Malukh and I are staring at each other, unsure of what to do.
A dragon is attacking.. Here? Now? God, so much for things being how they are in the game. Then again, it'd be stupid if it was. This is now a living, breathing world and things don't adhere to any rules.
My heart hammers painfully in my chest as I realize the predicament we're now in. Malukh can't help fight the dragon. If the guards see him… he'll be detained and thrown in jail. So what are we to do? Rather, what am I to do? Malukh is.. as good as gone.
Loud bells start ringing in Whiterun and more yells and screams are heard as the dragon releases what sounds like a gout of flame from its maw. I'm shaking like a leaf against my companion as we cower behind this building together. I can hear his elevated breathing, I know he's scared too.
Suddenly, another realization hits me. Now's my chance to find out if I'm the Dragonborn. Without Malukh at my side, there's no saying if I'll make it to Bleak Falls Barrow or not to read the Word wall. He's intent on leaving me anyway.
"Malukh.." I say, pushing off of him as I school my expression to nonchalance.. "You should go. Just get away from here so they don't find you, okay? I.. I have something I need to do."
He narrows his eyes, his lip curling in that tell-tale way when he hears something he doesn't like. "What? What could you possibly have to do that involves that dragon?"
"Look, this is my chance!" I shoot back. I know it won't make sense, but it doesn't matter. "I don't have time to explain, okay? Just go!"
I go to turn, when his hand latches onto my wrist firmly, keeping me in place. I look to him in surprise. "I don't know what's gotten into you but if you go out there, you're a dead woman, you hear me?" he warns lowly, his eyes burning holes into mine.
I shrink back at his harsh tone, but my resolve is unshaken. Yeah, that's if it even sees me. I really only need to be present when it dies… but he doesn't know that. He thinks I'm running in guns blazing, when I intend to cower at a safe distance until it's time for soul collection. The stables are still a mighty distance from here and I've got a long way to run. Hearing the dragon let loose another gout of flame distantly, I yank my wrist from his hold, earning a scowl from him.
"What do you care, anyway? You've been trying to ditch me since Helgen. Well, now's your chance." I give him a scowl of my own, and despite myself, emotion leaks into my voice. "You should go."
I watch his eyes widen almost imperceptibly, his scowl shifting into a frown. My gut twists at having said the words, but.. I did mean them. We don't know each other, not really. Because he never let me in. He's getting what he wants.
That's all I say before I turn on my heel and book it around the corner.
"Sara!" Malukh yells as I run. "Don't!"
My mind is racing as I sprint along the path leading to the truth. I'm here for a reason. I just have to be. Why else would I be in Skyrim? There's simply no other option. And the not knowing, it's driving me to insanity. I push myself until my legs and lungs burn painfully, sucking in air when I can. I can feel my heart hammering from both the stress of my mind and body together.
There's the sound of hooves and wheels on stone rapidly approaching suddenly. I can barely see what's coming over the uneven terrain and hilly ground and gasp as a carriage rushes past me to escape, narrowly missing crashing straight into me. I move to the side in time thankfully and suck in a sharp breath. That was damn close. But I have to keep going.
It doesn't take much longer for me to finally get in range and see what's going on. I'm gasping for breath and have to resist the urge to rest on my knees.
And now the chaos unfolding is clear as day. Plumes of thick, black smoke now rise into the sky from where the dragon has set buildings alight. A plethora of guards are gathered at and around the blazing stables, but the Dragon is still in the air, hovering as it lets loose blasts of destruction. The flap of its massive wings are powerful and I can feel the gusts of wind each beat sends out.
I see civilians booking it up the hill into Whiterun, including the members of that Khajiit caravan I saw earlier. Arrows rain down from the guards on the city wall in an attempt to pelt the beast, but many miss due to the sheer distance and difficulty of hitting a moving target. I glance around and gulp. There is a wide open field of farmland to my left and a couple stone walls, but not much else to hide behind.
Leaving me to be a sitting target, asking to be incinerated. Fuck, I could've sworn there were more buildings here in the game! The dragon moves swiftly overhead, flying past me and towards the guards on the walls. I see it scoop a man into its claws and swoop around back in my direction before it drops him from what has to be at least sixty feet in the air.
His scream is full of terror as he plummets. Oh, my god! I step back and raise my arms instinctively, shutting my eyes as I know what comes next. Splat! A sickening crunch and the twang of steel on stone from his armor, as well as his last breath escaping him can be heard a few feet off from my position.
