4E 201, 3rd of Hearthfire
Few things in life smelled as good as a jazaby crostata still warm from the oven. The enticing scent floated from the top of the chimney where it was caught by the wind and swept down into the hamlet of Rorikstead. It drifted down the main road and into the fields of crops that lay on the edge of the settlement. Even as she pulled the thick stalks of wheat from the earth, the scent filling her nostrils was just as enticing as if she was in the hut herself. Just a few more stalks she thought.
Beside her, she could see her friend had also taken notice of the scent. His gray-blue eyes lit up with anticipation and a smile spread across his face. "Let's hurry up and finish so we can eat them while they're still hot!" he exclaimed excitedly.
She laughed in agreement and the duo made short work of the remaining stalks, gathering up the rest of the wheat in the late afternoon sun. It still surprised her just how well the harvest always seemed to fare in Rorikstead but she took it as another sign of good fortune. Life had improved during the last few months due to multiple factors including the new stone oven at the Frostfruit Inn where the beautiful aroma of jazaby crostata had become almost a daily ritual.
Smiling, she turned to her friend. "C'mon Erik! We have to hurry up and wash or your father will give all the crostatas to the guards! That or they'll be cold again!"
"Don't worry Beautiful, I'm moving the last bundle to the farmhouse," Erik replied. "And besides," he smirked dropping his voice so only she could hear, " you don't exactly have to worry about a cold crostata now do you?"
Her smile dropped and she shot him a dirty look. "Not in public while the guards are around!" she hissed. She didn't want anyone else to overhear their conversation for fear of being discovered. She knew Erik was only teasing but also knew of the consequences that came with it.
Luckily Erik caught the hint and his smirk disappeared. "Right. Sorry." He dropped his load by the small garden gate and turned to face her. "Let's head on inside then and wash up for supper," he said throwing his hoe over his shoulder. "The sooner we down our apple cabbage stew, the sooner we can have sweets!"
The duo strolled up the road towards the inn, the scent of crostata become stronger with each step. She noticed Britte and Sissel running towards the inn, the twin sisters also taken in by the joyous smell. That or they were running from their father who she noticed was yelling after them as usual.
"Useless daughters of mine! Work the fields for once why don't you!" Lemkil screamed after his girls. Erik had always tried to get him to be more caring and compassionate to his daughters but it was to no avail. Deep down, she hoped that one day they would be able to get far away from him.
"Everything alright?" The voice broke her out of her thoughts and she found herself being towered over by one of the road guards. His metal helmet completely covered his face and she only reached up to his torso covered in studded armor wrapped in blue cloth. He carried a massive steel shield and a steel sword sat by his side. Only then she realized she had stopped right in the middle of the road and Erik was already several paces ahead. "Yes," she responded to the guard. "Sorry. I'll be moving along."
"Well alright then," the guard said continuing his patrol. She turned to catch up to Erik but cast one more look over her shoulder admiring the guard's new colors. All the guards in Rorikstead had changed their colors from their standard mustard yellow to the new dark blue, the official color of the great Stormcloak Army.
For as long as she could remember, Skyrim had been plagued with a civil war that tore the land asunder. Stormcloak rebels led by the great Jarl of Windhelm, Ulfric Stormcloak, were fighting to free Skyrim and her people from the rapidly deteriorating Septim Empire. Thousands were killed fighting the Imperials. Families were torn apart, neighbors turned on neighbors, food was scarce and trust was even rarer. The end seemed nowhere in sight. But that all changed at the Battle for Whiterun.
When the once neutral hold refused to acknowledge Ulfric's claim as the High King of Skyrim, he issued them an ultimatum: join his side or forfeit the city. They refused and sided with the Imperial Legion. But nothing could keep out the mighty Stormcloak Army and they stormed the walls and took the city. The Empire was now demoralized and in shambles and in a full-scale retreat. Finally, Skyrim would be free and united and the Stormcloak colors were proof that there were better days ahead.
