It had taken six hours for Mikael to explain his journey to Amber from the moment he awoke in that cart alongside Ralof bound for Helgen Escaping the headsmen axe because of the catastrophe caused by Alduin the world eater. while the village itself was left in ruin. He told her of the battles he had been in the places he had seen: Sovngarde, Apocrypha and Soul Cairn.
The Fall maiden sat in silence listening to every word as he told her his tale all leading up to his arrival on Remnant. Unable to turn her attention away from the Dragonborn as he went into greater detail about his struggles, what he had to do to ensure the survival of his very world.
Her former doubts had been shattered when he showed her Mehrunes Razor one of the many Daedric artefacts he had collected over the years and one of the very few he currently had on him. The very sight of the blade disturbed Amber, it had an aura of its own despite the fact it was an object, a dark one, but it didn't seem to effect Mikael in the slightest.
Never in her life would she believe such objects, such places could exist this Sovngarde sounded like paradise a place where a warrior would spend their afterlife in celebration, after earning their place through acts of valour and heroism.
Then there was the Soul cairn a place where lost souls would wander aimlessly forever trapped in what only could be described as Hell tormented by these creatures called the Ideal Masters. It actually scared her to think there were creatures that existed which made the Grimm seem almost tame.
When he finished Amber had asked him a few questions that were on her mind about the Blades and the Graybeard's including who and what they were, he answered as much as he could although he had cut most of his ties with the blades after they threatened his mentor Paarthurnax.
In exchange for his honesty, Amber told him about Remnant, it's history, the discovery of dust, the Faunus, The creatures of Grimm, Aura and the jobs of the huntsmen and huntresses. Mikael sat there listening to every word, it was a lot for her to take in all at once, to say the least.
At least now he knew more about where he was and had a decent lay of the land."So what happens now?" Mikael asked
Amber turned towards the mouth of the cave it was nightfall navigating Grimm territory now would be a death wish "At first light, I'm going to make my way towards Vale there's someone there who needs to know what happened" She said
"Understandable but your in no condition to be making that trek alone," Mikael said
"No you've already done so much for me" She said Amber catching on to what he was implying
"Maybe so but I doubt your attackers were acting alone odds are they may have friends ready in case they failed" Mikael said He didn't know why but something was telling him that Amber was important in some way. Important enough for someone to go out of there way to attack her and he would not let that happen
Amber was silent for a few moments he was right, in the event they failed to finish her on the roadside there could be others ready to do just that and in her weakened state she would be a rather easy target, there was strength in numbers that she couldn't deny.
"I suppose your right" she said looking over to Mikael extending her hand "Partners"
"Partners" Mikael responded by shaking the young woman's hand
Although she would be lying if she said she didn't want to get to know her companion more. there was something about him that intrigued her
It was late in the night when Amber finally drifted off into a Peaceful sleep, Mikael sat by the entrance of the cave keeping watch the entrance may have been hidden but he wasn't taking any chances.
The fire in the centre of the cave had long since gone out although some warm was still given off by the glowing embers. The storm had long since passed some time ago he could just make out the light of dawn peeking over the treeline.
Given that most of Amber's belongings and supplies had been lost when her horse fled from the battle, they would need supplies especially medical wise given that what little aura Amber had regained went into her healing and had yet to be fully replenished
Mikael knelt down next to Amber's peaceful form checking her condition before stepping out of the cave and into the sunlight the morning breeze blew his cloak it gently flapping behind him to think such a beautiful place was under the threat of such abominations like the Grimm.
His thoughts drifted back to Nirn, his childhood growing up on that farm outside Cyrodiil with his father he never knew his mother she had disappeared when he was young, his father rarely spoke of her, although when he did, he described her as a rather calm woman, not one quick to anger but a force to be reckoned with when it came to it and a rather powerful Mage gifted in the art of conjuration.
The snap of a twig grabbed his attention his hand gripping the hilt of his ebony sword, his body tensed ready for whatever came from the forest, a shadow moved among the brush Mikaels eyes narrowed as the blade was drawn
/
Amber let out a yawn as she awoke, stretching her arms and back hearing the satisfying pop of joints as she sat up. Her aura had come back more in her sleep, her injuries didn't hurt that much anymore meaning she was on her way to healing.
Looking around the cave, she frowned slightly when she found that she was alone. The embers of the fire had grown cold long ago the morning sun shining through the entrance the only source of light.
The fall maiden stood up slowly, her shoulder and midsection still rather tender while she picked up her staff making her way towards the entrance shielding her eyes from the morning sun as she started looking for Mikael
Coming to a stop when she found the Nightingale standing a few ways away, running a hand gently across her horse's nose gently petting her
"Morning" he greeted turning back to face her "I was about to wake you when she came along you've got a rather loyal mount here."
Overcoming her shock Amber approached. The horse turning towards her giving a snort of happiness, nuzzling the Maidens outstretched hand "I'm glad to see you too" Amber said resting her forehead against her stead's.
Mikael stepped away giving them a moment seeing how the horse was very much important to her. "What's her name?" Mikael asked she leaned back from the contact
"Tundra my farther found here when he was travelling up north and brought her home. we've been inseparable ever since" Amber replied looking Tundra over for anything out of the ordinary. thankfully she was in good health, Amber slipped one of her feet into the saddle and attempted to mount
A pain gasp escaped her through as she grabbed her side the pain in her ribs flaring a subtle hiss escaping her as she ripped her side, Amber suddenly 'eeped' when Mikael picked her up bridal style and placing onto the saddle
Settling in she looked down at Mikael who placed a hand on Tundra holding her steady "can you still ride?" he asked
Amber nodded "Yes, but going any faster then a trot may agitate my injuries" She said.
"You said the nearest town was a few hours down the main path" he received a nod for confirmation "We'll take it slow. No need to push yourself" he said pulling up his hood and cowl everything now ready the duo set off into the forest Mikael walking alongside Amber and her horse as they found the main road and headed in the direction of the nearest village.
From the shadows cast from the trees above a dark mass of tendrils came into existence from the void a large golden eye appeared watching the two as the continued down the dirt road
"So it begins"
'To be continued'