Strange Magic (Skyrim Fan Fiction)

Chapter 3: Marcurio

"People of Riften, heed my warnings!"

I immediately wanted to walk right out when I heard the priest rambling on about Mara. Unfortunately, I was extremely exhausted, and my legs begged me to let them rest.

"Tsk, poor fool, always comes here trying to get people to repent...like that'll help with any of this..." a voice said next to me.

I looked down at the man who sat at the bench. He had muddy brown hair tied into a ponytail behind his head and a bit of hair below his bottom lip.

"Oh, pardon me," he held out his hand,"Marcurio, miss..."

"Varia." I smiled, shaking his hand.

"An Imperial name! Well, a pleasure to meet another Imperial mage." he grinned.

"How did you know?" I asked,"Or do you just "know a mage when you see one"?"

"Yes, actually." he chuckled,"You must know many mages to be used to that."

"Eh...more or less." I shrugged, thinking about Savos and the entire College...

"Can I buy you a drink?" Marcurio asked.

I was stumped by his request, as no one had ever been so polite to me before. Usually men shove gifts in my face without any thought other than to win my heart.

"I wouldn't want to be a burden..." I said sheepishly.

"Nonsense! You look tired and stressed enough already, allow me to spare you any further frustrations."

I smiled at his insistence. I had been robbed previously on the rode to Riften, the bandits only leaving me a few Septims. I had kept walking and only stopped twice to rest, but those times were mistakes as I was either nearly killed or worse. I admit, Skyrim is much more deadly than the warm welcoming hills of Cyrodiil.

"Alright, but I'll have to repay you later."

Marcurio stood to his full height and brushed off his robes,"Well, I hate to break it to you miss, but by the looks of your coin purse, I don't think that's possible for you at the moment. I'm not exactly the cheapest mercenary."

I crossed my arms across my chest and looked up at him,"And how do you suggest I go about paying you?"

He mimicked my actions and grinned down at me,"Tell you what, you join me in my sell sword business and you can give me half your pay."

"Sell sword? I'm only an Apprentice destruction mage, you do know this?"

"Well maybe the experience will help. Besides, I'll be there to make sure you don't flop like a fish when you get electrocuted," he smiled broadly at me and out stretched his hand,"Deal?"

I laughed a little and shook his hand,"Deal."

--

Doing jobs with Marcurio was rewarding, but challenging. He was cocky and slightly egotistical, but he was a good teacher, and taught me a few Novice spells. I now knew how to cast a basic ward, and conjure up a Flame Atronach. The people who hired us were mostly travelers looking for protection or someone to help out with bandits. Marcurio's price had doubled, meaning only the wealthy ones bought us. And at the end of the day, half my pay would go to Marcurio, which was 50 Septims for him and 50 for me.

I enjoyed the time I spent with him, but I had to leave for the College soon, and I had enough gold to last me a few days. I broke the news to Marcurio one afternoon, and he seemed solemn to see me go.

"I'm sorry, but I have to get to the College before the snow settles in." I said, offering him a sad smile.

"I understand. It was nice having someone to talk to for once." He said, shaking my hand once again,"And if you're ever passing through, make sure to look me up."

I nodded,"Of course."

"You're sure you don't need someone to escort you?"

"I think I can handle myself out there just fine." I nodded.

He sighed,"I know."

I waved to the Argonians that owned the inn and headed for the door. I pushed it open and made my way for the stables. I paid the man at the carriage to take me to Winterhold, and climbed in the back with the other travelers.