A/N: I'm normally one to play as a Cat, so when I decided I'd mix it up a little and play as a High Elf a story idea came and bit me in the butt. I decided I might as well commit it to paper… or whatever you want to call word doc. and well here it is. I hope you like my elf, I think he looks cool, but well that's me for you… Oh forgive my name misspellings just tell me how to correctly spell it and I'll fix it when I get the chance.
Summary: When faced with a stoic and silent High Elf that is rumored to be mute, yet be the Dragonborn, what's a Jarl to do? Ulfric soon finds that Ashma is not all he appears to be. The Dragonborn must defeat more than just a giant black dragon to keep Tamriel safe. Shadows of the past are rising in the west, and it will take Ashma's full strength to beat them. However, how strong can one High Elf be?
Warnings: This is man on man, possibly a three some I have no idea yet. I also plan on going through some key quests so if you haven't finished the main quest line and the war quest line: SPOILER ALERT!
Disclaimer: If I owned Skyrim Ulfric would have been a romance option only for male characters so you know I've never ever had even the tiniest share on Skyrim…. I OWN NOTHING.
Note: 'thought' "Talk" 'Ashma's writing'
Without further a due, I present; 'Black Scales On Gold Skin'!
Title: Black Scales on Gold Skin
Chapter One: Fire, A Lot of Fire
(Helgen)
I slowly opened my eyes, the painful throb ringing in my head blurring what I saw for a few moments. When my vision cleared my gut plummeted to the floor. I was in a wagon, in front of me was a man dressed in a Stromcloak uniform, glancing to the left I saw the man who'd tried to steal my horse and someone who looked vaguely familiar, wearing an outfit similar to the first's, sitting next to me.
The thief was rugged and not all that attractive, but this blond man next to me, he was another matter entirely…
Looking around a bit more I noticed there would be no way to get out of the wagon alive, a guard on horseback followed behind our wagon. In front of my wagon was another filled with more Stormcloaks. I found myself thinking 'Great, I got labeled a rebel and now I'm going to die because the Empire is just that dumb.' Just then the man sitting across from me looked up and finally noticed I was awake.
"Finally awake then? You were trying to cross the border, right? Same as us, and that Horse Thief over there, walked right into that ambush. You put up a fight, knocked out five of these bustards before they got you." The man seemed genuinely impressed. 'If knocking out a few Imperials impresses him he should see me use my magic…' I mused in my mind and then the driver grunted at us, like an animal.
"Be quite back there!" He huffed I glared wanting to sneer but restraining the urge. If I let them see my teeth I'd be dead before the wagon stopped moving. I clench my jaw and flip him a rude gesture, noticing a set of chuckles from the Stormcloaks, although one was muffled due to his gag.
"What's your name?" I looked back at the man across from me, I felt a sadness wash through me, I could not answer. I shook my head bringing my bound hands to my throat. Hopefully he understood I was claiming to be mute. Understanding lit up in the man's eyes, he nodded and looked over to the thief.
"Where you from Horse Thief?" I thought of my family, or at least the few fuzzy memories I had and felt my chest ache. The Horse Thief and the man exchanged a few words and I picked up on a chilling fact.
"Watch your tongue, that's Ulfric Stormcloak, the true High King!" When I heard that I suddenly knew I'd die, the Imperials would kill me because I was a 'rebel Stormcloak'. I closed my eyes and sent a prayer to the Divines I'd be shown mercy in the next life. I hear gates open and open my eyes with the noise, almost gasping as I see the walls and begin to panic on the inside. 'Not right! I shouldn't be here, not in a village or whatever this is he'll find me!'
"Look at him, General Tullius the Military Governor and the Thalmor are with him, damn elves. I bet They had something to do with this." The man with golden hair and pale blue eyes spat. I flinch at the harsh words, and wonder if Skyrim is as bad as I'd heard it to be. 'But he has his reasons the Thalmor are cruel..." I remind myself. I zone out as the cart moves on, I see a priest, a headsman and a chopping block, all in the open.
'Public execution!? What are these people thinking? Oh Divines kill me now so I don't have to face this humiliation!' I scream in my mind going numb, but when the wagon stops I stand with the others.
"Let's not keep the Gods waiting for us." The man behind me states before he rises, and I find myself agreeing with him. I close my eyes and take my last deep breathe as a free Elf, when I jump down I know I am now a slave to the Empire's murder.
They call forward everyone, the horse thief being a fool runs and gets an arrow to the back for his efforts. I don't even blink already well acquainted with death. Then they call me up, but my name is not on the list, I'd refused to give it to them. The Imperial soldier holding the list requests my name and I give him a silent glare, I would hold the appearance of a mute like I had been. Avoiding death until it caught me in its bittersweet embrace.
The Captain gets pissed with my refusal to answer and stalks forward bringing her hand to her blade. If the damn binds on my hands weren't enchanted to cancel magic I would have killed her then and there. The man, who'd asked my name, Ralof, spoke up from the group of rebels and I almost groaned but swallowed the sound. I must keep my mute façade.
"He can't speak, he's mute." I blink at him; I could hear the aggravation a deep breath and nod when the bitch asks me if Ralof had said the truth.
"Captain." The list Soldier piped up only to get cut off. I was beginning to hate the Empire more than I already did, and that was saying something. All my life I'd hated the Empire, but now my anger had become a silent seething rage.
"He goes to the block." She states walking off. The Soldier sighs but nods in resignation, I want to spit at him for being a coward. He looks up with a grim look plastered on his face.
