Contrary to Ralof's estimate they arrived in Riverwood well after full dark had fallen. The journey had been uneventful in comparison with their morning, but had included a wolf attack, which resulted in Kratos catching the beast mid-leap and beating it to death against the ground.

They crept into the darkened village. There were still a few lights on, but they attempted to be inconspicuous. As inconspicuous as you can be when one of you is an ashen skinned mountain of muscle. Ralof knocked on the door of the mill a few times before they got any answer. An obviously annoyed blonde woman opened the door, spilling golden candlelight out into the night. The annoyance melted off her face in an instant when she saw her brother at the door. "Ralof!" she cried, "Come in! Come in! Get out of the cold and dark." She was a little taken aback when Kratos, after a moment's hesitation and Ralof's beckoning, ducked under the doorframe and entered the room. "…And who is your friend, Ralof?" She asked with a slightly strained voice and nervous glance at her brother.

"Don't worry Gerdur!" he replied, holding up his hands in a soothing gesture. "He's a good man." Kratos hesitated at that. He had… not often heard such things said. "He saved my life. By Talos, he saved my life… at least three times over actually." Gerdur turned back to Kratos, her demeanor thawing, and extended both her hands.

"You have saved my brother then. And you are most welcome in my home." Kratos extended his own hands, mimicking her gesture, unfamiliar with the custom of this land, but seeking to avoid any offense. Gerder clasped his hands, though they dwarfed hers, and gave them a gentle squeeze. "Thank you. He may be a headache sometimes, but I can't thank you enough for keeping him safe."

Kratos paused, unsure of what to say faced with her warmth and sincerity, before rumbling "You are welcome," and nodding gently. Gerdur smiled and released his hands.

"I don't know what you both have been through, but judging by the soot, blood and smell it has been a day. You must be hungry and exhausted. Wash up while I get something quick on the table and then you can rest." She turned to Ralof, "We'll talk in the morning." The meal was simple, the day's bread and some of supper's stew quickly reheated but it was hot, filling, and far better than what Kratos himself was able to prepare. Kratos' feet hung far off of the foot of the pallet they were able to find for him, but it did not trouble him. Whether it was the day's exertions or the strain of being pulled between worlds he slept soundly for a time.

Kratos awoke early, as was his habit. He arose quietly, moving with a grace that, coming from a man of his size, would have surprised most observers. He went outside, breathing deep the chill of the early morning air. Kratos enjoyed the early morning, the first breath of a new day. It had always seemed peaceful to him and trying to internalize the peace he saw in such mornings was one of the tools that he had used to reclaim himself from the rage that used to rule him. Kratos walked away from the house and sat on a tree stump near the river, listening to flowing water and the still air. He sat for a long time internalizing the morning calm, his back straight as iron, hands resting on his knees. His meditations were disturbed eventually by two young boys running from the house down to the river, cavorting as only children do. Kratos smiled faintly, looking at them. The one boy must have seen about 12 winters, Atreus' age when they journeyed to Jotunheim. When Kratos learned what it was to be a father. Kratos heard Gerdur approaching from behind. She walked around him, into his view and chose her own stump to sit on.

"I spoke with Ralof. he told me what happened at Helgen." She paused. "He told me about you. What he knows at least. I am sorry."

Kratos shrugged minutely. "It is nothing," he replied. They sat for a moment watching the children.

"Do you have children of your own?" Gerdur asked.

"A boy."

"I can't imagine that. Pulled away…" she trailed off.

"Yes. It troubles me." Kratos growled. He paused and exhaled slowly. "But he is strong. And near grown. I do not fear for him…" He paused brows knitting.

"But he is still your son. You want to be there even if he can take care of himself now." She finished for him. He let out a small grunt and nodded slowly. "Every parent wants to defend their child." She let out a small disgusted noise and gestured towards the playing children, "But how am I to defend them against dragons? What can I do? What can this town even do?" She sighed and looked down. "It shames me to ask, after all you have done for my brother, for us." Kratos turned his head and focused on her intently. "But I feel I must. Please take word to Whiterun. The Jarl must be told. Jarl Balgruuf is a good man. I'm sure he will send troops to defend us."

