Ignem Tristitia (An Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Prequel) [ON HOLD]

Chapter Twenty Three - Oaken Approach

Nightfall. The same purple sky. I had seen it so many times, but I loved it. I don't know why, but the sky just felt... pure. Clear. The wispy, thin white clouds were painted across the sky in streaks. The two moons -- Masser and Secunda -- rested seemingly stationary among them, shining their light down onto the dark forest. Thousands of small, white stars twinkled brightly, contrasting highly against the deep purple sky.

We were supposed to be sleeping, but I couldn't. I was lost in my thoughts; lost in anxiety. I was scared, and so was everyone else. We all knew it. It'd be a lie to say you weren't in fear.

I rolled over in my makeshift oversized leaf-bed and sighed quietly, trying to restrain the noise. I didn't want to wake anyone up with an obnoxiously loud breath. Technically, I barely knew these people. I am alone in this world. I always have been. Sure, I have friends, but that changes nothing.

"S'Drassa," Kharjo quietly whispered.

I rolled over the other way, adjusting myself to see what Kharjo wanted. He was facing me from his makeshift bed at the base of a tree.

"What is it?" I whispered.

"I cannot sleep," he whispered in return.

"Neither can I," I said quietly.

"Obviously," he chuckled. "Hey, why we have not seen many hostile animals or creatures?"

"Uh, I don't know," I whispered, recalling we had only seen animals such as deer and goats. "That's strange. I didn't notice. I mean, I noticed, but I didn't think about it."

"I know what you mean," he assuringly whispered. "It's sort of... well, creepy."

"I guess it is," I realize. "Maybe we're being protected or something."

"Maybe," he quietly agreed. "I don't know. We should sleep."

"Yes, we should," I exhale silently. "Goodnight, Kharjo."

"Goodnight," Kharjo bid, rolling over and closing his tired green eyes.

I didn't roll over. I was too tired. I lay still, closing my eyes. I almost fell asleep, when I heard whispering.

"I agree," Lumak whispered.

"That's one thing we agree on, then," Duvrus quietly stated. "Too young."

Were they talking about me? Duvrus said I was too young back on the ship, and he never answered when I asked what he meant by that. I decided I would eavesdrop on their nocturnal conversation. I silently adjusted my position so that I was looking at the two conversing men.

"How old did you say he was?" Lumak asked softly.

"Eighteen," Duvrus answered.

"Eighteen," Lumak nodded.

They were talking about me. Why?

"He could die, you realize that?" Duvrus firmly whispered.

"Precisely," Lumak replied.

"I don't think he realizes," Duvrus whispered.

Of course I realize! You didn't answer my question earlier! I thought.

"Wait, can he hear us?" Lumak whispered quickly.

They both turned their heads to verify their suspicions, but I snapped my eyes shut and dropped my head to the ground before their eyes shared the view of my face. I cracked one eye open to see if they were still staring, but they were no longer interested. The moments after that became a drowsy blur as I drifted off into sleep.