She climbed the steps to the hamlet's only business establishment, the Frostfruit Inn. It had also served as her home for many years since past events led her to Rorikstead. Erik's father, Mralki, ran the inn and had allowed her to stay in return for her efforts with the crops. She and Erik got along splendidly and had been close friends ever since.
She pulled the handle on the door and it swung open, revealing a large common area with several wooden dining tables and benches for seating. A large fire pit in the center welcomed travelers from the harsh wind outside and the air was always filled with friendly conversation and laughter. It may not have looked like much but to her, it was a perfect place to call home.
"Hey Beautiful," Mralki called from the bar. She turned to see the middle-aged man with a smile brighter than the dome of his bald head. Even when she was a little girl, Mralki's title for her had always been 'Beautiful' as a way to make her feel a part of the family. That and she was sure he didn't remember her real name. "Water's in the room on the left."
"Thanks Mralki!" she called to him disappearing into the last room. She made sure to lock the door before undressing knowing that there were prying eyes about. Mralki's title wasn't false: she was beautiful. Despite being out in the fields, her skin was smooth, flawless, and didn't tan from the sun. She kept an hourglass figure which she was proud of but at times attracted unwanted attention. On more than one occasion, she'd had to brawl with Erik for trying to peep on her while she bathed.
She looked down into the bucket and saw her reflection looking back at her with the two features that really made her stand out. The first was her sapphire blue eyes that seemed to illuminate hope and happiness wherever she went. She ran her hands to her head and began to undo the second and most distinctive feature about her: her long, dark pink hair. Even to outlanders such as elves and Argonians, pink hair was unheard of and a clear indicator that she was unique.
She was of course in ways other than her physical appearance. She dipped her hands down into the water bucket and winced when she discovered the water was freezing. Keeping one hand submerged in the water, she closed her eyes and leveled her breathing. An orange glow began to emit from her submerged hand and the water began to stir. After just a few seconds, she opened her eyes and saw steam coming from the surface of the water. The glow ceased immediately and she smiled at the now hot water she had for bathing.
Only Erik knew her secret: she was a pyro mage who could manipulate fire. Her smooth skin was always warm to the touch and she never got cold even in the harshest of winters. She was also immune to any damage caused by fire. She had tested both of these abilities out in secret, standing out in snowstorms in minimal clothing and sticking her hands directly in fire when no one was looking.
But even Erik didn't know just how powerful of a mage she was. She could do so much more than tame the elements and heat up bathwater. She could also focus her mana to shoot fireballs, create walls of flame, even cloak her own body and weapons in fire. The last wasn't preferred as she found out the hard way her clothes wouldn't survive. But these abilities she kept strictly to herself and only entrusted Erik with some of her magic.
While proud of her abilities, she knew how the Nords of Skyrim responded to magic. Magic was seen as the source of evil, a tool used by weaker races. The greatest conflicts in history such as the Oblivion Crisis some 200 years ago and the more recent Great War with the Thalmor were supposedly caused by magic users. Though not entirely true, the majority of Nords were convinced nothing good could come from magic and some holds outright prohibited its use. It was the one great flaw she saw with the new Stormcloak Army taking over: she had to hide her true self from the world.
In the end, it was a small sacrifice for her to make so the people of Skyrim could be free. She ran the warm water through her hair and let the heat dissipate her worries. Besides she thought I'm about to make a much larger contribution than hiding a few flames.
"This is...ALL FOR US!?"
She was stunned. An entire feast fit for a Jarl had been displayed on the bar counter while she and Erik had bathed. Unknown to the duo, everyone had pitched in for this meal and the entire hamlet had gathered in the inn. Old man Rorik and his friend Jouane sat further in the back but still gave the duo their attention. Lemkil had brought Britte and Sissel who were standing on their toes gazing up at the feast, their mouths notably beginning to water with anticipation. Ennis and Reldith had turned up as well, standing behind the food ready to begin serving. Even the town guards made an appearance though they were only joining in shifts so the town would still be guarded.
