle to Morrowind. The ship I was on was commandeered by a group of Redguard pirates early into the voyage. My mother and I were able to escape on a dingy. For 3 days we drifted at open sea. Then we were discovered by a group of Bosmer fisherman from Woodhearth. My mother died shortly after we were discovered. There I was raised by a Bosmer family who became my new parents but hid the truth from me.” Delyna seemed to be listening more intently with every word I spoke. So I continued.
“It was very obvious that I was different from everyone else. I was much, much taller than the other kids. By the time I was 15 I was taller than most adults in my village. I was never as good at hunting as the other kids were. The scouts walked silently through the forest in search of prey. I however, had to rely on magic to muffle my footsteps. By trade I am a scout, but by birth I am a mage. Throughout the years I have seemed to find common ground between the two.”
“The hunters and warriors in my clan cut their hair into Mohawks, so I have done the same. If I were back home, green war paint would adorn my face instead of this short beard. “ Delyna held her head sideways and stared at me. "Why are you here then?" She asked.
It was a fair question, but not one I was willing to answer. "Perhaps some other time I will tell you. For now I grow tired and wish to rest. She obliges me and we extinguish the flame from the lantern. And just as I had once before, I felt happy and safe there on that cold, wooden floor. Tomorrow I must devise a plan out of Eastmarch, but that can wait. For now I will be still and enjoy the company of friends.
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