p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Liv followed Ralof hesitantly, his hand refusing to let go of her forearm. Her curiosity surpassed the desire to flee the situation as he led her up the stone stairs to the Gildergreen. Waiting there was the half-orc from before. "You," his voice was strangely melodic./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""You two have met then?" Ralof sat her down on the bench between the two./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Briefly." Liv folded her hands on her lap. In her mind, she plotted her escape, for before they loomed Jorrvaskr. 'I could run for the doors if I need to, I'm not much smaller than Ralof but I am sure I can outrun him.'/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Perfect, then I am sure you're the perfect person to be a guide." Liv looked at him questioningly./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Jarl Balgruuf has enlisted my help in finding an artifact hidden in the depths of Bleak Falls Barrow." The half-orc smirked beneath his beard, "and sadly, my sense of direction is rather lackluster." Liv thought for a moment, maybe this stranger would help in getting the Golden Claw back. As jealous as she was of Camilla, she knew that the artifact meant the world to her brother. Lucan was a gruff and stern man at times, but a compassionate one when it counted. Liv paused for a moment, and Ralof tapped his foot impatiently./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""There is something in the barrows I need to get myself, so I will take you. But only if you return that artifact to me once you come out." Liv looked over the half-orc, who contemplated her offer. He stuck out his hand at her./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""You have a deal." he smiled as she took his hand and shook it. "I will meet you at the stables tomorrow."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I will be there shortly after breakfast," Liv said firmly, not allowing Ralof or the stranger another word. Getting to her feet she made her way back to the inn, wrapping her arms around herself she dare not look back. Ralof was enough trouble on a good day, 'entitled prick,' she thought./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Severio and Nimriel sat cozily at their table in the corner. Nimriel nudged him in the side as Liv approached, "Liv, look, I am sorry for chastising you on being unmarried. I know you're just trying to do better for yourself, and being married isn't going to do much more for you." Severio paused and Nimriel rolled her eyes at his awkwardness with Liv. She just shook her head and smiled./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I know you're just looking out for me." Liv reached over and squeezed his hand affectionately. "But I am okay."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""How long will you be staying with us," Nimriel asked, resting her hand back onto Severio's knee. He smiled at the elf and then turned back to Liv./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Just for tonight honestly, I will be leaving after breakfast tomorrow. I am walking back with a friend of mine, so we want to get an early start." Severio's face fell a bit. "I'm sorry for not staying longer, but I will come back to visit before the fall comes."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""You promise?" Severio raised an eyebrow at her, knowing how bad she was at making time for her family./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I promise." Liv stole her uncle's mug of mead, taking a long sip of the honeyed drink./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"***/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Liv barely slept that night, being in her old bed was nice, but she was plagued by dreams. The previous summer Ralof and a few of his Stormcloak buddies gave her a rough time at the riverside with Camilla. They said horrible things, and Ralof pressed her against a tree so roughly she felt his rising desire press against her. The thought alone made her feel nauseous, for the brat thought he was entitled to her womanhood, thankfully Lucan came by and threw him off of her. Camilla never stopped apologizing for that day well into the winter months./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Standing outside of the farm she embraced Nimriel, "we are proud of you Liv. We know it's only a matter of time before everyone in Skyrim knows your name." Her uncle was next, a long package at his side. It was wrapped in a thick leather tied tightly by a belt./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I think it's time you took this with you." he handed it to her, the package heavy in her hands. "Go ahead, open it." Liv carefully knelt to the ground and undid the belt. Peeling back the layers of leather revealed a gorgeous blade. At a quick glance, it could've been mistaken for a normal steel blade, but as the morning sun hit it Liv gasped. The blade was forged from Damascus steel, a technique brought over by the Redguards, the different metals swirling together hypnotically. Engraved into the cross-guard was a language she had never seen before, the pommel shaped into a bear's paw. "It was your father's. Jarl Hoag Stormcloak sent it to me not long after your parents were killed. Along with this." He handed her down a rolled parchment sealed with wax. Liv hesitantly opened it, not wanting to wreck it./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I hereby decree that the household of Tjorvnolf Alensvenson and Saelene Pelagia be kept in their name. No other may reside in this home until their heir is of age to take their place among the people of Windhelm once more. Elizaveta Alensvenson - " she paused, tears forming in her eyes. "A home?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Your home. It is your birthright as the Alensvenson heir." Severio knelt down to her level and she threw her arms around him. "You are more than Riverwood, there is more opportunity waiting for you, whether it be here with Nimriel and me, or in Windhelm." He paused, as she cried against his shoulder. "No matter what path you choose, you have our blessing."