Survivor (A Skyrim Fan-Fiction)

Chapter Three

I woke up to be shrouded in darkness, the only light coming from the glowing embers left in the hearth. It was eerily quiet.

Erik still wasn't back and I was starting to get worried. Thoughts of Erik being taken, or even worse killed, plagued my mind. I pushed myself out of the chair and went outside to the chilly night.

The candles outside had burnt down to measly puddles of dried wax, so the only light was coming from the moon beating down on the waves of Lake Ilinata. I decided to make my way down to the main road by the shore in hopes of being able to tell which way Erik went.

"Em," a voice called from the darkness.

I turned quickly to where the voice came from, but only saw the silhouettes of the rocks by the lake.

Suddenly one of the rocks began to move and unfolded into the shape of a man.

"Erik...I, er, wanted to apologize for my, um, stubborn reaction to earlier."

I shifted awkwardly from foot to foot, anxiously waiting for his reply. I hated apologizing, but I'd rather get over my pride than lose my best friend.

I heavily sighed. "We can go to Windhelm, if you really want. I mean, we have nothing better to do."

He slightly chuckled before enveloping his arms around me in a hug.

"It took you this long to get over that ego of yours?" he laughed.

I playfully swatted his arm and started climbing back up the slope to Lakeview Manor. "Of course. Where would I be without my charm and undeniable good looks?"

"Probably dead in a ditch somewhere. Your archery isn't all what you make it out to be."

"You're only jealous that the bards are singing songs about me and not you."

"If you say so," he smirked.

We carried on climbing up and were just outside the animal pen when Erik shoved me over, making me land with a thump in the clay deposit.

His laughter echoed around the forest, spooking a deer off in the distance.

"Oh come on," I groaned.

"Surely the Dragonborn from the bard's songs wouldn't have been bested by a farm-boy!"

 "Is that a challenge?"I rose, hitting the dust off as best I could. "And you didn't best me..."

Erik made his way to the door still laughing to himself.

"Oh I wouldn't even dream of it! Besides, I'm only a jealous farm-boy and you're the infamous, ferocious, death-defying Dragonborn."

"Damn straight," I replied, half serious.

We both made our way back into the house and started preparing to go to bed. It was going to be a long ride tomorrow.

~The Next Morning~

There is no better breakfast than a boiled egg and fresh bread to prepare for a long carriage ride to the other side of Skyrim. And for the entertainment – Erik's out-loud decision making of what to pack.

I, on the other hand, didn't have much to do as I usually have a pre-packed bag for everywhere I go. It was really just the necessities: a dozen potions of health or stamina, a spare change of clothes, and some interesting bits and bobs I've picked up in my travels.

Finishing my breakfast, I went into the bedroom to quickly get changed into my Stormcloak Officer armour, as was expected of me when attending anything to do with my station, whether it be meetings, fighting, training or just patrolling.