"We'll make sure your remains are returned to the Summerset Isles." I roll my bright yellow eyes, not caring where my body went, I'd be dead not that anyone would really care. I walked up to the rebel group, standing one person away from Ralof. I watch as a man interrupts the priest as she practically rubs salt in their wounded pride and he becomes the first to be beheaded.
'You could have at least said The Nine, stupid woman, these men and woman are Stormcloaks, show some respect for your enemy.' I spit in my mind I hear Ralof say something about the dead man's bravery then it's my turn for the block. A strange roar echoes and sets everyone on edge, I'm beginning to feel fear in the back of my mind but push it away as I walk forward, my face expressionless. 'I won't give these bastards the satisfaction of knowing my fear.'
As I walk forward out of the corner of my eyes I see Ulfric watching me. A small shiver runs down my spine when I feel the gaze bore into my back. I see him bow his head slightly and feel surprised, if that bow was meant for me then he was a far better man then I'd originally thought. To show respect to your enemy is to show honor far beyond what most possessed.
I kneel then lay my head down on the block before the Captain can kick me, I mentally sigh when I realize my raven black hair was long enough it would get cut. Another roar and with it a form as black as the void sails from behind the mountains to the right on tattered wings that look like they are made of ebony. It lands on the tower in front of us and a wave of utter terror washes over me as I realize the black form that has glowing blood red eyes is a dragon like the legends of old.
It lets out a ground shaking roar to the sky which darkens and begins raining down fireballs. I'm frozen as if I have Rockjoint. I stare wide eyed at the giant beast my neck still touching the blood soaked block when I snap out of it and begin to get up to run.
The black dragon looks down as I start to rise, for a moment I think I see amusement and cruel curiosity flash in its glowing crimson eyes then it shrieks something in its own tongue that throws me down. My head slams into the chopping block and I lay on the ground dazed for less than a half minute before I'm jerked up to my knees, my vision is so blurred I can't see straight and clamp my eyes shut. I fear I might have a concussion.
"Come on! To that tower, stay low follow me." I flinch away from the shout, but my eyes fly open when I recognize the voice, Ralof. I crouch low, following the blue smudge in the blur of reddish brown. My vision slowly clears as the door slams shut behind me, I collapse by the wall trying to simply will my head to stop pounding, I grit my teeth and press my forehead into my knees.
"That was a Dragon, just like the legends!" Ralof gasped standing but leaning into the wall next to me the adrenaline rush he was probably having taking the breath from him. I blink and look up when my head stops spinning and my sight is better.
"Legends don't burn down villages." I look at the man who spoke, that voice sending shivers through me, and realize it was Ulfric talking. I look at him closely, taking in the man's looks. He has the stereotypical Nord appeal, almost. His hair was light blond, his eyes the clear blue of the skies, and his skin pale, body carved like a warrior. All of the man added up to an appealing picture.
I thought of myself for a moment, my light bronze-gold colored skin, bright yellow eyes, and long raven black hair my body looked like that of a thief. I was tall and lithe, graceful and completely silent on my feet. With the two black tattoos that circled my eyes then framed my face and almost met under my jugular I looked the part of a shadow walker. I knew what I was and I wished the man who made me as I am would boil in the liquid fire of Red Mountain.
"We need to move now!" Ulfric shouts as the ground shakes with another roar from the Dragon. I stand slowly, trying to keep the ground from pitching and spinning. Ralof shouts for me to follow him as he bounds up the stairs, I run after him, catching up and meeting him stride for stride. I suddenly stopped my bound hands shoot out and I grab Ralof before he can move to help another rebel trying to clear the stairs. I don't know why but instinct told me to stay where I was, and I stopped Ralof from going farther until I knew what was spooking me.
As if in answer to my halt the tower shakes and a giant black head bursts through the wall and spews fire at the poor man by the debris. I swear the dragon's eyes met mine as its giant head pulled back and I saw malice and arrogance shine in the glowing red orbs. I felt a dizzying fear like none before as his eyes blaze into mine. It felt like it took the dragon a decade to pull his head back, the fear blotted out the chaotic noise swirling around me until a strong beat of the massive black wings lifted the dragon and carried it on its bloody rampage. I then realized it wasn't a concussion I was suffering it was pure terror.
When the shadow over the hole in the wall leaves all the noise finally hits me, the once muffled chaos outside seems to crash into my ears like a stampede of wild stallions. I gasp and collapse to the ground, pressing my forehead into my hands, the pounding in my head returning tenfold. I blink as Ralof pulls me up off the floor, and in a surprisingly gentle voice told me what I needed to do.
"Hey, see the roof of the Inn over here?" He gestures to a hole in a roof close to the gaping hole in the tower wall I nod. "Jump over there, we'll catch up with you later go." He nudges me closer to the ledge and the smoking inferno that was the village below. I swallow hard before taking a few steps back then running forward and leaping from the ledge, I land and roll across the floor of the Inn, the smoke is so thick I start coughing immediately.
I get myself under control and stand running to the other side of the room and jumping down, and run out of the building to hide behind another. Three people run up to hide next to me as a jet of white hot fire scorches the road, then I see the black dragon again, my gut twists in dread. Something was telling me this wasn't the first attack, and it wouldn't be the last.
"Still alive prisoner keep close if you want to stay that way." I resist the urge to sneer at the damn list soldier from earlier. 'Why couldn't you have been eaten by now?' I think glaring at the man as I follow him, when I see the gates and the dead scattered there and the soldiers standing their ground I feel my gut twist. I feel a respect bloom in my chest, these men fought to protect each other against a foe that would kill them. They were naïve, but they were brave.