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;" /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Thank you, Uncle." sniffling the two separated and Severio helped Liv to her feet. Wiping the tears from her eyes, he smiled warmly./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;" /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Now travel safe, and we will see you soon." He helped her sheath the large blade at her back, its weight comfortable enough for her to bear. Liv tucking the decree into her pack wrapped safely in her spare clothes./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I love you both." Liv rubbed her eyes, walking down the path towards the stables. Severio and Nimriel waved till she was out of sight./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""You did well Severio." Nimriel kissed the man softly and he brought her close. Tears threatened to fall, and he knew his sister's spirit would watch over her daughter./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The half-orc leaned casually against a cart and smiled when she approached. "Good morning."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Morning." Liv paused, "you know, I don't even know your name."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Horirygg." she raised an eyebrow and he raised his hands up in mock defense, "just Horirygg."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Liv Alensvenson," she said shortly, he held out his hand to help her into the carriage. She ignored it and heaved herself up, taking a seat near the front./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Well, this kind fellow is happy to take us halfway to Riverwood, thought it would make the trip a little easier." Horirygg flashed her his best grin./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I appreciate the thought, it's not a short trip to the Barrows." Liv adjusted her belongings, resting her father's sword on her lap, running her hands over the blade, and testing its sharpness. She winced a little, "still sharp," she said under her breath./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Horirygg watched her curiously, tying back half of his ebony curls. Some fell into his eyes, shielding the amber orbs. Liv watched him out of the corner of her eye, rebuffing his attempts of creating small talk. She had to admit to herself though, he was more human than orc. He held the strength and coloring of an orc. But his features were softer, tusks less noticeable, if it weren't for his size Liv would've thought he was more Bosmer in appearance./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"About a kilometer out of Riverwood the carriage stopped, allowing the two to hop out. Liv thanked the driver and tipped him some gold from her purse. Together they made their way down the beaten path, the cobblestones fading into a dirt path. "It's not going to be an easy walk, there are bandits camped out around here. So get ready for a fight if it comes down to it." Liv warned him, her palms clammy. Alvor showed her how to use a blade, but she had never had the opportunity to actually use it in combat./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I'm not afraid of bandits," Horirygg said from behind her, shedding his thick cloak for a while. Liv set a brisk pace, wanting to make it before the night fell around them. Once inside the Barrow, it would be infinitely easier to set up a camp with a decent defense./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The mountain path was suspiciously quiet, the day getting colder with every passing hour. Liv pulled her fur-lined cloak closer to her, her breath visible in the dusk air. As the two passed through the small valley they were met with roaring winds. A storm fell around them with unrelenting force, Liv brought her cloak closer around her squinting her eyes to try and see the way./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Hold on, we are getting close!" Liv called over the volume of the wind, Horirygg moved closer to her, gripping her belt lightly. He nodded at her, and Liv knew that it would be too easy to lose each other in the blizzard./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Thankfully just through the flurry of white Liv could just barely make out the looming structure of Bleak Falls Barrow. She nudged him with her elbow, and he noticed two archers standing by a small fire pit. They crouched down behind a snowdrift, and Horirygg pulled Liv close to him. The sun had begun setting, making visibility nearly impossible./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Stay here, I will be back," Horirygg said in her ear, before she could voice her displeasure Horirygg crouched down and made his way through the snow./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Fucker," she said under her breath, secretly glad that the storm was there to provide cover. She waited till he was out of sight before taking a seat in the snow, rubbing her hands together to try and provide some kind of warmth. It was close to ten minutes before Horirygg's figure skulked back through the snow. He had a bow slung over his shoulder, and when she raised an eyebrow he just shrugged./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I like new things, and obviously they're not going to need it anymore," he smirked, and Liv rolled her eyes, "let's keep moving, there doesn't seem to be anyone else outside."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Good," Liv smiled lightly, she took hold of his belt, letting him guide her up the steps toward the Barrow door. There was no one outside waiting for them, and Liv held her breath./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Horirygg cracked the door open, holding the bulk of its weight with his side. Liv could feel the heat of a fire just barely through the opening, and she could hear voices drift from the far end of the room. He nodded at her and they slipped inside, Horirygg slowly letting the door close behind them. They kept their hoods up, remaining crouched, and made their way slowly towards the voices./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Liv mirrored every step Horirygg took, grimacing at any slight noise they made. He shot a glance back at her and motioned with his hands for her to stay put. Liv nodded and stayed crouched behind a large pillar in the center of the room. Horirygg began walking away from her, staying to the outskirts of the massive entry hall. Horirygg disappeared out of sight and Liv looked around the room./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Her stomach churned at the sight of a half-rotted body in the corner to her right, she sent a prayer of thanks to Arkay that it was past the point of smelling. There were a few other corpses nearby, smaller, and quite clearly skeevers. 