Chapter 11: The Long Haul

The swing of an axe, and his splintered hands were among the lesser signs of just how hard Ralof had been working that day. The large bounty of chopped firewood, and a cart newly filled with logs; ready to be delivered to their destination was proof anyone in the village could see. He had just split another log when he felt a hand upon his shoulder and heard someone call his name.

"Ralof," It was Gerdur. She approached with a smile, and held out a tankard to him which he gratefully accepted.

He quickly downed the cool liquid; graciously letting the water run down his throat. As he handed back the empty mug he wiped his mouth with the sleeve of his shirt. "Thanks," he said, eager to get back to work.

She shook her head, the smile not leaving her face. "It's us who should be thanking you. I've nearly forgotten what it's like to be ahead on our orders for once."

He set down the small log, and turned to face her. "You don't have good workers?" He asked with a hint of concern.

"Most left to join the war."

Ralof's jaw tightened. He wanted to say something, but felt that he didn't have the right. As someone who not only supported the war, but actively participated in it; he knew it would be hypocritical of him to say that they should have stayed. A weak "I'm sorry to hear that," was all he could muster.

"Don't be. It was their choice to make." She looked out over the distance where the river ran, her eyes glazed over. "I understand that they all had strong convictions." She turned back to her brother with a wistful smile. "They're like you in that."

At that moment Ralof seemed to understand just how little he had understood. He came to realize a small extent of the war. Skyrim was a cold, harsh land in peaceful times, with a war raging things were bound to get worse. Even still he believed in what he was doing, and was certain nothing would change that. He realized that it must also be the same for everyone else regardless of which side they were on. He might not agree with them, but deep down he respected them. He recalled two childhood friends. One who he had followed until his death, and the other who had chosen a separate path in which they'd be enemies. He respected them both, and hoped that deep down they respected him too, but in the end he had lost them both. He wondered then if his sister also saw any of her past workers in the same way.

"What is it?" Asked Gerdur. "Don't make that face."

"What face?"

"You know you don't have to worry about me," she said indignantly. "We're fine." She rolled her eyes. "Sven might be lazy, but he's strong enough to work the mill, and Faendal is a good worker."

"I'm glad."

Gerdur just looked at him a moment before slapping him on the shoulder. "Just get back to work before I beat you with a broomstick. I still can you know."

That got a chuckle out of him. "Aye."

As he grabbed his axe he strived to get these sentimental thoughts out of his head. He swung his axe with a whistle; chopping wood to the tune of Ragnar the Red.

It wasn't long before the conversation was long behind him, and he found himself once again lost in his work. His heart was light without heavy thoughts weighing him down. He was a simple man who loved simple things, and was happiest with simple thoughts. As he worked he kept up with a tune. What started as Ragnar the Red slowly devolved into a random string of whistles and hums in beat to the sound of his own drum. He felt light, and free, and without a care in the world; unfortunately that was about to change.

It started with a sound. Soft at first. It could barely be heard over the river's rushing water, and his own tune. The quiet patter of a pair of swift moving feet were fast approaching. Left with a bad premonition, his tune ceased. It grew louder, and faster; he could tell they were getting closer. Images of Imperials and Thalmor flashed in his mind. He felt sweat prick at his skin; whether it was from his work or apprehension at what was to come he didn't know. The feet were thundering now, his hand clenched tightly around the woodcutting axe and whirled around to face the incoming danger.

"Sir.Ralof!" Silva's voice came a bit too late for his liking, but upon realizing that it was no enemy he immediately felt himself relax. His two foreign friends skidded to a halt. The Arisen bent over trying to catch her breath as her pawn let a reassuring hand rest on her shoulder.

Ralof couldn't stop the sigh that encompassed both his relief and exasperation from leaving his lips even if he wanted to. "By Talos! What's gotten into you two? If you're gonna rush at me like that at least send a proper warning!"

"Forgive us the intrusion, Sir.Ralof." Arliss bowed.

"There's no need for that." Ralof shook his head. "Just tell me what on Nirn has got you two running like a troll is hot on your heels."

Silva having finally caught her breath fixed Ralof with an austere nod, and opened her mouth to speak when she was interrupted by Arliss' curiosity.

"What's a troll?"