I look and see the court yard and run to it forgetting the soldier I'd been following, I hope to see Ralof or Ulfric, they'd saved my life I needed to repay them. When I see Ralof run up I stand close to him as the list soldier runs up, calling Ralof a traitor. They take their opposite roads and with out hesitation I follow Ralof into the keep.
I run in after the blond the door shutting with a loud bang behind us. I stop and stare at the dead rebel on the floor near the back wall, mentally sending a prayer to the divines. I hear Ralof speak of meeting the man in Sovngarde and I felt a pang of sympathy. I keep a distance staying silent with my head bowed in respect.
"Well, I guess we're the only ones to make it. Come here and let me see if I can get those binds off you." I hear the small twinge of sadness in his soft voice. I walk up to him, hesitant to move closer to the mourning man; I could see the pain in his eyes. Pained men could do painful things.
He sighed and moved over to me, grabbed my wrist and brought out a dagger. I saw the blade and memories flashed in my eyes and I jerked away. My eyes must have cued him in on my panic attack because he dropped the dagger and grabbed my upper arms holding me in place.
"Hey now, I'm not here to hurt you, all I'm going to do is remove those binds. Alright?" He states this calmly, I'm shaking and blink and swallow the pain while I nod. It's gotten easier to keep quite over the years, I realize how long it's been and feel a wave a longing wash over me. I want to speak, but I can't it would be a death sentence. So I nod and keep still as he picks up his dagger and cuts my binds.
I roll my wrists and feel the numbness begin to leave my hands I flex my fingers and concentrate on fire. My eyes are closed as I imagine the flames dancing within the palm of my hands. I hear a gasp and open my eyes. Ralof's eyes are blown wide as he looks at the small dancing flames in my open palms. He blinks and suddenly looks reproachful, and putts a little distance between us.
I feel a pang in my chest but make my face goes blank. I close my hands extinguishing the flames wisps of smoke slipping up from between my fingers. I look away from him glaring at the floor wanting to ask him his issue. But then I realize, the Thalmor are mages or mostly so, and magic must seem strange to those not gifted with it. I refuse to look at Ralof glaring at the floor and shaking my head. I turn and start walking toward the door, 'If he thinks mages are evil incarnate fuck him. I'll take my chances with the giant flying black lizard outside.'
"Wait, look I'm not used to magic, it's strange to me. I meant no offense!" Ralof calls he runs up and grabs my arm, I freeze. I blink and turn my head to him letting the hurt flash in my eyes. It hurt to think that he changed his opinion of me just because my magic abilities, why judge someone because of that? He looks uncertain, but he no longer seems so judgmental.
I look at him and shake my head in frustration, wanting to speak, he suddenly looks confused. My hand touches my throat taping it gently shaking my head, I look around seeing a piece of coal I grab it and write on the wall: 'I don't like that you'd judge me for who I am, What I am. I'm a mage so what? I can fight with a sword just as well as you. I'm not with the Thalmor just because I'm a High Elf.'
When I'm done writing the message I take a step back and look at Ralof then point at the wall. He looks at the neatly scrawled script and flinches. He looks at me embarrassment shining in his gaze. He rubs the back of his neck looking at the ground.
"Look, I'm a Nord and a warrior, I'm not used to magic and I've been raised to be weary of it. I do apologies for the way I came across. I didn't mean to seem so…" He trails off unsure of what to say next, I write it on the wall: 'Raciest?' He nods then gestures toward the dead man.
"You should take his armor and axe he won't be needing them now." Ralof turned away from me. When he did I threw the charcoal as hard as I could at the far wall, so frustrated with the situation. I looked at the little splat the charcoal had made upon its shattering impact as I walked over to the dead man, and changed from the rags I'd been wearing to the Stormcloak uniform.
I secured the damn pants after a struggle. Since I was smaller then the one they were meant for it took me a bit to fasten the damn things. I pulled at the chainmail, wanting to throw it away; instead I took a deep breath and slipped it on, not liking the cold metal at all. I shiver and pull on the last piece, the blue sash. I pick up the axe and twirl it.
"You weren't kidding when you said you knew how to handle a weapon." Ralof states I drop the axe and twirl around, instinct kicking in. He frowns and looks at me strangely for a moment. I look to the side and jump grabbing the axe pointing toward the wooden gate and hide behind the wall, hearing Ralof mutter about damn Imperials as he to crouches low and hides. In my off hand I summon my flames again.
When the gate opens Ralof jumps up and whirls around the corner slashing at the surprised soldier. I leap up spin and hurl my flames at the female commander. I feel satisfaction roll through me when she lights like a torch. I move quickly, I slash across her legs when she collapses I spin and bring the ax down in a neat arch, and her head flies.
I look down and shake my head, I quickly search her corpse, finding a key I slip it into the pouch attached to my borrowed armor. Walking into the other rooms behind them I search for useful items, I find a few Septems but that's all. I walk back to the other room and try the key on the locked gate.
Ralof looks a bit on edge and I can sense anxiety rolling off him, I look at him in concern, trying to figure the strange man out. Well strange to me, he was probably considered normal, or as normal as most people could get.
As we journey through we encounter a torturer chamber. I freeze up in the doorway Ralof jumping into the fight going on between the two Imperial tortures and the two Stromcloaks. I'm frozen in utter terror as memories scream inside my head, but a single voice breaks thorough my shock and memory induced paralysis.
