i write sometimes

Characters: Kaidan x Kimiya (Original Character)

Summary: Reminiscing, and a constant reminder of their shattered friendship.

Word Count: 5,191

Warnings: a lil spicyy, LIKE A MILLIMETER OF SPICE I SWEAR, Mallus Maccius

A few wee notes:

the main character is a redguard woman (she's black y'all). while i describe her in detail please feel free to envision her however you'd like.

title is from the song "How Could an Angel Break My Heart" by toni braxton and babyface

Chapter 4 (Acquaintances)

⋆｡‧˚ʚChapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3 ɞ˚‧｡⋆

“You’re so slow Miya!! Can’t catch me like that!” The little black haired boy called out as he stood firm, his hands cupped around his mouth to amplify the sound of his voice.

The said girl came running up the hill after him, pouting with her brows furrowed. Her forest green dress had mud stains littering it, and her chubby little legs had them too. Leaves and small twigs poked out from her kinky curly fro. Her hair bouncing, occasionally freeing a leaf or two from her curly tresses.

Just as she was only a few feet from the boy, he jumped to the side before running a few feet away again. She halted to a stop, teetering over slightly threatening to fall into the grass. Thankfully she was able to regain her balance. She huffed before turning towards the direction he went. However in the same fashion as before he was able to dodge and run the opposite direction. Kimiya let out a groan in frustration, getting absolutely fed up.

Her head whipped towards the direction he went in, her face nearly red in rage. This time instead of just running at him, once she got closer she leaped off the ground in an attempt to tackle him. The boy’s eyes widened as he jumped to the side, this action causing Kimiya to fall face first into the mud puddle with a loud squish. Mud flew in all directions. The boy uttered an “oh shit” before rushing to the side of his friend.

“Miya, are you okay?” He asked, grabbing both her hands as she sat up from the messy puddle. He pulled her out of the puddle. Kimiya’s entire face was covered in the sop, her curls clumping together due to the mud. The entire dress was ruined, at least you could still see the green before she fell, now it should be considered a brown dress.

“I hate you, Kaidan!! You never play fair!” She cries out, tears flowing out her brown eyes. Her little hands came up wiping her eyes sobbing into her hands.

“It’s not my fault you chose to jump at me!” He argues back, crossing his arms, turning his back on her. At this she sobbed louder into her hands, sniffling and her shoulders trembling.

Kaidan’s brows furrowed as he pressed his lip into a firm line. Hearing her sobs made him look down at his feet, feeling worse. He let out a sigh before turning back around.

Kimiya saw from the cracks in her fingers his figure crouching down beside her. She felt his hands gingerly grab hers and pull them from her face. She looked up at him curiously, as he gripped her hand. He slowly pulled her to her feet walking towards the river close by the cottage. He sat her down on a large rock close to the river’s edge. She grew even more inquisitive as he ripped the bottom part of his tunic off so he had a thin cloth in his hands. He dunked the material in the running water unceremoniously, before beginning to rub the dirt off her face.

She pulled away, turning away from him angrily to which he grabbed her hand again pulling her back gently.

“Stop it!” He says firmly, eyes narrowed. Can’t she see he’s trying to help? Her eyes narrowed back towards him, not backing down. He sighed again.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean what I said.” He looks down again, kneeling in front of her. “I didn’t mean to hurt you, or your feelings. Can you forgive me?” He finally asks, before looking up.

At this she looked back towards the boy kneeling in front of her.

“Are you kids okay, did something happen?” A soft worried voice called out, causing both kids to look back up towards the cottage. A woman in a simple brown and tan dress stood the the front door, peering down at the duo.

“Yes mom!” Kimiya yelled back, she looked back at the black haired boy below her. She had to think of something. She thought of the only thing that made sense in her child-mind.

“Kaidan’s proposing!” This caused the boy's cheeks to turn just as bright red as his eyes. So flabbergasted he attempted to let out an “Am not!” However Kimiya’s mom beat him to it.

“Well that’s going to have to wait till after supper! Hurry up before the stew gets cold!” She laughs out before retreating back into the small home.

Kimiya looked back at Kaidan with a smug look on her face. He leered at her, a grumpy look on her face.

“Apology accepted. Plus I kept you from getting in trouble with mommy!”

He rolled his eyes, before going back to cleaning off her chubby cheeks. After several swipes and scrubs the dirt was almost barely visible.

The boy stood up again, holding out a stubby hand.

“Ready?” He asked, to which she nodded, grabbing his hand; allowing him to pull her up and guide her to her feet. Once she stood fully on her feet, an idea came to mind. An attempt to make the energy comfortable.

“I bet I can beat you to the house!” She claimed. A grin stretched across his face at the sound of the challenge.

“You’re on!” He accepted the challenge with a glint of determination in his eyes.

“When I win, you have to marry me for real!” She said, crossing her arms.

“When I win, you have to go hunting with me.” He said, crossing his arms.

“123 GO!” Kimiya rushes out, running a slightly earlier than the word “GO”

“Cheater!” Kaidan called out as he attempted to catch up.

Kaidan’s inner clock woke him up roughly at the same time he heard Kimiya shuffling about. As he cracked his eye open he saw her body hunched over her pack, taking inventory of everything she had. He heard her mumble to herself, counting.

“Ok 4 healing potions, 5 apples, 5 stamina potions and… wait is it… do I have my…” She mumbles incoherently.

“Okay, uhm okay so… one two…”

He pushed himself up on his forearms, letting out a hardy yawn in the process. The sound that escaped his lips caught the attention of the woman beside him. Kimiya looked over her shoulder.

“Morning.” She greeted with a nod of acknowledgement, before turning back towards the task at hand

“I’m assuming you slept well, judging by the drool on your chin.” She grinned evilly to herself, practically hearing the man scramble to wipe his chin and mouth. At the feeling of his dry chin he halted, giving her a deadpan stare.

“Kidding.” She says nonchalantly. Without even having to look back to see his expression she knew the expression he bore, and the fact he caught onto her little ruse. He huffed, sitting up and shrugging on an undershirt before putting on his armor.

“Well you can’t blame me if I was. S’not every weekend you get captured and tortured by the Thalmor.”

Kimiya bit the inside of her lip when hearing this, reminded of the state she found her childhood friend in. She turned back towards him, closing up her pack.

“How are you feeling by the way?” She asks softly.

“I’ll be fine, been through worse.” He responds dispondantly, his eyes still trained on the bag in front of him. He stands up, swigging his pack onto his back with a huff. He turns towards the woman below him before holding out his gloved hand.

“Ready? Or do you need to count everything in your pack one more time?” He said with a smug expression plastered on his face.

“Oh Haha. Did anyone ever tell you you’re so hilarious?” She replies with sarcasm etched into every word. She takes his hand before finally standing on her feet. Letting go of his hand she stepped towards the creaky wooden door, pulling it open with two strong tugs.

The morning light was a stark contrast to the dark and dingy color pallet that was inside the abandoned prison. The sun was shining from just below the top of the trees. The sun's rays peeking through the various leaves and branches. There was a soothing smell in the air due to the rain from last night.

