What Happens In Solstheim

Chapter 8

Farah was already sitting at the bar, enjoying 'n pint of Geldis' sujamma and a nice bowl of tomato soup when a very sleepy Teldryn decided to join her. Even with the helmet on she could tell he was still partly sleeping just by noticing his slumped posture and slow movements.

"Ooh, someone not a morning person?" She grinned and peered at him over her tankard.

"If you consider the fact that I haven's slept since that night with the Skaal." He muttered grumpily.

That was true. He hasn't slept since they left the Skaal Village, taking first watch every night and letting her sleep. He was too worried about reaver and ash spawn to allow himself to sleep and drop his guard. The truth? Last night was the best night's sleep he had in over a week and not just because he knew she was lying beside him - it actually surprised him that she didn't protest further after he told her to shut up and sleep. Perhaps they were both equally exhausted, him physically and she emotionally.

Farah looked him over, noticing that he wore his full set of armor yet again, helmet on his head and his weapons ready at his side, "How are you feeling?"

"Sore, but nothing I can't handle." Teldryn assured her, "You have no reason to doubt your healing skills, Red. You did it expertly." He nodded at Geldis, who knew that gesture too well and slid a bottle of sujamma into the mercenary's hand, "What's our next move?"

"Only two things on the to-do list." Farah replied, "Though I don't think you're going to like the first one so much."

Teldryn breathed a laugh, "What else is new, eh?"

Farah slipped a note across the bar, "You better see for yourself."

He studied the note first, noticing that it was stained and crumpled around the edges, the paper gruff from the ash. Then he opened it and rolled his eyes.

Typically.

'I don't want you to panic, but I need to see you at the barrow. Quickly.

- Ralis'

"Arrived here this morning." Farah mentioned, "He sounds serious, but I might also be wrong."

The mercenary shook his head, "I take it that's number one on our little to-do list."

"Yep."

He inhaled slowly and let it out in a groan, "Fine. Let's go see what our treasure hunter wants this time."

After buying a few supplies from Geldis, they left the Netch on the next part of their adventure. Before they left Raven Rock, though, Farah stopped by the dock where a ship was ready to set sail. The four sailors were already aboard, also provided with supplies and new clothes, courtesy of the only Dragonborn. They thanked the two companions for their help and kindness before the captain announced the ship's departure. Seeing them taken care of and positive about going back brought a smile to Farah's face. She only hoped that there was still something left for them in Skyrim. If not, she'll track them down when she gets back to see what she could help with then.

The barrow was a good half an hour's walk from town, with the Skaal Village being almost the entire day's walk. Farah tried keeping a steady but strong pace, but had to keep in mind that she almost killed Teldryn the previous day and he was still rebuilding his strength. Every now and then she would slow down, make sure he was still in decent shape before continue walking again.

Teldryn certainly noticed that. He had enough time that week to memorize the way she thought and acted. And while he appreciated her concern over him, he really wished that she wouldn't. He had far worse injuries in the past that he had to cope with without his previous patron worrying about him. It became part of his lifestyle.