Leif walked on the dirt road through the dense and lush forest of the Whiterun Hold. Taking in all the details of the scenery: the river next to him with fish jumping about, butterflies fluttering around, and various animals running away as soon as they saw him. It all felt so serene to him to be able to walk through such a spectacle.
The setting sun slowly disappeared along with the light of day. In its place, Nirn's two moons and the glow of Kyne's Lights soon came into view. All of these changes did little to help him speed up his travels. He most definitely wanted to know how all this looked at night, with only the luminance of the two moons and aurora shining on the landscape. He for sure couldn't wait to see that unfold.
At this point in time however, Leif had walked for a couple hours already, which was proven as he exited the forest and saw the vast and expansive plains of Whiterun. No forest or even a single tree, for that matter, was even seen wherever his eyes wandered. One would think that some sort of curse was laid on this land to make it devoid of anything to grow, but that couldn't be further from the case.
Leif saw a couple of farms and windmills dotting the plains around what looked to be a mountain. However, as his eyes got more and more used to the dark, a sharp but audible gasp was let out of his mouth due to sheer amazement.
That wasn't a mountain, no. It was a castle. The dimly lit candles that glowed behind the many windows of that building only highlighted just how massive it really was.
Just like a giddy child who saw his parents, Leif quickly ran towards it. In a brilliant showcase of speed, his surroundings became but a blur as he got ever closer to the entrance.
THUMP
THUMP
BOOM
Though his excitement had to be forcibly brushed aside as his sharp hearing and sense of danger screamed at him to turn to the source of the vibrations and groundbreaking sounds that he heard.
That child-like expression of giddiness that was on his face quickly faded away and was replaced with a visage of confusion bordering fear.
What he saw was something that could only be taken out of a fairytale, like the ones his parents would tell him. Though much of what he's seen in his entire life could be counted as one such, what laid before his eyes was the conflict between a band of warriors and two figures.
As he ran closer to get closer to the skirmish, the two figures became ever more prominent. Although Leif was a fairly large man in accordance with Nord standards, they were much larger than even he was. Long sinewy limbs that ended with unproportionate hands and feet, broad barrel-like chests, and skin so weathered and rough that it had a sandy grayish color.
Giants. And an angry pair at that.
They were certainly something that he encountered before, but he most definitely tried to avoid. Not just because of their size, but their immense strength that would put any anyone or thing into the ground without much effort. It was only made worse that they used clubs as hard as iron as their choice in weaponry.
"AAARGH!!!"
One of the warriors that engaged with one of the giants seemed to have been caught off guard and was hit on the side.
CRACK
His arm was definitely broken. If it weren't for the sound of his arm snapping, the weird angle in which his elbow bent would've given it away.
His legs carried him before his mind could catch up. He quickly rushed to the ongoing battle to assist them, but he sensed something… peculiar… almost animalistic? He could tell something shifted in the warriors battling the giants, particularly the one whose arm was broken. The broken armed warrior's eyes appeared to almost glow a pale blue, as his broken arm seemed to have adjusted back into place on its own. The giants froze in what looked to be… fear or shock even? Leif could have sworn he saw the warrior begin to grow in size before stopping as he neared him.
Making note of his observation but not wanting to waste the opportunity, Leif quickly dashed towards when one of the giants wasn't looking. Though not a weapon was seen on his frame, he instinctively activated his magicka, channeling it through his own body. Using all of his strength, with magicka coursing through his muscles, he dashed out of sight from one of the giants, leapt high into the air, far surpassing the giant's height and slammed his fist down onto the back of the skull, crushing it.
All this was made possible from the warriors taking the attention away from Leif and him using his magicka in a more physical manner compared to others who cast spells.
You see, on Nirn, Magicka was seen as a mystical and potent energy that is present in the world but only harnessed by individuals who had magical capabilities. It can be used to treat wounds, cause destruction, summon objects and entities, create wards, and even fabricate space and reality itself.
