Between Light and Darkness

1

The carriage creaked along the cobbled road, each bump sending a jolt through my bones. As we rode, I gazed out at the lush landscapes of Skyrim, the hills rolling gently like waves beneath a deep blue sky. The sun filtered through the trees, casting playful shadows that danced across the ground. It was a sight that usually filled me with a sense of adventure, a reminder of the beauty that lay in this untamed land.

But today, my gaze was drawn not just to the scenery but to the driver's stubborn silence. His hands gripped the reins tightly, knuckles white, as he avoided looking in my direction. The man had known me for years; it was as if he thought that by ignoring me, I wouldn't see him. I rolled my eyes, my impatience bubbling beneath the surface.

"Really, mate?" I called out, my voice cutting through the stillness. "You think I can't see you just because you're pretending I'm not here?"

He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his eyes still fixed on the road ahead. I couldn't help but smirk at his obvious discomfort. He was trying too hard to be inconspicuous, but it only made him more noticeable to me. I leaned back in my seat, arms crossed, and sighed dramatically. "I don't know why everyone says Riften is so grim," I said, loud enough for him to hear. The scenery was stunning, but my annoyance with him was a distraction.

"Huh?" he finally replied, glancing back at me, surprise flickering in his eyes.

"Ah, were you not listening, mate? That's a shame. I said, 'I don't know why everyone says Riften is so grim.'" I tilted my head, raising an eyebrow, enjoying the slight tension in the air.

"Oh?" he asked, his voice uncertain, as if he was bracing for my next comment.

"Yeah, there's plenty of mead, spiced wine, and, well, plenty of women to bed. Plus, the coffers are ripe for the picking!" I grinned, leaning forward to catch his eye, but he quickly turned his head back to the road, clearly trying to hide his unease.

The ride continued in silence, the tension thick enough to cut with my dagger. I watched the landscape pass by, my admiration for the beauty around me mingling with irritation at my driver's refusal to engage. We reached Riften sooner than expected, and I couldn't shake the feeling that he'd missed an opportunity to enjoy a conversation with the Master of the Thieves Guild. Perhaps he knew me by something else? Normally hes less tense. I tipped the driver and thanked him.

As I approached the gates of Riften, the familiar sight of the city loomed ahead. The stone walls were imposing, and the air was thick with the scent of ale and the murmur of hushed conversations. I strode confidently toward the entrance, but two guards stepped forward, blocking my path.

"Hold it right there, criminal," one of them barked, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. The other guard, a smirk plastered on his face, looked me up and down as if trying to decide whether I was worth the trouble.