Hod and Gerdur’s
Riverwood
Sundas, 8:45PM, 17th of Last Seed, 4E 201
I write this entry in utter bewilderment. Something I would never have believed possible occurred and I’m just lucky to be alive! To explain I’ll start from the beginning, the day after my encounter with the Frostbite Spider, which seems pale in comparison to the ordeal that I went through today. On Fredas morning I awoke in the Vilemyr Inn up in Ivarstead. I remember rubbing the sleep from my eyes and noticing that my face was plastered to a bowl of soup. I slowly lifted my head as clumps of cold meat and vegetables slid off my face and onto my lap with a plop. I quickly stood, the globs of soup falling onto the floor.
I scanned the room and pulled a cloth off the table and wiped the side of my face thoroughly. I tossed the moist, soup covered cloth into the bowl and then realized something, my vision was no longer blurred and that my skin no longer stung so. I looked down at my left hand which seemed to be alright, although there were some red rashes on my palm and knuckles. I looked around for something shiny, but after not finding anything I drew my sword. In the dented and slightly blackened blade I could see my face. A young man with a short blonde beard and long gathered hair looked back at me, his icy blue eyes scanning my face. I angled my head to the right, then to the left, surveying the rashes on my face, which seemed worse than those on my hand. Being satisfied enough I shrugged and sheathed my sword again. Feeling a bit hungry I pulled some dried meat from my pack and ate my fill, then took a drink of water.
I felt awkward walking out into the main room with my face covered in rashes, but there was nothing I could really do. I approached the counter and sat upon one of the stools. The inn keeper looked across the wooden surface to me with a smile, but like all the others there was some kind of worry behind it, anxiety for some terrible thing that was bound to come. Again I shrugged it off, not wanting to get involved in the local problems, not realizing that if I settled in Skyrim, it would inevitably become my problem too.
“Hello traveler, I’m Wilhelm.” The innkeeper said with a strong v. “How’s your face?” He looked at the pronounced rashes on my cheek and jaw.
I shrugged, and wiped my face with my sleeve.
“You stumbled in here yesterday in a bad way. “ He explained.
I nodded. “I….remember.” I re-imagined yesterday’s happenings.
Wilhelm looked worried suddenly. “What happened to you?” His eyes darted around nervously. “You weren't in the barrow on the east side of the village were you?”
I raised a wondering brow. “Er...no, I was attacked by a Frostbite Spider in the forest.” Thinking that the barrow had something to do with everyone’s anxiety I refrained from asking.
“Ah, those are nasty creatures, just be glad it wasn't that Ghost!” He said in a shaken voice. "I saw the thing with my own eyes; it starred into my very soul!”
I gave him a worried glance. “A what?”
“Didn’t you hear me boy?” He leaned on the counter top, sweat beading on his balding head. “A Ghost, by the Divines it was a Ghost!”
I felt immediately frightened, more so by his demeanor than his ghost story. “Yeah...well I’ll be careful then.” I encouraged, just wanting to end the conversation. “Em, how much do I owe you for the room...” I glanced over my shoulder, eyeing the splatter on the floor. “and the soup?”
“What?” Wilhelm seemed startled at my question. “Did you say something.” Clearly he was paranoid.
“How much do I owe you?” I repeated in a clearer voice. I ran my hand down my face, sighing loudly.
”Ah, that.“ He placed a hand on my shoulder from across the counter top. ”It’s all been taken care of, it just didn't feel right charging a wounded man for my services.“ He smiled.
I thanked him, despite thinking that he might have some ulterior motive, I mean if the barrow is indeed haunted he’ll need to get a good reputation somehow, and what better way than to let a wounded man go without charging him a septim.
“So, if you don’t mind me askin’?” He paused for a moment, seeming to contemplate whether it was safe to inquire. “Where are you headed?”
I glanced up from scratching at the rashes on my knuckles. “Oh, ah.” I thought for a moment trying to remember the name. ”Where was it... Rif...Rite...Riften.”
