Chapter 3: Saying Farewell And Starting The Journey
As the sun rises for a new morning the town of Dawnstar begin their day opening up shops, trades being done at the port, the guards standing by to keep the peaces of the town, and children playing in the snow. As for the Khajiit they are building there new home and few of the town are helping them as thanks you for stopping the werewolf's.
Urjohar: Khaja are the two back yet with more wood?
Khaja: No Dar'har and Rindir are still out
Kihni: Maybe Dar'har made a quick stop somewhere?
Urjohar: If they did i hope they bring us something to eat
Dawnstar worker 1: Haha don't worry about them old man i'm sure they'll be here soon
Dawnstar worker 2: Well if they do bring something to eat i hope they bring us some snowberry crostata
Dawnstar worker 3: Oh yea the lady at the baker makes the best snowberry crostata
Urjohar: Really now? Should i ask them to bring us some when they get back
Dawnstar worker 2: Now that sounds like an idea
Khaja: Haha you guys only talk about food when someone is out getting materials
Dawnstar worker 1: Sorry we can't help it but some of the bakers here make some of the best sweets and the tavern have some have the best cooks
Dawnstar worker 4: You don't know that you haven't been out of dawnstar and didn't you told us your wife can out cook any one in town
Dawnstar worker 1: What?! I don't remember saying that
Everyone laugh at the poor guy as he try to find something else to talk about, when they all see malthis heading there way
Malthis: Hello everyone i see the house is coming along nicely
Khaja: Hello Mr Malthis it's nice to see you
Malthis: I won't be long im just looking for Kihni and Rindir
Kihni: I'm here but rindir went with Dar'har to get some more wood
Malthis: It's ok just let him know that the jarl would like to see you two before you both leave tomorrow
Urjohar: Is it important we can let Kihni see the jarl now
Malthis: No she want them both to see her and it's not that important, well i should go have a nice day everyone
As Malthis head back to the jarl's place everyone wonder what the jarl really want
Dawnstar worker 3: Ok everyone we should get back to work
Not long Dar'har and Rindir have return with the wood
Kihni: Welcome back
Dar'har: Sorry we are late with the wood we stop by the baker and think everyone should have something to eat
Rindir: The lady gave us a fresh bunch of snowberry crostata
As everyone gather around the two they can smell the sweet scent of the crostata
Urjohar: Yes they do smell good and look taste hmmm
Rindir: Everyone why don't we have a little break and eat
As they eat Kihni told rindir that the jarl want to see them before they leave, as the day past the sun begin to set the workers wave at the Khajiit and elf there goodbye, Rindir and Kihni start heading to the jarl's place to see what it is that they need to do before they set off to the college of winterhold. It took some time to get to Nightcaller temple, the guards welcome them told them the jarl is in the library. As they enter the entrance have some chairs both left and right of them with some small tables with a bowl of apples, the wall have many swords and shields hanging at the center is the emblem that represent Dawnstar. At the end of the room is the chair of the jarl behind the chair is the door leading to the rest of the temple. The two continue there way and see the first door on the right, as they knock and hear a male's voice telling them to enter. As they enter they see malthis waiting for them and welcome them, soon the jarl arrive with three books in her arms putting them down at a near by table.
Jarl Aeriil: Welcome Rindir, Kihni im sorry to bother you when you two are busy
Kihni: Not at all jarl we are happy to see you
Aeriil smile warmly to Kihni then look at rindir who bow his head out of respect for her, she then pull a letter from her side pocket and hand it over to Rindir
Jarl Aeriil: I hope you two can do me a favor, can you send this letter the Arch mage at the college for me
Kihni: Of course we can
Malthis: That's good to hear, it's a very importent letter
Rindir: If it's very importent why not have a guard to send it?
Jarl Aeriil: I would but with most of the guards are at the lighthouse as well as the number of guards i have left to protecting the town i can't send any of them, but since the two of you are leaving tomorrow
Rindir: You don't need to lose a single person here right?
