Skyrim: Dark Firewood

From a Fort to a Failure

"Thank you, frie-"

Taking just one step caused excruciating pain to shoot straight up Kerev's leg. His ankle was near crushed in the metal bear trap. Kerev screeched in pain and curled up, grabbing just above where the trap hugged him tight.

"By the Nine--!"

"Kerev!"

Faendall shouted, kneeling down beside the Dunmer. He started checking the trap, seeing if he could pull it apart. The trap thankfully had no teeth, but the skin that was caught in it was already darkening. Faendall bit his lip as he heard the telltale sounds of bandits stomping above them. Surely the scream more than alerted them.

Kerev hissed and started to pry the trap open, not too successful. He looked at Faendall and nodded at the interior of the prison.

"I'll get--I'll fix it, don't let them get near us," He got out.

Faendall opened his mouth to protest, but paused. Kerev winced in obvious pain, not stopping his escape attempt. Faendall nodded and stood up, pulling out his bow and drawing back an arrow. He held it still and waited, holding in a breath. The second the first bandit turned the corner, he let go.

The fight started, three bandits running towards the two Mer. One fell back, starting to shoot at Kerev. The arrows just missed the Dunmer, who was nearly out of the boobytrap. Faendall moved to stand in front of Kerev, managing to take down two bandits. The last runner came close and started hacking and slashing at Faendall with a waraxe, showing no mercy. Faendall put aside his bow to switch to a dagger, starting to fight back. An arrow hit him in the shoulder, bouncing off after it tore part of his skin.

Faendall flinched as hands gripped his shoulders. He was almost violently yanked back, his feet leaving the ground. Kerev placed the wood elf behind him, seamlessly pulling out a dagger of Inferno. With one swift movement he sank the blade into the gut of the bandit, nearly lifting him. Instantly the Nord burst into flames, screaming in absolute agony. Kerev pulled the dagger out and stood still. The Nord dropped to the ground, dead before he hit the stone.

The archer and Kerev made eye contact, and the bandit dropped her bow and started to run. Kerev limped once and winced, leaning against the wall. Faendall tried to get to Kerev and help him stand, but the Dunmer started to walk despite his injury. Faendall watched as Kerev started cursing, slowly chasing the surviving bandit.

After a few seconds of getting used to the pain Kerev started running, leaving Faendall in the dust. The Bosmer followed to the best of his abilities, turning a corner just in time to see Kerev set the Nord ablaze with a simple swipe across the back. Kerev stared at the body for a bit, just breathing.

As Faendall started to get uncomfortable about his friend's new emotionless state, he heard a retch.

"By the gods-" Kerev choked out.

He turned and fell to his knees, curling up and trying to keep his food in his stomach. He felt a chill settle deep in his spine, leaning his head against a wall. Faendall felt relief, putting away his weapons and kneeling down beside Kerev. He started to rub his back, letting the Dunmer switch to leaning completely on him.

"Are you alright?" Faendall asked.

Kerev shuddered and put the dagger in his back pocket. It was in its own sheathe, seemingly unused for a long while.

"I forgot it does that," He admitted, very obviously shaken.

Faendall embraced Kerev, who remained curled up. The two sat there for a bit, Kerev's stomach flipping. The Bosmer gave Kerev's back a pat and started to stand, Kerev standing with him. He winced as he put weight on his leg, but the pain soon subsided.