The Crimson Assassin [Skyrim Fanfiction]

Prologue: This is the Life

        Noiselessly, I traveled across the worn-down wooden floorboards of the silent home. I had my hand on the leathery handle of my blood colored dagger. The only sounds disturbing the suffocating silence of the home was the conversation of the two welcome residents within. My trained ears could tell that they were somewhere deeper within the old house. 

        As I crept across the floor, I was thinking of the best action to take. Clearly, my target was not the only one present, which made matters more difficult for me. No matter the circumstance, however, the target had to be eliminated. Even if that meant more blood had to be shed than what was called for originally. 

        Travelling deeper into the old home, light began to filter into the area. I could now see the room in which my target was located. It was a small, dimly lit living area. Creeping a little bit closer and peering through the doorway, I laid eyes upon my victim. A male Argonian by the name of Faerka. A young woman was also in the room. I gritted my teeth, frustrated that there was more than one person in the area. 

        I needed to make my decision. Do I just run in and kill both of them, running the risk of drawing attention? Do I try and attack them long distance with my bow? Or shall I wait and hide, submerged in shadows, waiting for the two to separate so I can kill my target without alerting the other?

        After some thought, I decide to wait. It seems to be the more fool-proof method, and I don't want to run the risk of attracting Riften Guards. The last thing I need is a whole city after my head. 

        To my luck, the young female gets up from her seat, leans in, and kisses Faerka. "Goodnight, my love," she speaks softly. More like goodbye. The woman exits the room,, and I can hear her going up the stairs. Faerka turns, and begins tending to the crackling fire. He has his back to me. This is absolutely perfect. I smile, warmth spreading throughout my entire body. This is why I do what I do. 

        Readying my dagger, I slowly and silently rise to my feet. 

        Breathe in. Raise the blade. 

        Breathe out. Go! 

        I lunge forward, thrusting my blade into my target's back with a great deal of force. I cover his mouth with my free hand, silencing his cries. Blood poors down my victim's back and it runs down my sword, staining the already red blade a stunning scarlet color. 

        As the Argonian falls to his knees, I whisper my usual phrase into his ear. "You have been served by the Dark Brotherhood", and I pull my weapon out of his back. Faerka falls to the floor, his eyes blank, staring into nothingness. A massive pool of blood surrounds him. I smile, and whisper to myself: "Target eliminated." 

        I run swiftly and silently out of the home and into the night. I sheathe my sword once again. No one notices my presence as I leave Riften. 

        Another job completed. 

        Another contract done. 

        Another target eliminated. 

        Outside of the city, I walk down the path a ways, and mount my horse Shadowmere who was hidden among the dark trees. 

        I travel down the uneven, rocky path back to the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary in Dawnstar, where I can show my face to my family so they know I am still alive, and that my contract has been completed.    

This is the life of the Crimson Assassin.