Skyrim One-Shots

When Daedra are Involved

It wasn't really a decision for her. Raven Stormsong knew from the beginning where her allegiance laid. The Imperials were smart and loyal to the Empire, and she had always felt at ease when the Empire had been in control. But with the Stormcloak army rising up, threatening to rebel, Raven joined the Imperials. Ulfric had no right to disrupt the country like this. He was arrogant and childish in her eyes.

As soon as she pushed through the gates of Solitude, a guard was at her side.

"Do you have business here?"

"I was hoping to. I'd like to join the legion."

"Ah. A warrior. I like your armor. I think you'll fit right in. Just go up to that castle over there,  there'll be a man named Hadvar. He'll help you."

Raven didn't smile (she rarely smiled), but she gave him a curt nod. As she walked up the ramp, she let her mind wander. It wasn't until she ran into someone that she realized she had made it to the castle. A Nord with reddish brown hair smirked at her entrance and held out his hand for her to shake.

"Are you lost friend? The names Hadvar. And you are?" Raven felt embarrassment bubble up in her at her stupidity. This was the man she was supposed to talk to and the first impression she's made so far is a clumsy one.

"Raven Stormsong. I'm here to join the legion."

"Sounds good. First, some ground rules. Anything you need you come to me first, then one of the legates if needed. And if by any chance we aren't around, then you may bother the general." Raven immediately noticed that she didn't like him. For some unknown reason, she felt uncomfortable and annoyed by his presence. Hadvar, completely oblivious, led her over to the barracks where he explained the basics. Where to sleep, when to eat, that sort of thing. Eventually, he motioned to her sword. "Now show me what you've got."

It wasn't hard to beat him, yet he knew how to handle himself. She had been to oblivion and back it seemed. Her armor was made from the vile Daedra. And Hadvar could tell that she was tougher than most because of this. Her face was scarred with the three claw marks, and Hadvar had half a mind to ask her about it. But he figured it was none of his business.

"I see you are a mighty soldier already. Go on and explore the town a bit, get used to your surroundings. Remember, curfew is sundown. Tomorrow will be your initiation, and then the real fun begins."

Raven heaved for air. The short brawl was well matched. Some water was waiting in a bucket from a well, and she took a large swig, not caring that it was most likely for the livestock. She's had to drink from worse water. She wiped the corner of her mouth with the back of her hand and scanned the training field. Many soldiers, young and old, were showing off their talents and giving each other smiles and pats on the back. No one seemed to mind that she was clothed in Daedra armor, no one was staring at her because she was female, nor did they care she had major scarring. After being so alone for so long, Raven welcomed the feeling of belonging. She suddenly felt at home. This is going to be an adventure.

•••

Now, it wasn't like she always liked living the life of a soldier. It had its ups, but it also had its downs. For instance, the cuts and bruises from sparring were always painful. Raven would frequently get blisters on her hands from using her sword. The rainy days were awful. Her boots would get soggy and her sword would slip with the rain water. On the days that it snowed they had to put briars in the bottom of their boots to keep from slipping on the ice and slush. And then, there was this problem concerning Hadvar...

After a few weeks of being in the legion, she noticed that Hadvar would always get on her nerves. It didn't matter if he was just standing near her, or if he had laughed too loudly, or even if he had commented her on her fighting style. She would instantly give him a glare that would make draugr want to go back into hibernation. Now don't get her wrong, Raven isn't normally a violent person. She just finds Hadvar specifically annoying. And being the little shit that Hadvar is, he would intentionally make her annoyed. It was a game between him and his friends. How long would it take to make Raven mad?