I open my eyes and see the fresh corpse lying in a broken pile. Thank god he's wearing the full face helmet, or I'd be sick. Several guards around me turn to glance towards the noise his fall made. Most focus their attention on shooting arrows, but one guard sees me and turns to face me.
"Get to the city, civilian! Now!" his thick Nord accent demands.
I will do nothing of the sort and go to say as much as politely as I can, when—
A fireball none of us saw coming lands in the center of a pack of guards, including the one yelling to me. I gasp in horror as they catch flame and begin to scream. A cacophony of agony fills the air. I cover my mouth and step back, the scent of burnt flesh filling my nostrils.
No, no, we're supposed to be winning! The number of guards is dwindling rapidly. The house to the left of the stables is on fire, the stables are on fire, the carriage drivers camp is aflame as well. This.. this is a nightmare! The sun is all but gone now, the fires lighting up the fresh night in a sickening way.
I cough, the heavy smoke polluting the air. It's unbearably hot and I sweat in my new leathers.
Guards are rolling on the ground trying to put themselves out as I stand uselessly in the center of the road. I can't get myself to move. Surely reinforcements are on the way? As I look around, I feel utterly alone. There's only a guard or two left standing to face the dragon on the ground.
I'm surrounded by corpses. I look to the body of the archer who'd been cast from the sky. His bow and quiver are still in hand, beckoning me. I force myself to move, to pick up his weapon and finish what he started. Hell, I don't even really know how to use this thing. I've shot a bow once in my life and sucked at it.
It can't be that hard. I mean, it's a pretty simple concept, right? Aim, shoot. Easy.
I sling the quiver over my shoulder and pull an arrow from it. There's a twinge of pain in my left shoulder as I try to nock an arrow. Thank God my shoulder has healed well or this would be impossible. Hearing the dragon swoop overhead causes me to fumble the arrow and drop it onto the ground. I curse harshly. How does one do this under pressure?
Then, a strong rumble shakes the earth and forces me to balance as best I can lest I fall flat on my ass. Screams of terror fill the air.
"It's landed! By the Nine…!" cries another Nord heavy accent, one of the two guards left. "Talos save us!"
My eyes dart towards the voice. He's right. It's here, on the ground. Looking right at us. Holy fuck, it's… it's huge. Seeing it this close, I nearly drop the bow. What am I doing? This isn't part of the plan. I should be hiding right now, not in the middle of the fucking fray!
The other guard attacks first, landing a strong blow to its wing with a mighty war cry. The battleaxe sinks deeply into the tissue, eliciting a pained screech that echoes through the sky. Immediately, the beast whirls on him, taking him into its mouth easily. The axe clangs to the floor. He screams as it tosses him back and forth the way a dog with a chew toy would, then snaps his spine with an audible crunch. It throws his limp corpse to the side, which slides along the ground and hits the stone to my left.
I gape in horror, but despite myself, I grab for another arrow. I change my stance to be more relaxed, as much as one can be in this scenario. I nock it, but can't get it to stay. I have to try harder, damn it! The dragon turns on the Nordic guard next, crawling towards him as blood seeps from its damaged hide. He whimpers, raising his shield pathetically.
Nock, nock, nock… I finally nock an arrow and hold it. Drawing the string back hurts, but the adrenaline coursing through me blocks it out. I line it up slowly, carefully—I have to make this one count. God knows if I'll make another shot. I'm shaking so violently I don't know if I can even do that. I hear my blood in my ears.
Breathe. You can do this. You're the Dragonborn. It's what you were born to do.
I aim at it's head and hope for the best. Breathe… release! The twang of the string is loud in my ear as I release and my arrow is propelled forth with not nearly as much force as I was hoping. I watch it hit low on the dragon's sternum, nowhere near where I intended to hit.
But… I did it! Hah! I shot an arrow! Boy, if Malukh were to see me now—I frown at the thought of him. He really did leave. The dragon roars back in pain as my arrow hits, distracting it enough that the guard can stab his blade into its belly.
This just seems to piss it off if anything. It snarls and claws wildly in front of it, though the guard manages to block both hits. His blade remains plunged in its gut as he loses grip on it. I take this time to prepare another arrow, which turns out to be as painstakingly slow as the last. This time, I'll really hurt it. This is the one.
I suck in a deep breath and line up my shot. Aim for the bulk, it's easier. The dragon is turned to the side and moving, making this an extremely difficult shot for someone like me. All I have to do is hit it.
