(sorry everyone my laptop had broken and i only got it fixed today cause im a broke bitch, bit of a short chapter but am currently working on the next one as you read this. was tempted to combine both of them but i felt it would be to wordy}
As we quickly made our way toward the docks of the ruined first layer of the city. I was honestly happy to leave this place, but as I look towards the other two, only Arnovia seemed happy as well. Alawion looked a bit sad. Maybe I and arnovia could cheer her up. I guess my worries were showing on my face.
"Come on, Ellehish," Alawion urged softly, her deep green eyes locking onto mine. "We have to get to the ship before it's too late." Her voice was firm and carried a hint of desperation as she looked towards the sky, I guess it had taken us longer than I thought as I looked up to a cloud-covered sun, It was mid day.
As we continued to press forward, I couldn't help but notice A crowd of people making their way back to the first layer of the city, those who managed to make it to the second layer of the city were kept safe during the chaos. I saw families huddled together, clutching their meager belongings, children clinging to their parents or corpses of the parents, their eyes wide with fear while others cried. And with each passing face, it was kind of funny which was weird. I know I shouldn't find it funny but since it was nords It was, This body really didn't like them. I didn't like them as well even when I played the game, well since it was modded it felt more alive and they were very much dicks as a race.
"Damn them all," I muttered, clenching my fists so tightly that my nails dug into my palms, drawing blood. Maybe I should have convinced the others to escape and allow the Deadra to take the city.
"Ellehish, look at me," Alawion said, her voice soft but insistent. She grabbed my arm, forcing me to face her.
"We're going to make it out of here, and we're going someplace where people are not so stupid about race."
I nodded, it seemed she thought I was worried about that. "You're right," I said as I offered her a smile.
"Ellehish," Arnovia chimed in, her voice gentle. "Remember what we have been through, I'd never leave you or the other because some Nords demanded me too." As I remembered she was offered the same choice as me.
As I took in the scene before me, I knew that she was right. We had survived the wild hunt, well this world's version, and even closed an Oblivion gate. If anyone would have my back even if I ended up killing some nords it would be her.
I sighed, trying to focus on the task at hand. We had gathered all our belongings and I had stored them, ready to be loaded onto the ship. The weight of the items was evident, as I struggled to move at a faster pace while my muscles strained.
"Shit well at least I can still move" I grumbled, feeling the heavy burden on my back. Even if I wanted to run my body wouldn't listen to me was this what the avatar in the game felt, my bad honestly ill never over-loot random items again if I even place skyrim again. Well, I don't think ill ever get the chance as I'm currently living it.
"Thank you cub for taking everything," Alawion replied, her deer-like horns bobbing slightly as she walked beside me. "Once we get to the ship if my son has managed to get us one, you can unload everything there," she whispered in my ear causing me to shiver a bit.
Around us, Other elven people wept and cried as they, too, prepared to leave their homes behind. I tried to ignore them, focusing instead on the weight of the luggage I carried. My indifference towards their suffering made me feel a bit guilty, but I couldn't afford to start worrying about them as well, Not now at least.
"Are you alright?" Alawion asked, noticing how affecting my movements were. Her concern touched me, and I was reminded once more of her potential role as a mentor and maybe if I played my cards right a lover in the future. Despite my less-than-pure thoughts about her, there was no denying the deep bond we shared mostly thanks to her motherly nature.
"Yeah, I'm fine," I reassured her. "Just... getting used to the weight, that's all."
"Here, let me help," she offered, holding out her arms. I chuckled as I shook my head no and we continued on our way to the ship.
"Thank you, Alawion but I got it," I murmured, grateful for her offer of support. She nodded, her gaze focused forward.
"Remember," she said softly, "we are in this together. Whatever happens, we will face it as a team."
As we approached the docks, I spotted Gergs speaking with one of the sailors an Argonian. Their conversation seemed intense, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of ease. I wouldn't have to see so many nords soon enough.
Gergs noticed our group approaching and quickly wrapped up his conversation with the sailor. As he walked over to us, his expression was serious. "Where's your stuff?" he asked, scanning and looking for bags. "And did you manage to retrieve the gold from the safe?"
I nodded and looked between me and the others, I hadn't thought about this. The urgency in his voice only added to the growing tension within me, shit would I have to tell him as well, but if I did there was a high chance Frerelie would hear of it. But I don't remember getting any gold I thought.
'I have the gold as for our stuff don't worry I made sure they would be here by magic" Awaion said as the smell of salt and seaweed filled my nostrils, I watched as Alawion grabbed at her pouches and handed over two orc sized fist bags to her son.
"Good," Gergs said, satisfied with our efforts. "Now, let's hurry. We don't have much time."
Finally looking at us. "We're heading to Cyrodiil. Our friends have arranged for the trip to be free of charge though I'm sure my mother would have already told you all this." There was a hint of relief in his voice, but it did nothing to quell the underlying tension.
"Free?" Arnovia raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical.
"Free?" I echoed Arnovia's skepticism, my eyes darting between Gergs and Alawion. Clearly, there were a few things kept from us.
"Indeed," Alawion confirmed, her voice as soothing as a warm breeze. "We've saved their members from danger more times than I can count. It's only fair that they help us in return." Her expression was calm, but I could see a flicker of concern in her eyes.
Arnovia and I exchanged a glance, our confusion was still there. We might not have understood the full extent of their Friend's history, but I wasn't going to turn down something that was free at the moment.
"Alright," I said, nodding firmly.
"Let's get moving." Alawion Said while walking towards a fairly large ship.
As we approached the ship, Sailors hustled about, securing ropes and shouting orders that were lost in the cacophony of the bustling docks. As I scanned the ship's deck my eyes landed on a plaque with the words East Empire Company on the mass.
"Stay close," Alawion instructed, her hand on the small of my back as she guided us through the chaos.
"Got it," Arnovia replied, her fingers brushing against my own as I quickly grabbed it, causing her to look my way as I stuck my tongue out at her to try and lighten the mood.
Our footsteps sounded heavy against the wooden planks of the gangplank. After finally crossing over I felt as if someone was watching me.
My gaze flickered over sailors bustling about and passengers huddling together with nervous expressions, but one figure stood out from the rest, Frerelie.
She leaned against the railing on the top deck, her raven hair flowing with the wind. Her blue eyes met mine, right guess i still had to worry about her.
"Alawion," I began hesitantly, "do you think we can really trust her? She kind of a dick."
"Trust is a fragile thing," Alawion replied thoughtfully, her emerald eyes scanning the ship. "But I wouldn't worry about her unless your undead, but given the fact you were able to learn green lady magic from me, I can promise no harm will come to you from her."
"Let's just find our quarters and get settled," Arnovia suggested, trying to lighten the mood. "I don't know about you two, but I could use some rest."
"Agreed," I said, forcing a smile. As we descended into the bowels of the ship.
With Frerelie's watchful gaze still lingering in my mind, I couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding. Maybe I could convince her I wasn't some type of undead, maybe even get her to teach me magic.