When a person is born with the ability to use magicka, they have a fixed but healthy amount that varies from person to person that can't be increased or decreased as they age, unless an external source was used to expand the individual's pool temporarily. No two individuals are the same in the matter of Magicka, some may have less and some, more. Though that certainly didn't apply to certain races that could handle on average a substantially large amount more than others.
Leif is a special case in that aspect. He was born with a monstrous amount of Magicka, but due to a lack of a teacher figure or education in his homeland, his ability to manipulate and his understanding of Magicka was extremely limited. Whatever magic he had learned now, was through his own efforts and books that he came across.
However, for lacking in quantity, he made up for in quality. On his own, he made the connection that he could imbue his magicka into his own body. Enhancing his overall physical abilities to a higher level. Consequently, overexerting his body with magicka further damages him, similar to the after-effects of an adrenaline rush. Thus, he only uses it in small doses on himself unless the target was much stronger than he was.
Back to the giants, or rather the only one now present as the one Leif had ended was permanently out for the count. His fist was throbbing in pain as he could barely move any of his fingers without them twitching in pain. It would've been a lot worse if Leif hadn't quickly cast a small healing current to stop the swelling.
While this ensued, the last giant went rampant. At the sight of its brethren lying on the ground motionless, its eyes went red with fury, and began swinging its club at random. Destroying rocks, uplifting dirt, and jumping around creating tremors, it seemed that its fury was fully unleashed.
Leif and the band of warriors kept trying to evade as best they could given the present situation. Barely dodging a swing, Leif felt and heard the wind howling with each and every swing, signifying just how much power the giant had.
It seemed that all hope was lost as nobody could land a hit with it going on a rampage, but all that changed when the sound of feathers from an arrow traveling at enormous speeds impaled itself into one of the eye sockets of the giant mid-swing.
There was an opening now and Leif was the first to take that chance. Mustering up a great deal of his magicka into his fist and feet, Leif dashed right up to just below the giant, who still could not process that its left eye was bleeding profusely and that its time was nearing an end.
Leif seized the chance and jumped up. One arm like a coiled spring drew back, charged with a surge of palpable energy, the world almost seemed as if it had slowed down just to see this moment. Leif's fist shot upwards, rocketing into the target so clear — the giant's chin, a point of definite vulnerability.
With unbridled power and precision, his fist collided with the giant's chin. Its head snapped back, almost ripping it off its body but somehow managed to stay put. The shockwave and rattling of the giant's brain caused it to teeter dangerously until it finally slumped over and fell face first, dead.
The dark landscape surrounding everyone was lit up with the torches of warriors who came to subjugate the giants. Though the steady flames began to wane and flicker as everyone that was present in the battle began to cheer due to the unknown warrior that joined in their efforts and turned the tide.
Leif couldn't really focus on anything other than the immense pain that was felt throughout his body. Though manageable, he seriously needed to lay off from combat for the meantime.
As the excitement died down, the very warrior who struck the giant with the arrow, walked up to Leif. A fairly tall Nord woman with reddish brown hair, blue eyes and a strong figure.
"By the blood of Hircine! You handle yourself well. That was quite an impressive display of strength if I've ever seen any. You'd make a fine shield-brother" she said with genuine admiration.
Leif, being a sucker for compliments but still feeling some discomfort from his hands, sheepishly grinned with a pained look and said, "Don't mention it. I can say the same for you as well. That arrow you shot delivered quite the punch." Leif said while pointing to her bow. "I don't think I can ever shoot like that."
"Why, Thank you. Name's Aela by the way." She said while holding out her arm, introducing herself with a warm smile.
"Leif. Nice to meet you." Leif introduced himself as they both clasped their arms, acquainting with one another.
It was quite unnoticeable, but a look of shock passed through Aela's face once she grasped Leif's forearm, but was quickly wiped away.
"Say…what you said before. Shield-brother? What's that?" Leif said with curiosity plastered on his face.
Aela stood shocked for just a moment, but quickly answered in a way that implied that it was common sense. "Outsider, eh? We're a guild of fighters, The Companions."
