I woke up inside my friend's video game

The moon hung low over Whiterun, casting its silvery glow across the cobblestone streets. The city, usually alive with bustling activity, had settled into a rare moment of tranquility. Within the warm confines of Malik and Sylgja's home, Jayson and Nikolai found solace in the comforting scents of home-cooked meals and the muffled sounds of the night.

Malik had left earlier in the evening, muttering something about unfinished business with the Companions. His absence granted Jayson and Nikolai time to explore Whiterun, allowing them to experience its vibrancy in a way they never had when playing Skyrim on their computer screens. They strolled through the market, exchanged words with the blacksmith, and even shared lighthearted banter with the city's guards. For once, the world felt tangible—more than pixels and code.

As the night deepened, the city grew quieter, lulling them into a relaxed state. Sylgja, ever the gracious host, retired early, leaving Jayson and Nikolai to their own devices.

Jayson lay on a makeshift bed, staring at the ceiling, still grappling with the surreal nature of their reality. The shift from player to participant was unfathomable. Beside him, Nikolai sat deep in thought.

"Envisioning new mods for Skyrim?" Jayson teased, smirking.

"Shut up and go to sleep, man." Nikolai chuckled, shaking his head.

Jayson let out a small laugh before closing his eyes, thoughts of Erica lulling him to sleep.

A strange unease gnawed at Nikolai. He sat up, instincts flaring. The room was silent, yet something felt off. His gaze snapped toward the dining area. Without hesitation, he reached for the dagger at his belt and crept forward.

Nikolai moved with caution, his grip tightening around the dagger's hilt. A sudden flicker of movement—then steel clashed against steel. The sharp clang echoed through the dimly lit room. Nikolai steadied himself as the shadowy figure before him raised a sword in defense.

A step forward revealed the intruder—a Dunmer woman, her gaze a mixture of defiance and desperation.

She was clad in sleek, dark armor, clearly designed for stealth. The intricate designs on the leather bore the emblem of a bird beneath a full moon, a symbol Nikolai vaguely recognized but couldn't place immediately.

"Wait!" The Dunmer's voice was softer than expected, almost pleading. "I mean no harm. I just needed food and water."

Nikolai hesitated, his sharp eyes searching hers. Something in them told him she spoke the truth. Lowering his weapon slightly, he remained cautious. "Why should I believe you?"

The woman exhaled, her shoulders sagging. "I was framed for a murder. Someone close to me was killed, and now I'm being hunted. I swear, I just needed something to eat."

Tension still hung between them, but it had shifted. "What's your name?" Nikolai asked, his voice less rigid.

"Karliah," she answered, relief flickering in her tone. "I've been in hiding, trying to clear my name, but it's hard when the world believes you're a killer."

Nikolai studied her for a moment before making his decision. "Come with me. We'll get you some food. But no funny business."

Karliah nodded in gratitude, and together they slipped out into the night.

At The Bannered Mare, Nikolai ordered a meal, glancing at Karliah, who sat with tense shoulders, eyes darting around the tavern. When he returned with a steaming plate, she wasted no time devouring it, her hunger evident.

"Thank you," she murmured between bites. "You have no idea what this means to me."

Nikolai smirked. "Everyone deserves a chance to prove their innocence."

Karliah's sharp gaze softened as she met his eyes. "You're different," she mused. "Most wouldn't have detected me so easily. You'd make a fine thief, you know. Ever considered joining the Thieves Guild?"

Nikolai chuckled, shaking his head. "Not my style. But I'll take that as a compliment."

As she finished, she hesitated before making a request. "Could I take an extra meal for the road? I promise I'll repay you someday."

Nikolai nodded, purchasing another portion. But by the time he returned, Karliah was gone. In her place sat a small note.

"Give the food to Thane, his wife and your friend as an apology. I'll repay you someday. – Karliah"

He sighed, folding the note before making his way back to Breezehome.

Upon his return, Jayson and Sylgja were on the porch, waiting.

"Man, you had us worried," Jayson said, concern in his voice. "Going out in the middle of the night without a word?"

Nikolai handed them the food, explaining the situation in brief. Sylgja accepted it with understanding, though a hint of sadness crossed her features.

As dawn's first light touched Whiterun, Nikolai sat up in bed, his mind lingering on the night's events. Realization struck him like a lightning bolt.

"Wait—Karliah. She's one of the Nightingales in the game's lore!"

Jayson, groggy and unimpressed, barely cracked an eye open. "There you go again, man. Even trapped in a game, you're still thinking about mods."