Children of No One's - 2 - About a peaceful haven

I thought that my strength might run out at any moment, and that I might surrender to death the exact moment my eyes saw that the ax edge was approaching an inevitable destination, but I realized that there was still air in my lungs, and that I had men willing not to leave me dead because I was too tired, they cared, for them I'm still standing, I don't know how much longer, but my steps still resist and tread even harder.

Ralof is a man who became a brother in a few hours, it seems like he knew my eyes were struggling to open, and then he would say random things, showing me, teaching me, making me resist without even asking for his help, he looked much more tired than me, but he resisted with such courage that I simply had to follow him and never let him down.

*Ralof and Kjetil walked quickly along a stone road that distanced them further and further from the terrible scenery of Helgen, there were still screams of pain and hopelessness, but they seemed to be the last ones before the spirit of death took them forever. the wind of life beat in their faces, Kjetil closed his eyes and took a deep breath and let it out, as if renewing the wind of salvation and cleaning his old conformism of certain death*

Kjetill: Was that dragon on your side?

Ralph: What? Ah, hardly! I don't think even Ulfric could pull a dragon out of his pocket. Lucky for us he attacked when he did, huh? I was not looking forward to shaving the imperial executioner.

Sometimes people might say that Ulfric might even have the forces of Oblivion on his side, or that she's the very embodiment of Molag Bal, but he's just monstrous for someone who is used to breaking free from downtrodden people.

Kjetill: And why would you be killed??

Ralof: Really, you don't know? It was Ulfric Stormcloak himself.

Kjetil places his hand on his head, running his palm over his forehead and signaling that he is in pain*

Kjetill: Let's just say, given the circumstances I was caught in, I think it's a miracle I still remember my own name.

Ralof: Oh right, they said you were captured crossing the border, didn't they?

Kjetill: No, they put me with that horse thief, the ship I was on was destroyed by an attack of marauders, I spent the whole time floating in an icy sea between nothingness and death, they captured me there, where I I innocently thought it might be useful, and maybe they'll have the nerve to beat a passed out Norseman.

Ralof: Yeah, sure, if there's one thing these Imperials are good at, it's kicking a dead dog. Not that you are one, but you understand. Still, I'm surprised you haven't heard of Ulfric, or don't remember him. He is our leader - the leader of the Stormcloaks.

Kjetill: Would it be too much abuse to ask what you are exactly?

Ralof: Obviously not, but surely, even in Cyrodiil, did people hear news of the war in Skyrim?

The Norse are tired of spending our blood fighting the Empire's wars and paying for the Empire's decay with our taxes. Ulfric is our true High King. He is leading the fight to drive the Empire out of Skyrim, once and for all.

Kjetill: And why did they arrest them?

Ralof: I was assigned to guard Ulfric. We were on our way to Darkwater Crossing, south of Eastmarch. The imperials were waiting for us. The most beautiful ambush I've ever seen. We were outnumbered five to one, at least. Ulfric ordered us to stop fighting.

He didn't want us all to die for nothing, I think. I thought they were taking us south to Cyrodiil. Parade us in front of the Emperor. But then we stopped in Helgen, and you know the rest.

Kjetill: The huge difference between a general and a leader.

Ralof: That's the spirit.

*Continuing the walk, Kjetill certainly already had an opinion formed about the side that Ralof was representing, and many times he tried to ask the same, but tried to find the right words for it. So he, when he came down from the path, took courage*

Kjetill: You mentioned about joining you to fight for your cause, I'd really like to thank you for not giving up on me back there where all that was happening. But do you really think I can or am able to join you?

Ralof: Surely prove to me that you are worthy, and have all the ability to join our ranks and be brothers in battle and cause, because it doesn't matter if we are from Skyrim, Skaal, or a Nordic who is the son of Dremora , this is also your cause. Just like all true children of Skyrim should be a part of. With all the certainty in the world I say that you should come to Windhelm with me and join the fight to free Skyrim.

Ulfric's capital is Windhelm, northeast of here. You'll want to talk to Galmar Stone-Fist, Ulfric's right-hand man. He handles the new recruits. I'll be sure to give you a good word if I get to Windhelm ahead of you.

Kjetill: Stone-Fist?

Ralof: Oh yeah, if you see him fighting, that man alone could bring down an entire fortress, a real thoroughbred crazy for a good fight.

Kjetill: Ha, you are very convincing to me, I really want to know where this can go, help free your people, get rid of those who dictate the rules, be part of something remarkable and useful, it ennobles...

Ralof: Our man people. Our people. I hope you do. Skyrim needs people like you to fight for its freedom. Come on, we better get going.

