Wanderer

Chapter Twenty-Two

I couldn't hear Althea speaking next to me. Nor could I feel her hands working furiously to keep me and my child alive.

My child.

I had always called Lancion and Silva my children, but this was different. This was something I actually made. My own little wonder.

I mentally shook myself out of my thoughts and grabbed Althea's hands.

" You have to save it, please Althea, save my baby." I pleaded, barely feeling the tears stream down my face.

" I'm trying! Both of you are slipping!" She said, drawing more energy to continue the healing spell.

" Althea-"

" Asdis if it comes between you and this baby, I'm choosing you. For Lancion and Silva. For Ulfric. For Skyrim. I'm choosing you." She panted, sweat dripping from her brow.

My heart ached, but I knew she was right. The baby wouldn't be able to survive without me anyway.

I placed my hands on top of hers and helped with the spell, using what little restoration magic I knew to aid.

But I could feel it. The corners of my vision darkened and I felt tired. I've been tired for so long. Sleep escapes me, and peace seems impossible. I'm tired of running. Tired of fighting. Tired of living.

" Asdis, I swear to Talos I will kill you if you die!" Althea shouted, sending one last burst of magic through me.

It was like being struck by lightening. I was wide awake, and while I still felt awful, I was no longer on the verge of death. But I was not concerned with that.

" Althea, did you-"

" I couldn't- I couldn't save it."

~~~~~~~Galmar P.O.V.~~~~~~~

" They should have been here already! What is taking so long!?" Ulfric said, pacing the room.

" Perhaps she isn't coming." I said, reaching down the pet the hound Ulfric purchased.

" No. Asdis is coming. Nothing would keep her from her wards." He replied, sitting down in his chair briefly before getting up to pace again.

" Except maybe death."

" Somehow, I believe even death could not stop that woman." Ulfric quipped, a half-hearted laugh escaping his lips.

" You would be right to believe so."

Ulfric and I both turned to the bloodstained women who were standing at the door.

Asdis looked like she had been through hell, but held a strong facade.

" Glad you're here." I said, standing to embrace the woman.

She returned it, blood smearing on my fur vest. " Now what did you find?" She asked, searching my face.

Ulfric stepped forward and handed Asdis the nightgown he had found.

Her face remained stoic as she inspected the fabric, but I could tell her heart broke at the state it was in.

Blood soaked the gown, huge slash marks cutting across the torso. I shuddered to think what Silva looked like now.

" This is Silva's. She wears it to bed every night." Asdis said, looking over the small article of clothing.

" We figured that the trail might still be nearby, and thought that maybe we could track down more clues." Ulfric said beside me, his eyes pinned on Asdis.

" Yes- maybe-" Asdis replied, her voice trailing off as if she were in thought.

" Asdis."

She looked up and met Ulfric's eyes, who rested a hand on her shoulder.

" We are going to find them." He said, his eyes glinting with determination. The kind that wins wars.

" Thank you." She whispered, her face like stone, but her eyes watery.

"Let's get started, shall we?" I said, patting my leg to call the hound over. "This is Grenold, he's the best hunting dog in Skyrim."

" I hope so." Asdis replied quietly, bringing the cloth to the dog's snout. " Find them, please."

~~~~~~~Asdis P.O.V.~~~~~~~

I looked ahead over a grassy field, vaguely aware of the people around me. My thoughts shifted between Lancion and Silva, and the child I had lost. My heart aches terribly, and what I really want to do is cry. Break my strong façade and cry. I'm so tired of this strong role I have to play. Of being the pillar of stoicism in dark times. I just want to cry.

But I don't have time for crying right now. My children need me.

" It smells like rain. If the trail wasn't stale before it certainly will be afterwards." I said, glancing sideways at Galmar.

" Hmm, yes. I think-"

Galmar was cut off by the striking tone of the hunting dog's howl. My head shot up as I saw him burst out of the treeline, his tail wagging happily. I sprinted after him as he led me through the beginning of a dense forest. We made it a little ways before he stopped. Before us a sword was driven into a tree with a letter pinned under the blade.

I inspected the sword, recognizing the beautifully crafted handle. Two serpents entangled in battle over an emerald. My blood boiled as I began to read the letter.

Asdis,

I imagine you recognize this sword. I also imagine you are shaking with anger and are concocting a plan to raid my home. I do not advise doing so, expecially if you want to see your children ever again. Come alone. You know where.

Sincerely,

Ivan Steelbrook

I wanted to scream and cry, do something. But all I could do was shake in anger as I stared blankly at the letter. I felt it coming from my hand, but I did nothing to stop myself as I took lightening from the sky and destroyed several trees with it. 

" Asdis-"

" Do not-" I started, "do not say anything." I finished, turning my face away from Ulfric to hide my tears. As if I hadn't cried in front of him before. This was different. These were angry tears.

" Hey-" he said softly, grabbing my arm with all the gentleness in the world, as if I would break. And I might. " -they are fine. I know they are." He said as he made me face him. " And we're gonna go get them, alright?"

I wanted to believe him, I really did. I wanted his help. I wanted him to be with me. But I knew that isn't how this must be.

I didn't care about who all was in the clearing as I left a soft kiss on Ulfric's lips. He didn't move to deepen it, because he could feel how final it was.

" Asdis-"

" No. This is something I have to do alone. It's dangerous otherwise." I said, looking over Ulfric's face. I tried to memorize every detail, each and every freckle, how his fuller beard suited him. How his eyes looked at me with such intensity and longing it made me want to never tear my eyes away from his.

I slipped away from him, putting some distance between us before casting a spell to put everyone asleep.

" I love you."