Chapter 8

When Sara woke up sometime in the afternoon the next day, she rolled onto her back and tried to take a deep breath. However, as soon as the air entered her throat, she was wracked by a horrible cough. She quickly sat up and groaned as her entire body screamed in protest at the movement and in an instant Rogan was by her side.

"Drink this."

Sara hastily pushed her hair away from her face and glanced up at Rogan with tears in her eyes as each tiny breath she took felt like ice was piercing her throat and she took the vial from Rogan's outstretched hands. She tipped the vial back and eagerly drank the cool liquid as relief washed over her when the effects of the potion immediately started to set in.

Rogan stared at Sara's neck with an unreadable expression. Her skin had blossomed into horrible looking bruises that surrounded the entirety of her skinny neck where the Argonian had nearly choked her to death. He was yet again filled with anger, and he had to force himself to look away and take a deep breath to calm down.

"Will you eat something?" He grunted as softly as possible. "Some porridge should be alright."

"Oh," Sara mumbled, and she rubbed the sleep from her eyes. "Yeah, I think I could handle that."

"I'll send Andewen by to check in on you. She came by earlier but you were sleeping."

"What time is it?" Sara asked quietly, and she squinted her eyes as she looked up at the window.

"Don't worry about it," Rogan replied briskly, and he left the room.

Sara was still rather tired, but she knew Rogan would be eager to leave and so she tossed the covers back and slid her legs forward until they touched the ground. She could see just from staring at her legs and feet that peeked out from under her nightgown that she was covered in many bruises. The potion had helped, but it still took a fair bit of energy for Sara to stand. She was beginning to understand that even with all the healing spells and elixirs in Skyrim that nothing could magically cure the body of every single ailment. It would still take some time of her own body's abilities to heal itself.

Sara had managed to walk over to the nearby table and had struggled to get on a pair of light brown breeches when there was a knock at the door. Sara huffed and finished tying up the strings as quickly as her fingers could manage.

"Come in," she called out, her voice still hoarse.

The smiling face of Andewen poked through the door and she stepped inside.

"Good afternoon Sara, you're looking much better today."

"Afternoon?" Sara replied, and she sighed. "I slept too much."

"It's alright, really," Andewen assured her as she helped Sara lift her nightgown off. "Rogan slept until almost noon anyways. He needed to rest as well."

"Is he feeling better? I didn't like how exhausted he looked last night..."

Sara inspected a cream-colored tunic for half a moment before deciding she'd try it on and see if it fit. She groaned as she lifted her arms up and Andewen slipped the soft material over her head.

"I think he's doing better," Andewen replied softly as she straightened the collar of Sara's tunic with a smile. "Of course, it's not always easy to tell."

When Sara was finished getting dressed, complete with a new set of boots, she took a seat at the table and waited for Rogan to return with the porridge. Her stomach rumbled lightly and although she still didn't have much of an appetite Sara knew she needed to eat something before they made their final stretch to Riften.

While they waited, Andewen inspected her head, wrist, and felt her ribs. She lightly brushed her fingers along Sara's neck with a sad smile and Sara frowned.

"Is there a mirror somewhere? I'd like to see how gross I look."

"You don't look gross," Andewen argued, but she stood up and went over to where a small hand mirror was resting on the dresser. "The bruising will go away in time."

Sara took the mirror from Andewen's outstretched hand and took a deep breath before turning it towards her face. Her eyes widened at the woman who stared back at her. She didn't look like anything she had imagined. It was still her same nose, same mouth, same eyes, her hair was a tangled mess from sleeping with it wet, but there was something different. The light red scars on the side of her head were noticeable to Sara, but she was more surprised by the state of her neck. It was covered in horribly black and yellow bruises and she swallowed hard as she gingerly brushed her fingers against the injured skin.

"You're beautiful Sara," Andewen said softly, and she watched as Sara placed the mirror down on the table. "Don't let it get to you too much."

"I'm fine," Sara replied quietly, and she reached for the comb that was also resting on the table. "It's not a big deal. I'm alive."

"Yes, that's what matters."

Andewen gently took the comb from Sara's grasp and started brushing her hair. Sara couldn't help but feel incredibly relieved to have a woman like Andewen helping her. She knew if she hadn't had such a soft-spoken healer taking care of her, she probably would have been more upset by yesterday's events. Rogan too had been uncharacteristically kind, and she had been surprised when he held her in his arms. It left her feeling terribly confused, although she tried not to think about it too much.

"Would you like it tied back, or left down?"

"Oh, left down please," Sara replied.

"I think I got all the tangles. I love the curls in your hair."

There was a knock at the door and Rogan appeared with a tray of food. He silently strode forward, ignoring Andewen's stares, and placed the tray in front of Sara. It contained two bowls; one contained a generous heap of warm porridge topped with brown sugar, a bowl filled with fresh berries, and a tall glass of water to complete the meal.

"Thank you," Sara said, and Rogan saw her smile for the first time. "Smells good."

"I'll be back."

Without another word, Rogan disappeared back into the main room of the Inn to finish gathering supplies. He had lost half of his pack during the scramble and Sara was without a satchel entirely, as well as protection. When he left, Sara and Andewen exchanged a silent glance with one another before Sara pulled her chair closer to the table and picked up the small silver spoon.

