Chapter 123 (Patreon)

MC and Thorum spending some time together. 

***

We drew the attention of the entire hall as we walked in without anyone even announcing our presences. At this point, I think everyone was familiar with Thorum, but I had been absent for about a month, so I had quite a few eyes on me.

Well, there were also a few people giving Thorum’s new sword a look over. I couldn’t blame them, it had a baleful red hue that was hard to miss. While it didn’t lash out its hate towards non-dragons, the ‘demonic nature’ of the sword was clear to people who didn’t even know the proper terminology.

I could appreciate the culture here, the fact that the Jarl’s people weren’t kicking up a fuss about him be so blatantly armed.

A warrior culture.

The Jarl held up his hand to his advisor who was whispering in his ear, sitting up straighter on his ‘throne’. “Thorum, I hope you bring good tidings.”

“Aye, my Jarl. The dragons have been slain.” Thorum nodded as we took center stage. At his words, the room quieted down, intent on hearing the conversation.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Farengar hiding in the back near the entrance of his little workshop.

I briefly remembered what happened last time and I held back a sigh. Perhaps I was bit too abrasive, I don’t need to go around making enemies when I don’t have to.

I won’t purposely antagonize him, but I also won’t put up with his nonsense.

My thoughts broken when the surrounding people clapped and cheered his name, Thorum just giving a bashful smile.

“Well done, Thorum. Truly we are blessed by the Divines to have you here.” Jarl Balgruuf said with a grin on his face. “But there appears to be more to the story this time.” His gaze turned to me. “Welcome back to Whiterun, Wilhelm, I take it you also participated in the fight?”

Thorum slapped my back. “Will appeared short after the fight began, aided me in defeating them. It would have been a much harder battle had I been alone.”

Well, no use in denying it. I opened a portal in plain view of many people, I’m sure word will reach his ears eventually anyways.

“That’s right, I recently came back to Skyrim and stopped by the College first. I intended to head back down here in a few more days, but the Archmage was alerted that Whiterun needed some supplies and that some more Dragons were spotted, so I hurried on over.” I briefly explained.

A few small expressions flashed across the Jarl’s face, clearly picking apart my words. I made sure to mention the College and indicate that I was a part of that ‘faction’ so he wouldn’t keep trying to bind me to Whiterun.

Not to mention, me bringing some much needed supplies, he couldn’t very well start poking or prodding me for information without appearing crass infront of his subjects. Also the fact that I helped Thorum slay the dragons, I was probably very popular with his retinue right now.

“Yes, it was hard to miss your addition to the battle, until you had just showed up, we were wondering what had happened. While we could not see much from here, the magical phenomenon was clear to everyone in the province.” Balgruuf tone was light but there was a hidden edge there as if he was letting me know that he was ‘aware’ of my strength. “I admit, I have heard tales of your magical ability, but to see the effects, it leaves me in awe. The spell you used was humbling to see from the distance.”

Ah, my Hammer of Thor. I could only imagine it looked particularly frightening from the distance.

“I had good teachers.” I said simply. And now I somewhat understood why Farengar was standing to the side and not speaking. Maybe my skill left him feeling a bit intimidated.

I think he was hoping for a little bit more information, but he settled on something resembling happiness after a moment. “Regardless, we welcome any aid that the College could lend.” He stood up. “Tell me, where are these supplies, are there carts waiting outside the city?”

“I have them here with me, if you have somewhere you want me to unload them.” I let my hand glow with the obvious signs of magic, allowing him to draw conclusions.

He just blinked, a genuine smile on his face. “Well, that makes matters easier. Right here would be fine, it saves my men from having to move things too far.”

I just shrugged as Thorum stepped back, he’d seen me making things appear and disappear so I guess he knew I could store things. Waving my hand, I let the supplies unload onto the floor infront of his throne. “It should all be here, but if you think anything might be missing, I won’t be offended if you want me here while you check.”

“That will not be necessary, just the fact that the Archmage sent you would have been more than enough. Savos Aren has been nothing but selfless in these trying times, I don’t think there has ever been a mage so well liked among the Jarls in Skyrim’s history.” Jarl Balgruuf let out a laugh. “That’s ignoring the honor and valor you showed in Whiterun’s defense.”

There were a few stomps and pounding on the table in agreement.

The Jarl paused, looking at some of the supplies. “What’s this.” He walked over, opening a sack and reaching inside. “Rice? I have not seen this since my days in the imperial Legion.”

“You recognize it, that makes things easier.” I mused.

“I was not aware the Archmage had stores of rice, I would have purchased some before this whole dragon fiasco occurred.”

“That’s my contribution.” I corrected, earning his attention again, scratching my head awkwardly. I had bought a large amount back in Kyoto for my own use since I often found myself outside of Japan and often missed my homelands cuisine. “I saw the damage outside the walls and wanted to lend a hand.”