"Watch out!" Ralof shouts, I blink my eyes clearing in time to see blue shining bolts flashing toward me. I suck in a breath the image of a blue glowing shield surrounding me pops into my head and I focus on it. Where it doesn't stop all of it, most of the magic is absorbed by the blue field around me. I feel the pain run through my hands that are outstretched. I clench my jaw and pull down the shield I pull the magic he'd flung at me from the falling shield and hurl it back at the torturer
I collapsed and pressed my burning hands to the cold stone floor. I hear two soldiers talking with Ralof, I hear them mutter about my eyes and ears that give away my High Elf lineage. I hear Ralof snap a biting remark toward them and he walks over to me. He kneels down as I draw in on myself curling into the wall and turning my back to the torture chamber.
"Hey, you alright?" He asks gently kneeling next to me and reaching out to my shaking hands. I blink at the ground a few times getting myself under control, but when his hand touches my bear wrist I jerk away, I'm still too far in the past not to be fearful. He frowns, again. He retracts his hands away from me slowly; he holds them palm out a sign of peace.
I can finally feel that I'm shaking and realize I must look utterly pathetic. I look at him then look to the ground turning my head to the wall, and leaning further against the cool stone. I get my breathing regulated and stand, Ralof stands with me he gives me a concerned look. I shift uncomfortably on my feet raising my hands as a gold glow swirls around them, healing the red blistered skin.
"Ye can heal?" Came a gruff voice I turn and glare at the Stormcloak trooper, he's a gruff looking male. The female is just as scruffy looking and for a moment I want to sneer and ask if either knew what bathing was. I hold in the remark and sneer and keep my expression blank as I nod. He sneers at me in response.
"Are ye too good te speak te us mere Stormcloaks?" He huffs still sneering; I glare and fist my hands at my sides resisting the urge to hit the man. I shake my head as I stalk into the room past them grab the lock picks and begin unlocking all the cages. I grab some mage robes a book and some more coins. I look back at them and blink in surprise; the gruff man is pinned to the wall by Ralof, who seems to be giving the other Stormcloak a word or two about respect.
"We haven't seen Ulfric, but we need to go." I'm surprised the woman's voice sounds like a beautiful spring shower dancing on the rivers and the meadows. I look at Ralof waking over and tapping his shoulder, he snaps his head in my direction and I jump back, he blinks and his anger softens. I point toward the woman.
"We need to go, come on." The woman turns and begins heading down a tunnel, Ralof gives the man a warning glare and lets him go. I walk off behind the woman I notice Ralof is right behind me, his head turned slightly back, as if watching the other Stormcloak.
I walk faster and stop the woman, I cock my head to the side and turn it a little, and then I crouch down sneak forward and peak around the corner into the cavern. Sure enough my ears told me true, there were Imperials in the next area. I slink back to the other's who are waiting where I'd stopped them.
"Imperials?" Ralof whispers, I nod, "How many?" He whispers drawing his two axes. I fidget and holding up four fingers as I draw out my own axe, but the gruff man sneers.
"Put that away elf, ye don' know ta use it. Let us 'andle the Imperials you sit back and fling magic." He snickers and I stand to my full height, just about eye level to him, if I grew a few inches. I feel the magic in my blood boil and I know I have red flames dancing between my fingers. I whip around run into the cavern hurling a fire ball at the nearest Imperial and with a twirl slash him across the abdomen.
I don't stop running I duck and weave trying to avoid the arrows, I get close and spot the oil on the ground, with a quite snicker I fling a small jet of flame on the oil, but that's all it needs. With a bag the oil ignites and the two archers burn. I turn, my bright eyes flashing, only to see the forth finished by Ralof and the woman. I glance at the other man, he's glaring at me from the entry way.
"Does he look like he can't handle a weapon now? He killed three, we barley got done with one and he killed three." Ralof sounded smug, but I felt a tad bit drained, I didn't like this armor, I wasn't used to it. I liked the lighter leathers and cloth I wore all the time. I looked away scavenging the Imperials, I find a few more coins a few good daggers and a good bow as well as a good number of iron arrows.
I hoist the bow and the now almost full quiver over my shoulder and begin to walk further not caring the two other's are staying behind leaving me alone with Ralof. At least he respected me. The woman nodded as I walked past I nod back, then as we cross the bridge I just pulled down with the leaver. Debris fall and cave in the exit to the cavern I feel a bit of worry but hop into the gap and the tunnel I see.
I come out and Ralof is running up with this look of worry written over his face as he catches sight of me foraging from the skeleton I found he actually laughs. I look over confused and cock my head to the side, but I see a bear getting up and I load my bow. I step in front of him and fire three arrows, quick succession one after the other at the charging fur ball.
The beast collapses about three feet away I relax and straighten from the crouch, noticing Ralof was stunned behind me. I fidget and begin skinning the bear taking her pelt and the meat I could get. I also grab two of the three arrows I fired, one having broken in the bear's eye socket.
"Wow, you know how to defend yourself…" Ralof murmurs in wonder shaking himself he looks back the way we came. For a moment I think he wants to stay but he surprises me again, "Well, everyone else will just need to find another way out."
My lips twitch up in a smile, I'd gotten worried he might try to clear the rubble, but with out the right people or tools it would have been suicide. I stand nod and we begin walking again, there's a light and I can feel Ralof's excitement as he practically glows with it.
"There's a light, come on, it has to be the way out!" Ralof moves ahead I smile for the first time in what seems like forever as I walk out behind him. We step into the light and for a moment it's so bright I have to squint or blind myself. I blink the slight discomfort away when that blood chilling roar thunders overhead, images of a giant black face with glowing red eyes flashes in my mind, his gapping maw spewing fire.
