Chapter 13: Unusuality

From the deadlock Kriger tried his best to keep his opponent's weapon trapped between his own and the other bandit's shield. "Ralof, hold em'," he grunted through clenched teeth.

Before Ralof could reply, the bandit he was keeping off of Kriger began to laugh. It was a deep and throaty sound which put him on edge. "You hoping for that wench to save you or something?" He taunted. "Pff, As if she even has a chance of beating Birgit. She'll be dead any minute now, and you'll be next!"

"Why you-" Ralof began, anger clear in his voice, but he couldn't help his anxious glances to Silva as she dodged a multitude of Birgit's attacks. He could tell something was wrong. Silva was only dodging, but not attacking.

Kriger let out an amused snort. "I'm not worried about her; she's more than she seems, the ones who should be worried are you guys." His eyes flickered to the nearby shadows then back to the bandit and another one of his usual smirks graced his lips. "You haven't even realized that you're outnumbered."

As if on cue a flash of lightning appeared with a loud hiss. There Arliss stood illuminated by pale flickering light. "Brontide," he said evenly before raising his arm in attack. The light shivered and lashed out at blinding speed, striking the two bandits with a loud crack. They yelped in pain before jumping back to avoid Ralof and Kriger's attacks. Arliss went on the offensive, using his strange magic to strike at them.

Kriger took a moment to observe him. This lightning was different compared to what he used earlier. Arliss held his staff in one hand, and the lightning in the other. The power seemed to be coming from his staff, and flowing out from his other hand. He watched as Arliss swung his arm, and the light coiled and lunged like a snake. It weaved about with incredible control, and when Arliss recoiled his hand the lightning did the same. He couldn't help but feel awed by the display Arliss put on with his lightning whip.

Ralof stood uncertainly as his eyes flickered between the two battles. Hard pressed between whether he should help Silva or whether he should help take care of the nearer bandits first.

The shield rogue had finally had enough. He let out something akin to a growl and charged with his shield and mace raised. "Damned mage!"

Kriger shot forward blade ready, forcing the two bandits to focus on him. The first stopped prepared to block, while the second lunged at him with his sword. Seeing this Ralof slashed at the second who cried out in pain before being hit head on by the lightning whip. Ralof jumped back away from the whip and watched in awe as the man was thrown off the bridge and into the water below.

Now with three against one it was far too easy and the shield rogue was quickly dispatched. With that done they wasted no time in turning their attention to the other fight that had been raging alongside their own. As it was, Silva had been having some difficulty battling against her own emotions. A strange induced fear was placed upon her, and she knew it to be unnatural. 'This must be some sort of magical debilitation,' she thought, but knowing that did nothing to help calm her irrationally rattling nerves.

A low growl escaped the woman's throat as Silva deftly dodged another of her attacks. She couldn't understand why her opponent hadn't been scared into fleeing or cowering in fear. She was so used to seeing her war cry rend her enemies useless, that seeing someone resist the fear she attempted to instill really got under her skin. "Why don't you do me a favor and start running already, so I can stab you in the back?!" She lashed out angrily.

Silva dodged again. The woman's words awakening something within her. Behind her scar, her heart beat in her breast. It's rhythmic pounding serving as a reminder of all she's been through. Memories of old; her life long past sparked anew. She could see him. A fearsome, and massive creature. The mere sight beyond imagining. Baleful wings, dark as night. Crimson scales of the toughest hide. Slitted, Vermillion eyes that glinted with intelligence. Then she heard it, his low, raspy voice booming in her head.

"Have you come so far to be stricken with cowardice Arisen?" Grigori taunted, his memory ushering her forward.

The Arisen grit her teeth before letting out a cry of defiance. There was a clang as she stood her ground, and parried the other woman's blow.

"What?!" Birgit balked at the situation, completely taken aback by the sudden attack, and her steely gaze. She was certain that her warcry was still in effect, but never before had anyone resisted it's pressure.

Silva held her blades tightly, preparing a battle ready stance. "Aye," Grigori's memory continued. "Raise your weapon, your teeth of steel, your blood red voice!" She let out a war cry of her own and charged. There were more clangs as the two traded a flurry of slashes with each other. All the while Silva could still hear the memory of Grigori goading her. "Fight! Cling to Life!"