The road to Whiterun was silent, aside from the sounds of bird chirping and the occasional rustle of bushes or the occasional wolf attack. Kimiya had her hands on her hips, and she was staring up at the blue sky. She occasionally stretched her neck, and cracked her knuckles. Every now and again her eyes would glance towards Kaidan. It was weird. It’s been five years, the longest they’ve ever been apart. Truly it was like seeing a ghost. Has he changed? Was he the same? Did his favorite color change? Has he learned anything about his past? His heritage? Why did she even suggest that he accompany her on her mission? Why was she continuously giving him chances and chances? She might have been staring for too long.

“Glad to see you’ve developed a staring problem.” He teased without taking his eyes off the road ahead. So she in fact was staring for too long.

“Just trying to figure out why in all these four years you didn’t get a haircut.” She shot back thoughtlessly before turning back towards the rocky path ahead.

“Dunno, never had any complaints about it before. Think it suits me.”

By the Nine it did.

“Whatever floats your boat I guess.” She shrugs.

“What’re we doing in Whiterun?” He asks, finally taking his eyes off the road to look at his traveling companion. The timing was perfect too, as the Hold’s capital came into view. Dragons Reach was impressive, and was the first thing they noticed.

“Got a job to do.”

“What kind of job?”

“Espionage.”

Kaidan quirked an eyebrow at this, intrigued.

“Espionage, eh?” He said, swatting away a cluster of gnats. “Didn’t know you were in the business of…spying. How’d you get involved in that?”

Kimiya recalled her first year with the Thieves Guild.

“We’ll save that story for a tavern.” She smiles softly at the memories as she adjusted the pack on her shoulders.

It was then Kaidan’s turn to have a staring problem, He watched as she took a few strides ahead of him. Part of him was happy to see she was doing well, and that she was well off. She had some sort of form of income, she had stories to tell, and adventures to recall. The deep and buried part of him was bitter. Bitter that he couldn’t be there to experience those adventures, tell the other half of their stories. Make a life with her. He knew it was no one’s fault but his own. Maybe another even deeper part of him, hoped he could make that life with her…now?

Abruptly Kimiya takes a sharp turn, causing Kaidan to look towards her then towards the road before following not far behind. He watched her come upon some large bushes. She looked around for what Kaidan assumed were any possible threats. Once the coast was clear she rummaged through her pack, pulling out a second pair of clothes. Her brown eyes darted towards Kaidan. Her bag went soaring into his arms, he caught it expertly before looking at her confused.

“Keep an eye out for people.” She orders, he gives her a nod before turning around keeping an eye out for any people around. He didn’t completely understand why, but he’d ask questions later. However once he heard a shift in the bushes behind him he directed his attention towards the noise. He didn’t expect to see her bare back. His eyes involuntarily shifted down her toned back. Her soft skin caught the sunlight in such a way that made it seem like she was glowing, almost as if flakes of gold were embedded in her skin. He realized the hard stare he had on her when he watched her slide on a white blouse. He quickly averted his eyes, staring at the road ahead. That however, didn’t stop the blush from forming on his cheeks.

After about a minute or two Kimiya finally came clamoring over to his side. She had tripped over a rock or two, but she’d rather die than tell Kaidan that. She brushed off her brown skirts and adjusted her corset, which she opted for as opposed to her leather armor. Looking like an ordinary civilian She reached her arm out towards Kaidan. He wordlessly handed her back her pack.

“Thanks.” Kimiya says as she grabs her bag and tosses it over her shoulder.

But before walking away was even an option Kimiya looked Kaidan up and down. His heavy armor catches in the light from the sun shining above. His long sword strapped to his back. He was sure to draw attention. Kaidan watched her look him up and down with a confused and flustered look on his face, and his face only flushed more when she spoke.

“Do you have anything under that?”

He blinked, bewildered before answering truthfully.

“Y-“ A squeak left his lips as he tried to speak. He coughed into his fist clearing his throat.

“Yes.” His voice deeper than usual

“Good. I need that armor off.”

“You what?”

Kimiya sighs before tapping on the armor, her nails making a dinging noise each time they rapped against the metal.

“Off. Now.”

“Why?” He asked, his cheeks growing slightly pink. His voice slightly higher pitched and more urgent, his eyes wide.

Kimiya scrunched her face up in annoyance and confusion.

“What the…why are you stressing? Your armor is way too flashy. Well I mean…so are you. But you’ll be the talk of the hold if you walk in like that. A red-eyed swordsman? Oh yeah, if I were a simple farm hand that’s all I’d be talking about.” Kimiya explains with her hands on her hips, her tone irritated that she had to explain all this. But then again this is Kaidan we’re talking about, man couldn’t sneak up on someone in a dark, and noisy room.

“Oh. Of course.” He blushes even harder, now at his mistake of reading her intentions wrong.

Once the final piece of his armor was taken off and stuffed into his pack Kimiya did a once over again. Nodding in approval.

“It’ll do.” She says, his loose cream colored shirt hanging from his body. The strings which tighten and close the dip in his shirt hung loosely down his chest. His trousers also hung loosely and bunched slightly at his boots. He looked like a normal, regular, schmegular guy. Those boots however, the spikes protruding out of them definitely were out of place with the rest of his attire. It will have to do, hopefully no one will look down.

“Ready?” She asks, looking up at him. Kaidan nodded wordlessly, his cheeks still slightly flushed, walking back towards the path.

After about an hour the duo was face to face with Whiterun, the bustling capital city of Whiterun Hold, aptly named indeed. The sun was reaching the apex of the sky and its rays engulfed Whiterun’s residents in a comforting blanket of warmth. A few people peeked up to see who was entering their city. A few quirked their eyebrows at the duo before going about their day.

The sound of tiny fast paced footsteps made its way to Kaidan’s ears before the source of the sound was exposed. The sight of children running past Kaidan and Kimiya made him let out a small smile. Their shouts and giggles grow softer and softer as they run down the cobblestone path. Kaidan’s eyes remained on the group of kids, a smile still prominent on his face.

“You’re so slow, Miya!”

The gentle breeze and the soothing sound of rushing water filled his subconscious and the sight of Kimiya's bright smile flashed through his mind. The outside world became fuzzier and fuzzier as the world inside his mind became clearer and clearer.

Kimiya on the other hand was more concerned about her current job. Gather information on Honningbrew Meadery. Maven was a woman you wouldn’t want to cross, but she paid well when you worked for her. She was a scary woman, to say the least, and messing up on a job was not an option. Luckily, however, that’s not something Kimiya does. She had her eyes on every person outside surveying and analyzing them as they walked past, looking over every building in view. As they continued down the path a sign came into view which read “The Bannered Mare.” What better place to rest your head than a place filled with ale and mead.

The Bannered Mare was roughly empty at this time of day besides a few patrons grabbing drinks early in the morning, or grabbing a bite to eat. Kimiya’s kind of people. A cozy fire burned brightly in the center of the inn filling the room with a comfortable warmth, its lighting enveloping the space in a soft warm lighting. Kimiya’s eyes drifted over to the counter, a seemingly middle aged woman tended to the surface. Possibly the owner. She wiped down several spills and some unidentifiable messes that stained the wood counter.

