Sevria's Travels: The Beginning

• Posted by MarkusMasterThief December 29, 2014 - 952 views

  

  The carriage carrying Marudil and Sevria to Skyrim finally came to a stop at the humble city of Falkreath, and at last the wood elves hopped to the ground and took in the rich atmosphere around them. The two looked to the distant forest, and pondered the circumstances that had reunited them after so many years; once adversaries, now allies with a new future ahead of them.

  "It's so beautiful..." Sevria said, "Even returning to this land, it feels as though I see it now for the first time."

  "It does hold a unique allure, doesn't it?" Marudil replied, "There's something to be said about its ruggedness... it is a land unlike anything that most Bosmer have ever seen."

  "We truly are blessed. I cannot wait to see more!"

  "There is plenty more to see... now, Sevria..."

  "Yes?"

  "With my duties in Valenwood concluded, I will be returning to my task here in Skyrim."

  "To hunt down Elenwen, you mean?"

  "Yes. She is going to die by my hand... and she knows it. She's locked herself away somewhere in this province, and I intend to find her... do you plan on accompanying me in this?"

  Sevria's expression grew somber. "Your bitter quest for vengeance is yours alone to bear... I cannot carry such grief on my shoulders. I'm sorry."

  "No need for apologies... but all the same, this is not something I can just set aside for your sake."

  "Then I will set off on my own for the time being... and pray that Y'ffre guides your--"

  Marudil gave Sevria a look.

  "... Sorry." She looked down awkwardly, "May your blade pierce her heart."

  "And may your arrows fly true."

  After reassuringly patting Sevria on the shoulder, Marudil walked off into the wilds of Falkreath, and Sevria watched her old chief until at last he disappeared into the trees. She looked around at the surrounding settlement, and pondered what life must be like for the "white men of the north" as she called them; their buildings were humble, constructed of wood, stone, and straw. There weren't many tall structures around like in Valenwood, but Falkreath did have an earnest feeling about it. Perhaps this was why she felt so alive in it.

  "You're a traveler, correct?" The blacksmith Lod said, noticing the newcomer, "What brings you to Falkreath?"

  "It is the settlement that borders Cyrodiil most closely; I hail from Valenwood originally, and have made a pilgrimage to your homeland due to... extenuating circumstances. I intend to explore this province and learn all I can from its people."

  "Is that so? Well, can I interest you in a blade or two before you go?"

  "My blades are well enough as it is. But... do you have arrows for sale by chance?"

  "Yep. Got some nice Orcish arrows here, actually. If you want 'em, and you've got the coin, they're yours."

  "How much would you ask of me for 50?"

  "50 septims; fortunately arrows come cheaply these days."

  "I do have 50 septims to spare."

  "Good. Hope they serve you well."

  The exchange was made, and Sevria thanked Lod before heading for the wilds. As she crossed by the lumber mill, however, a voice made a less-than-flattering comment from behind her.

  "I can't believe we let provincials like you wander Skyrim." The lumberjack Bolund stated.

  Sevria turned around to face him. "What? What do you mean?"

  "This land hasn't been the same since we started letting outsiders like you into our midst. We've opened our doors, given you food and shelter... but what have you ever done for us, besides doing away with Talos and filling our land with your stink?"

  "Doing away with Talos? What are you talking about?"

  "You're an elf! Don't you remember what your Thalmor overlords did to us?"

  "I'm not even allied with the Thalmor. Why would you think that--"

  "Don't try to play innocent with me, elf. Your kind is always up to no good."

  "But I've only just arrived here! I've done no wrong!"

  "You're trespassing on land that isn't yours. That's wrong enough."

  Seeing that there could be no reasoning with this man, Sevria simply walked away and recounted her experience as she left. She was utterly confused; why did that man behave so irritably toward her? What had she done wrong? She'd only been in Skyrim for 10 minutes, yet already she was unwelcome? On what grounds? A sick and painful feeling coursed through her body, and as night fell Sevria sought temporary shelter in a nearby cavern; it was easy enough to empty, filled only with a small pack of wolves that fell quickly to her arrows. After dealing with the wolves, Sevria set up camp and lay down on the stony ground. Thoughts and questions coursed through her head, and as she closed her eyes she could still see and hear the man at the lumber mill. The pain she felt from his words stayed with her for hours, until finally sleep caught up with her...