Awake

Chapter 8: A Stray, a Threat, and a Shock...Oh My

[AUTHOR'S NOTE: Heads up. I had originally planned to scrap this chapter, as I consider it a bit long and boring, but there were pieces in it that are minor details that become big later. Considering I just don’t know where else I could put them, I will leave the chapter intact. Plus, there’s a good bit that’s a big nod to Skyrim players and the canon fella you find here. It’s a slow burn story, anyway, but I didn’t want this chapter to burn it out. Although, it’s not like I’m writing an inferno of a piece here lolol. All my stuff is far more for me than y’all, sorry, haha. But yeah. Boring. Yawn. Y’all have a good nap!]

Chapter 8: A Stray, A Threat, and a Shock...Oh My

The weather cleared, and the snow clung less and less to the ground. It was still a bit cold, but the freeze of the icy marsh was behind them. A good thing, too, as they were trekking the horses up an incline, a rather steep one, which would have been quite hazardous in ice and snow.

As they reached the top of the reaching slope, they saw another little shack awaiting near.

 “Wow…,” Tressa deadpanned, “The real estate is really booming around here…Think this one’s abandoned too?”

The jester sat behind her removed his shawl and cleared his throat.

“HELLO, FRIEND OR FRIENDS?” Cicero called out loudly, then whispered in between chuckles, “Or…soon to be victims…hehehe.”

Tressa had startled at his shout, her masked face glancing over her shoulder at him, “Quite sneaky, huh?”

Tressa halted Shadowmere, though he was practically snail pacing anyway, after climbing that incline. He snorted and blew what was clearly annoyance at that…alternate route.

Kor brought Snowberry to a stop beside them, though he wasn’t on her. He had dismounted on the incline to help ease her climb and push her along. The mare seemed quite appreciative, nuzzling his shoulder once they stopped. He smiled and patted her neck before turning his attention to the shack the others were staring at, listening for any hint of movement.

It was lifeless. No sign of anyone moving within or around.

Cicero’s sigh broke the quiet, as he grumbled to himself.

“Cicero is hungry…,” he said listlessly. Tressa tossed her head back and groaned.

“Why didn’t you snack when I did?” she asked, impatiently.

“Cicero wasn’t hungry then,” he said, “We have long departed from breakfast now, though.”

Tressa gave Shadowmere a light kick to move him forward, towards the shack. Kor walking with Snowberry just behind.

“Fine, I could go for some tea,” she said, “And I suppose it’s another cozy place to rest our---WHOA. I know that smell.”

All three of them did a fast inhale and quick exhale, shaking their heads.

The horses, too, noticeably picked up the scent. Shadowmere seemed interested, while Snowberry tugged away.

“Awe, someone beat us to it?” Cicero gloomed, “...My dagger is going starve as well, at this rate.”

Tressa and the jester dismounted, and the three of them approached the shack at ready. Although they did not look too alert, as the smell in the air indicated that whatever had transpired, transpired days ago…

Cicero took lead, peeking  in first. He needn’t step but in the door, before he turned to the others with a smile, sheathing his dagger back in place. He began singing in his peppy sing-song tone.