* The duo still descends the crackeds stones path, walking at miles an hour, at paces so fast that only fear and Imperial troops can catch them, they relentlessly continue on their way to where Ralof would like to go. as they walk, with their right arm with their index finger apart, where not far away is an ancient tomb *

Ralof: See those ruins up there in the garden from "Tomb of the Grim Falls". I never understood how my sister manages to live peacefully as shadows of this place.

Kjetill: It reminds me of a trip I was on, I was just a back-and-forth, carrying boxes and looting stuff, I was a smuggler. And many times my companions and I entered these places in search of anything that could be sold. I was afraid I was being cursed for stealing something from some ancestor. But I also liked to say that I was just doing what I was told, the curse wouldn't fall on me.

Ralof: Your logic is interesting, if a Draugr came to tell you, you would yell "Sorry dead sir, I just do what I'm told".

Kjetill: Almost.

*Both laughed with their heads, their eyes and for a few seconds they closed their eyes noisily and

Ralof: You are a very funny blasphemous bastard.

*They continue to walk and come across three giant guardian stones, one of them with the design of a thief, another with a mage right in the middle, and the third a warrior, Ralof goes in front of Kjetill, speeding up his pace so that can help Kjetil*

Ralof: Aaah, the guardian stones.

Three of the thirteen ancient menhirs that dot the Skyrim landscape. choosing one of them can help a lot in the choices you make in your life. When you feel like it, touch one of them and say a prayer.

*A prayer Kjetill thought*

Kjetill thinks: So much time has passed and I don't know what it's like to focus my thoughts on our creator anymore, because I don't think I deserve so much grace anymore. He certainly forgot about me from the moment that ferocious hand full of claws and recklessness cut my chest with its blow that traced my life to a path of no return. Another being today calls himself my protective guide, my father between the spiritual lines that trace the paths that lead my destiny, that guides me and observes from afar. And I didn't want that in my life, but I know that's what I'm meant for, because he watches me all the time.

*Kjetill puts his hands on one of the stones and a white light over the skies as if passing through him in its beam of light, he feels his body refreshed, as if he has woken up after so many hours of sleep, he composes himself and looks at ralof *

Ralof: Warrior, good! The stars that I took for your protection will be your guides to honor and glory in your great battles my brother.

* After all this, they return to follow their journey along what seemed to be the path that would take these great warriors closer to their refuge, both running almost at the same time, one next to the other, and stone walls covered with pieces of wood indicated the place Ralof mentioned earlier, Kjetill takes a deep breath, releasing his arms as if in relief, the waterfall was present numbing his ears with the sound of water hitting rocks, and splashing over the earth, raising the smell of wet earth, comfortable for the soul of the lost Skaal.*

Ralof: Remember, this is not Stormcloak territory. If we anticipate the news from Helgen we will be fine, we should just avoid doing something stupid. If we run into the Imperials, let me talk, okay?

 

Kjetill: Diplomacy isn't a talent I master very well.

Ralof: hahaha... I'm really glad you decided to come with me, we're almost to Riverhood

Ralof: Looks like no one here knows what happened yet. come on, Gendur is probably working at his sawmill.

*Kjetill observes the small village with an admiring look, wooden houses together in a beautiful place, surrounded by trees where animals and rational beings transited, seeming to respect each other so much. Simple and hardworking people getting along in a scenario without apparent conflicts, the only thing that differs from that peace is a blacksmith who strikes steel with all his strength, forcing something that you can't see what it is clearly, and a desperate lady failing with what appeared to be a familiar, about the hell we were going through hours ago.

Hilde: A dragon! I saw a dragon!

Sven: What? What is it now, mother?

Hilde "It was as big as a mountain and black as night. It flew right over the Tomb!

Sven: Dragons now, right?

Keep it up and everyone in town will think you're crazy. And I have better things to do than listen to your fantasies.

Hilde You will see! It was a dragon! He will kill us all and then you will believe me!

*There were children with innocently friendly faces, and a forest Elf with clothes quite elegant for a being that carried wood, he may be someone who works at Ralof's sister's lumber mill, he seemed very curious about the image of a man stranger who walked right behind Ralof, as he watched with pity for the lady who was passing for crazy in the ears of the incredulous young man who listens to her*

*Kjetill sees a nordic woman in a dress, her face smeared with sawdust and dust, she was beautiful in her eyes, the first beautiful woman that her eyes admire after days in the middle of hell, she seemed to work for hours, for her desk, with her face tired from her duties and also from the worries of the days that passed, she was Ralof's sister, she seemed surprised, because she no longer seemed to count on her brother's existence*

Ralof: Gerdur!

Gerdur: Brother! Thanks Mara it's good to see you! But is it safe for you to be here?

Ralof: Aaah sister, so much has happened, it seems that the accumulation of problems from our ancestors reached us in just one morning.

Gerdur: We heard that Ulfric was captured...