As she fought, against the other woman, and the unnatural fear that was now ebbing away she couldn't help thinking how strange it all was. In that battle long ago, Grigori had been pushing her forward, and now so long after his death his memory was still doing the same. She couldn't keep the half amused, half bitter huff that escaped her throat. 'Truly there is naught to do, but laugh.' But now was not the time for such things. Her heart beat again as the last remnants of fear faded.

Another clang resounded as the two women once more locked blades with each other. Birgit furrowed her brow in frustration as she wondered how she was able to resist her war cry. It was then that she noticed that there was a strange glow, a light emanating from the other woman's chest. She could see it through her armor, and it was steadily getting brighter. It flashed brightly and Birgit leaped back, quickly shutting her eyes.

Silva did not hesitate, extending her blades she lunged forward. She felt the impact as her blade sliced through, and heard the woman's pained cry. She could tell without looking that the wound was mortal, but she held her blades ready just in case. She knew better than to let her guard down.

"Y-you," Birgit moaned weakly. "Who are you? What are you?" Her breath was raspy and faltering. "Please, tell me before I die."

The question caught her off guard. Their eyes met, and as she looked into her firm but fading blue eyes she wondered if she should grant the woman this. She pressed her lips thinly as she thought, finally she nodded. "Very well," she said. "My name is Silvana." She paused a moment afore holding her head high, and raising her voice along with it. "I am the Arisen."

The two stared at each other for a spell. Waning blue eyes regarding glistening hazel ones, their faces impassive. Whatever the dying woman was thinking Silva couldn't tell. Finally the woman spoke. "Silvana, the Arisen," she said. Her voice was as a whisper, caught between question and statement. "You were a worthy adversary. To be killed by someone like you, it's not the worst way to Sovngarde." Then the last of her breath escaped, the light in her eyes went out, her heart beat it's final beat, and in the silence of the moment she died.

Silva stood, her bloodied blades at her side feeling unusually heavy. She felt like she should say or do aught, but was there any point in it? No, she let out a sigh before silently sheathing her blades. She turned away from the woman with a shake of her head, and as she looked up she stopped in her tracks. Ralof and Kriger stood wide eyed and slack jawed. They had certainly caught the end of her match. Arliss stood battle ready behind them, brontide still writhing in his grip. His eyes flickered between her and their nordic companions in silent question. 'What to do now?' She wondered, her hands reaching once more for the daggers at her sides. 'Try to explain, fight, or flee?' As she carefully considered her options Ralof stepped forward.

"That sure was something," he said with a laugh. "I thought Arliss here was the only one who could put on a light show like that."

She felt her jaw set tight. 'They definitely saw.' Her fingers itched as they tightened around the hilt of her blades.

"We were starting to worry about you." Silva stopped at Kriger's words, her grip loosening, but not leaving her weapons. "Thought you might need help, and were just about to step in." He continued. "Good to know that wasn't necessary."

Before she could think about what he just said Ralof agreed. "Yeah, we're glad you're safe," he said with a warm smile.

Slowly she released her weapons and relaxed her stance. She crossed her arms with a sigh before sweeping her hair behind her ear. "Well, I suppose I had no need for your help, but it would have been a most welcome boon."

Arliss let his brontide dissipate, though he kept his staff in hand, using it like a walking stick as he stepped forward. Prepared, yet appearing non hostile. "Shall we keep going?"

Deeper into the mine they found more bandits, though none gave them much trouble. Only when they were certain they've dispatched them all did they finally decide to divide the spoils of war. Of course since it's an iron mine and was hence the reason for this venture in the first place they had to make certain to fill Kriger's bag with ample supply of ore.

Reaching an iron wall Kriger and Ralof readied their pickaxes. Noting that their other two companions didn't bother joining them Kriger's face twisted into an irate scowl. "Think you're too good to join us? Or can't you be bothered to do a little honest work?"