Kimiya began her stride towards the woman the moment her eyes met her. Kaidan followed behind her, allowing her to take the lead. Kimiya waltzed up to the counter, a bright smile plastered on her face. The brunette woman behind the counter peeked up from her current task to view her current patrons. She straightens her back to her full height, putting on a pleasant smile as she pushes the rag she was using to the corner of the counter.

“Good Morning. What can I do for the two of you?” She asks.

“Hi, We’d like to rent a room for the next three days.” Kimiya replied with rehearsed politeness.

After paying for, and being shown their room Kimiya plopped on the king sized bed dumping her pack on the bed. Kaidan stepped inside taking a quick survey of the room, acknowledging any exits and entrances. He locked the door behind him before taking a seat at a chair by a small accent table. He groaned once his pack left its position on his shoulders and made its way onto the floor. He cracked his neck and stretched his arms to relieve the tension in his neck, his back, and his shoulders. It was always good to sit down after many hours of travel. Kaidan peeked up at Kimiya.

“So now can you explain why we’re here?” Kaidan asks, leaning back in his chair.

Kimiya glances at the door before lowering her voice.

“I’m here to gather some intel on Honningbrew Meadery.”

“For who?”

“...Maven Blackbriar.” Kimiya answers her voice almost impossibly low, it was truly a miracle that Kaidan heard the name that left her lips

He pauses for a moment, seemingly contemplating and digesting the name that left her lips. It’s no secret that Maven Black-Briar is an infamous woman, her reputation precedes her for sure.

“What do you need me to do?” He says simply.

Kimiya’s serious demeanor melted and a smile emerged from beneath.

“Follow my lead.”

It was best to get to work as quickly as possible, due to Maven not being a woman who liked to be kept waiting, among other reasons. That’s why the pair exited the inn and made their way to Honningbrew as soon as they had a game plan, also not before stopping to buy Kaidan new boots. However after slapping a few shiny septims on Belethor’s counter they were finally on their way.

Once the pair stepped inside the meadery Kimiya’s eyes immediately went to survey the area. Straight ahead was a bar counter, a few tankard and goblets coupled with bottles of mead were grouped on the counter spaced neatly. Behind the counter was a shelf with extra tankards and goblets, and some extra bottles of mead. Off to the right and the left were a few chairs and tables, most likely for those coming in for a tasting. On the right was a door leading to another room.

“I don’t care how long it takes, get rid of our little problem or I’ll be adding some interest to your loan, Mallus”

Kimiya’s eyes darted over to where the venom filled voice came from. A second voice begrudgingly agrees to the terms. Not long after a man walks out of the room off to the right. Sabjorn, it’s gotta be. Sabjorn’s entire being perks up at seeing Kimiya and Kaidan standing by the door. He steps behind the counter and greets the pair with a rehearsed smile.

“Ah, so sorry for the wait. How can I help you both?”

Kimiya responds with her own rehearsed smile.

“Please! No apologies necessary.” She waves off his concern.

”My husband and I were interested in a tasting.” Kimiya’s arm links under Kaidan's, pulling him closer and resting her head on the peak of his shoulder.

For a moment she really felt like she could stay like this. The warmth of his arm against her side. Her head leaning against him and her arm wrapped his arm claiming him in a way. The façade poked around in her brain and heart more than she liked. It opened her mind to the possibilities of that happening, or what could have happened rather. Kaidan’s gaze traveled downwards, he didn’t mean to tense up briefly. However he loses up slightly. Though he bit back the urge to melt too much into her. He also sends a, less rehearsed, smile towards the man.

“Of course, please take a seat and my assistant will be right over.”

The pair nods before taking a seat at a table in the corner by the double doors to the right. Kimiya watches as Sabjorn disappears into the other room, accompanied by hushed and harsh whispered words. Already a few ideas were brewing in her head at how she could get some of the information Maven needed. Her contemplation and peace was interrupted by ghostly apparition. Kimiya jolted slightly in her seat once she laid eyes on the being.

“Welcome, what can I get for you two today?”

Oh. The pale greasy man looks down expectantly. His thin brow quirks as he peers down at her with his cold blue eyes through his dark and sunken eyes. Mallus, she presumed. Kimiya pauses for a few seconds to completely understand what the hell just happened. An awkward smile stretches across her face as collects herself.

“Hi…” Kimiya trails off, clearly caught off guard and trying her best to get her bearings.

“Just two bottles of mead for us,” Kimiya pauses before leaning closer to the pale man, much to her dismay.

“Add a third bottle as well, it’s my husband’s birthday and he can’t get enough of this stuff.” She chuckles politely adding to her façade of a happily married customer.

Kaidan looks at her with a raised brow..

”You make me out to be some sort of a drunk, wife.” He grits out her faux title.

”If you weren’t drinking it all the time, perhaps you wouldn’t feel so ashamed, Husband.” Her lips stretch into a tight smile as she bickers with him over this fabricated scenario, okay maybe they were leaning into the argument prone kind of couple.

Their poor server of sorts simply took a breath of agitation before stepping behind the counter and coming back with the three bottles as directed, patience clearly thin. Mallus had no desire to continue any conversation, so he didn’t. He simply left their table to… hopefully wash his hair.

The moment he leaves Kimiya relaxes slightly, her eyes darting around the room as she grasps the bottle of mead in her hand. Already without doing much digging she already figured out two weak points in this company’s foundations. A disgruntled, and seemingly bitter employee, and a problem. Now, just to poke at those weak points.

“What are you doing?” A sharp venomous voice sounded from the back room.

”Nothing, boss.”

“Exactly, you’re doing nothing. Get your lazy ass up and put in some work! What do I even pay you for?”

“You don’t pay me. I’m working for free until I can pay off this godforsaken loan.”

“See that’s the problem, I gave you an opportunity to pay me back, yet you sit here and complain. You eat my food for free, and you drink up my mead like a damn leech.”

Ouch. After a few moments of silence the pale man came out, his face hardened and his lips downturned into a scowl. Kimiya and Kaidan’s eyes immediately turn away as if they weren’t paying attention to every word of that argument. The man begrudgingly walked over to the table the two of them sat at.

”Can I get you both anything else?” Mallus asks begrudgingly.

Kimiya offers a sympathetic and warm smile, this was the perfect opening.

“We’re good. Thank you.”

At this, he automatically turns around to leave, until Kimiya speaks up.

“If I may…” She begins, voice laced with intentional empathy. “I apologize for eavesdropping, but no one deserves to be spoken to like that. I’m so sorry you have to go through that.” She says softly enough so Sabjorn couldn’t hear.

“Save your pity for someone who needs it, lady.” He grunts with a scowl.

“It’s not pity. It’s the truth, lad.” Kaidan pipes up, catching onto Kimiya’s plan. He leans back, crossing his arms over his broad chest exuding confidence. Kaidan’s agreement seemed to take an edge off the man’s aggression. Kimiya, noticing this, holds back an eye roll.