Leif perked up at the mention of that name, a mixture of shock and disbelief showing on his face that he managed to hide.
Not noticing it, Aela kept explaining, "A proud and noble order of warriors dedicated to the code of honor and bravery. We take on contracts to prove our mettle and advance our standing in the guild."
"Hang on a moment. You said 'The Companions', like the 500 companions that were led by Ysgramor thousands of years ago?" Leif hurriedly asked.
"I guess our reputation perceives us. Yes, although our numbers are now scarce, our order is indeed from the 500 companions." Aela said with a surprised tone, not expecting Leif to make the connection.
'No way! The remnants of the companions still exist even after all this time!' Leif said as a happy smile donned on his face. What Aela didn't know was that the companions were always revered to be the strongest warriors that Atmorra produced to help Ysgramor battle against the elves after the Night of Tears.
Aela, noticing Leif's giddiness, asked with a confused expression, "What's gotten into you?"
Leif, snapping out of his thoughts, quickly replied, "Ah, it's nothing. I do have a question."
Aela gave a small smile, already guessing as to what he was going to ask.
"Could I join the companions?"
"I'm sorry, but as much as I want to say yes, I can't decide whether you join or not. Our Harbinger, Kodlak Whitemane, would be the one to decide if you're worthy of joining us."
Leif quickly committed the name to memory before Aela was called upon by her shield-siblings.
"I should get going, but it was quite a treat to meet someone like yourself. If you do go to our Harbinger in Jorrvaskr, good luck." Aela said as she walked away with the rest of her shield-siblings.
'No, thank you.' Leif mentally said as he saw the retreating figures of The Companions.
'Wait, what was going on with that guy who had his arm broken? His eyes glowed for a second before I joined up.' Leif mused over his thoughts before brushing it aside. As if saying that it wasn't his problem anymore.
Remembering that he still has to talk to the Jarl, he continued on his sprint towards the gates of Whiterun after spending a few minutes letting his body get healed.
|---.---.---|
His run would finally come to an end once he got right up towards the gates.
Though the sight of an unknown person running up to the gates quickly startled the guards who stood in place, they quickly aimed their weapons at the ready and shouted.
"Halt! By order of Jarl Balgruuf, the city's on lockdown until further notice! Official business only!"
Thinking that the best course of action would be to just explain the circumstances that were a cause for concern, Leif quickly stated in a calm but convincing manner, "Riverwood calls for the Jarl's aide. They need support and supplies quickly to combat the threat of the dragons. I've been sent to ask the Jarl himself."
The two guards looked at each other, contemplating whether they should let this man inside. Soon enough, they came to a decision.
"Alright, you better go see Jarl Balgruuf. Under normal circumstances, you would need an audience with him first, and that would need to be done weeks in advance but, since Riverwood is in danger, you can just head on in after telling the guards and state that. Hopefully he will still be awake." The other guard said before signaling to someone to open the gates.
The gigantic doors that acted as a gateway to the city opened slowly. The creaking and bending of wood as well as the sound of chains straining under pressure as it moved the doors caused excitement to appear on Leif's face once again.
As the doors opened ever so slowly, which added to the suspense, Leif took in a deep breath and walked through.
What welcomed him was the liveliness of something that he could only read about in books and stories that circulated in Atmora from distant traders.
The clanging of metal against metal from the blacksmith's forge, merchants yelling to all to come see their wares and products, buildings everywhere that marked the architectural significance. And towering above them all,the huge castle-like building Leif saw from outside the city.
|---.---.---|
"I'm sorry but the Jarl is resting. Please come back tomorrow morning for an audience if it's important." A Whiterun guard told Leif as he tried to enter.
It was about now that Leif had put one and one together to get to this building referred to as 'Dragonsreach' to meet with the Jarl.
Not wanting to make a fuss about it, Leif turned to view the city of Whiterun in its entirety from the doorstep of Dragonsreach. Boy, was it quite the sight.