In attempt to prevent a fight Ralof placed a placating hand on Kriger's shoulder afore stepping between him and their foreign friends. "It would save us a lot of time if you helped." He offered a tight lipped smile that could almost be a frown.

Silva crossed her arms and shook her head; an amused scoff left her lilted lips ere she spoke. "Were it necessary I'd have no cause to hesitate in joining you." She stepped back, gesturing to her partner. "Arliss, if you'd be so kind."

"Yes, Master." Arliss nodded, stepping forward with staff in hand. His lips moved silently as he began his incantation.

Kriger's brows furrowed, and a bead of sweat formed on his forehead. 'Don't tell me she's planning on killing us‽' That unusual light from before; had they seen something they shouldn't have? It made too much sense for her to want to silence them in that case. He grit his teeth and clenched his grip on the pickaxe in his hand. 'Can I take them on?' The beads of sweat tickled his skin as they trickled down his face and neck. He had seen them fight, and knew their skills.

The mage had powerful magic that could easily turn the tides of battle, but he was slow to cast them; and stood an easy target. Taking him out was definitely doable, but the woman wouldn't make it easy. If he tried to attack Arliss then Silvana would surely retaliate, and if he was honest with himself he wasn't sure if he could take her. She was quick on the draw, and fleet of foot. He knew for a fact that he couldn't match her speed, but maybe with Ralof... If the two worked together could they overpower her? No, the best he could probably hope for was that by splitting up they could at least kill the pawn; but that would leave a furious Arisen to contend with. No matter how he thought of it; it always ended in his death.

Kriger closed his eyes a moment as he breathed in; a calming breath. Upon releasing it his eyes snapped open. They were clear as they gazed upon her; not quite calm, but more composed than before. If it came down to it then he would give them a fight worth remembering. He wouldn't die easily.

Her smile that was seemingly too pleasant set him on edge, but without giving his nerves a thought she spoke. "Now Sir, You really should move aside. Trust me when I say that you don't want to get caught up in Arliss' spell."

Ralof raised a brow, but nevertheless lowered his pickaxe and stepped nearer to the strangers. Kriger watched bewildered. 'Weren't they going to try to kill us?'

Seeing as how Kriger remained where he was Silva rolled her eyes. "Truly Sir? Am I so difficult to ken?" She sighed. "I'm telling you to move lest you find yourself caught aflame." Almost as quickly as it left; her amused smile returned, and she brought up a hand to stifle a giggle. "Or shall I carry you avaunt myself?"

"What‽" Ralof and Kriger both exclaimed.

Silva's smile brightened most mischievously. "Because I will."

"That won't be necessary!" A flustered Kriger held up his hands in surrender. He wasn't sure what she was planning, but he supposed that if she intended to kill them she probably wouldn't give them a warning. Without complaint he quickly joined their side. The idea of her picking him up and carrying him was absolutely ridiculous, but still the two strangers were such an odd pair that she might actually try to do it. His pride would never let him live it down!

She let out another giggle. "Oh, you moved so quickly! Did you truly hate the thought so much?"

Kriger groaned. "Were you looking forward to it? Sorry to disappoint you," he said sarcastically. "What exactly are you planning anyway?"

Rather than an answer she only gave him a grin. "Ah, ah, ah, you'll just have to wait and see!" She offered in a sing song voice.

The two Nords watched Arliss curiously as he continued whatever he was doing. Kriger noted how he held his staff out and waved his hands around as he whispered something he couldn't hear. Then he raised his arms and lifted his voice with them. "Comestion!" A wall of flame erupted against the iron wall, and they watched in awe as the sheer explosive power broke off chunks of ore and rock and sent them up into the air. The debris scattered and fell into the flames. The fire died out quickly enough, and soon they could see glimmering iron strewn all across the room.

Silva clasped her hands together in delight. "Truly Arliss, you are a wonder!" Turning to her Nordic friends she grinned. "Is this not faster and easier than using a pickaxe?"

Ralof whistled. "I don't mind a little back breaking work, but that sure is impressive!"