Breathe.. release! Once again, the arrow flies but it doesn't even make it to the dragon this time. No! Shit, I really needed that to be the one. Again. I go to nock another arrow as the dragon bears down on the final guard.
It knocks his shield away, the steel sliding to a stop just in front of my feet. I can do nothing but watch as it chomps his head clean off, swallowing his scream and all. A spray of blood erupts from his stump neck as the body remains standing for a moment, then collapses all at once with a dull thud.
It's just the dragon and I now. I lower my arrow in terror as I realize this fact. It gobbles down the head much like a baby bird does when being fed by its mother. The sounds it makes are sickening and my stomach churns with the combined smell in the air.
I'm alone. I should run. Reinforcements aren't here yet.. And I don't know when they'll get here either. How long has it been? God, it feels like an eternity. Those bells are still ringing.
The dragon turns to me, the last piece on the chessboard, it's fierce eyes burning into my very being. It opens its mouth and I can see the embers forming in its throat as it prepares a gout of flame to roast me with. I drop the bow.
Move, move, move! I can't. I'm frozen in place like a statue. The dragon hurls a ball of fire towards me from its maw with a loud sound. I can only watch as it propels towards me, so bright and hot my eyes burn.
Something slams into my side hard and I go barreling to the ground, out of the way of the fireball, which glides past and hits the ground somewhere behind me. I grunt as I skid across stone, a heavy weight on top of me. Pain blooms in my left shoulder and I cry out, coming to a stop just short of slamming into a wooden fence on the right. What the hell?! The arrows in my quiver scatter on the ground behind me from being turned over.
My eyes pop open wide and I gasp at what I see. Rather, who I see. Malukh, in all his glory. His massive form looms over me and it's at this moment I realize just how large he is compared to me. He pants hard and I briefly wonder if he just sprinted all the way here. He quickly gets to his feet before the dragon can retaliate and flame us both. Feeling his weight lift, I suck in a breath to yell at him with, too distracted by my rage to be happy that he's returned for me.
"What!?" I cry with heaving, pained breaths. "You—"
"Stand up!" he interrupts me with a curt yell, holding out a somewhat aggressive hand for me to take.
Unable to think, my body moves on its own, and I grab his outstretched hand. He yanks me to my feet and shoves me away with wild, enraged eyes.
"Get to cover! Now!" he demands with such ferocity that I move to do so, as he immediately turns back to face the dragon.
No, no, no! He shouldn't be here! The guards are coming—
Malukh rushes forward, dipping low to grab the shield of the fallen soldier. I gather up what arrows I can before I stick close to the fencing and move back, considering the stables are aflame and dangerous to be near. That's about as much cover I can get unfortunately. I sink into a crouch and hold onto the wood for balance as Malukh roars and charges towards the beast fearlessly.
My gut clenches tightly at the sight. No, you idiot! My eyes water, blurring my surroundings. I harshly blink them away and a tear escapes. He's screwed no matter what. Is it my fault? Why did he come back, damn it!? I can feel myself hyperventilating as images of his charred corpse fill my mind. I know we've only known each other for a few days but shit, he's all I had up until now. To see him die would be.. It'd be painful beyond belief.
The dragon inhales, embers forming in its throat once again as it sends a burst of fire from its throat. He sinks into a crouch, hiding behind the shield he nabbed from the ground. I hear him roar in pain- it must burn to the touch. I whimper knowing he's hurt. Malukh! Why are you here, damn it!? He snarls and hurls the all but melted shield at the creature.
The dragon rears back as the shield smacks it right in the face and upon seeing the seven foot mountain of muscle that is Malukh approaching at a concerning speed. He also chucks the small war-axe he'd picked up in Helgen right at the creature full force, catching it completely off-guard as it implants itself right into the fleshy, more vulnerable underside of its long neck. It shrieks and recoils into itself in pain, a fountain of blood spilling from its throat.
Malukh takes this brief moment to go into a slide and grab the battleaxe the other guard dropped near the left side of the dragon, a weapon more fitting for a man his size, and hefts it up into his hands. I'm shaking from sheer adrenaline and worry. Do I try and help? He'd kill me if I got in his way. But to just sit here and do nothing as he braves a dragon alone…
My bow is only a few feet off. If I can just grab it…
The dragon is heavily wounded and full of arrows like a pincushion. We could actually do this. With sudden courage, I run for my bow. The dragon is preoccupied, it won't notice me until the one up in its face is dealt with. I pick it up and immediately go to nock an arrow, pulling a fresh arrow from my quiver. There's only a handful left. Meaning I have to make these count.
