I Woke Up Inside My Friend's Video Game

[Arc 2] Chapter 36. Missing in Action

Arc 2. Face Your Death with Courage

The gates of Solitude loomed ahead, tall and formidable against the evening sky. The stone walls, bathed in the dying light, felt like a silent promise of safety. Crimson hues stretched across the horizon, their glow tracing the edges of the great arch that marked the city's entrance. A faint breeze rolled in from the sea, carrying with it the scent of salt and woodsmoke.

My legs ached with every step, boots scuffing against the cobbled road. It felt as though the stones themselves resisted me, dragging down each footfall. Jordis walked a few paces ahead, her shoulders slumped beneath her armor. Titus, beside her, kept his hand resting lightly on his sword's pommel, more out of habit than concern. Aldis and Belrand trudged just behind me, their conversation reduced to occasional mutters.

"I can taste that Skeever stew already," Titus muttered with a tired grin, his voice scratchy from the cold air.

"If you get to it before I do," Belrand shot back, his laugh dry but genuine.

I chuckled under my breath. Even after all we'd endured, there was comfort in their familiar bickering. The weight in my limbs felt easier to bear knowing warmth, food, and the simple safety of Solitude awaited us.

The guards at the gate barely spared us a glance. One of them nodded as we passed, recognizing Aldis in his officer's armor. We didn't stop. None of us wanted to delay a second longer.

The streets were quieter than usual. Most shops had closed for the evening, and the few townsfolk still out moved briskly, eager to reach their own hearths. The tavern stood at the far end of the street, its windows glowing invitingly. The faint strains of a lute drifted out, weaving between the chatter and laughter inside.

When we stepped into the Winking Skeever, the warmth hit me like a wave — a rush of roasted venison, spiced wine, and the tang of fresh bread. The fire crackled in the hearth, casting flickering shadows against the walls. Drunken sailors roared with laughter near the bar, their voices filling every corner of the room.

"Over there," Jordis muttered, pointing to a table near the fire. She practically dragged her feet as she crossed the floor, her armor clanking as she collapsed into a chair. Her head tipped back, eyes closing with a low groan of relief.

"Don't fall asleep just yet," Titus warned, dropping heavily into the seat beside her. "You'll wake up with Belrand licking your plate clean."

"Try me," Belrand shot back, grinning as he waved down the tavern maid.

Before long, steaming plates piled high with meat and bread landed in front of us. Jordis let out an audible sigh, dragging her plate closer like a dragon claiming treasure. She stabbed a fork into her food without ceremony, barely pausing to chew.

"Slow down," Aldis said through a mouthful of bread. "If you choke, I'm not hauling your corpse up the stairs."

Jordis just grunted, too busy devouring her meal to respond.

I sat back in my chair, savoring the warmth that seeped into my bones. My gaze drifted to the window, where the last light of day lingered on the rooftops. For the first time in what felt like weeks, I felt like we could breathe again. The road had been long, but Solitude had always felt like home.

Karliah pulled her hood low, her shadowed face barely visible beneath the fabric. Her violet eyes flicked toward me, sharp and calculating as always.

"I'm heading out," she murmured, voice quiet yet firm. "I need to check on our hideout."

"Be careful," I said, meeting her gaze. "Just pay a visit anytime."

Karliah's expression softened slightly, a rare flicker of warmth. "I will." With that, she turned and melted into the evening shadows, disappearing like smoke in the wind.