'Just great,' she thought to herself./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"There was a shriek and then a strangled sound of someone falling to the ground, Liv felt her heart hammer in her chest gripping the pillar anxiously. Suddenly there was a hand over her mouth and she shrieked turning to face her assailant. "Shhh…" Horirygg's face came into view as he dropped his hand, and Liv smacked him on the arm. He let go of her arm and mock grimaced./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""You scared the shit out of me," she whispered./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Oh come on, did you really think I'd let some bandit get you." Horirygg faked being wounded, his amber eyes remaining playful. "I scouted ahead and it doesn't sound like anyone else is left."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I can agree with you," Liv said pointing to the corpse in the corner./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Lovely," he grimaced, "help me pile these bodies in the corner with that one, and then we can get some rest."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Fine, let's make it quick." Liv could feel her stomach do somersaults./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""What? Have you never seen a body before?" Horirygg half teased but promptly dropped the smile on his face seeing how pale Liv got. "You know what, you sit by the fire there, and I'll get these guys on my own."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Are you sure?" Liv looked up at him as he helped her to her feet, she was positively queasy./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""You bet, I'll be over soon to take the first watch." Horirygg put his hand on her arm gently guiding her towards the small pit in the corner of the room. She nodded, avoiding looking at anything but the floor. Liv sat beside the fire and just gazed into the embers, ignoring the puddle of blood to her left./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Horirygg quickly moved the bodies out of sight, looking at the young girl with pity. He hadn't thought for a second that she wasn't battle-worn in some sense, her hands were rough, and her maverick type behavior made it hard to believe she was really just a young woman./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He took his place across the fire from her, leaning against a nearby pillar. She took a few of her layers off, placing her gloves to the side and undoing the top button of her cloak. Horirygg looked at her curiously. She was quite pretty, for a Nord. Not his usual flavor of the month./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Liv could feel his eyes trained on her, and she tucked a stray hair behind her ear suddenly shy. She wasn't uneasy for once, which was a nice change of pace considering what happened the last time she was alone with a man. "Sleep, I'll wake you when it's your turn to take watch." Horirygg looked away from her briefly, and she laid down on the bedroll beside her. A wave of exhaustion hit her and Liv was out before her head hit the ground./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""You two have met then?" Ralof sat her down on the bench between the two./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Briefly." Liv folded her hands on her lap. In her mind, she plotted her escape, for before they loomed Jorrvaskr. 'I could run for the doors if I need to, I'm not much smaller than Ralof but I am sure I can outrun him.'/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Perfect, then I am sure you're the perfect person to be a guide." Liv looked at him questioningly./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Jarl Balgruuf has enlisted my help in finding an artifact hidden in the depths of Bleak Falls Barrow." The half-orc smirked beneath his beard, "and sadly, my sense of direction is rather lackluster." Liv thought for a moment, maybe this stranger would help in getting the Golden Claw back. As jealous as she was of Camilla, she knew that the artifact meant the world to her brother. Lucan was a gruff and stern man at times, but a compassionate one when it counted. Liv paused for a moment, and Ralof tapped his foot impatiently./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""There is something in the barrows I need to get myself, so I will take you. But only if you return that artifact to me once you come out." Liv looked over the half-orc, who contemplated her offer. He stuck out his hand at her./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""You have a deal." he smiled as she took his hand and shook it. "I will meet you at the stables tomorrow."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I will be there shortly after breakfast," Liv said firmly, not allowing Ralof or the stranger another word. Getting to her feet she made her way back to the inn, wrapping her arms around herself she dare not look back. Ralof was enough trouble on a good day, 'entitled prick,' she thought./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Severio and Nimriel sat cozily at their table in the corner. Nimriel nudged him in the side as Liv approached, "Liv, look, I am sorry for chastising you on being unmarried. I know you're just trying to do better for yourself, and being married isn't going to do much more for you." Severio paused and Nimriel rolled her eyes at his awkwardness with Liv. She just shook her head and smiled./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I know you're just looking out for me." Liv reached over and squeezed his hand affectionately. "But I am okay."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""How long will you be staying with us," Nimriel asked, resting her hand back onto Severio's knee. He smiled at the elf and then turned back to Liv./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Just for tonight honestly, I will be leaving after breakfast tomorrow. I am walking back with a friend of mine, so we want to get an early start." Severio's face fell a bit. "I'm sorry for not staying longer, but I will come back to visit before the fall comes."