Kratos looked back to the laughing children. Atreus had not been able to play like that. Carefree. Yes, they were weak, not like his boy… But to have seen Atreus laugh like that… He would have liked that. He could at least permit these children their carefree lives. It was as good a cause as any. The dragons were his concern in any case. Perhaps this Jarl would know more, or know someone who did. "I will carry word. In which direction is this city?"

Gerdur sighed with relief, gesturing with her hand, "It lies to the north, a journey of a couple days." Kratos nodded and stood, turning northward. "Wait!" she said tentatively. "You don't mean to go now, do you?"

Kratos looked down at her and shrugged. "The dragon flies quickly and already has a head start. The more time passes, the more opportunity for tragedy."

Gerdur shook her head slowly and muttered "Talos guard you." Then more brusquely, "Well, even if you must leave now, I refuse to send you away empty handed. Give me a moment and I'll put together some supplies for you." She stood, laying her hand on his arm and said softly, "Thank you. Again. I find myself even more indebted to you." She gave his arm a squeeze and bustled off to the house.

Kratos sat and observed the children at play for a few minutes more before following Gerdur back to the mill. As he approached he heard the bustle of Riverwood, now come to life that the sun had risen. He was glad then that the mill was on the edge of town. So much time spent alone had made him unaccustomed to the noise and press of what seemed to him to be a large number of people. With a shake of his head Kratos turned away from the town and ducked into the house. Gerdur looked up from tying a bedroll to a leather satchel, smiled and finished preparing the bag. "It's not much," she said, passing Kratos the satchel, "but there's a few days trail rations, a camp knife, and a healing draught in there." She looked down blushing slightly, "There are a few septims in there too. Not as many as you deserve, but we don't have much in the way of coin. I also included an old ring, in Whiterun you should be able to sell it." She gestured around the house and told him "If you see anything you think you might need, take it. What we have is yours." Kratos took the bag and looked at her appraisingly for a moment before opening the leather satchel and digging out the silver ring.

"I will not take this." He declared, extending the ring back to her.

"But I—"

"No." Gerdur looked at his stoic face and gently took the ring back from him. Kratos went to the door and paused. Turning back to Gerdur he nodded "I thank you for your hospitality. Be well." He stepped out into the chill morning air and immediately set out northward at an easy, ground covering lope that he could maintain all day. Gerdur watched for a time until he was lost in the trees, then sat at the table turning over the ring in her hands. Ralof chose this moment to emerge, his hair mussed and bleary eyed. He drifted over to the table and sat down with a yawn.

He looked around a moment and stretched, "I slept like the dead. Our guest still asleep?"

She looked up at startled, "No, Ralof, he left for Whiterun. I asked him to carry word to the Jarl and then he wouldn't wait even a moment…"

Ralof sat in silence for a moment before raising his eyebrows, letting out a small snort and musing, "That is a unique man. I won't claim to know him well, but… I don't think that we have heard the last of him. Appearing from nowhere and then just walking off like that? It seems fitting."

Gerdur chuckled softly, "From what you told me about yesterday, I don't think he will be able to help making a name for himself."


The miles passed quickly as Kratos pounded north towards Whiterun. The day had passed quickly and relatively without incident on the trail. He ate on the run and stopped only to sleep and skin the two wolves foolish enough to take him for an easy meal. Kratos could see Whiterun before him as he came down into the valley, as well as the farmsteads, ranches and small towns that were sprinkled across the plains between.

Kratos was working his way down from the foothills onto the plains themselves when he heard a thunderous, guttural roar coming from further down the winding path. The last of the foothills and trees obscured his view of whatever was causing the ruckus. Kratos stopped momentarily and sighed, rubbing at his brow. This was not his to deal with. With a huff he continued on increasing his pace slightly. He still had business at the end of this road. When the road curved and cleared the last of the obscuring pines the source of the noise was inescapably clear. A giant was stomping around near one of the homesteads. The humanoid was immense, the house only coming up to roughly waist height on the monster. It was male, with very long matted hair and beard, dressed in a fur girdle and carrying a huge club that was, in essence, a log with a stone strapped to the end of it. Kratos could hear in the distance the softer and higher pitched screams of what he assumed were the farmers. If he were here, Kratos knew that Atreus would be staring a hole in the back of his head. He would be right. Though he did not put in these terms precisely, it occurred to him that those homesteaders were really just like Gerdur and her family, trying to make a life in a harsh world. Kratos took off at a sprint closing the distance at a pace that would have shocked any observer, had there been one.