She turned her attention back towards the food and what a sight it was! There was cooked beef and grilled leeks, fresh baked bread and honey nut treats! There was a pot of apple cabbage stew almost overflowing with its contents and an entire wheel of beloved edgar cheese where someone had noticeably taken a slice from already. And best of all, on the right side of the counter, sat no less than two dozen steaming jazaby crostatas.
"Of course it is, Beautiful," Mralki smiled. "It's not every day our kids go off to become soldiers and we wanted to do something special." The entire inn erupted with cheers of agreement. "You two got this!" "Show those Imperials who this land belongs to!" "No lollygaggin'!"
Tears of joy streamed down her face and her smile lit up the already lively inn. Beside her, Erik's reaction mimicked hers despite him painfully trying to hide it. It was a big moment for them. They were headed off to join up with the Stormcloaks at first light and they had the support of their entire community. She knew Erik had struggled to convince his father that his calling was that of a warrior and she was glad his perseverance had finally paid off. Now they had one final night of celebration before the hands of fate would descend.
She made sure to treasure every moment that followed. She munched on a jazaby crostata and listened eagerly to the tales of Rorik and Jouane, the town elders who had fought in the Great War together against the Aldmeri Dominion.
"You will make some of the best friends of your life out there on the battlefield," Rorik explained. "That's how I met Jouane. He nursed me back to health after I was gravely wounded and when I came home, I brought him along. We've been here ever since."
She made her rounds so she could see talk to everyone, grabbing another crostata as she moved on to listen to Ennis next.
"Now I'm not suggesting that you use the war as a means to profit," Ennis claimed, "but if an opportunity to better yourself arises by all means take it. And if you meet anyone in your travels who's looking for a new business partner for farming, be sure to send them my way."
She nodded her way through his business rambling, downing her crostata and grabbing another as she moved on to the twin sisters who trampling over each other trying to be heard next.
"Are you gonna take Solitude!?" "Will you get to meet Ulfric Stormcloak!?" "How many Imperials will you kill!?" "If you see one of those talking cat people can you say 'hi' for me!?" "Have you seen a dragon!?" "Hey, aren't you eating all the crostatas!?"
She took a deep breath and finished her crostata before answering the twins. "Yes, we will take Solitude. Yes, I hope to meet Ulfric Stormcloak. Hopefully I won't have to kill too many Imperials. Yes I will, and they're called Khajitt, not cat people. No, I have not seen a dragon. And no," she answered turning to look back at the bar, "I am not eating all th-"
She froze when she noticed the plate the crostatas sat on was now completely clear, save a few crumbs. "Oh," she said looking down at her feet in awkwardness. "Oops. I uh-" she stammered, "I'd better go ahead and talk to your father. See you girls later!"
She stumbled away quickly and soon found herself face to face with Lemkil. "Here's a little going away advice," he told her harshly, "do yourself a favor and don't have children. They're good for nothing at all."
"...oh," she said looking down at her feet. This was more awkward than the crostatas. "I uh-" she stammered, "I'd better go ahead and talk to that guard over there. See you later!"
She quickly moved towards the corner of the room closest to the door where one of the guards stood leaning against the wall. She sat down in the chair next to him hoping that her presence would inspire a conversation. It quickly became awkward when it didn't.
"So uh," she began desperately searching for something to talk about, "I'm going away tomorrow. Any uh...any advice for dealing with Imperials?"
"Not really," the guard said turning to face her with his helmet covering his face. "I mostly deal with petty thievery and drunken brawls. Been too long since we've had a good bandit raid."
She smiled a polite smile as she stood up and turned to leave. Maybe the night would become more interesting after a few bottles of mead. She strolled over to the bar and sat down next to Erik who had already started his drinking.
