The Crossroads (Skyrim fic)

The Crossroads Ch2: Aftermath

"You make take care of them, alright?"

"Yes mama."

"Good girl. We won't be long!"

Exiting the cave, Shami gave the steel battleaxe a few swings, whipping some bear and spider blood onto the ground. Both she and Theo wore Imperial armour but only for protection through what they went through. First were Stormcloaks, then spiders and then a bear. Hadvar had tried being civil with the Stormcloaks but they tried attacking them.

The trio suddenly crouched as they heard the wings and watched as the Dragon that had destroyed Helgen flew away. Finally, Theo sat on the floor and dropped both swords she'd found, her lower lip quivering and tears slipping down her cheeks.

"Fredrala...Nathul...they...they..."

Shami leaned over to wrap an arm around her, half-hugging her whilst placing her battleaxe aside for a moment.

"Hey, maybe they got out. I didn't see them alive but I never saw their bodies either."

Theo wiped her eyes with her arm, looking up at the Redguard

"You think...? I-I mean I hope...I pray."

"If they are still alive, I doubt they're still nearby," Hadvar piped up, earning a small glare from Shami before she helped Theo to her feet, also picking up her weapons and handing them to her.

"Come on, Theo. We need to keep moving," Shami spoke softly as she grabbed her battleaxe and looked at Hadvar. "You have any ideas on what we should do now? Since it was your Captain and General that got us in this mess."

"I am afraid I don't. All I know is that the Dragon we just saw is a bad sign. Bad sign, indeed. Though I am sure General Tullius will be able to stop it."

"We're not talking about that Dragon right now! Your Legion falsely imprisoned me and my friends and now we have been separated!"

"I can understand your frustration but you must understand. You were seen with Ulfric Stormcloak. General Tullius was just being cautious."

"Well, that cautiousness almost got my friend's head chopped off!"

"I know and I am sorry. If I could have done anything, I would have."

"Well, now you can do something. Help us find our friends or somewhere we can...rest after whatever that was back there."

Hadvar pondered for a moment before nodding.

"Alright. My uncle lives in Riverwood, not far from here. You could both come with me if you'd like."

"Y-Yes please," Theo whispered as she stuck close to Shami.

The three began walking down the hill, Theo lightly holding Shami's arm whilst leaning against her a little, still shaken up and worried whilst Shami was trying to keep her cool for the sake of her friend.

"So what were the four of you doing anyway?" Hadvar asked, looking over his shoulder at the two women. Shami spoke up for both of them.

"We were just heading out to go and kill some bandits. We are-or were a group of mercenaries but then we ended up running into those Stormcloaks and all of a sudden we get jumped by you Imperials."

"I see...so it really was the wrong place at the wrong time?"

"Mmhm." Shami frowned a little

"Well as far as I'm concerned, you've already earned your pardon. But until we can get that confirmed by General Tullius, I'd stay away from Imperial soldiers for now."