"Mm," she murmured as she took a bite of the warm oats. "I forgot how hungry I was."

"Porridge is my favorite comfort food if cooked right."

"It's very good, and doesn't hurt my throat."

"Yes," Andewen smiled. "You'll have to be careful about that for a little while."

"Right."

The women were silent for a while as Sara, making sure to take her time. She happily consumed most of the porridge and nibbled on the berries. The glass of water was gone within a few minutes, and Andewen grabbed the pitcher from nearby and poured her some more.

"Sara, what are you going to do in Riften when you get there?"

"Riften?" Sara replied, and she placed her spoon down with a small sigh. "I have no idea."

"Oh, I assumed you were going there for a reason."

"I've never been anywhere in Skyrim," Sara said with a small shrug. "Rogan just happened to be passing through there. I guess the Dawnguard fort is close by. I don't know what I'm going to do when I get there but I'll figure it out."

If Sara was being honest, she was completely terrified. Once they reached Riften, then Rogan would leave her for good this time. Knowing that only gripped Sara with fear. Despite how terribly he had treated her for the greater part of a week, he was still the closest person she had to a friend and he had kept her safe the entire time.

Andewen could see that Sara was troubled by her predicament; it was written all over her face. She couldn't help but wonder if it would truly be the last time she'd see Rogan, or perhaps it was just the beginning for the young pair.

She's already softened his heart, if only a little bit, Andewen mused quietly to herself as she gathered both of Sara's hands. And I doubt he even realizes it.

"I must get going, it was a pleasure to meet you, Sara."

"You as well," Sara replied thickly, and they both stood up.

"Don't be a stranger. I travel a lot, so I'm sure we'll run into each other again."

Rogan re-entered the room with an armful of stuff. He watched as Andewen leaned in and kissed Sara's cheek and then the women hugged before Andewen pulled away and walked over to him.

"Take care of yourself," she told Rogan sternly, but her smile hadn't faded. "Think about what I said."

"Yeah, yeah," Rogan grumbled, and he gave her a half smile when she reached up to pinch his cheek.

"Stay out of trouble. I know you never listen but it makes me feel better to say it anyway."

"You stay safe, it's dangerous out there now. There have been whispers of Dragons."

"Dragons?" Andewen said, and then she laughed. "I'll believe it when I see it."

Sara was quiet as she listened to them talk. Finally, Andewen left the room, leaving her and Rogan alone. The silence was slightly awkward, although Sara didn't know why. She chalked it up to the fact they had basically cuddled the night before and so she quietly watched Rogan as he walked over to the bed and dumped his armful of stuff on the blanket.

"What is all of that stuff?" Sara asked quietly as she rubbed her arm.

"Mostly clothes. Your pack was left behind so I've replaced it."

"You didn't have to do that," Sara replied.

Rogan ignored her comment. He picked up something and turned around to hand it to her. Sara's eyes widened as they landed on the short sword he held in his hands. It was almost identical to the one he had given her the other day.

"Rogan," Sara mumbled, and her brows furrowed together. "You didn't have to get me another sword."

"It's nothing," Rogan insisted, and he pressed the leather scabbard into her hands. "You need it."

Sara didn't want to argue. She felt tears prick at her eyes and so she quickly took the sword from Rogan's hands and turned around. She was tired of being so emotional and so she focused on strapping the leather belt around her waist and tried to think about the task at hand.

Finish getting ready. Make sure you keep up. Try to stay out of trouble today.

Within twenty minutes they were packed and ready to go. Rogan led Sara back through the dining hall and the exited into the bright afternoon light. She stared at their surroundings for a moment before hastily following after Rogan's tall form as he made his way south. She had been unconscious when they arrived the night before and so she hadn't really gotten a good look.

As usual, traveling in Skyrim was a real treat for the eyes. Despite the lack of conversation, Sara had an endlessly beautiful landscape for her to gaze at while they walked. This time, Rogan didn't walk nearly as fast, and he made sure he took enough breaks so that Sara didn't overdo it. He never said anything outright but Sara knew that he was being a bit more mindful, and she appreciated his effort.

At some point during the day, just as the sun was beginning to make its descent in the sky, Rogan stopped and turned to Sara, his face oddly neutral as he peered down at her.

"We're almost there. I'll take you to the Inn and rent a room. It's a smaller city but you should be able to find some honest work."

"Okay," Sara replied, and she tried not to let it show that she was terribly nervous. "I appreciate it."

Rogan looked like he wanted to say more, but he bit his tongue and spun back around. They continued walking, a little more quickly now as a strong wind began to blow from the west. Dark clouds rolled across the sky and big fat droplets of rain started to fall on their heads just as they reached the main gates leading into the city.

Riften. Seeing it on a screen was one thing; witnessing it in person was an entirely different experience. Sara was utterly blown away as she gazed up at the massive stone walls in awe. It was both exactly how it was depicted in the game but at the same time, it was so much more than she had been expecting. The layout of Riften was something she knew very well, but there were also stores and dwellings that she didn't recognize and it was a larger place than she had pictured in her head. It made her head spin and she knew she'd have to take a good walk around the entirety of the city once the weather was better.