Malthis: Yes the path to Winterhold is full of danger
Rindir: What danger do you mean?
Malthis: Oh you know bandits, trolls, ice wolfs, snowy saber cats, ice wraith and wispmothers
Jarl Aeriil: When you reach the college give it to the arch mage only no one else can read it
Kihni: If the letter is improtent why not give it to the jarl of winterhold then to the arch mage
Jarl Aeriil: Because the arch mage is the jarl
Rindir and Kihni: WHAT?! WHEN?! HOW?!
Malthis: The previously jarl die of old age, but on his death bed he gave the title of jarl to the arch mage he didn't have any other living family members , so he told him he can appoint anyone to be the next jarl of winterhold. Soon the arch mage work himself to the bone he have to look after the town and the college, but was not able to find the right person to be the next jarl.
Kihni: Wow having to look after the town and the college at the same time, the man must be ready to blow up having to deal with all the problems
Jarl Aeriil: Indeed but he did a good job after the last five years, we the people of dawnstar have a friendly relationship with winterhold we send workers to help them and they send mages to help us. I haven't send a letter to him in sometime now i'm sure he is beginning to worry.
Rindir: You sound like he have a thing for you?
Malthis: Oh it's the other way around she have a thing for him.
Jarl Aeriil: MALTHIS SHUT YOUR MOUTH!
Malthis: Oh i'm sorry jarl did i say something wrong? I only told them the truth about how you feel about the man
Kihni: Really your in love with the arch mage jarl? Wow did you two went on a date yet? Did you kiss? Are you two going to get married?
Kihni was asking to many questions and the jarl was red as a tomato her hands was on her face trying to cover her face not wanting the teens and her steward to see her blushing, Malthis was laughing at the jarl as Rindir tries to stop Kihni before the jarl decide to send kihni to the mines for asking to many personal question
Rindir: Kihni you have to stop the jarl looks mad
Kihni: But i want to know
Rindir: NO she is going to have you sent to the mines and you can't be able to go to winterhold so conrtol yourself
Kihni: Fine
As Rindir got Kihni to stop, the jarl took her time to calm down as well.
Jarl Aeriil: Well you both know what you have to do, send that letter to the arch mage and let no one see it but him got it?
Rindir and Kihni: Got it!
Jarl Aeriil: Good our business is done, Malthis would you see the two out if you don't mind? Ah the young these days
Malthis: Yes jarl, this way you two time to go
As Malthis lead the two out of the Nightcaller temple, Kihni ask malthis about the jarls relationship with the arch mage, Rindir tried to drop the subject but malthis was having a blast telling them some stories of the two
Malthis: The two were childhood friends, they grew up together as time went by they got busy with there duties, but they find a way to talk to each other and i don't know how they ran off having a date under my watch or anyones watch the two are something, still the two don't see each other that much now that he is both the arch mage and the jarl of winterhold.
Kihni: Wow the two are very close what is his name?
Malthis: His name is Mikhl, oh before i forget give Mikhl this letter for me it will tell him that you two want to join his college, it's a little thank you for what you two have done for our town.
Rindir: thank you malthis
Malthis: No thank you for all you done, now you two should be off i'm sure the other khajiit are starting to worry about you both
With that the two said there goodbye and head down the path back home, the moons are out it's lights shine down on dawnstar. Some of the people are heading to the tavern, the guards are getting ready to start there night patrol, stores are closing, the fishermen are heading home or to there boats, the children trying to have as much time to play in the snow but was called back home by there parent's. The night in dawnstar is very peaceful indeed. Soon a female guard ran up to the two teens.
Dawnstar Gaurd in-training: Hey are you the khajiit girl that help this town?
Kihni: Yes is something wrong?