"Howwwwsit goin?" Erik asked slumped over his mug clearly drunk. He turned to face her, his eyes mismatched and his smile appearing crooked. "Bythe Godssssss, you're gorgeous! Do people tellyathat?" he said slurring his words.
She giggled noticing the one bottle next to his mug. "C'mon Erik that's only your first drink. You can't be drunk already."
"Look!" he shouted standing up and pointing a wobbly finger at her, "I don tell you how eat crossantas," he stammered, "you don tell me how eat mead!" He took one step away from the bar and collapsed on his face.
She shook her head laughing and helped him up. "Alright Erik, I won't tell you how to 'eat' mead," she said guiding him towards the door to the inn, "but we're gonna get you some fresh air so you can keep enjoying the party. Ok?"
"Youuuuuuuuuu are my bessess fren evuhr," was his response. She ignored the people staring at them and opened the door to the inn.
Cold air instantly blasted the duo in their faces as they made the transition outdoors. She quickly shut the door so the heat inside wouldn't escape. The sun had dropped entirely since the party's start and the moon was out in full, illuminating the hamlet and the surrounding lands in a beautiful display of light. It was a perfect night for one to be outdoors and help their drunk friend lean over the wooden railing so they could puke all over a bush of tundra cotton.
"That's it Erik, keep letting it out," she encouraged. She gave him several slaps on the back but made sure to look away while he heaved. The door behind her opened and she turned to see Mralki peeking outside. "Hey Beautiful. Can I speak to you privately?"
"Um," she said looking back at Erik, "I'm kinda busy right now."
"Everything alright?" It was the same guard asking the same question from earlier.
She smiled a sarcastic smile as Erik puked all over the bush again. "Absolutely perfect. Hey, can you watch this guy for a minute? I need to speak to the innkeeper." She turned to Erik without waiting for a response. "Erik I'll be right back. I need to speak to your father for just a moment."
She turned and left Erik with the guard. She stepped back into the warmth of the inn, following Mralki through the maze of people and into the back room on the right. Mralki closed the door behind them and took a deep breath before he spoke. "Promise me you'll look after my boy."
She blinked a couple of times. "I'm sorry?"
He sighed. "Look Beautiful, I'm worried about my Erik. He's young and untested and he's going up against the Imperial Legion. I'm afraid Erik in his haste to prove himself will rush right into battle and get himself hurt or worse." He paused briefly before continuing. "You are Erik's closest friend. You know my boy best. Help Erik keep his head on his shoulders so that you may both return home safely."
She let his words sink in for a moment before placing her hand on Mralki's shoulder. "I promise you I'll do everything I can to bring Erik back home safe." She could see he was about to say something but was quick to cut him off. "Tonight is a celebration Mralki, the last chance either of us will be able to enjoy ourselves for a while. You cannot control what happens out on the battlefield but you can control what happens tonight." She smiled and opened up the door, walking briskly out of the room and over to the bar where she grabbed a bottle of mead and effortlessly popped the cork off. "Tonight let us be merry!" she shouted for all to hear, "for tomorrow, Sovngarde awaits!"
The inn erupted in cheers and she gulped down her first bottle of mead for the night. The rest of the evening went by in a blur. There was a lot of laughing and dancing about and several more bottles of mead uncorked and consumed.
She did distinctively remember when the door opened and everyone cheered when Talsgar the Wanderer entered the inn. At first he was confused by all the commotion but soon understood his role in all of it and broke out his lute once everyone had managed to piece together twenty-five septims.
"I'm told this one is a local favorite," he announced, "and so happens is one of the first songs I learned as a bard: Ragnar the Red." The entire inn erupted in cheers and everyone joined with mostly drunken singing as Talsgar began to play.
"Oh, there once was a hero named Ragnar the Red who came riding to Whiterun from old Rorikstead!"
Time is a funny thing she thought as she stared at the now empty inn that mere hours before had still been alive and a place for joy. Now it was dead, the party-goers dispersed and asleep in the wee hours of the morning. She smiled despite the emptiness for she knew that one day when the war was over, she would be back and the walls would shake once more.