"Nevermind that, you don't want to know," Said Ralof unnaturally quickly. "Just hope you never have the misfortune of running into one," he said with a shiver. Unfortunately that answer made Arliss, and the Arisen more curious. "They're terrifying beasts of the wilds," Ralof finally relented. "I'll tell you about them later, but it looks to me like you've already found more pressing matters. Am I right?"

"Yes, that is correct." The Arisen began with a nod. "We have aught of import to speak on." At the first word her eyes met with Arliss' own; Arisen and Pawn shared a look.

Ralof was not the most observant man, but he had not missed the two's exchange. Their eyes were steely as they locked onto each other. Silva's hazel eyes were sharp, determined, and held the same weight of authority that he'd seen in Ulfiric's own eyes; Arliss' bright blue green ones were resolute with confidence and fidelity. He recalled the cart ride to Helgen, and their own introductions. He decided not to think about it too much, but he was curious about them; Nevertheless he decided to focus on what they had to say.

They began with Arliss' account of the blood he'd seen by the door of Alvor's home. Silva followed with her thoughts on Kriger's words from that morning, and ended it with her theory. "Mayhaps they've gone on ahead, or there may yet still be more who remain," she said. "What say you Sir.Ralof?"

Ralof leaned back against the fence as he listened. His deep blue eyes gazing up at the wispy, lazy clouds floating by. His mind beholden to thoughts the others weren't privy to. He had neither moved or said a word all this time, and the question that had passed her lips did nothing to rouse a reaction from him. She was surprised to see him so forlorn. If anything she had expected him to be roused by the news for good or ill.

"Sir.Ralof? Have you heard naught at all what I've said thus?"

He sighed, his breath could be seen in the cold air. "No, I was listening." His eyes strayed not as he spoke.

Silva eyed him closely. She knew not his thoughts, but recognized the wistful look in his eyes. She was certain it was the self-same one that her own oft held. "Then pray, tell us what ails you." At this Ralof's eyes lowered from the sky, and he turned to meet her gaze; he saw in it concern. "Prithee, share what plagues your mind," she said.

His eyes moved away to the river, a plaintive smile on his face. "I just thought I might know who it was."

It was then that she remembered the nature of the war that afflicted the land. Twas a civil war betwixt kith and kin. Memories of the mutiny that came after the cult of salvation had sown the seeds of discord came to mind, and the betrayal that followed. She could understand well this world's plight, and the weight on her nordic friend's shoulders. She shook her head, this was neither the time for it nor a memory she cared to remember. She had to focus on current matters; and that meant Alvor.

Looking back on it the blacksmith certainly seemed suspicious of them. "I now understand Sir.Kriger's caution," she muttered somewhat abashedly. The disappointed look he gave her, and how he helped them make their escape now made sense. She hadn't known the gruff nord long, but she got the impression that he was observant. 'Surely he must have noticed,' she thought, then worry came. 'He's still with him.' She let out a sigh. "I do hope that he's alright."

As if on cue a familiar voice asked, "You talking about me?"

"Ah, Sir.Kriger!" Silva whirled around.

Ralof greeted his fellow nord with a cheeky grin. "Nice of you to stop by. I was wondering if you'd get tired of being around that Imperialist any time soon."

"Very funny," said Kriger sarcastically. "I thought you were relying on things to go well on my end."

While the two bantered Arliss watched Kriger with great interest, although it was mostly a strange phenomena that intrigued him. 'Speak of them, and they shall appear," Arliss thought. "Seems there may be some truth to the human saying after-all." He unintentionally mumbled under his breath, and as luck would have it Kriger heard him.

"What did you say?" Kriger's eyes momentarily widened, his brows knit unevenly giving off his bewilderment.

Arliss stepped back. "I said naught." He managed to keep his voice level and monotonous, but was oddly having some difficulty keeping his face straight. As a pawn he should have had no trouble reflecting complete emptiness on his face, but he couldn't keep his brows from furrowing together, his eyes from narrowing, or his lips from tightening. His unease, and apprehension were not well hidden.

"That's not what I heard." Kriger growled.

Silva bit her bottom lip as her hands rested on the daggers at her sides. Silently she widened her stance, her legs positioned just so they were close to battle ready. She felt prepared to unleash her shearing wind. If things escalated she was certain she could kill in one swift movement.

