Part V: Adventure for Two

I got off the carriage, still feeling confused. When he had asked where I was heading, I responded, Riverwood without hesitation. It seemed so natural, so…right. It made no sense. I had no reason to go to Riverwood. It was a nothing town in the middle of nowhere. Looking at the small town with only a few basic houses, confirmed that.
But for some reason, I felt like I made the right call in coming here. South. I found myself looking that way the entire trip. Something was there, calling me, demanding an audience. But first, I needed a bath and a stiff drink.
The moment I sat down in the inn, I felt eyes on me. I spun around and found some teen—an argonian at that, looking at me. It was weird. I’d seen argonian children but never this deep in Skyrim. She wore filthy rags and a bow that looked as if it survived the second era. A refugee maybe? She couldn’t be a local dressed like that.
I called Delphine over to have a chat.
I said, “Who’s the kid?”
Delphine said, “Her? No clue. She came in a few days ago and has been there ever since. She’s been watching the door. I guess waiting for someone.”
“You didn’t think to ask?”
“Why should I? She paid for her room and doesn’t bother anyone. I suspect her parents were killed recently. She’ll come clean eventually and when she does, I’ll figure out what to do with her.”
I didn’t like her staring at me. Was she the reason I came to Riverwood? It couldn’t be. Stupid things like fate, and destiny, and divine will weren’t real. Still, I felt bad for the kid.
I sat next to her. She stiffened and shot a look my way, but didn’t move.
I said, “What brings you here, kid?”
She said, “Looking for work. Hey, you’re an adventurer, right? I’m a pretty good marksman and know my way around the wilderness. I could be a big help on your travels.”
“Seriously? A kid mercenary? Now I’ve seen it all.”
“How have you seen it—No, never mind. Tusk that. Look, I’m offering to help you for nothing.”
“Why?”
“Why do you hire other mercenaries?”
That wasn’t what I was asking, but I already knew the answer. This kid didn’t want to be alone and I couldn’t blame her. I didn’t want to be alone either.
The idea of having some kid with me bothered me on a whole number of levels, but leaving her alone made me feel worse. The last thing she needed was to come across the wrong adventurer.
I said, “All right, kid. I’ll bite. Let’s go.”
She said, “Great! Oh, my name is Khash by the way.”
“Espiona. Okay, Khash, before we go anywhere, you’re getting some better armor. Those rags don’t look like they’d stop the wind, let alone an arrow.”

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This is a non-profit fanfiction. The Elder Scrolls and Skyrim are registered trademarks of ZeniMax Media Inc.
Khash the Argonian was created by the talented RabbittWinri. https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/40122