Chapter 5

It was some time in the middle of the night and nature suddenly called to Sara. She cracked her eyes open with a small internal groan, wishing she didn't have to leave the warm confines of her ultra-comfortable bed. Beside her, Rogan was fast asleep and he snored rather loudly since he was laying on his back. Sara sucked in a deep breath, shivering as she slowly slid her legs out from under the cozy blanket and gingerly placed her feet on the cold wooden floor. Unsure of where a latrine was located in the Inn, Sara slipped her boots as quietly as she could and silently left the room to go hunt it down.

The hallway was completely void of people when Sara crept down it, wishing she had the slightest clue where to go. She ended up in the main hall but after a moment she returned back down the hall towards the back of the Inn.

I just gotta pee, Sara whined quietly to herself as she tip-toed around. Why does this place feel like a labyrinth...

Her thoughts were interrupted by a flash of movement out of the corner of her eye and Sara turned her head just as a tall red-headed Nord rounded the corner and spotted her.

"Hey there," he called out, and Sara shot him a small smile but did not respond.

She took another step, hoping the man wouldn't give her any trouble when she felt his hand grab her by the arm and she was suddenly pushed against the wall.

"Excuse me?" Sara blurted out, and her eyes widened when she felt something unmistakably stiff pressing against her thigh.

"You seem like a nice gal," the Nord whispered while leaning in, and Sara grimaced as she felt his hot breath tickle her neck.

What the fuck! Her mind screamed, and Sara almost peed her pants right there in the hall as she felt him feeling up the side of her breast. Bile rose up in her throat as she shuddered and squeezed her eyes closed for a moment, wishing she could melt into the floorboards and disappear.

This isn't the Skyrim I thought I knew...

He used his body to keep Sara pressed with her back against the wooden wall and she squirmed uncomfortably beneath his weight. He reeked of alcohol and something sour, the stench so strong she wrinkled her nose in disgust as he lifted his free arm to cup his calloused hand against her smooth cheek.

"What are ya doing with a big dumb Orc?" The Nord continued; his voice slurred.

"None of your business," Sara spat back with a scowl and she turned her cheek away from his grasp.

Sara avoided looking directly into his bloodshot eyes as her heart pounded so loudly in her chest, she swore he could hear it. She swallowed hard and tried to conjure up the courage to scream when he suddenly pressed two rough fingers against her lips.

"Don't even think about it, little lady. Come on... I just wanna have some fun-"

"What is going on here?"

He quickly turned his head towards the voice and Sara sighed in relief as she spotted the tall form of the Argonian she had spoken to earlier standing close by. She fixed the Nord with the most furious expression as she readied a flame spell between her clawed hands.

"Do we have a problem?" She snarled.

"No," the Nord replied hastily, and he cursed under his breath as he pulled away from Sara.

"Get out of my sight."

"Okay, okay. Fuckin' lizard freak."

Sara stood rooted to the spot clutching her hands against her chest and she was angrier by the insult that had been directed at the Argonian than anything else.

"Fuck off you stupid Nord," the Innkeeper replied with a roll of her big yellow eyes, and the flame spell she had cradled in her palm dissipated when he was finally gone.

"Are you alright? Niima always has problems with stupid, drunk Nords."

Sara blinked and looked into her eyes as her throat suddenly constricted tightly and tears pricked at her eyes.

"I-I uh..."

Going to the bathroom was the furthest thing from Sara's mind as she pushed away from the wall and stumbled back down the hall towards her room.

Sara fumbled with the latch and then rushed into the dark room as hot tears began to spill down her face. She closed the door as quietly as she could and leaned against the wood as she started to cry. She clamped her hands over her mouth as she sobbed, still trying to be quiet since she knew Rogan was fast asleep in their bed. She didn't know why she was so upset; Rogan had been right like he always was. Skyrim was dangerous and she was foolish to think otherwise.

Across the room, Rogan still lay on his back, but his pointed ears picked up on a strange noise even in his sleep, and he slowly cracked his eyes open. He reached across the bed and was alarmed when he realized that Sara wasn't there. Feeling confused, he sat up slightly and tried to peer into the darkness. As his eyes started to adjust, he could just make out the small figure of Sara as she stood hunched in front of the door.

