Gosh it's been a while since I updated. Sorry for making y'all wait! Here's the next chapter. And I'm sorry if it's short, but I have plans.
Vorin's large black horse was waiting in a grassy field outside Ivarstead. "Does he have a name?" I asked, stroking his ratted mane.
"No." He said as he boosted me onto the stallion's back and then jumped on behind me. His arms stretched out to hold the reins, and in the process placing them as guards around me. I was grateful for the protection. I'd never been on a horse before, and to say I was nervous wasn't enough. "What do people in your country call horses?"
I shrugged. "I have friends who own horses, but they have weird names. Like Prince, Soul, and even Courage." I answer, listing some of the kids whom I knew.
He hummed pleasantly. "I like the sound of Courage." He mused. Flicking the reins, he called out "Onward Courage!" just for the fun of it.
The menacing equine thundered off, causing me to scream in panic. The force of the sudden gallop pushed me into Vorin, who laughed. "Whoa." He commanded, pulling slightly on the reins to slow Courage down. The horse obeyed, dropping to a trot as we followed the winding forest trails.
The first day was dull. No bandits, no wolves, not even a dragon attacked us. We rode in silence mostly, and Vorin rode through the night, letting me use him as a pillow. "Erika." His voice was far away in my groggy mind. "We're almost there."
"Mm-hm." I mumbled, exhausted. Sleeping while riding really drains more energy than it does replenishing it.
A rustling in the brush nearby drew our attention. "Gimme your septims, and any other valuables." A Khajiit ordered. His clothes were rags, and he wore a cowl as equally ragged.
Vorin huffed irritatedly. "We don't need to do anything, thief." He snarled.
The anthropomorphic cat stood his ground, undeterred by Vorin. I watched the man, trying to figure out what to do. 'Repeat after me.' Akatosh's voice entered my mind.
"What are you trying to achieve, Amir?" I asked sincerely, sliding off the stallion. Vorin jumped down and grabbed my shoulder, but I brushed it off easily. "Stealing from a poor woman and her brother, and for what? A few septims?" I touched his furry shoulder, and the anger in his eyes seemed to dissipate. A glint blinding me made me realize I was wearing a ring. Gently I slid it off and placed it in his hand. "Here."
He stared at the ring in shock. "But...this-"
"Is a gift, Amir." I finished. Rising to my feet, I walked back to Vorin who helped me onto Courage. We continued on our way, leaving the stunned Khajiit standing in the middle of the walk.
"How did you know his name was Amir?" Vorin thought aloud.
I shrugged. "Lucky guess." I concluded, not wanting to believe the real answer.
The stone walls that hid Windhelm drew closer, to the point where Vorin was galloping again. We placed Courage in the care of the Windhelm Stables just outside the city. The walls defending the city towered above us, and the sheer magnitude of it frightened me.
Once inside, the city was bustling about. Everyone everywhere seemed to be excited, even the dark elves. Vorin took my hand, so we wouldn't get separated, and guided us to the Candlehearth Hall.
He gave the bartender a few septims, and the man then lead us to two rooms next to one another. 'Good.' Akatosh mused. It felt weird to have him relaxing in my head, but I was surprisingly okay with it.
We chose our rooms and met in the sitting area up the stairs. A bard sang sweetly about Ulfric and how he was going to lead us to victory. "How long will we be staying?" I asked once the song was over.
"I have some dealing with Jarl Ulfric, and that may take some time." He shrugged. 'So basically, you don't know.' I thought, taking a piece of bread off the table and munching on it.
I rose from my seat and stretched. "I'm gonna go take a walk." I told him, not wanting him to worry. "Familiarize myself with the town."
"Be careful." He responded, then added, "not only Riften has theives."
I smiled and began my descent from the loft area, then went straight out the door.