I'm running through a cave filled with bandits and outlaws, it was an easy job they said, only few bandits they said.

LAIRS! The cave is crawling with them. I've already killed twelve of them and more just seem to take their place! I continue further in looking for their leader. I turn the corner and run into two bandits, one with a warhammer and fur armour, the other with an axe and shield wearing studded armour.

They charge me and I get into a stance. The first bandit swings his hammer at me and I jump back from it, I swing my sword downward but it's blocked by the other’s shield. I sidestep and kick the shield with great force, causing the bandits arm to twist as he yells in pain.

I'm hit in the left arm by the bandits hammer, My arm is flooded with pain as I hear a slight cracking sound, I hope it was just the armour cracking and not the bone. As he pulls his hammer back, I thrust my sword with my right arm into the bandit’s face, piercing straight through. He gurgles as he coughs up blood and I withdraw my sword, letting the corpse fall to the ground spilling blood all over the floor.

The other bandit drops his shield as his arm is too hurt to hold it any more and ready's up his axe. My arm is still throbbing in pain and it's hard to hold my sword with just one arm. The bandit is just standing there, I think he's trying to stall for the others to arrive.

I decide not to wait any longer and twist my body in a three-sixty degree swing. Using the motion of the swing, I slam the sword into the bandit. He raises his axe to parry but the force of the swing just knocks the axe away and my sword cleaves his head off. It rolls for a few feet and stops, staring at me with eyes filled with terror and fear.

I walk over to a dark corner of a room hiding for a breather. I remove the armour on my left arm and examine the plate of iron. It's cracked right through and no longer of use. I look to the skin and see a large bruise forming, I'm a bit better with healing magic now and use what little magicka I have to stop the swelling and reduce the pain. The bruise is still there but it will heal on its own, at least I can grip my sword with both hands again.

Creeping to the door, I look out of the room and see no one there. I make my way further in and spot two bandits guarding a door half asleep. One has a spear and the other has a bow. I think for a bit, fight or distract? I decide to throw a rock down the cave past them. They turn to the noise and the one with the spear moves to investigate, I sneak up to the bowman and grab his mouth from behind. I then use my sword to slit his throat.

He struggles, but after a few seconds he goes limp. I set him down slowly and approach the other while he's looking around for the source of the noise. I sneak up once again and grabbed him by the mouth but thrust my sword through his spine and out his ribcage. With wide eyes and a muffled scream, the light of life leaves his glazed over eyes.

With the guards dealt with I take the bow and its measly seven arrows, then make my way to the door and slowly open it. I see a large cavern with a small body of water inside to the left at the back of the cavern. To the right seems to be a makeshift shack with a few bandits around it.

To the right of the shack, I see barrels strapped and stacked where the bandits are getting drinks from. I wrap an arrow in cloth and light it with a nearby torch, taking aim I launch the arrow setting the barrels on fire. Soon the old dry ropes holding them burn away and the barrels fall spilling their contents everywhere setting everything and the nearby bandits ablaze.

Only two bandits remain as they exited the shack to see what's going on. I shot the less armoured one in the side of the head and drop the bow, drawing my sword. The bandit leader spots me and draws his massive battleaxe, he's also wearing iron armour like me.

We charge at each other trading blow for blow, he eventually hits me in the back cracking my armour and bowling me over. I fall face first to the floor as I hear him laugh. I roll out of the way from his down stroke and quickly get up, panting from fatigue and thirst. I keep my distance to catch my breath, he seems like he's still fresh and only getting started. Well that's orcs for you, they're hard, tough, stubborn and natural fighters.

After about thirty seconds, the orc stops smirking and charges at me again. I think fast and decide to risk it all, with both hands I hold my sword above my head and launch it at the orc. The sword flies toward the surprised orc piercing his throat. He trips from the impact and shock, he then gurgles and squirms as he bleeds profusely on the ground.

After twenty seconds of struggling, he dies from the wound. I retrieve my sword and walk over to the lake and take a drink. I rest for five minutes and then head out with the leaders head in a bag. I'm going to have a rather unpleasant chat with my employer. Before I leave the cave, I notice a dark blue blur fade away behind me. Not being sure what it was, I exit the cave.

Morning arrives, the birds are singing, the morning air is cool and refreshing, the sun is shining brightly as it floods my room and on my face. I groan in displeasure at the invading light and flop over covering my face with a pillow. Five minutes later the door opens revealing a guard and a unicorn maid. I sit up groaning, my hair's a mess and a bit of drool is flowing down my chin. I wipe my mouth and just stare at the mare.