I don't wait for Ralof's warning I jump forward and crouch behind the large boulder. I see the black shape swoop through the late evening air as if on wings of a bird he flies away from the trailing smoke. I feel my gut twist with fear at the very sight of him. As the jagged black hole of the dragon fades into the horizon we stand.
"My sister runs the mill in Riverwood, just up the road from here. It would probably be best if we split up..." Ralof seems reluctant to move away or even say the words split up. I cock my head to the side and shake it in a no and walk up to stand next to him, waiting. I see him smile then we're heading down the road.
I listen to him explain certain aspects of the land, but the standing stones catch my eye as we stop next to them, he explains there are thirteen, these are the guardians. I walk up to the mage stone and run a hand over the surface of the mage's image. I feel a power resonate out of the stone and see a thin thread of light shine in the shape of the mages consolation. I gasp but my hand stays there.
I can't help the fact I'm openly gapping at the stone, it just glowed for Arkay's sake! I snap my jaw shut with an audible click and look back at Ralof. Fear spiking in my gut, but luckily he doesn't seem to have noticed anything. He's looking at the stone with a bemused smile on his face.
"The mage, eh? Well it's not my place to judge." He states as he walks up to stand behind me. I turn and watch as he places a hand on the warrior stone, grinning when a thin thread of light forms the constellation of the warrior across the rock's surface. It was like watching what my stone had done, but the mage was replaced by the warrior.
I take in a quick breath of surprise and step closer basking in the power I feel ripple out from the stone, but it's different from the mage stone. The power I feel is not the soft flowing brush from magic, but a more primal power that washes you in rough waves of energy. I blink as he turns to me with a grin plastered to his face. It takes me a moment to gather my wits, it was mind blowing, I'd heard of things like this but it was so strange to feel it.
"Come on let's go it's starting to get dark and Riverwood is just a little further up the road." His voice almost sounds like that of an ecstatic child much different than the earlier tone he'd taken on when talking about the ruins on the nearby mountain, Bleakfalls Barrow he'd called them. He'd shuddered and quickly moved on.
I draw my bow as I hear a howl, my instincts kicking in I begin to crouch when a weight slams into my back and throws me face first into the dirt. I hear Ralof cry out in shock and pain and I roll barley avoiding snapping jaws. I grab at the wolf's muzzle, managing to wrap a hand around it; I wrap my legs around the beast's body and snap its neck.
I grab my bow and the arrow I'd dropped and take aim at the wolf that had latched onto Ralof's arm. I let the arrow fly, with a thud it lands in the black furred side. The wolf howls letting go of Ralof who takes his axe and swings down onto its neck. He pants heavily, his bleeding arm hangs loosely by his side. I get up from my knees, stumbling over to take a look at the bleeding appendage.
I blink hard as my vision refuses to focus for a moment; I reach out and gently touch the wound trying to figure out how damaged it is. When he flinches and lets out a strangled groan I jump and flinch away.
"Hey, sorry look it over but it hurt's like the void, I'm not going to hurt you." He states this and I realize he's said that multiple times since I'd first met him, and wonder if he knew a bit of my past. I mentally kick myself. 'No he wouldn't know. Araky knows no one does...' I ridicule myself shaking my head I frown as I look over the arm, holding it gingerly, trying to cause the least amount of pain possible. Luckily the bite only tore open his skin and didn't break any vitals in his arm or the bones. I let my hands glow with a gold light I close my eyes and concentrate reciting the incantation in my mind.
I feel a hand on my face and my eyes snap open, Ralof looks worried and I realize it's his hand on my face. I take a step back ending the healing spell the gold glow disappears from my hands. I feel the dizziness first then I realize I feel light headed and there's a sick feeling in my stomach.
"Hey you alright, I'm no healer, but you look pale." Ralof moved closer closing the distance I'd just established. I shake my head and try to clear my thoughts. Then I double over as a wave of nausea hits me hard. I move away and finally let my stomach empty on the side of the road.
I try to breathe between the heaves, but the stench makes it worse, I hate the fact I didn't notice sooner, I'd over exhausted my magic supply. I began breathing again and blinked hard. Ralof had knelt next to me and had pulled my hair back and was rubbing circles into my back. I looked over to him with a miserable look in my eyes. I nod to him in a way of thanks and he grins.
"No problem. Hey when we get to Gurder's, I'll get you some parchment and charcoal and you can write what happened, Kay?" He half grins but I blink and nod shakily, I reach into my pack and grab a mana potion and drink it thankful for the overpowering tang of it. I stand with Ralof's help and then walk with him the rest of the way to Riverwood after we skin the wolves and recollect my arrows.
When we get there Ralof calls his sister and they discuss things, I'm sitting on the ground behind Gurder and her husband leaning against the giant tree hoping not to be seen. I try to keep my eyes open but I can't and my eyes slip closed and I fall asleep.
I don't hear Ralof's praise; I don't hear him defend me when Gurder's husband gets worried about my magic. I also didn't hear him say something that would have surprised me. I'd curled up in my sleep and was oblivious to his words. But I think I did hear him, at least I felt his words.
"I would be dead if not for him. He saved my life, several times. I don't think I'd have made it if he decided not to come with me. I owe him a life debt." Ralof stated this with conviction; he looked his sister and her husband in the eye showing them exactly how serious he was. Gurder smiled she turned to me and chuckled then looked back to Ralof.
