Pain, reverberating through my body jarred my eyes open. Clouds form a sieve in the sky, a stagnant ray of sunshine turning my vision murky. I pulled myself upright into a sitting position and squinted, trying to get a gist of my bearings.
Shrubbery and foliage formed an endless stretch. The sounds of unfamiliar wildlife in the distance caused me to start. With slightly shaking legs, I stood and grabbed my backpack. I trudged mindlessly to a nearby bolder and plopped ungainly onto the makeshift seat.
Burying my face in the worn fabric, I breathed in deeply as I fought to steady the thundering in my chest. I remember trekking through the forest in search of the forgotten reservoir nested deep within the terrain.
The site was serene; there was a certain stillness that invoked a curiosity within me. I stepped closer to the water's edge. It was smooth like a mirror, a translucent pristine jade. I crouched and dipped a hand in, savoring the coolness. As I stared in the depths of the pool, I caught a flash of something glittering. It looks awfully like gold.
Wanting to take a look, I leaned forward and submerged my arm till the shoulder in an attempt to reach it. In my endeavor, I slipped on the slippery moss covered bank and plunged into the water.
Being an experienced swimmer, I immediately started to tread water as I tried to make my way to the surface. But no matter how hard I kicked and struggled, I could not make headway. An unknown force was pulling me down and after battling with my last breath, I sunk into darkness.
Minute tears dabbed at the corner of my lids. I recalled the breathlessness, the panic and shoved them to a nook of my mind. It is no use dwelling on those negative thoughts. I need to find out where on earth am I.
Even after the harrowing incident, I seem to be completely dry. My clothes and backpack are pristine and intact with the exception of dirt stains from lying on the ground. I went over and patted the dirt just to make sure.
Nope, not a single hint of moisture.
Wait… What's this?
Located near where I had fallen, was this. I examined the object and felt my eyes widen in gradual disbelief. It was a gold coin roughly the size of an Oreo. On the head, was a bust of a man with a rather prominent nose? I squinted at the words engraved on the edge. "The Empire is Law. The Law is Sacred."
Don't tell me…
"Fuck…" the expletive escaped from me when I turned to the back of the coin and the startling revelation hit me like a sledgehammer.
The symbol of a dragon with its body and wings shaped into a diamond was the final nail in the coffin. I have seen this countless of times on my monitor screen.
It was a septim. I'm holding a video game currency in my palm.
My mind was torn between wrapping itself around the fact that I may not be in Singapore anymore or that the coin was just a very well-crafted replica. But considering my surroundings and the bite of a chilly wind, it was striving towards the first.
I glared at the piece of gold as though it had insulted my forefathers. I bet that it was this septim that made me reach into the water in the first place even though there was no reason for it to be there. With a sigh, I stuck the coin into my jeans pocket.
Well if I am truly thrown into another world, it would be best to return to my own isn't it? After all if there is a way in, there must be a way out.
Don't get me wrong, I love Skyrim but there is a fine line between fantasy and reality.
Now, back to the topic… Perhaps if I resume the position that arrived in, it would take me back?
With fervent hopes, I sprawled myself onto the ground; squeezing my eyes shut as I prepared myself for the transition. But after a good solid five minutes, the reverbing of a bird call mocked my attempt.
Okay… So maybe this isn't working. I thought as I clambered up feeling awfully foolish. What was it that was missing? Suddenly it dawned on me; I'm lacking an element – water.
I gave a snort of annoyance. This is going to be difficult. If I recall, Skyrim tends to be land oriented with little sources of water. The landscape tends to stretch with endless plains and only with streaks of rivers and creeks to serve as irrigation. I could only hope that I was fortunate to be in the vicinity of one.
Climbing to the top of the boulder, I wiped my glasses clean from dust, thankful for whatever small miracle that it wasn't broken with all the crap I've been through.
The ground gradually stooped to a gentle slope and about a few five yards away was a familiar stream of a river. I gave a little grin at the find, hopped off and started towards the bank.
Taking care to keep my balance, I eased myself down and made a slow and steady process towards my destination. Chest a little heaving from effort, I brushed the fatigue off with the aspect of home so close in my grasp. Sweat was brimming down my forehead and I leaned against a rock to wipe the droplets off my face.
"RARHHHHHGH!" I felt my eyes widen with horror as the 'rock' reared to a hulking cave bear. Towering over me at three metres, I stood petrified as the beast's gaping maw gave a guttural roar. Spittle formed chains on yellowed fangs as minute drops scattered onto every object in the vicinity including my spectacles.
It looked at me with surprisingly alert eyes, as it resumed its aggressive stance; most probably deciding whether I am prey or foe.
Willing my voice to work, I squeaked "He…Hey there Mister Bear, I…I'm sorry for mistaking you for a rock. I mean not that your lovely fur looks any like a dull common rock."
The bear tilted its head slightly as it continues to regard me, though its stance seemed to loosen a little.
"Well… if there's nothing m…more, I'll just leave you to your nice nap and make a move on…" I held my hands up placatingly as I started to slowly back away. It watched me as I distanced myself metre by excruciating metre.
"There you see… We'll just go our separate ways and everything will just be hunky d – HOLY SHIET!"
With a powerful lunge, the bear started towards me which I reacted by turning and sprinting like a hunted hare. I tore down as fast as I could, screeching at the top of my lungs. Branches and jagged rocks scratched into my skin but I squelched the pain away. For I know the worst fate that awaits me should I dare to slow down.
My frantic footsteps were accompanied by thundering of the beast as it pursued me. I darted frantically from left to right to try to throw it off but my attempts seem to be fruitless. In fact I could feel it gaining on me, rancid breath wafting with every snarl.
Get to the water. Get to the water. JUST NEED TO GET TO THE FUCKING WATER!
Over and over, it ran like a mantra in my head. My eyes fixed on my target; I didn't dare turn back. The river grew larger as I neared its bank, hope and elation thrummed within my veins as I pictured my freedom.
"Arghhh!" a shrill scream ripped from my lips as I felt the bear's vicious claws rake through the side of my hip. The force of the blow knocked me clean off my feet and onto the harsh ground. I gripped the wound in order to stem the flow of crimson as I crawled towards the water just two metres away.
It was excruciating, every heaving breath I drew in my lungs. Terror was a brand in my mind. The feeling of suffocation leeched its way through me, and my heart screamed behind the prison of my ribs.
Everything around me seems to fade, as though I was trapped in a vacuum. The pain was bewildering, I fought to retain my vision as black specks started to brim along the edges. Incidentally, I could make out muted cries of battle in the back ground.
I can…can do this. I'm so close…
The tips of my fingers managed to brush the water before darkness blossomed and I succumbed to its cold embrace.
Just a little teaser of what's more to come.
Cheers,
Yuria
