Ice, Blood and Ash, a Skyrim adventure

Returning to Riverwood

I stand over a Draugr, panting to catch my breath. Farengar of the Massive Chin didn't explain that there would be angry, restless dead, ready to attack even a skeever. I fight through the reanimated dead, and find myself at the Dragon Stone. I even found a fancy golden "Claw" key like the dwarves used. I had heard rumors coming out of Whiterun about a thief having stole this from a shop keep in Riverwood. A good excuse to see how Hadvar is holding up. I pack the stone in leather, tying it tight to keep it from disintegrating, and place it in my pack. I walk out the way I came, exciting at the prospect of seeing Hadvar again. Though I am not the type to faun over humans, he was strong, intelligent and not-so-bad to look at. But it was his honor that set him apart. How he had told her he was ready to take on the head man for her, and he didn't even know he. Perhaps it is the last name- it always causes a ruckus.

I walk lightly and happily to Riverwood, but not paying attention, i stumble upon a bear. I am quick to dispatch it with a little flame and one good trust of my sword to her heart. I take the claws and continue on my way. It is only noon when I arrive in Riverwood, and choosing to bring the Claw back to its owner first, I walk into the shop before Hadvar sees me. I want to surprise him.

I walk into the Riverwood trader, and he explains to me what happened to his Claw. Being cheeky, I pull the claw out of my pack and say- "Did it look something like this?"

He looks stunned, shocked even, as he looks over the claw, "Just like this, even the same scratches on the left claw....oh what a great day! You have returned my claw to its home. Look-its not much- but this is what I can spare." I smile, and say, "its quite alright, just seeing it back home is enough for my troubles," but he insists anyway. He pushes the septims in my hands, with a honestly thankful look in his eyes. "Take it or ill reverse pickpocket it." he says seriously. I take it, thank him, and head out the door. I see a wood elf, standing to the side. "Hey, come here real quick," he motions to me. I point to myself, and he says "Yes, you! Dunmer!". I walk to him. He seems to be an archer, a skilled one none the less. "Yes, is everything okay?", I ask. He spills his guts, practically, speaking of his love for the Riverwood Traders sister, (Carlotta?). He wishes for me to give her a false letter from 'Sven', his only setback in claiming her heart. I look at him, and ask "Are you serious? There are better ways to a woman's heart," I roll my eyes at his pitiful look, "but I'll do it."

But this can wait. For a while. What of my jumping heart and the mere thought of Hadvar? I walk toward the blacksmith, and Andvar stops me. "Raevyn, its good to see you! I see that you made it to the Jarl, and even brought us some soldiers to protect the town! You need some quality steel? Or perhaps a new set of armor?", I smile and shake my head. "No, not at this time, I'm just looking for Hadvar." He looks saddened, and tells me, "He went to the Imperial headquarters in Solitude. He didn't know when you would be back, and he had to report his commanders choice in putting an innocent to death. You, actually.". I am disapointed, but I have to get this stone back to Farengar. I bid my farewells, and head back to Whiterun. Perhaps I should focus on more important matters, right now.