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""You promise?" Severio raised an eyebrow at her, knowing how bad she was at making time for her family./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I promise." Liv stole her uncle's mug of mead, taking a long sip of the honeyed drink./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"***/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Liv barely slept that night, being in her old bed was nice, but she was plagued by dreams. The previous summer Ralof and a few of his Stormcloak buddies gave her a rough time at the riverside with Camilla. They said horrible things, and Ralof pressed her against a tree so roughly she felt his rising desire press against her. The thought alone made her feel nauseous, for the brat thought he was entitled to her womanhood, thankfully Lucan came by and threw him off of her. Camilla never stopped apologizing for that day well into the winter months./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Standing outside of the farm she embraced Nimriel, "we are proud of you Liv. We know it's only a matter of time before everyone in Skyrim knows your name." Her uncle was next, a long package at his side. It was wrapped in a thick leather tied tightly by a belt./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I think it's time you took this with you." he handed it to her, the package heavy in her hands. "Go ahead, open it." Liv carefully knelt to the ground and undid the belt. Peeling back the layers of leather revealed a gorgeous blade. At a quick glance, it could've been mistaken for a normal steel blade, but as the morning sun hit it Liv gasped. The blade was forged from Damascus steel, a technique brought over by the Redguards, the different metals swirling together hypnotically. Engraved into the cross-guard was a language she had never seen before, the pommel shaped into a bear's paw. "It was your father's. Jarl Hoag Stormcloak sent it to me not long after your parents were killed. Along with this." He handed her down a rolled parchment sealed with wax. Liv hesitantly opened it, not wanting to wreck it./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I hereby decree that the household of Tjorvnolf Alensvenson and Saelene Pelagia be kept in their name. No other may reside in this home until their heir is of age to take their place among the people of Windhelm once more. Elizaveta Alensvenson - " she paused, tears forming in her eyes. "A home?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Your home. It is your birthright as the Alensvenson heir." Severio knelt down to her level and she threw her arms around him. "You are more than Riverwood, there is more opportunity waiting for you, whether it be here with Nimriel and me, or in Windhelm." He paused, as she cried against his shoulder. "No matter what path you choose, you have our blessing."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;" /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Thank you, Uncle." sniffling the two separated and Severio helped Liv to her feet. Wiping the tears from her eyes, he smiled warmly./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;" /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Now travel safe, and we will see you soon." He helped her sheath the large blade at her back, its weight comfortable enough for her to bear. Liv tucking the decree into her pack wrapped safely in her spare clothes./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I love you both." Liv rubbed her eyes, walking down the path towards the stables. Severio and Nimriel waved till she was out of sight./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""You did well Severio." Nimriel kissed the man softly and he brought her close. Tears threatened to fall, and he knew his sister's spirit would watch over her daughter./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The half-orc leaned casually against a cart and smiled when she approached. "Good morning."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Morning." Liv paused, "you know, I don't even know your name."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Horirygg." she raised an eyebrow and he raised his hands up in mock defense, "just Horirygg."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Liv Alensvenson," she said shortly, he held out his hand to help her into the carriage. She ignored it and heaved herself up, taking a seat near the front./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Well, this kind fellow is happy to take us halfway to Riverwood, thought it would make the trip a little easier." Horirygg flashed her his best grin./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I appreciate the thought, it's not a short trip to the Barrows." Liv adjusted her belongings, resting her father's sword on her lap, running her hands over the blade, and testing its sharpness. She winced a little, "still sharp," she said under her breath./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Horirygg watched her curiously, tying back half of his ebony curls. Some fell into his eyes, shielding the amber orbs. Liv watched him out of the corner of her eye, rebuffing his attempts of creating small talk. She had to admit to herself though, he was more human than orc. He held the strength and coloring of an orc. But his features were softer, tusks less noticeable, if it weren't for his size Liv would've thought he was more Bosmer in appearance./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"About a kilometer out of Riverwood the carriage stopped, allowing the two to hop out. Liv thanked the driver and tipped him some gold from her purse. Together they made their way down the beaten path, the cobblestones fading into a dirt path. "It's not going to be an easy walk, there are bandits camped out around here. So get ready for a fight if it comes down to it." Liv warned him, her palms clammy. Alvor showed her how to use a blade, but she had never had the opportunity to actually use it in combat./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I'm not afraid of bandits," Horirygg said from behind her, shedding his thick cloak for a while. Liv set a brisk pace, wanting to make it before the night fell around them. Once inside the Barrow, it would be infinitely easier to set up a camp with a decent defense./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"The mountain path was suspiciously quiet, the day getting colder