Wilhelm looked at me wild eyed. He leaned across the counter, the same worrisome look upon his face as when he spoke about the ghost. “No, you don’t mean Riften, the city of thieves? “
I slowly nodded. Thanks to Vilod I knew there was some kind of thieves gang there, but I never really took it seriously.
”Don’t be going to that city boy, it’s a filthy place, and no good will come of it.” He cautioned.
"I was told it was a place of opportunity, isn’t it?” I stated beginning to worry if Vilod’s tale was true.
”Sure, a place to find the opportunity to get your money taken, or your throat cut.” He replied quickly. ”That city’s a mess, you don’t want to be going there.” He repeated.
I raised a brow. ”You mean that this thieves thing is real?”
Wilhelm shook his head with uncertainty. ”I don’t know about that, but it’s the Black Briars you should worry about. Way I hear it that family pulls all the strings in the city. Their leader Maven; she’s one of the worst, has almost everyone in her pocket, and the money to sway anyone she needs to." He shook a finger at me. "Every man has his price, and she can pay it, the guards even look the other way when spotting crimes that have to do with....her....” He paused. ”Dealings....”
I looked at him, not sure if Riften was the best idea after all. ”Are you sure, I mean is it really all that bad there? It sounds like its run by criminals.”
Wilhelm nodded. “Take my advice lad, and don’t go there.”
I eased off the stool, slowly edging my way out of Wilhelm’s aura of paranoia, I was glad I managed to stop his ghost blabbering but my mood had dimmed, Wilhelm’s doom and gloom talk made me feel downcast and hopeless. Where was I to go now? I reached my room where I found my pack, and cloak. I shut the door and changed into a new shirt, the one I had worn previously was quite sweaty. I thought that I should find a stream at the end of the day and wash my clothes and myself before turning in. I geared myself up and prepared to set out, desperately wanting to leave Wilhelm behind and get underway, though I didn't know where to.
I strode across the room, gripping the leather strap of my pack with my rash speckled hand, and then pushed open the planked wood door with a creak. I stepped out into the day with a satisfying sigh, ready to embrace its journey wherever it might take me. I noticed that the village was based on the east bank of a river which flowed north. The buildings lined the sides of the road which also headed north alongside the rushing water. I stepped down from the wooden deck on the front of the inn. I glanced back the way I had come the day before, and then north. The road to my right either brought me back to Helgen or to Riften and I now wanted to go to neither place, but the road to my left lead to somewhere unknown. I breathed the cool air and set out, heading north. I passed by a wooden house on my right which was built upon a stone rise that came up from the ground like a small hill. To my left I could see the river with several stones crossing it, and an old abandoned house on the far bank next to the slope of a mountain, the same mountain which I had seen the day before. I looked up and saw the great stone face reaching up into the sky. I still could not see the peak which was surrounded by a layer of cloud.
I was about to turn away when I noticed movement in the ruined house and a man dressed in rags peered out. At that distance I could only make out that he was balding and dirty. I remembered the teachings of the divines and couldn't help but feel pity. The poor man I thought. I glanced up the road but decided to talk with him. I was eager to get moving but I thought it my duty to give him a septim or two. I edged my way to the water’s edge and eyed the first stepping stone warily. I wondered at first if it was worth the trouble to traverse the river just to give the poor man some money, after all the rocks were very wet, and of course slippery. I thought better of it and reached into my coin purse to pull out a few coins which I gripped in my right hand.
“Hey!” I yelled over the sound of the water. “Here’s some money for you, you look like you could use it!”
The man looked up at me as I chucked the coins over the rushing water and onto the opposite bank. The man dashed forward and proceeded to comb the bank on hands and knees.
He looked back towards me with a giant smile. “Thank you, thank you, you've done Narfi a favor, Divines bless you as Narfi does!” His speech was quick and slightly demented.
I nodded over to him and smiled. Feeling good I turned away and continued down to road passed a farm on my right and the village lumber mill on my left. After the mill the road turned to the left towards a bridge which spanned the river. Across the water I could see the road lead to stone steps that seemed to wind up the mountain side. I wondered why there would be such a thing and felt intrigued. I wanted very much to climb the mountain but I wasn't prepared for such a trek, instead I wandered off the main road and followed a separate trail north along the river.