Dawnstar Gaurd in-training: No i just want to give you this my old gear when i was part of the mercenary, i'm thankful that you open our eyes and the jarl let us be part of the gaurds for this town, so i've been looking for you and want to give you this as thank you. Well that is all i have to head back before i get yelled at, so long i hope you two have a safe journey
Kihni: Thank you and bye
Rindir: looks like we don't have to worry about buying you gear tomorrow right?
Kihni: Yea with this i can protect myself now
The two see it was a set of leather armor, Kihni can't wait to try it on but the two still need to head back. After sometime the teen's return to find the other khajiit were waiting for them, as they all got together they all started to have a farewell party for the two. As the sun begins to rise the two teens made sure they got everything they need, Rindir was the first one ready as he set in a chair waiting for Kihni he soon see Ji'ato starting his morning training he got up and greet him.
Ji'ato: Hey Rindir you up for a quick spar as you wait for Kihni?
Rindir: Sure im ready
As the two been to spar Kihni got the leather armor on and have a good look at herself in the mirror. Soon Khaja came in to see if Kihni was ready or need some help.
Khaja: Kihni are you ok need any help?
Kihni: No mom i was just checking to see i got everything
Khaja: I see but don't forget your axe at the table
Kihni: Hehe thanks mom... hey mom
Khaja: Yes sweety?
Kihni: I'm really going to miss you when i leave
Khaja: I know and i'm going to miss you too
As the two huge each other with tears in there eyes
Khaja: Now you be careful out there and look after Rindir ok, and i'm sure he will look after you too
Kihni: I will mom and i'll write to you as much as i can and visit you soon
As mother and daughter look at each other they soon left the tent and see Rindir and Ji'ato sparring. As the two ended there spar they see Kihni waiting for Rindir.
Ji'ato: Hey Rindir
Rindir: Yes?
Ji'ato: You look after her and stay safe ok
Rindir: You got it, i'll protect her i promise
Ji'ato: Good but make sure you look after your selve as well ok
Rindir: Sure and i plan to visit you guys, i see you all as my family
As the two shake hands and said there farwell Urjohar and Dar'har gave the two a huge telling them to stay safe and said there goodbye.
Rindir: Well are you ready to head out
Kihni: I'm a little nervous
Rindir: I know how you feel but we will do this together
Kihni nod at what Rindir said, as they begin to walk they turn and wave goodbye to the Khajiit, soon the people of the town that got to know them said there goodbye, then the guards wish them a safe journey. The teens made it out of Dawnstar, they turn around and look at the town one last time. After a few minutes the two turn around and start heading east to winterhold. As they walk the two begin to ask one another of the classes they are going to take.
Rindir: Kihni what are the classes your going to take when we get to the college?
Kihni: I'm not sure i hear they have many classes at the college, what about you?
Rindir: Me i'm not sure either, but that is why we need to go right? to find out what we want to learn
Kihni: Yea i hope i can do more then what i know
Rindir: Lets hope we don't have any teachers that will hammer us with many test and quiz
Kihni: Haha yea lets hope
As Rindir look at his map the two think it would be best to head to the lighthouse as the guards are station there, they can ask for a safe path to Winterhold.
Kihni: It will be some time before we reach the lighthouse, how long do you think it will take us?
Rindir: Well the last time we ran over there but we didn't make it that far maybe close to the half way point
Kihni: So we maybe there by night fall right?
Rindir: Looks like it or we may be there late after noon when the sun is still up, oh before i forget what time of the moons you were born? Urjohar told me that your mother was born at the Suthay-Raht what about you?
Kihni: As you can see i almost look elf like but my eyes and cat ears give it away so i was born at the time when masser is dark and secunda shines bright so i'm a ohmes.
Rindir: Wow i still can't believe you Khajiit are born base on the time of the two moons
Kihni: It's not all that amazing, but we khajiit are born different from all you elves and nords
Rindir: It's funny i was born here in skyrim and know little of my homeland, my parents did take me to Valenwood when i was small but i really don't know much about it.
Kihni: What of your parent's don't they tell you about Valenwood?
