Gareth
As I told myself before, prepared for anything, and I was. My arm instinctively moved as my peripheral registered the glimmer of steel charge from the shadows. My sword halted the advancing elven blade mere inches from Mahrig's throat, sending a short lived shower of sparks across the blade's edge. Shifting my body, I pushed the sword away, overtaking my opponents strength. His face came into view. His skin was a verdant olive shade with bright green eyes that spoke volumes on his anger. His expression though, betrayed nothing. A little exertion from his brow was the only indicator that he was actually trying. It was obvious he was well disciplined, and I needed to be careful in maintaining my emotions. That was the worst part about fighting the Thalmor. Rarely did they let their emotions get in the way of a calculated move. If one wasn't careful, it could end in their downfall.
Mahrig's frozen frame finally shook itself from the shocked stupor. I watched as realization dawned on her, the swords having been so close to her face. She backed away. He was fast, each strike came from a varied point of attack. I was doing my best to just avoid being struck by one, blocking each hit as it landed. I couldn't get a swing in edgewise. He was quick, quicker than me in most instances, which is why my energy was exhausted absorbing his blows. I couldn't even attempt a swing, or plan an opening. I couldn't predict his moves with such wild swings.
His sword clashed with mine over and over again. The steel was heated from impact after impact. Krahmer's frame introduced itself into my view. At first I thought the sudden advance would catch the elf off guard giving me the window I needed to swing instead of block. I was wrong. With a quick last moment dodge the elf ducked my blow, twisting to sweep Krahmer's feet out from under him with just one leg. Krahmer hit the floor instantly. I could hear the air leave his lungs with the sudden collapse as his body and heavy armor met with the stone. I didn't dare take my eyes off of the wild elf in front of me. Rightly so as his attacks resumed on me once more. One second too late and his sword clashed against my chest piece, sending a painful vibration through my torso, knocking me backward. The elf stepped forward to pursue.
"Fus Ro!" Mahrig's shout tore through the chamber in a deafening echo, slamming the Thalmor Armsman against the solid frame of the door we had earlier observed. It was his turn to struggle for air as he attempted to regain his posture. Mahrig, didn't hesitate in her own pursuit, jumping clear of Krahmer's fallen form she unsheathed her sword. I knew she didn't like brandishing her weapon against others, but this somehow seemed fitting. Killing a man with his preferred combat. Maybe that was what she felt was right, even in the face of an enemy.
It was over quickly. Her sword found the gap between the elf's chestpiece and helmet. A downward thrust, and it was over. She pushed her foot against the Thalmoer's chest as she pulled her sword free. His body went limp. Krahmer rolled his body to the side, using his hands to push himself upward. Mahrig turned, eyeing us both. She didn't look the least bit bothered, infact, there was something eerie stirring in the depths of her eyes. Something fierce that gave me an unsettled feeling. Krahmer must've sensed the change as well. He eyed her wearily, catching his breath. Was this…
A loud thud sound came from the other side of the door. I could hear the sliding of metal, and the rattle of chains before the door began to move. With a loud creaking noise, the door shuffled open. From the other side came an older gentleman with eyes of awe and his mouth agape.
"That shout, can it? No..." His eyes were on Mahrig as she turned back to look at him.
"Are you Esbern?" Her voice was calm. Much calmer than her eyes.
I could see the hesitation in his answer as he shook himself of the fascination and disbelief. He looked nervously at Krahmer and I, his eyes finally resting on the dead Thalmor on the floor beside his door. I watched as a small gulp left his pallet, and traveled down his throat.
"Esbern… I- I don't know that name you must-" he stammered as Mahrig cut off his words.
"Where were you on the 30th of Frostfall?" Mahrig held his dawning gaze as the words left her lips. His eyes slightly widened at the question Delphine had instructed us to give. The date must have been important, and one he wouldn't forget involving Delphine.
"Delphine, she sent you. So you found her, and now you've come to take me." He began backing away, the hysteria in his eyes surfaced.
"She's the one who sent us. She said you could help us with the dragon problem." I interceded, trying my best to calm the retreating man.
"The dragons…" The hysteria dimmed as his gaze turned to a more thoughtful one.
"Yes...Yes! The dragons, and you…" He looked back toward Mahrig. I couldn't see her face. I wasn't sure what eyes stared back at the man. I wanted to though. I wanted to see her normal eyes, not the eyes of...what? What was that fierceness she held inside?
"You shouted…but you're so young." He observed. I felt the confusion seep in at his observation. She was young?
"The greybeards…" He eyed her suspiciously.
"Yes, I've been there." Mahrig answered.
"Oh, I see. I understand now." Something in his eyes fell. Maybe...hope?
"The dragons Esbern. How do we stop them?" Mahrig's voice had lost the cool tone she had maintained earlier. It sounded almost pleading, and in that moment I was sure he was looking into the eyes that I loved. He was looking at Mahrig, not the cold eyes that could freeze a man's blood.
"I'm afraid it's not that simple…" Esbern answered. He peered around us toward a scuffling noise in the tunnel behind us.
"Come, come in. It's not safe here." He motioned us forward, his face paling by the moment as the sounds in the hall grew.