The river rushed down a slope under the bridge and then flowed forward, bending slightly around a corner. I continued down the small hill. A rock formation rose up on my right, on which I saw turf and a few trees. I walked along the river bank, the smooth pebbles shifting with my steps. As I wound the small bend I noticed a shallow cave in the side of the rock formation. I wondered if something might live in it when I noticed the bloodied bones, dead Elk, and men inside it who wore the same padded hauberks, mail, and blue sashes as the warriors I saw on Fredas. I stopped immediately, not wanting to encounter another creature. As I scanned the river bank for any sign of movement I shook with fear. I nearly died fighting the Frostbite Spider and whatever killed the warriors in the cave could surely kill me as well.
I slowly stepped forward and drew my blade. I saw nothing in the cave or in the immediate area so I quickened my pace wanting to leave as much distance as possible between the cave and I. I still looked about warily as I moved and noticed that the river went over a small dip and then continued on for quite a while before it randomly ended, just seeming to fall off the edge of Nirn. I walked across the rocky path stepping over a few fallen trees until I reached the edge with my sword gripped tightly in case I was ambushed.
I stepped off the trail onto a pile of rocks at the edge and peaked over. The river fell in a great torrent, plummeting down to the distant land below. I looked over to my right and noticed a long cliff side extending far into the east, then realized that the Rift was actually situated upon a large autumnal plateau. Far below I saw the waterfall crash into several rocks and flow down the cliff like a vertical river and then meeting a distant pool surrounded by pines. Beyond that I saw a large plain, barren and covered in a thin fog…or was it steam? The plains were dotted with small pools and many scattered rock formations but other than that I couldn't tell what made up the unique landscape. I glanced over my shoulder still seeing nothing, and then sheathed my sword, and hoisted my pack.
I wanted to head down into the strange plains but I didn't know how to get down, but then noticed that the path I followed turned sharply behind a boulder and descended down the cliff side. I continued along the path, making my way steadily down the cliff. I could barely make out the sound of bugs buzzing over the pounding of the waterfall. Mist billowed off the torrent of water as I made my way down. Soon the worry passed and I no longer thought about the cave or what might have lived there. I wound my way between the trees, around jutting rocks, and boulders. The path was relatively easy to traverse despite not being used much. Tufts of grass poked out of the soil and moss surrounded the trunks of the many pine trees. Ferns grew here and there as well as a variety of wild flowers.
Suddenly I slipped on a loose root and caught myself on one of the boulders. I looked around quickly just to be sure no one caught my blunder. I felt discouraged, I’m never usually the clumsy one but if I’m to make it in Skyrim I need to get my act together. I straightened out my tunic and moved along the twisted path, sword pommel in hand. Ahead of me a separate path turned off to the right next to a pool of water fed by another waterfall. I could feel the moist warm air brushing against my face as I walked, and the autumn forests soon gave way to large pines. I spent most of the morning following the trail in wide bends and I reached the bottom by noon. The path split at the bottom and met the main road in two places. One branch turned west, while the other moved east.
To my left I could see the waterfall surging down below another bridge and beyond that was a ruined fort. On my right I could see another bridge crossing the main river which I now know as Darkwater. On the opposite bank I could barely make out the thatched roof of a house among the pines. It seemed a fine a place as any to stop so I could eat, and the river would allow me to easily bathe and clean my clothes. As I made my way along the road I could see rapids on the east side of the bridge between the crooked branches of the bushes. Once I reached the bridge I could see the other waterfall gathering in a large pool and on the shore was a small camp. Four fur tents surrounding a mediocre fire and the house was next to them. I followed the road across the bridge then wound to the right through the trees until I came to the yard of the camp. A sign next to the road read ‘Darkwater Crossing’.
