Skyrim: A Crossing Fate

Chapter 1: An Odd First Encounter

It was a cloudy day in the cold realm of Skyrim, as a horse drawn cart brought many convicted criminals to the Imperial City of Helgen. Many were Nordic warriors who fought under the banner of Ulfric Stormcloak, who was also present on the cart. The only exceptions being an unconscious Breton woman in forsworn armor, a horse thief in ragged clothes, and a black haired Nord in steel armor.

The Breton woman was none other than Aila Dragonclaw, the adopted daughter of the Forsworn Chief. She had white hair, caramel eyes, and aqua battle paint across her left eye. Aila would finally regain consciousness to see four Nord men in the cart with her, she eyed them but said nothing.

"You finally awake, Forsworn?" The Nord known as Ralof asked. Aila would not respond. "I understand if you wish to have a moment of silence before you die. I respect that."

"Save it, Ralof! She doesn't seem worth your respect" The black haired Nord snapped, eyeing the Forsworn closely. This Nord was known as Zanza, he was well built but had a scar across his nose

"I was merely asking a question" Ralof explained before going silent. 

That's when the thief spoke up,

"Damn you Stormcloaks, the empire used to be nice and lazy. If it wasn't for you, I could have stolen that horse and been halfway to Hammerfell by now!"

"We're all brothers and sisters in binds now..." Ralof began before the cart driver would shout "Shut it, back there!"

Zanza stayed quiet as he observed those around him before speaking up toward the thief,

"What do you call yourself, thief? Most wouldn't admit to something like that so easily"

"I... my name is Lorik." The thief responded, his head down

Zanza would then turn his head to the Forsworn, but he would remain silent

Aila noticed Zanza staring at her as Lorik would comment on the Nord in fine clothes

"What's his problem?"

"Watch your tongue, you're speaking to Ulfric Stormcloak, the true High King!" Ralof snapped

Zanza broke from his trance-like staring to look over to Ulfric "Ah, so your the reason I'm on this DAMN CART!" he spat, annoyed

"Show some respect, Zanza!" Ralof yelled in response

The horse thief would speak to Ulfric

"Your the leader of the rebellion? By the gods... where are they taking us?"

"I do not know where we are going, but Sovngard awaits..." Ralof explained

"No, this isn't happening... this isn't happening" Lorik would quietly panic

"Which village are you from, horse thief?" Ralof asked

"Why do you care?"

"A Nord's final thoughts should be of home"

"Rorickstead... I'm from Rorickstead" the thief answered

Aila would remain silent the entire time as she looked ahead to their destination

"And what about you, hotshot?" the thief asked Zanza

"Dragonbridge..." Zanza muttered as he realized the severity their situation

It wouldn't be long before they reached Helgen, Ralof recounting childhood stories of living there. He then spit as they passed General Tulius and his Thalmor ambassadors. The carriage stopped in front of the prison, at an execution block, as the prisoners were forced off the cart. As Zanza hopped down he couldn't help look at Aila again, for some reason he couldn't get her out of his head. His thoughts were broken however as the Imperial Captain began calling the names of prisoners.