Dusk's Journey [A Skyrim Fanfic]

Chapter One: Talsgar and Taverns

Pushing open the heavy iron doors to Skyrim, I felt a twinge of remorse for leaving my home in Solitude. Crisp air washes over me as I make my way past the guards. Thinking back to all my times leaving the city to hunt, I realized there was one difference. This time, I might not come back. By the gods, I cannot think like this. I will just get myself killed. Speaking of not being killed, I really should change into my armor. A secluded patch filled with mountain flowers of various colors and a patch of jazzberry grapes off the side of the road caught my attention. I hid myself behind the trees and bushes, slipped out of my everyday wear, and quickly donned my studded armor. I may or may not have stolen it from the Solitude Blacksmith, but I left some coin in its place; I know how hard it is when you're short on gold. My mother and father try their best to make money, but have trouble as Dunmer. Even with my hunter's income, we cannot afford some of the nicer things in Solitude.

I move back onto the road and continue walking. I pull my map out of my pocket; my mission for today is to make it to Dragon Bridge. Maybe even find news of a mercenary willing to travel with me. I've always been light on my feet, as the guards point out. Fighting isn't my strong point, and I'm not sure what will happen if I come across a troll or a bear. A voice started me out of my thoughts. By the gods!! Just my luck! Bandits! I draw my axe, ready to hack away at whatever comes near me.

Waiting for the enemy to round to corner of the grey cobblestone path, I hide my body and prepare for a sneak attack.

"Ah, smell that fresh air? Truly, this is a good to play a song."

Running at him, I yell "Prepare to die, you- Wait. You don't look like any bandit I have ever heard of." The axe slides back to my hip as I wait for a reply, but my hand still hovers over the weapon.

"Well, that would be because I am no bandit. I am a Talsgar the Wanderer, a bard. Who are you?" The Nord curiously looks at me, seemingly forgetting that it was my first intent to kill him.

I guess he understands self-defense; he does seem to travel Skyrim for a living. "I am called Dusk, journeying to find my birth parents. Today I hope to make it do Dragon Bridge."

"Ahh, yes. Four Shields Tavern. What a coincidence. I just came from there. I had quite a bit of fun performing at the tavern. Speaking of performing, by the way, would you like the privilege to hear me perform a song?"

"Why not? Sing a song for me! Your choice, please!" The man surely won't harm me. Besides, I haven't even traveled for a full day and I'm already a nervous mess; this man will lift my spirits and I can travel happily.

Gathering himself, Talsgar began.

"There was once a hero named Ragnar the Red, who came riding to Whiterun from ole Rorikstead!

And the braggart did swagger and brandish his blade, as he told of bold battles and gold he had made!

But then he went quiet, did Ragnar the Red, when he met the shieldmaiden Matilda who said...

'Oh, you talk and lie and drink all our mead! Now I think it's high time that you lie down and bleed!'

And so came the clashing and slashing of steel, as brave lass Matilda charged in full zeal!

And the braggart named Ragnar was boastful no moooooree... When his ugly red head rolled around on the floor!

I began to applaud as loudly as possible, cheering and clapping my hands. "Talsgar, that was wonderful!!" I gratefully begin to hand him my coin, but he pushes it back.

His blue eyes shine at my compliment. "It was my pleasure, Dusk. And it seems an elf such as you is going to need all the gold you can get." His entire appearance was noticeably more ecstatic, as if singing worked up adrenaline.

Clouds move over the sun and I look up. The sun was high in the sky; afternoon was coming faster than I had planned. I need to continue traveling to Dragon Bridge. "Talsgar, I hate to leave, but I really must if I'm going to make it in time. I hope to see you again."

"May the gods watch over you." He passes me as I jog by. The ballad really did work. I'm in a much better mood now, thanks to Talsgar the Wanderer. Now the only thing I worry of is making it to the inn before it gets too dark.

~~~

Silently sending a prayer to the gods, I push open the creaky door to the Four Shields Tavern. I'm almost surprised I made it here, exhausted as I am. It's almost midnight outside; my walk took much longer than expected. The lady at the counter seems surprised when I come in. They must not get a lot of late night visitors. I stumble up to the counter and mutter a few words, purchasing a room in the process.

The woman accepts the coin that I practically shove in her face. "Let me show you to your room. Right this way." She glares at me, I follow her all the same and think to myself. Just ready to sleep, and please, let the bed be comfortable.

She leaves with a grunt and I decide whether or not I'm tired enough to sleep in my armor. Better not, I think. I'll be even more sore in the morning. Hurriedly changing out of my armor, I climb into the bed and under the covers, letting sleep and dreams overtake me.