An's Diary (Skyrim Fanfic)

Candlehearth

"We'll be fine," I chant. "All we have to do is act casual. Don't remove your mask, they might notice your pallor. Oh Talos, what if they don't let us in because of the masks? Too suspicious? If they know, they'll attack on sight. We'll be fine. We just go to the first inn and sleep all day. Wake at dusk. Good. But what about the Stormcloaks? You're a legionnaire; they hate you now."

"Marcurio," Anada starts. 

I look at her. "What?"

"Shut up." Should've seen that coming.

I can't help but wonder if she looks any different. Surely her fangs have developed by now. She's had to have been a vampire for a few days now. I wonder if she's any paler. I hear they get pale.

It feels so weird, her being different. But at the same time... it's still her. Still her shrouded, straightforward self.

We walk up to the gates. A guard stands on each side.

She places her hand on the door, ready to enter.

"Wait," the closest guard remarks. She halts, hand still on the door. "I've heard about you. I know who you are." She looks at him.

He knows. We're going to have to kill them and hide their bodies in the bushes.

He lowers his voice. "Hail Sithis." She nods and opens the gate. My heart is beating a mile a minute.

"Being the leader of the Dark Brotherhood has its perks, I suppose," I remark.

"Shhh," she hisses. "Do you mind?"

"Who is Sithis anyway?"

She breathes a laugh. "I have no idea."

"It's amazing that you get by in this world."

"It's easier than you'd think. Just tell people what they want to hear and things tend to work in your favor."

I scan the signs hanging above the buildings. "There it is. Candlehearth Hall."

"Good," she replies. "It's starting to get hot out here."

We walk through the doors and toward staircase leading to the counter.

All heads gravitate towards us, commenting on our... unnerving attire.

"You alright?"   

"Yeah," she exhales. "Just tired." And she calls me stubborn.

We reach the counter.

"Two rooms please."