To Ralof's Sister – We rush outside, but the Ralof shouts, "Wait!' The dragon roars overhead as it wheels towards the mountains. "There he goes. Looks like he's gone for good this time." Ralof glances at me. "No way to know if anyone else made it out alive. But this place is going to be swarming with Imperials soon enough. We'd better clear out of here."
He begins marching down the mountainside. "My sister, Gerdur, runs the mill down in Riverwood," he informs me as we walk. "I'm sure she'd help you out." It's silent for a moment before we reach the foot of the mountain. That's when Ralof turns to me.
"It's probably best if we split up. Good luck. I wouldn't have made it without your help today." Then he begins sprinting. Angrily I follow. He wants us to split up? Good luck? As if. I hadn't a clue where we were, so I decided to follow him. He didn't protest.
"You know," he comments as we jog, "You should go to Windhelm and join the fight to free Skyrim. You've seen the true face of the Empire today." I laugh as we run. Khajiits are notorious for thieving, pillaging, etc. He wanted me to step up and be heroic..?
As if sensing my disbelief, he remains quiet as we lope easily through the woods. This area is highly scenic, and is truly beautiful at night. Something catches my eye. I turn, stunned to see a river flowing by. I hop down the rocks, ignoring Ralof's alarmed cry.
It was amazing! All that water distracted me from the three stones beside me until Ralof eventually caught up. "These," he panted, "are the three Guardian Stones. The Thief, the Mage, and the Warrior. People touch them for good luck. Try one."
I study them, then pat the Thief. My hand tingles as I pull it away. "Thief, huh?" Ralof muses behind me. "It's never too late to take charge of your fate, you know." I ignore his slight lecture, continuing along the path. After a moment, he follows.
We make it to Riverwood, and he approaches a woman. "Gerdur!" She looks up, relief filling her face. They exchange pleasantries, but I stop listening until a boy runs up to us. "Uncle Ralof! Can I see your axe? How many Imperials have you killed? Do you really know Ulfric Stormcloak?" I feel a pang of sorrow, remembering the other little boy from Helgen. Then Gerdur murmurs, "Hush, Frodnar. This is no time for your games."
Frodnar frowns, sulking away. Gerdur returns her attention to Ralof as I space out again. Suddenly a man runs up to us. Hod, I think Gerdur had called him. Her husband. "Now, Ralof, what's going on? You two look pretty done in." Ralof nods, telling our story. I glance at the river, still astounded by the amount of water.
"Nonsense. You and your friend are welcome to stay as long as you need to." When I hear those words, I smile. Both Ralof and I are exhausted – I'm almost slaphappy. Gerdur continues, "Here's a key to the house. Stay as long as you like. If there's anything you need, let me know."
I nod, taking the key. The town is still sleepy, so I head for the house. Unlocking the door, I crash on the bed.