His room was small, and rather cramped. It looked as if the old man kept a lifetime stashed away here along with himself. Books, scrolls, ingredients and strange artifacts littered the place along with his furniture. There was room to move yes, but to live in such tight quarters would almost be suffocating. It would be unbearable, and it was a wonder that this man hadn't fallen into madness. Had he truly been here for years on end, or had he moved around? The place, though cluttered, looked well lived in. The tapestries that hung on the walls were worn and one of them was even torn from age. The books that lined the shelf at the foot of the single bed had a layer of dust that could have been confused for spider silk. The chair that sat at the sturdy wooden table had worn marks into the stone floor where the seat had been moved over and over again. This place had definitely been lived in for a long time, but had it been Esbern the whole time?
"The dragon problem isn't something that can be so easily taken care of…" Esbern began speaking.
"I realize that.." Mahrig began.
"But for some reason Delphine and the Thalmor think you know something about their return. Anything can help us at this point. We just need your help, anything you can tell us." Mahrig's voice had taken on an encouraging note, but was soon wiped away by Esbern's reply.
"So Delphine keeps up this fight, and after all these years. I tried to tell her it was hopeless years ago." His sigh carried.
"What do you mean hopeless?" Mahrig asked.
"Haven't you figured it out yet? What more needs to happen before you all wake up and see what's going on? Alduin has returned just like the prophecy said. The dragon from the dawn of time who devours the souls of the dead." Mahrig's face fell as Esbern continued.
"No one can escape his hunger, here or in the afterlife. Alduin will devour all things, and nothing can stop him. I tried to tell them, but they wouldn't listen. Fools. It's all come true… All I could do was watch our doom approach." Esbern's eyes saddened. He was defeated. This man before us had given up before the fight had even started. But… Alduin. I recalled that name from somewhere. It was being mentioned again.
Mahrig
Alduin… The name that haunted my dreams since Kynesgrove. Before that even. In a town called Helgen. Then I didn't know his name. The great towering beast that had wiped the town off the map, and almost all inhabitants inside. That fateful day I had been sentenced to death. In a way, Alduin had saved me, but it had been unknowingly. His deep crimson eyes haunted my waking mind even. It had only been in Kynesgrove that I had seen that beast again. I tried my best to push it from my mind. The following days and days before that had all been a blur. So much had happened that I truly hadn't had the time to mull over the beast that I had stood against before. No, the beast I had cowered from in Helgen. I didn't stand against it until Kynesgrove. We found him hovering above a dragon burial mound. The strange energy that swirled around the area had come from his very essence. He had brought the dragon back from the dead. It had been something straight out of a nightmare. Flesh and scale reappeared out of illusory flame, as if the flow of time around the bones had been reversed. It was then that the once dead dragon greeted the large dark apparition as Alduin. He had a name.
"Alduin…" I paused, testing how the name felt on my lips. It was bitter.
"The one who has been raising the other dragons?" I continued.
"Yes, Yes! You see you know, but you refuse to understand." He was speaking matter of factly. Almost as if he could decipher the dread that was seeping into my frame.
"You mean the literal end of the world don't you?" I couldn't hide the shakiness in my voice. Gareth stepped closer, but not even his towering warm frame could help fight off this cold feeling. The end of the world? I had never imagined an outcome like that. I knew the dragons were dangerous, and they had done more than their fair share of destruction across the land, but so had this civil war between the Empire and the Stormcloaks. Did this mean it would only get worse? Would more dragons appear? Would Alduin appear again?
"Oh yes. It's all been foretold. The end has begun. Alduin has returned. Only a Dragonborn can stop him, but no Dragonborn has been known for centuries." I froze. Shocked at his words. A Dragonborn. Only a Dragonborn could stop Alduin.
"It seems the God's have grown tired of us. They've left us to our fate, as the plaything of Alduin the World-Eater." The light dimmed in Esbern's eyes as he finished.
Krahmer's frame was rigid, but that didn't stop him from speaking.
"It's not hopeless Esbern. Mahrig… she's…" It was like he couldn't find the words. The same way I felt as my body refused to thaw of the cold dread and realization that had dawned on me. This was my destiny. This was what being Dragonborn meant. Defeating the World-Eater. I, such a tiny vessel, was supposed to somehow defeat the dark Leviathan and save the world. How was I supposed to comprehend that?
"She's Dragonborn Esbern." Krahmer finished, forcing himself to speak reality. Even he feared the outcome. I couldn't look at Gareth. There was too much my mind was trying to process, and too little that was actually getting through.
"Wait, you're…." Esbern's expression changed. The gloom ignited into hope.
"So your shout. It was inborn, not taught? You're so young, of course. It takes decades to learn to shout, but you. It comes natural does it?" Esbern's mind reeled as his eyes examined my frozen form.
"Dragonborn? Can it really be true?" His eyes broke from me as he began searching around the room, rambling on as he grabbed a bag and began gathering his things.
"There is hope, we must go. Please take me to Delphine, there's much to discuss. Let me grab my things. I can't leave behind anything important that the Thalmor might find." He scoured the room like a mini cyclone. I just watched as the world moved around me, as I stood there in slow motion.