"Sara," he called out, his voice sleepy. "What is it?"

Sara silently cursed herself for being so loud as she hastily wiped at her face and took a few gulps of air.

"I... I-It's nothing," she whispered quietly as she sniffled. "Go back to sleep."

Rogan wasn't fooled. He could tell she was crying as he tossed the covers back and with a small flick of his wrist the candle resting on the bedside table was lit, illuminating the room with its weak light. In three great strides, he was standing in front of Sara and he forced her to look at him.

"Don't lie to me," he growled, but his voice was softer than usual. "What happened?"

"It's my fault a-anyways," Sara replied, and she shrugged her trembling shoulders. "You told me to be careful."

"Damnit Sara, tell me what happened!"

"I had to pee!" Sara whispered, and she peered up at Rogan with tears in her eyes. "I didn't know where to go and there was a-a Nord..."

Rogan's hands clenched into fists as he listened, and he stared down at Sara with a furious expression, but it wasn't towards her.

"What did he look like?"

The venom dripping in his voice made Sara blink in surprise, and she nervously played with a strand of her hair as she struggled to remember the Nord's features. Her brows furrowed together for a moment and then she sucked in a deep breath.

"Um, he had... red hair and a tattoo on his neck."

"That's all I need to know."

Sara stared up at Rogan with an alarmed expression, and she opened her mouth to say something but he was done talking.

"Come lay down," Rogan growled, and he ushered her back towards the bed.

"Rogan-"

"I said lie down."

"Okay, okay..."

Sara sighed and climbed under the covers, and she realized as she laid down that Rogan was probably going to murder the Nord who had harassed her. A part of her was touched that he was so fiercely protective, but at the same time, it was a bit over the top.

Nothing actually happened...

Rogan busied himself with his pack for a moment, and when he returned, he held a small blue vial in his hand, which he uncorked and placed on the night table beside Sara.

"What's that?"

"If you want a dreamless sleep... drink it."

Sara eyed Rogan suspiciously for a moment, wishing she could reach up and touch his deep green cheek. She bit back her feelings and let out a small sigh, and her shoulders sagged in defeat. She reached for the vial and knocked the liquid back in one gulp, grimacing at the slightly bitter taste.

"You're not going anywhere, are you?" She whispered as she laid her head on the pillow.

Rogan stood beside the bed, his massive form looming over Sara as he tucked her in. His face was frustratingly neutral, and his voice was deceptively calm as he shook his head.

"No, go to sleep Sara."

Rogan watched as the effects of the sleeping draught were already taking effect. Sara struggled valiantly to keep her eyes open but it was no use, and within moments she was fast asleep. Rogan remained seated for a little while, watching Sara as her chest rose and fell with each slow, rhythmic breath she took. Then he stood up and walked towards the door. With another flick of his wrist the light went out and he exited the bedroom.

When Sara woke up late the next morning, she felt like her head had been jammed with fluff. It took a solid ten minutes for her to even open her eyes, and when she finally managed to sit up, she found Rogan standing by the table with his back towards her.

"Rogan?"

Rogan blinked and dropped whatever he had been holding as he turned around.

"You're finally awake."

"Oh, what time is it? My head feels heavy..."

"It's almost noon."

Sara groaned and rubbed at her cheek with a loud yawn.

"I'm sorry-"

"It's fine," Rogan cut in gruffly, and he shrugged his broad shoulders. "I gave you the sleeping draught. I knew you'd be out for a while."

"I know but I just... keep delaying your travels."

Rogan resisted the urge to roll his eyes and clenched his jaw tightly for a moment before letting out a deep breath.

"Don't worry about it, I've accepted the fact I'll be late. It was my choice."

Sara rubbed the sleep from one eye as she silently stared at Rogan for a moment, feeling slightly suspicious. He was being awfully polite this fine morning.

"Okay..."

"If you're well enough," Rogan grunted, and he gestured to the table where several items were strewn across it. "Get up. We need to get going."

Sara chuckled internally as she slid her legs out from under the blanket and stood up. She stretched her arms above her head until her joints gave a satisfying crack and then she wandered over to see what Rogan was up to. When she drew close, Rogan turned and handed her a small sword.

"What is this?" She asked, her voice ringing with surprise.