As he walked down the stairs that led towards the city square, he wanted to make inquiries about where he should hold up for the night. Before he could start asking, he felt a tug on his coat.
"Excuse me, sir. Could you spare a coin? I'm so hungry…"
As Leif looked down, he saw a little Nord girl with a rugged looking shoulder length hair tugging at his coat for his attention. This girl wore a green dress that was covered with patches of dirt. The girl herself also seemed to be in the same state as her attire and didn't look any older than 10.
Seeing her in this state really irked Leif.
Feeling pity for the girl's state as well as reminding him of his own late sister, he took out a pouch from within his coat and put a handful of gold pieces inside.
"Just one gold, please?" The girl asked with a whimper when she saw the giant man rummage with the sound of coins in his coat.
"Here, little one. Don't go spending it all at once now, you hear?" Leif said as he held out the pouch to her while giving her a soft smile.
The little girl didn't know what to think.
A bit of backstory for this pitiable young girl: after being kicked out of her farm by her own aunt after her parents died, she was left to fend for herself in Whiterun. She had no money or food and was left to beg, hoping that the kindness of Whiterun's populace could help in her time of need.
She had been in Whiterun for a few months already since being abandoned and was given shelter in the temple of Kynareth. Even after these months in Whiterun, she barely had enough to support herself from begging as the kindness of Whiterun drew thin. Add to the fact that the priests of Kynareth had no income other than the few donations they received that went to keep the temple running.
"Sir, this is too much! I can't take this." The little girl said as she opened the pouch, which she found was practically overflowing in coins!
Although she was reluctant to part with the hefty sum she was given, she knew all too well of the harsh lifestyle of Skyrim despite her age. She knew someone parting with this much gold surely couldn't be in a sound state of mind, and so she extended the gold out to him.
"Nonsense. If I gave it to you then you should keep it. But if you insist, what say you pay me back by showing me where I can find a place to sleep for the night?" Leif asked as he crouched to get eye-level with the girl and pat her head, something that he tended to do with his own sister.
"First things first. What's your name?"
Although the little girl took a chance to ask someone that she at first thought dangerous for a septim, she was pleasantly surprised to find that this tall man was much kinder than he appeared.
"Lucia!", she said with a big smile.
"Lucia? What a wonderful name. You can call me Leif." He said with a genuine smile as he introduced himself.
Lucia giggled and pointed north, "Out past that stairway, is a large building near the city marketplace. You'll see a sign for the city's inn, The Bannered Mare. Lady Hulda gives a real fair price for a bed and a meal."
"Well, aren't I lucky then? To have picked the best guide this city has to offer by chance! It must be my lucky day!" Leif exclaimed with a chuckle as he ruffled up her already messy hair.
Lucia felt relieved and happy that the man was someone with whom she could easily interact and talk to.
Grabbing onto Leif's hand, Lucia leads Leif past the stairway towards the marketplace. "C'mon, I'll take you there! I'll even introduce you to Hulda!".
Not wanting to ruin Lucia's fun, Leif gave no resistance to her as they walked towards the marketplace. However, the sight of a small child dragging a man more than twice her size was quite an amusing sight for passersby.
As he was led back to the marketplace that he left earlier, in the short time that he was gone, the various stalls were already showing signs of being closed.
"It's normally around this time that everyone starts to head home. It's okay though! I'll introduce you to everyone tomorrow!" Lucia said when she looked back and saw Leif's gaze looking at the stalls.
"If I have time tomorrow, I'll certainly appreciate that. Definitely can't be a stranger to everyone for too long." Leif replied to her.
"I'll hold you to that! Anyway, we're here. This is The Bannered Mare." Lucia said as she pointed to the sign that depicted a warrior. One hand with a banner raised and the other on the reins of a horse.
"Ah, so that's what it is," Leif said to himself as he finally made the connection from the name and sign.
Leif was pulled along with Lucia once more through the door. The stench of cooked meat and potent mead immediately overwhelmed Leif's nose, which he was very appreciative of.