Kriger let out an annoyed sounding huff. "It would have been more impressive if he didn't send the ore flying all over the place." He hid it well, but he was relieved more than anything. He had been so sure that Silva was about to try to kill them, but he was glad to be wrong in this case. 'Maybe I've misjudged them..' The faintest hint of a smile found its way to the corner of his lips. Now for the first time he was considering telling them what he saw in the beginning; what he knew, not in a confrontation or interrogation, but as a show of trust. He shook his head; no, he was probably being too naive. It was too early to write them off as harmless just yet; for all he knew they could be responsible for the return of the dragons.

Getting to work they quickly picked up all the ore they could find, and gave it all to Kriger. He also picked up extra weapons and armor for bartering. Ralof insisted on taking all the drink he can find, and his bag was soon stuffed to the brim with mead, ale, and wine. Silva rolled her eyes before sheepishly claiming a sack full of apples as her own, she also made certain to pick up all the mushrooms she could find. Arliss followed suit in grabbing sacks full of salt and other food supplies. "It is a good thing that this cave was so well stocked," he comments. "T'will save us much needed preparation time, and coin."

Ralof sighed. "Lucky for us maybe, but I doubt those thieves just happened on it all by chance."

Kriger's face looked grim. "Must've pillaged and killed for all this loot." He shook his head before continuing, "C'mon less talk and more packing. I don't wanna be here all day."

With that said they quickly got back to collecting supplies. The most interesting area that they hadn't checked yet was a rather large caged room. Kriger found the key on the guard, but just as he was gonna unlock it Silva stopped him. "Hold a moment," she said.

Kriger seemed annoyed, but nevertheless stopped. "What is it?" He asked in a huff.

"Back when we were escaping Helgen, did you not promise to teach me your trick of picking locks?"

He raised a brow. "You mean lockpicking?" He sighed, feeling that he had an idea of where this was going. "Yeah, and?"

"Is not this a good opportunity?"

He looked at her a moment before sighing again. "Alright, I guess. But only because a man doesn't go back on his word."

He gave her some picks and some tips and allowed her to attempt to pick the lock. He cringed a bit inside as she kept breaking his picks, but eventually she managed to get it open without breaking the pick.

"I did it Sir!" She exclaimed happily as she beamed at him.

He looked at her a moment before speaking dryly. "Yeah, good for you, but I'm gonna need you to pay me back for those picks you broke."

"Oh," she uttered as her face fell. She flushed as she began her apology. "Forgive me, I promise to make it up for this. And I too do not intend to make any promises that I don't intend to keep."

Kriger was just about to tell her not to worry about it since he was sure he could get them back easily enough before he stopped himself. "I'll hold you to that," he said with his usual smirk making its way faintly across his face. 'Maybe with this I'll be able to get some answers out of her.'

Within the cage room they found a fair amount of gold, a couple high quality weapons, some gemstones, and a couple of books. They split the gold and gemstones as evenly as they could, but it wasn't easy when the amount wasn't even in the first place. A small argument ensued, but was quickly quieted when Silva suggested that Kriger should get the extra, Arliss agreed with her of course, and an outnumbered Ralof had to concede.

Silva smiled at Kriger. "With this I hope I have repaid my debt."

Kriger thanked her, but inwardly sighed.

Ralof took a liking to one of the axes, and Kriger claimed a greatsword. One of the books was a spelltome so it was naturally given to Arliss, and the other was a book on smithing so it was given to Kriger.

After finally feeling like they've exhausted the mine of everything worth taking they set off back to Riverwood.

It was late noon by the time they neared Riverwood. The sky looked a tad grey as large white clouds sailed through it.

"I hope the weather holds out. I do not think it would be wise to traverse your land otherwise," said Silva as she looked at the great expanse above.

"Well, regardless of the weather we need to work fast with whatever preparations we have left," said Ralof. "I don't know about you guys, but I don't want to have to stay another day.

"Do you not get along well with your sister, and her family?" Asked Arliss.

"Oh, Talos knows it's not that!" Ralof looked a bit upset that he would even suggest it. "But it's dangerous for me to stick around. Not just for me, but for her and her family too, and besides I have to get back to the Stormcloaks. If we don't fight this war, who will?" The others nodded in understanding.

