Daughter Of Alduin | A Skyrim inspired novel

Chapter 7 | The Depths of Blackreach

As dawn's first light broke over the horizon, painting the sky with hues of pink and gold, Shea and her companions stirred from their slumber. The chill of the early morning air was a stark reminder of their precarious situation. Valen, having kept watch throughout the night, was perched near the smoldering embers of the campfire, his eyes scanning the surrounding forest with a wary vigilance.

Shea, still bleary-eyed from sleep, approached him. "Did you even get a wink of sleep?" she asked softly, concern etched across her face.

Valen shook his head, his gaze remaining fixed on the distant trees. "No, I couldn't bring myself to. We're in too much danger right now, and I need to keep watch. I need to protect you all."

Shea sat down beside him, the warmth of the fire contrasting with the cold morning air. She could see the tension in Valen's posture, the tight grip on his sword, and the furrowed brow that spoke of sleepless nights and lingering fears.

Valen's voice broke the silence. "I... I just can't shake the feeling that I need to be on guard. My mother—she was taken from me by a dragon when I was just a child. I was too young, too powerless to stop it. I've never even seen the dragon that did it, but I know I need to protect you all. I need to make sure no one else suffers as I did."

Shea listened, her heart aching for her friend. Valen's eyes were distant, haunted by memories of loss and grief. "I know it's not easy," Shea said quietly. "But we're all in this together. We'll face whatever comes our way as a team."

Valen looked at her, his eyes filled with a mix of sorrow and determination. "It's not just about protecting you. I want to make sure that no one else has to face what I went through. If I ever come face to face with that dragon—or any dragon that poses a threat—I'll make sure it doesn't harm anyone else."

Shea reached out and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You don't have to carry this burden alone. We're here for you, and we'll face these challenges together."

Valen nodded, a small, grateful smile breaking through his troubled expression. "Thank you, Shea. I appreciate it more than you know."

A few minutes later, Nivan stirred from her sleep, her movements slow as she adjusted to the new day. Stretching out the stiffness from her limbs, she blinked away the remnants of sleep and scanned the camp. Her gaze fell upon Valen, who was still seated by the campfire, looking as weary as ever. Dark circles under his eyes were a stark indicator of the restless night he had endured.

"By the gods, did you even sleep at all, you idiot?" Nivan's voice was tinged with concern, though she struggled to keep the edge of frustration from her tone. The urgency of their mission weighed heavily on her, and seeing Valen in such a state made her more anxious. "We need everyone at their best if we're going to make it through this quest, Valen. You're the most skilled fighter among us. We can't afford for you to run yourself ragged."

Valen glanced up, his fatigue evident, but he offered a sheepish smile. "Fair point, Nivan. I just couldn't shake the worry that something might happen while I was sleeping. I thought it best to stay alert."

Nivan sighed, her frustration softening into understanding. "I get it, but you need to rest. We all do. We can't afford to have our strongest fighter running on empty."

Valen nodded, acknowledging her concern. "You're right. I'll make sure to get some rest tonight."

As Valen prepared to set up for the day, he hesitated before speaking again. "As an apology for not getting enough rest, I'd like to offer something in return. I could train us—my Imperial training could be valuable. It's not just about keeping watch; we need to be ready for whatever challenges we face."