Journey To Pale Pass

2

The two alternated during the night one kept watch allowing the other to rest, but when it was Raspion's turn though exhausted he found sleep would not come. He couldn't help worrying about the woman outside although there was no danger of them being attacked he disliked the thought of her sitting in the dark. It would be all too easy for her to relive the terrifying events of Waters Edge. Bad memories found Raspion had a way of consuming a person, especially at night. While alone and given the chance the mind would drift into places better left forgotten. After trying vainly to sleep for an hour or so longer he finally stood and exited the cave where he perched himself beside Anya.

'By the Nines it is cold tonight' He remarked

Anya smiled

'What are you doing up?' She asked

'I could not sleep, you go you will need your strength for tomorrow' He told her

She shook her head

'No I feel fine under these stars, are they not beautiful Raspion'

'Aye they are' he said looking up, he pointed to a nearby cluster of stars tracing a rough outline with his finger he said 'that group there, that makes up the warrior constellation. It is my birth sign'

'Really? Can you see mine' She asked excitedly

'What is your sign?' asked Raspion

'The Shadow'

'Ah that is over here' he said pointing to a group of five stars 'It is said that of the thirteen constellations twelve of those are guardians, protectors against the thirteenth, the serpent who roams freely always threatening the twelve trapped within their individual months in an eternal struggle for the heavens.' sighing Raspion laid his head on the rock wall.

'How do you know so much of this?' asked Anya

'You learn a lot living in the wilderness' He replied simply

'Are you lying to me?' She asked shortly

'Lady I wouldn't dare'

They sat together talking trivialities until the veil of night slowly lifted to reveal the early morning sun. When the time came to go Raspion was both eager to be on his way but unwilling to leave the dank cave where he had been so happy. Anya was the first person he had been able to talk naturally with for many years and although she was taking this journey with him he could not help but feel saddened at the thought of leaving the place of their meeting.

The walk as Raspion had promised was difficult. Anya who preferred to use the roads found the awkward terrain hard to navigate and slipped many times cursing loudly and explicitly. Raspion helped her up without any sign of irritation that she was sure he must have felt for holding them back. Without him she knew this walk could have been much worse, using his great experience of the wild he had found the easiest routes to travel and for that she was thankful. As the sun reached its peak however she began to feel her energy draining and in need of rest, Raspion guided them to a magnificent redwood where they sat in the shade of its browning leaves.

'We do not have much food left' said Raspion passing out the last of there meager supply.

'Then we shall hunt' Said Anya 'I am handy with a bow and you're an experienced woodsman im sure we could find something'

Raspion shook his head

'There isn't much wildlife around these parts anymore thanks to the oblivion gates nearby, the creatures that emerge from those kill most of the wildlife and the ones that aren't hunted flee. I was trailing a group yesterday, it was what led me to you'

'Well see there must be more' countered Anya.

'No I fear that was one of the last herd's most of them were weary and thinning from their retreat'

'Then what can we do?'

'Skingrad is not far from here we can go there and trade for supplies.'

Anya looked fearful

'Do not worry we are a long way from the Imperial City. They will not recognize you there'

'I have never been to Skingrad' she said

'Well we will be making a brief visit. I do not like the cities.' Said Raspion softly

The journey into Skingrad took longer than Raspion had imagined, a whole day of traveling; Anya arrived at the gates weary and frustrated but glad to be on solid ground. Raspion seemed unshaken by the endless trek they had taken in fact he seemed energized by it. The Nord had not allowed them much sleep explaining that the oblivion gates were close and the beasts that emerged from them had extraordinary senses, some of the creatures able to smell out there prey even if miles of land separated them. So they had moved with urgency Raspion allowing them rest only when absolutely necessary. Anya tensed as a guard approached them outside the large gates, she noticed his armour and marveled at the emblem, a large red crescent opposite a smaller white one. Pondering the meaning of such a design she looked up and saw the guard staring at her. Anya tried to look relaxed and despite the urge to turn and flee returned his gaze. His eyes were steely and hard and filled with suspicion they pierced hers in such a manner that she felt as if he was looking right through them into her mind. Just when she was sure he recognized her, the guard turned his head and focused on the large Nord.

