Vilemyr Inn
Ivarstead
Turdas, 4:24PM, 14th of Last Seed, 4E 201
I've made some progress today, though not as much as I would have liked. I woke up eagerly, the anticipation for what would come next still burning within me. I quickly got my self dressed, pulling on my belted tunic, and strapping my boots. I wandered out into the main room to grab some much needed breakfast. The hearth still blazed against the cold stone wall and a heavy smoke hung in the air. From the sconces and candles, thick fat scented smoke curled upward mixing with the ever looming cloud. Some wisps escaped from the open shutters as a cool breeze flowed in and out. As I waited, the pleasing aroma of frying eggs and bacon filled my nostrils. My mouth began to water and I realized just how hungry I was. I almost went all of Middas without food, only a small breakfast, the handful of travel rations in the pass, and a quick meal when I arrived in Helgen. I gazed with longing eyes as Vilod came over and handed me a plate of steaming eggs and crispy bacon. He then set down a tankard of mead, with an extra hint of honey. I smiled to him and gave him a few coins.
"I’d like to thank you. You've made a very good first impression of Skyrim." I nodded to him while taking the tankard in my hand.
"I appreciate it. Will you be staying in Helgen then, or moving on?" Vilod asked with a grin.
"Well, I was thinking of...well... I don’t know really..." I replied, feeling a bit stupid for coming into Skyrim without a solid plan. "I do plan to at least travel further into the province and find work of some kind."
"Ah, well what are you good at?" Vilod asked. "Farmin’ millin’, or maybe hammering metal?"
My thoughts traced back to Bruma and the family farm down in the valley. "I grew up on a farm, and know the trade well, but I left to get away from that." I looked down into my tankard, then took a sip. "I'm fairly skilled at smith work too. That sword I carried in, for example."
"That sword was your work? I didn't figure you for the blacksmith, or a weaponsmith of all things." He paused for a moment and then widened his eyes with a smile. "I know just the place for you." He took a seat on the bench next to me, the wood creaking as it adjusted to his weight.
I raised an inquisitive brow while devouring a forkful of egg.
"If you want adventure, or good opportunities you’ll need to get in with the right people." He explained. "Now the best place to do that would be in Riften, east of here. It’s the perfect spot to make a reputation and get the attention of the people in power. It is a dangerous place though, a retched hive of scum, but it’ll serve your purposes, if you've got the stones for it." He chuckled.
I looked up with a concerned expression. "A hive of scum? That doesn't exactly sound promising." I poked at some bacon. "You’re sure?" I was worried about going to such a place, but the thought of getting on the good side of those with power was quite... seductive.
"Positive."
"Alright. You know Skyrim better than I, so I’ll take your word for it."
Vilod nodded and patted my shoulder. "You’ll do fine lad. You've got that look in you eyes." He smirked. "Now, to get there, travel along the east road through the mountains, you’ll have reached the Rift once you make it to the Fall Forest."
I nodded, "Alright."
"The path can be dangerous, but I think you can handle yourself." He said, causing me to reflect on the Ogre. A smirk appeared on my face.
"As long as there aren't any Ogres." I joked. We both chuckled. After a brief pause I spoke again "You were saying how to get there?"
"Right." Vilod rested an arm on the table top and began to draw an imaginary map with his finger. "Just follow the road east, along the south shores of Lakes Gier and Honrich and the bank of the Treva River. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the wooden docks on Lake Honrich’s far east side."
I picked at a sliver of wood which protruded from the table on an angle. "Is it a great port city, like Anvil?" I asked, becoming more interested. I've always dreamed of visiting the prosperous harbor city on the Gold Coast of Cyrodiil.
This made Vilod laugh. "No, no, not at all!" He slapped his leg with his right hand and began to rock back and forth. "Anvil?!" He barreled over with laughter. "On the contrary, Riften is a broken down wooden city, built over a festering canal, filled with beggars and thieves, and is by no means a prosperous city, I mean, even the Thieves Guild which is said to be based there is in decline!"
I looked away, feeling utterly foolish and my dreams of visiting a city equivalent to Anvil were dashed. "Anyway." I insisted, raising my voice slightly. "You said the thieves guild is based there?"
Vilod shrugged, "Its what they say." He stood and nodded to me. "Well, I hope everything works out, just watch your coin purse."
I ignored him, still feeling foolish as he turned and went about his business. After finishing my breakfast I returned to my room to pack my things. I placed yesterdays clothes into my pack and pulled on my hide jacket. From the dresser top I retrieved my sword, and fastened it securely at my hip, and then I lifted up the silver chained amulet that was on the dresser top next to it. The amulet was carved with the image of a Dragon, unlike the Imperial insignia, this one was thin and curled, reminding me of a story I once heard of how a Dragons soul is like fiery wisps. The amulet rested in my palm, the chain hanging down, swaying with my movements. I smiled and then lifted it over my head. I clasped my hand over it as it pressed against my chest and thought of my father, who bestowed the gift upon me when I came of age. He neglected to tell me its origin, but I rather keep it a mystery. I tucked the amulet into my shirt and pulled on my cloak. I tied the strings loosely and then hoisted my pack onto my left shoulder, holding the strap with the same arm.
