A/N: Sorry for the longish wait, guys! I've been busy as usual, and I actually wanted to release this chapter like three days ago. Obviously, that didn't work. But anyway, please be sure to leave a review to add suggestions for the story, let me know what I can change, and let me know what you like. As always, constructive criticism is very much appreciated!
Ysgrig awoke late the next morning at camp with a mild hangover. He wasn't sure if he was the only one who had anything to drink last night, but he could tell that someone else probably had if the pained groans were anything to go by.
He rubbed his eyes and slipped out of his tent, making sure to stand up carefully to spare his throbbing head. Kyrike, Valie, and Reea'th were already awake. Kyrike was chugging down a bottle of milk as Valie and Reea'th sat on the log next to him, staring into the dim fire.
"Morning, son. Valie, Reea'th." Ysgrig gave a curt nod to his other companions before sitting directly across from his son on the other side of the fire. "Don't talk so loud, pa. I've got a headache." He mumbled, grasping his head. Ysgrig quietly chuckled and nodded.
"What's the next course of action? Wait for the next order?" Reea'th asked Ysgrig, who merely shrugged. "It would seem that way, yes. Anything we can help you with, Valie?" The trio turned to Valie. Valie shook her head, smiling. "Though I do appreciate you asking, I've been instructed to carry out my next task as Dragonborn alone. My associate is planning things out, and I've got to meet her as soon as I can."
The group ate their breakfast in silence as more and more of the soldiers, including Mac, began to awaken. "I suppose it's time to head back home and wait for the next orders to come through. If you need any help, Valie, be sure to let us know, and we'll come running." Ysgrig stood up from his spot on the log and walked over to his tent, scooping up his backpack.
One by one, the group packed their things and they all met by the stables. Kyrike walked over to untie Varos from the post he had been tied to before the battle, and Varos nuzzled him appreciatively. He guided his horse over to the group.
"So this is where we're splitting up?" Ysgrig asked. Valie nodded. "I can rent the carriage to Solitude. That's where I'm headed. For now, ye be sure to get some rest before the next big adventure." Valie chuckled. Everyone took turns hugging Valie before she walked over to the carriage, paid the driver, and headed out, waving as she rode off.
Out of the corner of his eye, Reea'th saw Mac walking away from the group. "You're not staying?" Mac scoffed and turned back around, crossing her arms impatiently. "Hell no, lizard. I've got places to be, people to see." She replied, looking the trio of men over. "This isn't goodbye, though. I'll be back in due time." She added nonchalantly, walking towards the hills of Whiterun until her figure disappeared underneath them.
By then, Kyrike, Ysgrig, Reea'th, and Varos began their journey back to the Home. Kyrike had told Mila goodbye the previous night, but he had assured her he would return. Whenever Kyrike tried to think of something else, his thoughts would always drift back to Mila and her pretty face. Just as he was starting to get her out of his head, Ysgrig piped up.
"So, son, why don't you tell me about your girlfriend." Though Ysgrig was behind Kyrike, he could hear the smirk in his father's voice. "What's there to tell, pa?" "How'd you two meet?" He asked. "Reea'th, would you mind explaining? I've still got a headache from all the wine last night." Kyrike pleaded. Reea'th chuckled warmly and obliged, filling Ysgrig in on all the details of their previous excursion. "Well, I think she's a respectable young lady. If she risked her own life to save Reea'th's and help us out in pushing back the Imperial forces, she's definitely got my approval." Ysgrig glanced up at Kyrike, who had given him a dirty look. "Not that she needs it or anything." He quickly added, easing his son's nerves.
"Why don't we talk about something else? How about those bandits that took Valie's arm off?" Kyrike changed the subject, catching Ysgrig and Reea'th off guard. "Wait, wait, where did this topic come from?" "We can't just ignore what happened to Valelia. Those guys hauled her off like some fancy statue and hacked her arm off. She's not getting that back, that's something she has to live with for the rest of her life." Kyrike frowned, watching the tree lines carefully for any surprise attacks.
"We'll have to make sure the Home is in good shape in case they get any funny ideas. We shouldn't go around hunting bandits, that's a death wish nowadays." Reea'th acknowledged, before grinning. "It's a death wish to mess with us, too. We're some of the toughest sons of bitches Skyrim's got in her pocket."
"Maybe so, but we're mortal men, and the Gods intend for all mortal men to die, whether it be by blade, illness, or natural causes." Ysgrig added. Kyrike gave an amused snort. "Finally, you're learning to see the world how I do, pa. Welcome to the life of cynicism." "In any case, we should head home and check up on everyone. I'm sure they're dying to hear about the battle." Ysgrig brought their conversation to a halt, and the three were silent on the rest of the way home, only Varos's hoofbeats announcing their presence in the eerily quiet forest.
Deep down, Reea'th felt as if something was about to go horribly wrong. Glancing over at Kyrike, he knew that the younger man felt the same way.