Chapter 15: Departure

The rest of the day seemed to go quickly and smoothly. Silva and Arliss were clean and re-donning their armor and cloaks, they had only to wait for Sir.Kriger afore heading out to the Riverwood trader. They had intended for Ralof to come as well, but he was currently spending time with his nephew, and had no intention of showing his face in the general goods store. It wasn't that he distrusted the Valerius siblings who ran the shop, but they were Imperials, and he also wasn't looking forward to explaining his presence in the village, especially not with Camilla's big mouth. She was a nice enough lass... for an imperial, but she just loved to talk, and was usually in on the gossip of the town. She and Delphine usually got along pretty well in that regard.

It was relatively quiet in Gerdur's home as they waited. The sounds of her cooking occasionally interrupted the hushed murmurs of the two foreigners as they once more went over their inventory and plans for what they should buy and sell; there was also the matter of whether they'd be able to afford what they'll need, and if they should attempt to hide their foreign origin, or lean into it more... It was only when Kriger finally stepped out of the washroom, and coughed into his hand that the two stopped to look up. Silva couldn't help but gape at him.

If she was honest she hadn't thought much of him afore; he had been crude, and rough even if he was a bit mysterious. Before his face had been obscured by caked blood and grime, but now she could see him clearly, and for a moment she hadn't recognized him. His long and once dark looking, ragged hair was now groomed back out of his face, and she could see that it was a rich golden brown. His height, voice, and mannerisms had her peg him as someone older, but he was surprisingly younger than she thought. His features were strong, and he still had that rugged rogue look to him. Overall she found him rather charming...that is until his usual smirk made its way across his face, and with an amused glint in his eyes he said, "What's this? So you're finally falling for me?"

She rolled her eyes and scoffed. "As if I'll allow myself to be gorgonized by a vain blackguard: even if he is a bit of a snoutfair." She turned away. "I was merely surprised to see how well you clean up, pray don't let it go to your head."

Kriger's brows knit together. "You don't want to be what? Did you just call me a guard? And what in Nirn is a snoutfair‽" He crossed his arms in annoyance. "Forget trying to fit in; I can't even understand what you're saying half the time."

Arliss cut in helpfully. "To gorganize is to charm, a blackguard is a scoundrel, and a snoutfair is a good looking person."

"Thanks for translating." Arliss nodded at Kriger's thanks while the nord man simply stepped closer to Silva. "So, you admit you think I'm good looking?"

"I see you're wont to hear what you want to hear," she said with an eye roll.

It was then that Gerdur stepped in. "If you're planning to fight, do it outside! And if you're planning on visiting the trader, then do it now while it's open!" None of her visitors dared to refuse her and soon the three found themselves in front of the Riverwood Trader. Just as Kriger was about to enter Silva stopped him.

"Hold a moment."

"What is it?" He asked somewhat annoyed.

"Should we not discuss what we ought to buy afore entering?"

Kriger didn't think that was necessary, but decided to humor her. "Like what?"

"Like a map for example."

"You mean, you don't have one?"

"You mean to say that you do?"

"Yes. Why didn't you take one of the maps from Helgen?"

"I...didn't think to at the time."

Kriger sighed pinching the bridge of his nose before waving his hand as if waving the problem away. "It's fine, we can probably find another somewhere... Until then I guess we'll be sharing mine."

"Thanks for the offer, but I think it would be for the best if we had our own map in case we get separated."

Kriger just looked at her a moment. His face hard to read. 'In case we get separated huh? There's no 'if' in this situation. You plan on leaving off on your own at some point.' He shook his head afore once more placing a hand on the door. "Suit yourself." With his back turned to them they didn't see the frown that made its way across his face. He hadn't been sure what to expect in the future, but really he probably should've seen this coming. It was probably for the best, but if they separated then he might not uncover the mystery surrounding them. He didn't know what to think of it, but now wasn't the time to think about that; he pushed forward and they entered the shop right in time to witness an argument.

"Well, I think it's a good idea!" A spirited young woman was bickering with the man behind the counter.

"Absolutely not!" Said the man who upon closer inspection shared a striking resemblance to the woman.

"Why not? Word of rare goods would attract more people which would mean more profit!"

"Nobody needs those things!"

"I'm telling you it's an untapped market!"

"These must be the Valerius siblings." Mused Arliss who's words caught the attention of the two in question. "Do you suppose they always quarrel like this?"