After a whole minute of staring she finally speaks up. "H-hello s-sir, the p-princesses asked for y-you to join them for b-breakfast." I keep looking at her rubbing my chin. I'm starting to grow some stubble and I don't smell all that pleasant as well. Sliding out of bed, I make my way to the bathroom and look at the bathtub. I turn the taps as water starts flowing into the tub. The mare nervously makes her way behind me.

I'm still feeling tired. I start removing my clothes and hear a gasp behind me as I remove my shirt. I quickly turn around wide eyed as the mare stares at my back. I have three large scars on my back, two are in a jagged X pattern on my upper right back that's also on the same place as my chest, while the other is just behind my left kidney.

I stare at her and finally speak. "Can I help you?" She just stares for a few seconds then shakes her head.

"I was t-told to help prepare y-you for breakfast," she replies, I think for a second and reply.

"Uh thanks, but I'm sure I can wash myself just fine thank you, I need my clothes washed though. Can you turn around so I can finish getting undressed and get in the bath, you can take them after that." She blushes and turns around facing the wall. I remove my clothes but leave my ring on and step into the tub, shutting off the water once I settled in.

"You can take them now," I tell her. She turns and levitates my clothes next to her and walks away, still red faced.

I sigh as I sit in the tub, the warmth relaxing my muscles as I lean back. Fifteen minutes pass and I'm clean now.

There's a knock at the door. "Yes?" I call out, it's the maid with my clothes now cleaned.

"Y-your clothes are now clean, s-sir," she stutters, opening the door and floating my clothes next to the sink. I thank her and the door closes. After a few more seconds I get out and dry myself off, get dressed and crouch down so I can look in the mirror. As I thought, I have some stubble but not worth shaving yet. I leave the room and the mare just stares at me.

"You’re n-not going to b-brush your mane?" I run my hand through my hair and it feels thick and knotted. I can't remember the last time I brushed it.

"Erm, couldn't find a brush," I reply which is not true as I saw one next to the sink. She just looks at me as if she knew I was lying.

"I left a brush by the sink, if you will not brush it, I'll do it for you." My eyebrows shot up at the sudden assertiveness of the mare. I groan and walk back to the sink and start brushing, took ten minutes to finally brush it smoothly. With that done I redid the braids I had in front of my ears and walked back to the bedroom.

"Ah much better. Now if you'll follow me, I'll guide you to the dining hall." She leaves the room and I follow behind her, the two guards also tag along keeping an eye on me. After a three minute walk, we arrive at the dining hall and the maid opens the door.

We all enter the room and I look around. There's a large long table in the middle of the room and a door to the right that probably leads to the kitchen. There's lots of cushions along the table but there's one chair that's to the left of Celestia with Luna to her right.

The maid starts walking over to them and I follow along, the guards take position at the door to prevent me from leaving. I'm led to the chair and sit down on it.

"Good morning, Farengar. Did you sleep well?" Celestia asks me while buttering up a slice of toast.

"I'll have to admit, that was the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in." It's true, I'm used to the straw beds at the low cost Inns.

"That's good to hear. After we left you to your room, my sister and I have been discussing what to do with you," she tells me before taking a bite out of her toast and chews it elegantly. I look down at my food and see two sunny side up eggs, two slices of toast, an apple, some lettuce and a glass of orange juice.

"I hope it's good news, I'd hate to have to defend myself from you after the hospitality you've shown me," I jokingly say to her. I pick up a fork and start eating the eggs. Celestia swallows her food, Luna looks at me with a serious expression.

"Yes that would be unfortunate. Especially after what I've seen you're capable of," she replies and she starts nibbling on her greens. I look at her confused by what she meant.

"And how would you know what I'm capable of, Princess?" I ask her with a raised brow.

"I entered your dream last night to get an insight of your past and personality. What I saw was quite impressive." I stare at her with a blank expression, then frown at her with a bit of anger as I realize what that dark blue blur was I saw.

"My dreams are my own, you had no right invading my dreams just to satisfy your curiosity." I glare at Luna for a while until Celestia gets my attention.

"I asked her to do this, we need to know if you're dangerous or not. Viewing your past will help us determine what you're like, so far we've determined your a skilled fighter who is not afraid to fight or take a life." She floats her drink up and takes a few sips. I'm still frowning, but not as angry for now.