"Hey…" Gareth's warm breath heated my cheek. I wanted to look into those comforting eyes, but… I couldn't. I couldn't defeat Alduin, and it wouldn't be fair to hope that I somehow could. I wouldn't be able to look into his eyes and assure him that everything would be okay. Infact, I knew that if I looked at him, he would know the truth. I was still that frightened weak girl he pulled from the debris at Helgen. That's how Alduin had left me, and the next time I wouldn't be so lucky. I would let them all down. My father, Theo, my friends in Riverwood, my friends at the college and Gareth. The people I had grown to cherish would just perish because I was given the ultimate task of defeating the world-eater.
I wanted to faint. I could feel the blood rushing to my head. The pressure was almost unbearable. I reached out, grabbing Gareth's steel clad arm. I felt him pull away, long enough for him to grab my hand in his own instead. I still didn't look at him, or my father. I knew Krahmer didn't have faith in my abilities. He was obviously bothered greatly by the knowledge. Most Nords would be proud of their child if they were the Dragonborn, but this talk of prophecy and the World-eater's return had him at odds. It was an all too real reality for him. He knew his child would face death head on, and wasn't sure if she would prevail, failing the world if she didn't.
"Mahrig, look at me." Gareth's hushed tone urged me as I watched Esbern cram his bag. Gareth's hand tightened around my own. His other hand found its way to my cheek, resting there. He wanted me to look at him, but he didn't force me to. I feared looking into those green eyes I loved would break me. What if I couldn't save him?
Shouts could be heard from the other side of the door. The thick wood and metal muffled the words, but it was obviously urgent. The Thalmor. They had found us, and probably their discarded agent on the floor just outside. Esbern's eyes widened as he halted his struggle of fitting a thick scroll into the already heaping bag.
"Well, this puts a damper on things." He muttered. One final push crammed the scroll inside the bulged bag. With a swing of the strap the bag was on his back. His hand began to glow with an intrusive purple. I could feel the essence manipulate the plain around us, the plain of this world and a different one was about to converge. He summoned a Frost Atronach. The towering creature sprang forth from a portal that ripped through the threads of our world. It's icy body seemed to crack and pop with each movement. I could only imagine what reservations Krahmer and Gareth held for such a spell, however now was not the time to chastise anyone over the use of conjuration magics.
"Open the door, we'll rush them" he stated. The shaken man that had been bothered by rats scurrying through the tunnels now looked more like a fierce warrior, ready to tear through enemy lines. Hope had seemed to heal whatever had been broken in the man. His earlier defeat was but a shadow now.
I knew exactly what to do. I stepped forward, my thoughts still jumbled, but more clear as the immediate threat approached. Right now we needed to get out of the Ratway, and into some fresh air. Then I could worry about what was to come. Gareth beat me to the door. His strong arm grabbed the handle, looking back at me he nodded. He pulled the door open quickly. I barely had time to glance at the Thalmor wizard on the other side before releasing my shout.
"Fus Ro!" The expected result came. The wizard's body was pushed backwards landing him on the floor with two other Thalmor agents. Esbern's Atronach charged forward, momentarily cutting off my view of the struggling pile of bodies.
"That's not the full shout, you're only using part of it? Do you lack the knowledge?" Even in a time like this Esbern found it appropriate to question me on my abilities. It wasn't I who had to answer though. It was Gareth who did as he unsheathed his sword.
"She's holding back so she doesn't bury us alive in this Godforsaken place." Esbern's brow rose by an inch at his words.
"So the full shout really is that powerful huh?" A slight smirk formed his aged lips. He truly was hopeful, and it broke my heart.
I could tell by the sun's position that night was quickly approaching. The Sun's rays had been blocked off by the towering mountain to the west. The city was illuminated by the ray's that lit the clouds far above, giving the sky an ethereal feel. The wind had chilled from the warmer breeze that had caressed my skin earlier that day. It was fitting considering the way I felt. We had spent half a day searching the Ratway. The evening crowd was sparse, as I expected it would be. No doubt this would be the time for the Thieves to come out. They lurked in the shadows ready to pickpocket their unsuspecting prey.
The fresh air was nice though, and a part of me wanted so badly to cherish it. The city still had a slight rotting wood smell to the lower quarters, but it was much more bearable than the moldy stagnant smell that caked the tunnels below. Gareth stayed beside me as we moved up the stairs from the lower quarter. I could still see the faint glow of purple in the palm of Esbern's hand. He was prepared for anything. A hermit, much like the greybeards, but hunted like a man with a bounty. I had to wonder to myself what would cause a person to want to give up their freedom. Not that the greybeards had. It was of course a choice they made, but did they really understand what they were giving up freely? They could walk these lands, without a worry, but they chose not to. People like Esbern, and even myself walked around with a target on our backs. It really put things into perspective.
I felt Gareth's hand near mine again. A light brush of flesh and steel. I glanced down, noticing the hand with the stub pinky. Gareth would suffer more because of me. Of that I was sure, but I didn't want that to happen. I wouldn't accept that. I couldn't. I loved this man. I finally caught his gaze, those emerald eyes that were full of emotion. It wasn't fair. This wasn't fair. Was he scared for me? Or scared for the world? Of course it was both. He loved me, but he also held being a Paladin in high regards.
