Skyrim: A Nord's Tale

Three

My sleep is filled with the sounds of roars and fire. When I wake, I don't feel any less tired than the day before.

I eat a small breakfast at the inn with Elisia then we head back to Dragons Reach.

Balgruuf greets us cheerfully but by the circles under his eyes, I can tell he hasn't slept.

"I need to travel to Windhelm," I tell my uncle before the conversation can go any further.

Balgruuf leans on his arm and sighs. "I can understand why you feel that way but... Is it safe with the dragons about?"

"I have to know if he's dead," I whisper. "If I lose him and my mother... I - I don't know if I'll have the strength to go on."

Balgruuf bows his head and nods. "I don't want you going alone however."

Smiling I turn to Elisia. "Will you accompany me?"

Elisia returns my grin. "I would be happy to."

"Then it is settled. You'll set out at once. Elisia you may borrow my own personal horse, Shail. He is a gentle beast, treat him well."

Elisia bowed low. "I am honoured my Jarl. Thank you."

It took an hour for Elisia and I to pack all the supplies we need into the saddlebags but finally we set out on the long road to Windhelm.

"So," Elisia begins. "You're engaged to Ulfric Stormcloak?"

I smile happily. "Yes, we met when I came to join the rebellion. I saved his life when an assassin broke into the Palace of Kings and tried to stab him. He said that was the moment he fell in love with me. I took the knife in the arm, it took six months before I was able to use it again. Ulfric always said that a woman who was willing to die for him was a woman he would die for."

Elisia grins. "I'm sure he'll be happy to see you once we get to the capital."

My smile falls and I twist the reins in my hands. "If he's even alive," I whisper.

Elisia reaches over and squeezes my hand. "Of course he'll be alive. He has so much left to accomplish. Marrying you, freeing Skyrim. Dying would be a terrible inconvenience don't you think?"

I laugh and realize how good it feels. Thank you Talos, I pray silently. For blessing me with laughter and the company of a good friend.