The two flushed in embarrassment upon being caught bickering, but Lucan was quick to recover; laughing it off with a wave of his hand. "Saw that did ya? Yeah,I suppose we do, but only because SOMEONE has to protect my idiotic little sister from her foolish whims." He shook his head, and shrugged; a teasing grin upon his face.

Camilla flushed even more at this; mortified at what had just been said in front of customers after that shameful display, and in front of Attractive ones no less! "Lucan‽" She hissed so that only he could hear as she angrily elbowed him in the side, then as he was recovering from that painful blow she offered them the most bright and charming smile she could. "Oh, please don't listen to my pig headed brother!" Her lovely voice was a little too cheery to be natural. "He's as stubborn as an ox, and getting to that age where he can't stand new ideas!"

Lucan took great offense to that. "Hey!" The sheer volume of his voice startled those not used to the siblings regular antics. "Need I remind you; 'dear sister' that you're not far behind." The slightly jeering tone used as he emphasized the 'sister' was sickenly sweet. "There's only two years difference between us."

She scoffed. "Oh really? And yet you act like it's an awful long time when I have anything to say!"

The two were once more cut off as Kriger loudly coughed into his hand. "Well as much as we're enjoying the show; we don't exactly have time to waste, so if you're gonna argue then we're just gonna have to go somewhere else." As he turned to leave he was abruptly stopped by Lucan.

"No, wait!" The man was surprisingly swift as he forcefully ushered the three into the Shop. "Sorry, about all that; but since you came all the way here it would be a waste if you didn't at least have a look around!" His welcoming grin was wide and practiced to perfection. "Don't let us get in the way of your shopping."

Camilla was at Kriger's other side in an instant, her own inviting smile at the ready. "You're a strapping, young man. Don't be a stranger."

For the first time since they showed up they looked around the shop. There was a vast assortment of goods that littered the place. There were shelves stocked with food supplies and various bottles that could be holding any kind of concoction, barrels full of who knows what, and various weapons of questionable quality strewn about along the counter and nearby tables alongside various knick-knacks and other decorative pieces. All in all it didn't seem a bad lot for a general store in so small a town.

Silva wondered momentarily how it would compare to Aestella's, before quickly shoving the thought away. As she continued looking at the selection one piece in particular quickly caught her eye for how much it stood out amidst the rest of the goods. A small golden trinket sat in the far corner of the wooden shop counter; it's odd form glistening away with all the luster of something that looked like it belonged as an adornment in a castle hall, or a long lost treasure tucked away in a long forgotten corner of the world. She reached out to touch the cold metal claw, and bringing it up to view she marveled at the delicate carvings, wondering what sort of relic it might be. She had a queer inkling about this thing. Not of desire, but the object held a curious air, and she wasn't sure whether she wanted to unravel it's mystery, or if her curiosity was best left unsated.

"So, I see that our Golden Claw caught your eye." Lucan's voice startled her from her thoughts, and she couldn't help, but jump. "Unfortunately, it's not for sale. We have other things that might interest you. Maybe you're looking for something in particular?"

Swallowing, she quickly suppressed her growing curiosity and put the claw back in it's place. She had questions, but decided they were probably best left unanswered. Turning back to the man with a polite smile she said, "As a matter of fact, there's aught we could use. Have you any maps Sir?" Her accent, and overall outlandishness were not missed.

"Not from around here, eh? Where are you from?"

She cursed. She had only uttered a single sentence, and already she ruined her chance of playing the local. In her peripheral vision she could swear that she caught Kriger snickering. All she could do was try to hold back the rising flush, and try to save face with a smile. "Oh? Is it so obvious?" She was no mummer, but mayhaps a coy play with the unabashed confidence of a woman like Madelaine could cover for just how hapless she truly was.

"Well, your clothes, and accent kinda give it away," said Lucan simply.

"Right!" Camilla jumped in eagerly. "I've been thinking about how nice they are, and now I just have to know! Where are you from?" Her wide eyes sparkled with fantastical ideas of adventure and far away lands; her entire face aglow with excited fascination. It was likely this disposition that made Lucan quick to chide her as childish, and indeed between her and Frodnar it was hard to say who seemed more exciteable.

