Survivor (A Skyrim Fan-Fiction)

Chapter Seven

The sound of plates and goblets clanging together and the distant murmuring of conversation from the throne room was what woke me up the next morning. That, and the sunlight blasting through the small windows of my room.

I was still in my Guildmaster armor, I noticed. My hands rummaged through my pockets in search for Mavens ring, and thankfully it was still there. I just hope no maids came in whilst I was sleeping.

I changed into my Stormcloak Officer armor and put the other armour back into the wardrobe, hidden from prying eyes.

Still half-asleep, I trudged to Eriks room and knocked on the door. It swung open almost immediately.

"Good morning," Erik cheered. "I hope you slept well. I certainly did."

I managed a smile, which was rare in the morning especially when I hadn't had much sleep.

"I did thanks, Erik. Breakfast?"

He nodded eagerly as he took my arm and we wandered down to the Throne Room. The bustling room had a long feasting table running down the middle, with mounds of food lined neatly on large platters.

It was mostly cheeses, fruits and sweet wine from Valenwood that was being served for the morning, but there were some sweetrolls here and there.

Ulfric was at the head of the table, Ingun Black-Briar to his right as was expected of him, and Galmar to his left. I was seated next to Galmar, and unfortunately opposite Maven.

Erik sat down next to me and started loading up his plate straight away.

"You know there's going to be more food later, right?" I said to him.

He stuffed a chunk of sweetroll in his mouth and grinned, replying by just eating more food.

I glanced over to Ulfric who was talking to Ingun in polite yet uninterested conversation. He flicked his eyes over to me for a brief second and noticed me staring. His lips formed into a smirk as he directed his gaze back to the Black-Briar girl.

"Emily Riverfall. How delightful to see you again," Maven taunted. "I trust things are going well with your business."

"It's just Aemilia, actually."

"Oh, well excuse me for my mistake. But things are going well in the guild?" She made no effort to keep her voice down, especially in such company.

"Why, things are going swimmingly. Never been better," I challenged.

"Oh good. I truly hope you and your...professional fellows fare nicely in such an honest business."

I could feel her eyes burning into me waiting for a retaliation. She wanted to provoke me, and cause even more mayhem. Well, I'm not going to let her.

"If you'll so kindly excuse me," I said through gritted teeth.

I got up and walked out of the Throne Room into the courtyard, sensing Mavens smug vibe filling the room behind. If I'd stayed for any longer, I would have either suffocated or cracked.

It was nice weather today for Windhelm. The sky was a cold blue and there was still snow a top the roofs, but the morning sun was welcoming, and it enthused everybody outside.

I breathed in the fresh summer air through my nose and let it relax my mind. Summer was my month, I was always when I felt my best, my happiest. 

I examined the archery targets and saw that there was at least one bulls eye. I had told the trainees I would check yesterday evening, but I guess it slipped my mind. I'll let them off.