Legends of Tamriel (Skyrim Extras)

Tale 2: Betrayal

Well, guess who wrote something, even though they're supposed to be studying? I'm trying something a bit different here; it's been awhile since I've written angst so I decided to see how I'd do with writing a short piece. This is pretty different from the stuff I usually write (and considerably shorter, too), but I hope that it's still enjoyable! Or as enjoyable as angst can be, anyway.

I really have nothing else to say in this A/N, so onto the one-shot!

__________________________________________________________________

In, out.

The world faded with each breath she took, in sync with each steadily weakening gasp that escaped her broken, bloody body.

"How interesting. It appears Gallus's history has repeated itself."

Pure, unrestrained hatred surged through her entire being as those loathsome words pounded in her head, the pain of knowing what had befallen her almost as terrible as the gaping slit through her midsection, a wound that would most likely be the end of her.

In, out.

She should've anticipated this, or been ready for even the seemingly impossible to happen on this venture, but oh how she'd been so easily fooled. There is no honor among thieves after all, it seems, she thought to herself, an emotion akin to bitterness flitting across her face before it once again assumed an expression of agony.

"Karliah has provided me with the means to be rid of you, and this ancient tomb becomes your final resting place."

Her fists clenched weakly but angrily nonetheless as more of her former Guildmaster's words echoed in her head, turning her hurt to anger as she lay uselessly on the cold, dirty stone ground, the dark puddle around her spreading further with every second, uncomfortably warm and sticky where it came in contact with her bare skin.

In, out.

"But do you know what intrigues me the most? The fact that this was all possible because of you."

This only caused her anger to grow stronger, and, taking a deep breath, she opened her eyes, the effort of that one small action hurting almost more than her wound did. I'm not going to die here. I refuse. I'm not going to be cut down by the likes of that scoundrel. No, I'm going to find this filthy bastard and I'm going to make him pay with his blood for every atrocity he's committed against the Guild and everyone in it.

Her sight, which was already very weak, suddenly became even less clear, blackness creeping in around the edges of her vision, and, in somewhat of a frenzy, she thought angrily, Did you not hear me, Arkay? I'm not going anywhere until I make that son of a horker squeal like the pig he is, and not even death will stop me! You're not going to take me! You're not!

In. Out.

"Farewell. I'll be certain to give the Guild your regards."

Those mocking parting words rang in her ears as the pain in her midsection increased tenfold, when suddenly, a thought even more chilling than Mercer's betrayal hit her. Wait... They... The Guild... They're in trouble... Screw revenge... Have to warn them! Gods... Give me strength...

Familiar faces flashed through her mind's eye as the unease she'd been trying in vain to push away finally exploded in form of pleasant memories now long since over; Vex's sarcastic smirk as she said something to Delvin, a slightly embarrassed look crossing his face as he responded sharply and a bit too quickly to her previous remark and the wicked and brilliant gleam in Brynjolf's eyes as he rambled on about one of his many 'get rich quick' plans to those unfortunate enough to be around to listen and old friends long since gone, friends whose shades she swore she could hear now, telling her to move, do something, do anything, and above all to save herself-

In... out...

But as it was, she couldn't so much as twitch a muscle. Her sight had deserted her as she stared lifelessly at the ceiling, in mental and physical anguish as her last conscious thought was knowing that she had failed she had been so wrong and people she cared about were going to be hurt for her foolishness.

For the first time in years, she felt something wet and frigid slip from the corner of her eye, trailing down the side of her face as she finally gave in to the darkness surrounding her.

in... out.

__________________________________________________________________

My gosh I've forgotten how much fun it was to mess with characters. XD I'm a bit rusty at this, though, so if you have any suggestions on how to improve this, please do let me know!

Also, for those of you who notice the slight dialogue change for what Mercer says during Speaking With Silence, my replacement of "give Brynjolf your regards" with "give the Guild your regards" was intentional. I felt it was more appropriate for Idala because of changes I've made to her as a character and the fact I don't really ship her romantically with anyone, so...

I'm sorry this was so short, by the way! I felt it might be more potent with less words, not to mention I'm taking a break from hardcore studying for AP exams to write up this little thing.

Well, as always, please do feel free to drop a vote and/or comment if you enjoyed the chapter, and see you next time! Good adventuring, dear readers!

-AA