Silva could see Arliss and Kriger watching her from the shelves. Arliss was difficult to read as pawns usually were; while Kriger had an annoying smirk that said 'I told you so'. Indeed he had not only told her that she was unlikely to fool anyone by way of speech, but had also tried to convince her to wear the clothes he had prepared for her; saying it would be better than not. She had refused them on account of them being too cold, and too revealing; and it was true in more ways than one. Though the clothes themselves stood out less than her own; the low cut armor would have shown the scar over her heart; and revealed far more than she cared to share. She doubted she could so easily explain that away. Now as she stared at the two siblings that watched her with expectant gazes her mind whirled for an answer. It was tempting to try to say Cyrodiil, or Hammerfell, or some other distant land in Tamriel that the Nord's had told her about; but she knew if she were asked to elaborate she'd soon be found a fool, and proven a liar. Truly she had no choice, but to relent. "I hail from Gransys."

Camilla was overjoyed to learn about a land she'd never heard of before, and shot off a rapid fire of questions that Silva was currently not in the mood to answer. She was doing her best to play it down. "Tis' not so different from anywhere else. If you've seen one place and one people you've seen them all." She shrugged nonchalantly. "People are not so different in the end; you'll find the same sorts wherever you go." This evidently wasn't what Camilla wanted to hear, and she quite literally pouted at the dismissal. Eager to get back to business, Silva ignored the unyielding gaze of the younger sibling, and began reciting a list of items that they'd most likely need. Lucan was more than happy to accommodate; quickly grabbing all that she asked for and placing them on the front counter. Camilla took out a small parchment, feather, and ink, and got to tallying up the cost. In her ire she drummed up the prices quite a bit; assuming that an outsider wouldn't know the difference, and to her it was a justified punishment for blowing her off.

As Silva decided to check out, and ask the price; Camilla eagerly handed the parchment to her brother with a friendly smile. "Here, I tallied up the goods for you. Save you a bit of time."

"Thanks." As he took it and eyed the prices he couldn't help the wry grin that tugged at the corner of his mouth. As much as he and his sister fought, as foolish, rash, and ridiculous as she could be she did have her moments. A feeling of pride gripped him knowing that he helped to teach her to be like this. The two siblings who ran the store shared a shrewd nature, and could be quite the team. At times like these he really loved his sister. "Okay, so all together this should be-"

Hearing the price Silva was pleasantly surprised. It was far less than she thought it would be. 'I suppose this is another difference betwixt Skyrim and Gransys.' Even common day items cost quite a bit from what she could remember, and momentarily she wondered what the reasons for the large disparity in price differences could be afore quickly deciding to focus on the here and now. "Oh? Is that all?" She asked, afore reaching for her purse.

"Wait a minute!" Kriger gripped her arm; halting her, and gave the siblings a nasty glare. "What are you two trying to pull here?"

Camilla seemed to pale; while Lucan met his gaze head on. "Nothing. The price is the price. And why does it concern you anyway?"

Of course the reason was that he couldn't bring himself to watch someone he knew get robbed. He didn't completely trust the Arisen and pawn duo, and wasn't sure he considered them friends, but he wasn't about to watch Silva get swindled. He looked to her and let out a deep sigh. "I just can't leave you alone, can I?"

While Silva seemed to be insulted by the insinuation that she couldn't be trusted with her own funds; Camilla read the interaction between the two in a completely different way. A pink blush found it's way to the cheeks of the younger woman; and her eyes lit up with ideas of romance. Even if she didn't get to hear the tale of a sweeping adventure in Gransys; her imagination conjured all sorts of possibilities and situations between the two and she couldn't wait to share them with Delphine, Sigrid, and her other friends. By this time tomorrow all of Riverwood would be talking about the epic tale of the star crossed lovers from different lands who journeyed through seas, and all sorts of turmoil to be together. Maybe if she asked, she might even be able to convince Sven to write a ballad about the two! She could only imagine how sweet that would be. She sighed dreamily. "How romantic."

While his sister was stuck in la la land; Lucan was busy haggling with Kriger as Arliss and Silva took in this surprising exchange. While Kriger didn't strike her as the most eloquent man; Silva could not help, but be impressed by his bartering skill. Next to him she couldn't help but feel foolish. 'I suppose this is another skill I've no recourse but to learn.' In general she would need to get used to a lot of differences from Gransys; this was just another of those things. As she thought of it she suddenly recalled something important that had completely slipped her mind. In her haste she had completely forgotten about the difference in currency. The price Lucan gave afore Kriger stepped in surpassed the amount of Septims she carried; and forgetting that she would have payed with Gransys gold. While she did have quite a lot when it came to her old currency, there was no guarantee that it would be accepted. Still; it wasn't like the two didn't know by now that she was a foreigner, and it would be a great boon if she didn't yet have to part with her meager amount of Septims. In the end she figured it would be worth a shot. She steeled herself as Kriger closed the deal.

