A Tale of Could-be Heroes Book 1: Hero, Dragon, Elf

Honor in Question

{AN: It recently came to my attention that there is a location called The Eyrie in A Song of Ice and Fire. After much thought, I've decided to change my main character's name from Eyrie to Aeyrie. While the name was originally inspired by Lake Erie, I'd prefer to avoid any potential legal issues with George R.R. Martin. On a side note, I'm a fan of A Song of Ice and Fire, though I've never actually read the books—I've listened to the audiobooks instead. I hope this small change doesn't detract from the story, and I appreciate your understanding! P.S. This chapter will be on the longer side.}

By the time morning had come, Aeyrie was utterly exhausted. She had eaten hurriedly to break her fast, but the weariness clung to her like a heavy shroud. The night had stretched on far longer than she had anticipated; she hadn't gone to bed until the early hours of the morning. Instead, she had remained at Nanji's bedside, her vigilant eyes watching over the small Khajiit as she slept. The rhythmic rise and fall of Nanji's chest was a comfort, but it did little to ease the tension in Aeyrie's own heart.

At some point during the long vigil, Audata had quietly entered the room. Without a word, she had draped a thick fur cloak over Aeyrie's shoulders, the warmth a stark contrast to the chill that had settled deep into her bones. Audata had been gentle in her care, but her tone became firm when Aeyrie resisted the suggestion of rest.

"My Lady, I do not wish to hear your excuses," Audata had said, her voice both kind and commanding. "You cannot take care of us if you do not take time to care for yourself."

Despite Aeyrie's protest, Audata had practically pushed her out of the room, her hands firm but considerate. The older woman's words had pierced through Aeyrie's fatigue, carrying the weight of truth. Aeyrie might have been a leader, a healer, but even she had limits. It was a lesson she was beginning to learn, but in the haze of worry and responsibility, it was one she often forgot.

"Go to bed," Audata had insisted, her tone brooking no argument. "I'll stay with Nanji. You need your rest, and that's not a suggestion."

Aeyrie had opened her mouth to argue, but the look in Audata's eyes silenced her. It was the look of someone who had seen far too many people wear themselves thin out of misplaced duty. With a resigned sigh, Aeyrie had allowed herself to be ushered out of the room, feeling very much like a child sent to bed far past their bedtime.

As she walked to her own quarters, the exhaustion that she had been holding at bay finally crashed over her in waves. The moment her head hit the pillow, sleep claimed her, deep and dreamless, the fur cloak still wrapped tightly around her like a protective embrace. And as Audata had promised, she kept watch over Nanji through the night, ensuring that Aeyrie could wake to a new day with renewed strength.

When morning finally came, Aeyrie knew that the battle was far from over, but with Audata's stern yet caring guidance, she felt more prepared to face it.

There was a buzz of anticipation as the crowd gathered in front of the paddock. Mercenaries with their weathered armor, the newly freed whose eyes still held the spark of recent liberation, farmhands eager for work, and even the couriers Aeyrie had hired to bring them together—all stood waiting. Aeyrie, flanked by Loche, Uthgerd, Jenassa, and their newest addition, Lydia, stepped forward to address them.

"Good morning, all," Aeyrie called out, her voice carrying over the crowd.

A murmur of mixed voices responded with a curt, "Good morning."

"As you all may be aware, I have gathered you here today to offer work to a wide variety of people." Aeyrie's eyes swept across the crowd, noting their attentive expressions. The reality of the situation had settled in; everyone here needed something, whether it was employment, purpose, or simply a place to belong.