Skyrim: Dark Firewood

Sleeping Trees and Half Moon Pitstops

"This one brings coin, not trouble."

Kerev could see the rage in the High Elf's eyes. He let his accent lay on thick, certain it was enough to set the Thalmor off all by itself. He leaned to the side, all the weight shifting to his right foot. He got ready to jump, seeing the Altmer's fingers uncurl around the licking flames.

"Unless you are hitting the Skooma, this is obvious."

There was an angered roar as the Justicar let loose a large ball of fire, intending to hit Kerev anywhere on his person. Kerev managed to see it coming, dodging the brunt of the attack. He was unable to completely miss getting hit, falling flat on his back. He scrambled to his feet and turned to run, planning to head around the Thalmor trio and avoid getting too hurt. 

Faendall had his bow drawn, shooting at the Altmer as he tried to backpedal and follow his companion. He felt Kerev's hand grab his bicep, and he found himself getting dragged away. The Thalmor gave chase, shooting off spells and drawing elven blades. Faendall ended up turning around and facing the back of Kerev's head.

"I see why you needed a babysitter," He barked out, wincing as he took a fireball to the back.

Kerev turned around, a bit offended.

"Babysitter?!"

Faendall snorted, seeing Kerev's face twist in childlike anger. Time seemed to both pass too fast and much too slowly as the two outran their angry assailants. Both seemed to fight off laughter in favor of breathing as they sprinted. Kerev started slowing down much faster than Faendall, the Bosmer having to slow down so he could keep up.

"Are you alright?" Faendall asked, ducking out of the way of a spell.

Kerev just coughed and tried to keep up. His lungs were burning, and his face started to tingle. The pain from the healed gash on his face finally melted into his skin, leaving him undistracted in his suffering. Faendall tried to get one of Kerev's arms over him. He failed as the ground seemed to open up under the two. Kerev shrieked and Faendall yelped, the two falling straight into thick purple water.

Faendall thought fast, grabbing Kerev by the face and covering his mouth. He moved back and pressed them both back against the lip of the pond they fell into, hiding. He saw a tree in the center of the pond, almost glowing.

Kerev struggled to breathe but didn't fight, holding Faendall's wrist tight. He managed to start catching his breath despite the blockage his friend's hand caused. The water sloshed around almost sluggishly. Faendall listened intently, hearing a telltale grunt of an angered giant. There were a few slams of a club hitting the dirt, the earth trembling with every strike. 

Kerev slowly pried Faendall's hand off his mouth, trying to wander out of his grip. He managed to do so, Faendall following close behind him. They waded out just enough to look over the lip of the pond. Kerev squinted, watching the Thalmor hop around in an attempt to take down the giant looming over them. 

Faendall glanced around, seeing the other giant not too far off. It seemed disinterested at least. Faendall stood up fully, the water sliding off him like watered down jelly. It only came to his navel, thankfully not staining his tunic. He turned to Kerev, seeing the Thalmor trio get chased towards the horizon.

"Kerev," His voice was soft, alert. 

Kerev turned, tilting his head. He stood up, the water coming to the lowest part of his hips and rear. He tried to squeegee the thick purple liquid off his arms with his hands, not too successful.

"Yeah?"

"There's a tree here. Think we should check it out?" Faendall asked.

Kerev looked at the tree, confused. He seemed to perk up, looking at the water they were standing in. He smiled and started walking towards the tree.