"Well, you drive a hard bargain," Said Lucan while exuding clear respect, and a firm handshake. "But, I suppose fair is fair." He turned to Silva expectantly. "I hope you know how lucky you are to have such a good friend watching your back."

Silva nodded. "Yes, I'm very grateful for his help." Handing over the amount in her old currency she hoped he would accept it without a fuss.

Lucan took one look at the coins, and raised his voice. "What is this‽"

"Tis' gold." Said Arliss helpfully.

"I know it's gold!" Lucan retorted. "But these sure aren't Imperial Septims!"

"They're Gran Soren standard Gold coins." Said, Silva meeting his gaze. "I hope that won't be an issue."

Camilla jumped in swiftly with newfound zeal. "Of course that won't be a problem!" She forcefully jabbed an elbow painfully into her brother's side just as he was about to retort. "Gran Soren, huh?" There was an excitable glint in her eye as she hastily scooped up the coins. Next to her; poor Lucan was doubled over in pain, but she payed him no heed.

"Gran Soren is our Nation's capitol." Said Arliss. "Tis' said to be the beating heart of all Gransys."

With their business concluded Silva collected her newly purchased goods, and made for the door with all speed. She knew that it was better to leave afore Lucan could recover enough to possibly try to change his sister's mind. "Come along Arliss. Let's be off."

"Coming!" Arliss called as he followed out the door. Likewise; Kriger quickly concluded his own business with Camilla before he too soon followed suit.

When Lucan had finally managed to regain himself he angrily gave his sister an earful, to which she did not listen to at all. Camilla was far too pleased with herself to care about his arguments, and was more preoccupied with her abundant harvest; the treasure trove of information and gossip that she couldn't wait to share. When Lucan finally took a good look at the expression she wore he let out a deep sigh in exasperation. He knew that look, and knew the futility of his words. Everything he said had gone in one ear and out the other. Not wanting to waste his breath anymore he pinched the bridge of his nose wondering if he could salvage what just happened. Maybe they could market those foreign coins as some kind of rare or lucky token? Now he felt as if he were thinking like his sister, but it couldn't be more of a loss at this point. Camilla chose then to interrupt his thoughts with her theories on the relationship between their last customers. He naturally called her delusional, but without missing a beat she promptly ignored him, and wasted no time in traipsing out the door to spread her delusion at the inn. He let out a groan as he sat down, grabbing a bottle of wine. As he downed the liquid he cursed that his fool of a sister was gonna make him into a drunkard that could rival even Embry. He knew that his sister didn't have a bad heart, but it in times like these that he really hated his sister.

hr_

Arliss, Kriger, and Silva returned to Gerdur's home as the skies turned awash in an orange glow; and pink, fluffy clouds began to thicken. Soon a dark night would fall upon them, but for now as they made their return to the slightly cramped, yet cozy home that they deemed safe enough; did they go over their recently purchased goods.

Silva had bought quite a number of things. She was glad to have procured a map of her own, as well as other items that she planned to share. She split the health and stamina potions among herself, and Arliss, and attempted to give some to Kriger, but he turned them down.

"I bought my own. Focus on yourself."

Silva reluctantly put them back. At the very least she was sure Ralof could use them. "Oh, fie! But pray at least take this." She took out one of the two travel lanterns she had purchased and handed it to him with a bottle of oil. "Danger lurks in the darkness; and you'd best be prepared afore you're caught unawares."

"Lanterns? No, it's fine I can use a torch." He held up a hand in staunch refusal.

Silva near pouted; but shoved the items in his arms with much force. "I'll not hear of it! Torches are far less reliable! They are right quick to go out; and leave you with one less free hand should the need for battle arise!"

Kriger had no argument and sighed. "Fine, I'll take it; but remember that I didn't ask for this." He didn't like to owe a debt; and less so to Silva considering his suspicion. If he one day had to face them he didn't need that kind of thing gnawing at the back of his mind.

Pleased; Silva went back to sorting the remaining items with a wide grin. "Of course; tis' my thanks to you afterall." She gave Arliss a couple magicka potions, and a spell tome for a fire spell. "Here, Arliss. I hope you find this useful."

"I most humbly, and graciously accept anything you wish to give me Arisen." He beamed brightly as he took them off her hands.