"Then ask for my permission before doing so again." She nodded in agreement. I finish off my eggs and start on my toast. We all eat in silence for a few minutes until Luna speaks up.

"Farengar, about that sword of yours. Before my sister placed it in her vault we sensed some type of magic infused with it, what is it?" I look up at her chewing my toast then swallow with a loud gulp.

"It's a minor fire enchantment that can set whatever it cuts on fire, if it has enough of a charge to do so," I inform her taking a swig of my drink, I really could go for a mug of mead right now.

Luna frowns slightly. "That sounds barbaric, why did it not do so in the dream you had last night?" Luna asks as she raised a brow in a questioning manner.

"That dream was from before I had it enchanted." I eat the apple and take another swig of the juice. We all finish our breakfast and I stand up and stretch.

"We really need to get you some new attire, how can you stand wearing such rags," Luna says in distaste. I look down at my clothes, they're just common clothes, a burlap vest, green felt linen pants and buckled shoes, cheap and easy to replace if damaged.

"What do you mean? These are normal everyday clothes, cheap and easy to replace," I reply. Especially in my line of work, I've ruined more shirts with my foes blood stains than I have through casual wear and tear on them.

"Be that as it may, you still need new ones." Can't really argue with her there, this is the only outfit I have right now.

"Alright then, you have a good point. So how do I go about getting some new clothes?" I ask and they start thinking on who they can ask for such a task, Celestia then smiles as she gets an idea.

"We can just call Rarity to come over and make you some clothes, I'm sure she would love the challenge." Before I can say anything she calls a guard over and whispers in his ear, he salutes and trots off out the door. I look back at Celestia with a raised brow.

"Now are you off to bed sister or are you going to accompany us for a while longer?" Celestia asks Luna who yawns in response.

"As much as I'd love too, I was awoken much earlier than I'm used to, thanks to our new friend here." She gives me a mock glare that I just chuckle at.

"Very well, sleep well, Luna." Luna just yawns while nodding her head and walks out the room, Celestia then turns to me.

"Well, I have to attend to my royal court duties now, but I have assigned Captain Shining Armour to watch over you for the time being." I was about to ask about this Shining Armour when said pony walks up to the Princess and salutes at her. I quickly recognise him as the one that gave me that death glare in the bathroom, I frown at this.

"Does he have to? I get the feeling he's not very fond of me." And I'm right, he's still glaring at me.

"Yes he does, he is in charge of the royal guard and will be keeping you out of trouble for the time being. Now, if you'll excuse me I must be off." With that said, she walks away to do whatever it is princesses do. I turn to look at Shining Armour and hold out a hand.

"Truce? I think we got off on the wrong foot... or err hoof, I'm Farengar. Now that things have calmed down it's a pleasure making your acquaintance." He eyes my hand with a frown then up at my face, a few seconds later he sighs and shakes my hand.

"Very well, but any sign of trouble and you'll be in the dungeons faster then you can blink." I let go of his hoof and chuckle at the threat.

"So what's there to do around here? Any taverns or arenas?" I ask him, he gives me a disgusted look at the mention of arenas.

"We have some cafés and bars, you're more likely to find a tavern in Gryphus than Equestria. There are theatres in the city that do both plays and orchestras, unless you'd prefer the nightclubs. As for arenas, that's just cruel and barbaric," he says, voice dripping with venom at such a concept.

"Hey, arenas aren't all that bad. Those that join willingly know what they're getting themselves into, I used to fight in the arenas. Sure the prize money was good, but I fought for experience, to learn new styles of fighting and training," I argue my point, it's true, arena fighting has really toughened me up. It's also where I got my scars.

I'm waiting behind the portcullis at the Imperial City Arena for the match to start. I'm wearing a red set of heavy arena armour but still have my Dwarven Greatsword with me. The announcer is hyping up the crowd, screams and cheers can be heard as they eagerly wait for the next match.

"Arg, I wish they'd hurry it up. I'm just itching to bust some skulls!" an orc to my right wielding a warhammer and matching armour yells. I rub the inside of my ear to try and stop the ringing.

"I may not share you enthusiasm, but I agree, they're taking way too long to start this," the bosmer to my left says. He's using a finely crafted bow, a full quiver of forty arrows of elven design and red leather arena armour.