Fortunately Ralof was there, and no fight would break out among them as long as he could help it. "So Kriger how's our gear coming along?" He asked.

For a moment he was silent; torn between confrontation and letting it go, eventually the latter won out. He glanced about him and sighed. "I made the tents and packs, but don't have all the necessary material's."

Silva stepped closer, arms folded. "Have we not wrought enough?"

For a moment he was confused by the strange wording, but caught onto her meaning. "I wanted to make a couple sets of iron armor, and some arrows, but I need iron ingots for that. Which are more expensive."

"It's alright." Ralof offered a consoling smile. "I appreciate the thought, but-" he stepped forward to place a hand on his shoulder, but Kriger stepped back and blocked his hand. For a moment Ralof's smile faltered in confusion, but he quickly continued. "I'll be fine with a simple set of hide armor." He grinned. "Besides, light armor is easier to move in."

"Well, I'd like to make a set for myself." He said, before shaking his head. "Anyway, that's why I'm here." The others listened intently. "I heard from Alvor that there's a mine nearby, and he'd be willing to offer some good gold for it's ore. I figure the more of us there are, the more ore we can carry."

Arliss nodded. "That sounds logical."

A wide lopsided grin stretched across Kriger's face. "So, you guys in?"

"If you knew about it why didn't you tell us earlier?" Said Kriger angrily to Ralof as they backtracked along the same cobblestone road they came from. It almost felt as if they were headed back to Helgen, that thought was chilling. "It would have saved us some walking."

"Tis a trite shame, that you would keep it to yourself without sharing it with us." Silva agreed with a sigh, her voice wavered with sadness, but there was a slight lilt to her lips that told that her sorrow was a sham. She knew her acting wouldn't hold a candle next to Madeline's, but she felt like the greedy merchant would be proud all the same. "So cruel, Sir! And after all we've been through! I thought we were friends!" After hearing her own words she wondered if she was perhaps laying it on a bit thick.

"Aw, C'mon! Give me a break!" Ralof cried. "I forgot after all that happened at Helgen."

She couldn't help feeling an ounce of regret, as she dropped the charade. "Tis' but a jape friend, but I dare say you've earned it."

There was but one member among them who didn't seem upset to be traveling back from whence they came. "I've learned of this area," Arliss stated matter of factly. As they came across the frozen, skinned corpses of the wolves they killed the day prior he called out a warning. "Keep your eyes peeled for beasts. Like as not the blood may attract more danger still."

While the others scanned the surrounding brush warily Kriger found himself observing the two strangers yet again. His icy blue eyes remained on the odd mage while his words from earlier replayed in his head. He was certain he had heard him right. He had definitely said 'human' and the way he said it seemed abnormal. His eyes slowly moved from the self proclaimed 'pawn' to the woman who deemed herself as 'Arisen'. After what he's seen Kriger knew for certain that these two were other-worlders not of Nirn, but he hadn't suspected that they might not even be human. As odd as they were, being of such unknown origin, and having such outlandish speech, and mannerisms; they still looked very much human.

He eyed Arliss; fully taking in his appearance. If he hadn't known of their origins he'd have naturally guessed by his height and looks that the short, reddish-brown haired mage was a full blooded breton. His gaze then glided over the foreign woman. At first glance you would assume the same of her. She was a bit shorter than Arliss, and most human women were at least as tall as a breton man if not taller. Height wise someone might assume that she was also a breton, but as he took a closer inspection of her face he thought that some of her features reminded him a bit of an Imperial.

Unfortunately as he studied her she caught sight of him staring and flushed. "Pardon me Sir.Kriger, but do you not know tis impolite to stare?"

Arliss was surprised at this revelation. "It is‽" He exclaimed before leveling a curious stare at Kriger.

"So," Ralof draped an arm over his shoulder, and leaned close; a shit eating grin was on his face. "You have a thing for Silva huh?" He raised his brows a couple times provocatively.

Kriger shoved him away. "It's not like that at all!" He defended as Ralof burst into laughter. "I was just wondering what they are."

Hearing this the two foreigners tensed. "W-What are you talking about?" Silva asked, her voice a tad shaky. Ralof didn't notice it, but Kriger did. He caught the two reaching for their weapons. "We're human like you Sir."