Rindir: My dad was born their at Greenheart but my mother was born here in skyrim in Falkreath
Kihni: Wow how did they meet?
Rindir: Well my dad want to try and hunt a dragon, yea a dragon to show off so what other place have them here in skyrom, the other bosmer think my dad was crazy but he was set on hunting a dragon so he left Valenwood and ended up here in skyrim
Kihni: Im sure he was not expecting to stay here
Rindir: Yea he ended up being hunted by my mom after she just entered the guards in Solitude he was thrown in jail thinking he was with a band of marauder, after some time getting everything straighten out my mom spend alot of time with my dad he even help out the guards and the two ended up falling in love and move to Morthal then have me
Kihni: Wow so your dad forgot the reason why he ended up in skyrim and meet the women of his dreams right
Rindir: Haha well the two didn't start of hitting it but they did love each other in the end
Kihni: Hahaha maybe you can learn more about Valenwood at the college when we get there
Rindir: Yea your right i may learn more about my homeland, i like that let's get to the college as fast as we can. What about your homeland
Kihni: What Elsweyr it's nothing special only sand few tress you know, it's next to Valenwood so we are neighbor hehe
The two teens continue telling each other story about there family or place they were born Rindir spoted some ice wolf up ahead, Kihni wonder why her partner stop then after some time she see the ice wolfs. He ready his bow as Kihni grab her axe in case some of the wolfs get to close to them. Rindir ready an arrow, waiting for his moment then fire the first shot. As the arrow flew straight for the one at the far right, it hit the ice wolf at its neck killing it on the spot.
Kihni: You got one whooo
Rindir: Yup but the other two found us and they look mad
The two ice wolf howl calling for the rest of the pack, then two ice wolfs than ran different ways but they are still are heading for the two teens
Rindir: You think you can fight off the one at the right?
Kihni: I can what about the one coming your way?
Rindir: I can kill it before it reach me
Kihni ran straight for the ice wolf with her axe in hand, as the two got close Kihni swing her axe with great force she was able to cut off it head. Rindir waited for the right moment to fire his next shot, the ice wolf is half way to him Rindir waited then fire his shot hitting the wolf in between it's eyes the wolf fell head first rolling up to the elf.
Kihni: Yes we won good job
Rindir: Thanks not bad yourself but we can't stay here for long more may come and we need to head to the lighthouse fast
Kihni: Right i don't want to fight a whole pack of them
As the two continue heading for the lighthouse the sky was slowly getting covered by the clouds a snow storm is coming the two teens need to move quickly before the storm comes. The teens run as fast as there feet can carry them, the clouds have almost cover up the sky time is really not on there side. Then out of fear the two hear some howls from behind them, it was the ice wolf pack with over nine of them. The two have either two choice stand and fight or try to keep on moving forward to the lighthouse.
Rindir: No matter how you look at it we will end up in this storm
Kihni: We should just fight, if we keep running we would be tired and the wolfs would end up killing us
Rindir: I agree but if we fight them we would be badly hurt, we have to find a place to wait for the storm to past
Kihni: We need to find a high place so you can try to shot as many of them down
Rindir: Look over there the two rocky hills it's perfect, the wolfs won't have much space to dodge and i can shot down a good number of them
Kihni: Sounds like a plan
As the two ran up the path to the two rocky hills the snow started to fall, it started of slow but as minutes past by the snow start to come down faster. The teens made it to the end of the path of the twin hills Rindir can see the wolfs heading for them he ready his bow grab an arrow and start firing at the ice wolfs. He don't need to kill them but slow them down so the two can fight off the small number that made it close to them. Thanks to the limited area the wolfs have to stop or crash into one another, Rindir continues to firing hitting them on the back side or getting a lucky hit killing them on the spot. Three have fall six to go the pack is half way past the path, Rindir keeps on firing he hit one at the left shoulder than aim at it again hitting it right in the head five to go. Rindir grab two arrows and fire it hitting one but miss the other four to go, the four are coming in close and three wolfs are at the back making there way slowly. Rindir put his bow away and grab his sword and ready a ice spike spell on his free hand.