Shouting from near the Bee and Barb began. The inn was at the center of town. We had a clear view of the commotion taking place from across the market district. A woman, a female khajiit was arguing with a brown haired Nord. The man's voice rose along with hers in volume.
"This is why they sent us you fool, letting people slip by. They couldn't trust you!" She screamed. A part of me didn't want to ignore their argument. Her words were too suspicious. The Thalmor had spoken of spies in Riften, contacts that they spoke with about numerous things, including our arrival. Was she a part of that? Esbern had already stopped. He too was eyeing the strange couple. It was clear that there were more nefarious means behind their argument, why they were open about it perplexed me. Were they desperate? Gareth shifted his body so that I was hidden from view. They knew my face well, as did they Esbern's. However, there was a chance that Gareth's appearance was still a mystery, and I was hoping that Krahmer's was as well. Krahmer mirrored the action, stepping in front of Esbern.
"We should go back and exit the city through the South gate by the keep." Gareth whispered, keeping his eyes on the bickering woman and man. If it were just us, I would probably have suggested we just keep going, but Esbern was with us. His safety was priority. I decided he was right. It was best if we just turned around. Better to be safe than sorry. I nodded in compliance, turning on my heel.
I heard the twang of the bow, and the whistle of the incoming arrow. It all happened so suddenly, with no time to react. I felt the arrow tear through my flesh, the impact knocking me back into a steel clad Gareth. My shoulder, just above my cuirass and below my collar bone stiffened. The muscle tightened around the foreign object that had planted itself inside.
The twang of a bow sounded once more. A metallic thump followed, as Gareth knelt in front of me, shielding me from the unseen shooter. The arrow ricocheted off of the hard surface of Gareth's armor, causing it to clank against the stone path.
So much for not drawing attention to ourselves. There was pain, but I didn't think the arrow had hit anything vital. Glancing down at the position of the arrow, I would guess that the shooter had been aiming at my heart, but I had turned. Esbern's goliath frost Atronach appeared once more. People across the market way began to scurry and yell. This was bad. We needed to get out of Riften.
Krahmer grabbed my good arm, hoisting me up, he maneuvered his body in front of mine, shielding me much like Gareth had.
"Take care of the shooter, I'll get her out." Krahmer commanded. At first I thought Gareth would disagree, surprisingly he didn't. One last look at me, and he turned.
"Come on, Krahmer pushed me forward. It wasn't forceful, but I could sense the urgency. I knew we shouldn't stick around, but I didn't want to leave Esbern and Gareth to the wolves. I heard the clatter of another arrow bouncing off of steel. I wanted to turn around, but Krahmer's form stopped me, as he continued to urge me on. We weren't running, but we weren't walking either. It was a hastened pace that Krahmer kept up till we reached the safety of the south gate. A few guards were posted there. One being a woman who took notice of my state.
"By the God's! What happened to ya?" She stepped forward. Krahmer stopped to explain.
"I think there is an assassin in the city. They took a shot at her from the alleyway that leads back to the graveyard. We didn't get a look at them, but I have two accomplices trying to locate them as we speak." His words were rushed, but the guards both nodded.
"Seth," the female spoke to the other guard.
"Go gather some bodies and secure the dock gate and front gate. I'll stay posted here." She continued. The man nodded at her command. So, these guards were tolerant of thievery and extortion, but drew the line at murder? At least that put my mind at ease a bit. Although, it wasn't exactly fair to assume all of these guards were bad. I felt kind of guilty, and the sudden jolt of pain in my shoulder served me right.
"You said the arrow came from near the alley, correct?" She asked.
"Yes, from that direction." Krahmer answered as he motioned for me to sit on a bench near the brazier.
"Could it have come from the keep training ground? Some of our new recruits have been using the targets up there for practice. Maybe it was a stray arrow?" She asked.
"Well if that's the case, they fired two more stray arrows that were deflected by our companion's armor." He stated.
"I see. That's no coincidence then. I guess a man hunt will be underway this evening. It's been a while since we've had a good one." She lightly chuckled causing a look of disapproval to form on Krahmer's face.
"Don't take me the wrong way. I'm sorry your friend there was hurt, but it just feels good to make change in this town. It usually takes something big like this to show the people we truly are still on their side." She sighed, kneeling down beside Krahmer to examine the arrow lodged in my upper torso near the shoulder and collarbone. That's when I noticed the pale green glow coming from Krahmer's palm. The palm he had used to keep me moving. He had been using a calming spell. I almost felt silly. Of course it wasn't my own doing, staying so calm with an arrow above my heart. Skyrim had hardened me a lot since my arrival, but this should have shaken me more than it did. The pain was bearable, as long as I didn't exert the muscles in the area. I could probably even steady myself if I really tried. This could be fixed.
"Corruption runs deeper than most realize in Riften. It's not just the petty thieves guild these citizens have to fear. It's more than that. Me and my comrades, though there are so few of us nowadays, plan to end it." She finished, a look of earnest determination set in her features. Krahmer's features changed as he examined the arrow.