"So what's your sleeping friend's name?" She asked with a smile in her genital voice Ralof suddenly looked embarrassed.
"I haven't found out yet…" Ralof was rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment as Gurder and her husband started laughing, that woke me up I blinked sleepily at them for a moment confused then remembering what had happened and felling a tad bit sick.
"He's mute, and when I had the opportunity I kind of made an ass of myself." Ralof muttered looking much younger. I smile at the other man; I make a motion that I hope looks like writing he looks at the two and gestures to me. They turn and I suddenly feel uncomfortable.
"How about we go some where quite, with some parchment and charcoal so he can put some input into the conversation?" Ralof asks I nod as the others turn to me eager to be able to communicate in some way. I want to be called by my name; I want to be able to speak to them. I tense when I see mistrust flash across Gurder's husband's face. I repress the frustrated noise that wants to escape me as I stand, and edge around to stand behind Ralof a few paces.
"Any friend of Ralof's is a friend of mine." Gurder states warmly, a smile on her lips, she hands me a small bag and I must look confused because she chuckles.
"It's a few supplies for saving my useless brother here. Take them, you'll need them, and you've earned them. Thank you." Her voice was warm and truthful I gingerly accepted the small pouch, tying it to the belt on my armor. I bowed to her, my fist resting over my heart. I heard her chuckle and see her return the bow. I blink in astonishment, 'I have a feeling Ralof and the people who know him will continue to astound me…'
I chastise myself for the thought, I'd repay my debt to Ralof and maybe find a way to Thank Ulfric then I'd move on. I'd do what I always did because if I stopped, if he found me. I repress a shudder of fear that wants to run through me. Ralof glances as me from over his shoulder worry shining in his gaze in return I give him a small grin, hiding the ever present fear that has haunted me for almost a month now.
"Hey follow me." Ralof called as he stood and walked away after his sister, reluctantly I followed. We came to a small cottage I slow down and hesitate, not wanting to be rude. I have little idea on Nord custom, I know a little but not enough to be sure on how to carry my self without offending. Gurder looks back and sees my hesitation, she chuckles.
"You can come in, had Ralof elaborated you'd know I've already invited you into my home." Gurder's voice was as warm as it was when I'd first heard her speak, and she even came back toward me gesturing for me to come in.
I bow low to her again, fisting my hand over my heart and bowing my head. I hear her chuckle and I look at her letting my confusion shine in my fire yellow eyes. She smiles and closes the door as I walk in; I sit next to Ralof who passes me some parchment and a stick of charcoal. I write down my question: 'What amuses you so?'
"You're being overly formal, I find it funny. I run a Mill not all Whiterun." Gurder replies the smile still in her voice, I blush bright red and fidget, Ralof is trying not to fall over laughing at the sight of my pink tinged face. I glance at him, hook my foot around his ankle and tug, and he tumbles off the bench we'd been sitting on. He sputters at me and has a mock hurt look on his face. I want to laugh so much, but I can't so I smile instead, my eyes shining with unvoiced mirth.
"I guess I deserved that, but really?" Ralof asks from the floor laughing, I just smile more, my only thoughts being, 'Ha, Little smart ass!' I blink up at Gurder's husband as he coughs as if to get the groups attention. He looks a tad bit annoyed as he turns away gesturing toward his wife. I mentally wince, knowing the man does not like me, and then I see the ever present smile on Gurder's face.
"Since my brother on the floor is still proving good for nothing, what's your name?" She asked humor pouring off her; I stifle a chuckle, luckily no one catching the strangled noise. I look down as I quickly write out the single word: 'Ashma.' Ralof looked at the name and cocked his head.
"Ashmaw?" He looks confused while trying to pronounce it, I nearly fall over I'm covering my mouth to keep quite. I blink as I get myself under control and look at him with a smile, shaking my head. His lips are twitching in a combination of a smile and a cringe of embarrassment. I write on the parchment: 'Close but no gold. It's pronounced like this; Ash-ma.'
"Alright then Ashma, I'd like to offer you two to stay here, there are two old beds in the cellar, Ralof knows how to get there. But first let's all get some supper, I'll make some venison stew." She was about to turn when my old instincts kicked in hard, I gestured to the paper quickly scrawling: 'You've already done a great deal of things for us. Let me cook for you as at least a small way of thanks.'
Gurder seemed surprised but she nodded, I smiled, I'd always loved cooking. The reasons may not be the best but it was still better than doing nothing. I stand and I feel a hand grab my arm, I freeze up as if I'd been hit with too many ice spikes.
"Hey, I forgot, what happened earlier, with the wolves?" Ralof asks I relax trying not to shake, I swallow hard and grab the parchment and charcoal quickly scribbling down: 'I spent too much magic in one go; it can cause serious problems for a mage. Luckily I stopped before the symptoms got worse. Thank you by the way, if you hadn't done anything I probably would have been in a grave situation.' Ralof looks at me worry shining in his silver blue eyes that reminded me of the night sky before it is truly dawn but it isn't quite night either, twilight.
"So what would have happened if you hadn't stopped?" Ralof asks quietly, I feel the silent worry rolling off him and look away writing a quick note on the parchment handing it to him then moving to get to cooking. It was less stressful than what I was currently talking about. 'I would have died.' The notes words echo in my mind as I go about cooking.
Ralof looks like he wants to ask more but Gurder catches my sad look and changes the subject and changes Ralof's focus to catching up with her. I nod to her and go back to cooking after she nods back. I feel eyes on my back but dismiss it as Gurder's husband.