As they reached the wooden gates Kriger turned to them. "Last chance before I get to work. Do you prefer light armor or heavy armor?"

Silva spoke up first. "I appreciate the thought, but tis' unnecessary." She didn't dare say it, but she had an inkling that the gear she and Arliss had was better protection than what Kriger would make, even if it wasn't well suited to the cold.

Kriger paused a moment before speaking. "I'll just make light armor for you anyway."

"Make mine heavy armor!" Said Ralof.

Kriger's brows knitted together. "Didn't you say you wanted hide armor earlier?"

"Well, I thought it would be good at first, but considering all the tough fights we're getting into maybe more protection would be better. If we ever need to sneak I'll just hang back a bit so I don't give away our positions."

Kriger sighed. "Fine, just don't regret it later."

Once safely inside the village they split up to do their own separate tasks. Kriger went back to the forge to continue his bartering with Alvor, as well as make the armor for his companions as promised. Ralof returned to Hod to help finish up with moving and strapping up logs for a delivery. Silva and Arliss took a bunch of the extra supplies off the other's hands and carried them over to Gerdur's for them.

Gerdur smiled at their arrival. "Oh, good you're here," she chirped. "Why don't you wash up and change Silva? I could use some help with the cooking when you're finished."

"It would be a pleasure," Silva nodded pleasantly. She was grateful for the chance to clean up the blood from the earlier battle and hurriedly went down to wash. Arliss and a not so sneaky Frodnar attempted to follow her, but were stopped by Gerdur.

"Just what do you two think you're doing?" Asked an irate nord woman holding a broom.

Frodnar gulped, and quickly hid his hands behind his back. "Um, nothing ma."

Arliss didn't seem to be at all fazed by her anger, but was more curious about why she appeared upset. He looked on with a blank look and spoke in a neutral tone. "I was also going to wash up. Is there aught amiss?"

Unfortunately for them neither of those answers seemed to suffice for Gerdur. "Oh no you don't! Wait your turn like good boys you naughty things!" She cried as she wacked them with her broomstick. "Get out! Get out!"

Silva felt bad for Arliss, she knew he meant no harm. His obliviousness has not been kind to him as of late. Although she was certainly grateful to Gerdur for looking out for her, and keeping her son in line. Still she decided it would be best to step in before the situation escalated. "Arliss, why don't you go play outside with Frodnar? Keep him out of our hair awhile."

Arliss couldn't be happier to oblige the request, and left quickly. Once outside; the odd pair stopped to catch their breaths.

Frodnar did his best to hide his grin as he discreetly pocketed something; grateful that it hadn't been noticed and taken away. After patting his pocket and assuring himself that it wouldn't fall out he quickly schooled his face into a pout and pointed at Arliss angrily. "I thought adventurers were supposed to look tough!" The boy hoped that by acting out in this way he could keep it hidden; if it was confiscated he wouldn't be able to pull off his epic prank. "Not only do you look weak, but you even ran away from my ma!"

Arliss was confused. 'Is this some form of insult? Well it matters not.' He stood up, and dusted himself off afore replying to the petulant child. "First of all; Appearance does not necessarily correlate with competence. Secondly, I only followed my Master's order. Thirdly, there is no shame in fleeing from battle, tis' a matter of Survival."

Frodnar crossed his arms. "All I'm hearing is excuses." He pouted a moment before saying, "I guess it makes sense since you're a mage afterall." Arliss was about to ask what he meant by that but Frodnar suddenly jumped up with a huge grin on his face. "Wait, you're a mage right?"

Arliss stood a moment and stared taken aback by just how quickly this child changed moods. 'Is this normal among human children?' He wondered before nodding. "Yes, I am a mage."

The child beamed up at him mischievously. "Could you use your magic to turn me invisible?"

"Invisible?" Arliss tilted his head. "Why would you want that?"

"Are you kidding?!" Frodnar gaped at him. "Just think of all the pranks you could do if you were invisible!"

Arliss tilted his head again. "Pranks?"