"It's in there pretty good. I don't think it was poisoned. That's what had me worried." He spoke glancing up at me. I nodded.
"It doesn't hurt much if I sit still. There's no need for the calming spell. You'll just waste your Mana. You'll probably need to reserve some of that for when you pull it out." I gave him a knowing look. His brow furrowed.
"Mahrig, you know…" He paused. Remembering we had company.
"I'm not taking any risks right now in a town full of people. No need to scare anyone." He returned the knowing glance. I did understand. I understood what that worried look meant. The anxiety that danced around in the shadows of his eyes brought my memories back to a cold and dark place. One where I fought to gain control. A sanctuary that had been desecrated by something. Something inside of me. He was afraid…
"Mjoll! Mjoll!" An imperial man sprinted up to us. He wore fine clothing, and his hair was neatly combed back, only a few strands strayed from his sleek crown.
"Aerin, I thought you would be at the temple by now." The man stopped, catching his breath before replying.
"I was on my way when I heard all the commotion. They pulled a Khajiit down that had been scaling the wall beside the Black Briar home. Apparently she shot someone with her bow." His breathing halted as he looked over toward Krahmer and I, noticing my obvious predicament.
"Oh, I guess you know then." He swallowed and straightened his back, taking in a deep breath and exhaling.
"They found a note. Thalmor spy turned assassin I guess. Not really sure what to do with her at this point. Seth told me to come fetch ya. Wants you to read the note." Aerin's expression seemed perplexed.
"Very well." She agreed.
"Now that the perpetrator is in custody, I'd suggest going to the temple. They have clean water and beds for the injured and sick. Let them help. They'd be happy to. I'll leave a small donation for them in your steed." Mjoll stood, her towering form really registered to my senses. She was obviously a Nord. Her strong nordic accent, paired with her height compared to the scrawny average imperial, Aerin, coincided with my assumption. She seemed like a really good person. Probably one of the few good apples in this rotten barrel of a town. She started back toward the city center, Aerin following.
"I think she's right. A trip to the temple would save on expenses, energy and gold alike." I slightly nodded.
"Esbern really needs to get back to Riverwood though. We shouldn't stay here any longer than we must." I tried to reason.
"I know that. Let me talk to Gareth, but first, Temple." His stern gaze made me feel weird, almost like a child that had gotten into trouble. He was using a father expression, and… it felt kind of nice.
After the arrow was removed I was put on strict rest. It didn't matter that I had assured her over and over again that I felt fine. Dinya, a priestess of Mara, insisted that I rest for the night in the infirmary. It wasn't lavish, not like the temple of Kynareth in Whiterun, but it was rather homey. A night of rest in an actual bed didn't sound all that bad, other than my anxiety worrying about Krahmer and Esbern. The two had decided to set off into the night. Esbern had hastily agreed to the plan that Gareth and Krahmer had agreed on. Gareth would stay with me until my full recovery, and Krahmer and Esbern would head to Riverwood.
Gareth spent a good portion of the night conversing with Dinya and a few of the other priests that resided in the temple. I was the only other person in the infirmary. There were a few other beds in the room, all made to perfection in the absence of bodies. The door was cracked, letting in the sounds of laughter. It was nice to hear Gareth unwind a bit. I, on the other hand, was not in such high spirits. The Khajiit woman that they had captured was named Shavari. She was a Thalmor spy, true, but she had also been blackmailed to come to Riften and finish me off. I'm sure she had a life and people who cared about her. Now she would more than likely hang from the gallows in Riften. There was proof of her intent to kill me. The note itself had described a target with my likeness. She was there to commit murder, and that's all the Jarl would need to pass judgment. If this had happened a few weeks earlier, the Stormcloaks would have dealt with it. A recent change of power had taken place in the Rift. The Empire was pushing to gain a front on Windhelm, and taking the Rift was strategic for trade routes. The Aldmeri Dominion's involvement was overlooked, as it often was in the Hold's that supported the empire. What could they do really? Their King had bent his knee to the Thalmor, and they were expected to do the same. Accusing them of deceitful plots of murder and treachery would land any of the accusers in the pot with the Stormcloaks. They could, and would get by with murder.
I was almost asleep when I heard the cracked door open wider. Heavy footsteps accompanied the light from the open doorway. He closed the door. All the light that remained was a single candle near my bed. It flickered and illuminated the room, but it was nothing compared to the intensity of the lighting in the temple's main room. I sat up, the pain in my shoulder was gone. All that remained was a slight tugging sensation that Dinya promised would be gone by morning. She insisted that sleep would finish the healing process, and that's why we were here now.
Gareth caught sight of my movement, momentarily halting his steps.
"I didn't wake you did I?" He asked. I shook my head.
"No. I wasn't asleep." I smiled. I didn't lie. I was almost asleep, but my mind hadn't reached that point yet.
"Something on your mind?" He asked, moving to the far side of the room. I watched as he unfastened the buckles holding his heavy plate armor together.
"Not really, just hoping this wasn't a mistake. Krahmer and Esbern going on ahead." Gareth chuckled.