Again, I stepped out into the main room, the floor creaking with each stride. Vilod noticed me leaving and nodded as I passed.
"Good luck...wherever the road takes you." He called.
I nodded back to him and stepped out into the courtyard. The air was humid and moist snow lightly fell. Each flake melted as it touched my skin and clothes. I made my way through the street and out of the east gate. A few guards patrolled the road and eyed me warily as I passed by. Why is it that everyone seems on edge? I walked on, ignoring their glances. I took the east path at the crossroads. To my right the southern road, which I had followed yesterday, wove up the forested hill. I followed my own path climbing steadily up a small incline. The trees around me were covered in slushy snow and I could hear a few birds chirping among them. To my left I thought I heard a low whisper and the sound of a grindstone, but I shook it off. I must have been hearing things. As the path began to level off I noticed a clearing to my left, in which stood a warrior dressed in fur, and mail. Their armor was decorated with a blue sash which covered most of their torso. The warrior looked up, seemingly startled and then rested her hand on the hilt of her blade.
"Move along stranger." She said with the same thick accent as the rest.
I quickly took my eyes off of her and continued on. Once I sensed that she was relaxed I quickly glanced over my shoulder to see her step into the edge of the wood and begin to speak with another dressed as she. Soldiers maybe? I continued on and soon the encounter drifted from my thoughts. I was eager to get to this Riften place, despite its apparent bad reputation. The path began to bank down and to the right. On either side of me rose mountains, sharp rocks and abrupt cliffs. The great mountain to my left seemed to rise up forever. I stopped for a moment and looked up, shading my eyes with my hand. The peak of the towering mountain could not be seen, due to a thick ring of white cloud clinging to the mountain side. I began to feel dizzy and had to look away to allow my head to clear. Soon I continued along the pass, which wound around the different rock formations and sharp points. I trudged on, my feet beginning to tire once again. I pulled out a waterskin and drank, all the while moving through the rugged passage. For what seemed like forever I walked until I passed by an eerie cave. I immediately stopped, feeling strangely compelled to enter. A few barrels and sacks were discarded in the slush by it’s entrance and I swear I could feel a cold set of eyes starring out of the shadowy gash at me. Remembering the Ogre, I rested my hand upon my sword’s hilt and moved along cautiously. I felt nervous as I turned my back to the cave, but kept my ears open in case someone or something decided to attack.
I walked on and on and on, sweat beading on my brow. I could feel my skin growing wet and sticky, and the underarms of my shirt sticking to my pits. I pulled at the fabric of my shirt trying to fan out my heated body, when a refreshing mountain breeze blew down the pass. With that I continued, feeling slightly rejuvenated. Eventually I passed between two tall ancient stones, carved at the top like the heads of birds-of-prey. Sentinels guarding the dangerous road. I looked up at them as I walked and wondered who built them and when, not to mention how on Nirn they managed to get the stones where they are, or if they were perhaps carved from the rock of the mountains themselves. Ahead of me I could see the slush draped mountain pass giving way to a lush forest, and the flash of orange, yellow, and green. In the distance I could see the forest stretching far, and in the east, a great blanket of fog rested on the land. The path began to decline and the snow around me began to disappear until I stood in a picturesque forest of autumn colors. I was relieved to finally get off the uneven stones of the mountain road and get onto flat land. Though still sweaty and warm, my mood was lightened by the change in terrain and scenery. I’d never experienced a real summer before. I spent most of my time in Bruma County and it was always muggy or chilly, but always slushy during the summer months. I had been down in The Heartlands during summer before, but only for a short time. It was good to see the ground, uncovered and sprouting with plants. Though I enjoy seeing the lush land in summer and springtime, my heart belongs to the harsh tundra and snow capped mountains. I've just always found them to be... peaceful, despite the dangerous wildlife and treacherous climate. My father joked that it has something to do with the fact that I was born during a blizzard in the Pale, Skyrim's northernmost Hold. Who knows...
As I left the mountains behind, the forest around me seemed to come alive with the sound of creatures. Birds chirped peacefully in the throng of deciduous trees. The droning of many bugs filled my ears, as they zipped from place to place. I felt quite content, moving through the beautiful scene of autumnal colors. Between the trees, in the large gaps, were piles of leaves and many different wild flowers of exotic color. I lost interest in Riften for a time, focusing on the scenery. The thought never crossed my mind that there could be a deadly array of dangerous creatures lurking in the forest. Again, I made the mistake of losing my guard, and not keeping my wits about me. Though my eyes constantly scanned the forest around me, they did not stop to search for the many pairs of black eyes starring at me. The eyes tracked me, as I walked blissfully through the forest, patiently waiting for my back to be turned. The body these eyes belonged to moved along with me, positioning itself perfectly to strike. I would not have even realized that it was present if it did not alert a nearby doe. I was not aware of anything dangerous around me until the doe rushed out of the trees to my right. I turned in its direction at the glimpse of sudden motion, and the deer collided with my left shoulder, sending me spinning, and causing me to land on my face. As I hit the ground the creature, with the many black eyes, seized the opportunity and lunged.