Kihni: You did great i can take two and you take the other two
Rindir: Let's end this quick before the other three get here
With that said Rindir fires an ice spike at the wolfs trying to split them all up, two ran up to Kihni and the other two ran up to Rindir. Kihni swings her axe keeping one away and ready to swing again as she go for the second ice wolf, her axe landed on the wolfs back slaming it to the ground the first wolf make a quick turn and lunged at her, knock Kihni down the ice wolf aim its fangs at her neck but ended up biting on the handle of her axe. Kihni tring to push the wolf back but was being force to stay on the defends, she soon open her left hand and swing at the wolfs face clawing at it the wolfs cry in pain it give Kihni some time to get back up and land the finishing blow as she raise her axe and swing down aiming for the wolfs neck. Kihni fight was over, Rindir ran up the rocks firing ice spikes at the wolfs hitting one at the back leg he then ran up to the injured wolf ready to stab it but was stop by the other one as it lung at him Rindir change his spell wall of frost. He knew that ice wolfs can recover fast because his ice spells won't work that well on them they have a strong resistance to his ice spells. So all he can do is keep them away from him and try to end them with his sword. As Rindir fire the spell at the ground it stop the one coming after him and he can go after the other one he hit. The ice wolf that got hit by the ice spike recovered and lunged at Rindir, he swing his sword up wards hitting the wolf right at the chest, Rindir look behind him and the other wolf ran through the ice wall of spikes, with both wolfs at either side Rindir ready his blade waiting for the wolfs to attack first. Both of the wolfs dash at the elf at the same time Rindir stand there waiting for them to come closer, soon as the wolfs lunged at him Rindir jump to the side and see the two wolfs crash into each other. With that the elf ran up to the one he slash earlier and stab it right at it's back driving it through. The other one got up as it was about to attack it's face was covered by the ice storm spell, as the spell past through the wolf it did little damage but it stop him for a bit giving Rindir time to pull his blade out of the first wolf and drive the sword at the wolfs head killing it on the spot. The two teens ran up to each other then look to see where the last three are. The three ice wolfs see there pack all but wiped out they turn and ran out of fear not wanting to face the two, it was over the two teens fell to the ground glad it was over. The snow storm continue the two teens got up holding on to each other to stay warm, but Rindir don't feel the cold thanks to his time with the wispmother he want to keep Kihni warm. As the two walk past the tree at the end of the twin rocky hills they can see a bright light up ahead. It was the lighthouse the two full of joy but now they have to walk all the way up there. The way to the light house was slow the snow storm did not help, as the two walk slowly to the tower with each step the teens want to get to it so badly. After some time they can see three guards holding torches keeping a look out for any trouble, Rindir can tell Kihni will not last long in this storm so he pick her up carrying her like a princess he continue moving forward to the light. Running as fast as his legs can take him he was almost there but he is running out of gas, so he slowly put Kihni down holding her with his left arm Rindir raise his right hand and fire an ice spike at the hill in front of the light house hoping to get the guards attention. As the ice spike hit the hill the three guards was startled at the sound of something hitting the rocky hill.
Dawnstar Guard 1: Hey you come with me let's check out what is trying to attack us
Dawnstar Guard 3: Right lets go
As the two guards run down the path with a sword in one hand and the torch in the other, as the two guards ran down the path looking for who is firing at them they spot someone at the ground firing ice spike at the hill close to the light house, as they got closer they find Rindir and Kihni.
Dawnstar Guard 3: You two what are you doing here?
Rindir: I'll explain later help me get her inside so she can warm up
Dawnstar Guard 1: Got it give her to me and he will help you
As they ran up the path the other guards was surprise to find out it was the two that help them fight off the werewolves, as time past Kihni was in bed resting as Rindir explain to them why they are at the light house.