Ralof : Gerdur... I'm fine. at least now I am. I believe Jarl Ulfric is too.

Gerdur: Are you hurt? What happened? And who is this? One of your comrades?

Ralof: Not yet... but a great friend. I owe my life to him, actually. Is there somewhere we can talk? There's no telling when news of Helgen will reach the Imperials.

Gerdur: Helgen? Did something happen ...? You're right. Follow me.

Hod! Come here a minute. I need your help with something.

Hod: What is it, woman? Sven drunk at work again?"

Gerdur: Hod. Come here.

*Kjetil walks beside the two brothers where he knows the other part of the sawmill, more open, whose logo meets the river, he smiles subtly feeling comfortable with that view, that even though his legs may be tired, he stands in astonishment looking at the water. thinking far away, which is one of the first times in his recent memories that he has felt at peace, even though he knows he will have a lot to walk and run over the decisions he's made before, and the terrible sight he's already seen. *

Hod: Ralof! What are you doing here? Ah ... I'm down!

*His contemplation is interrupted by the voice of a man at the top of his sawmill, it was Hod, husband of Gerdur. a visibly strong, blond man, a standard Norse from skyrim, carrying a one-handed battle ax at his waist, typical of a man who may not be a soldier but knows how to use it when needed.

*Just behind comes a beautiful boy, and his faithful dog right behind, he smiled when he knew that his vision was recognizing Ralof, and his innocent laugh in a loose way like every being that starts to walk in life, and that everything is one One big, fun man knows how to get himself into a situation who doesn't realize those two men dressed as soldiers ended up witnessing. *

Frodnar: Uncle Ralof! May I see your axe? How many Imperials have you killed? Do you really know Ulfric Stormcloak?

*Kjetill looks at the boy and opens a more spontaneous smile, like someone who tends to have a more adult face in difficult situations, but the child doesn't look at the boy, seeming to like the boy's intrusion*

Gerdur: Calm down, Frodnar. This is no time for your pranks. Go and watch the road to the south. Find us if you see any Imperial soldiers coming.

*So small doing something of immense responsibility, Kjetill thought*

Frodnar: Ah, mamãe, eu quero ficar e conversar com o tio Ralof!

Ralof : Look at you, almost a grown man! It won't be long before you join the fight yourself!

Frodnar: That's right! Don't worry Uncle Ralof, I won't let those soldiers near you!

* The boy obeys the order proudly and proud of his uncle and mother, wielding a wooden sword, with his chest puffed out and belly shrunken as if he wanted to demonstrate that he was already a strong man, smiles as he walks away to fulfill what according to him, was an honorable task, and very adult*

*In the distance, Hod can already be seen on the ground where, with a curious expression with points of concern in his eyes, he holds the handle of his ax present to draw it to any breach of danger that may approach the presents*

Hod: Now Ralof, what's going on? You two look very exhausted.

Ralof: I can't remember the last time I slept. Where to start?

Well, the news you heard about Ulfric was true. The Imperials ambushed us outside Darkwater Crossing. As if they knew exactly where we would be. That was... .two days ago now. We stopped in Helgen this morning, and I thought it was all over. We had lined up for the executioner's block and ready to start chopping off our heads.

Gendur: COWARDS!

Ralof: They wouldn't dare give Ulfric a fair trial. Treachery they claimed, for fighting for their own people!

Everyone in Skyrim would have seen the truth then!

Ralof: But then... out of nowhere... a dragon attacked.

*Gerdur's face is completely surprised, and his voice comes out of his mouth involuntarily as if he had been startled, his eyes widened, changing the look that was before tired to something that was complete astonishment*

Gerdur: You don't mean a real one, live...

Kjetill: Live, with teeth that would tear a giant apart without blinking, fire from his mouth that could melt the entire tower of the other white, and feet so big they could open a crater. The animal was as big as this village.

Ralof: I can't believe it and I was there! As strange as it sounds, we would be dead if it weren't for that dragon. In the confusion, we managed to escape.

Seriously, are we really the first to get to Riverwood?

Gerdur: As far as I know, no one else came along the southern road.

Ralof: Great. Maybe we should get some rest. I hate to put your family at risk Gerdur, but...

Gerdur: Don't talk nonsense brother. You and your friend are welcome to stay as long as you need.

I can worry about the Imperials later. Ralof's friends are my friends.

Kjetill: As an old friend of mine on board would say, very flattering ma'am. I think it was like that?

Ralof: You still owe me a good story about your teammates.

Kjetil: We'll have the night for that.

*Gerdur puts a key in Kjetill's hands as he takes some Septins out of his pocket to give in his hands as well*

Gerdur: Here's my house key to get what you need and something for you to get from the Tavern, for what you did for my brother.