In his haste Kriger had not bought much, but he assured the other's that he did not need much. He had a few health, and stamina potions, and lockpicks. He also had a recently made bow and arrows that he made himself.

Silva raised a brow. "I did not realize your vocation was so flexible. You're quite adept at using an assortment of weapons." Now that she thought on it; within the short time she had known him she had seen him use axes, swords, maces, greatswords, and shields; now he was picking up a bow too‽ Back in Helgen he made an effort to pick up and carry as many weapons as he could find. While most of those were gone now; she definitely recalls him swapping through them as they made their escape.

Kriger sat sharpening a knife on a whetstone. "Thanks. But what's this about vocations?" He stopped what he was doing to look at her.

This had caught her off guard. "Er, Vocations... You know? Warriors use two-handed weapons, Fighters use a sword, and shield-" Seeing the perplexed look on his face grow she cut herself short afore she could delve into it more. "That sort of thing."

Kriger thought on it a moment afore he got back to sharpening his dagger. "I don't know if that's the way you do things in Gransys, but I don't believe in limiting myself to just one weapon." All that could be heard was the continuous scrape of stone and metal. Silva found it unpleasant, but Kriger continued. "I- I had a teacher once. Someone I used to look up to; he taught me a lot." His brows furrowed; and he paused. "He taught me that it was dangerous to rely too much on just one weapon. Your weapon is your life, and if you're disarmed and can't fight..." He didn't need to say it; the rest was obvious. "That's why I don't want to be caught off guard with just the one weapon. You never know when you might need another tool for the job, and you have to know how to use them when the time comes."

"Sound advice," Said Arliss as he sat down and opened one of the books that the family had lying around. The occasional sound of turning pages added to the ambience of the room.

Silva smiled softly. "Indeed. He sounds like a wise man. Your father?"

Now it was Kriger's turn to smile. It wasn't one of his usual smirks that irritated her to no end; or one of his grins that belied a lust for violence and bloodshed, but one that spoke of sadness and longing. "No." He shook his head, and let out a small chuckle. "He was a bastard." He certainly wasn't his father; he could never have replaced him, but if she had asked if he was like a second father then he wondered how he would answer. No, he would probably say the same; he already said too much to the two otherworlders. Reminiscing he might've come close to letting the man's name go, but he held it still. He was a bastard to be sure, and wouldn't ever replace his real father, but even so Kriger would miss that sly fox.

"Oh?" Silva idled unsurely, a spark of curiosity in her eyes and voice. "Might I know his name?"

"No." Silva pouted, and Kriger continued. "It ain't worth telling." He didn't bother to look up; instead focusing on his blade. It was nice and sharp now, but he kept at it if only to have something to focus on. The rhythmic grinding of the whetstone on metal was calming, and music to his ears.

Despite Kriger's apparent disregard for the man; Silva could still tell by the expression and way of voice that there was more to it than that. She wanted to hear it, but she could tell that Kriger wouldn't say any more; at least not yet. She wandered over to the fire; and sat staring at the dancing flames. "I knew not my real parents." Kriger stopped sharpening his knife, and Arliss lowered the book he was reading; the two stared at her back. "Most like they died afore I could ken what was happening. When I was too young to even know my own name; aught happened that took them away." Her voice was quiet, but steady; and whatever expression she had could not be seen. "I was found near dead in the wood just outside Cassardis. Chief Adaro gave me my name, tooketh me into the village, and raised me as his own beside his daughter Quina." They couldn't see it, but she smiled as she gazed into the memory. "He may not have been the man who sired me, but like as not he's still my father."

It was still a moment afore Kriger coughed into his fist. "So, why are you telling me this?"

"Why indeed?" Her eyes glazed over. "Truly, I know not. But-" She turned back at him. "Somehow I feel as though the two of us are similar." Turning back to the fireplace she continued, "This man you do not name. Is he to you, what Chief Adaro was to me?" Rather than await an answer, Silva stood. "I'll go see to Lady Gerdur, and help her with supper." Without another word she left.

Kriger watched her leave; wondering if he was so easy to read. Speaking of reading; Arliss had put down his book, and had not followed her, but was instead looking at him with a puzzlingly blank expression. It was unnerving how he couldn't read the man. "What is it?"

Arliss seemed momentarily taken aback, but nevertheless attempted his query. "I was wondering-"

Kriger cut him off. "Then you'll be wondering for awhile, cuz I'm not in the mood to talk." He began sharpening the knife once more. Noticing that Arliss was still staring, he grit his teeth. "Just go back to your book."