“It’s not like there’s anything I can do about it. My circumstances aren’t exactly ideal” The sickly pale man replies, his eyes darting to the side door making sure his boss wasn’t privy to their conversation.

Despite her agitation with Mallus, she was grateful for Kaidan’s ability to get him to open up.

“Even so, you shouldn’t take that from anyone. What makes him so high and mighty that he gets to treat you like a slave?” Kimiya chimes in, her voice laced with thinly concealed anger. All according to plan.

Kaidan reaches out placing a hand on her’s looking at her with concerned and loving eyes. A grin almost spread across her lips at the ease in which he assisted her in her plan.

She sighs before looking away rubbing her faux husband’s hand on top of her’s.

“I’m sorry, love. You know much things like this bother me…” Kimiya says, her brows furrowed and a slight frown on her face.

A small snort almost left Kaidan’s lips, before he covered his mouth and the blooming snicker attempting to snake its way out. Kimiya, practically smelling the slight falter in his facade, kept her eyes low. She knew that looking at him for even a split second would break the dam of cackles sitting ready in her belly.

However Mallus was unaware of their internal struggle, instead he pondered for a few moments. He sat with those words, must he be treated like a slave for his past transgressions. Must he be worked to the bone and made to suffer, to try and pay back a loan he had no idea if he could ever really pay off anyway? No…no this wasn’t right.

“You’re right, it isn’t okay!” Mallus looks back up at the couple, a newfound feeling of conviction running through his veins. However that was replaced with confusion at the sight of empty chairs, and a slightly emptier table, aside from the stack of gold that had been left for him.

As soon as the front door closed completely Kimiya fell into a fit of laughter, the cackle dam bursting open violently. The violent nature of the bursting dam caused a snort to erupt from her, which in turn caused Kaidan to howl with laughter and grip his stomach. The sound of Kaidan’s laughter made Kimiya’s chest grow warm. She gazes up at him for a moment, the warm glow of sunlight catching in his raven hair, illuminating his skin. The corners of his mouth creasing, his eyes screwed shut as he revels in the jovial nature of this moment. Before she could take the time to process what kinds of feelings this reawakened, she turned away her laughter dying.

“So how’d I do? Think I could do some spying of my own?” He sends her a charming smile, which she would desperately deny that it her heart do a barrel roll or two.

“You were decent enough.” She replies curtly as she walks a little bit ahead of him.

Kaidan’s previous jovial expression fell as the coldness from her words settled on him. His lips downturn into a frown as a sigh leaves his lips, slightly bitter from the subtle reminder of their broken relationship. His thoughts were cut short the moment a massive shadow cast itself upon the road they were walking on, however as quickly as it appeared it vanished. The sudden change in lighting had the two looking towards the sky. It couldn’t be a cloud. Clouds don’t appear and disappear in mere moments. The moment their eyes met with the sky above their question was answered. However that answer came at a cost, a huge one and the haunting, ground shaking roar that came from above solidified that.

Humongous black wings, a shiny and scaly black hide. A body bigger than a damn house gliding on air as if it was part of the wind itself. If you hadn’t been already staring at the sky, or been standing in its shadow, you would have missed it. It was there, then gone in an instant. It was as if the world was frozen in the exact moment forever. The seconds felt like hours, and minutes felt like days. There weren’t many things that drove Kimiya to silence, however this was one of them.

Her eyes were wide as the feeling of pure dread crept up her spine. There was only one thing that could be, and neither Kimiya nor Kaidan had expected to see one in their lifetime. Not since they were killed off in the First Era. The two were entirely entranced, enthralled and horrified. The moment that the roars subsided and dampened due to the distance, was the moment they were released from their stupor.

Characters: Kaidan x Kimiya (Original Character)

Summary: Absence does make the heart grow fonder.

Word Count: 3,465

Warnings: graphic depictions of violence, allusions to non-con. (no non-con), angst

A few wee notes:

the main character is a redguard woman (she's black y'all). while i describe her in detail please feel free to envision her however you'd like.

one thing imma do is describe the outfits, it’s drip or drown y’all✊🏾

title is from the song "How Could an Angel Break My Heart" by toni braxton and babyface

Chapter 3 (Strangers)

⋆˖⁺‧₊☽Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 4☾₊‧⁺˖⋆

It never takes long for night to fall. That peaceful, enthralling time of day, known as dusk, never stays long. Pinks, purples and oranges paint the sky as the sun continues its descent below the horizon. It’s fleeting; an in-between before the, much longer, nighttime. Kimiya knew that, which is why she quickened her pace. There’s no way she’d make it to Whiterun before nightfall, but a little darkness wasn’t a deterrent for her. She’s a big girl. She’s fought bandits, draugr, skeletons you name it whatever her guild asked of her, in exchange of some shiny septims of course. However, as night fell there was one thing she didn’t account for.

One big fat drop of water fell and splattered against her forehead, causing her to look up at the sky reflexively. This action resulted in a seemingly angry assault of raindrops to splatter against her face. She groaned, wiping the water from her face with her gloved hand. She flipped her hood over her head, covering her braided hair. The rain quickly took to drenching her cloak. She contemplated continuing her journey to Whiterun, until a slim crack of lightning illuminated the cloudy night sky, which was closely followed by a brazen and earth shattering rumble of thunder. She sighs ready to set up camp however she sees, not far from her, an abandoned tower. She narrowed her eyes in thought, before letting out an audible “Fuck it.”

Heaving open the wooden door, she let out a sigh as she stepped into the damp and humid tower. She pushed the door back closed with her back, using her body weight to shut it. The Redguard was tempted to simply sit at the door and fall asleep, however she knew she should scout out the area. Letting out, yet another sigh she pushed herself up from the door. She slid her black mask over her nose and mouth, leaving her eyes exposed. She pulled her bow from her back, and reached for an arrow from her quiver prepping for a potential attack. She silently crept down the damp stone steps, her deep brown eyes surveying the area around her. She took note of the doorway to her right, electing to scout out the open area to her left. A pool of water sat to her left, and a few broken beams and stone bricks. After concluding that the area was clear, she turned her attention towards the doorway. Once again she slowly descended down the steps, stopping when she heard the sound of a quill on a piece of parchment.

Her eyes narrowed as she pulled back the bowstring towards her cheek. As she descended further, she recognized the fancy gold armor the stranger adorned. A scowl spread across her lips, her blood going hot. Descending another step, she was able to get a clear shot. Without a second thought she let go of the bowstring. The arrow flew through the air and into the back of the Thalmor agent’s neck. The sound of gurgling filled the room as he fell off his chair and onto the floor, holding his neck. Blood continued to pour out his neck as he gasped for air choking on his own blood. Kimiya’s shadow casted over him as she stared down at him, with cold and calculating eyes. Taking in the sight. Before he could utter any words, a dagger made its way into his forehead killing him instantly.