Malukh is wasting no time. He's hacking and slashing at the beast with such fervor that it's frightening and leaving little room for the dragon to retaliate. To see him in his prime, giving it his all.. Its awe-inspiring. I'm almost distracted from trying to shoot by how hard he's fighting. Shouts in the distance grab my attention. Reinforcements, a whole horde of guards come running down the path out of Whiterun. I can only see them because of their torches, a row of them approaching and lighting the way.
My heart stops. Malukh needs to get out of here! Fuck, fuck, fuck. This is absolutely insane. I'm watching a dragon fight in real life. How did I get here, man?!
"Malukh!" I scream so hard my throat strains. "Go! Just go!"
He doesn't stop and frankly I don't know if he can hear me over the raging fires all around us, or the shrieks of the dragon he's mauling. Sweat pours down my brow as I nock my arrow finally and take aim. I'm shaking so violently, I'm afraid I'm more dangerous to Malukh than even the dragon is right now. The chances of me hitting Malukh are too high for me to risk it at all. I curse and lower my arrow. Knowing how poor my aim is, I just can't take the chance.
The dragon finally tries to fight back, bearing down heavily on him as it tries to chomp down. He raises his battleaxe just in time and instead of getting him, it grabs onto the haft instead. Then the worst happens. Malukh yells as it raises him into the air by the haft of his blade, shaking wildly. He's forced to let go, plummeting a solid twenty feet. I cry out for him, screaming really. I can't stop screaming.
He lands on his back hard and looks up as the dragon tosses the blade to the side. It flies past me, all the way back down the road that we came from. Malukh is weaponless, defenseless, but the guards have finally arrived. Their war cries fill the air and a shower of arrows begin flying toward the dragon. Malukh is crawling out from under the freshly pelted dragon, too distracted by the onslaught of arrows to focus on him.
"Civilians!" screams the guard captain to his men. "Watch your fire!"
I sling my bow over me and make a mad dash to retrieve the battleaxe for Malukh. I have to save him. We can still get him out of here before the guards realize who he is. And I can still discover the truth once he's hidden away. I bend down to grab it and pull at the haft to lift and wince. It's too heavy. My shoulder cries at the exertion. Now what?
I whirl to assess the situation. Malukh's gotten to his feet and managed to grab a new shield from the ground. He raises it above him in defense as he scours the ground for another weapon. His eyes lock onto something and I watch him beeline for a sword. Meanwhile, the dragon flames the oncoming horde of guards, then spits up blood. Some unfortunate guards are caught in it, others readily prepared with shields.
I run towards Malukh now despite my body's protest. To run towards a dragon willingly is insanity in itself. I have to get him out of here. He's done enough. Leave it to the guards, and god willing they'll actually do something useful. I reach him just as he picks up a sword, bent over half-way and rising. Our eyes connect in a tense moment. The air hasn't been cleared between us and it's evident in the way we look at each other. The way he's looking at me.
His eyes narrow harshly and his brow furrows, those strange brow bones moving with them. His stance is hostile and menacing and I hesitantly approach, eyeing the guards from the corner of my eye to make sure they're keeping the dragon's attention. I watch the dragon slam down its tail behind us in an attempt to dissuade the surrounding guards. Malukh doesn't care. He storms up to me before I can get a word out.
"Didn't I tell you to hide? You never listen, you foolish woman!" He comes right up to me as he yells this, towering over me frighteningly. I wince, my heart hammering in my chest. It thuds loudly in my ears. "Get out of here, now!"
"No! You're the one who needs to leave!" I shoot back defiantly, even though my voice is pitifully weak. "Leave before the guards recognize you! You've done enough!-"
He growls, an animalistic sound that tears from his throat as he gets right in my face. For a second, I think he's going to grab me by the armor and lift me into the air. But he doesn't. And despite how threatening his aura is, I'm not afraid of him.
"I'll decide what I do and when I do it!" he roars, spittle flying from his mouth. "I'm done running! From my past and from these guards! Malacath has turned from me for such cowardly displays. It's time I remedy that, here and now."
My eyes water from the intensity of this conversation. So, he means to turn himself in? Why the change of heart so suddenly? Not thirty minutes ago was he content to run away again.
"I don't get this at all! Why?! Why did you come back!?" I cry, throwing my hands up in frustration and confusion. "You were ready to leave!"
His face softens, almost imperceptibly, his snarl lessening but expression still displeased. His voice lowers and I have to strain to hear him. "...That is the question, is it not?"