I noticed the massive frostbite spider in the corner of my eye and gasped, my mouth wide open as it scrambled from the trees. I sat up and shifted backward onto a patch of soft soil. I constantly moved backward as the creature closed in. It was brown with a hint of orange, and a variety of other indistinguishable colors making up a perfect camouflage. It was covered in patches of bristly hairs which covered its spiny legs and fat body. Its mandibles were thick and sharp, clicking together as it approached, a light green translucent liquid dripped from them like honey from a spoon. I edged my way back, sweeping leaves as I scooted along, my hand grasping for my sword. My back brought up in one of the many trees and I stared wide-eyed as the spider prepared to paralyze me. I saw it draw back, preparing to unload a poisonous glob of spit onto my stationary form. I rolled to the right, attempting to avoid the incoming venom. I heard the gush of saliva impact the tree, and droplets of the poison fanned out in a splash. As I exited my roll, a few drops landed on my exposed face. My skin stung as the liquid oozed into my pores. I instinctively wiped my face with my left hand only to get the poison on it as well. I yelled in frustration and began to lose feeling in my fingers, lower jaw, and cheek. I blinked several times as the creature pounced at me, its poison saturated mandibles ready to sink into me. I quickly drew my sword with my only functional hand and slashed in front of me in wide arcs, trying to keep the spider at bay while I regained my footing.
Once I was standing I thrust at the spider and stabbed one of its many eyes. As I pulled my weapon out, one of the spider's legs pushed my blade to the ground so that I was exposed for a bite. I raised my left foot and pressed with all my might onto whatever the creature had instead of a forehead. I managed to distract it long enough with my kick to lift my sword and lop off one of its eight legs The creature squealed and struck at my legs with its own, tripping me up. I landed once again on my back as the spider climbed on top of me. I held up my sword, gripping the hilt with my good hand, and pushing up against the flat of the blade with my paralyzed one, trying desperately to keep the spider’s mandibles away. The spider’s serrated weapons of a mouth clicked rapidly together, trying to bite some part of my face, all the while globs of paralyzing frostbite venom dripped onto me. I coughed and sputtered as droplets entered my mouth and I began to feel instantly fatigued. With one last attempt to free myself from the creature I kicked up at its surprisingly soft body, then pushed up and to the left with my sword. The spider fell over and struggled to get back up. I got to my feet quickly and raised my sword, ready to finish it. In one swift motion I plunged the blade into the bottom of the spider’s head and fell to my knees. The creature squealed its last and fell silent. I slowly stood, pressed my left foot down on the creatures head, and pulled out my sword. I limped over to a patch of grass and cleaned off the blade before sheathing it. I gasped and looked back at the spider and breathed a sigh of relief.
It was about noon when I had finally killed the Frostbite Spider, and I felt weak, both the struggle with the monster and the frostbite venom were to blame. The rest of the day I limped through the forest, my limp hand flapping with each arm movement and my lips sagging. The effects on my body weren't overly horrific since I had not sustained a full bite, but my vision was slightly blurred, and I felt sick. Every once in a while I had to stop to vomit the venom from my system. I would lean against a tree with my good arm and heave, letting my breakfast and the green liquid spew onto the ground. Due to the thick consistency of the venom, my puke would often glob and then hang from my open mouth. Being unable to feel my lips I would have to wipe it all away with my hand. Slowly, but surely, I made my way along until I came to a crossroad. A sign pointed east to Riften and north to a place called Ivarstead. I glanced northward and saw a small village on the west bank of Lake Gier, the small lake that is fed by the Treva River which drains Lake Honrich. Feeling horrible I decided then to stop in Ivarstead so that I could eat, and recover from my temporary paralysis. That's where I am now. I crossed a bridge and entered the small village. To my immediate left was the Vilemyr Inn. I didn't notice what buildings were where or even if there were any villagers in the street. I've barely noticed the people around me in the inn, but the man whom I think is the inn keeper has supplied me with a room. I can feel the paralysis going down in my left hand, but my vision is still blurred, though clear enough to allow me to right this entry.
I've just been given a tray of food, I think. I wish I could feel with my mouth and eat it properly. I can’t believe I’m even alive. I have never actually had to use my sword to kill anything... and fighting spiders is nothing like dueling with Father. If I were home I'd have some respect, though Mother would probably faint if she saw me now.
Hopefully by tomorrow morning I’ll be well enough again to keep moving. Riften is still far off, and I’ll have to make good time and be wary if I want to make it there tomorrow.
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