I Woke Up Inside My Friend's Video Game

[Arc 1] Chapter 10. The Thane of Whiterun

Arc 1 - The Unbound Path

I woke to the gentle touch of sunlight on my skin, warmth spreading as I blinked away the remnants of sleep. Opening my eyes, I was greeted by the angelic sight of Erica lying beside me, her delicate face framed by a cascade of long, black hair. Her narrow eyes sparkled in the soft morning light, a contented smile playing on her lips.

"So the storm and me being transported to Skyrim was all just a dream," I mused, a sense of relief washing over me. I reached out to brush a strand of hair from Erica's face, marveling at the delicate features I cherished so much.

The soothing sound of waves outside our beachfront hotel provided a tranquil backdrop to the peaceful morning. I turned to look at Erica, her serene expression mirroring the calmness I felt.

"Good morning, Jayson," she said, her voice soft and melodic. "Did you sleep well?"

I nodded, unable to resist leaning in to kiss her forehead. "Like a baby," I replied, my heart swelling with love. "How about you?"

Erica chuckled, a sound like music to my ears. "Like a log. This place is so relaxing, isn't it?"

"It really is," I agreed, grateful for the moment of peace.

Then, disorientation struck. The vivid memories of Skyrim and our campsite felt too real to be a figment of my imagination. The sounds of the open fields filled my ears—rustling grass, distant bird calls.

A sudden weight landed on my face, accompanied by a tickling sensation. I jolted awake, swatting at whatever had assaulted me. My eyes flew open to see a small, furry creature scampering away—a wild rabbit, its soft fur glinting in the morning light as it hopped gracefully into the underbrush.

I chuckled at the absurdity. The rabbit had mistaken me for part of the landscape, using my face as a springboard. I sat up, rubbing the spot where it had landed, shaking my head in bemusement.

"A rabbit just used me as a launch pad!"

Nikolai smirked. "Looks like nature's sending you a wake-up call."

I nodded, still amused. "Yep, it just hopped right onto my face and bounced off like nothing happened."

The ridiculousness of the moment broke the early morning stillness. As I watched the rabbit disappear, I couldn't help but marvel at Skyrim's unpredictability.

I stirred from sleep, noticing the crisp air, a sharp contrast to the warmth of my bedroll. I shivered slightly before rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

Malik and Nikolai were already awake, their breath visible in the cool morning. The embers of our dwindling fire flickered, casting long shadows across the forest floor.

"Morning," Malik greeted, stirring a pot over the fire. "Mead?"

I nodded, accepting the cup gratefully. The aroma of freshly brewed mead filled the air, mingling with the scent of the forest. I took a sip, warmth spreading through me, chasing away the last vestiges of sleep.

Nearby, a small pond sparkled in the early light, reflecting the sky. The gentle flow of distant rapids filled the air, a soothing backdrop to our routine.

"This place is beautiful," Nikolai remarked, breaking the silence.

"It really is," I agreed, savoring my drink. "I could get used to this."

"Today, we head to Whiterun," Malik declared. "But first, breakfast."

The aroma of stew wafted through the air, rich with the scent of wolf meat from last night's hunt. The earthy smell of the open fields mingled with it, creating a comforting ambiance.