"Those two are seasoned Veterans. It's going to take a lot more than an army of Thalmor to bring them down." I knew he meant it as a joke, and was trying to lighten the mood, but it didn't help my anxiety much. I let the silence ensue for a moment.
"Dinya told me I could rest in one of these beds tonight, to watch over you." Gareth spoke as he removed the last piece of plate armor, revealing his clothes beneath, a white cotton shirt, and gray pants. He sat the armor down against the wall as he often did in taverns and in tents. I smiled at the kind gesture.
"Did she also tell you to keep your distance?" I asked jokingly. A moment of awkwardness passed before he ran his hands through his hair.
"Heh, I doubt she sees our relationship in that manner." I feigned a giggle at his response, but deep down I was a little disheartened by it. Of course she wouldn't. He was a Paladin, with vows and virtue. A respectable man. A man that was supposed to be untouched by desire and whatnot.
There I was. Depressed because of the mess I had gotten myself into. Falling in love with a Paladin and expecting more. What more could he give me that he hadn't already. Wasn't one magical night of him breaking his vows enough? Was I truly so selfish to think we would share many more nights like that? Was my desire for him unquenchable? Would I be the one to lead him astray with my own selfish desires?
"But…" he added as he moved toward my bed.
"There is nothing keeping me from staying by your side till you fall asleep if that's what you want of course." I could feel the heat rise to my cheeks. His gesture was sweet, and I, undeserving. I pulled the cover to the side, inviting him to join me. In reality, I just needed him. Not what he could offer. His presence was enough to make me content. He climbed into the bed, positioning himself near the edge, watching me. I snuggled in close, feeling his arm wrap around me, slowly and gently pulling me closer. This was all I needed from him. His love. I couldn't be Selfish with that. I wouldn't be. I would never force him to break a vow, but most importantly. I would never use him. This kind, gentle and caring soul.
Gareth
She was fast asleep. My arm gently draped over her as our breathing matched up in unison. I was in the temple of Mara, but the Goddess that had my attention was Mahrig. The beautiful mess of a woman I held. Everything about her was so warm and inviting. She could pull me in with a single glance. All she had to do was ask and I would make her wishes reality. Maybe this was why Paladin's had vows to uphold. One's love for another mortal could blind them to the will of the Divine's. All I knew, as I looked at her in her peaceful slumber, was that if ever a time came where my duty to the God's separated us, It would debilitate me. It would crush my very being. Making me choose between the life I lived and Mahrig… She was a part of that. Now and forever. A decision by the God's to rip that away from me would be cruel, and yet. I felt as if that was what would happen. Dragonborn. Her destiny would be filled with uncertainty, and I would do everything in my power to be there with her.
When had this happened to me? When had I fallen so low, Just to be raised back up by her, onto that pedestal I was undeserving of? When had me fighting my carnal desires and urges for a woman turned into love? When did struggling to understand being a man become so normal? I was a Paladin yes, but I was still a man. I had the heart of a mortal. A heart that now belonged to another. She couldn't sway me to do evil, but I'd be damned if I didn't try to bring her back to the light if ever the time came. She was a child of Akatosh, and I was sworn into his service. If loving his child was wrong, then what was right?
I noticed my grip on Mahrig's frame had tightened. She didn't wake thankfully, but I knew I wouldn't find sleep soon so close to her. Just being near her made my heart swell with… emotions. I pulled away slightly, looking down at her soft lips, and twitching eyelids. She was the picture of perfection. I leaned in, placing a soft kiss on her forehead before easing myself off of the side of the bed.
She deserved so much, and thus far I had been lacking in my ability to give it to her. I had taken her innocence, or rather, she had offered, and I didn't hesitate. Though, she had already given me what was most precious to her, what was most precious to me. Her heart. One day, I would give her the world, but first to be able to do that, Alduin needed to be vanquished. I moved quietly to the bed by the wall where I had discarded my armor. I would just have to find peace and sleep knowing that Mahrig was safe for the night. Knowing her heart still beat for me.
Morning came sooner than I had realized. I remember closing my eyes and then opening them. No dreams, no tossing or turning. I wasn't sure what to make of it. Mahrig's bed was empty, I quickly noticed. Glancing around I spotted her in front of a mirror near the dresser furthest from the door. She had pulled the collar of her dress down to observe the area where the arrow had struck her. The thought gave me chills, and an instant flash back surfaced of the heart stopping panic I had felt as the arrow had struck her. I hadn't anticipated the threat. No one had. At first I wasn't able to see where the arrow had struck, the shock froze me for only a moment before I forced myself to shield her. Seeing the arrow protrude from her shoulder region had calmed my fears.
"There's not even a scar…" Mahrig whispered in amazement. I watched as she looked down at her shoulder and then back at the mirror, making sure her reflection wasn't deceiving her.
"Dinya is a priestess of Mara." I voiced, swinging my legs to the side of the bed. My sudden interjection caused Mahrig to startle slightly. She pulled the collar up and found my gaze in the mirror. I chuckled at her surprise.
"She's spent her life in service to Mara, and in return has been gifted with exponential restorative powers. It's no surprise that such a small open wound would prove trivial to her abilities." I finished. Mahrig slightly smiled, regaining her composure.