The sound of a bard playing his lute, the drunken chatter of the city folk getting drinks in before sleeping, and the crackling of an open flame were all heard.
Though the bard and chatter stopped when Leif walked through the door.
It was only a moment until they resumed their activities, the only difference is now the mystery man was the main topic in their hushed conversations.
"Hulda!" Lucia let go of Leif's hand and quickly ran over to the counter, where a middle-aged Nord woman was attending to.
"Easy, there Lucia. I'm not going anywhere." Hulda said as she went around the counter to give the child a hug.
"Who's the man you dragged in here? Hopefully not someone dangerous?"
Lucia simply shook her head, "Course not. Leif here was very nice to me. Even gave me a lot of coin to help him find your inn!"
"Did he now?" Hulda said while eyeing the large man up and down.
"I just arrived here today. I haven't really taken the time to really find where everything is but thanks to Lucia here," Leif walked towards them and ruffled Lucia's hair once more, "She helped me out."
"Well then, welcome to The Bannered Mare, finest inn in Whiterun hold. Would you like a drink? Take it as thanks for befriending Lucia and a welcome gift." Hulda said with a thankful tone.
"Just a mug of milk, thank you," Leif said as he sat on a stool in front of the counter, patting the seat next to him for Lucia to sit.
"One for her as well."
"Milk only? That's a first." Hulda said as she passed two mugs of milk. One for Leif and one for Lucia.
"Is that strange?" Leif asked with a confused look.
"Well, yeah? Only children drink milk and looking at the size of you, you're definitely not a child."
"Hmmm…it may come as a shocker, but I really just prefer milk over any mead," Leif said before chugging the milk down.
"Ah, you haven't tasted Honningbrew's specialty. They use honey, unlike any other meadery." Hulda said while giggling at Lucia trying to chug the milk as Leif had done, and cleaning up her spills.
"By the way, do you have any rooms available? I could use some shut-eye." Leif said, trying to stifle a yawn.
"Certainly do. It's, uh, 10 septims a night. Though, there is a discount if you're staying multiple nights."
"No that's okay, just one night is fine," Leif said as he pulled 10 coins from his pouch, handing them to Hulda.
"Alright, offer's still up if plans change. Your room is on the second floor, first door on the left.
"Don't stay up too late now, you hear?" He said, patting Lucia's head before excusing himself to head to bed for the night.
As Leif's retreating figure went up the stairway, Hulda finally asked Lucia some questions.
"What this Leif fella said…is it true? He didn't hurt you er' nothing right?" Hulda said as she started to inspect Lucia more closely.
"Of course not Hulda. He gave me 100 septims just for showing where your inn was and was super nice to me!"
Hulda widened her eyes in surprise at the mention of that amount. Were there people that were as generous as he was left?
"You know I worry for you Lucia. After what happened last time, we all really need to keep an eye on you." Hulda said while taking the mugs away to the back to be washed. "Now get on outta here, it's dark out and I can't have you wandering out this late."
"Don't worry, I can tell if people are bad! I'll see you and Leif tomorrow!" Lucia said as she left the inn to head to the temple of Kynareth for the night.
'If only she knew just how much danger she'd be in just stepping out of Whiterun.' Hulda thought before nodding to the other patrons, who stopped conversing with one another to pay attention to Leif's interaction with herself and Lucia.
At the sight of her nod, they went back to their drunken stupor and conversations.
However, what nobody realized was that Leif didn't go to bed as of yet. He lingered for a bit more right above them and heard of this 'last time' that Hulda told Lucia about, having his curiosity hooked.
'Did something happen to her? I'll need to ask her about it sometime.' Leif thought before stifling another yawn and laying down on the bed.
Stretching out all of his limbs, all he could manage to do before sleep overtook him was take off his coat and boots before falling face-first into the bed.
'Bliss.'
|---.---.---|
"Alright, you can go in. Jarl's expecting you now." said the same guard from yesterday.
'Finally.'
At this point he had woken up early, earlier than most, as he wanted to get to the Jarl as fast as possible and left even before Hulda had time to get her bearings and open up her bar.