The dragon roars again, but as we turn to look, I realize it's going to be the last. The guards have swarmed the beast. It's on its last limb. Malukh turns to me and holds his hands out. I look at him in confusion, still flustered from our shouting match. My cheeks burn hotly from the heat and my fresh rage.
"Give it here, girl." he demands, referencing my bow and arrows.
I hesitate, then decide he's a far better shot than I am and do so. I unsling it from my back as well as the quiver and hand them both over to Malukh, who hastily snatches them from me. I watch him, with perfect stance, nock and aim an arrow. He shuts an eye and lines up the shot in complete silence, taking in a deep breath. The dragons moving erratically in its final moments, there's no way he's going to hit-
He looses the arrow and his breath at once, and it sails through the air with powerful speed. Past all the guards dancing in the way, the moving obstacles threatening to give him even more of a bounty if he hits them by accident. It pierces one of the dragons slitted eyes with pinpoint accuracy, the precision of a skilled hunter. In an instant, the dragon crumples to the ground, its life quickly extinguished.
I gape at such a raw display of skill. Eyes turn to look at the one who shot the arrow, towards Malukh and I. Cheers erupt from the guards as joy from this hard-battled victory sinks in. But Malukh's form slumps, letting the bow and quiver drop to the ground. Not the visage of a man who just fought a dragon and lived to tell the tale but a man who's about to lose it all. Any joy I feel from my participation in this battle is sapped by my companion's distress. My eyes wetten once again.
How.. how can I feel so sad for this man I hardly know? Is it just because we've been together since the beginning? Because he ran into a fight with a dragon and saved me?
The defeat is written all over his body language, his face and eyes. My hand raises to touch his bicep, but I stop myself short. Isn't it my fault in the first place? Sure, his bounty is his own but.. He raced in because of my stupidity. I hadn't intended for it to go this way, not at all, I merely meant to hide behind the stables. The flames prevented that route, unfortunately. His arms are burnt in places as well as the brown leather of his imperial armor.
"Malukh.." I murmur sadly, my hand held aloft uncertainly. "I…"
There's nothing I can say.
He grimaces at the sound of my voice. A handful of guards veer off from the group to run up to us, blissfully unaware of who my companion is by the look on their faces. They huddle around us and corral us towards the dead beast, singing Malukh's praise. I flinch and smile uncomfortably at all the attention directed my way.
I remember what's supposed to happen as we approach the dragon. At least now that he's here, we can see who is Dragonborn, once and for all. I suck in a breath. Surely this is close enough for the soul absorption to begin. Being this close to it, I am compelled to touch it. I stroke a hand along one of it's horns and marvel at the feeling. A real dragon. I loved dragons, before they were real and trying to fucking murder me. Still kinda do.
I wait as the guards chatter to each other about the battle. I wait some more. I furrow my brow. Why.. Why isn't anything happening? It has to be one of us, right? It has to be! My eyes widen in confusion, my mind starting to race with disbelief.
It.. It can't be. Neither of us? But, we were both on the wagon to Helgen. Malukh isn't originally in the opening either, so I figured… All of this.. For nothing? Then, why am I even here? What is my purpose?
You mean to tell me that even with being placed in this fictional world where I'm meant to be the main character, I'm not? The thought makes a bitter laugh bubble in my throat. Hah. Hahaha! Fucking unreal! Are the Daedra just fucking with me or something? The Aedra? Maybe it's just one big prank by Sanguine himself.
Malukh, standing silently beside me, must notice my growing insanity because he speaks solemnly. "Did you find out what you wanted to know?"
I shake, stepping back from the fresh carcass. My voice is little more than a whisper as I reply. "...Yes."
I'm in shock. I didn't expect this outcome. This entire time, I was utterly convinced it had to be one of us. Hell, I was hoping it was Malukh over me for some time. But being hit with the knowledge that you aren't the super awesome saver of the world.. Kind of sucks. I wouldn't have wanted it, no. But, is the reason I'm not the Dragonborn because I'm too useless? That thought stabs deeply into my core. Just as useless as I've always been, incapable of anything great.
"Wait…" comes a voice I don't recognize to my left, sounding heavily suspicious. We both turn to look, hearing this. "I.. I know you."
It's the Captain of the Guard. I can tell only by his far more regal looking armor. My heart sinks into my gut and stays there. He's looking right at Malukh, who's returning his stare with no emotion. He says nothing in response, simply allowing the man to take in his face.
"It's you!" he shouts in realization, then looks to his men. "Seize him this instant!"