"Yeah, you know! Like this one time I nailed a gold septim to the ground and Lucan was going crazy trying to pick it up! It was hilarious! And another time me and Dorthe carried buckets of water to the top of Lucan's shop and poured water on people as they were going in and out! We got Sven right when he opened the door and he freaked out about how his hair and clothes were ruined in front of Camilla!" He laughed at the memories. "Anyway just think about the crazy stuff we could do if we were invisible! So, c'mon turn me invisible and we'll play all kinds of fun pranks together!"

Arliss looked at him a moment, his brows knitting together. "Unfortunately I know not any invisibility spells, but I doubt I would oblige even if I had. Such behavior does not sound wise. Your 'pranks' appear to cause problems and inconvenience those around you."

The boy's face fell. "What?!" He crossed his arms and turned away in a huff. "Aw, you're no fun." There was an awkward silence before the boy continued. "I'm sure you must have done stuff like it when you were younger too. Don't tell me you lose your sense of fun when you grow up."

"I never engaged in such behavior as to cause trouble or inconvenience others." Said Arliss. 'Not on purpose anyway.' A thought cut in as he wondered about what trouble he might have caused in his obliviousness of human ways. He shook his head with a sigh. "As a Pawn I was naturally looked down upon by others. Should I have caused trouble it would not be taken kindly, and I would certainly draw their ire. Though here people may not yet have an opinion on Pawns, should I sully their perception it would undoubtedly cause trouble for my Master. I cannot abide by that."

Hearing that made the boy stop and think. "They didn't like you on account of your race?"

Arliss paused a moment afore nodding. "Something akin to that. Yes."

Frodnar's face scrunched up a bit in distaste. He had learned from his parents about the cruelty of people, and not to be like that, but unfortunately he also knew that not all the people who agreed with them were good people. He knew that even in their small village Faendal had suffered from the unfair distrust of the Nords. That not everyone was like his parents and willing to give people the benefit of the doubt. And despite his young age he knew that many Stormcloaks weren't as kind and good as his uncle Ralof. His knuckles went white as his fists tightened. This was a bit much for him and he didn't want to have to think too much about this stuff, at least not right now. "So, no pranks," he said somewhat forlorn.

"That would be wise." Arliss nodded. "We cannot do pranks, but surely there must be other things we can do that won't cause trouble for others."

Frodnar nodded eagerly, happy for the distraction from his thoughts. "How about we play a game of tag, or hide and seek?"

"I'm afraid I don't know the rules."

"What?! How can you not know tag, and hide and seek?! Just what kind of life have you lived?!"

Arliss repeated a shortened version of what he had told to Ralof and Kriger earlier that day. When he saw the pitying look in the boy's face he realized he should probably change the subject. "Anyway, while I know not tag and seek I do know the rules for a race. Shall we then?"

At this Frodnar perked up. "Yeah, I'll call Dorthe and we'll all race! And after that we're gonna teach you how to play tag, and hide and seek!"

Arliss nodded, a satisfied smile upon his face. Surely this should keep the boy out of trouble for a long enough duration to please his Arisen.

It didn't take much to convince the little girl to join them, but she did look curiously at Arliss. "Um, so this is one of the foreign people you were talking about?" Dorthe asked.

Arliss gave Frodnar a blank look, prompting him to explain. The boy offered a sheepish grin. "I uh, showed her that coin Silva gave me."

Arliss raised a brow with a blank "I see," though that revelation was not a good one. The boy had been running his mouth to the daughter of Imperialists which could put them in danger. His brows furrowed as he realized he should let his Arisen know. 'She won't be happy about this.' As he thought about what exactly any enemies might know about them thanks to Frodnar's loose tongue, and the possibility of Legion soldiers from Helgen staying with that family... his anxiousness only started to grow. He was only taken from his thoughts when the two grabbed his hands and pulled him forward.

"C'mon let's go play!" Dorthe smiled at him politely.

"Hurry up so I can win!" Frodnar huffed eagerly.

That's right, now wasn't the time for thinking. He had a race to win after all. 'Wait,' Arliss blinked as he recalled something.