What welcomed Leif as he opened the doors were enormous pillars that signified the size of the stronghold. Windows that were stained with various depictions of Nordic symbols, people and animals. Housekeepers were scattered about, maintaining the pristine interior. But what really hooked Leif's attention, and probably all who set foot inside was the skeletal figure of a dragon. Hung from the ceiling as if it were still life-like, it was used as merely decor.
As Leif walked carefully up the stairs towards a large fire that sat between two long-tables, he saw and heard the chatter between someone sitting in a well-decorated throne and an Imperial, by the looks of it.
"My lord, please. This is no time for rash action. I just think we need more information before we come up with any decisions." The Imperial said with a convincing tone.
"I just-"
As Leif walked closer, he was noticed by the man sitting on the throne. "Who are you?"
He signaled for a Dunmer woman, who was clad in armor. She approached Leif with her sword drawn and stopped mere feet away. "What's the meaning of this interruption? Jarl Balgruuf is in the middle of a meeting."
Quickly surmising what to tell the woman before he became a meat skewer, Leif said the first thing that came to mind with his hands raised in surrender.
"I-I have news regarding the dragon attack that happened in Helgen yesterday."
The woman then sheathed her sword but kept a firm grip on the hilt and replied, "I see…I take it that you're an outsider that was let in despite the closure of the city?"
"Spot on." Leif pointed at the woman while nodding.
"Come on then. The Jarl would like to have a word with you personally."
As Leif followed the woman towards the throne, she whispered something in the Jarl's ear, notifying him of Leif's reasoning for being here.
"So…you were at Helgen? You saw this dragon with your own eyes?" Jarl Balgruuf asked Leif.
"I did. It came to Helgen and unleashed its hellish powers. It destroyed Helgen and last I saw it was heading towards the barrow." Leif said, omitting details of the executions that the dragon so conveniently interrupted.
Jarl Balgruuf's eyes widened to the maximum in utter shock and disbelief. However, he quickly calmed down before looking towards the Imperial man.
"What do you say now, Proventus? Do we still continue to trust in the strength of our walls? Against a dragon?!"
Proventus, as the Imperial was called, quickly looked down in shame as he could come up with an answer.
"My lord, we should send troops to Riverwood at once! It is in the most immediate danger if the dragon is still lurking around the mountains." The woman stated, voicing her own suggestions.
Proventus, now looking worried, quickly interjected, "The Jarl of Falkreath will view that as a provocation! He'll assume that we're joining Ulfric's side and attack his hold!"
"We should not-"
"Enough!" The Jarl shut him up.
"I will not stand idly by while a dragon burns my hold and slaughters my people!"
He sighed and looked at the Dunmer woman before ordering her, "Irileth, send a detachment force to Riverwood at once."
"Yes, my Jarl."
"If you'll excuse me, I'll return to my duties." Proventus said as he figured he was not needed at this time.
"Yes, that would be best."
As Proventus walked away to someplace, the Jarl turned to look at Leif, who kept a composed and unfazed expression.
"You can take it easy now. May I know of your name?"
"Leif."
"Ah, yes. Well done. You sought me out, on your own initiative."
'I wouldn't say of my own initiative. Though, he doesn't need to know that for now.' Leif thought to himself.
"You've done Whiterun a great service, and I won't forget it." He signaled one of his maids with three fingers held up.
The maid immediately knew what it meant and hurriedly stepped away for a moment before coming back with a pouch of coins.
"Take this, as a small token of my esteem."
Leif, not one to deny such rewards, graciously and readily took the pouch before pocketing it somewhere in his coat, "I thank you. Do let me know if I can be of more service."
Jarl Balgruuf looked at him for a few more moments while taking note of his physique, "Well, there is something that you can do for us. Suitable for someone of your particular talents, perhaps?"
"Oh? What, might I ask, are my talents suitable for?" Leif asked with a know-it-all grin.
"Come, let's go find Farengar, my court wizard. He's been looking into a matter related to these dragons. I'll introduce you to him, though he can be a bit…difficult. Mages, you know?"