Ralof stopped laughing, and seeing what he was getting at decided to lend his kinsman a hand. "We're all among the race of men. There are different races of humans and elves though. As you may know by now, we're both Nords." He said as he gestured between Kriger and himself. "Nords are the race of men native to Skyrim." He explained. "All across Tamriel, no all across Nirn there are different races of men, and mer, and even beast folk."

Silva felt a hint of relief as she let go of her daggers, but her heart was still beating fast. "Oh? Is that so?"

"Ah, I had forgotten!" Arliss abruptly exclaimed. "I had seen one of these other elf types. He was quite different from the Thalmor we saw afore."

"Ah, you must mean Faendal!" Said Ralof with a smile. "Gerdur tells me he's a good worker."

The conversation devolved into Arliss and Kriger describing the run in with Faendal, followed by the two natives of Tamriel explaining the different races of men and mer to the foreigners. Before they realized it they found themselves once more before the guardian stones. "I think we're close. We have to go up that way, and keep your eyes peeled for a dirt road."

"You think?" Kriger asked sarcastically. "I hope you didn't take us all the way back here for nothing."

"That's all?" Silva asked. "Tis a shame. I was well eager to hear aught of these beast folk next."

Ralof ignored Kriger's pointed comment, and chuckled at Silva's question. "I'm a bit thirsty now. How about continuing our conversation over a drink."

She smiled. "Very well." Just as she was about to go join him in his search she felt the almost physical, familiar sensation of cold needles prickling about her spine. After a few heartbeats she tentatively turned her head, her eyes met with Kriger's. She couldn't tell exactly what thoughts were running in his mind, but she distinctly got the feeling that he had been staring at her. She caught his momentary surprise, but he quickly regained his senses. 'Oh no!' He was approaching. She quickly whirled back around, intending to join the others before giving him a chance to get close. The weight of his gaze remained on her as she picked up pace. A small pang of guilt hit her in the stomach, but she payed it little heed. She knew his curiosity, but wasn't ready to face it. She needed time to think about how to answer his possible questions.

Arliss and Ralof were in their respective corners at the edge of the cobblestone road scanning the nearby foliage for signs of their path. Ralof being a tall nord stretched his neck ever higher trying to use his great height to gain visibility. Arliss had pulled out his staff and was poking into the brush to try to see through it. Silva chose a spot between the two. Like Arliss; she pulled out her weapons to help her poke and prod the nearby bushes, but her mind wasn't on the task at hand. Kriger had taken a spot between Ralof and herself and was a bit too close for her liking; more over he kept stealing glances at her. She feared what he was no doubt planning to ask. She looked to Arliss completely engrossed in his search; he would provide a perfect escape, but before she could call out to him Ralof let out his own cry.

"Ah!"

"What happened?" Asked Arliss. The other's quickly crowded around him eager to learn what roused him.

"Are you alright?" Asked Silva.

"Did you find the Path?" Asked Kriger.

"No, sorry." Ralof said abashedly. "I just remembered where it was."

"Well don't keep us waiting." said Kriger. "Where is it?"

There was a quiet pause as Ralof didn't answer. "Uhhh," he intelligently stated. Beads of sweat formed and ran down his neck. The other's got a feeling then that they weren't going to like the answer. "Actually- I think we passed it." He said apprehensively. "We have to go back down."

All along the trek back there was much groaning, complaining, and gnashing of teeth.

Once they reached the area they quickly began their search. It wasn't long before Arliss called out to the others. "Care to find out where this path leads?" Lo and behold hidden amongst the overgrown thicket a path of dirt and scarcely placed wood diverged from the cobblestone road.

"By Talos you've found it!" Ralof beamed and gave Arliss a hard slap on the back. "Come on, it shouldn't be long now!" He eagerly rushed up the hill, along the path, and amidst the leaves. Kriger let out an exasperated sigh and a breathy, muttered 'Finally' before following him.

Silva placed a hand on Arliss' shoulder, and offered a proud smile. "Good work." She said quietly.

Arliss smiled back at the positive affirmation. "I aim to please, Arisen," was the polite reply he returned with a bow.

Arisen and pawn followed the others before them.