with every passing hour. Liv pulled her fur-lined cloak closer to her, her breath visible in the dusk air. As the two passed through the small valley they were met with roaring winds. A storm fell around them with unrelenting force, Liv brought her cloak closer around her squinting her eyes to try and see the way./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Hold on, we are getting close!" Liv called over the volume of the wind, Horirygg moved closer to her, gripping her belt lightly. He nodded at her, and Liv knew that it would be too easy to lose each other in the blizzard./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Thankfully just through the flurry of white Liv could just barely make out the looming structure of Bleak Falls Barrow. She nudged him with her elbow, and he noticed two archers standing by a small fire pit. They crouched down behind a snowdrift, and Horirygg pulled Liv close to him. The sun had begun setting, making visibility nearly impossible./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Stay here, I will be back," Horirygg said in her ear, before she could voice her displeasure Horirygg crouched down and made his way through the snow./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Fucker," she said under her breath, secretly glad that the storm was there to provide cover. She waited till he was out of sight before taking a seat in the snow, rubbing her hands together to try and provide some kind of warmth. It was close to ten minutes before Horirygg's figure skulked back through the snow. He had a bow slung over his shoulder, and when she raised an eyebrow he just shrugged./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I like new things, and obviously they're not going to need it anymore," he smirked, and Liv rolled her eyes, "let's keep moving, there doesn't seem to be anyone else outside."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Good," Liv smiled lightly, she took hold of his belt, letting him guide her up the steps toward the Barrow door. There was no one outside waiting for them, and Liv held her breath./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Horirygg cracked the door open, holding the bulk of its weight with his side. Liv could feel the heat of a fire just barely through the opening, and she could hear voices drift from the far end of the room. He nodded at her and they slipped inside, Horirygg slowly letting the door close behind them. They kept their hoods up, remaining crouched, and made their way slowly towards the voices./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Liv mirrored every step Horirygg took, grimacing at any slight noise they made. He shot a glance back at her and motioned with his hands for her to stay put. Liv nodded and stayed crouched behind a large pillar in the center of the room. Horirygg began walking away from her, staying to the outskirts of the massive entry hall. Horirygg disappeared out of sight and Liv looked around the room./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Her stomach churned at the sight of a half-rotted body in the corner to her right, she sent a prayer of thanks to Arkay that it was past the point of smelling. There were a few other corpses nearby, smaller, and quite clearly skeevers. 'Just great,' she thought to herself./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"There was a shriek and then a strangled sound of someone falling to the ground, Liv felt her heart hammer in her chest gripping the pillar anxiously. Suddenly there was a hand over her mouth and she shrieked turning to face her assailant. "Shhh…" Horirygg's face came into view as he dropped his hand, and Liv smacked him on the arm. He let go of her arm and mock grimaced./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""You scared the shit out of me," she whispered./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Oh come on, did you really think I'd let some bandit get you." Horirygg faked being wounded, his amber eyes remaining playful. "I scouted ahead and it doesn't sound like anyone else is left."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""I can agree with you," Liv said pointing to the corpse in the corner./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Lovely," he grimaced, "help me pile these bodies in the corner with that one, and then we can get some rest."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Fine, let's make it quick." Liv could feel her stomach do somersaults./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""What? Have you never seen a body before?" Horirygg half teased but promptly dropped the smile on his face seeing how pale Liv got. "You know what, you sit by the fire there, and I'll get these guys on my own."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""Are you sure?" Liv looked up at him as he helped her to her feet, she was positively queasy./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;""You bet, I'll be over soon to take the first watch." Horirygg put his hand on her arm gently guiding her towards the small pit in the corner of the room. She nodded, avoiding looking at anything but the floor. Liv sat beside the fire and just gazed into the embers, ignoring the puddle of blood to her left./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Horirygg quickly moved the bodies out of sight, looking at the young girl with pity. He hadn't thought for a second that she wasn't battle-worn in some sense, her hands were rough, and her maverick type behavior made it hard to believe she was really just a young woman./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"He took his place across the fire from her, leaning against a nearby pillar. She took a few of her layers off, placing her gloves to the side and undoing the top button of her cloak. Horirygg looked at her curiously. She was quite pretty, for a Nord. Not his usual flavor of the month./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5; color: #2a2a2a;"Liv could feel his eyes trained on her, and she tucked a stray hair behind her ear suddenly shy. She wasn't uneasy for once, which was a nice change of pace considering what happened the last time she was alone with a man. "Sleep, I'll wake you when it's your turn to take watch." Horirygg looked away from her briefly, and she laid down on the bedroll beside her. A wave of exhaustion hit her and Liv was out before her head hit the ground./p