Shinbira: Journal of a Survivor, Chapter 25

• Posted by Idesto July 14, 2015 - 1,128 views

  Last Seed 22nd: Whiterun

  Back walking through the Whiterun market we get the now-familiar smatterings of half-heard conversations, and everyone trying to tell us something or sell us something.

  Leaning on a post outside Belethor's in what seems to be his 'spot' is a familiar and not unfriendly looking Nord.

  He greets me with: "In a world of fools you stand out above the rest!"

  I'm not quite sure what to make of that. Is he trying to be clever?

  "So, my Nord 'friend'," I reply with tense teeth, "I am a fool, just a better class of fool than everyone else: is that what you're saying?"

  I can see Faendal also getting a bit tense.

  "No, no my friend: you misunderstand me!" the Nord continues. "I just have a certain, shall we say, 'creative' way of saying what I mean. I am a Bard, a teller of tales, a singer of songs, a performer of poems and - haha! - an imbiber of ale!"

  Now I remember: this is Jon Battle-Born, something of a philosopher amongst his savage clan. It seems that he's decided to like me; I'm not sure why.

  "No, what I mean is," he continues, "you - and I - are a cut above the rest. We rise above the rabble to higher things! Here: take this small sign of my friendship."

  He gives me a clothes iron. A clothes iron! What need would I have of a clothes iron? He must be pulling my ears!

  Resisting the urge to put it to its only obvious use and bash him over the head with it, I instead give him what I hope is an ambiguous look, and move on.

  As if in mimicry Faendal is now also giving me a strange look.

  "Shinbira," he says finally,"there's no need to put him on your list, please. He's a Bard: you know what they're like. Drunk most of the time, and spouting rubbish."

  "List? I don't know what you're talking about, Faendal."

  "Hmph" is his only reply as we climb the steps to Dragonsreach.

  Speaking of lists....

  Inside the Jarl's palace Farengar the court wizard is deep in conversation with a woman in heavy armour, who seems strangely familiar. 

  "It's the Riverwood Innkeeper, isn't it?" I whisper to Faendal. "What would she be doing here, with him?"

  Before I have a chance to think further Farengar notices me, exclaiming: "Ah, yes: the Jarl's protege, back from Bleak Falls Barrow! Huh - you didn't die, it seems."

  Patronising s'wit!
  

  "And you found the Dragonstone!" the execrable Nord drones on "It seems you are a cut above the usual brute the Jarl sends my way."

  So you've decided to like me as well now? What will you give me: a nice embroidery pin?

  Not wanting to spend a second longer than I have to with this little man, I get straight to the point.

  "What about my reward?"

  "You'll have to see the Jarl about that."

  "I will." Carefully placing the Dragonstone on his table I turn around to do exactly that. Before I can leave I hear the woman's voice again, this time addressing me:

  "You went into Bleak Falls Barrow and got that? Nice work."

  "Thank you," I reply, turning back to face her. It's definitely her! 

  "So - Delphine, isn't it? What's an..."

  I'm interrupted by a commotion outside. The Jarl's housecarl Irileth bursts into the room in a panic:

  "THERE'S A DRAGON!!"

  Don't forget: 'If you like it then you oughtta put a 'click' on it'...

  And if you don't please tell me why, or how else will I get better? Also if you do!

  Thanks 

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