I refuse to realize it's really Ralof looking at me, worry shining in his eyes. Like blazing silver swords his gaze digs into my back as if that would reveal what troubled me on the inside. I finish the stew and gesture over Gurder to help me serve it, setting up four places I go to move away toward the door when Ralof voices his concern.
"Ashma? Where are you going?" He asks curiously, I write before I think and quickly scribble out the answer, I write a new response a wince in my features as anger flashes in Ralofs eyes and surprise then disgust flash across Gurder's and her husband's faces.
"Who and where, and I swear they'll die by my axe." Ralof hisses, his eyes going from glittering jewels of worry to daggers of rage. I flinch and shake my head rapidly, my eyes shut tightly. 'I can't tell anyone that, no one else needs to die in my place, oh dear Arkay it's my fault!' I wail in my mind. Ralof gets up and grabs my upper arms holding me in place, he looks at me in the eyes, he looks daunting and as powerful as the Deadra for a split moment then he softens noticing my fear and panic.
"Ashma, slavery has been outlawed for centuries. You can tell me." Ralof's voice was soft and kind, but then the flashes and the tears began to fill my eyes, I shook my head, the screams echoing through my mind. I hold up the parchment and he lets me go to let me write his whole demeanor showing concern.
I'm rubbing at my eyes keeping the sobs silent as I quickly write a reply to him. I swallow and hand him the parchment, walking out the door and walking across the bridge to hide under the tree I'd fallen asleep against. It's dark and no one's around so I start to cry, no longer stifling my sobs or rubbing at the tears, I just curl up and let the tears go.
'I am hardly seventeen, Ralof, it'll be seventeen yeas in about two months. I have seen people die in my place. I do not want to hear any more screams. I do not want any more blood on my hands. I do not want to see any one else hurt because of me again because of this I cannot tell you who he was. Not because I do not trust you, but because I do not want you or any one else dead. I would rather die now; on my seventeenth anniversary of life than see that bastard hurt any more innocents.'
The small explanation runs through my head over and over, screams echoing loader in my head and the copper scent rising around me like a sickening cloak. I have my knees pulled up and my arms wrapped around them, my head pressing into my legs. I'm rocking back and forth shaking like a leaf caught in an autumn breeze. It was true; I would rather kill myself than hear one more scream, or see one more pool of blood.
"You're not mute are you? You can tell us the truth we won't hurt you, and we won't let him get you." Ralof's words jolted me and I jumped to my feet whipping around to the side my eyes blown wide. I blink a few times as I see Gurder, her husband that gazed at me with pity, then I looked at Ralof, who's twilight colored eyes shined with worry, concern and a silent seething rage. I shake my head I look down, and decide to trust him, to trust one more time.
"I can speak." I glance up and sure enough, my voice shocks them into silence. Even if it's slightly hoarse from lack of use my voice is mystically beautiful, and if used correctly haunting and threatening all in one. That's when Gurder's husband jumps forward I wince knowing what is to come next.
"Vampire, stay back!" He hisses, drawing out an axe, I let my face become stone cold and I glare at him my lips parting to expose a fang in a sneer. I get ready to reply when Ralof stands between us and I stop, shock filling my whole body.
"No, if he were he'd have died already, he's walked through sunlight with out burning at all, and his eyes don't shine red even when he's angry." Ralof stated calmly, his axe seethed. I get worried and look between him and Gurder's husband; if he was attacked it would be bad. Gurder is glaring at her husband, and Ralof is staring with a stone cold mask.
"Even so why does he have fangs?" The man asks his axe still out. I shake my head and glare.
"I have no idea why, all I know is my Maser did it to me when I was young, but I assure you I am no Vampire. Not once have I ever thirsted for blood, nor have I ever been able to control someone's mind." I state leaning around the blond Nord that stood between me and the axe.
"Well that's obvious, I believe you, and my brother, Hod put that away and quit being an idiot." Gurder snaps as she moves around him to me and to my surprise wrapping me in a hug. I tense and freeze up unsure of how to respond. She pulls away her hands resting on my shoulders, she looks like she wants to cry but her face is set and strong, a true Nord. I blink like a startled owl a few times, having no clue how to respond.
"You'll always be welcome here, run away slave or no. You saved my brother, and that's all I care about." Gurder smiles at me then turns to Ralof smiling, she hugs him as well and I watch him hug her back with no hesitation. I feel my chest ache and know my social behavior is far below par.
"Let's go back to the house finish our supper then get some sleep." Gurder states, she walks over to me resting a hand on my shoulder she walks by me as we go back to her home, Hod had slunk off already shooting untrusting glances at me as he entered his home. Gurder guided me to sit next to Ralof since she caught on I was most comfortable next to him if no one else.
We shared a pleasant meal, I found myself relaxing the tense posture I normally took up and felt surprised, Ralof seemed a tad bit happy about that and Gurder's ever present smile grew a little bit more. Their son had gone to bed before we'd arrived but he woke up and immediately jumped up and started bombarding Ralof with questions. Well until his mother got up got him a bowl and then forced him to sit and eat.
Every once in a while I'd see Gurder get up to take care of something and repress my urge to do it myself for her. Ralof patted my shoulder when I'd tensed again restraining the urge to go tend the hearth in Gurder's stead. Ralof was looking at me worriedly, but I gave him a weak smile in response.
"There's something wrong, otherwise you wouldn't be tense every five minuets." I looked at the now clean space in front of me and sighed. I decide I might as well; this man had saved my life as well as me saving his there was a bond there.