I back away in horror. My fears are coming to fruition, right in front of me. The guards, confused but not about to disobey an order from their Captain, cautiously move to grab Malukh by both arms. He doesn't resist. The Guard walks right up to his face, twisting into a snarl.
"I could never forget that ugly mug if I tried…" he says contemptuously. It almost looks like he might spit on him.
At that, Malukh scowls. As do I. He's not even ugly… fuckin' assholes.
"By order of the Jarl, you're under arrest for the murders of Vivilde Acqis and Adrintius Horecus, as well as several of my best men. What say you in your defense, filth?"
Murder. I mean, I knew it had to be something bad. But honestly… in Skyrim, that seems like more of a common occurrence than anything. I refuse to judge until I know the full story. Malukh says nothing, just stares with a hardened gaze at the man. The Captain scoffs disdainfully.
"Pah. Figures you'd feel no remorse for what you did. A few years in the Dragonsreach dungeon will square you out. Take him away!" he orders with a flourish of his hand.
Seeing them begin to drag Malukh away, I panic. I whirl to face them.
"Wait! This man saved my life! If not for him, I'd be roasted meat right now. Doesn't that count for something?" I shout, causing all eyes to go to me. The guards detaining Malukh pause briefly.
The Captain's expression softens upon seeing me. "I'm afraid not, miss. This man is a convicted criminal wanted for murder. Wouldn't you feel better if he were locked away knowing that?"
My mouth opens and closes, at a loss for words. I glance to Malukh and find his eyes are on me already. He towers over the small guards almost comically. I see him shut those green eyes and shake his head as if to tell me to give it up. It's really disheartening, but I press on. You may have given up, but I won't give up on you. It's my turn to help you.
"I mean, I just think that.. That he should at least be rewarded for saving a life! And.. he also prevented further damage to Whiterun with his intervention!"
The man sighs and crosses his arms. "At the very least, he could get a reduced sentence. That is, if you're willing to testify before the Jarl, if you're so inclined. Don't know why you'd go to such lengths for this.. Beast, though." he sneers.
"Yes." I say resolutely, ignoring his insults towards my friend, my eyes burning right into Malukh. "Take me to the Jarl. I would like to testify for this man."
The man looks at me somewhat appraisingly, as if taking stock of my character. He shakes his head. "You're far too kind, my Lady. Take him to the dungeons while I escort her to Dragonsreach."
My heart hurts as I watch them yank Malukh backwards and turn him around to lead him up the path into Whiterun. His head looks over his shoulder for the briefest moment and our eyes meet. Then, he looks away. I wonder if this.. Is this the last time I'll see him? Well, out of chains anyway. God, I better get ready to do some serious negotiating.
"The rest of you, put out these fires and begin the process of burial for the dead! Pronto! I must report to the Jarl at once." He commands the rest of the squadron, who shout their understanding. He looks to me and I wilt under his gaze. "Come along, I will show you the way."
The walk is awkward and I have to step over a handful of bodies before we're crossing under the archway into town. I'm just glad to be out of the smoke where I can breathe again. And thankfully, the man says nothing more to me on the way. Frankly, I have nothing to say to him besides a big, fat fuck you. Ugh, well, I can't really be mad at him since technically Malukh is a murderer and murder is wrong and he's just doing his job.. But ugh! Him shit talking my friend really rubs me the wrong way, damn it! I have to refrain from sending daggers towards him with my eyes the entire way there.
As we climb the steps up into Dragonsreach, the guard looks to me again. "Now, it's a bit late for a meeting with the Jarl… there's a good chance he'll only want to hear of the dragon's demise and nothing more for the evening."
I say nothing, just nod my head. He pulls open the massive doors for me and leads the way into the great hall. Funny. I just left here like an hour ago and I'm back again like an annoying little pest. But now that I've met with him once, I think I can handle it. We walk in and find the Jarl pacing in front of his throne, Irileth at his side.
"My Jarl, please have a seat. News is likely on the way-" she says soothingly.
He throws his hands up in frustration. "You expect me to just sit on my ass when a dragon is- Ah, Commander Caius!" his eyes dart our way, and linger on me as he stops pacing. "And.. you?"
"My Lord, the dragon has been slain. With the help of this one and another but .. He's been detained in the Dragonsreach jail. The Orc who slew those two nobles from a month prior, if you recall."
The Jarl frowns. "I.. see. It is a bit strange that he would come this close to my city with a bounty like that on him. But, the dragon? It is dead, truly?"
