Northbound Pilgrimage II

Chapter XCIX - Festivities

The Nords never wasted a good opportunity for celebrations.

From the moment Bishop and Aeyrin woke up in their bed at Braidwood Inn, they could hear the patrons in the common room.

It was the last day of Evening Star. Last day of the year 202. The Old Life Festival.

People all over Tamriel were intent on celebrating the past year today and ushering in the new one. And Skyrim was no exception, apparently.

Even as Bishop and Aeyrin dressed themselves to grab some breakfast, they could hear the constant laughter and cheers from the next room. They weren't planning on celebrating today, though they hadn't really talked about that as an option. Their plan was clear – getting back on their previous track and going to explore the Pale right after a good meal.

When they left the room, they were greeted by an odd sight. Well... it was odd for Aeyrin. Bishop had seen this scene before a lot of times. The stupid Nordic celebrations. Everyone was wearing a cheap horned metal hat adorned with mountain flowers of all colors wrapped around it as a wreath. The room had at least twenty people in it – probably the whole population of the tiny mining settlement of Kynesgrove – and everyone was already in their cups, laughing merrily with plenty of food on their tables to boot.

"What are they wearing?" Aeyrin chuckled at the scene. Did someone distribute those helmets? She had never thought to walk in on something like this.

"It's a Nordic thing," Bishop smirked. "I don't know why. Everyone who celebrates the Old Life stuff wears them today."

Aeyrin kept looking around the room, watching the people in their revelry with a smile on her face. It was pretty funny probably. Bishop didn't get these traditions, but... there was nothing wrong with drinking the year away.

"You know, we can stay for a while longer than just a quick meal," he chuckled at Aeyrin. She looked kinda excited about the happenings and he was in a pretty good mood after being by her side again. He would probably not be too annoyed by the drunkards today.

"You wanna wear the helmet, don't you?" she giggled at him.

"No. I wanna see you wear it," he snorted in response.

They looked at each other briefly and both shrugged in unison. It could be pretty fun to participate for a while before they headed out. Nothing urgent was pressing them on, so they walked towards one of the tables. This time they did not pick one of the most hidden ones in a shadowy corner to stay in their own little world, but they chose the only one left in the middle of it all.

The innkeeper, Iddra, was by their table almost immediately. And she had two of those impressive hats in her hands and a big smile on her face. Her cheeks were also tellingly flushed from the alcohol.

"Are you two gonna be joining us for the celebrations?" she beamed at them.

"For a bit," Aeyrin returned her smile.

At that answer, Iddra promptly placed a helmet on each of their heads. Aeyrin couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of Bishop. She never thought she would see him in something so overly Nordic and so flowery at the same time. It was definitely a sight to remember.

"How do you still look good even in something this ridiculous?" he smirked at her and she promptly blushed and straightened her helmet with a flustered movement.

"Right back at you," she snickered, but it only elicited a doubtful scoff from Bishop.

"You both look great," Iddra grinned at them. "Now, breakfast is half the price in the spirit of the festivities and I'll get you your drinks right away."