Shinbira: Journal of a Survivor (Part 2), Chapter 8

  • Now here I stand, blinking in the low light of the evening sun, outside the tunnels and caves of Helgen's Keep.

    With my fellow escapee, my fellow survivor Hadvar. Hadvar the Nord.

    I hate Nords!

    Nords killed my mother, & made my young life in Windhelm so very bloody awful! 

    Yet here I am, standing side-by-side with a Nord, having fought side-by-side with this Nord, having even killed Nord Stormcloaks with this Nord, this Nord who helped me escape the dragon in Helgen.

    What is happening here? I don't understand any of this! He probably saved my life! But then, I also saved his.

    We survived; that's the main thing.

    Surveying the scene as my eyes adjust to the light my musings are interrupted, in that now-familiar accent: "Look, there it is!" 

    Crouching behind a rock, we watch as the mighty beast, the dread dragon, flies off into the distance. Finished with Helgen, I expect; nothing left standing: buildings, or people.

    I feel just relief but Hadvar is panicking.

    "It's flying towards Whiterun, the capital: we should warn the Jarl there as soon as possible!"

    "There's nothing much we can do about that now, my friend", I reply, "If it is to attack Whiterun it will reach there long before we can".

    ' "My friend" '?! Did I just call a Nord 'friend'?! My mind reels, and I want to tear out my tongue, but I can't take the words back!

    Nevertheless...

    "The enemy of my enemy is my friend". Yes, yes, of course: that's what it is...

    "Perhaps, but we must warn them!" he replies.

    "We should split up", he continues, "there may still be Imperial soldiers about, and don't forget, 'my friend'," gods, he noticed! "that you are marked for execution!"

    Actually, yes: I had forgotten that...

    I consider this, but quickly realise that if I do encounter more Imperials I'm much better off being with one of their own, especially with our having fought side-by-side, than I am alone.

    Do I tell him this? Of course not!

    He hurries on, assuming I expect that he's leaving me behind. I follow.

    Stopping briefly, he seems to notice that I am still with him.

    Without further comment - he's smarter than he looks -  he talks as we run.

    "You know, you should join the Legion. We're always looking for strong fighters like you."

    He's pulling my ear, isn't he?!

    "Yes, I should join the Legion, that's a good idea. Not so long ago your Legion was seconds away from removing my head from my shoulders. I always buddy up with people who are trying to kill me."

    I wonder if he knows sarcasm when he hears it? 

    "Well, you're still with me, aren't you, 'my friend'? And I'm a Nord!"

    Gods, I wish I'd never used that word! And yes, he does recognise sarcasm. And irony.

    I say nothing. Mostly because there isn't really anything I can say to that. The bastard's right!

    After waiting for my reply, he continues: "I know you have not seen us today in the best light, but I'm sure that this has all been a terrible mistake. And aren't we both fighting the same enemy?

    Dammit: he's got a point there!

    "And if Ulfric has a dragon - well! Only General Tullius will be able to do anything about that, and he can! Our headquaters are in Solitude. The General is there but you should speak to Legate Rikke first.

    "At least think about it, alright?"

    I think about it. "So where are we going then?"

    "We", a wry smile working its way onto his face, "are going to Riverwood. My uncle Alvor is the blacksmith there, & he can give us food & shelter tonight."

    We travel on in silence, lost in our thoughts. The Dunmer and the Nord, the odd couple, two survivors thrown together by Fate - and a dragon; neither of us knowing what the future may hold.

    The birds trill their evening chorus against the faint sound of distant running water as the sun sinks ever lower in the sky. We go on.

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Comments

6 Comments
  • Idesto
    Idesto   ·  July 2, 2015
    And to think Shin was ready to kill him! Thanks 
  • Exuro
    Exuro   ·  July 1, 2015
    I third them, Hadvar now has a fan base
  • Idesto
    Idesto   ·  June 11, 2015
    Thanks :)
  • Sotek
    Sotek   ·  June 11, 2015
    I agree with Lissette, You've handled Hadvar well.
    Gods, I wish I'd never used that word! And yes, he does recognise sarcasm. And irony.I had a laugh at this.
  • Idesto
    Idesto   ·  June 9, 2015
    It wasn't easy! Thanks :)
  • The Long-Chapper
    The Long-Chapper   ·  June 8, 2015
    Haha, I like how you make Hadvar not stupid. That he also realizes that the situation he's in is not exactly ideal.