Disclaimer: I do not own Skyrim! Bathesda does!

Beta'd By: No one yet..

Author Note: Well well well looky what we has here.. so someone actually voted just one person though but here you have it we joined Dundunnnanaaaaa... Well you will see. Hope you enjoy this chappie as mush as I did! Also I have a guild on the Horde side (Argent Dawn) for any fans that play World of Warcraft or you can sometimes find me on Drakova on Muradin/Nordrassil Alliance side.

Spoiler Warning Most this chapter is full of spoilers. If you have played the game you can see where I changed the dialog to suit my needs. But I did not add much, maybe one line and some description. Plus LOOOOOONG chapter. XD Why are these chappies so long and why di I want to play Skyrim rn?

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Skyrim: A Cautionary Tale!

Escape to Riverwood!

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I looked between the two but decided to follow Ralof my companion through our arduous trip on the wagon, and through the meteor storm. After all if it weren't for Ralof, I wouldn't have made it to that inn. "Come on, get inside!," Ralof yelled as I reached him. He opened the door for me and nearly stumbled inside and landed flat on my face. We were in a round room with a dead stormcloak with and two blocked doors with the door we just cam in behind us. Ralof passed me by as I stared at his companion, he knelt before the other male and whispered a prayer. He then walked back over to me, "Here let me get those bindings off," Ralof replied and I stepped forward so he could cut me free. "Take Gunjar's gear, he won't be needing anymore." I nodded solemnly and carefully removed the gear and weapons before donning then myself. "Good now give that axe a few good swings."

I nodded and swung it a few times while Ralof checked the two doors.

"Locked! Looks like we need to find a key," Ralof grumbled upset.

"Soldier check that room over there," A female voice sounded from the wooden gate.

"Get down," Ralof instructed. I crouched behind the table and chairs out of sight as the gate opened. Ralof leapt forward with a yell and slammed his axe into the Imperial's shield. I too came out of my hiding place and surprised the soldier who had come in with her, slamming my axe into his throat and slicing open a gaping wound. The male fell to the floor dead as I rused the captain but she turned and slammed me in the face with her shield. I stumbled back clutching my nose which was gushing my own blood. But she too fell dead from Ralof's opportunistic strike from her now unprotected back. He gave me his hand and helped me stand back up. I nodded appreciatively and waited until the blood had finally stopped long enough to grab her sword and shield. I placed the shield on my back and took the second sword, from her man, hefting one in each hand before nodding. I liked the feel of the lighter weapons and twirled them about before turning to Ralof. "This way," he said before heading down the spiraling stairs. And to a hall but before we could continue down it however the ceiling collapsed as the dragon's roar could be heard once more. I shivered as I heard voices on the other side of the door beside Ralof. "Dang, that Dragon doesn't give up easy.."

"Grab everything important and let's move! Before that dragon burns everything to the ground.." it was a gruff male voice.

"There's some potions… here." a younger male voice replied. Ralof turned to me and gestured to the room before he opened the door and we both rushed inside. Ralof sliced through one and I easily wore down the second before stabbing him in the gut and kicking him off my sword. Ralof went to the next door, and peered out before looking to me.

"See if you can find any potions, you'll need those!," Ralof replied. I searched the Imperials first before searching around the room and inside the barrels. I found four health potions a stamina potion and a magical potion and a few salt piles and as well as some rabbit meat for later. There were even a few herbs just hanging around. I walked up to Ralof who was still watching out the door. "Done? Let's keep moving then." I followed him out the door and down the hall to the right and down some more stairs to the torture chamber. Fighting could be heard so I rushed on ahead with Ralof not far behind and surprised the first imperial. The second turned toward me and shot lightning at me, I groaned before slicing another gash into his assistant as Ralof charged the torturer and staggered him making him unable to cast briefly while I finished off the other Ralof slammed his axe deep into the torturer's shoulder and kicked his lifeless body to the ground. "There's something in this cage, see if you can get it open with some picks. Grab anything important and let's go," Ralof replied handing me some lock-picks. I nodded and set to work it wasn't a difficult lock but I still managed to break a pick or two in my attempts. I searched the dead mage before noticing the gold and spell book beside him I took them and the magicka potion before searching the rest of the room to find a couple more lock-picks and a few books.

I then followed Ralof through a hall with several cells before we reached the chamber in the back, I took some bone meal from the skeletons and received a similar ache in my head. I felt like I almost remembered what they were for, maybe some sort of potion? I shook my head and took bone-meal from two more skeletons before following Ralof out a collapsed piece of wall in the back of the chamber. Ralof led me and two other stormcloaks out into a secret passageway that hopefully would lead us out of the castle. As w were approaching another chamber I heard yet more voices.\

"We were told to wait for General Tullius," one soldier said.

