It was cold. That was the first thing Taeyva noticed. It was not cold like Skyrim, nor chilly from a gust of wind. It was frigid, as if the land itself had risen to the Throat of the World. The air enveloped Taeyva's naked body like tendrils, yanking her from sleep.

 

Taeyva: What a way to wake up... I get Skyrim is cold, but this? It's the middle of Second Seed.

As she pulls herself from bed, the rusted chain links on her harness jingle and chafe her skin.

 

Taeyva: I'll never get used to this thing. Damn Vigil... One of these days I'll-

A twinkle from outside her window catches Taeyva's eye. Outside the grass was nearly gone, consumed by piles of moist snow, glistening in the heat of the sun.

Taeyva: No. Snow this far south at this time of year? It can't be...

 

Taeyva: It's too soon. I was sure I had another month.

 

As she turns to look out the door, a gasp flees Taeyva's lips. From either shock or disbelief she drops to the ground, wincing from the chilling impact of snow on flesh.

 

Taeyva: I-It happened overnight... While I was sleeping. The snow it's...

 

Taeyva: Everywhere.

 

Taeyva: The White River should not have frozen over yet. There's still time.

 

Taeyva: Okay... it doesn't look that bad.

 

Taeyva: I think... No, calm down, girl. It's only just begun, Hircine warned me about this.

Taeyva lets out a long breath, stealing herself away from the emotion clouding her mind.

 

Taeyva: No need to panic. I just have to commune with him, then I'll know what to do. I hope...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The light of the fire dances across Talen's wedding ring. For him, every night is the same. Staring at the bond of matrimony and losing himself in the memory, transfixed by what may never come again. His only solace from the last five years that has made up his reality.

Talen: It won't be much longer. I-I'm sure of it... Soon we'll-

A soft moan sucks Talen back from the muse.

Talen: Please just... just shut up.

An adamant grunt in response yanks away Talen's melancholy.

Talen: Damn it, daedra. D-Do as I say.

 

Talen: Look at your situation. Do you really think it would be smart to upset me?

Talen: I could do anything to you. Rape you even! I-I doubt you'd want that.

The daedra lets out a loud squeal, as much as she could muster through the gag.

Daedra: MMPPH!

Talen stumbles backwards in surprise, nearly tripping over his own heels.

 

Talen: I... I wasn't going to. I'm sorry, okay? I'll leave you alone...

As he trudges back, his mind quickly recedes back to a state of longing and despair.

Talen: Soon we'll be back together, Isabel. With the power I get from this daedra I'm sure of it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Elyvaea: Don't get cocky, Gerruck.

Gerruck: Thinking of my cock already, love? I guess we'd better wrap this up then.

Elyvaea: Watch out, archer ahead.

Gerruck: Stay behind me.

Gerruck: HYAH!

As their final adversary falls, Gerruck slings his great sword over his back and lets out a heavy sigh. He turns around to see Elyvaea do the same with her bow before squatting down to catch her breath.

Gerruck: Ha! It's rare to see you out of breath. These bandits too much trouble for you, love?

Elyvaea: Oh please. You were fighting so stupid out there I had to work twice as hard. You didn't even notice the archer outside until she fell to heap behind you with my arrow through her eye.

Gerruck: Or maybe I just have a lot of faith in my companion. I knew you'd take her down.

Elyvaea: Hmm, well you have every right to do so. But I'd appreciate it if you would take each fight a little more seriously. I need to fall asleep in someone's arms every night, and I would prefer they be yours.

Gerruck: As my love commands. By the way, these bandits have a cozy little camp fire over there, and you were thinking of my cock earlier...

Elyvaea: I suppose it's worth a look.

 

Elyvaea: This is cozy looking. I think I'll take you up on your offer.

Gerruck: Oohh yeah!

20161011102940_1 by Collin Krauss, on Flickr

Elyvaea: Well? I hope you don't plan on keeping me waiting?

Gerruck: Haha! Gods, I love you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Malkor: So... the time has come.