"If she really is that good then I don't see a point in making me stay the night." She replied as she turned to face me.
"There's more to the healing process than just physical aspects. Your mental state is a factor too." I retorted.
"Are you implying something is wrong with my head?" She asked teasingly. Honestly, there were a plethora of things to be concerned about, but I wouldn't bother her with anything more. Her plate was full, and I didn't want to add to it. I did want to speak with her on the matter, but now wasn't the right time. I wasn't sure when the right time would be though. I just shrugged it off, matching her humor with a wry smile.
"We should go soon. I don't think I can stomach sticking around much longer knowing that Krahmer and Esbern are out there. We need to-"
"Mahrig…" I cut off her hastened words. She was automatically kicking into overdrive.
"Those two will be fine, and we'll see them when we reach Riverwood. I'm not sure there are very many things that could get in the way of Esbern's reunion with Delphine. Just the pure look of joy in that old man's eyes at the mention of another blade member could have moved the western mountain as to have no obstacles from here to Riverwood." I shrugged.
"What's wrong with giving them a little time to get reacquainted before we barge in and get down to business?" What was wrong with giving us a little time away from prying eyes and listening ears? I didn't say the last part out loud, but I wanted to. Our little trip up north had been a reminder of when Mahrig and I had first met. How we relied so heavily on one another. It wasn't that I was ungrateful for Krahmer's aid. I was truly and deeply indebted to him, but… I wanted, no needed to just be with Mahrig for a while. I could see how all of this was affecting her.
I remembered how miserable she was when I first met her, and I also remembered seeing her smile for the first time. She had seemingly blossomed in my company without me even noticing. It wasn't until people were introduced into our company that things became clear to me, but had also started a decline. These people weren't to blame, but Mahrig sheltered everyone's burdens too easily. The more people she bonded with, the harder she struggled with life. Her past, her future and her present. So much had happened, that I had forgotten what it was like to just be two people following the road. I wanted her to remember that too, even if it was just for a little while. There was more to life than running from her past, or being Dragonborn. She needed a detour from destiny, even if it was a short lived one, but I was determined to provide it.
"Mahrig!" The door slammed open. The sudden commotion pulled my brooding mind back to reality. I knew that voice.
In the doorway stood a bright eyed half Bosmer, half human. Theodwyn. Mahrig's eyes lit up matching Theo's.
"Theo!" Her voice gained a few octaves.
"It's really you Theo!" Mahrig ran forward colliding with the all too giddy man. I snorted under my breath. Of course she had missed him. Some part of me had as well, even though he knew just what to say or do to get under my skin. This would definitely buy us some time before returning to Riverwood, but as for time alone, that possibility was looking slim.
Somehow we ended up at the residence of Aerin. A clean shaven imperial with surprisingly little to no ties to the town other than the house he had inherited from his grandfather. Theo, along with Mjoll had found their selves room and board in Aerin's humble abode. It was quite obvious that Aerin was taken with Mjoll, whether or not she knew that was a mystery. Aerin had moved to Riften about a year prior. Inheriting his grandfather's estate in Riften had come with its hardships. The first had been uprooting from his home in Southern Cyrodiil, the second had been his long winded journey to make it to Skyrim. With the civil war it was almost impossible to cross the borders between Skyrim and all neighboring countries without the proper paperwork. It would have taken years for him to obtain the documents needed. Instead, he had picked up a side job with the east empire company, consolidating his own small business of essential oils and aromatics. This solidified his position and passage to Skyrim through the docks on the far North of Skyrim in Solitude and Dawnstar.
Through his journey up North, making his way to Riften, he had stumbled across the ambitious, and nearly dead adventurer Mjoll. Mjoll had met her match in a Dwemer ruin, securing the last of her energy to make it out. After she had recovered, she had decided to stay in Riften. Aerin, never having been to Skyrim before, had felt out of place. In the beginning Mjoll had stayed with Aerin out of sympathy and gratitude, but the longer they both resided in Riften, they realized the city itself was in need of a savior. Mjoll became determined to put an end to the thievery, blackmail, extortion and even rumors of murder. There wasn't much she could do as a wounded adventurer in the beginning, but the more time that passed she began to regain her strength and confidence. She joined the guard, helping the previous Jarl, Laila Law-Giver, root out corruption among their ranks.
Recently things had changed, and I could tell by the way Mjoll's brow knit as she regaled their story that it wasn't for the better. The new Empire appointed Jarl, Maven Black-Briar, was not one to be trifled with. It was clear, since before the exchange of power, that the Black-Briars were a troubled bunch. Wealthy trouble. Maven's own son occupied one of the cells in the prison, awaiting a trial that would never come. He should have been on death row for murder, however, any news updating the proceedings had been halted once Maven had taken over. She didn't dare release him. That would be too obvious. Instead, she lets him live like a king in there, away from the town's eye. That would at least be his punishment for making her family look bad. It was rumored that Maven had ties to the thieves guild. To make matters worse, Mjoll had overheard a few guards talking about a confiscated shipment of skooma that had disappeared from the Cutie's prison. Only an inside man could have done it, and Maven held no interest in investigating. Mjoll was worried that the skooma was being sold, or given to certain dock workers as pay instead of money. Maven was cheap like that.