Hana did not know why the giant had attacked. They had seen it in the area over the last few days and her husband, Drennen, had been worried enough to take the horse and ride for Whiterun that morning to secure the Companions' aid. It had come out of the trees while she was tending to the cattle. She had dropped everything and run for the house where her child slept. When the giant smashed the shed, she screamed and the creature turned to look at her. Hana accepted, as the giant came in her direction, that she would likely die, but she could buy little Erik time. She yelled and waved her arms at it and then ran, trying to draw the colossus away from the house. She ran past the huge boulder she and Drennen kept meaning to break up and drag away from the fields and glanced back on to see something she did not expect.

Kratos put on a final burst of speed, ducked his shoulder and with a roar slammed into the giant's right knee from the side. As the giant's knee was at shoulder height it was an easy target and he was rewarded with a popping sound as the giant was driven to one knee, dropping its club in surprise. Kratos pulled his axe from his back and took two terrible, hewing strokes at the upper calf and back of the giants damaged knee, his blade leaving gaping wounds before the giant's backhand slammed into him, bashing him into the earth and sending him skidding 20 feet along the ground. Kratos, however, recovered faster and came howling back, his axe opening two new rents in the already crippled leg. The giant screamed and lashed out again at its tormentor, Kratos dove out of the path of the giant's fist and swinging his axe as he rolled to his feet, gashed its arm. Kratos leapt within the giant's reach and torqued his whole body into a punishing upward blow that ripped a tear in giant's side and sprayed blood across the yard. Continuing his spin Kratos came fully around and used his momentum to fling his axe into the giant's belly. The thing was hunched over now from the pain of wound in its side, its head now only 10 feet up in the air. Kratos dodged another vicious punch and then leapt, snarling into the air, seizing the giant's tangled hair and hauled down with all his might. Kratos dragged the giant's head down, smashing it against a large boulder. The giant groaned, stunned, slowly bringing its hand towards its head. Kratos ran and grabbed the end of the giant's own oversized club and hauled it up into the air before brining it crashing down on the giant's head, caught between the hammer of its own club and the anvil of the boulder below. Kratos approached slowly, retrieved his axe and for surety, hewed open the giant's throat with a few workman like chops, letting loose a torrent of blood as he severed the arteries there. Seeing a nearby trough, Kratos let out a pleased grunt. He walked over, leaned his axe against it and began to wash the blood and viscera from his skin. He could hear pounding feet from the other side of the giant's corpse and then happy cries, a tearful reunion and strained retelling of the morning. He bent, gathered water in cupped hands, scrubbed his face and straightened, exhaling and blowing water from mustache and beard. He washed quickly and when he was clean to his satisfaction, he started back towards the road, hearing the reunion continuing behind him.

"You do good work." Came a throaty female voice from behind him. "The Companions could use someone like you." She paused clearly waiting for some response. Kratos glanced over his shoulder and saw the woman. She was attractive. Full lips and shining grey eyes under blue war paint that crossed her face like the swipe of a claw. She was wearing some form of plate attached to a leather base layer and carried a large bow with easy familiarity, her steps effectively silent. Kratos merely turned back to his path and continued, letting out a low grunt. "You would make an excellent shield-brother. Come find us at Jorrvaskr, in Whiterun." She called after him. Kratos heard another of her companions walk up to her and a low conversation ensue. It was not his concern. He rolled his neck; the giants were stronger than the trolls of Midgard. It had been a fair hit. He increased his pace and set his eyes again for Whiterun.


Kratos reached the outskirts of the city in the late afternoon, the day after leaving Riverwood. He continued up the road towards the gate passing the stables and horse traders that sat outside of the walls of the town. The road was fairly busy and dusty both of which served to annoy Kratos. The press of humanity was not something that he enjoyed. The flow of people did not appear to be heading into the city proper but rather visiting a bazaar of tents set up by the roadside. Ignoring what seemed to be a traveling market or fair of some kind, he exited the mass of travelers and continued on the main track towards the gate, passing several low defensive walls and ditches.