Her long pink hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail. Her leather armor was strapped tightly to her body and her pouch was stuffed full of food and water to last her for the journey to Whiterun. Her iron sword sat in its hilt by her side and her steel dagger sat securely in her left boot. She was ready.
She opened the door to the inn and stepped out into the dark frigid morning without looking back. There was no need to; she had already said her goodbyes. At the bottom of the steps stood Erik who was looking much better than he did last night. He matched her almost unparalleled with leather armor and an iron sword, save that he also sported a large iron shield. Neither wore helmets.
She nodded that she was ready to go and the two began the trek to Whiterun in silence. They marched on with only the sound of the wind blowing and the stone road beneath their feet. The sky gradually became less dark, transitioning from black to blue and from blue to orange and from orange to yellow as the sun began its slow ascent over the horizon in front of them.
It was only then they dared to look back. They had already put considerable distance between themselves and the hamlet and now Rorikstead was merely a cluster of dots in the distance. To the citizens of Rorikstead, it was probably just another ordinary day to wake up and begin working. For the duo, it meant leaving behind everything they knew.
"So long Rorikstead," Erik said. He looked at her and smiled. She returned his smile and the duo resumed their walk into the warm welcoming sunrise. There was a tang of sadness in the air yet also a strange new sense of liberation. So long as they stayed strong, the world stretched out before them was theirs! The thought of adventure was quick to drown out and feelings of regret either one might've had.
They still had considerable distance between them and Whiterun so she decided to pass the time with conversation. "So Erik, tell me why we're fighting this war."
"Because Skyrim is ours," he replied gesturing towards the vast rolling hills and plains in front of them. "We fought for this land so that we may rule this land. The Empire cannot dictate to us how we get to live." He paused and look her in the eyes. "And the elves certainly don't."
She nodded, fire growing in her chest at the thought of it. How she hated those words: elves and Thalmor. Who were they to tell Nords how to live when their homeland in the Summerset Isles was almost a continent away. A thought had been brewing in her mind for a long time and she decided to tell Erik and let this idea run its course. "I don't think the Empire is the real enemy."
Erik looked at her visibly puzzled. "Come again?"
She sighed before continuing. "I think we're fighting the wrong people. The Empire I don't believe is evil. Spineless and stupid yes, but not necessarily evil. If it weren't for the Thalmor," she thought aloud, "we may still be allies."
"What do you mean allies?" Erik asked. "How can you say that?"
"Think about it," she continued. "The Aldmeri Dominion invaded the Empire during the Great War, primarily the provinces of Hammerfell and Cyrodil. Cyrodil suffers great losses and signs the White-Gold Concordat, giving massive amounts of Hammerfell territory to the Thalmor and banning Talos worship. Hammerfell refused the terms and was forced out of the Empire to fight alone against the Dominion. And against all odds, they won with the signing of the Second Treaty of Stros M'kai." She paused to make sure Erik was following. "And now we are fighting for our right to worship Talos and rule Skyrim the way we want. If the Empire was smart, they'd join our cause and we could reunite all the provinces again to drive the Thalmor out for good."
"So you think the Imperials are the good guys?" Erik asked.
"I think they could be if they would just fight back against the elves," she continued. "They're scared and in their fear are attacking their own to appeal to their oppressors."
"I guess that makes sense," Erik responded. "But does that mean you'll hesitate to kill an Imperial?"
She gave him a small smile as she drew her sword. "Do not confuse sympathy for weakness Erik. I may not relish the idea of killing an Imperial but at the end of the day, a man trying to kill me is a man trying to kill me regardless of his political affiliations. I will not hesitate to end the life of any who threaten to harm me or anyone I hold dear."
Erik smiled and the silence resumed once more. She returned her sword to its hilt and the journey continued for a couple more hours until the duo saw something in the distance. It was large and stuck out clearly above the rest of the landscape. There was no mistaking what it was: Whiterun.
