Author's Note: This is something I started to help me roleplay a little better and to practice writing. Don't worry, more Among The Stars will come soon, this is just a new idea I wanted to try. I am playing with mods so if some NPCs/interactions don't sound familiar, that is why. Hope everyone enjoys :).
17th of Last Seed, 4E 201:
After successfully securing passage with a trading ship, I finally made my way to Skyrim. It has been quite surreal to see the land of my people after many years of stories from Father, but it also feels right to be in the heartland. I hope here I can learn more about my ancestry, and who I am to be.
I docked in the town of Dawnstar and quickly learned the inhabitants suffered an affliction where nightmares seemed to permeate their sleep. As much as I wished to help the town, I knew I was in no shape to do so. Father always said a true warrior knows when to fight, and when to save a fight and I fear this was the latter. The town itself held a dreary note the longer I stayed and I found myself quickly taking a missive to deliver a weapon to Whiterun, what seems to be the central hold of Skyrim. I was told it would be no more than a few hours travel by foot so I fastened my boot straps and was on my way.
The scenery that decorated the walk to Whiterun was nothing short of mesmerizing. A plethora of grand pine trees dotted the snowy landscape like flecks of pepper upon a bowl of milk. Huge mountains flanked me from either side, a constant reminder of the long and arduous journeys I will no doubt make here. As much as I wanted to enjoy the scenery, I found myself set upon by wolves and giant spiders. My sparring practice with Father was fresh in my mind in each encounter, using my bow to tactfully weaken my opponents and closing in with a sword. It was frankly terrifying, backyard sparring sessions on lazy summer afternoons cannot compare to a real fight in the frozen tundra. The air biting at you as much as your opponent. I received very little injury beyond the occasional scrape and cut but I realized a shield would have served most useful, I should try and procure one at a market.
After several hours of walking, and a few minutes steering clear of a conspicuous fort, I noticed the small blades of yellow grass poking out of the now dwindling snow. As I looked ahead, the snowy expanse was replaced with auburn leaves and the towering stone of Whiterun's own Dragonsreach. Indeed, I could imagine a dragon colliding with the buildings' far stretching canopies. My tired feet quickly felt lighter as my goal was finally within reach. Farms began to crop up slowly around me, their rolling fields of grain causing my stomach to growl when I came upon a most unusual sight. A man, donned head to toe in jester garb, dancing impatiently by a broken cart. This was a matter I feel anyone would try to learn more about this predicament as I did. The man quickly introduced himself as Cicero and he was carrying the corpse of his mother…in a coffin…to be buried. I felt myself involuntarily making an exit before the man asked me to talk to the farm's owners about helping him. He had tried but they seemed unwilling to do so. I figured if it helped the man on his way and saved the poor farm hands from this charade, then it couldn't hurt to ask. The man I talked to was, at first, apprehensive at the idea, but quickly he became more accommodating once I explained that Cicero would leave quicker if he helped. I hurriedly returned to Cicero and he gave me some Septims for my trouble. I just hope to never see this man again….
I stopped by a watchtower that rested on the outskirts of the city and had a fine chat with a Dark Elf fellow who seemed to be selling and accepting junk in hopes of pawning it off on some other merchant named Belethor. The man was quite amusing and I hope to see him in the city sometime.
The next leg of my journey was the worst, by more than a khajiit's tail. A thief set upon me outside the walls, certainly taking the advantage of the false security Whiterun's walls gave off. He demanded my coin whilst brandishing a dagger toward me. I tried to convince him I had no money but he was insistent, to the point where a fight broke out. The battle was brutal, I believe I only survived because I managed to grab the man by his hood and…slit his throat. It was horrible, I had never killed a man before and my Father certainly never prepared me for the cold look of a lifeless man. I fear I will never forget it. I hobbled away from the scene, leaving the man to the crows. After a few paces, I doubled over in pain and fear as I vomited upon the ground. I'm not sure how long I laid there, what seemed like minutes could have very well been hours. Father had warned me of bandits and brigands plaguing Skyrim lately and he made it no secret that I may have to take a life, but he never said anymore. He would only grow cold and despondent.
I trudged along slowly before the ground quaked beneath my feet, causing me to fall to my knees. Across the field, a giant was rampaging within a farmers enclosure, several warriors surrounded his feet engaging him in battle. After what seemed like only an instant, the giant fell to the ground along with my sense of pride for slaying wolves earlier. I ran over to speak to the warriors who looked to be some of the most seasoned I'd ever seen besides Father. They coolly made their exit from the field before one turned back and told me to see the Companions if I sought strength like theirs. I must say I am quite intrigued by this.
After one of the longest days of my life, I had finally found my way into Whitreun. The enclosed hold felt like a warm embrace from a mother, the cobbled foot paths like cotton compared to the rough roads I had traveled. From what I saw of the city at night, it is quite large and holds a large population, but nothing like the cities in Cyrodil though it certainly felt homelier. A number of businesses surrounded the road toward the inn I found myself staging at: "The Bannered Mare." Inside, I conversed with the locals, learning a bit more about the town before I ate my supper and rented a room. I lay in a bed, resting in the attic of the inn, the soft sounds of music and conversation fill the air. Today was exciting, terrifying, heart wrenching, and joyous all in one package. I know one thing though, I'd ask the divines to let me do it all over again if given the chance.