'What's your business in Skingrad?' Asked the gate guard

'I seek to trade' said Raspion shortly

'As you will. Do you know the laws of our town stranger?'

'Aye'

'Obey them' said the guard curtly turning he signaled to another guard on the rafters.

'Open the gate!' cried the man above

Slowly they were heaved inward despite there size there size the wooden gates gave little resistance. The two entered and Anya saw with alarm that the guard's gaze followed her.

The town was large and bustling, towering stone buildings flanked Raspion and Anya as they attempted to locate a purveyor of food. Occasionally beggars would approach the duo and beg for a coin with there hands outstretched to which Raspion would politely refuse as he had no money to share and for most this was enough, they would simply slump away with there heads bowed, defeated. One beggar however was not so agreeable and when Raspion refused the man grabbed onto the Nords leg howling and cursing him until Raspion lifted and placed him gently on the pathway. The man was about to try again when he caught Raspion's fiery glance and at once he turned and fled, stumbling into a nearby alley.

Raspion felt trapped by the narrow pathways weaving there way through the large stone structures. The fact that they were of Nordic architecture was of no consolation and Raspion's mood darkened as they made there way through the crowds that flooded the streets, they would frequently push and jab the Nord which annoyed him greatly, but he did not let it show instead looking down at his feet he concentrated on finding a store.

Anya was simply amazed marveling at the stone structures and the grand sights. Wide-eyed and open-mouthed she could barely contain her glee.

'Is it not marvelous?' She asked Raspion excitedly

The Nord mumbled a reply and looked away. To Anya he looked fearful of the town, and though she did not understand why she laced her small arm around his and patted his hand reassuringly in an attempt to comfort the Nord, Raspion smiled down at her gratefully. After Anya took some directions from a helpful Dunmer they found themselves outside of the West Weald Inn. Raspion opened the large wooden door, stooped low and entered. Glancing around he noticed that the place was almost empty. The owner an Imperial woman smiled broadly.

'Welcome to the West Weald Inn I am Erina proprietor of this fine establishment. What is it I can get for you both?'

'I am looking to purchase some food. I carry no gold ma'am but I do have a fine bow' he said unslinging the weapon and laying it on the counter where the woman inspected it closely.

'Hmmm…I have no use for a bow sir but that is a fine looking sword you have there. Silver is it?'

'Yes but im afraid I cannot part with this'

'Then I cannot help you' said the woman

Anya listened as Raspion tried to convince Erina that his bow was of great value as she slowly stalked around the small room. Lying out in baskets on large wooden tables there was delicious looking food on display. Carefully she helped herself to some dried meat and bread transferring it to there almost empty food sack. Watching the two argue, Anya crossed the room having spied a jar of honey, it had been years since she had tasted such a treat and after a little deliberation added that to the sack as well.

'You do not understand, this bow-'

'Oh Raspion' cried Anya holding her head theatrically.

'It is the heat. My head I must have air!' She spun and extended an arm, which Raspion took; confused Erina watched them hurriedly walk across the room and out the door leaving the Nord gave her an apologetic look. Outside he asked

'What was that all about?'

Smiling slyly Anya opened the travel pack revealing her spoils Raspion's eyes widened.

'How?'

She laughed Raspion found the sound to be musical.

'That old croon was trying to rob you I decided I would get her first'

Raspion smiled broadly Anya found it took years off of his lined face.

'You are amazing' he told her

'I know, did you get your bow?'

'Yes' he said slinging the covered weapon over his shoulder 'thank you Anya'

'It is my pleasure; you saved me I had to repay the favor. Where is it we go now?'

'We should leave perhaps we can make a start on crossing the Colovian Highlands before nightfall'

She nodded though disappointed that she could not explore this fascinating city she did not show it Raspion's anxiety had only escalated since entering the town and she wanted him to be comfortable again. As they made there way to the northern gates two guards blocked their path

'Halt!' commanded one

Raspion put a protective arm in front of Anya her hand hovered close to the hilt of her dagger.

'Is there a problem guardsman?' She asked

'Not with you lady, its him we want' said the guardsman pointing to Raspion.