Lorkhan's Eclipse [A Skyrim Fanfiction]

7. Whiterun

Alvor shakes me awake just before dawn, and it takes a few moments to remember everything that happened yesterday, but the initial panic of being woken by someone my brain struggles to remember is quickly gone once I remember where I am.

"Your brother's waiting," he tells me, "If you're heading to Whiterun, you'll want to put on something other than sleeping clothes."

Sigrid and Hadvar both stir as Alvor leads me outside, once I finish changing into a fresh tunic and pulling my armour on. I'm glad to see that it held up this far, but although I trust my handiwork, it's probably best if I look into something else for down the track. Especially if we're going to be dealing with dragons.

Ralof is with Killian, but he assures me he won't be going far. "Just making sure you'll be on the right path," he tells me. "Gerdur gave you both these, too."

He holds out a knapsack, and I realise Killian is also wearing one. Inside is some camping supplies, and fresh fruit and vegetables.

"I was sitting on the mill last night," Ralof tells me as we head for the other end of town. "Saw you and Hadvar."

I give him a steady look, doing my best impression of Killian suddenly. "And?"

Ralof smirks. "Well, if there's nothing to say about that, forget I mentioned it."

"You should forget you saw it,"

"Noted,"

Killian is a little ahead of us, but I'll bet he heard the exchange. As he pauses on the bridge, we catch up to him, coming to a fork in the road.

"That way takes you to Whiterun," Ralof points to the right, "When you reach a crossroads, at the meadery, go left and then head for the stables. Make sure Jarl Balgruuf knows why you're there – and see that he sends some help for the town. Maybe I'll see you both in Windhelm at some point."

"Maybe," Killian replies, clapping him on the shoulder in parting, before he starts off down the road. I look at the other path.

"What's that way?"

"The barrow," Ralof replies, "Usually only there for thieves and bandits anymore, but Killian said you'd have to go there. It's said to be haunted by the dead. Place gives me the creeps, either way." He looks at me again. "Look, he's a soldier—"

"We are 𝘯𝘰𝘵 having this discussion," I tell Ralof, holding up a hand. "Forget you saw anything. And, for the love of whatever deity you hold dear, if you two ever come up against each other, try to 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘬 first."

He gives me an incredulous look, like I'm suggesting he eat a snake. He shrugs.

"You give him the same lecture?"

"I didn't need to. He was the first one to lower his weapons when we ran into each other in the keep."

Ralof shuts his mouth, before conceding with a bowed head. "Fine; I'll consider where my blade lands in future."

"That's all I ask. Take care of yourself, Ralof."

"You too, Brighid."

Killian has stopped a little way down the path, and arches an eyebrow as I catch up to him.

"What was that about?"

"Settling the peace," I reply. He rolls his eyes, continuing on.

"You can't help being the mediator, can you? No idea why you were reborn a Nord – you'd fit better as an Imperial, or a Breton."

I have no idea what he's talking about, but I figure not to ask him about it.

We startle a deer that takes off across the river, and further along the path a wolf comes leaping out of the forest, snarling at Killian. He makes short work of it, inspecting the bite it delivered to his vambrace. Teeth marks are visible, but aside from that it looks fine.