The house was made of stone and squatted across the yard from the camp. Small vines curled up the stone walls and few tufts of grass poked between the wooden boards of the deck. There was a small garden surrounded by weaved wooden fences where there grew wheat and potatoes. A slanted piece of wood covered a little nest for chickens and a couple eggs were nestled in the hay. Ahead of me was a cave kept open by wooden beams, next to which sat a smelter and mining equipment. Smoke simmered from the top of the smelter and as miner was shoveling coal into it. Workers stood here and there going about their business, and there were a few men standing around dressed in the same blue sashes as those I’d seen before. I stepped passed a goat and looked around for anyone I could speak with, then stepped over to the fire where a bearded man crouched, warming his strong hands.
He looked up at me from under his hide cap and asked. “You here for work?”
I looked around and shrugged. “Work?” I thought that this was a good opportunity to start off.
The man smiled with a nod. “Aye, we could always use another hand in Goldenrock Mine.”
I widen my eyes at the name “Goldenrock, you mine gold?”
The man chuckled to himself. “No lad, this here’s a corundum mine.”
I nodded, feeling a bit foolish, which seems to be a custom I've been creating for myself. “Ah… I guess I could give you a hand, I've come into Skyrim to start off with my life.”
“Ah, well mining is good enough work. The name’s Verner, Verner Rock-Chucker, this here’s me and my wife Anneke’s mine.” He said taking my hand in his strong grip.
I nodded receiving his hand in my own. “I’m Wilrrick Yngvarr.” I looked around. “What do you need me to do?”
Verner scratched his beard. “Well what can you do?”
“I've never worked in a mine before, but I used to be a farmer, and I’m a quick learner.” I stated, trying to make a good first impression.
“I suppose I’ll find something for you, I’ll have Sondas show you around.” He patted me on the back and lead me to the mine entrance where a Dunmer dressed in a white tunic, with a dirty rag stuffed in his belt stood.
“Sondas.” Verner began grabbing the miner’s attention. “This is our new worker; Wilrrick.”
The Dark Elf smiled and reached out a dusty, scarred hand. “Sondas Drenim at your service.” His voice was accented but not as local Nords.
I took his hand and shook it. “Pleasure.”
“Please show him around and give him a few pointers, he’s never mined before but he says he’s a quick learner.” Verner explained.
The Elf nodded. “Of course.” He turned to me and gestured to the equipment. “Grab a pickaxe and follow me.”
I quickly picked one of the tools out of the pile and slipped it into my belt, after setting down my pack, cloak and sword, though I did bring a chunk of bread and some cheese with me. I nodded to Verner and then headed into the dark abyss that was the mine entrance. I was temporarily blinded, not being able to see a thing except for blackness but my eyes soon adjusted and I took in my surroundings. I stood on wooden planks that made up a temporary floor for the tunnels. Dust hung in the air and the only light pooled in from the entrance or from the torches and lanterns that hung from the walls. Many wooden beams stood here and there, supporting the heavy rocks above.
As I followed the Grey Skinned Elf into the mine I asked. “How long have you been mining?”
He glanced over his shoulder in response. “This mine is only a few years old, but I've been digging up ore for over a century.”
“Long time, eh?”
He nodded and continued to lead me through the rocky tunnels.
“Nice little settlement here, what can you tell me about Darkwater Crossing?” I asked, trying to be friendly.
“Nice enough I suppose, but those falls... dangerous place. Derkeethus thought he could find some good fish in the pools. Haven't heard from him in a long while.” He looked down mournfully.
“I…I’m sorry.” I said realizing that the poor fellow must have met a terrible fate. “Who was Derkeethus?”
The Elf stopped and looked at me with his slanted red eyes. “He was an Argonian who worked in the mine like me, he left one day and didn't return.”
I nodded sympathetically and we continued on until we reached a large alcove.
“We've yet to find any corundum veins here, but we’re planning on digging in here to find em.” He explained. “All you need to do for now is chip away at the rock. We need to extend the tunnel through there.”
“Sounds simple enough.” I replied, eyeing the solid wall.
“If you need anything just come find me.” The Dunmer turned on his heel and made his way through the tunnels back the way we came.
I quickly ate my quick lunch then pulled out my pickaxe and found a place along the wall to start digging. I found it odd and clumsy at first, lifting the tool and striking the stone wall, but soon I established a rhythm and began working hard. I spent the rest of the day getting myself dusty while digging a large gash into the wall, and stacking the chunks of rock onto wheelbarrows so the other miners could empty them outside. Eventually a child called Hrefna came running in to tell me that work was done for the day, so I left the dusty confines of the mine to rest up by the fire. The child sat next to me after I gathered my things and found a place to sit.