Kjetil: Keys yes, money no... I just want a place to stretch my legs tonight, I've had dog days, and a place to work, because as much as this armor serves me well, I need to make my gear . and for that I need a job, to pay for what I consume.

Ralof: Come on man, this is no time for pride.

Kjeill: It's not about that... I just like doing things right. 

Gerdur: As you wish, but please, you can't refuse at least one stay in our house... And if you can also warn Jarl Balgruuf in Whiterun that our village is defenseless from that damn dragon. So that he can send as many troops as possible so that we can be safer, if he does, he will have my immense gratitude, seriously, I will be in your debt.

Ralph: Thank you sister. I knew I could count on you.

Gerdur: I have to get back to work before they miss me, did anyone else run away? I mean, Ulfric...

Ralof: Don't worry sister. I'm sure he escaped. One dragon is not enough to stop Ulfric Stormcloak

Hod: I'll drop them off at our house, and you know, show them where everything is.

Gerdur: Hmm! It means you're going to help drink the mead.

Good luck brother. See you later.

Ralof: Don't worry sister, I know how to go unnoticed, and y'all behave, huh. 

Kjetill: Do you know how I get to Whiterun from here?

Ralof: Just head north my friend, beyond this valley, but calm your ass man, get some rest. You need to make your weapons, your armor.

*Kjetill points forward as he places his arm over his belly where it may indicate he is in a lot of pain, while holding back laughter so his pain doesn't increase any further*

Kjetill: My ass is fine, unless you doubt it and want to see it.

Ralof: Stop your nonsense, I don't want to see this ugly thing... Come, I'll introduce you to the blacksmith, order something on my own, then we'll settle when we get to Windhelm.

Kjetill: I already told you, I don't want you to spend it on me, I'll see what I can do to pay for everything later, there must be something I can do here, even if it's guarding your nephew's dog.

Ralof: But man, the way you are, the dog is capable of knocking you down and making you his dog, and stop talking bullshit if I don't punch you in the face, come on. I'll tell you where the dawn is, now it's in full force, over here.

* Ralof shows Kjetill the way to the forge as he pats him on the back and retreats to his sister's house at the top of Riverhood. Meanwhile Kjetill walks on the wooden floor of Alvor's house and hears the sound of the hammer hitting the steel, in front is a little girl, like Ralof's nephew*

Dorthe: Hello mister stranger, I'm my father's assistant who is Alvor, can I help you with anything?

*Kjetill watches the little girl in a surprisingly polite way trying to be useful to the father who watches him at the same time he sees Dorthe with a certain scolding

Kjetil: Hello "lady" girl, I would like your father's help something that doesn't demand much of his time. Could you help me?

Dorthe: Sure, I can see if my father is available.

Alvor: Dorthe, stop bothering the poor guy...

Kjetill: Oh no, it's not a bother, I must say you have a very polite daughter.

Alvor: Thanks to her mother, I only know how to teach her to beat and forge. That's what you came for, isn't it?

Alvor: I can forge anything, don't worry about the price, I'm a patient person about deadlines.

Kjetill: Actually I intend to pay to use your forge to forge exactly what I want, just a coat of mail and two small axes.

Alvor: We have a young blacksmith here, so this is very good, well, if you really know how to use that force, you can, and the price will be a little lower.

Kjetill: My lord, I want to pay exactly what you charge to be able to work to make my equipment, since I will have to stop your work to be able to force my stuff, it is fair to pay for your time as well, although I can't have money right now, but I intend to stay in this town for a few more days, and until then I can get a job and pay all the Septins I owe.

Alvor: Well, in that case I can help you.

See that store up ahead?

*He points to a place made of wood, with stone structures in the lives that support the second floor of the establishment, just in front of his house named Riverwood Trader*

There they are in need of an assistant, the salary is good, you just have to put up with the annoying Lucan Valerius talking in his ear non-stop...

Kjetill: It might be a good idea, but then, can I use your strength?

*Alvor points to a nearby sledgehammer for strength and the items he needs to get you to work*

If you have a good hand, you can do what you want, boy.

*Kjetill then rolls up his sleeves and with heavy steps, drags an arm to be right in front of the force and can sit down., takes an iron beam and hits it with the sledgehammer, he was very tired, but he also wanted to do this. that as quickly as possible, breathing between the fresh Riverhood wind and the hot breath of the power boiler, he feels that in those sledgehammers with a hand that once seemed to have almost extinct forces, now he just wants to concentrate on doing his job in a way fast, clean, simple, so you can continue your adventure there, the beginning of your change of destiny, your eyes shone, it was destiny that motivated you that now you can make a choice, live a normal life, be useful to a cause, to be the bearer of the news that a winged monster is idle and needs to be hunted. What will Kjetill do now. *