The dense woods that snapped as they stepped on them and brushed them as they passed by almost threatened to ensnare them if they weren't careful. Few words were uttered as they focused on following the dirt path. Once you knew it was there it wasn't too difficult, even if sparsely growing grass attempted to cover it. The largest obstacle was the unkempt plants long overdo for a good trim. Roots nearly tripped them, and branches snagged their clothes and hair. In one such instance Silva had been the unlucky victim of a small tree whose branches snatched her hair in it's grip, painfully stopping her in her tracks.

"Oh, why must 'I' be so lucky?" She sarcastically bemoaned. She had been following behind the two nords who were both much taller than she, and her hair was nowhere near the length of their own. This truly was a testament to her rotten luck.

Ralof laughed. "This must be divine retribution. The gods must've cursed you for giving me a hard time earlier." He looked to Kriger with a grin. "I bet twenty septims that you're next!"

"Oh, enough with the Japes. Just help me out of this." She said exasperatedly. Arliss was already trying to untangle her hair from the branch, but was having little luck.

"I think I just saw a spider crawl on you." Kriger snickered.

Silva went quiet a moment before losing it. The sound she made was a strange cross between a shrill shriek and a shaky squeal.

There were a few loud snaps as she ripped herself free from the trees' snare. Arliss tried to help her remove the remaining twigs and leaves from her hair, but she was moving too frantically for him to be of any real help. After calming down a bit she stood there quaking in her boots, her heart beating rapidly; she could still feel the unpleasant tingling sensation all over. "Is it-? Is it-?" She was so nervous she couldn't even finish.

"Don't worry. You got it." Said, Kriger as he removed his hands from his ears.

"Are you sure?"

"I saw it fall." Kriger lied, he wasn't about to tell her that there never was a spider.

Ralof gave her a cheeky grin. "To think we nearly went deaf because the great Arisen, Silvana, slayer of dangerous beasts, got scared of a little spider." He said with a chuckle.

Silva flushed and sputtered to the amusement of the two Nords, but just as levity was beginning to grow it was cut in it's tracks.

"Look!" Arliss cried out in warning. "Armed rouges!"

Thanks to the warning Kriger had enough time to avoid an incoming arrow; even still it had come dangerously close. He quickly stepped back as it dove into a tree right by his head. His eyes flickered to the pierced tree. If he had been even a moment slower it would have been his head. He grit his teeth and sent a cold glare up at the small group of bandits in an unspoken threat of violence.

"Damn!" Ralof cursed. "Where did they come from?"

"They must have been attracted by the Arisen's cry." Said Arliss to her embarrassment.

She flushed again; mortified. Not only was her shameful display unbecoming, but it had also put them all in danger. Feeling responsible she just knew she had to make recompense to her companions for the trouble she's wrought. 'I'll begin by getting rid of you lot!' She aimed purposefully and fired a powerful shot at the same bandit who had fired an arrow at Kriger just moments prior. It pierced his shoulder, and pinned him to a tree.

"Urgh, what the?" The bandit painfully let out as he tried with no luck to free himself.

As the bandit's companions rushed at them; Silva quickly pulled out three more arrows; firing them all at once in a triad shot. They spread out towards the fast approaching enemies, but none of the arrows hit their mark. One was only grazed, one blocked with his shield, and the final dodged before it could hit him. The three continued unimpeded, and Ralof and Kriger hurried to greet them in battle. Arliss gave Silva an ice enchantment then moved to enchant their comrades weapons.

Silva clicked her tongue in annoyance. 'Damn!' She thought; lowering her bow. 'My scatter shots are really out of practice.'

"GHRAAAHAHAH!"

An inhumanly deep voice caused her to look up at the bandit coming her way, and as his features became more apparent she couldn't help being momentarily stunned. He was a large, muscular fighter wielding a shield and a mace, but he was unlike any she had ere seen afore. His skin was an odd shade of green, his ears were uniquely shaped, and his teeth...or rather tusks were jutting unnaturally out of his mouth. She knew from her nordic friends what this creature was.

"An Orc?" She muttered to herself in surprise.

The orc swung his mace at her, but she leapt back, aimed an arrow, and let it fly. He moved a bit at the last moment so that it only grazed his shoulder, and Silva could only click her tongue in frustration. Without wasting a second he rushed froward and swung the mace down towards her, hard.

In one swift motion Silva swapped her bow, for her blades, and rolled aside. She just barely managed to avoid his blow, but she wasn't about to stop now. With her blades extended she dashed past him at surprising speed, leaving a nasty, yet not at all fatal gash in his side. 'Hm?' Her eyes narrowed and her brows knit together. 'That aught have been a mortal wound.'

