Chapter 2: Riverwood
Authors Note: Thanks to all of the readers who checked out the first chapter. This series is as of now a planned 5 chapter series. All reviews are much appreciated, as this is my first real stab at writing fanfiction. It should be noted that the events in this story take place after the end of the main Skyrim questline, and that Kyr is not the Dragonborn. Enjoy chapter 2!
Kyr slung his pack on the chair and sat on the bed, breathing a sigh of satisfaction. As much as sleeping under the stars afforded clean air and a fine view, the inn's feather beds made for stiff competition. Especially compared to month of hunting, with every night spent on a simple fur blanket, this was paradise. He set to work untying the straps of his hide armor, hanging it on the bedpost alongside his quiver. After unstringing his crossbow and rubbing it over with special oil, he slipped on a tunic and headed into the main room of the inn.
Riverwood's inn was typical of Skyrim's resting houses, with a large open fire and tables skirting the walls. Rough benches provided relative comfort for guests, while the food was hearty fare. Sven stood in a corner, tuning his lyre for the evening's entertainment. Which meant free food and drink for Sven, while Kyr had to pay his hard-earned gold for a meal.
Sitting down at a table, Kyr asked the serving girl for whatever was hanging on the spit, along with a bottle of alto wine. Sven began to play a simple tune upon his lyre, while Kyr enjoyed his meal. Aside from the occasional hard looks from the bartender, it appeared the night would go well. Which was good, considering earlier events…
After completing a rather high-profile contract in High Rock with the mercenary band he had been a part of, the group had collectively decided it was best to split apart and scatter. They had made quite a few enemies over the years due to their 'get the job done no matter what' mantra, and things were coming to a head.
Having not been back to his home province in Skyrim for nearly ten years, Kyr decided to return. He took up hunting and selling furs and meat in order to shake of any pursuers who suspected his real profession. Riverwood became a regular stop to sell furs, due to its general store. It was on one of these trips Kyr first met Sven. And Faendal, of course.
Sven had been playing at the tavern much like tonight when Kyr had struck up a conversation with him. After some light banter, he learned of Sven's love for a certain Camilla Valerius. He also learned of Sven's competition coming from a certain wood elf named Faendal.
Kyr had pushed the situation in Sven's favor, which thoroughly pissed of Faendal, who turned out to be quite the prick about the whole situation. Events escalated quickly, initiated by Faendal coming to have a 'talk' with Sven. The talk turned into one epic bar fight which somehow spilled into the main town, and resulted in innumerable bruises and quite a bit of property damage.
The lot of them, Kyr, Sven, Faendal, several guards, and even Camilla proceeded to get drunk afterwards. Faendal turned out to be a semi nice fellow even. You had to keep him wasted, though.
The sound of Sven plopping down on the bench beside him roused Kyr from his reverie, and he took a long pull of wine.
"What were you thinking about? You had a glazed over look, and I don't think anyone can get drunk that fast."
"Just remembering good times in the jolly town of Riverwood."
"More like expensive times. The amount of gold it took to pay for all the damage wasn't particularly jolly."
"Point taken." Kyr passed the flagon to Sven, who took a quick gulp.
"Damn!" exclaimed Sven as he winced at the taste. "Do you always have to buy the sourest vintage available?"
"You never did have a stomach for much other than honey mead," replied Kyr. "Where is that Faendal bastard anyways? Sulking in his house?"
"Camilla said he's away on family business, not even in Skyrim."
"Interesting. How is Camilla?"
"She wants me to stay here for a while. Frostfall is nearly upon us, and there is work that needs doing."
"Oh, but I will miss your complaining."
"That's very funny, you fucker."
Kyr grinned and drained the last of the wine. The fire had died down, but the room remained quite warm. He went and paid in advance for the night's stay and the meal, as well as buying some provisions for his continued journey. Sven joined him at the counter.
"Where you off to now, then?"
"Whiterun. See what Elrindir is up too. I'll leave early, so say hi to Camilla for me."
"Divines watch over you, friend."
Kyr nodded, then headed to his room, closing the door behind. He hoped for no trouble on the way, but the Divines had long since abandoned him.