My eyes pop open as I realize something at his words. Without a Dragonborn to absorb its soul… that thing will get right back up given enough time. What do I say though? I can't tell them anything without looking like I know too much about something I shouldn't have any knowledge on at all. To the people of Skyrim, dragons haven't been around in ages. I frown and hold my tongue.
"Yes, as dead as dead can be. Hopefully permanently." he nods. "Although, I come here for another purpose as well."
"Go on." the Jarl replies, crossing his thick arms over his chest. His critical eye is on me and I feel my heartrate pick up at the attention.
"This one would like to testify for the Orc in our dungeons." Commander Caius gestures to me simply.
"Is that so?" Balgruuf raises a brow. "And.. I hear you assisted in slaying the dragon? Well, it looks like Whiterun is once again in your debt, adventurer. Hah, at this rate I should make you the Thane of my Hold. But no matter. What's this about testifying for that fugitive?"
I fidget with my hands nervously. "I just wanted to tell you of his bravery. If not for him, I'd be dead right now. As I was leaving to retrieve your dragonstone, the dragon swooped down from the skies. During the fight, there was a moment where I was almost roasted alive but.. M-" I clear my throat, my voice shaking. "-the Orc, saved me. And I truly believe he prevented much more destruction from befalling your city by getting involved. If possible, I'd like to put money towards his release if I can. I.. I owe him.. My life, my Jarl."
The Jarl stares at me with soul-searching eyes. I force myself to stand taller, to look even a little more confident than I feel right now, which is not very. I do owe him my life, like three times over at this point. I don't know what I'll do if he doesn't release him. I'm desperate.
"I see. You know, lass, he's got quite the impressive bounty on his head. Are you aware of what he's in for?"
"Y-Yes, my Jarl. Now, anyway.." I agree quietly.
"And still you would wish for his release?" he questions.
"Yes, my Jarl…"
"Are you acquaintances of some sort? You are going to such extreme lengths for a complete stranger." his eyes are suspicious, I can tell.
Agh, shit. He's onto me. Now what? Do I reveal my cards? Well, lying never gets you anywhere and I suppose Nords value honor over anything. I'll have to take my chances. I'm a shitty liar and he'd see right through me. I lower my head in a submissive gesture.
"We are. I .. met him not that long ago, but I hired him in Riverwood to escort me to the outskirts of Whiterun so I could relay the news of the dragons to you. I had no idea of his status as a criminal, though he did seem pretty insistent on not entering the city. Still, he was incredibly kind and did nothing to make me think he was a bad person the entire way."
"Hmph. That being so, this crime was relatively recent. Only a month prior. I'm not inclined to believe he's had such a change of heart so quickly. Still, you seem quite earnest and like I said, there's that fire in your eyes. I could propose a deal of sorts to you."
A deal? My eyes light up, but I keep my mouth shut. I don't want to ruin whatever offer he throws my way. When I say nothing, the Jarl continues.
"I'm.. inclined to reward you for fighting the dragon when no one else was available. You're likely the first person to best a dragon in combat in ages and well, that's quite a feat in itself. Your courage is admirable. I'd say it's worth enough to pay off that criminal's bounty. But.. I couldn't do so without a guilty conscience. So, in exchange, the Orc is your charge. You are responsible for him, watching over him and making sure he's a changed man. Anything he does while under your watch is also applicable to you. And together you must retrieve the dragonstone for me. I expect you to return in a week's time, no more, no less. If you do not return by then, neither of you will be welcome in my Hold again, understand? If you, and him, accept these terms, then I will release him into your custody. That is my only offer."
I can't help the way I gape as I take in what has to be the best possible offer I could receive. Malukh, forced to be my bodyguard of sorts? And he's free from his bounty? Two birds, one stone! And once we retrieve that dragonstone, I'll essentially be free to.. to... well, to what? Now that I know I'm not the Dragonborn.. What do I do? Try to find a way home? Make this my home? Ugh, I'll figure that out later. I clear my throat.
"I.. I, that's.. That's more than generous, m-my Jarl! Thank you so, so much! I accept!" I stammer, struggling to form words appropriate for someone of his status.
"Tch. I'll leave it to you to fetch the prisoners acceptance.. Tomorrow. I've had enough for one day. Return to me in the morrow with his decision and you will set off for the Dragonstone. With or without him." he gives me a look that tells me I can't refuse.
"Of course, your highness." I give a pretty shitty curtsy and bow my head. "Thank you."