Long ago his Arisen had once been tasked with escorting the young daughter of a wealthy merchant about the city, and during that time the two raced. Despite Silvana's superior speed and stamina she lost the race. When Arliss had asked her about it after the quest was done she gave him a mischievous grin. "I didn't think the pampered minnow would take kindly to losing." And indeed the girl had been quite pleased with the result, and they were generously rewarded with a golden idol which was evidently quite valuable and not an easy find.

As Arliss and the two children readied themselves at the gates on one end of the village Arliss pondered whether he should lose purposefully. 'Though considering their differences in upbringing I doubt I'll be rewarded as generously. Certainly unlike that girl these children could not afford to give such valuable trinkets away so easily. I should expect to receive naught at all, although perhaps I can gain valuable information if I play my cards right as the humans say.' He was so lost in thought that he missed the start of the race, and had to play a game of 'catch up' when he looked up and noticed how far ahead they were. Unsurprisingly he came in last, and ended up winded at the end.

As he tried to catch his breath the little girl, Dorthe stood over him with a bored expression. "You're really bad at this." She said unsympathetically.

"Hey, give him a break!" Frodnar defended. "He's had a hard life where he basically lived under a rock, and never got to play any games."

"What‽ Really‽" Dorthe exclaimed, before looking at Arliss pitifully. "I'm so sorry, for you."

Arliss was understandably confused. 'Just when did I say that I lived under a rock? Such a construction would likely not last.' He merely nodded blankly. At least he was certain that the reactions didn't appear negative or hostile... at least he hoped that he was correct. Still he didn't exactly like receiving such pitying looks from children, and decided to change the subject. "So, who won?"

This turned out to be the wrong thing to ask since both children puffed up, evidently quite pleased with. themselves, and said simultaneously; "I did!"

"What are you talking about?" Asked Frodnar in an annoyed huff. "I was clearly first!" As if in agreement his loyal dog stump barked, and Arliss wondered momentarily when he got there.

Dorthe crossed her arms and scoffed. "Oh, please!" She rolled her eyes. "You must be blind. I was in front of you the whole time."

"That's a load that came from Sheogorath's butt, because you're crazy!"

As the ensuing argument escalated to petty name calling, Arliss was starting to get worried. 'If they start brawling as is Nordic custom and Frodnar gets seriously wounded or harms the girl, I might get blamed for this, and Master will be upset with me.' His face remained mostly passive, but that thought was seriously troubling to Arliss. 'I have to stop them from fighting.' He nodded to himself and quickly formed a plan. "If you two can not settle on a winner, then perhaps you aught say that the first race is a tie, and have a rematch? We'll say that whoever can run to the end where you started, and back to me first is the winner? I'll watch from here, as a witness for the record."

Frodnar jumped up. "Arliss you're a genius!" He pointed at Dorthe in challenge. "You're on!"

Dorthe just shrugged, pretending not to be as invested in this as she really was. "Sure thing, but I'm still gonna beat you."

As he watched the two ready their stances Arliss wondered what he should do if it ends up in another tie. If it came close he might be asked to be the tie breaker, and he wondered about what would be the best outcome. 'Should I reward Frodnar's friendship and give him the win? Or maybe by currying favor with the girl he could convince her family that they can be trusted with information.' He shook his head at his ridiculous thoughts. 'Tis naught more than a mere child's race, there likely isn't anything to be gained from it.' Really, it would be best if there was a clear winner so he wouldn't have to make any decisions.

The two children set off as fast as their legs could carry them, and Arliss watched on in nervous anticipation. It was turning out to be really close as they continuously passed each other and fell behind in equal tandem, neither willing to lag behind or let the other keep the lead. They reached the end in perfect sync, and turned in one swift movement; although Dorthe's skirt slowed her down a bit at the turning point, and Frodnar shot forward back towards Arliss. The boy looked back at her with a mischievous triumphant grin that said he knew he was gonna win. Unfortunately the boy wasn't watching where he was going, and ended up crashing hard into someone. He fell back in a painful thud. "Ow!"

Upon hearing the boy's pained cry Arliss quickly rushed forward, staff in hand. As he got closer he recognized the man or rather elf as Faendal. Luckily it seemed he was non hostile, and offered a hand to the boy. "Are you alright, child?" His face and voice held concern.