"Alright! Just in time for lunch!" Erik exclaimed. His excitement was cut short when he looked over and saw that his friend wasn't as excited as he was, her face blank as she was lost in thought. He had known her for years though and could tell what she was pondering. "What do you think will happen once we win the war?" he asked.
She looked up, a bit surprised that her friend had guessed exactly what was on her mind. Nevertheless, she gave him a straight answer. "Ulfric will become High King of Skyrim and we'll march on the Dominion. And by the time we're through with them, they will be scared to so much as look across the Abecean Sea, let alone cross it."
Erik smiled. "You have real fire within you. I've always admired that."
She returned his smile. "It's not going out any time soon. Now c'mon, I'll race you to the city gates!" She didn't wait for an answer before she took off running. "Loser buys lunch!" she called back over her shoulder.
"That's not fair!" he called after her trying to catch up. "You don't have a shield on you!"
"Then ditch it!" she yelled back not slowing down. "You're faster without protection anyway!"
He kept his shield and she kept the lead and after what seemed an eternity but was in reality only a few minutes, the duo found themselves at the gates of this old and grand city. They would stop to admire it as soon as they had caught their breath.
"You know," Erik said in between pants, "this is...as far as...as we've ever come." It was true. Both of them had made the trip to Whiterun before but had always stopped short outside the city walls. Now they approached the heavy open gates and ventured into the city for the first time.
To their left sat a guard barrack and a path that led up to the Jarl's palace. To their right was a forge and an armor shop called Warmaiden's with a fair dark-skinned woman pounding away on an anvil. Straight ahead was a path that led through the city's shopping district and further up into the residential area before also leading to the Jarl's palace. The duo decided on the path straight ahead.
A few people looked at them as they passed but for the most part, the citizens went about their daily lives. At first glance, the city seemed beautiful. Water flowed alongside the street and the wonderful smells coming from market stalls filled the air. The commotion from the market could be heard as street vendors advertised their merchandise. "Fresh baked loaves, still warm from the oven!" "The finest cuts, fresh from the wilds!" "Shiny trinkets for your good lady!"
But as they continued along the path towards the palace, the duo began to notice that some signs from the great battle that had been fought here were still present. A few houses lay destroyed, the roofs caved in and the walls with massive holes in them. The fence surrounding the great tree in the park had been damaged as well. And of course, Stormcloak guards and banners were everywhere.
Nevertheless, the duo knew why they were here and continued up the steps towards the palace. A dark-skinned man who was very finely dressed stopped in front of the duo and looked them over. "Do you get to the Cloud District very often?" Before either could answer, he shook his head and walked off. "Ah! What am I saying? Of course you don't."
They blinked a couple of times before continuing. They didn't get far before a sad looking girl wearing a tattered green dress ran up to them. "Mister? Lady?" she asked pitifully. "Could you spare a gold coin? Please?"
They both fished around in their pockets and each presented her with a septim. Her expression went from one of sadness to joy. "Oh thank you! Divines bless your kind hearts!" She ran off towards the market stalls, likely for something to eat.
Once again they continued, finally walking up the steps to the famous palace known as Dragonsreach. To their right stood a tall statue of Talos, the famous ninth divine the Dominion fought so hard to erase. They were glad to see Talos worship was still very much alive with a hooded monk preaching passionately at the statue base. Though she didn't hear the entire sermon, she liked the bit she did hear.
"For we are the children of man! And we shall inherit both the heavens and the earth! And we, not the Elves or their toadies, will rule Skyrim! Forever!"
She liked him already.
They finally reached the main doors of Dragonsreach. Outside stood two guards, one at each door, and dressed in full Stormcloak attire. She smiled as she noticed the guard on the left was a female. "State your business." the female guard demanded.
"We're here to speak to your general about joining the Stormcloaks," Erik explained.
