If one didn’t consider the unrest brought by the civil war, Skyrim today could almost be considered “peaceful.” Well, at least for now.
The gate guards were rubbing their knees—knees that had once taken an arrow.
They didn’t ask too many questions; after seeing Sio and Kaye’s attire, they decisively let them through.
…If this were the normal plot, the guards would definitely have interrogated them at the gate, asking about their origins.
Perhaps Sio’s unique “start” was taking effect.
She wasn’t some unlucky soul who almost got their head chopped off in Helgen; after all, she didn’t even know if she was Dragonborn.
Maybe she was just an adventurer with a random identity.
But what did it matter?
Things would work themselves out.
Maybe while she and Kaye were leisurely traveling across Skyrim, they would suddenly trigger the main quest?
Today was the third day since she woke up in prison, and it was the first time in her memory that she had seen a true metropolis.
Thousands of houses were scattered across the ridge, and several thick, massive stone walls embraced the entire city like a giant with open arms.
Looking up, one could see Dragonsreach standing at the highest point of the Cloud District.
The traditional Nord wooden longhouses and reliefs exuded a rugged and heroic atmosphere.
“It’s said that in the First Era, Olaf One-Eye defeated the dragon Numinex, who was terrorizing Skyrim, and dragged it all the way back to Whiterun.
After that, this place was called [Dragonsreach], though it was actually a prison for the dragon…” Sio stood on her tiptoes, looking towards Dragonsreach while muttering legendary stories of past eras.
“You’ve read a lot, girl.” “Of course!
I’m a well-educated person of culture!” Sio grinned, putting her hands behind her back and leaning forward slightly to wink at Kaye.
Kaye wanted to give Sio a flick on the forehead, but Sio nimbly sidestepped and dodged.
“Alright!
Let’s not just stand here in a daze.
Let’s go check out the Wind District!
The Companions still owe us a gift~” She took Kaye’s hand and walked towards the upper levels of Whiterun.
Built against the mountain, Whiterun is divided into three districts according to the terrain.
The Plains District gathers a large number of shops, markets, and inns, but Sio had no time for shopping now; she only wanted The Companions to deliver on their promised gift as soon as possible.
Although Whiterun looked very vibrant, Sio noticed guards everywhere.
The soldiers, with the horse-head emblem painted on their surcoats, patrolled the streets and markets; their numbers were a bit excessive.
Quite a few guards gave them extra glances.
“Well, I understand!
After all, I’m so cute and beautiful, it’s inevitable that I’d attract too much attention…” Sio straightened her back and put on a bashful act.
“I think they’re wary of us as outsiders.” Kaye shrugged, correcting his self-satisfied companion.
Between banter and teasing, the two had already crossed the long stone steps and arrived in front of Whiterun’s famous landmarks.
If there were two places most famous in the Wind District, they were naturally the Temple of Kynareth and Jorrvaskr.
Beneath the ancient Skyforge, the longhouse, shaped like an upturned ship, stood tall.
“Ah, it’s said to have been built using the longship that Ysgramor and the Five Hundred Companions sailed in during the Merethic Era!
After so many years, it must have been rebuilt many times…” Sio took out her journal from her waist and sketched Jorrvaskr as she saw it—who told her she loved these legends so much?
Hmph, this was enough to highlight her erudition as a veteran…
“Hey, little girl!
This isn’t a place just anyone can sketch whenever they want…” Just as Sio was immersed in her sketching, a young woman leaning against the main door of Jorrvaskr stepped forward, shouting gruffly.
After all, Sio looked like just a delicate little girl; there would always be someone wanting to show off their authority in front of her.
“Eh?
Do I need to pay for a ticket to visit Jorrvaskr?
How many septim?” Sio blinked innocently, tilting her head as she asked back.
“Wait, wait!
You are…” The young woman, who had intended to intimidate her, suddenly froze after seeing Sio’s harmless, round little face.
“You’re Sio!
The one who helped us outside the city, right?” “If that counts as helping.
But this child is indeed called Sio.” Kaye added with a light chuckle from the side.
“Now that you know it’s me, won’t you apologize?
Miss Sio is magnanimous and won’t tattle on you to your seniors!” Sio gave a light snort, putting on the air of a haughty young lady.
“Sorry, sorry!
I didn’t recognize you!
Old man Kodlak told us to keep an eye out for strangers lately…
Come on in!
I’ll lead the way!” This was a distinguished guest whom the members of The Circle had specifically instructed to be well-entertained!
Lia, the newcomer who had wanted to show off, immediately broke into an awkward smile and offered to guide them.
After the two entered Jorrvaskr, the first thing that attracted them wasn’t the weapons or banners, but the lively clamor inside the Mead Hall.
It seemed two shield-brothers of The Companions were having a boxing match; one of them was even a Dark Elf.
“Do Dark Elves join The Companions too?
That’s quite rare…” Sio put one hand on her hip, feeling puzzled.
But she couldn’t help but want to watch more—she had always liked excitement!
“Ah, that’s Athis.
Skjor says he’s an elf with a Nord heart…
I wish I could get that kind of praise too!” While introducing the members to Sio, a light of longing flashed in Lia’s eyes.
Sio nodded slightly and said nothing, just grinning and echoing her.
She had already seen through everything!
Even though Lia imitated the Nords by painting war paint on her face, her accent and mannerisms weren’t like those of a Skyrim local.
She must be an Imperial from Cyrodiil!
“Jorrvaskr rarely sees visits from mages, especially such a young girl…” Suddenly, a steady voice with a sense of age reached Sio’s ears.
She quickly adjusted her posture and turned to look.
An old man dressed in traditional Nord armor was walking towards her with a smile.
Hair and beard all white, another calm and steady elder—then he must be…!” “You must be the Harbinger of The Companions, Kodlak Whitemane!
I’ve heard so much about you…” Sio suppressed her excitement and gave Kodlak a lady’s curtsy in the etiquette she was familiar with.
“Hmm, not bad.
It seems we are quite famous in High Rock as well…” Nords didn’t have such etiquette, but Kodlak chose to follow the girl’s lead, reaching out to help her stand straight.
“I’ve read all 56 volumes of the ‘Song of Return’!
I can recite the legends of the Merethic Era from memory…” “A learned young lady, haha.
Those two brothers, Farkas and Vilkas, can’t even get through a single page of a book.
If only they were as smart as you.” An elder, naturally, would not reject the admiration and respect of a young girl.
“I’m better with a sword.” Farkas, who had just been mentioned, crossed his arms and silently stood beside Kaye.
Not being good at reading was something he couldn’t help!
Among Nords, being able to read and write was enough to be considered a top student.
“I feel the same way.” Kaye nodded, agreeing with the Nord man who had suddenly approached him.
Perhaps at this moment, they felt a sense of mutual sympathy as fellow sufferers.
“But I actually do read a few books.” “…” This left Farkas completely speechless; he could only scratch his head.
Fine, fine, he really wished his brother Vilkas were here too.
That way, he wouldn’t have to endure this alone.