"Urgh!" The orc grit his teeth in pain and anger. "You got lucky!" He glowered angrily. "Don't expect it to happen again." His snarl twisted into a malicious snicker, and silva could swear that as his face darkened she could almost see a red aura surround him.

Breaking herself from her stupor she readied her blades. "We shall see." She dashed forward again, but this time he moved his shield to block her attack. There was a loud clang as her dagger hit the thick green shield and she passed him by. 'No matter.' She thought unperturbed. In the blink of an eye she turned and dashed the other way, this time cutting into his back. 'I can do this many times in succession.' She turned and dashed and turned and dashed swifter than he could follow, cutting into him multiple times. It wasn't long before she had run out of stamina and turned to him to see that despite all the cuts she had given him, not a single one was barely passed surface level. "H-How?!" She gasped for breath tiredly. "My attacks were ineffective?" She couldn't believe it. 'Are orcs truly so resilient?' She wondered before noting the thin red aura that was barely noticeable over his green tinted skin, and her eyes widened in realization. "That is Berserker Rage?"

The angered orc swung his mace up at her. In her stamina exhausted state she couldn't avoid the blow, and was knocked back hard. She crashed painfully against a tree, the wind knocked out of her. The orc laughed. "That's right!" He stepped on her painfully. "Aww, does that hurt?" He jeered. "I'm gonna bleed you like a-" Before he could finish he was blown away by a fiery explosion that could only be Arliss' high ingle.

Arliss angrily stepped between the two. "None may touch the Arisen!" He yelled. Withdrawing his staff he raised his arms to the still downed orc as lightning began to shoot from his hands. The orc cried out in pain.

Silva got up, still winded, and stumbled closer. It was hard to tell between the bright blue lightning and against the orc's green skin, but she was certain she could still make out the faint red glow of the orc's berserker rage. 'So while an orc's berserker rage can strengthen their attack power, and defense for a time it doesn't seem to offer magic resistance.' She noted.

It wasn't long before Arliss' sparks began to dissipate in his hands. He no longer had the energy required to keep the spell going and a weakened and very angry orc got up to face him. Arliss pulled out his staff and began trying to start an incantation.

'Oh no!' Thought Silva worriedly. She knew that he needed time to make an attack; time that the orc wouldn't give him. Swiftly she rushed to get into a better position to help him.

The orc let out something that sounded like a growl or a roar and swung crazily at Arliss with his mace. Arliss stopped his casting and did his best to dodge the attacks, jumping back and sideways just out of arms length. Arliss stumbled and the orc raised his mace to attack, but before he could he felt arrows painfully pierce his flesh. Arliss used the momentary distraction to get away.

The Arisen's sharp gaze hardened. "Don't you dare." She said through grit teeth while readying more arrows. "Don't you dare touch my pawn!" She yelled as she let them fly. Without waiting for him to recover she grabbed more arrows and knocked them into her bow. Again and again, volley after volley she shot a multitude of arrows into his back. Eventually she ran out of stamina again and keeled over, panting from exhaustion. Below her the orc lay dead, his back filled with arrows. She felt a hand on her shoulder and heard his voice.

"Please don't overdo it." She looked up to see Arliss smiling at her. "We have triumphed." He said with some pride.

"What happened to the other-" She looked over to see that their nordic comrades have already dispatched the other bandits and were watching her with a shocked face in Ralof's case, and a raised brow in Kriger's. She flushed red, she must surely look like a mad woman. "Er, how fare ye?" She asked hoping they could all forget this whole skirmish quickly.

Ralof showed off an awful gash on his arm. "Well, I just got this." He said. "Nothing Arliss can't help me with I hope!" He laughed. "Don't misunderstand though." He held up a hand. "I don't plan on touching him so please don't pelt me with arrows!" Silva flushed harder and Ralof started laughing like it was the funniest joke ever.

Kriger rolled his eyes and sighed. "Cut it out, will you?" He was not in the mood to listen to this right now. Ralof looked as if he was about to retort, but Arliss spoke before he could.

"Recovery, coming up!" Said Arliss as he finished casting anodyne. At once Ralof was enveloped in a holy light and the others joined him in the healing circle. "Be healed!"