Leif followed Jarl Balgruuf towards a room that was connected to the main hall and was introduced to yet another Nord man. Though he was different in that he, unlike other Nords, was garnered in mage clothing.
"Farengar, I think I've found someone who can help you with your… 'dragon project'. Go ahead and fill him in with the details."
Farengar then looked at Leif with almost gleaming-like eyes. Quickly looking over his physique and taking everything into account he stated, "Seems like the Jarl's found someone capable. I feel like my research can continue if you can do this small task."
Leif looked at him with a blank expression, waiting for him to elaborate on what this 'small' task was.
"Well…when I say 'small' task, what I really mean is that I need someone to fetch something for me. It involves delving into a dangerous ruin in search of an ancient stone tablet that may or may not actually be there."
'There's the catch. Oh well.' Leif mentally shrugged and stated, "What does this have to do with dragons?"
"Ah, not a mere brute mercenary but a thinker, eh?" Farengar said with a curious tone. "You see, when the stories of dragons began to circulate, many dismissed them as mere fantasies, rumors… impossibilities."
"Of course they'd think that. Now…what do you need fetched and where is it?" Leif said as he crossed his arms.
"I, ah, learned of a certain stone-tablet said to be housed in Bleak Falls Barrow - a 'Dragonstone,' said to contain a map of ancient burial sites. I want you to go there, find the tablet - no doubt interred inside the main chamber - and bring it to me. Simple as that."
"Seems simple? Why haven't you had the guards retrieve it for you, if it's so important for your research?" Leif questioned him.
"The guards, you see, aren't really all that fond of going to the barrow. Especially with the talks of the dragons coming back" Farengar stated matter of factly.
"I see…alright then." Leif mused over what information Farengar gave him and calmly thought of what course of action he should take now. "Consider your task being taken care of then, no promises though. It's as you stated, the tablet might not be there, but I'll see what I can find."
"And that already makes you my favorite person here. Good luck and safe travels." Farengar giddily said.
|---.---.---|
After leaving Dragonsreach and heading down towards where the Gildergreen Tree was at the square, Leif decided that he would need to find a weapon that would best fit his combat style.
Of course he did meet with Lucia once more and told her he would be back soon though, he did not know how soon that may be. After getting a hearty breakfast with her, he asked her where the best place to purchase weapons was in Whiterun, which was met with a Lucia deep in thought to his question.
"Hmmm…there's only two places that I think have those." Lucia said as she took Leif by the arm and quickly took him with her to one of the two places. "I'm pretty sure old man Eorlund has some weapons for sale but he specifically told everyone that he makes weapons for The Companions."
"Oh? Does he now? Wonder if he has something I can use then." Leif said as he was pulled towards a unique forge.
Unique in the aspect in that there was a magnificent sculpture both in size and looks of a hawk with its wings sprayed out. Upon closer inspection he could see small inscriptions of tally marks surrounding the forge and on the eagle. The forge itself was also very pleasing to look at, with it being sat on a sculpted floor made from a natural rock formation.
"What a sight. Whoever runs it truly has a spectacular job." Leif mentally thought.
CLANG - CLANG - CLANG
The sound of metal hitting against metal started out without warning, already signifying that the smith was already up and about on their forge.
Without delay, Lucia ran up towards a fairly old looking Nord man, who did not hinder in showcasing his muscles that did not deteriorate with age, and whispered something in his ear.
After a brief moment, the old man rose up and looked towards Leif. A small twitch in surprise from his eye, too fast to register on his aged yet battle hardened face when he saw the man in front of him, the man signaled for Leif to approach.
"Hello," Leif said as he lowered his head in greetings and to show respect towards his elders.
"So, Lucia says that you're in need of a weapon? As she probably told you, I don't do commissions unless it's for the Companions, but I do have some spare weapons that I put up for sale now and then." Eorlund said.
"That's plenty fine for me. I was wondering if you could recommend something to me." Leif got straight to the point.