"I'm not waiting to be killed by a dragon, we need to pull back!" another soldier argued. Ralof rushed the First imperial he saw while I went down the stairs with one of the other stormcloaks to face off with two more adversaries. I made short work of the clumsy oaf infront of me before assisting the other stormcloak with the large male who was bearing down on her. I then went for the two remaining soldiers, archers that were shooting arrows at us. I took on in the shoulder before slamming my sword down into his shoulder making his bow arm useless. He raised his other arm as I plunged my sword into his chest another arrow lodged into leg and I dropped as Ralof rushed the final archer. I ripped the arrow out and stood I quickly searched the soldiers and took their coin pouches for myself before making my way back over to ralof.

"They way is clear," Ralof said.

"We'll keep watch for more Imperial Soldiers," The female nord replied taking up position at the entrance to the chamber. The male stood nearby and nodded to Ralof. I took of the bows from the archers as well as all the arrows I could find before I finally made it back to Ralof's side.

"Let's see where this goes," Ralof urged heading toward the lever before pushing it to the other side. The wooden bridge lowered and he crossed, as I began to cross I heard a sound above and looked up to see the roof cracking I rushed forward and boulders crashed down I didn't make it all the way across instead I ended up down below on top of the debris. "Are you ok?"

"Yeah.." I groaned checking to make sure all my limbs still worked. I stood up but thre wa no way back up there so I looked around to find a passage. "There's a passage over here I'll try to find the main path.

"Ok but be careful," Ralof replied.

"What about the other's?" I asked.

"They'll find another way around just get back to me and I'll get you out of here." Ralof replied. I nodded and pulled out my swords before heading down the pathway. I found a coin purse which I took before heading to the right where I could hear a stream I came out just as Ralof made to that area. 'Good your okay, follow me," I nodded and followed Ralof closely as I dared. My injuries didn't make following the hearty nord very easy however. We came a fork in the road one lead to a cave in that the stream struggled to get through and the second further into the cave system. "I guess there's no way that way let's try this way," Ralof spoke up before heading down the path to our right I picked up another coin purse and followed after him. A short way down the path we entered a cavern with webbing haphazardly draped around the edges and even down the middle in some places. Poison spit hit me directly in the face before I realized the inhabitants were still here. I wiped the poison from my eyes but by the time my vision cleared Ralof had taken care of the spiders. I grumbled and searched the room for spider's eggs and took vials of the Spider's venom for later use.

"Uh Spider's.. too many eyes, you know," Ralof said before heading off down an open passageway. I followed him and stopped where he was crouched.

"Hold up, there's a bear just ahead, I wouldn't want to fight with her, just yet," Ralof whispered. "Let's just try to sneak by, just be careful and watch your step. Or if you're feeling lucky take that bow of yours and these arrows, might her by surprise. Go ahead I'll follow your lead." I took the arrows before crouching low and carefully sneaking around the bear stopping at every silence just or exceptionally loud snore until at last we were past the large animal. A crunch sounded and I stopped to look at the bones that littered the floor. A loud roar sounded but the shadow of the bear didn't move so I carefully edged around the bones to the passage beyond. "We made it, now let's get out of here." Ralof replied heading off in front of me.

The cold crisp air hit me in the face as we exited the cave and I breathed it in until. A roar sounded over head and I ducked down.

"Wait," Ralof yelled and ducked behind a rock as the dragon blew past above us heading off toward the ruins of some mountain in the distance before disappearing over it's peak. "There he goes, looks like he's gone for good this time. There's no way to know if anyone else made it out alive, but this place will be swarming with imperials soon enough. Let's get out of here. My sister Gerdur runs the mill just up the road. I'm sure she'll help you out." Ralof replied as he started walking down the path. I followed him as he picked up the pace, "It's probably best if we split up but I wouldn't have made it without your help today. I know it's know my place but you've seen the true face of the empire here today. If anyone will know what the coming of the dragon means it's Ulfric." I shivered lightly as I remembered that deep rumbling voice. When were finally close enough he stopped to point up at the ruin. "See that ruin up there? It's bleak Falls Barrow, I never understood how my sister could stand living in the shadow of that place. I guess you get used to it after a while." He followed the path until we reached the three standing stones. "These are the guardian stones, three of the thirteen ancient standing stones that dot skyrim's landscape. Go ahead see for yourself." I stepped forward toward one of the stones and lightly touched it. It lit up briefly like the stars before appearing again as a normal standing stone. "Thief eh, I took you more for a warrior with your skills," Ralof replied. "Come then let's get to Riverwood before we part ways, friend."

I nodded and followed him down the path once more.

"Remember this isn't Stormcloak territory, if we're ahead of the news from Helgen we should be fine, as long as we don't do anything stupid. Come Riverwood is just ahead." once we reached Riverwood Ralof lead me back behind the mill. "Gerdur," he called out to her.

"Brother, Marae's mercy it's good to see you, but are you sure it's safe for you to be here? I'd heard that Ulfric had been captured." She replied walking over.

"Gerdur, I'm fine, at least now I am," he said.

"Are you hurt? What's happened?" she asked. She looked at me before asking another question, "And who's this? One of your comrades?" Ralof also looked at me.

"Not a comrade yet," Ralof replied. "But I owe him my life. Is there somewhere we can talk there's no telling when news from Helgen will arrive."

