My Random Skyrim Stories

Fire, Lightning, and... Healing? (4)

The following afternoon, when Onmund was just about to take a break in his studies to go get some food, Elyzyn suddenly appeared in his doorway with a big smile on her face.

"Here's your amulet," she declared proudly, holding out a silver and sapphire necklace.

Onmund's jaw dropped and he let out an almost involuntary laugh as he jumped to his feet.

"I didn't think he'd really give it back," he admitted in amazement as the familiar piece of jewelry settled into his hands.

"He didn't want to," Elyzyn shrugged, "but I talked him into it."

"Thank you, friend," Onmund smiled genuinely. "It's good to know I can count on you."

He noticed her face lit into a warm smile at the word 'friend' and it made his heart happier still.

"No problem," she replied. "Although..." her eyebrow quirked curiously, "if you don't mind me asking, why's that amulet so important to you?"

"Ah, well..." Onmund sighed. "It's from my family," he shrugged, "I don't..." he paused as he tried to think of how to explain himself... "I know they always disapproved of what I wanted in life, to learn magic instead becoming a farmer, or a hunter... but no matter how poorly they may have treated me, they're still my family..."

Elyzyn's brow furrowed a bit at that, but she didn't interrupt.

"...and since I don't have any plans to go back home much, it's nice to have... something to just remember them by," he concluded with another awkward shrug.

"Ah... I... suppose that makes sense," she nodded after a moment, but her expression said the opposite.

Onmund's heart fell. Did she think less of him over this after all?

His emotion must have at least partially shown on his face because then she hastily added, "I don't mean anything by that, I guess the idea just surprised me is all," she sounded a little embarrassed, "I mean... since you said they treated you poorly and such..."

"Oh," Onmund nodded, "well, they disapproved of what I wanted, and we fought about it a lot, but that was just because we disagreed about what was best for me. There were good memories too. I know they cared."

"I see," she replied. Then she shook her head and sighed. "I definitely never had anything like that... Honor Hall Orphanage and the Riften Ratway don't tend to have a lot of caring people."

"Oh," Onmund's eyes widened a little, "I... I'm sorry," he replied a little awkwardly.

"Don't be," she shook her head, "I made it out, so it's all good now." She put on a smile that looked a little forced. "Struggles make us stronger, right?"

By the Nine, Onmund had so many questions now...

"And give us stories to tell," Onmund agreed with a nod, hoping she'd tell him hers...

To his delight, she smiled and nodded at that. "We may need to sit and swap stories one of these days," she suggested, and her smile looked more genuine now.

"We should," Onmund nodded excitedly. That was exactly what he'd hoped for...

Elyzyn giggled a little at his eagerness but then glanced over her shoulder before looking back to him.

"Well," she continued, "I'm glad I could help, and I'm glad you didn't let your family talk you into being a farmer or a hunter..."

The way she'd just looked behind her made Onmund suspect she was about to conclude with something of a farewell... he felt his pulse increase and his cheeks flushing a little as he tried to think of a way to get her to stay longer... to talk to him...

"...I'll—"

"I was about to go get some dinner," he blurted, awkwardly interrupting her, "if... you'd like to come...?" He added hopefully.

For a moment she just blinked at him with a look of mild surprise, and Onmund was sure his face was beet-red.

Then her surprised expression shifted back to a smile.

"I would..." she nodded, "but..." she paused with a sigh, and her smile fell to a look of disappointment, "I'm afraid I need to go report to the Arch Mage," she added, "and... well, you know, there's no telling how long that could take," she grimaced apologetically.

"Ah... right," Onmund nodded, "no worries then."

His eyes fell to his feet as he tried not to feel like he'd just been punched in the stomach... she did look genuinely disappointed with her own answer at least.

"Perhaps another time?" She suggested, and her voice at least sounded hopeful...

"Of course," Onmund replied quickly looking back to her. The feeling of rejection that had begun to settle in his gut began dissipating as soon as it had come.

"And I... um..." she paused again.

Onmund cocked his head curiously— hopefully as he noticed she was the one who sounded nervous now...

"I might need help with whatever the Arch Mage has for me next...?"

Onmund's heart jumped at that.

"Certainly," he agreed, "I'd be happy to help with anything you need."

He only realized after he'd said them how overly-eager his words sounded, but if Elyzyn's smile was anything to go by, she didn't mind.