Pyrophobia

I couldn't believe that Father was actually alive, and therefor hadn't left his side since I first saw him. I didn't want him to be carried away by Imperials again, and I was sure they'd capture him again if my back was turned. I was curled up at his side, his arm over my shoulders as we rode in the carriage. Ralof and I had discussed sneaking him into Gerdur's house until we found a permanent residence for him.

"What about the old house, Godrael?" Father asked, curiosity in his eyes. I looked away.

"I'm not sure if it's even there anymore. When Manna and me left…" I couldn't talk anymore, and Father just petted my hair.

"This one understands your pain. Your mother was a strong, beautiful woman. Darisha is honored to have been loved by her."

I saw a faint smile on Ralof's face, but it was difficult to know what he was thinking. Instead, I paid attention to Father's toying with my amulet.

"You are getting married?" He asked, frowning deeply and dragging his claws through my hair. To anyone else, it would've hurt or been taken as a threat, but I knew it just meant he was worried. And it kind of felt nice.

"No, Father. This just means that I'm available," I explained.

Father smiled, "Khajiit often confuses these."

"Yeah, I know."

"You want to get married?" He asked.

"No," I admitted, tugging at the amulet. "Uncle Ma'keer made me wear it. Something about finding happiness and that Nords don't live that long these days, with the war and dragons and all."

Father frowned, "Khajiit prefers his son unmarried. It is better this way."

I laughed, and caught Ralof snickering a bit, too.

"That's the way I like it too, Father. But I wear it in case Ma'keer ever decides to hunt me down. He might be upset. I keep it hidden under my shirt, mostly."

"No one has offered?"

"Nope."

"Khajiit is offended."

I snorted, "Why are you offended?"

Father sniffed, baring his left fang slightly, "You take after your mother. Everyone should be falling to your feet begging for a glance at them."

"People may have been doing that for Manna, but this unholy axe on my back wards off most people—especially suitors."

Father didn't say anything, just stared ahead for a while. I guess it was the fact that I did take after my mother (obviously, since I didn't have fur on my face) and Father had worshipped the ground she walked on. Of course he would take offence to the fact that I hadn't gotten any marriage proposals, but I've been told I'm quite a scary bastard almost constantly. I don't blame them.

The carriage ride ended and Father pulled his hood over his head. We led him into Riverwood without much problem other than a few strange looks. However, upon actually getting to the house, we found Frodnar on his bed, staring at us. As soon as Father lowered his hood, the little boy hopped on the bed in an excited manner and said, loud enough for a neighboring village to hear, "Hey Godrael, why'd you bring a Khajiit with you?"

If the Imperial guard outside didn't kill us first, Frodnar wouldn't live to see manhood.

Oh God the horror.

This chapter was written partially by my beta, part by me, and was really short because I couldn't get any more done and my beta is a lazy bitch.

I won't be getting to use my birthday gift because of that statement, but it was worth it.

…Sort of.