"I just can't get back into the swing of things without Grimsever." Mjoll's forlorn expression gauged a number of emotions from Aerin.
"I know it sounds silly, but that sword was a part of me. A part of my mother. It has travelled with me through all of my adventures. There was never an obstacle we couldn't overcome. That is, until Mzinchalft, the Dwemer ruin where I almost met my fate." Mjoll shrugged slightly.
"I know what you're thinking. A Nord being sentimental is all too common. Why not just move on? Well, honestly, maybe it was time to retire the sword. I just wish that it had found a more suitable resting place, like a weapon rack over a warm hearth. Somewhere I could display it proudly, or even pass on to my own children someday." She smirked.
"I suppose that I should just be happy I made it out with my life." We all nodded in unison.
"Though, it's okay to feel that way. Having something that belonged to your mother, and then losing it isn't easy." Mahrig's voice chimed in. Of course she understood Mjoll's dilemma. She too had lost something precious, or rather had it destroyed in front of her.
"Maybe one day you could return with someone to help. It would give you and Grimsever a happier ending and a story to pass along as well." Mahrig smiled.
"You might be right girl, but I have things to take care of here first. That chapter of my life, the epic retrieval of Grimsever…" she chuckled.
"It has a nice ring to it, but it's going to have to wait. For now I suppose it will give me purpose. A bit of unfinished business to keep me motivated." Mjoll beamed a genuine smile in Mahrig's direction.
It was Theo's turn to chime in.
"Speaking of epic adventures, what have I missed?" He looked toward me and then Mahrig.
"Not a whole lot really. We just… broke into the Thalmor embassy, stole a couple of dossiers and made our way to Riften to follow up on some leads concerning these dragons." Mahrig answered matter of factly.
"Not a whole lot, she says…" Theo scoffed.
"The Thalmor Embassy? Have you gotten suicidal in my absence Mahrig? Tin can over here not doing it for ya anymore?" Theo poked fun as he motioned toward me. Of course the jesting would be at my expense. It always was concerning Theo. I actually didn't mind though. Seeing Mahrig enjoy herself so much was actually quite pleasing to me. It was good for her to unwind. Maybe talking so nonchalant about our endeavors was an unhealthy habit, but at least she was talking about it. Holding those things inside for too long could gnaw on a person's mind giving the daedric prince Sheogorath an opportunity. Thankfully Mjoll and Aerin had already voiced their dislike of this civil war. Like many people they had decided to stay neutral. Both sides were puppets, and the Thalmor were pulling the strings.
Mid day rolled around. Theo and Mahrig had been in deep conversation for most of the morning. He had explained how he came to live in Aerin's house. To my surprise, Theo was sweet on a girl named Svana. It wasn't the fact that he liked a girl that surprised me, it was that he would admit such a thing to Mahrig. It wasn't a secret that Theo liked Mahrig. He had made it clear on numerous occasions. When he talked about Svana it was like a light flicked on in his eyes.
When he had first come to Riften, the thieves guild had tempted him with riches untold. I was intrigued to learn that Theo followed a moral compass, as he had turned them down. Really the only other work in town that was available, the honest kind, was the fishery, docks or the brewery. Theo, being the swine for alcohol that he was, found a comfortable job cutting wood for the brewery. It wasn't lavish, but it won him a pass to the inside. Trusted citizens who didn't have a home were offered a pass to stay in Haelga's bunkhouse for a small weekly fee. Those residents were usually people who had been observed and had gained her trust. As it turns out, Haelga hadn't taken Theo's infatuation with her niece lightly. In fact, he had turned Haelga's advances toward him down, and claimed loyalty to Svana, landing him on the streets. Aerin and Theo had often conversed in the Bee and Barb making Theo the closest thing he had to a friend in Riften, besides Mjoll. So when Theo had been thrown out, it only felt natural for Aerin to offer him a place to stay.
I could see how much Mahrig enjoyed all of their company, but something anxious stirred in the depths of her eyes as she laughed and carried on with Aerin, Mjoll and Theo. It came forward when Aerin had suggested he make something for us to eat. My stomach growled at the thought of food, but Mahrig intervened.
"That's very kind of you Aerin, but I'm afraid we've overstayed our welcome here. We really ought to be getting back out of the road." She smiled sweetly toward Aerin.
"As far as I'm concerned you can stay here as long as you like." Aerin assured her. Theo spoke, a smirk cutting the edges of his mouth.
"I know that look. She's got places to be, enemies to slay, that sort of thing." Theo stood.
"She never did like staying in one place too long. Can't blame her though." He gave Mahrig a knowing look as he crossed the living room and offered his hand. She took it and stood as well. Theo gave her a friendly hug, ruffling her hair.
"Be careful out there Mahrig." He said, a bit muffled. He wasn't trying to hide what he said, but rather the emotions that slipped into his voice. Whether or not he was moving on, he still held a place for Mahrig in his heart, and honestly, I felt pain for him.