Arliss continued eyeing him a moment longer afore he relented. "Alright." Without another word the two returned to what they were doing; Kriger sharpening his knife, while Arliss returned to his book. The sound of the whetstone on steel slowed; as did the amount of times you could hear a page turning. Whatever thoughts were in their heads would not be spoken of this night.

hr_

Some time after dusk fell; supper was ready, and Gerdur called for her husband, son, and brother to come inside. Apparently the three had taken to spending time together by playing, and they had lost track of time. After a short scolding they rushed to wash up; eager for food. Unfortunately, Frodnar had a trick up his sleeve; and one or both of his playmates was about to be the target.

Ralof had managed to get cleaned up, but Hod had been a step too late to avoid his son's prank; and returned looking worse than he had when he got there. His hands, face, clothes, and even hair were now stained an inky black. Somehow Frodnar had acquired a small bottle of black ink, and soiled the water they had for washing up. The boy broke out into laughter at the sight.

Gerdur seemed torn between admonishing her son, and laughing at her husband's plight; eventually the latter won out. "That's what you get for always encouraging him!"

If Hod was upset; he didn't show it. A wide grin made its way across his face, and he opened up his arms. "Oh! Gerdur my love! C'mere!" He seemed to make it a point to wiggle his ink soaked fingers.

As he stepped forward, Gerdur took a step back. "Oh, no you don't. Hod, stop it!" More steps followed. "Don't you dare! Ahh! Get away!"

A spectacle ensued as Hod playfully chased his wife about. "Get her Dad!" Frodnar cheered, while the others watched on in amusement and laughter. The only exception was Arliss who watched on in confusion; but noting the atmosphere decided to try to join in with his own laughter, or his best attempt at it. Arliss couldn't truly be sure, but either he was getting better, or with the rest of the noise and chaos his abnormal laughing wasn't noteworthy.

It was amusing until Gerdur pulled out the dreaded broom and threatened to use it. After that Hod made it a point to do a quick wash up in the nearby stream and put on a clean shirt when he got back. When he returned he found everyone eagerly awaiting him. "Alright; now let's dig in!"

Cheers abounded all about the table; and they began to enjoy the last meal they'd partake in afore they left. The main dish was the roasted venison that Silva had killed earlier that day, with cooked potatoes and cabbage on the side. Twas a most jovial night as they feasted, and shared more tales and laughter. Like as not though; all good things must soon come to pass, and they quieted when the time to leave finally came.

They bid near tearful farewells, and headed out under the cover of nightfall. Just like the night afore it was dark; as the clouds were thick, and obscured the sky. As one they lit their lanterns, and fastened them to their belts. The flickering glow illuminated the nearby surroundings. With nary so much as a whisper they began their trek. Soon Riverwood would be behind them; and their next destination would be Whiterun.

Chapter 15: Departure End

Author's Note: Now they're finally on their way for real! In all serious I had fun writing this one. The Valerius siblings were such a great pair; I couldn't help but smile when I was writing them! Sometimes I like getting all serious, but a little bit of humor and wacky fun if a bit exagerated is right up my alley in certain doses.

Also you wouldn't guess it, but some things that seem like small lighthearted details will end up playing a bigger part in the grand scheme of things than you might first think. I have a plan, and small but important details are slowly being set into place. *Rubs hands together and laughs maniacally.* Seriously though as much as I love little details and stuff it's not all there just for nothing. (Some of it is me indulging in the small stuff I won't lie, but I seriously do have some small things that when combined with other things will set off certain chains of events.)

I'm so excited for when I eventually get the proverbial ball rolling, but I need to content myself with baby steps. I hope you enjoy the ride in the meantime; even if it does have a bit of a slow and bumpy start. Early on Silva and Arliss are getting their bearings, but when they become more used to Skyrim I'll be able to "fast travel" so to speak so we can focus on other things. (Not literally fast travel. Just that what happens in between will generally be less important than when they were first getting their bearings and I'll start skipping over the stuff where nothing of note really happens.)

Next chapter is the last of the ones I wrote already and I'll have to get back to writing them and posting as I go. I have things planned out so hopefully I don't get too caught up in the unimportant details so I can speed up the plot stuff. A few things are undecided, but I already have a general idea of where they'll be going, and what they'll be doing; and how their arcs should end are already decided. Anyway I'm super excited for you to see the content of the next chapter! There's this one important scene that I can't wait for you to see!