Kratos paused hearing a scuffle and the obvious sound of a blow connecting and someone falling to the ground. Turning, he saw three young men, wearing what he had learned was the standard garb of the nords, surrounding one man wearing a voluminous, earthen toned, hooded robe. They were out of sight of the fair and crowds, and it was clear that this was by design. Kratos turned away, he had intervened enough in the affairs of others, but stopped. He could almost hear Atreus' voice. There are three of them, father. He needs help. A laugh from the group of men sealed his decision. With a tiny sigh he strode forward, his face settling into a stormy grimace. His enormous, purposeful strides took him up to the encircling three before they realized he was upon them. "What has he done?" Kratos grated out. The three men turned to stare at him, startled at his size and sudden appearance. They were men, but barely more than boys.

One managed to reclaim his humor and petty venom "Done?" he scoffed, glancing at his two compatriots, "These damn cats have always done somethi—"

"Enough! You are done. Go."

"You can't just—"

"Now." He rumbled through gritted teeth. His clenched fists made the leather of his vambraces creak, calling the youths' attention to the size of his fists and their own mortality. The young men backed away slowly and then turned and quickly paced off, casting the occasional glance back over their shoulders.

"This one is grateful for you assistance. He had done nothing wrong, yet was set upon by those pups." Kratos turned back to see the robed figure stand and cast back his hood revealing a tawny faced cat with long black ears.

Kratos' brows rose in quiet surprise, "What are you?"

"This one is called J'Kar. He is pleased to make your acquaintance."

Kratos nodded slowly, "Yes. What are you?" J'kar's ear twitched back and then forward in his own surprise.

"This one is a khajiit. You have never seen his kind before?" Kratos grunted and shook his head. "This one is surprised. Khajiit are not common, but we trade throughout Skyrim. This one should get back to the caravan," he said gesturing back towards the trade fair, "but he is very grateful. If you have need of anything, khajiit have wares and will trade fairly, but even better for you, friend." With a hand on his ribs, J'Kar made his way back to the road and turned his steps to the fair. Kratos shook his head before continuing up towards the gate. Truly Skyrim was a strange place.

He slowed his final approach to the gate, seeing it was shut and noting the two guardsmen on watch. The guards immediately took notice as he came down the road towards them. With Kratos still a fair distance off, one guard turned his head and whispered to the other "Eh, Alding! Look at this fellow. He must be 300 pounds of muscle! You can tell him the city is closed, I think."

"Shut up, Gregor."

"I'm just saying that it's your turn."

"Gregor!"

As Kratos neared the sentries, Alding shot his compatriot a dirty look before stepping forward and calling "Halt! The city is closed with the dragons about. Official business only."

"I have come to see your Jarl," Kratos said as he took another step forward. "Riverwood calls for aid."

The guards exchanged a look before one began "I'm sorry, stranger, you don't get to just go talk to…" he trailed off as he saw the huge man's lip curl and heard a low growl.

"No. This is needless delay. Open the gate or I will open the gate." Kratos' hand clenched in frustration.

Without missing a beat, the other guard spoke up, "Sounds like he's a messenger, Alding. I'd let him through." The first guard glared at the other and received a shrug in return.

"Fine. Head to Dragon's Reach. But we'll be keeping an eye on you. Open 'er up!" Kratos waited impatiently for the gate to open, before heading immediately into the city. He strode forward purposefully, but slowed as the noise and clutter of the city washed over him. He didn't hear a singsong voice behind him "Sounds like he's a messenger, Alding! Gregor, you knob. See if I cover your tab at the Mare again!"