Dorthe rushed over with a gasp. "Frodnar, are you okay?"

The boy grimaced. "I'm okay, but I scraped my hand when I landed. It kinda stings."

"Recovery, coming up!" Arliss quickly cast Anodyne, and soon there was a magical sigil of holy light enveloping them.

"Whoa!" Frodnar watched in amazement at the light around them, and marveled at how quickly his hand healed. "This is so cool!"

Likewise Dorthe awed at the light. Remarking on how pretty it was.

Faendal looked on with interest, noting how his light injury he got on his recent hunt was already feeling better. "A healing spell?" He said a bit breathy, clearly impressed. "Are you a priest?"

Arliss shook his head. "I'm no clergy, I just happen to know how to heal."

The others in Riverwood looked on curiously at the display. At first they had been worried for the children who were near the strange mage, but upon hearing that it was only healing magic many of them calmed down, and others suddenly became more interested in his appearance. As much as magic was generally looked down on in Nord society; the school of restoration was looked at more favorably than other forms of magic. At the end of the day everyone needed a healer sometimes, and it just so happened that there were people here who were thinking it was their lucky day. Suddenly Arliss found himself surrounded by unfamiliar faces each crowding around eagerly in the hopes that he'd check them or their family out, so he could heal them.

"I've got this bad back, from overdoing it at the mill." One middle aged man said. "Think you can fix it?"

A mousy woman stepped forward. "Could you please look at my son Timothy? He's sick."

"Young man!" An old woman said. "Would you be so kind as to look at my foot?"

Arliss stepped back overwhelmed. "Forgive me, I-I"

Just as he thought he would be swallowed up by the masses a familiar voice boomed. "Hey, back off! Can't you see you're crowding him!"

"Sir.Kriger," Arliss sighed in relief.

Unfortunately his peace was short lived as the crowd became rowdy once more. Arguments started, and soon chaos ensued. Arliss felt his arm grabbed, and he silently allowed himself to be dragged away somewhere.

Chapter 13: Unusuality End

Author's Note: I hope you guys liked this chapter. I left the last one on a cliffhanger, and resolved it pretty quickly. I didn't want to keep dragging the fight on. Um, I hope you liked it.

This chapter is a bit different. I needed a break, and wanted to add something more lighthearted so I thought I'd write about Arliss getting to play tag and stuff (although in the end he didn't get to play tag) with the kids. I thought it would be cute and funny. I also felt like I've been neglecting Arliss (since he's usually pretty quiet when the other characters are around) so I decided to focus on him for a bit. Same with Frodnar I feel like I didn't do a good job with him earlier and wanted to give it another go. I feel like he feels less stiff here so I think that's an improvement!

I also noticed that Silva and Arliss' secrets seem to get exposed more compared to Kriger. lol sorry about that, I'll definitely have to do something about that. I've fleshed out a whole backstory for him, and was getting really into all these neat little details while brainstorming. I'm so excited to start implementing them, and figuring out how to show you his past.

Should I try to fit mini flashbacks somewhere, add whole chapters/arc in dedication to it, or should I write it as a prequel? If I do end up writing a prequel it will probably be marked as only elder scrolls since it likely wouldn't have Arliss, Silva or any mentions of anything Dragons Dogma related. That is of course assuming that's something that's allowed.

(Ao3 is no problem, but ffn can be a bit difficult with their rules. If it comes down to it, I can always post that fic to Ao3 and just let my ffn readers know in the AN that they can read it on Ao3.) Sounds pretty unfair to my ffn readers though so I'll probably try to find a way to implement it within this fic instead of as a prequel.

Oh, yeah. Last chapter ended on a cliffhanger, and this one did as well. Apologies for that, but you won't have to wait long for an update. Also I wonder if this is really much of a cliffhanger considering you can probably guess who grabbed Arliss at the end. Feel free to post your guess, I'd love to see how many of you get it right.

Anyway this AN is pretty long, so apologies for that. Thanks so much for reading; I hope you enjoyed!