Into Oblivion ~a Skyrim fan-fic~ (On Hold)

A Challenge

Vaemona sat down at the large oak table, Alvina immediately placing a sweet roll in front of her.

"Thank you Aunt Alvina.." Vae whispered, but her mind was far from food. The paper was soft in her hands as she unfolded it, revealing bright red ink. 'I know that handwriting...' a gasp escaped her lips as Vae read the contents of the letter:

Dear Daughter,

I fear I have failed you my dear. It has been twelve years since you were sent to live with your aunt, and this is the first time I've contacted you. I couldn't begin to apologize for that abandonment however I don't have the time to make it up to you. It seems my sickness has finally decided to finish the job and I fear I won't last the week. If it is within your means to do so, I ask you come back to Skyrim, to Whiterun. Come back to your home, and be here with me in my final moments.

With Love,

Your Mother

The letter slipped from Vae's fingertips and landed on the floor, disturbing the layer of dust that had settled.

"What is it child?" Alvina asked concerned as she picked the letter up and read it for herself. She sighed softly and sat down next to Vae. Alvina placed her hand comfortingly over Vae's as a small tear slipped down her cheek. "Don't cry love, we don't have time for tears. It doesn't matter what you're feeling inside, you always put on a good face." 'Put on a good face..' If Alvina had taught Vae anything, it was that. What you felt inside didn't matter, you always put on a good show for those around you. "Your mother's time is limited, you need to get going now." Vaemona knew Alvina was right. She stood up and hastily went to her room, packing her bag with the necessary provisions for the trip.

Vae hugged Alvina for a very long time before she left. Alvina may have been her aunt, but she was more of a mother than anyone had been.

~End Flashback~

Voices broke Vaemona's train of thought. She looked up from the small stone she had been kicking to see three imperial soldiers and a prisoner. Her heart began to beat faster, 'Would they try to capture me?' Vae didn't want to take the chance of conversation. She ducked behind a near by rock and waiting for them to pass. When they were far out of sight she stood up again and followed the river back to the path.

By the time she made it down the mountain the sun was beginning to set, but she could see the city. It had been years since she'd been there, she could only vaguely remember the streets and market places that she used to visit with her father for his trading. Vae wondered if anything had changed. Her attention drifted from the capital of the hold to the small farms that dotted its landscape. Many of them reminded her of her home in Cyrodiil, quiet and peaceful.

Suddenly the sounds of battle met her ears. Vae quickly drew her bow and nocked an arrow, searching for the source. Not far down the path ahead of her was a giant fighting a few nords. She smiled and ran until she was directly in front of the beast. 'A challenge..'. Releasing her arrow she watched it soar, and lodge itself in the giant's leg. It roared and fell to one knee. Vae was about to shoot again when someone pushed her down. She looked up to see a blonde woman climb the back of the giant and plunge her sword into it's neck. Blood dripped from the mortal wound and stained the dirt below it a deep maroon. Just as its body hit the ground the woman jumped off and landed smoothly a few feet away from it. Vae was amazed, this woman had some serious skill.

"Sorry about that," The woman chuckled, turning around with a cocky grin, "But you were in my way." Vae sat on the ground speechless as the woman walked towards her, hand extended. "You going to stay on the ground all day, big sister?"