Kimiya wiped the excess blood on her leather covered thigh, as she continued her descent. Walking through the door she saw the various prison cells on either side of her. She quickly prepped her bow and arrow as she entered the new area. She scanned every cell as she made her way through the prison. Each one was empty, aside from a few skeletons, and a couple bedrolls. However she noticed in the last cell a head of jet black hair atop a muscular body. The bow in her hand slowly lowered and the arrow made its way into her quiver again. She took pity on the man, no doubt a Thalmor prisoner. He’s probably been subjected to endless amounts of torture. She took a quick glance to the table to her right, spotting a key. Of course she had to free the poor man. She grabbed the key off the table, before unlocking the cell door.

The man kept his head down, his black hair covering his face. If Kimiya hadn’t noticed his fists clench she’d presume he’d been dead or unconscious. There’s no way he wouldn’t be able to hear the sound of the cell door creaking open. It was more than loud enough. The sound of her footsteps clacking against the damp floor, halted as she heard the man speak.

“When I get out of here… I’ll kill you all myself.”

The way Kimiya’s heart stopped, one could pronounce her dead; at least it felt that way. As soon as her heartbeat returned, it hammered against her chest. Her breath caught in her throat as the man’s voice registered. Her lips parted, in shock, and her eyes widened, nearly dropping the key in her hand. Had she heard correctly? There’s no way that…

“Kaidan?” Her voice came out raspy and unsure as if she might be mistaking the man in front of her. She knew she wasn’t, that accent was unmistakable.

Apparently his voice wasn’t the only unmistakable one. His head snapped up, his long, oily black hair flipping out his face. Leaning his head closer and furrowing his eyebrows, also unsure if the voice belonged to who he thought it was. It was evident now, there’s not a single possible way this wasn’t the man she thought it was. The crimson eyes that bore the same expression as her’s confirmed any suspicions. Kimiya hooked a finger around the top of her mask, dragging it down so it sat on her collar bones. Kaidan was dumbstruck, eyes wide. He drank her in, her multitude of braids damp and resting against her chest. Black light leather armor padded her body, black gloves covered her nimble fingers. His eyes floated back up towards her face, her deep brown eyes assessed him the same way he did her. Her soft brown skin was glowing, illuminated by the torchlight around the cell . She looked exactly how he remembered her.

“Miya?” He finally uttered out.

She quickly ran over to him, crouching down in front of him joining him at eye level; although she still had to look up at him slightly.

“What happened to you?” She asks, looking at his bruised and cut body, then all the way back to his face. Her eyes lingered on the blood red tattoo on his face. Her gaze darkened for a moment before returning to his eyes trying not to draw attention to her expression. He noticed her lingered gaze upon his tattoo, his gaze immediately falling to the floor unable to look her in the eye.

“Some Thalmor Justiciars ambushed me outside of Falkreath.” As he replied he winced as the iron shackles pressed into his skin, rubbing the sensitive and irritated spot it encased. This action caused Kimiya to remember where they were, and what was happening.

“Here, let me…” She immediately stands up, holding the irons in her hands. She slips in the key, turning it. A satisfying click sounded. She did the same to the other side. As soon as the cuffs loosened, Kaidan fell forward; he quickly stood up, however trying not to draw attention to it. He grabbed the wall to steady himself, but Kimiya was there in an instant, wrapping her arm around his waist and pulling his arm over her shoulder to keep him steady. She felt her hand grow slightly damp, his back was covered in dry blood and some serous fluid, but she didn’t care how damp her hand was. She slowly eased him onto the ground.

“Easy… easy.” Kimiya rummages through her pack, pulling out a healing potion.

“Drink.” She says uncorking the red bottle with a pop before handing it over. He reached for it, gingerly taking the bottle out her hand. As he drank the potion he could see the gold light shimmering and encircling his body. The red circles around his wrists were gone, the slashes on his back healed however left many scars.

“Bottled miracle that stuff…thank you.” He nodded.

“How long have you been here?” She asks, not registering his thanks.

“Days? Weeks? I can’t tell. Only time anyone would come to see me is when it was time for…interrogation.”

She bit her lip, furrowing her brows as she absorbed the information. She was no fool, she knew the horrific tools of the Thalmor. The mental image of Kaidan being beaten and whipped intruded into her brain. She shook her head as if trying to shake the thought out of her head.

“Come, let’s get you out of here.” She stands before offering a gloved hand to the man in front of her. He looks at the hand in front of him, then towards her face. He reaches out and grabs her hand, as soon as he does so she pulls him to his feet. As he stands to his full height she drinks him in again. His red eyes never leaving hers, his hair was loose and much longer than it was all those years ago. His hair was caked in his own blood, and sweat. His body hasn't changed much, he’s always been extremely physically fit. Well maybe he was slightly more muscular now. She caught her gaze drifting across his body, immediately she averted her eyes looking towards the open cell door. She pressed her eyebrows together, scowling. ‘Stop looking at him like that.’ She chastises and degrades herself internally.

“Wait… there’s one more thing.”

“What?”

“Listen, I know I have no right to ask-“

“Just tell me what it is.” She replied curtly, cutting her eyes towards him.

His eyes widened, at the tonal shift before standing up straighter than before.

“One of them got their hands on my sword.” He says, his tone deeper and slightly harsher.

Kimiya’s gaze softened at the information just given to her. Of course she wanted to glare at him for the harshness, but hearing what he said as opposed to how he said it made her stand down.

“Where did they go?”

“Deeper into the prison, and with any luck he’s cornered like a rat.” He informed, his tone softer again. He knew he had no right to get snappy with her the same way she was with him, he had to just take the heat.

The redguard nods, turning on her heel headed toward the other door to her left. Just as she was about to unlock the cell door, she turned back towards Kaidan. She grabs one of her daggers off her belt before handing it to him, hilt towards him.

“Here, we might be in for a fight.” She says. He nodded in response as he took the dagger in her hand. He was much more used to wielding something heavier, and bigger of course. He wasn’t going to complain though, he appreciated anything he could get.

“You probably won’t need it, I’m sure you can crush a man’s head using your bare hands.” She smirks softly, teasing him as she bends down to unlock the door.

He softly smiles back, rolling his eyes at the comment she made.

“Probably, but I’d rather not find out right now.” He replies as the cell door creaks open.

The two inched down the walkway, footsteps silent. Aside from Kaidan, yes his footsteps were quiet but not like Kimiya’s. Noticing this she giggled silently, before reading her bow. The flame from the torches flickering causing shadows to dance slightly. The silence was deafening, just the occasional drips from various leaks, the occasional sound of rats scurrying. Kimiya took the lead, slowly gliding up the stairs. The moment she rounded the corner the Justiciar came into view. His back was turned towards the desk he was sitting at. Kimiya pulled the bowstring back ready to take out the Justiciar the same way as the other one. However she did not anticipate shifting her foot just enough that the pebble right by it also shifted, falling down the steps.

The clinking of that tiny pebble falling down the steps was enough for the Justiciar to turn around; the same time as the arrow was shot. The sharp point of the arrow grazing the elf’s

“Shit.” Kimiya uttered at the realization.