"Oh? Alright then. I'll ask you some questions and give you some weapons for you to try out."
And so Leif and Eorlund spent the better part of their mornings finding something that Leif could use. A pile of weapons that Eorlund handed to Leif: maces, swords, greatswords, axes, and even war hammers.
Not a single one did Leif feel comfortable with using. Though he had used Helfna's greatsword in dealing with the spider yesterday, it was the only weapon that he could use. Now that he's exposed to a wider variety he would want something that would actually resonate with him and overall improve him as a fighter.
"Divines, there's absolutely nothing for you to use?" Eorlund said as he pinched the bridge of his nose in disappointment.
Leif, on the other hand, was quite excited to be using so many weapons, but at the same time he was also disheartened that he couldn't find one that resonated with him.
That is until he caught something on the corner of his eye. Something that was sticking out from under a piece of cloth, its black metal sheening from the light of the forge.
"What's that?" Leif questioned the smith.
Eorlund, still in a pensive thought on what he should give Leif, looked over to where he was beckoning to. A slight smile appeared on his face after seeing what he was questioning about.
"A special project of mine, though I don't know why I made it." Eorlund elaborated, "I saw it in a dream a few nights ago and decided to have a crack at it. It's a pair of special gauntlets that I made with ebony and some corundum ore."
"Could I try it out?" Leif questioned, not taking his eyes off the rugged looking gauntlets.
"You're more than welcome to try, though I will warn you that they're still pretty heavy, even by us Nord's standards" Eorlund said as he went over to pick the pair up.
With an audible huff and a couple of cracks in his back that Leif could've sworn he heard when he picked them up, Eorlund brought them to Leif.
THUD
The stonework on which they were standing cracked a little once Eorlund dropped the gauntlets in front of Leif.
"Why don't you pick them up yourself?" Eorlund said, a mocking smirk adorning his face as he crossed his arms in anticipation.
"Alright, then" Leif simply stated as he went to go pick them up.
With a bit of effort Leif picked them up, though the weight felt uncomfortable in his hands.
"I'm surprised you can even hold them up with how heavy they are" Eorlund said as he saw Leif arms shaking a bit.
"Gods, could you have made them any heavier?"
"If I had my hands on some dragon bones, then of course I could." Eorlund shrugged and chuckled lightly, finding the current situation humorous.
Leif simply ignored his statement as he put the gauntlets on.
Feeling the coolness of the interior padding on his skin, he tried to move his hands and arms around, trying to get used to the added weight.
He struck at the air, ranging from light jabs and straights, to full on haymakers. This went on for quite a few more swings before he lay his arms at his side, some small beads of sweat already accumulating on his face.
"Color me impressed. You can actually wield them." Eorlund said, now with a bit of shock on his face.
"I have no clue how anyone can wear these and not be utterly tired and sore. You sure you didn't go mad when you made these?"
"I'll have you know I'm completely right in the head. I'd be asking you the same since you've actually moved around while wearing them."
Eorlund walked over to Leif and observed the gauntlets.
"I'm fairly certain that ebony itself is a conductor for magicka. Try channeling it through your hands and into the gauntlets, perhaps it could make it easier to wield."
Leif did exactly that. He channeled some of his magicka into the gauntlets and let it flow through completely.
The effort required to lift the gauntlets seemed to diminish steadily. He channeled just a few drops of magicka at first, until they gradually became a steady stream.
A few breaths pass before Leif notices that the gauntlets are fitting better than they had a moment before. Almost as if they were molding to the exact measurements of his own hands.
Eorlund takes notice, his eyebrows raising in a rare display of surprise.
"I… I'm pretty sure ebony doesn't do that."
Completely mesmerized by the gauntlets, Leif fails to realize that something ancient has just been made whole once more.
Creation and Destruction.
Life and Death.
Light and Darkness.
Time and Space.
Cause and Effect.
Change and Permanence.
Beginning and End.
Madness and Reason.
Chaos and Order.
A primordial link, finally restored.