I looked up to the warriors who patrolled the settlement and asked the child. “Who are they?” A question that had been bothering me for quite a while.
Hrefna looked at me like I had two heads and asked, “Don’t you know?”
I shook my head. “I’m new around here.”
“They’re Stormcloaks, named after Ulfric. He’s a bad man, but don’t tell the soldiers I said that.”
“Why are they around here?” I asked, interested.
“They’re the guards here in…um…Eastmarch and the Soldiers of the Stormcloaks, they’re re-rebelling against the Empire because they don’t like them.” She tried to explain. “Mom says the Empire is mean, but they don’t seem that bad to me.”
I nodded. “I don’t think so either.” The rumors were confirmed. I had heard there was some kind of Civil War but all the details were covered up. I wanted to find out more but decided against it after concluding that the war was the reason everyone seemed on edge.
I looked out to the pool of water and remembered the Argonian that Sondas told me about. “Did you know Derkeethus?”
Hrefna looked down at the dirt and said. “Yes…. He was my friend. Derkeethus used to take me diving way down in the river. I miss him.”
“I-I’m sorry for bringing it up.” I looked away, feeling the fool again.
“It’s alright mister.” She gave me a weak smile and then left.
Before it got to dark I decided to wash my clothes and bathe in the river so I got up with my pack and headed away from the settlement so I could have some privacy. Once I was convinced I was far enough away I stripped down and waded out into the river. The water was cool and refreshing against my grimy skin and it felt good to get rid of the filth of my journey and the mine. After a while of thoroughly scrubbing myself with a rag from my pack I climbed up onto the bank and wrapped my cloak around my waist like a towel and began to wash my clothes. As I was scrubbing away at my tunic I heard whispering. I thought I was hearing things but then the sound of clinking armor resonated from the trees.
I stood up and looked about for whatever caused the sound and then noticed a line of men running down the road in my direction. I could tell they were Stormcloaks by the blue sashes across their hauberks. One of them was dressed in fine steel armor. His hair was blonde and he had an aura of authority about him. His pauldrons were engraved with the head of a Bear, and he wore a more regal blue sash across his chest. All the Soldiers were armed to the teeth and they seemed worried. As they got nearer, I heard a horse neigh in the distance. The Soldiers stopped and growled, readying their weapons for whatever was coming.
“Be wary, the Imperial’s think they can ambush us, but they don’t know what they’re dealing with!” Their leader said.
The rest of his men roared in agreement and stood firm. Down the road I heard the sound of hoofs beating, and then saw a lone man dressed in a green shirt with a hide cloak riding upon a saddleless stead. His eyes seemed full of fear as if he was being pursued. Once he came upon the Stormcloaks the horse reared up and he fell off. Just as he landed on his back I heard a mighty yell as Imperial Legionnaires burst from the trees, wielding swords and spears. The Stormcloaks turned toward them and prepared to fight when a commanding Imperial voice rose up above the commotion.
“Ulfric Stormcloak, surrender now!” A man dressed in grey Imperial Armour with a flowing red cape, and plumed helm came from the trees to face the Stormcloaks. His face was hardened from years of military experience. He drew a fine sword and pointed at the Stormcloak’s leader. “You are surrounded, it would be pointless to resist.”
“You are a coward and a fool Tullius, we will never back down!” Ulfric roared.
“You speak for your men?” Tullius rested his sword blade on his shoulder. “I don’t think they want to die just yet.” He looked them over. “You will be treated fairly; all you need do is lay down your arms.”
“Never!” Ulfric shouted.
“Very well.” Tullius shook his head then gave a quick nod.
The Legionnaires rushed upon the Stormcloaks, and a fierce skirmish began. I tried to escape but one of the Imperials saw me in the corner of his eye and pursued. I glanced back just in time to see him lung at me before I fell backward and hit my head on a stone, blacking out instantly.
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