“Redguard bitch!” The justiciar fumed

She could smell the scent of magicka in the humid air before he even summoned the bolts of lightning. Apparently so could Kaidan as he stepped in front of her absorbing most of the heat of the attack. Despite not even wearing any armor he dove right in, slashing at the Altmer in front of him. The sudden attack didn’t give the Justiciar much time to parry the attack, instead opting to dodge sloppily. Aware of this Kaidan took to another slashing motion towards his abdomen. The Justiciar, overwhelmed by the flurry of attacks from Kaidan, knew he had to get some space between the two. He opts to go for a blunt hit, swiftly punching Kaidan in his abdomen. It was a risky move, to get closer to your opponent, however it worked out. While the hit wasn’t enough to cause him any severe pain, Kaidan still staggered back slightly.

This was all the Justiciar needed as he brandished an elven dagger to even the playing field.

“I don’t know how you were able to escape, or how your friend here got past the guards…” He switched his grip to one suitable for stabbing, raising his arm to stab Kaidan's shoulder.

“But once we throw you back in that cell, I’ll make an example out of that friend of yours. It gets a little lonely here at night.” Kaidan’s eyes flew open and his lips turned down in a snarl. The image that conjured up in his mind of what that Altmer threatened to do, sent him into a fury. Kaidan swiftly blocked the blow, with his arm, however the dagger teetered close to Kaidan’s flesh. It wasn’t much of a struggle keeping the dagger from the incision point, he could keep this up for a while.

Thankfully he wouldn’t have to. The short redguard woman swiftly grappled the Justiciar in front of her, wrapping her legs around his waist and situating her bow at his windpipe. She grabbed the lower and upper limbs of the bow with both hands, pulling the bow cutting off his air supply.

“I’d rather shit in my hands and clap.” She growls into the man’s ear. This action also assisted in creating more space between the two men. The Altmer’s hands immediately went to attempt to pull the bow away from his neck, however his vision was getting blurry so he was getting desperate. Throwing himself against the wall with all his might proved effective as it knocked the wind out of Kimiya.

She reflexively loosened her legs, allowing him to pull away. Kimiya looked up at the hooded man with wide eyes full of rage and some worry. However before The Justiciar was able to attack, a blade made its way through his neck. His eyes widened, gurgling and somewhat coughing up blood. Immediately the Altmer fell to the floor coughing up blood onto the stone floor beneath him. Each flex of his throat made the incision deeper and wider. Blood spluttering from the wound. His hands flying up to the wound reflexively, his eyes were wide searching for something someway he can survive this.

“Went toe to toe with a Thalmor agent half naked, I’m impressed.” Kimiya looked up at Kaidan from her spot on the floor with an impressed look on her face.

Kaidan chuckled as he listened to what was said. He bent over the soon to be corpse of the Justiciar, pulling his sword off his hip. He looked down at it for a moment, unsheathing it and observing it making sure no damage was done. When he was satisfied with the state of his sword he immediately sheathed it. He looks back down at the justiciar bleeding out beneath him, his eyes filled with nothing but hate and contempt. He kneels down watching the man look up at him helplessly.

“I told you.” Kaidan’s deep voice oozes with contempt, and satisfaction. He stands up walking away from the scum that lie dying on the stone dank and damp floor.

Kaidan reached out a hand to Kimiya, she took his hand nodding in acknowledgment. He pulled her up. He may have overestimated the amount of strength needed judging by the fact she was nearly pulled into his chest. The close proximity didn’t go unnoticed, Kaidan gazed down at her in awe as she looked up at him, his gaze softening. His mind was filled with breathless and wordless moments, and the feeling of skin on skin. However once Kimiya realized what happened she pulled her body away. This caused Kaidan to snap back into reality, he shook his head slightly coming out of a daze.

“Thanks.” She nodded, muttering softly before turning away.

The chest a foot or so away from her caught her attention. Stepping around the corpse of the Thalmor Justiciar she stepped closer to the chest, before opening it. She smirked at its contents. She stepped to the side looking towards Kaidan, gesturing her head towards the wooden vessel. He quirked an eyebrow before stepping forward.

“Finally you can put on some clothes like a decent man.”

After finally getting dressed in his armor, the two were able to scout and clear out the rest of the prison. They were able to grab two bedrolls and set up camp by the door. Kimiya sat on her’s, her bow and quiver beside her. She munched on a green apple from her supplies.

“How have you been?” Kaidan’s voice breaks the silence. The sound of crunching came to an abrupt halt. Kimiya swallows the food in her mouth before responding.

“Fine.” She responds before continuing “Been doing some jobs here and there, trying to keep these pockets filled up with coin.”

Kaidan nods in understanding, letting out a small knowing smile.

“I hear you, been taking up bounties for the same reason.”

Kimiya’s face scrunches up in confusion at his sentence before pushing it away and looking down towards the half eaten apple in her hands.

“Don’t see the reason why, don’t your merry band of misfits keep you comfortable?” She replied, venom dripping from her words.

“Haven’t been in contact with them for a few years now.”

Kimiya glances up at him from the corner of her eye, scrutinizing him. Searching for any lies, waiting for him to slip up. Once it was clear he was telling the truth she looked back down at the apple in her hands.

“Interesting.” She says callously as she lays back onto the damp furs of her bedroll.

“Listen, Kimiya” The said woman looks over at him fully at the sound of her name. “I did you wrong in so many ways. I was stupid and I was angry and reckless, I should have listened to you. I should have stayed…” He pauses in thought, “If you’ll allow me, I’d like to make up for those wrongs, however you’ll have me.”

Her eyes softened, and her chest tightened. The pain was so deep, too deep to get to. He could see the turmoil in her eyes, fighting between anger and sadness and forgiveness. His chest tightened as well, of course she had every right to curse him out and leave him right then and there. However he silently hoped she wouldn’t.

“Whatever, sounds good.” She says nonchalantly, shaking off her daze, before taking a final bite of her apple.

“Get your beauty sleep, we’re headed for Whiterun in the morning.” Kimiya says as she turns on her side, her back toward Kaidan.

Even though she wasn’t facing him, he still watched her. His eyes gazed over her sleeping form as he leaned his head against the stone wall. His lips pressed in a firm line in thought. He had expected a bigger reaction, for her to tell him off and hurl out insults. To instead be met with such an aloof response confused him to say the least. It unnerved him to be honest. But he’s at least thankful for the opportunity, the chance she’s given him.

Characters: Kaidan x Kimiya (Original Character)

Summary: Even in the depths and throes of despair, she's always there in the back of his mind.

Word Count: 1,097

Warnings: The Thalmor, Graphic depictions of violence, Kaidan getting tortured :(

A few wee notes:

the main character is a redguard woman (she's black y'all). while i describe her in detail please feel free to envision her however you'd like.

almost done with the short chapters i promise!

