The dawn was cool and Liv found she had to wrap her cloak tighter around her shoulders to keep out the chill. Hadvar and her strapped on simple packs equipped with all they would need for the day's trip, and Liv's trip home.
"Now, stay safe you two," Sigrid said fussing over Liv, tightening the straps on her pack twice over.
"Yes auntie, we will be fine. Liv will be back before you know it." Hadvar smiled at his Aunt, giving her a farewell kiss on the cheek. He walked over and gave his Uncle a large hug, and the older man feigned dislike before quickly crushing his nephew to his chest.
"Liv?" Dorthe tugged on the edge of her clock.
"Yes, what do you need." She bent down to Dorthe's level, smiling at the young girl.
"Would you bring me back a present?" she whispered. Liv chuckled at her and nodded, "maybe a new doll? Or a dress for my old one?"
"You bet I can. I think I might be able to find the perfect one." Liv winked at her before the little girl threw her arms around Liv's shoulders. "'I'll see you tomorrow, and we can read together." Dorthe smiled brightly and ran over to Hadvar who swept her up in a big bear hug.
Liv looked up into the sky, which was heavily clouded over. Grimacing, she feared they might experience a bit of rain. Hadvar trailed a little ahead of her as they walked out of Riverwood, he held the map in his hands, brows furrowed. Liv jogged a little to catch up to him, leaning over his shoulder, dragging her finger across the well-loved map. "We'll skirt the edge of the Throat of the World, and then follow the White River as close as we can before we reach the edge of Whiterun. My Uncle's far is here," she tapped the paper, "so once we get over the bridge we'll have a straight shot there."
"Don't think we will run into any trouble? Hadvar teased.
"No," she countered, oblivious to his sarcasm, "Whiterun is the safest place in Skyrim right now I reckon."
"I know, I'm kidding." he bumped her with his elbow. She then realized how close in proximity they were, blushing, she pulled his hood over his head.
"Cover-up you milk drinker." she huffed, grabbing a head start down the pathway.
"You're just mad you're not funny like me!" he called out to her, she turned around and shot him a glare.
"My humor is just more sophisticated than yours." she rebutted, turning back to watch the trail ahead of her. "I don't need sarcasm to make a joke." She could hear his taunting laugh and she tried to hide a smile.
"I see how it's going to be," he muttered, smiling at the redhead. The two walked most of the day in silence and Liv's thighs burned a bit, not used to the long walk. She squinted up at the sky as a raindrop splashed on her cheek, pulling up her hood she inwardly groaned.
The rain stayed constant their entire walk to Whiterun, Liv was soaked through to the bone, a chill resting there. "It'll be nice to sit in front of a fire." Hadvar said, peeking out at her from under his hood.
"I couldn't agree more, though it'll be sooner for me." she reminded him.
"Only an hour, it's not that far from Whiterun." Hadvar shrugged, he didn't seem overly bothered by the rain. Liv shivered and kept her arms wrapped around herself. "I have a spare cloak if you want?"
"No, I'll be fine," she scoffed at him, not wanting to seem weak. "Plus we're nearly there." Liv pointed as they stopped at the top of the final hill, Whiterun looming in the distance.
"You know, it wasn't so bad." Hadvar smiled at her.
"What wasn't." she furrowed her brows.
"Your company, maybe uncle is right, you are to be trusted." Liv reached over and punched his arm as he laughed. "I never have asked though, because I know a lot of people are prickly over the mention of the war. But whose side are you on?" Liv paused for a moment, uncertain of how to answer. On one hand she believed in some of what the Empire wanted, but on the other a part of herself loyal to all the divines, believed in what the Stormcloaks were fighting for.
"I don't believe I know how to answer that." She rubbed her hands together nervously. "I think that each side has a strong argument, but I hate to say it in front of you. But, I am a supporter of Talos. He is every bit a Divine as the rest. So I can see it from a neutral middle I suppose."
"That's fair, we are all allowed our opinions." Hadvar remained stoic, not letting Liv see how undoubtedly bothered he was that she even remotely sympathized with the Stormcloaks. He wasn't all that surprised though, she is a Nord in some shape or form. Liv dropped the subject, knowing that if she tried to explain further it would definitely leave a sour taste in both parties' mouths. The awkwardness lasted the better part of the walk onto the main road, and Liv cursed herself internally knowing that Alvor wouldn't let it go if he found out.
"My uncle's farm is just up ahead this way," Liv said awkwardly, "so I guess this is where we part ways."
"Look, Liv, I know we may not completely agree on the issues Skyrim faces, but I don't think less of you." Hadvar paused, stopping her from going forward. "You know, Solitude might need an elite smith someday. I hope you know that I will give you the highest recommendation. The Empire could use a strong woman like you in its rank." Liv stood there silent, a heat blooming on her cheeks. "You know, if you're ever interested." They smiled kindly at one another.
"I will think about that Hadvar. I don't think this will be the last time our paths cross." she walked up to him, holding her hand out. He grasped it firmly, grinning madly at her.
"Till we meet again." he said quietly, letting her go and turning to walk down the path. She stood there for a moment, waiting to make sure he made his way west. Liv smiled to herself a bit, turning to approach the Pelagia farm.
Hunched over a small mound of dirt was a small Bosmer woman, Liv smiled as the woman pulled potatoes out of the earth. "You know those are some pitiful potatoes," she calls out, the Bosmer turned to scowl at the voice but immediately softened when she saw who it was. "I think this farm has really suffered without me."
"Liv," Nimriel smiled widely, getting to her feet and the two women rushed each other. Nimriel swept her up into a large hug. "What are you doing here? Your uncle must've forgot to tell me you were coming!"
"He has no idea!" the two pulled apart and began walking up to the farmhouse. "I am just stopping through Whiterun for Alvor, thought it would be a good excuse to surprise you two."