"Are you blind? It's a sword."

"I-I mean why are you giving it to me..."

"I told you this place is dangerous," Rogan replied briskly, his voice tight. "You're far too trusting. You should never be without protection... even when you have to go pee."

Sara felt her cheeks grow warm as the memory came rushing back and Rogan watched as she stared down at the sword in her hands with furrowed brows.

"I don't know how to use a sword."

"It's pretty easy," Rogan teased as he started packing his satchel. "Generally, you poke your enemies with the sharp end."

"Hilarious," Sara said sarcastically. "Really helpful."

"I know I am. I'll teach you how to use it, dummy."

"You'll teach me?" Sara blurted out, and then she laughed. "I highly doubt you have the patience for somebody like me."

Rogan knew she was right, but he scowled and fixed his angry red gaze on her face.

"It must be done," he replied simply, his voice full of determination. "Even little children know how to use a basic sword."

Sara knew that he was trying to insult her, but she let the comment roll over her as she lightly pulled the handle of the sword out from its scabbard. It was simply a simply made, polished silver sword with no personal markings. Then she slid the sword back in and sucked in a deep breath as she struggled to really comprehend what having such a weapon entailed.

It means I could hurt someone, her thoughts raced. Not just hurt... kill.

That knowledge left a bitter taste in her mouth, and so Sara focused on getting ready to leave the Inn. Rogan left the room so she could get dressed and when she was ready, she stepped out into the hall, complete with her little leather satchel resting on her back and the small silver sword strapped to a belt around her waist. The weight of it felt foreign, but when Rogan looked down at her, he couldn't help but feel she looked far more natural now. Like she actually belonged in Skyrim.

"Let's go."

"What about breakfast?" Sara called after Rogan, and she jogged to keep up as he swiftly made his way through the dining hall.

"You can eat on the road. We've wasted enough time."

"Oh alright..."

Sara's eyes widened as she spotted a familiar Nord sitting with a small group of men nearby. He turned his head towards them at the sound of their voice and she was stunned to see his face was covered in black and blue bruises. His lip was a puffy, bloody mess and his right eye was so swollen he couldn't see out of it. He had been nursing a big pint of mead when he heard Rogan's voice and as soon as he spotted the Orc his eyes widened in terror and he swiftly turned back around and sank as far down into his seat as possible.

Sara stared at the back of his head for one long moment, and then she tore her gaze away from the back of his head and ran to catch up to Rogan.

"Rogan!" She hissed angrily as she followed him outside.

"What?"

"Why did you assault that Nord?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," Rogan replied smoothly as he descended the small set of wooden stairs.

It had stopped raining earlier in the morning. The Rift was now covered in a light coat of rain that glittered beautifully in the sunlight. Rogan continued walking back down the small beaten path, not slowing until they were further into the forest and far away from the Inn.

"You know exactly what I'm talking about," Sara argued breathlessly as she struggled to keep up. "That man didn't hurt me!"

"I spoke with Niima!" Rogan spat back, and he suddenly turned around.

Sara dug her boots into the ground to prevent herself from running into Rogan's chest. She stared up at him with furrowed brows, feeling utterly confused by the intensity of his anger.

"I-"

"Given the chance, he would have hurt you. There is no place in this world for men like him."

"Rogan..."

"He's lucky I didn't kill him," Rogan snarled, and then he spun back around. "I don't have time to deal with every single piece of scum in this country."

"Hurry up," he growled as he started walking again. "You better not say a word about that Nord to me again or I'll leave you at the next Inn."

Sara stared the back of Rogan's head, her eyes glued to his braid as she jogged after him. She didn't understand how such a caring person could be so volatile, and she had to admit his anger terrified her. However, at the root of all his anger, it was plain as day that he would have killed the Nord if he had gone any further, and something about that knowledge left a weird feeling in the pit of Sara's stomach. She didn't quite know what to think or say, so she kept her mouth firmly shut for the rest of the day. Rogan refused to stop to rest for even a few minutes and so she was forced to eat their dry rations while they walked. By the end of the night when they stopped to make camp Sara was exhausted, but she had managed to keep up. After unrolling their sleeping mat, she collapsed on the bedroll and was asleep before Rogan had even finished building a fire.