Split Loyalties [A Skyrim Fanfic]

~Chapter One~

Before you begin, I am so sorry. I lost my phone and was unable to access Wattpad. I feel awful for not updating, buuuut while I was gone, I managed to write a chapter in a notebook (wow it was messy too XD), and once I have it typed out, I'll update it. Again, I'm super sorry, and I hope you enjoy!

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A muffled snoring can be heard coming from the back of the house. Candlelight flickers softly, reflecting off parts of the stone walls. The smell of a previous feast wafts through the silent air, but all the visitors left prior to Nepo deciding he was tired and wanted to sleep, leaving him alone.

I quietly sneak through the house, avoiding various objects scattered on the floor. My footsteps lightly tap, tap, tap on the floor, creating a small echo.

I find the display case containing the jeweled amulet. After pulling out a pick, I place it inside the lock. It takes a few tries to set it, but soon I hear the faint click. Opening the case and picking up my prize, I carefully place it in a pocket.

Before I leave, I snatch a few coin purses for both myself and the Guild. It may be on its way to being back on its feet, but that doesn't mean I can't help out here and there.

The door clicks shut behind me as the lock falls back into place. My body fills with relief as a stand from my crouched position and begin walking down the steps. I see a trio of floating torches coming up the step, getting closer with each passing second.

Guards. Damn, they'll probably recognize my armor if they get too close. I slip behind the pillar next to the entrance to Nepo's house. Despite being semi-visible, the guards are pretty lazy when it comes to scoping out the area and it's dark. Pulling the hood over my head down a bit further, I melt into the shadows waiting for the guards to pass.

"-about the rumors?" A male voice came into my range of hearing. He sounded stuffy, as if he was coming down with a head cold.

"Which one? There's so many these days it's almost hard to keep up." A hefty laugh came from the second guard.

"The one about Maven Black-Briar and the Dark Brotherhood."

The female who still hasn't commented until now looks around, as if paranoid an assassin is lurking behind her as they speak. "Yeah, I've heard of those," she says, her voice strained.

"Hah, the Dark Brotherhood doesn't exist. It's just a load of skeever shit to scare the children into behaving!" The third guard narrows his eyes, challenging the other two to prove him wrong.

Paranoia speaks again, "And what, was the Emperor's death along with his cousin and Commander Maro just from a silly disease?"

Disbelief waves away the question, unwilling to admit he's wrong. "Whatever. Just get on with it and tell me what it is."

Ailing's face lights up, ready to spill what he had been keeping in. "Apparently, Maven Black-Briar is no longer in league with the Thieves Guild. They've turned their back on her, and now the woman wants revenge. I've heard she contacted the Dark Brotherhood."

Nodding her head, Paranoia eagerly continues the rumor. "And this time instead of one or two targets, it's the whole Guild."

Without realizing it, a loud gasp escapes my lips before I could try to stop it. I cringe inwardly, hoping my cover isn't blown. Holding my breath, I try to move as far back to the wall as possible.

Paranoia whips around, holding out her arms in hope to protect her friends from the 'assassin' lurking in the shadows. "You hear that? I swear, there's something out there. In the dark."

Disbelief scans the surroundings. "Yeah, I heard it too. Only burglars creep around after dark."

"And vampires," the superstitious Ailing adds. He brings a torch closer to my hiding spot. Despite trying my best, I can't stay hidden for long with three alert guards, each carrying a torch to light up the darkness in search of thieves like myself.

They see me with no trouble. "Thief!" One of the male screams, alerting all the guards in the surrounding area. They all pull out their weapons. Some carry swords and war-axes, and others carry bows, already preparing the arrows.

I jump up and fly past them down three sets of stairs, avoiding guards at each corner. Turning a sharp corner, I stumble into a stream, splashing a Vigilant, before regaining my footing.

As I catapult myself over a bridge, arrows whizz past my head, missing their target by only inches. They bounce off the huge metal gates that lead out of the city, which I now go through.

The guards outside look confusedly at me as I speed past them. They hadn't heard the commotion inside, and don't move to stop me before I jump on a horse and ride the startled animal away from the city as fast as it can manage.

~~~

Checking behind my shoulder once more, I let the horse slow to a two-beat gait. My pursuers were lost long ago, but I didn't want to risk giving them a chance to catch up.

Now that I could focus less on staying on the horse as I ride back to Riften, I direct my thoughts to the rumor the guards were speaking of. So the Dark Brotherhood, huh? I know Maven is set on revenge, but would she really go that far? I wouldn't have thought she would be so drastic. No doubt the woman likes her to keep things under her control, but she's truly power-crazed. And now that she's lost almost half of it-

Gods. I have to warn the Guild.

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So? What did you think? :D Honestly, I'm extremely excited to continue writing it! Annnnd I have the whole plot written out (which I almost published on accident... oops) which means I shouldn't get too stuck when I'm writing! :D

I hope to see you next time! Have a beautiful day, and thank you so much for reading!

-ss