The Aftermath | Chapter 5: Necromancy

  • “OUT OF THE WAY!” screamed a voice.

     

    I looked over. Someone was running right in my path! I leaped out of the way just in time, the man bolting through the burnt-up town like something was chasing him. A group of Draugr staggered past me a few seconds later. Something was chasing him!

     

    “Uh, do you need help?” I yelled in his direction.

    “That would be much appreciated!” he cried back. I flung lightning at the Draugr and they died instantly.

     

    The stranger walked towards me, panting. He was very tall and quite slender. It was obvious that he was an Altmer.

     

    “Hello,” I said.

    “Hi, hi,” he replied, pushing a strand of hair out of his face. “Sorry about that. Necromancy can get a little bit out of hand sometimes!”

    “N-necromancy?” I asked nervously.

    “Oh, yeah. Sorry, I forgot that most people don’t like necromancy that much.”

    “No, no, I respect it and all,” I saw his eyes light up a bit. “I just don’t know about all of the, uh, ‘handling’ the dead. I’d rather just stick to Destruction.”

    “What’s your name?” he asked.

    “Oren.”

    “I like you, Oren! You can respect my work without writing me off as a freak!” he smiled widely.

    “Well, I’ve really got to head back to my, uh, my partner, so-”

    “Would you mind if I accompanied you there? Just to walk with you.” he interrupted.

    “I guess,” I told him, surprised by his words. We just met! “Just don’t get too startled by his appearance.”

    We walked for a while in silence. I wanted to speak up, but I was afraid I’d say something to make the situation even more awkward than it already was, so I kept my mouth shut.

     

    “Oh, I forgot to tell you my name. I’m Lenthil.” He said. “I-I’m a terrible friend! I didn’t even introduce myself!”

    “I just met you and all, but I don’t think you’re terrible.” I replied.

    “You’re the only one. People refuse to even acknowledge me because I like necromancy!” Lenthil pouted. “Except for the creepy ones. I’m not like them! I don’t have any interest whatsoever in taking over the world or making undead servants for myself! I just like dead stuff!”

    “Skyrim is the wrong place to be if you want to be accepted for liking magic of any kind.” I pointed out.

    “I… I know. I don’t know why I’m voicing all my problems to you, a total stranger.” he said apologetically.

     

    I scratched my head awkwardly, causing my Snowberry crown to fall off. I bent over to pick it up.

     

    “What is that, anyway?” he pointed towards the crown.

    “Uh, it’s a ring of Snowberries.” I replied frankly.

    “Of course I know what it is. I want to know why it is. Why you have it.” Lenthil cocked his head curiously, his thumb and index finger covering his chin.

    “My partner gave it to me.”

    “Partner, eh?” he inquired.

    “He’s my companion.” I clarified.

    “He?” Lenthil wiggled his eyebrows.

    He is a Dremora.” I crossed my arms.

    “Oh,” he sassed. “Suuure.”

    I didn’t answer him. He’ll just see for himself when we get there!

     

    After walking for a little while longer, I saw a shape in the distance. It was Morose, and he wasn’t walking towards Winterhold, but rather, away from it. Had he went to Winterhold already? I thought.

     

    “Morose!” I called out, jogging a bit in front of Lenthil.

    Morose turned around quickly. “You buffoon!” he said with a scowl.

     

    Soon we caught up with him. He directed his stone-cold glare down at me, and then up at Lenthil.

     

    “I-I didn’t think you were serious!” the High Elf stuttered in surprise, his yellow eyes wide and glimmering.

    “Why would I lie?” I asked with a smirk.

     

    Lenthil didn’t reply. Instead, he stared up at Morose, admiring his horns. Morose squinted his eyes, his brow furrowed.

    “Who are you?” Morose asked rudely.

    “This is Lenthil. He wanted to walk with me to the cave we were in.” I introduced him.

    “Why? Did you just bestow your trust in him on the spot?”

    “He definitely did.” Lenthil spoke up.

    Morose grimaced and began walking again. “Whatever.”

     

    Finally, after a long and tiring walk, we reached the cave where we had first started. I slumped down sleepily by the same wall I had the night before. I sighed and curled up once again.

     

    “I thought you were going to leave.” Lenthil said.

    “We don’t have anywhere to go. Might as well stay the night here again while it’s wolf-free.” I replied.

    “Truth is, I don’t have anywhere to go either. It’s been that way for a while, though.” he replied, sitting down beside me.

    “I mean, you could come with us…” I offered.

    “No, no. It’s nice of you to offer, but I don’t think I’m ready for that. I’m not very good at Necromancy yet, and I’d probably just get in your way.” he said. “Maybe later, if we happen to meet up again.”

    I hesitated for a few seconds. “Alright. I guess that would be for the best.”

    “We’ll go in the morning, Oren.” Morose said to me.

    “Great.”

     

Comments

4 Comments
  • Idesto
    Idesto   ·  October 3, 2015
    Oren and Lenthil are both very trusting aren't they? I wonder what the morning will bring 
  • Xeelus
    Xeelus   ·  June 26, 2015
    Oh, thanks. I'll make sure to do it next time :D
  • Sotek
    Sotek   ·  June 26, 2015
    Don't forget to add your Tags Xeelus. I've added your two main Tags for you.
  • The Long-Chapper
    The Long-Chapper   ·  June 26, 2015
    Wow. Oren is nice. Befriending a random Altmer necromancer? Hopefully Morose won't kill him during the night.