Chapter 2 (Kaidan)

⋆｡‧˚ʚChapter 1, Chapter 3 ɞ˚‧｡⋆

The soft scratches of a quill on parchment bounced off the wooden walls of the room they were in. Periodically the sounds would come to a halt, as the red eyed man looked over his shoulder towards the lump in the bed behind him. His eyes rolling over the figure nuzzled into the bed, the sheets under their arm and lightly draped over their curves. Her curly hair sprawled over the white pillow beneath their head. It was a sight that he could gaze at for the rest of his life, but he couldn’t. Kaidan tore his eyes away and forced them back onto the letter he was writing.

He finished the sentence with a period, pressing into the parchment for a prolonged amount of time dreading finishing the letter. But he had to at one point, pulling the quill away was torture. It signified the beginning of a journey he was taking, alone.

With shaky hands he gingerly placed the folded parchment on the pillow next to her head. It took everything he had to not gently stroke her cheek. So he willed himself to grab his pack and walk away. As he crossed the threshold of the room towards the rest of the inn, he looked back as he closed the door.

“Up.”

Kaidan’s eyes snapped open at the stinging feeling of a fist striking his face. The sudden violent action pulled him out of his surprisingly deep sleep, also causing him to bite into his cheek. A heavy metallic taste filled his mouth. His crimson eyes cut back towards the perpetrator, practically bleeding them out with a glare alone. Too bad that wasn’t possible, so he settled for imagining it, though that did little to quell the growing rage in his belly.

He had no idea what time it was, or what day it was, or how long he’d been trapped inside this god forsaken prison cell. His captors never gave him the opportunity to find some sort of schedule, some sort of way to figure out what time it was. The elves coming in at random points to torture information he didn’t even know out of him.

“You know, if you tell us the truth we will set you free.” The Thalmor Justiciar spoke tauntingly as he loomed over Kaidan’s crouching form. It wasn’t the first time they whispered these false promises in his ears, coaxing and tempting him. But he knew, not an ounce of remorse or empathy ran through these men’s veins. Due to that knowledge Kaidan remained silent, opting for a hateful glare. The blood in his mouth gathered at the center. Before the Altmer had a chance to react, Kaidan shot a glob of blood and spit at his face.

Kaidan’s torturer recoiled, his face twisted in disgust and fury. A gloved hand came up to his face to wipe off the spit.

“You know,” He taunts, “Someday I’ll watch you choke on your own blood.” Kaidan growls out, his voice hoarse as he hadn’t spoken to anyone in several hours.

The Altmer’s fist collided with the side of Kaidan’ bruised and battered cheek, only adding to the severity of his accumulation of wounds. Kaidan attempts to hold in a grunt from the force and pain of the punch, ultimately failing.

The Justiciar signals to the two Thalmor soldiers situated outside the dank and damp cell. Without a reply both soldiers enter, their faces blank, but their eyes dark and void of compassion. The Justiciar steps back looking down at Kaidan with a smug grin on his face.

“Perhaps another whipping will quell this defiant spirit of yours.”

The sound of his arm restraints clinking open didn’t completely register before both soldiers were dragging him to the center of the cell.

Kaidan struggled against their tight grip, suddenly he was able to free one of his arms from their grip. Without wasting a second, using all the strength he had left in his reserves, he shoves the soldier who was holding his other arm. The soldier was caught by surprise for a moment, stumbling slightly, and accidentally letting go of his arm. Kaidan takes this moment to shoulder charge the same soldier before he could recoup. The soldier falls flat on his back with a grunt, the wind knocked out of him.

Kaidan veers to see the other soldier’s fist flying towards his face, he quickly moves his head out of the way in the knick of time. Using the same maneuver he lunges his shoulder into the other soldier's abdomen, compromising his center of balance. The other soldier topples backwards. Kaidan stands over him for a moment about come down with another attack, until he felt the cold hard metal of an armored fist strike the back of his head. Kaidan grunts and stumbles, his knees hitting the damp ground. He falls on his hands, his wet black locs falling around his face as the word around him grew blurry and the sound of ringing filled his ears.

He feels his arms being restricted once more, but all the energy he had left was gone, he spent the last of it. As his vision returned he watched the justiciar step around him, his face eerily calm despite the commotion.

“Now that your insubordination has been taken care of for the time being…”

The quick sharp lash of a whip came crashing down on Kaidan’s back. His muscles tense as he grimaces, again doing his best to not give them a reaction. Until another lash struck his back, this one instead reopening one of his previous wounds that one of the Thalmor agents had shittily stitched up. Kaidan groaned in pain, closing his eyes and furrowing his brows. The admittance of pain emboldened the justiciar, his lashes becoming more fierce and vigorous, but never sloppy.

This time Kaidan couldn’t hold back his screams. Each and every hit opened up old wounds that never got a chance to heal. His mind couldn’t help but drift despite the pain, maybe it was his brain’s way of protecting him, maybe she was the only thing on his mind as he slipped from consciousness. Who cares, all that mattered was that she wasn’t here to experience the same pain.

But was she safe, was she okay? Does she still smile the same way? Does she still moisturize her hair and braid it down every night? Does she still need help braiding the middle two braids?

Characters: Kaidan x Kimiya (Original Character)

Summary: Doesn't absence make the heart grow fonder? For Kimiya's sake she hoped that wasn't the case. She hoped that those several years apart would assist her in forgetting about their shared past. However, upon seeing her childhood friend chained and shackled in an abandoned prison those hopes were turned to ash.

Word Count: 1,716

Warnings: Slight Angst, Kimiya being slightly hungover. (am i doing this right?)

A few wee notes:

first off i'm ngl this is my first time posting on here. Please give me grace while I try to be aesthetic, and learn tumblr etiquette.

second, the main character is a redguard woman (she's black y'all). while i describe her in detail please feel free to envision her however you'd like.

first few chapters are on the shorter side! sorry!

title is from the song "How Could an Angel Break My Heart" by toni braxton and babyface

Chapter 1 (Kimiya)

⋆｡‧˚ʚChapter 2ɞ˚‧｡⋆

───✩₊⁺⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧────✩₊⁺⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧────✩₊⁺⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧────✩₊⁺⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧───

With trembling hands, she gripped the parchment. The words were blurry from the tears in her eyes obscuring the image. But that didn’t matter, as she read the letter five times over. She knew, even through blurry eyes, exactly what each word said.

Even when the tears began to fall onto the words, smudging them beyond recognition, she knew what they said. She slid down the wall, her naked body trembling. Her cheeks and neck wet with fresh tears. Her wails bounced off the wood walls, as she clawed at her chest. The pain was so deep, too deep to get to. That didn’t stop her from trying.

She looked back down at the letter in her hands. It was torture reading this over and over again, but she had to understand. There had to be something she missed. So she read it again…’Dear—‘

“Kimiya” A loud voice with an accent called out. At the sound of her name, the said woman jolted up out of her modest single bed. Her voluminous hair slanted into the shape the pillow forced it into. Several loose pieces of hay protrude outwards from her curly tresses in various locations. Under normal circumstances she would have applied her moisturizer and oils and braided her hair back. However last night was anything but a normal circumstance. Well, it actually was.

The soft clink of empty bottles of mead colliding helped remind her of the events from last night.