"Helgen? Did something happen?" She asked looking back to him but Ralof lowered his gaze. She sighed. "You're right follow me. Hod come here a minute.."

"What? Why?" a male voice asked from up on the mill.

"Hod just come here," Gerdur replied leading us to a stump hidden away from view of the village.

"Ralof? What are you doing here?" hod asked before heading down from the mill.

"Uncle Ralof! Wanna come play with me?"

"Hush Rogar this is no time for your games," Gerdur replied. "Go watch the road and come tell us if you see any Imperial Soldiers."

"But momma, I wanna stay and talk to Ralof." Ralof leaned down and whispered something the kid's ear. "That's right uncle Ralof, I want to be the best Stormcloak in the world. You can count on me!" The boy rushed off without another word of complaint. I tuned out the rest of the conversation as they talked about Helgen I didn't want to remember the harrowing experience. A pain in my head again this one wasn't so bad but I did teeter a bit.

"Your friend doesn't look so good," Gerdur said suddenly.

"Hey are you okay?" Ralof asked. I nodded but the pain returned sharply and darkness took my vision. When I awoke I was in an unfamiliar house being tended by a blond nord I was unfamiliar with. I jolted upright and Ralof rushed over to calm me. "It's alright we're in my sister's house, you collapsed. This is Hod."

"I know it's a lot to ask but someone needs to go to Whiterun and warn the Jarl about the Dragons," Gerdur said from the table.

"I'll go," I said rising up from the bed, my injuries weren't quite healed but I didn't want to stay in this village much longer, there was someone I needed to find. I wasn't sure why but I felt as though I had to find him and get some answers, but what answers.

"You are injured," Ralof repled pushing me back on to the bed.

"I'm fine, and I will be fine," I insisted. Gerdur brought some apples and dried meats.

"At least take some rations for the road," she replied.

"Thank you, so which way to Whiterun?" I asked. Ralof gave me a map and traced the rods that lead to Whiterun.

"You can't miss it, but be careful out there," Ralof replied a slightly worried look on his face. I nodded before exiting the house and heading toward the tavern for a much needed drink. I passed by two males that made cat-calls in my direction but ignored them.

I made my way up the tavern steps and as I approached the door, a hand slammed in front of me. I noticed the male staring me down. "What are you looking at?" I scoffed as he looked me up and down. My voice must of surprised him as he stared hard at my face for a brief minute.

"So you're someone who doesn't lip wrestle, got it. Or you're just looking for someone to kiss your boots," he said completely ignoring my question. "If it's the latter I suggest asking elsewhere." He motioned away from the inn.

"What are you talking about?" I asked.

"You didn't hear those two idiots catcalling you on the way up here?" He asked, annoyed. "So are you so used to those kind of comments that you turn up your nose at all of them like some damn noble?"

"I hadn't noticed them, actually. I just got here." I replied.

"Really? They weren't yelling it at your back loud enough? Maybe I should give them some tips, seeing as I'm the only one who landed a conversation." The male replied. I looked to his arm, some way to get a conversation I thought. "They've been harassing every pair of legs that's crossed their path for days. Yesterday they got so drunk that they even wolf whistled the blacksmith! You're the first they've been right to admire though… Anyway, just give them a wide berth!"

"Thanks, but why are you telling me this?" I asked. Clearly this male either had a weird taste for men that walk by or had no idea I was male just like him.

"Maybe I'm just a nice guy?" he snorted at his own attempt at humor. I wasn't impressed and honestly after the day I had I could really go for a drink and a nice warm bed. "I need to get going and I wanted to foil the drunks one last time. I was tracking my wolf, Karnwyr, around here. We were separated while hunting a week ago. I've been hearing rumors of bandits holding pit fights somewhere this side of Skyrim. He's all I've got, and that's the only lead. So I'm off to hunt them down before something happens to him."

"I could help you get your wolf back," I replied. Why not, after all if it was animals involved I wanted to help put a stop to it. I felt a brief pang as a memory resurfaced, I was young maybe six when I nursed a young fox back to health in secret. The orphanage had a strict no pets allowed rule

"Enthusiasm like that could get a pretty girl like you in trouble," The male replied.

-end spoiler-

"Excuse me, I am not a girl," I replied, offended and annoyed. He looked me over again with a confused look on his face.

"No offense but you don't look like a guy," the male replied. "And… never mind."

"Ugh let's go, I need a drink," I replied. He grabbed my arm and tugged me to face him again.

"I thought you said you were going to help me find my wolf," The male replied. I sighed I did say that.

"Fine but we need to make a stop at Whiterun I promised Ralof that I would warn the Jarl of the dragon that attacked Helgen," I replied. I waited for him to release me but he hung on as though contemplating something.

"Fine, let's go then," he replied finally releasing my arm. I rubbed it briefly the male was stronger than he looked and my arm was sore from that bruising grip. So I lead the way out of Riverwood disappointed and flustered.

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*intercept's* I don't know if I will add anymore of Bishop's actual dialogue in here but there you have it the first of our "follower's" *wink* and there are a few more to come be sure of that.