Dawnstar Guard Captain: I see you two started your journey to Winterhold, well it's getting late and the storm looks like it won't let up any time soon so rest up i have to go back down to the cellar to help cover that hole damn falmer come try to attack us i'll show them who's boss.
With that the Captain left Rindir to look after Kihni, he soon hears Kihni groaning he walk up to her as she slowly opens her eyes
Kihni: Where am i?
Rindir: Your inside the light house resting in a nice warm bed
Kihni: So we made it?
Rindir: Yup
Kihni: That is good, we need to...
Rindir: You need some rest the storm is pretty bad so we have to wait it out
Kihni: Ok but can i get something warm to drink?
Rindir: Sure i'll make you some hot coco wait here ok
As Rindir left to make some hot coco for Kihni, she look outside the window to see the snow storm it was very bad. After some time Rindir came back with two tankers full of hot coco, as he past Kihni her's he took a sip from his tanker.
Kihni: Rindir did you ask any of the guards if there is a safe way to get to Winterhold?
Rindir: Not yet i was more worry about you
Kihni had a light blush on her cheeks
Kihni: r r really thank you for worrying about me
Rindir: I did promise the others i would look after you
Kihni: hehe yea but i also said i'll look after you, knowing you your very careless and end up with wounds all over
Rindir: Hey come on i'm not that careless
As the two made fun of each other the guards watching them only smile at the two teens as they walk up to them
Dawnstar Guard 1: Ah to be young again
Dawnstar Guard 2: Come on man your not that old
Dawnstar Guard 3: The two of you look like a married couple you know
After hearing that from the guards the two teen's look away with there face red as a tomato, the guards laugh and told the two story about them being young and finding the man or women of there dreams, the night past on with laughter, stories and warm meals. The next morning the sun begin to rise the guards and workers walking out of the light house bathing in the morning sun feeling it's warm light shinning on the land, the only one that are not up are the two teens. In the light house the two teens sleeping close to each other as they hold on each other keeping the other warm (they didn't do it). Four of the guards came in and came in to wake the two up by throwing some snow balls at them srceaming that they are under attack.
Dawnstar Guard 1: HURRY GET UP YOU TWO WE ARE UNDER ATTACK!
Dawnstar Guard 2: THEY GOT US SURROUNDED!
Dawnstar Guard 3 AND 4: ATTACK!
Both the teens got up trying to grab a weapon but got hit in the face with a brigade of snowballs, as the two realise that the guards are playing with them the two look at each other. Rindir was the first to jump out of the bed as he find himself holding Kihni, the elf was red and was the khajiit but soon they hear laughter from the guards
Dawnstar Guard 3: You two should of seen your faces it was priceless
Dawnstar Guard 1: It was cute you two hold on to each other as you sleep keeping each other warm
Dawnstar Guard 4: Now with the fun out of the way it's morning you two should get something to eat
As the two teens watch the four guards leave they were embarrassed but kihni was feeling happy that Rindir hold on to her as they sleep. With a smile on her face she walk up to Rindir helping him up from the ground.
Kihni: What a wake up call right?
Rindir: Tell me about it, they came in throwing snow balls at us and yelling that the light house was under attack
Kihni look at Rindir with a sly look on her face
Kihni: So you want to hold on to me a bit longer then?
Rindir: Wh what? n no it was... i mean that it's ok to wake up with us no i mean i um i um ah
Kihni: HAHAHA don't worry about it i was only playing with you so what is there to eat right
The Elf look at the Khajiit with a dump look on his face as he begins to turning red
Rindir: Um yea let's get something to eat before we get hit with another snowball
After the two got a good meal they walk out of the light house greeting the guards waiting for them, the two ask if there is a safe path they can take to reach winterhold. Once they got all the information they need they say there farewell to the guards and workers as they walk down the path to Winterhold.
Authors note:
So tell me what you all think? I like to read if i need some more work on any area or its fine anything would do i hope you all enjoy this chapter