The guards exchanged a brief look before the female guard nodded. "Very well. Head on in and speak to General Hjornskar. He's past the Jarl's throne at the top of the stairs." The guards then turned and opened the two giant doors to the palace and the duo stepped forward.
She had seen many things in her relatively short life. She had lived on three different continents and could manipulate fire at will. But even with that in mind, the masterful architecture of Dragonsreach was something to behold. She gasped at the grand hall and beautiful woodwork displayed before her. She understood now why they called it Dragonsreach: it would take a dragon to reach the ceiling.
They walked past a massive dining table that looked as large as the inn back in Rorikstead and continued past the Jarl's throne chair towards the staircase. She became slightly nervous as she felt prying eyes once more only this time those eyes belonged to some pretty influential people. The Jarl himself noticed her, never taking his gaze off her until she disappeared from his line of sight.
Climbing the stairs, the duo reached another large room. At the end of it sat two grand wooden doors that lead to the massive porch and guard training area. And immediately to the left of the stairs was what the duo was looking for: a tall imposing man dressed in the bearskin armor forged for a Stormcloak general standing at a large table. A massive map of Skyrim was spread out over the table with key locations marked. She didn't get to study the map too closely because soon the duo had the general's undivided attention.
"State your business," the general demanded.
"We are here to join the Stormcloak Army," Erik answered.
The general scowled. "I know that much idiot, otherwise my men wouldn't have let you in. What makes you think you're worthy to join the great Stormcloak Army?"
She sighed before she spoke, knowing she must humble herself. "Honestly sir, nothing," she answered. "We have no tales of fierce hunts or great battles. When the mead halls thunder with the cries of great heroes of battle, they do not shout our names. We aren't even warriors by trade. We are farmers," she said holding up her hands. "These hands have held more cabbages than sword hilts."
"But I will tell you this sir," she continued with fire rising in her voice, "we are at war. Skyrim calls out for her sons and daughters to fight for her and we answer her. What we lack in experience, we make up for in devotion and passion. We would rather die than say we stood back and did nothing for her."
The general studied her for a long moment before he smiled. "Spoken like a true daughter of this land indeed. Though I must say you certainly don't look the part," he said gesturing towards her dark pink hair. "That color is most unusual. It screams 'outlander'."
"You are correct sir," she explained. "I was not born in Skyrim. But this land has shaped me and become my home and I am willing to lay down everything for it."
"And so am I," Erik spoke up. "Just give us the chance to prove it."
The general nodded. "To be honest, we need you both. Normally we'd send you back to Windhelm for induction into our ranks but here, the front lines are close and we need every available soldier we can get. Though untested, I like your fire and am ready to give you the oath if you are ready to take it."
"We are," Erik responded. She nodded in agreement.
"Good. Repeat after me. 'I do swear my blood and honor to the service of Ulfric Stormcloak, Jarl of Windhelm and true High King of Skyrim. As Talos is my witness, may this oath bind me to death and beyond, even to my lord as to my fellow brothers and sisters in arms. All hail the Stormcloaks, the true sons and daughters of Skyrim'!"
The duo repeated the words, each one resonating deep within them. They came upon the final line of the oath. "All hail the Stormcloaks, the true sons and daughters of Skyrim!"
The general nodded. "Excellent. Head out to the porch to show me what you can do. I'll have my men equip you both with your proper attire so you look the part of a soldier. But first," he said putting down a sheet of paper and dabbing his quill in an inkwell, "I am Hjornskar Skull-Smasher, General of Whiterun hold and I need to know the names of my two new recruits. Yours?" he asked Erik.
He stepped forward. "I am Erik the Slayer!" he announced.
Hjornskar laughed. "You know kid, I'll allow it. You might actually scare the Imperial milkdrinkers into thinking you're something straight from Oblivion." He scribbled it down onto the parchment before turning to face her. "And yours?" he asked.
She smiled as she stepped forward, her sapphire blue eyes glowing with excitement. "My name is Nightshade."