"NOW WITHOUT FURTHER ADIEU, LET THE MATCH BEGIN!" the announcer calls out, the portcullis opens and we charge out to meet our opponents.

We make it near the centre of the arena and see our enemies; a khajiit with blue leather arena armour and dual daggers, a breton with a staff and a blue arena robe, there's also an imperial with a sword and shield with a suit of heavy blue arena armour.

I go for the khajiit, the orc goes for the imperial and the bosmer goes for the breton. I swing my sword horizontally at the khajiit, but he just jumps up over it and slashes me over my left eye. I forgot these cats can jump well and have greater flexibility.

"What is wrong nord? Does this one cause you a bit of trouble?" the khajiit taunts me. I ignore him and get back into an offensive stance, I hold my sword high above my head waiting for him to move. He circles me for a while as I can hear my teammates fighting around me.

The khajiit pounces at me with great speed. I bring my sword down and he sidesteps it laughing as he does so. I continue with the momentum twisting my body and barely drag my sword on the ground. I quickly bring it back up while still twisting and bring the sword down with more force and speed.

He doesn't see it coming in time, he raises his left arm to block it, but lets face it, a dagger can't parry a greatsword and so my sword lays claim to the khajiit's arm. He roars in pain as his arm flops to the floor and bleeds excessively. While he's distracted by the pain, I leap up and bring my sword back down burying my blade from his shoulder to his gut, I can see the fear and regret in his eyes as he's split in two. He then falls to the floor lifeless.

After dealing with the khajiit, the orc shatters the imperials shield with his hammer knocking him over. The imperial starts begging for his life and the orc just laughs in his face. With a fleshy squelch the orc crushes the imperial's skull under his hammer, and roars his victory as the crowd cheers on.

The bosmer and breton are still going at it. The bosmer has a scorched left hip while the breton has an arrow in his thigh. I rush over and flank the breton, he notices me coming and fires a lightning bolt at me. Unfortunately, I couldn’t avoid it as it tears through my right shoulder leaving a large jagged cross like gash on my chest and back.

I collapse on the floor, gritting my teeth in pain as I start flooding what little healing magic I have into the wound, it closes but still hurts like I'm being gnawed on by a Guar.

My distraction was all the bosmer needed to put an arrow in the breton's skull dropping him instantly, I still grunt in pain as the orc helps me up not so gently. We raise our arms, or arm in my case for our victory. I leave the field, back through the portcullis and seek medical attention.

I smile as I finish remembering the fight. Sure, I could've done without the lighting bolt to the shoulder, but it's a good reminder of what magic can do. I look down at Shining and notice his expression of amused curiosity.

"What you smiling about?" he asks.

"Oh not much, just remembering one of the arena matches I was in." I grin and ask a question. "What kind of training do you guards go through?"

"Hmm? Oh, the usual. Run laps, weight lifting, magic training, aeronautic training, obstacle courses, sparring matches and tactical training." As he finishes listing off the type of training the guard do, a maid walks in to clean the room. It's the same mare I first saw that ran from me with the light brown coat and green mane and tail.

She smiles at Shining, but as soon as she see's me her smile is gone and her eyes go wide. I grin as a mean idea pops into my head, I crouch down to eye level and look her in the eyes.

"....BOO!" I yell out after a pause. She screams and faints as her eyes roll into the back of her head. I burst out laughing while Shining gives me a disapproving look. My laughter dies down to a chuckle as I pick up the mare and place her on a couch next to the door.

"That wasn't very nice you know," he scolds me, I just smile.

"Well now that I've had a good laugh, where can I find a tankard of ale or mead?" I ask the captain.

"You can get some mild ale and cider at a bar, but mead is a griffin made drink, you'll have to go to Gryphus or get it imported." The no mead in Equestria ruined my smile. I just sigh, guess I'll have to talk to Celestia about it later.

"Well okay then, hmmmm... Do you have any spell books on healing? I'm not sure if I can apply your spells with my kind of magic, but it's worth a look," I ask him. Shining just hums with a hoof on his chin.

"We could go to the royal archives and have a look if you want to go." I nodded my head and follow him out of the room, the two guards posted at the door stay there as we leave the hall. We both walk for a good five minutes to the archives and open the double doors.

"Well, I'm impressed," I say as I look around at the large archive. It makes the Winterhold archives look like a personal book collection, rows upon rows of books in about twenty isles. There's even five floors two above and below ground level.

"So... where do we look first?" I ask, having no idea on where to start.