【SAO】 Life in Skyrim

Sec. 4 【Day One】

Okay, so maybe our first battle was terrifying and we almost lost our lives back there, but we soon recuperated and we're right back on our feet. After a bit of crying, of course.

Well except Emilia. She's still on the ground, begging us not to go inside the mine. I find her a bit annoying but I can't blame her. I mean, I still can't believe we actually have a chance of dying IRL.

I take a deep breath and clench my bow. I place it behind my back. "I... I think we should wait until we can really fight. Train a bit more, you know? So let's head over to Riverwood. It isn't that far. We can even meet people."

Kurt laughs. "Yeah. Sounds good."

"Take Emilia for example, she can't even move," says DN, "but whatever. Even though I only just met you guys, I don't want any of you guys to get hurt. Or anyone, in fact. And I'm glad I'm paired up with you weird bunch."

"Same here," Anthony agrees. "Look, more people made it out alive."

A group of traumatised-looking players walk passed us, bloody and all. I purse my lips and frown. Not everyone survived Helgen, especially with thousands of people crowded in that little town.

Cara takes mine and Anthony's hand. "Let's go, everyone. Riverwood is probably crowded so let's just meet new people. It'll be nice talking to some other players."

When we reached Riverwood, there were all sorts of players, mainly relieved that they made it this far. My group entered the town and once we did, there was one girl that shook me.

She was sitting all alone, cradling herself and apologising to no one but herself. She seemed about my age.

But we kept walking through the crowds, sticking side-by-side together. I noticed how we're one of the lucky ones who actually lasted through the keep. Not everyone's group survived like mine. My hands were over my mouth the entire time, staring in pity to each and every survivor.

Funny. A while ago we were all players. Now we're survivors.

I sigh, now tapping my foot against the wooden stairway leading to the Sleeping Giant Inn. "Did you find any spots in there?"

DN shakes his head. "No, don't you see everyone out here? No room at all. I'm pretty sure Whiterun is packed as well. There are only about a hundred players here, so we aren't one of the first ones to exit Helgen. I guess we should find some things to camp out with."

"You can always join us." We turn to a middle-aged man in full Stormcloak armour, gawking at his burly structure and his full suit of protection. "I'm Chuck. I looted one of the soldiers back in Helgen, if you're wondering how I have all of this." He laughs when he realises we're both admiring his awesome look. But look at him, can you blame us? Here, everyone is in rags and he's here looking like a Level 50 warrior. "I gathered a group of people so we can all camp out and help players in need. I just noticed you and your group walk in, so I'm happy to see that more people survived. If you ever need help, talk to us by the blacksmith's shop. My guild is there making armour for people who need it."

I recognise him. "You were one of the guys helping people get out of the carriages."

"Yeah," he replies. "What are your names?"

"Kelly," I introduce myself with a wave. At first I wait for DN to also state his name, but then I realise what the problem is and begin to madly giggle. "And, well, you see... we call this guy DN."

"Odd nickname," Chuck says. "Just show me your profile if you don't want to say it out loud."

Hesitantly, DN swipes two fingers and out pops his profile tab. He rotates it around to face Chuck, who begins to laugh hysterically. "You named yourself Deez Nuts? That's the worst out of the ones I've encountered!"