Chapter 6

Louis was waving at us from the ship as we made our way across the snowy beach towards the edge of a humongous forest. Its lofty trees were looming high above us, meaning it wouldn't be easy finding Dalamus Venim. With my luck the boy was being held up in the middle of the island being guarded closely by a large group of ruthless thugs, but then again maybe I'd have better fortune.

"What's next sir?" Cyro asked me.

Venim was right, the feeling was gone and I felt great. It was as if time had shifted back a few years and I was leading my men towards yet again another victory. I had no feelings of anxiety and it felt absolutely wonderful!

I surveyed the area and noticed a path leading into the forest. It was located a bit further down from where we were, but it was easy to see. The trees were less populated in that area and you'd have to be blind not be able to see the path.

A light snow had finally started to descend from above after we were nearly one hundred yards into the forest. Even though I was very cold the sight was something I'd never forget. Back in Cyrodiil I had always been stationed in the south, and during my last weeks as an officer I was stationed in the Cheydinhal area.

This was the first time I had ever seen snow and I would never forget it. I didn't like being cold but the snow was almost mesmerizing in a way. However I wouldn't let this pretty sight mess with my focus. I knew why I was here and I didn't plan on ruining this opportunity to bring glory back to my name.

We had walked for nearly an hour before the snow was falling heavily, but of course it was not affecting our sight a bit. The tall trees were serving as a cover from the snow, allowing us to travel easily.

Soon, a couple hours later, I heard the Bosmer mutter a word, but it was severely muffled. I turned to see what happened and everyone was as stunned as I was. The Bosmer, who had been in the back the pack for the entire march, was nowhere to be found.

"What…where is he?" Screamed the Nord. She was looking around frantically for her friend but with no prevail. She was about to run off the trail but I grabbed her just in time.

"Stay here; running off course won't do you any good!" I said sternly.

"How can you say that? If we want to save him we must act! We can't just stand here!"

"We don't what happened to him. If we go out there we'll be taken as well. It could have been an animal or something." I said. She looked at me for a moment and then finally appeared to have agreed with what I was saying. I could understand her worry but we had to be smart.

I let her go and for a moment we stood there listening for anything, but the only sound as the heavy breathing coming from the Nord. She was so worried. Suddenly a twig snapped in the distance, and then screaming could faintly be heard as well.

"No, wait!" I yelled as the Nord ran off course. The others and I followed close behind her as she led us to where the sound was seemingly coming from. We ran past many trees and during this time I totally lost track of where the path was. I hadn't the slightest clue how far we'd traveled off course.

Finally we stopped at a tree where the bloody mangled body of the Bosmer was lying lifelessly. It was an ugly sight to behold and behind me Cyro had begun to vomit.

Before I could say anything the Nord shoved me out of the way and ran to the body. She knelt down, eyes wide with shock, just staring at the Bosmer's body. Then she began to cry loudly. I though about trying to console her but I figured the best thing to do was just leave her alone.

For a few minutes Skeemo, Cyrus and I stood there watching the Nord cry. Cyro was done vomiting and the smell was awful. It almost made me want throw up myself. Finally Cyro walked slowly towards her and put his hand on her shoulder.

"I'm so sorry," Cyro said, making a hopeless attempt of cheering her up.

I looked behind me and Skeemo was looking into the distance as if trying to figure out what could have killed the Bosmer.

"What do you think could have done this?" I asked Skeemo.

"What are you asking me for? You're the Captain," He said sarcastically as he walked past me and over to his friends.

That night we buried the Bosmer's body, right where we found him dead. We lit a fire and the Nord was reciting a poem while on the verge of breaking out in tears once more.

"I know you don't quite understand sir, but they were very close. They were basically brother and sister. This is going to be very hard on her," said Cyro.

"What are their names? I never got a chance to talk with the Bosmer, and I haven't spoken with her either."

The Bosmer's name was Faldil, and [iher[/i name is Jolda. I know I already told you but they were just so close…inseparable even."

I nodded in silent acknowledgement as Jolda continued her poem, all the while on the verge of breaking out in tears once more. I felt sorry for her…I knew what it felt like to lose a friend…

After the makeshift funeral we set up camp and slept for the night. Luckily Venim had supplied us with transportable tents so we wouldn't have to sleep in a cold cave.

Sometime during the middle of the night I woke up drenched in sweat. Once again I had another nightmare, same as the rest. I got and went outside to use the restroom. When I stepped out into the cold air I was surprised to see Jolda sitting cross-legged by a fire she must have started. I say this because I extinguished the original fire before settling in for the night.

For a moment I looked at her with great pity. I really did feel sorry for the girl but I wasn't sure what to do. Should I try and talk to her or do I leave her alone? I decided that the latter was simply abandoning my soldier when she needed me most. I wasn't about to let that happen.

"Hey Jolda, can I sit next to you?"

She looked up at me and I could tell she'd been crying. Her eyes were still swollen up from the tears and her mouth was shaking slightly. Yet she nodded without hesitation, which was a good sign.

"I'm sorry Vitellus, for all this weeping. I know I should be stronger than this but I can't help it. I loved that little Elf…he was everything to me. And I'm not talking romantically…he was my friend...my best friend." She said quietly.

"No, you cry all you want Jolda, it'll do you some good. I know what it feels like to lose someone so close to you."

"You've lost a close friend as well?"

Of course I did, but obviously I couldn't tell her how that happened.

"Yes, long ago. It's haunted me ever since."

Why was I telling her this? Why was I letting myself get so close to her? Why was I hinting at something I hadn't told [ianybody[/i since moving to Vvardenfell? I have to admit I wasn't exactly sure.

"Yes, I understand how you are feeling. It's going to take some time to get over this, possibly forever, but you have to be strong and move on. I'm sure Faldil would want it that way. He wouldn't want to see you like this, I can guarantee you that."

She suddenly smiled up at me, something I hadn't seen out of her since we met back in Ald' Ruhn. I was glad to be able to help her. It made me feel good, again something that hadn't happened for a long time.

"I know you're right, it's just so hard right now. Faldil wouldn't want to see me like this, you're right about that. I'll be better tomorrow, I promise."

I patted her on the shoulder and then we both entered our respective tents for the night. Things were peaceful at the moment…but that would soon change.