The moon hung low over Whiterun, casting its silvery light across the cobblestone streets. The city was a blend of rustic charm and bustling activity, but tonight, tranquility reigned supreme. Jayson and Nikolai found themselves in the warm embrace of Malik and Sylgja's home, a modest abode filled with the comforting scents of home-cooked meals and the sounds of the nightly routine.
Malik had left earlier in the evening, muttering something about unfinished business with the Companions. His absence left the two friends with time to explore the intricacies of Whiterun. They roamed the markets, struck up conversations with the local blacksmith, and even shared stories with the city's guards. For once, the world of Skyrim felt tangible, different to how they explore it through the screen of their computer monitors.
As the night deepened, the city's quiet lulled them into a relaxed state. Sylgja, ever the gracious host, had retired early, leaving Jayson and Nikolai to their own devices.
Jayson lay on a makeshift bed, staring at the ceiling and contemplating the surreal nature of their situation. The transition from a digital world to a living, breathing one was something he never thought possible. Beside him, Nikolai was deep in thought. "Envisioning new mods for Skyrim?" Jayson jokingly asked Nikolai.
"Shut up and go to sleep man." both let out a soft chuckle. And, finally, Jayson went to sleep with Erica in his mind.
A strange feeling gnawed at Nikolai's instincts. He sat up, scanning the room, senses heightened by the silence. His eyes fell on the door where the stairs towards the dining room is. Without thinking, he grabbed a dagger from his belt and raised it in an offensive position as he went down to the dining hall.
Nikolai drew closer to the dining room. The dagger struck with a metallic clang and was deflected. In the dim light, a shadowy figure emerged, clutching a sword.
Before Nikolai could make another move, the intruder stepped into the light—a dark elf, her eyes filled with a mix of desperation and defiance.
The dark elf looks both formidable and mysterious. She wears armor which is sleek, dark, and obviously designed for stealth. The armor is adorned with intricate designs and symbols that denote her allegiance to some kind of group whose emblem looks like a bird with a full moon above it.
"Wait!" The dark elf's voice was surprisingly soft, almost pleading. "I mean no harm. I just wanted food and a few drinks."
Nikolai hesitated, the sincerity in her eyes striking a chord within him. He lowered his guards, his expression softening. "Why should I believe you?"
The dark elf sighed, her shoulders slumping in resignation. "I was framed for a murder. Someone very special to me was killed, and now I'm on the run. I swear, I just needed some food to survive the night."
The tension easing slightly. "What's your name?" Nikolai asked, his tone less hostile.
"Karliah," she replied, a hint of relief in her voice. "I've been hiding, trying to clear my name. But it's hard when you're hunted."
Nikolai nodded, his decision made. "I'm Nikolai. Come with me. Let's go eat outside, better not alert the others since you intruded this house." Karliah and Nikolai went out to Bannered Mare and decided to buy Karliah food with his own septims.
As Nikolai ordered food, Karliah remained still on the table they occupied, her eyes darting around the tavern, taking in every detail. When Nikolai returned with a warm meal, she ate ravenously, gratitude evident in every bite.
"Thank you," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "You don't know what this means to me."
Nikolai smiled, a warmth in his eyes. "Everyone deserves a chance to prove their innocence."
Karliah's gaze softened, and she smiled for the first time. "You're different. No one has ever detected me like you did, Nikolai. You should consider joining the Thieves Guild; you'd be a natural."
Nikolai chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm not cut out for that life. But I appreciate the compliment."
After finishing her meal, Karliah made a request. "Could I have another set of meals for the road? I promise I'll repay you someday."
Nikolai obliged, heading out once more. When he returned, Karliah was gone, leaving only a note on the table.
"Give the food to Sylgja and Jayson as an apology. I'll repay you someday. – Karliah"
Nikolai sighed, folding the note and tucking it away. As Nikolair returned to Breezehome. Sylgja and Jayson were there on the porch, wide awake.
"Man, we're worried about you. Going out without a word in the middle of the night!" Jayson, his concern evident in his tone.
Nikolai handed the meals to Jayson and Sylgja, explaining the situation. The gesture was met with understanding and a hint of sadness.
The next morning, as the first light of dawn broke over Whiterun, Nikolai sat up thinking of the incident last night. He just realized who Karliah was.
"Wait, she's one of the Nightingales in the game lore!"
"There you go again man, yapping about your mods even being transported inside a game, you still think about mods man?" Jayson, who was lying down beside him groggily said.