Once everyone was healed and the light dissipated they glanced among each other and at the dead bandits strewn across the ground. A question was shared between them. "Why do you suppose they were here?" Asked Ralof.

Silva hung her head. "I know not, but I should not have reacted so strongly." She said with a sigh. "They would not have caught us unawares were it not for my screaming. Forgive me."

"Ah, don't worry so much about that lass." Said Ralof as he slapped her hard on the shoulder with a wide grin.

"Sir.Ralof is right." Arliss nodded. "Like as not if we had not come to defeat them; they most like would have caused trouble for the locals sooner rather than later."

Ralof's smile thinned into a grimace, and he let out a long sigh. "Damn straight." His voice came out more exhausted than intended. "Lately there's been a lot of unsavory types causing trouble all over Skyrim." His brows furrowed, and he clenched his fists. "Everyone's more focused on the war these days than the growing bandit problem." He kept his eyes low knowing that there have been times where the Stormcloak company he was in had chosen to leave criminals alone in favor of saving their strength for Imperials and Thalmor. He looked up to Silva with a smile. "I for one am glad that we were able to cut down at least a few of them today."

Meanwhile; Kriger was busy looting the corpses, and relieving them of their gold, weapons, and anything else that could be valuable. The other's only noticed Kriger's antics after Silva did.

"Have you no shame Sir?!" She cried when she noticed him removing the fur armor from the female bandit's corpse.

"What?" He asked somewhat annoyed. "I thought you could use this."

She simply crossed her arms, and looked away. "I don't want it."

Kriger groaned. "Listen here miss contrary, I'm just trying to do what I think is best."

"By being a debaucher?" Silva accused.

"Sir.Kriger is a debaucher?" Asked Arliss.

"He is!"

"No I'm not!"

"What in Talos' name is a debaucher?" Ralof cried.

Arliss decided to answer. "A debaucher is a type of debauchee who-"

"ENOUGH!" Kriger shouted, completely red in the face. "I'm not whatever you're thinking!" Silva only crossed her arms and regarded him with disbelief. He sighed in exasperation. "I really just thought that this would do a better job keeping you warm than the armor you're wearing now." Her eyes narrowed in light suspicion. "Not to mention how much you stand out in those foreign clothes." Her suspicious look changed into a more contemplative one. "Look, I know these aren't so great, but they're a heck of a lot better than your current get up if you want to keep a low profile."

She took a moment to mull it over, before sighing. "Alright, Sir." She said with a slight tinge to her cheek. "I admit that I may have been a tad too-" She paused, trying to find the right words. "Presumptuous, in my harsh judgement of you."

Kriger sighed in exasperation and relief. "Glad you see things my way." He was able to take the fur armor set without so much as another peep from the others about his actions. "By the way-" He said. "I think I know why these bandits were here." At this the others perked their ears. "They were probably guarding the mine."

"What?!" Cried Ralof. "But that would mean that there are more bandits inside!"

"Exactly." Said Kriger. "They must be using it as their hideout."

Silva looked to the direction the bandits came from, and the path they had been following seemed to be going in the self same direction. "Agreed." Her eyes hardened as she looked at the path ahead. "We must prepare ourselves for further battle."

Arliss nodded. "Let us proceed."

Chapter 11: The Long Haul End

Author's Notes: Merry Christmas!!! I'm not dead, and neither is this fic! Sorry for the wait, but at least this time I have more complete chapters. Enjoy the chapters that I've been working on. At least that was the original plan. The ffn app is being a bit difficult rn and I have to re-input them into another document type. Today you'll get this chapter, and I'll try to fix the rest as soon as I can. Counting this one I have six written chapters; I just have to get them sorted so that ffn can be happy. You can look forward to them this week, but unfortunately not all at once like I originally wanted to do. If ao3 doesn't give me any trouble you can try checking there and they might get put up faster, but I'll definitely get them up here on ffn too.

Now about this chapter. When I first started I was expecting them to get farther, but as usual my brain came up with more than planned which drastically made the chapter longer and slowed the plot. I think I may like details and extra stuff a little too much... In particular the conversation between Ralof and Gerdur wasn't planned, but somehow ended up happening, and I didn't want to remove it.

In other news is anyone else hyped for Dragon's Dogma 2! XD