"Now, get a bath. I could smell you folks before I saw you." he wrinkles his nose in disgust, waving a hand dismissively. "Come, Irileth."
"Right away, my Jarl." she says as they make for the bedrooms.
"I will escort you to the Bannered Mare if you wish, my lady." Commander Caius offers from my side.
I hold back my sneer that so badly wants to show itself and settle for a grimace. "No, thank you. Have a good night." I say curtly and turn on my heel.
As I make for the exit, I want to cheer and dance and scream my joy to the heavens. Yes, yes, yes! I've all but secured a guard for myself, and it's the one I want! I can't believe it worked out so well. Maybe the Aedra are on my side? Sure, this was quite possibly the shittiest day I've had thus far but by god, what a positive ending! Now all that's left is for Malukh to agree. And he better, or I'll drag him by his pointy little ear before the Jarl and make him beg.
Still, as I head to the Bannered Mare to rest for the night, I think of him. The image of Malukh, stripped of his belongings and shivering cold on the jail cell floor makes me frown deeply. He probably thinks he's going to be in there for a long, long time. I wish I could tell him right now that it's only until tomorrow. I also hate that we ended on such a bad note. I mean, yeah, I'm still kinda mad at him for a multitude of reasons, but.. He's my only friend. I've stooped pretty low to become friends with a known murderer…
But hey, that's probably the best friend you could ask for in a world like this! Right? Right..?
Upon entering the Bannered Mare, it's quite empty despite being pretty early into the evening. Everyone's likely hiding at home after news of a dragon reached the city. Hilda's behind the counter and she gasps upon seeing me.
"Oh, my word! Are you alright, lass? Can.. Can I get you anything?" she asks, much like a mother hen.
I smile tiredly, sheepishly. "Oh.. uh, maybe some water? And a room, if you don't mind.."
"Right away! Saadia, we have a customer! Oh, you poor thing. You look like you've been through Oblivion itself."
"Pretty close to it. I could use something to eat, too. Whatever you have."
After that, I eat a real meal for the first time in days. Still, my mind keeps drifting back to Malukh over and over. I bet he hasn't eaten… Is he thirsty? Realizing my train of thought, I shake my head. What's wrong with me? Aren't I mad at him? Why can't I get him off my mind? Hilda directs me towards the baths after my meal, which I eagerly head to. I feel bad making them suffer my stench for that long.
The bath is refreshing, despite the pain that comes with the hot water mingling with my small wounds. I've got new scrapes, burns and bruises, and my shoulder still hurts from the collision with Malukh. Having a two-hundred something pound man football tackle you to the ground is probably the worst thing you can have happen for a recovering shoulder. Not only that, he tackled me from that side! All in all though, I can't believe I survived a dragon with no serious injuries. Though, that's also thanks to Malukh…
I get out and dress in simple clothes, preparing for bed. My room is the loft one, above the main floor of the inn. I climb up the steps and enter my room with a weary sigh as I set down my only belongings on the floor beside the door, locking it behind me. I guess .. this is my first night without Malukh by my side. It's kind of scary actually. This time, I'm safe in an inn in a populated city, sure, but.. He's always been there. It feels a bit hollow without him there to guard me.
Climbing into bed, I snuggle into the sheets and moan. Nothing like a bed compared to rocks and twigs. I roll over to rest on my side and lay my hand over the empty space leftover. It's quite a big bed. Enough for two… Ugh! Cut it out already, brain! I groan and throw a pillow over my head.
"Are you acquaintances of some sort? You are going to such extreme lengths for a complete stranger."
Jarl Balgruuf's words ring in my head.
Acquaintances, huh? Now that I think about it, no one's ever gone to such lengths for me before. Can you say that someone's braved a dragon for you before? I clutch tightly to the sheets, and for some reason tears well in my eyes. Ah.. I miss him.
God, I really, really hope he had good reason to kill those people or I'm going to hate myself for liking him so much. Is.. that what it is? Do I like him? No.. no way. Haha. I mean, I know I'm prone to infatuation easily and he's honestly totally my type.. But there's.. No way.. Is there? Oh, my god. No. No, seriously. I need to stop. I can't think about him like this. He'd hate me forever. And frankly, I can't think about him like that without knowing the truth. His side of the story and all that.
I force myself to close my eyes instead of staring at the ceiling. I have to calm my racing mind or I'll never fall asleep. I fall asleep thinking of thick, black warpaint and bright green eyes, like glistening peridots.
Okay, I'm on a roll, y'all. All thanks to my friend for counseling me through this chapter.