"I keep tensing because it was my duty to do most of the menial tasks; I am trying not to do what I was raised to do." I state twitching when he looks at me more anger flashing in his eyes. I repress the flinch that I want so badly to do but I rein in my annoying instincts.
"You flinched." Gurder states eyeing me from the hearth, I sigh and nod trying to avoid the flashing anger in Ralof's eyes. I stand and bow, looking at Ralof wearily. I look back at Gurder.
"You have been a gracious host, Gurder. May I ask if there is something I can do for you in return for such kindness?" I keep my voice low as both Gurder's son and husband had already turned in for the night. I get nervous as Gurder places her hands on her hips giving me a stern look.
"Ashma first, a friend is a friend and that being the case you don't need to continue thanking me. Second, you really are being incredibly formal; you only need bow to someone if they are a Jarl, a Thane, or the High King or Queen." She looks me in the eyes and I shift my weight from foot to foot nodding my head resisting saying the automatic phrase that pops into my head.
"Alright, but I have not been in Skyrim long so what pray tell is a Jarl, or Thane?" I blush badly looking toward the floor. Ralof chuckles he's standing up next to me now, he stretches and nods to Gurder.
"Night, Sister. Come on Ashma, I'll explain when we're in the cellar. It's time to turn in." Ralof yawns and heads to a slightly covered corner, moving a barrel slightly to the left he reveals a trap door down to the houses cellar.
"Ashma, if you head to Whiterun tomorrow could you speak to the Jarl about the dragon at Helgen? I would appreciate it because if that thing comes here." Gurder shuddered as the thought of a dragon swopping down on the small village filled everyone's mind. I even shudder.
"It would be my honor, truly I would rather avoid the bloodshed that beast would cause." I reply, she nods and again murmurs Good Night before turning in herself. 'Only one small problem, I still don't know where Whiterun even is on a map, or what the fuck a Jarl is.' I think cynically as I turn to Ralof who gestures down to the ladder leading down to the houses cellar.
I jump off the ladder, it's more of an extra room than a cellar, but it was well kept like the rest of the home. I love it immediately, it's underground, safe. I felt a pang as I get the vague memory of sleeping in a room in my family's cellar when I was very young. I steer my thoughts away from that, my memory may be long but some things are better left forgotten.
"So, you really don't know much about things out side of…." I hear Ralof cough uncomfortably as if not wanting to say the word. I clench my jaw, wanting to hit him. 'Say it fool! Not saying the word won't make it go away! Calm down, dear Arkay I know he just does not want to offend.' I take a deep breath and open my closed eyes turning to Ralof who seemed like a virgin discussing sex with his friends. I raise an eyebrow at him my lips twitching at the vary thought.
"Slavery, no use in hiding from it, it exists weather we wish it to or not. No I do not. A Slaves value is determined by how much skill they posses. A slave is a servant, therefore we do not need that skill, the only reason I know to read and write is because my Master wished it. If I knew much on politics I would have known how wrong slavery was, not that I did not, but such were the ways of the Master." I hiss the word Master like a curse and Ralof seems surprised by my dark demeanor, I sigh and let the hostility leave me. I take a deep breath and look at him waiting. He shakes his head, he looks angry but confused.
"That's just wrong! What would it matter if you knew of governments or not?" Ralof just seemed so confused. I smiled knowing how he felt. I sigh and sit in a chair that sits next to another, and when Ralof sits I let my head droop down to hide my face behind a curtain of black. I take another deep breath.
"Some slaves are born into service, so they know no other life, they think it is natural." I clench my jaw remembering all of the words whispered about me behind my back by the others. Even when I was the one to stand up and take the beatings so others would not have to. 'I willingly offered myself for punishment in the place of the children and others, but did they care? No.' I shake my head 'No, the children loved me, and he cared, he cared enough to help get me out of that hell hole.' I open my eyes and jerk as the unpleasant sounds from my last night as a slave echoing in my head.
"Are you alright?" Ralof asks standing in front of me trying to get me to look up at him; I don't want him to see my tears. He'd think me weak. I get up and walk to the bed closest to the cellar ladder, keeping my head low. I sit heavily on the bed, pulling up my bear fur; I wrap myself in it pushing the wolf pelts over to the other bed for Ralof's use. I could fit under the bear fur.
"I'm fine; some things are just better left forgotten." I whisper my eyes still threatening to pour down tears. I shake my head and rub at my eyes, looking up when I deem myself under control. Ralof takes one look at me and sits next to me pulling me into a hug. At first I'm to shocked and freeze up, but then I just let Ralof do what he wants. I just try to relax and try not to act like an idiot.
"You really haven't had a lot of social contact have you?" Ralof asks after a few minutes of me finally relaxing into the hug. I shake my head, and try to repress a yawn. I hear Ralof chuckle, but I also feel the rumble run through him.
"Well, I guess it's time for us to turn in, eh? I'll explain about Jarls and such tomorrow, aye?" Ralof asks looking down at me with worry still lingering in those silver blue depths of his. I nod blinking to stay awake just a little longer.
"Aye." I mimic his words a smile in my eyes as well as on my lips. He grins back at me stretches and then lets out a yawn that could have shook the mountains. He slips over to the other bed and moves about the furs before settling down. I listen as his breath evens, after a short time I uncurl and stretch as well before positioning the pelts already on the bed and slipping into dreams.
A/N: I fear if I don't cut off now I'll continue going and going like the damn energizer bunny…. Good night to you all and I hope you review! I hope you enjoyed, and even if you didn't might as well tell me because there's nothing I can do about it.