Despite the confusing bustle of the city, it was clear to Kratos where the Jarl would be. Dragon's Reach towered over the city and was clearly visible from almost any point in the city. The keep sat above the rest of the city on a spur of rock jutting up from the plains. Taking a deep breath to steel himself against, what seemed to him to be, a great press of humanity, he started through the city towards Dragon's Reach. Despite his feeling of being crowded, his size, barbarous tattoos and forbidding expression effectively cleared a space around him as he navigated through the busy streets of the capital of Whiterun Hold. He noted what was clearly the inn as he passed it. It had been a very long time since he had been to a public house or had any sort of proper drink. Perhaps since he shared the wine of his homeland with Atreus… He shook his head and carried on. Soon enough he was climbing the steps up to the doors of Dragon's Reach where he was, again, stopped by guardsmen, but these by their demeanor were far more experienced than the pair at the gate.

"Hold, stranger. You are clearly not from Whiterun." Called the first holding up a hand. "What is your business in Dragon's Reach?"

"I bring word from Riverwood and Helgen. News of dragons."

"Damn. It's true then. You'd better go in, stranger. The Jarl will certainly want to speak with you." With a nod to him, the two guardsmen pulled open the massive ironbound doors of Dragon's Reach and gestured him inside. Kratos entered immediately into a large great hall with a small set of stairs leading up to the main level of the hall, which was currently occupied by long tables and a massive firepit in the center. At the far end of the hall was a large raised dais on which sat an ornately carved wooden throne, occupied by a large fair-haired man. His destination clear, Kratos made directly for the man who appeared to be in an involved discussion with a finely dressed, balding, older man. His eyes narrowed when he saw a strange, red-eyed and dark skinned woman wearing leather armor mark him and quickly put herself in his path. Kratos' attention shifted to the woman. A svartalf? No. No wings. Perhaps she was the native svartalf equivalent. This land was filled with strange creatures. Kratos' eyes narrowed and he dropped into a slight crouch when the woman drew her sword and continued to approach.

"What is the meaning of this interruption!? Jarl Balgruuf is not to be disturbed." She demanded, eyeing the ashen skinned interloper. Irileth did not like the look of this one. He looked like the kind to only bring trouble.

Kratos bared his teeth and let out a snort of frustration. Three times challenged! "If your Jarl will not see me, then he is a fool." The woman visibly bristled at lack of respect to the Jarl. "I bring word of Helgen and Riverwood. News of dragons." She stared at him for a moment longer before relaxing her stance and sheathing her blade.

"You are correct in that at least, if not in your manner, the Jarl will want to hear what news you bring. Come." She turned and led the way up on to the raised dais. "Wait here." She told him and then approached the Jarl, ignoring the old man currently speaking, and whispered into the Jarl's ear. Balgruuf immediately held up a hand, stopping the other man mid sentence and looked to Kratos.

"You bring word from Helgen? Were you there then?" Balgruuf leaned forward, one hand coming up to his chin.

Kratos gave a small nod "Yes."

"Out with it man! Don't leave us in suspense!" cried the Jarl throwing up a hand "Tell us what happened, tell us of the dragon."

"Helgen burned. Only ash remains. To my knowledge only I and another man survived."

The Jarl sat back "So, Helgen is gone then? Entirely? Damn. What of the beast, did you see it?"

"Yes. As it flew away. It is a terrible beast. Black as night with wings to block the sun. Its fires burn hot." Kratos grimaced slightly, "I… I came to ask aid for the people of Riverwood. They fear the beast will attack."

Jarl Balgruuf stood and began to pace. "Yes, of course! I will not leave my people – my people! – to be food for some creature, I don't care how big the damn thing is!" Kratos lip's twitched upward and he nodded at the Jarl. "Irileth! Task a crew. We send men to Riverwood immediately."

The older man interrupted at this point, "The Jarl of Falkreath will see this as provocation, preparation for war – "

Balgruuf interrupted, his hand slashing through the air, "Enough! We will not sit idly by while a dragon burns our hold and slaughters our people!" he turned back to Kratos, "You have done both me and my hold a great service. You brought me word of a danger to my people of your own accord. That must be rewarded." He looked to the older man, "Proventus, see to it that the man receives a suitable sum of septims. As for you, friend, we must see to Riverwood's defense now, but return in the morning and we must talk more of this dragon problem."


AN: A big thank you to those of you who have followed or favorited the story, and especially for those who left reviews. It's very encouraging and really does help me with the drive to write consistently rather than sporadically.

Apologies for any errors in editing and thanks for reading.