“By the Nine lass, this place is a sty. You really oughta clean up around here” Kimiya pried her eyes open. Crust from the intense sleep she had, and the tears she let out while unconscious, made it hard to finally open her eyes. Her eyes turned directly towards the red headed figure at the door to her room.

She whines, throwing herself back onto her pillow, attempting to go back to sleep.

“Fuck off Brynjolf. It’s your fault.” She grumbles out, her words muffled by the pillow covering her entire face.

“How so?” He teased leaning against the doorframe. “I don’t recall doing anything.”

“You were the one who challenged me to that stupid…hhhuhhm…challenge!” Kimiya tiredly argued. “You claimed you could drink me under the table! No way was I gonn…a let that slide! That’s defamation of character!” She continued pointing at him lazily.

“Speaking of, I believe I am owed 20 gold.” He says walking closer into the room. Stepping over the several bottles of Black-Briar Mead, and the occasional Honningbrew. Kimiya slaps a small sack of 20 gold into Brynjolf’s calloused hands, with way more force than necessary.

“You can add it to the grocery fund.” She says venomously from the same position on her bed.

He retraced his steps, over the empty bottles and back to the doorway.

“Great idea, I’m running to the market. Need anything?” He asks before he exits the room.

“More sleep.”

“It’s past noon, lass.”

“What that got to do with me?”

Brynjolf nodded. “Noted.”

Everything was quiet once Brynjolf left the house. As much as Kimiya tried her best to drift back off to sleep, her eyes remained locked on the wooden beams above her head. Another dream. Her eyes drifted down towards the wall, and her eyebrows furrowed as images from her dream resurfaced. The dream was closer to a memory than an actual dream. It makes sense that it would manifest in such a way, she thinks about what happened every day.

She hadn’t realized she’d been laying in bed so long until she heard rapid footsteps coming closer and closer to her room. Her door swung open, slamming into the wall beside it. At the sound of the collision Kimiya bolted up in her bed, her hand sliding under her pillow and grabbing her dagger in one fell swoop. She was ready to attack, until she saw her roommate.

“Maven’s here.” He says basically hanging on the doorknob of Kimiya’s room, before running back out.

At the realization that her employer was present at her house she jumped out of bed. Immediately running to her dresser, grabbing a pair of brown pants. She haphazardly stepped into her pair of pants, flopping onto the corner of her bed tugging her pants up to her waist. However at the sound of Brynjolf’s voice she stopped halfway.

“Maven, it’s a pleasure to see you—“

“Cut the pleasantries Brynjolf, where’s Kimiya?” Maven’s icy voice replies.

“She’s—“

Kimiya comes hastily jogging down the steps, into the dining room, where Maven and Brynjolf were located. The sound of thumping and colliding against furniture could be heard by the two in the dining room. Finally Kimiya bolts straight into the dining room. Her pants were hanging just below her butt, however her long flowy shirt covered it completely. Kimiya kept her legs wide in an attempt to keep her pants from sliding down her legs.

“Right here.” Brynjolf finishes.

“Kimiya,” Maven starts, turning her attention towards the woman who just entered the room.

The raven haired woman eyes Kimiya with a raised brow.

“Your stance is uncomfortably wide this morning.” She finishes before continuing on as if it was beneath her to notice. Brynjolf looked at his roommate with a look that read “what are you doing?!”

“I need you in Whiterun.” The air in the room grew stale as Kimiya’s heart dropped at the command, it would be a surprise if anyone didn’t hear it. “Sabjorn has once again declined my generous offer for a merger. I need you to gather information and report back to me. Do you understand me?”

Kimiya nods, soaking in the information.

“Loud and clear, ma’am.”

Maven nods in acknowledgement before turning towards the front door, however before she exited she turned towards Kimiya.

“And, do clean yourself up. You smell like the inside of an empty bottle of mead.” She finishes, glancing over at Kimiya with a quirked eyebrow. She didn’t miss the way Kimiya’s nostrils flared and the corners of her lips turned downwards into a slight scowl. Maven directed her brief attention which was on Kimiya back towards the door before gracefully exiting the home.

Kimiya bore into the door where Maven was previously, attempting to shoot a laser out of her eyes and into the unsuspecting skull of said woman. Sadly such things were impossible, so she had to use her imagination.

Kimiya let out an exasperated sigh once so tired herself out with the mental image of frying Maven’s head off, she leaned back onto the wall beside her. The slight shift in her body caused her loose hanging pants to slide down to her ankles with a plop.

Brynjolf watched as the pair of pants pooled at her ankles, he stared for a moment before looking up at his roommate with a deadpan look on his face.

“You couldn’t even put your pants on right, lass?”

Kimiya scoffed, stepping out her pants. “I was in a time crunch. Would you rather have me come down with no pants at all?” She grabbed the pair off the ground.

The lack of an answer from Brynjolf, was an answer within itself.

“Stop that.”

“I mean three years ago that would have been a definite yes.”

Before he could finish his sentence Kimiya was already walking up the steps back to her room

“I’m not listening to you!” She yells back. At the sound of her door slamming he let out a snicker.

Kimiya fell on her bed with a grunt. Maven’s words “I need you in Whiterun.” echoed in her mind, almost tauntingly. Her heart hammered in her chest at the thought of being… there. There’s no way to get around it, negotiating with Maven is futile and a waste of energy. She stared at the wood walls beside her. Memories flooded her mind and her lips crinkle into a frown, however she sits up and pushes herself up off the bed, stone faced.

After about 2 hours Kimiya finally came back down. She plopped her brown and gold pack on the table next to where Brynjolf was eating. She grabbed a few apples from the table, stuffing them in the bag.

“Headed out already?” He asked looking up from his plate, and towards the woman in light leather armor. A corset hugged her torso, not tight enough to be uncomfortable or anything. Her sleeves came down to her wrists, however the front part came to her knuckles. The sleeves were split down the middle and bound together by string, from her shoulders down to her wrists. Her boots came up to her mid thigh, stopping before her harness which sat on her upper thigh. Her voluminous hair was parted into several braids, which ran down her chest.

“Yeah, pretty sure Mavens orders weren’t to be done at my leisure.” She sighs, shrugging her bow over her shoulder, and shoving a dress in her pack with unneeded force. Brynjolf nods knowingly, attempting to take her mind elsewhere he starts on his list.

“Health potions?”

“Yeah, got five.”

“Stamina potions?”

“Also five.”

“Change of clothes”

“Yup.”

“Water skin?”

“Got it…wait.”

Brynjolf gave Kimiya a knowing look as she jogged upstairs to her room to grab her empty waterskin. Once she finally came down the steps she hooked the water skin onto her belt. “Got it.” She says with a triumphant smile.

“I see that.” He nods with a small amused smirk.

After the two had finally finished up their impromptu checklist Kimiya swung her bag over her shoulder.

“Well, roomie, I’m off.” she says as she extends an arm out towards Brynjolf. The redhead stands up from his chair wrapping his arm around her waist bringing her into a side hug. However before she could pull away, he put his hands on her shoulders holding her steady. His emerald eyes looking into her brown ones.