The guards nodded politely as Rogan ushered Sara through the front gates. Thunder rolled across the sky in big booming claps and so they made a dash for The Bee and Barb. Its tall timber walls and cackling fires gave off a warm and inviting glow. Several patrons occupied the small wooden tables, drinking and conversing with one another. They were forced to move out of the way as another wave of people entered who were also trying to get out from the storm.

"Go to the front counter," Rogan growled in Sara's ear, and he scowled when he felt someone bump into him.

Sara slowly made her way through the crowd of people, saying excuse me as she went. Some people eyed her with curiosity as they spied the bruising on her neck but for the most part, she was largely ignored. A few moments later she reached the counter and she returned the smile of the Argonian woman who was standing behind the bar. Her heart skipped a beat as she spotted her partner standing several feet away and her throat constricted tightly but she forced herself to remain calm.

Not every Argonian is bad, she repeated firmly. Calm down.

Tonight, Keerava wore a crimson and green dress that hugged her scaled form nicely. She finished helping the Khajiit that was sitting nearby and then she turned her attention back to Sara.

"What can I do for you?"

"I need to rent a room," Rogan spoke up.

"Ahh," Keerava growled, and she glanced up at Rogan. "You are back."

"I'm not staying, the room is for Sara."

"I see. Well, you know the price."

Rogan fished around for his pouch of gold while Sara was preoccupied with observing her surroundings. She wasn't paying any particular attention to the conversation between Keerava and Rogan and she jumped when he tapped her on her shoulder.

"Come on, I'll take you to your room."

"Okay," Sara stammered.

Her heart was pounding as she let Rogan lead her up the creaky wooden stairs to the sleeping quarters. He found her room and unlocked the door before ushering her inside. Sara glanced around her new temporary home for a brief second, noting the modest furniture, and then she slowly lowered her pack to the floor and turned around to find Rogan standing in the doorway. He looked uncomfortable to be there and for a long moment, they simply stared at each other. Sara was suddenly at a loss for words. Her mouth felt dry and she nervously played with the hem of her tunic as she tried to come up with a proper sentence.

"I uh, should get going," Rogan finally said, and it sounded like he had to force each word out. "They'll be expecting me."

"Right," Sara replied and then she coughed. "Um... thank you, for everything."

Rogan sighed and rubbed at his neck for a moment, wishing he could just disappear.

Why is it so hard to leave? His thoughts whirled. A couple of days ago I couldn't wait to get rid of her...

"Just stay safe," Rogan finally replied, and he stared at her with the slightest of frowns. "Don't trust anyone."

Sara nodded, and she stared at Rogan with an expression that made his chest ache. He sucked in a deep breath and adjusted the strap of his satchel with a cough.

"Alright… bye."

"Bye," Sara whispered.

She watched as Rogan slowly turned around and a moment later the door closed behind him. What she didn't hear was the quiet slew of curse words he muttered in Orcish as he shook his head and quickly left the Inn as fast as his legs would carry him. He didn't care that there was a storm. All that mattered was getting away from Riften as fast as possible before he did something he knew he'd regret. But even as he ran through the pouring rain, too many thoughts and feelings swirled deep inside him. It only made Rogan angry, and he was in a terribly foul mood by the time he reached the front gates of Fort Dawnguard.

When Rogan was gone, Sara let out the breath she had been holding in and blinked back tears as she reached down to grab her bag. She couldn't help but feel emotional about the entire thing. Their accidental meeting and everything that had transpired in just the span of a week had left a deep impression on her. She knew she'd never be able to forget her time with Rogan, and she still wasn't so sure what to make of her true feelings as she started to pull out random articles of clothes from her satchel.

There was a worn wooden dresser pushed up against the far wall that she could put her things in. Sara pulled out a dark blue tunic and she was surprised to see the corner of a brown leather book peeking out from between a set of pants. She frowned as she picked the book up and her eyes widened in surprise. It was the tome on magic Rogan had let her read whenever they took a break from walking, and tears welled up in her eyes as she realized he had given one of his favorite books to her. Tears freely spilled down her cheeks as she started to sob quietly while clutching the book to her chest.

What a big dumb idiot, she thought bitterly as she wiped at her face. He doesn't even realize how much he helps people. How deeply he affected me. How many people care about him…

After sobbing for a few minutes, Sara gently placed the book down on the bed and sucked in a shaky breath as she continued emptying her bag. There were a comb, a small mirror, and several potions as well as a few other small items. A notebook that Andewen had snuck in. A small scarf she could wear to cover up her bruised neck.

As she rifled through the bottom to see if anything was left, her fingers grazed against something soft and when she grabbed it something distinctly metal chinked lightly. She pulled out a small coin purse and as she opened it with shaking fingers she started to cry again and quickly plopped down on the bed.

Curse him, she repeated with a mixture of anger and sadness. Curse him and his caring hide.

It was all too much for her. Sara's heart ached and she wanted nothing more at that moment than to curl up into a ball and sleep, which is exactly what she did.