Ramiel stories 3: Riverwood

• Posted by Niko Repo January 21, 2013 - 610 views

  I wake up in a bed. Hadvar is sitting in the same room, by a table and talking to a man. I quickly realise that this must be the uncle he was talking about before. They keep talking and don't seem notice I'm awake.

  ".. and that's how we made it out of the cave with Ramiel." says Hadvar.

  -  "Shor's bones boy! And what of the dragon?" says his uncle.

  " Flew this way from what we could see. I'm surprised no one saw it." says Hadvar.

  - "Someone probably did, but they are too afraid to talk about it. Like not talking about it would make it any less real." says his uncle.

  "Speaking of talking.. We have to warn the Jarl!" says Hadvar.

  - "That we do boy, that we do. Ah! Look, your friend is waking up. Good morning Ramiel!" says his uncle and gestures me to take a seat at the table.

  "Good morning.. Ah, my head hurts like it's been split open by a giant frost troll." I respond and try to drag myself off the bed. I succeed and take a seat in the table with Hadvar and his uncle who introduces himself as Alvor. They offer me a drink - and I gladly accept.

  "Ramiel, me and my uncle were thinking...." says Hadvar.

  - "Of me? I'm flattered." I respond.

  "Ah yes.. Well. We would like you to make your way to Whiterun and warn the Jarl of the dragon attack." says Hadvar.

  - "Whiterun?" I  ask while filling my mouth with fresh bread.

  "You've never been to Whiterun? The trade hub of Skyrim?" says Hadvar.

  - "From what I can remember, I have never been anywhere. You wouldn't happen to have a map would you?" I respond.

  "Actually I do. This map is enchanted and pinpoints the bearers location. Take good care of it, it saved me more than a couple of times from a tight spot." says Hadvar.

  - "Sounds like the perfect map for a man as lost as me." I respond.

  "Well then Ramiel. Take all the supplies you need, within reason of course." says Alvor and gestures at his overfilled chest by the bed.

  - "I actually thought I could catch my breath for today and be on my way tomorrow. As for the supplies.. I'll check but I'd rather be on my own."

  "Very well Ramiel. Let's get you some work, Sven always buys more firewood and you could also come help me out at the forge later today. I could use some strong hands." says Alvor.

  - "Deal." I respond and stand up to get going.

  

  We found a decent axe and a place to chop the wood. I enjoyed the serenity of a manual labor. Birds singing and the river flowing right beside me. I worked from the minute I got there to a very late hour. I guess I lost track of time. All of my muscles ached from the strain of the day's work. I decided to head towards the inn to get a good night's sleep before heading out tomorrow.

  

  I step into the inn and head for the counter. The inn is surprisingly packed with people, even in a small town like this. While the bard is singing something of imperials, I get to the counter.

  

  I talk to a man named Orgnar, who seems to be a bit grumpy. I ask for a place to sleep and he sends me to a woman named Delphine. "So you're the one that's been snooping around." she says. "Excuse me, what? I'm just looking for a room." I respond. She makes an impression that is hard to decipher and says "Well you've come to the right place. That will be 10 septims please." I pay the cost and head towards my room. I decide to stop by Orgnar and ask if he knows of any possible work for me. "I actually do have something." he says and looks at me, calculating. After a small pause he grabs a piece of paper behind the counter and leaves in on the counter. "The Jarl's men came by and left this. Good luck - from the looks of you, you'll need it." says Orgnar and heads to speak with Delphine.

  What a strange little inn I think to myself, grab the note of the bounty Orgnar left for me and head for bed. Tomorrow, I head for Whiterun.

  I get out of bed at dawn. I grab a bite to eat: an apple I buy from Orgnar and head towards Alvor's house to say goodbye to Hadvar and his relatives. Alvor, to my surprise, is waiting for me at the forge and signs me over when I get close to their house.

  "Now boy, the least I can do to aid you in your journey I teach you a little something about blacksmithing." says Alvor.

  -  "Really Alvor, I'm fine with the armor and weapons I have now." I say.

  "Ah yes, but to trust your armor and weapons, you will have to know them. And the best way to know them is to make them." says Alvor.

  - "Fine. I do have time before I have to get going." I respond.

  "Magnificent! Now, do you prefer light or heavy armor?" asks Alvor.

  The question is harder than Alvor thinks. I've only had to chance to wear the armor Hadvar pointed out at Helgen. I think back to the few battles I have had; men at Helgen, wolves on road... Yes, I felt light when wearing this armor, but also unprotected. Making up my mind I respond "I think I would like to go with heavy armor."

  "Ah, that's a good choice. I'm sorry, but as the time and resources are scarce, we only have time to make a beginners armor. But on the roads, that's better than the piece of leather you are currently wearing and calling an armor." Alvor says.

  Without any further talk, Alvor pulls me near the forge. At least the next three hours he shows me how to bend metal to my will, tells me how to handle the forge and lectures of how he requires each client to take care of the armor he has made for them. Time flies as the blacksmith shows some of the secrets of his trade. "Look Alvor, I appreciate all the things you are showing me, but how about that armor? I have to get going soon." I say.

  "Very well Ramiel. I didn't want you to leave before having some knowledge of blacksmithing and how to take care of your own equipment. I prepared an armor for you yesterday. I know it isn't much, but it's the best I could do with the time and the resources." says Alvor.

  - "This looks.. More than enough Alvor, more than enough." I respond.

  "Very well then. Get rid of that leather and you'll begin to look like a real warrior. I'll take the leather and sell it later on." says Alvor.

  - "Will do. Just let me make a quick stop and I'll be back to say good bye to you and Hadvar." I respond.

  I leave the armor waiting at the forge and make my way towards Sven. Sven is a crude looking fellow with his blonde hair tied behind his head, a steel axe swinging on his hip. I quickly sell the firewood I chopped up yesterday and help Sven to place it where he wants. I don't get much, but more than enough to make it to Whiterun. I head back to Alvor's, only to find Alvor and Hadvar waiting for me.

  

  "Friend, I guess this is goodbye - at least for a while." says Hadvar - almost having tears in his eyes.

  - "Indeed my friend, indeed." I say and walk up to Hadvar to shake.

  "Here Ramiel, take the armor and wear it proudly. You are welcome back here anytime. We would gladly hear how the trip went." says Alvor.

  - "And I would gladly tell you Alvor. I will visit as soon as I can clear my head a bit. Thank you both for everything." I say and start changing into the iron armor Alvor made for me.

  Once I get the armor on me, we start to walk towards the edge of town with Hadvar. Hadvar also changed into new armor, a gift from the empire as he states. I say the final goodbye to Hadvar and head out of the town - while Hadvar heads back inside. 

  

  I am anxious to get on the road. I feel like fate is pulling me to Whiterun - I take long steps and prepare my weapon and shield to be ready in signs of trouble.