"Your uncle will be so happy to see you," Nimriel smiled widely, putting her arm around Liv's shoulders. "Severio! Look who is here!" her uncle's head snaps up from behind the chicken coup.
"Well there is a face I recognize!" he smiled widely. Liv grinned, her uncle had barely changed since the last time she saw him. His brown locks tied back by a simple leather strap, kind brown eyes that wrinkled when he smiled, and the famous Pelagia chin. The two rushed to one another and Severio pulled her into a tight embrace. "I've missed you Liv, it's too quiet here lately."
"I know, I've missed you as well. Things have been so busy at the forge, we've been supplying weapons to the nearby Imperial camps." Liv squeezed the man's middle before letting him go.
"You've gotten taller." he exclaimed, realizing she was almost as tall as he was. Liv blushed and shrugged, trying to slouch. "No, no, stand up straight. Be proud, your mother was always taller than I was. She teased me endlessly about it when we were kids, and don't get me started about your father. I swear he must have had giant's blood somewhere." he rubbed her arms affectionately.
"I think we should take that niece of yours out for supper tonight." Nimriel half suggested half told. Severio nodded and smiled.
"I'll take my two best girls out for the best venison south of the capital." Severio wrapped an arm around each woman.
The Bannered Mare was packed, full of citizens of Whiterun celebrating. The Companions had taken down a Giant earlier that afternoon, as it had been terrorizing a nearby farm. Severio recounted the tale, seeing first hand the terror the Giant brought. Liv recognized tons of familiar faces, and many old friends. The twins Vilkas and Farkas, pulled her into a large bear hug, almost squeezing the breath from her lungs. Insisting that she join the Companions. Liv insisted she would think about it, before retreating back to her Uncle and Nimriel at their table.
"So tell me," her uncle paused, taking a long sip of mean, "how is everything in Riverwood? Anything exciting?"
"I don't think you'd believe me if I told you." Liv shook her head, trying to change the subject. She thought about Hadvar for a moment, hoping he made it to the camp alright.
"Those two boys till fighting over that Valerius girl?" Nimriel smiled, cutting into her supper.
"I don't think they'll ever stop, honestly I don't think Camilla even cares for them. She's just in it for the attention." Liv shrugged, looking about the room.
"You're of age, have you had any offers?" Severio asked seriously, Liv groaned.
"No, Uncle. There isn't exactly a wide variety to choose from." She seethed from behind closed teeth. There was a loud cheer from across the tavern, as two figures clunked glasses with the Companions.
"This is why you should've stayed in Whiterun." he said quietly, Nimriel squeezing his leg, whispering something to him. Liv blushed in shame, knowing some truth to his words.
"I think I need another ale." Liv stood and stormed off towards the bar. Cursing herself, 'this happens every time I come, all he fucking wants is for me to be married off like every other woman in the Empire.' Too busy looking down at her feet she ran squarely into a rather large body. "I'm sorry," she snapped her head up seeing a rather large half orc. His amber eyes shone down on her as he smirked, two very small tusks peeking out from his bottom lip.
"You should watch where you're going." he scolded her, and she scowled. She tried to push past him and he chuckled, letting her shove him aside.
"Fucking asshole." she cursed, shooting back a venomous look at him. He shrugged and shot her a playful wink. Sticking her tongue out at him childishly Liv turned back to her destination. She set her mug back down on the counter of the bar, the barkeep nodded to her finishing his conversation up. The barkeep picked up a mug, drying it with a rag in his other hand.
"What can I do for you young lady?" he leaned towards her, "a refill I assume."
"Please, and it's on Severio Pelagia's tab please." she slid over the mug and the barkeep grinned devilishly.
"Let's make that two then. You must be his niece Liv." he turned, pouring the ale skillfully into two mugs.
"In the flesh." he handed her the mugs, and she took a seat at the bar, taking a swig out of one.
"It's nice of you to pay him a visit, I'm sure he'll stop moping about," he said over his shoulder, filling another patrons glass. Liv felt guilt settle in her belly, knowing that no matter what Severio always wanted the best for her. He was as close to a father she would ever have. Liv downed her mug, setting it down with a loud thump.
"I should go back to him, otherwise he will definitely mope about." she laughed awkwardly, thanking the barkeep. As she turned back towards the table Liv stopped in her tracks. A familiar head of blonde hair made its way over to her, and as people moved out of the way she felt her heart skip a beat. He was dressed in simple travelling clothes, a mug of ale in his hands. He looked her up and down, the corner of his mouth turned up. She froze in place, thinking to herself, 'what the fuck is he doing here, he's supposed to be in Riverwood.'
"Hello Liv, long time no see." Ralof stopped in front of her, eyes meeting her own wide ones. Liv felt her stomach churn at the sound of his voice.
"Ralof." she said quietly. Trying to look around him for an escape route.
"Is that any way to greet your old friend?" he kept stepping forward, she met his pace until her back hit a solid wooden pillar.
"I wouldn't say friend at all." Liv tried to make herself sound unbothered, but the blood rang in her ears.
"Come on now, after my last visit in Riverwood?" Ralof teased her, an edge in his voice. Liv planted her hands on the piller, trying to disappear within it.
"Fuck off Ralof." Liv looked him in the eyes, furrowing her brows.
"I will, but first I have a favor I need from you." He chuckled.
"What makes you think you're in any position to ask anything of me." she tried to slip past him, but he grabbed her arm. She winced at the force behind it, he yanked her close until she could feel his lips move against her ear.
"Because it might have something to explain what I saw at Helgen." he said, the hint of playfulness completely gone from his voice. Liv whipped her head around to look at him, her lips pursed and she allowed him to lead her out the front doors of the Bannered Mare.