Skyrim: Dark Firewood

Journey to Falkreath

"A poem for you."

Kerev could barely hold back his excitement. Joy and the sweet release of vengeance burned through his core.

"From a man named Faendall."

Kerev handed over the note, much to Camilla's excitement. He watched as the imperial read over the note, seemingly falling in love with every word written.

Kerev bowed his head and started backing away. He stopped when his back was on the door. He waved at Camilla, polite but arrogant.

"I'll be off then. If there's anything I can help you with-"

"Wait!" Camilla cut Kerev off, who was more than prepared for it.

"Please, tell Faendall I appreciate his gift. And...that I'd be more than willing to speak more often."

Kerev felt a bit of a twinge, suddenly anxious about Sven barging in and finding out. His cheeks burned and his chest felt like a kitten was scraping his ribs out. He shook it off easily enough with a smile and a nod.

"Don't worry. I will."

Kerev opened the door and walked out, spine straight. He closed the door without turning and faced Sven. The Nord was standing behind the very cabbage cart the Dunmer fell into the day before, nervously rocking on his heels. Kerev let his mouth curl into a tight curled catlike smirk, raising a hand as it sported an upright thumb.

Sven seemed to relax, sucking in a breath and puffing up his chest. He tossed the elf a bag of septums, walking off. Kerev caught it with no issue, keeping his thumb upright. Sven gave a cocky wave, not looking back.

"Thanks, elf. Feel free to stop by the inn if you want to keep being useful."

As the nord walked off, Kerev's smirk immediately turned into a snarl, his upright thumb turning into a much more rude gesture aimed at the bard. Kerev scoffed and started grumbling to himself, pouring the gold into his palm. He perked up in surprise, counting at least 30 septums. He quickly added it to his side pouch, planning to count it properly when he made it to a larger settlement.

Kerev managed to look up just before he tripped on a wooden bridge, not realizing how small Riverwood really was. He sighed and stepped up, walking across the water and making it to the mill. Surely he could find Faendall still chopping wood. He deserved at least a warning about the little switch he pulled with the poem.

He found the Bosmer rather quickly, carrying some logs to a chopping trunk. Kerev stayed light of his feet, skittering up behind Faendall. He gave him a pat on the shoulder, calm. Faendall yelped and nearly dropped his axe, turning to face Kerev.

"Oh, it's you," He said, sounding a bit flustered. His face flushed a bit.

Kerev laughed and took a step back, wondering what was amiss. He ran a hand through his hair and pulled his hands behind his back.

"So, I think I should let you know before I head out. Camilla, that woman the bard has feelings for?"

Faendall paused, setting his axe down. He nodded and folded his arms, face scrunching up in disapproval. Kerev rubbed under his chin and tried not to giggle.

"Well, Sven wrote her a love poem and gave it to me to deliver. I told her it was from you."

Kerev watched in glee as Faendall's expression went from dismissal, to anger, to confusion, to happiness. The wood elf seemed to radiate sunlight, grabbing one of Kerev's elbows. Kerev flinched hard, feeling his arm get yanked in front of him. Faendall took hold of the hand he acquired, squeezing it tight.