Honestly, I didn’t dislike the Jarl, I understood his position even if I had to take steps to avoid his authority. If anything, I respected him. He didn’t abuse his position and try to force me when I showed clear displeasure at certain things. He seemed like an honorable and realistic man.

Perhaps I felt a little guilty as well. If I could alleviate some of the cities’ pressure for food needs, I wouldn’t mind lending a hand. It was only money for me, but it was food on the table for some unlucky families.

The Jarl looked over the sacks of Rice, while not as much as everything else, there were a few dozen all together. Enough to feed quite a few people for a long while if rationed well.

“Rice is not the usual palate of Nords.” Jarl had a small smile on his face. “But I’m sure I can show some of my men how to enjoy such robust grain. Aye, I wonder if my cooks could recreate some of those dishes in my memory.” He slightly reminisced before turning back to me. “Once again, you have shown your honorable side, Wilhelm. You are neither Nord nor a Skyrim native, yet you continue to offer support to Skyrim’s children.”

“My friend, the Jarl speaks the truth, you continue to impress me with your good will.” Thorum looked at me with a little bit of awe.

Oh Thorum, I’m not as good a person as you think me.

“Avenicci.” The Jarl called out, and a non-nord man walked over from the side, greatsword on his back.

“Yes, my Jarl?” He asked.

“Would you please start organizing the supplies and send them where necessary.” Jarl moved back to his throne.

“Of course, Jarl.” Avenicci, walked forward looking over everything. “I just require some manpower, I’ve already taken note of who needs what.”

The Jarl looked please, with a nod he ignored Avenicci start calling people over and began ordering them around. “I understand you both probably wish to celebrate at the Jorrvaskr with the companions, but I have one question that is merely a curiosity. Where did you acquire that blade, Thorum?” He pointed towards the new sword politely kept to his side.

Thorum blinked, pulling it up. “Will gave it to me when he appeared.”

“Truly?” The Jarl scratched his beard. “It looks like a mighty fine weapon, though it gives me an eerie feeling….”

“It’s not a Daedra artifact, if you’re wondering.” I wanted to nip that in the bud right now. “Its name is Gram, it was wielded by a warrior named Sigurd in the past. He once used it to slay a powerful curse that took on the form of a dragon. The weapon, bathing in the ‘dragons’ blood gained an absolute hate towards them, as a result, it’s very strong against draconic enemies.” I explained.

Fanfir was a strange thing in my home, while it was an actual dragon in my birth world. It was easier to explain it as a ‘curse’ given form then to get into the concepts at play if I went by the one I’m more familiar with.

“Fascinating.” The Jarl looked impressed. “I don’t quite understand some of that, but a sword that slays dragons, it is a wonderful weapon for our Dragonborn.”

Thorum was looking at me with a strange expression on his face. I think he wanted to say something but was holding back.

“I will not hold you two up any longer.” The Jarl finally leaned back, relaxing. I think I successfully distracted him well enough with the supplies. “Go, celebrate with your companions.” He dismissed us with a smile. “Lest I forget, please pass on my thanks to the Archmage, Wilhelm, next you see him. I will write a letter of thanks, but I wish him to understand my gratitude.”

“I will make sure the Archmage receives your words.” I offered a polite bow, which he gave a nod towards.

Well, I wouldn’t hold him up. He was pleasant enough, but I didn’t wish to involve myself in the political spectrum here. I would play nice though, didn’t want to step on too many toes when I enjoyed this place so much.

***

“My friends, look who has returned.” Thorum burst through the doors of the Companion’s building, practically pulling me along.

There was a sudden quiet at his abrupt entrance, but then cheers and shouts filled the building. Some were from Thorum’s return, others for my appearance after an a month’s absence.

Actually, I saw quite a few happy faces sent my way. I guess I underestimated how much good will I had built up here previously.

“Wilhelm.” A female voice sounded behind me and I recalled this woman immediately as me and Thorum pulled up a chair at an empty table.

“Aela.” I greeted with a small smile. While I wouldn’t even call her an acquaintance, we were polite enough and Thorum was a shared friend.

“Hey, don’t forget me.” Another gruff voice joined in.

“Farkas!” Thorum let out a shout. “I had not heard you returned.”

“Thorum, my brother, I heard of your battle with the dragons.” They shared a greeting. “I got back while you were meeting the Jarl.”

“This idiot stopped at a tavern on the way back so he was late.” Aela grumbled.

Farkas just let out a small chuckle. “I’m doing my duty to lessen the strain on Whiterun’s mead supply.”

“And what about the wenches you decided to bed?” She raised an eyebrow.

“Also doing my duty.” He gave a cheeky smile, causing those around us to laugh. “Enough about me, Thorum, Wilhelm, share your tale of the fight.”

I rolled my eyes and Thorum excitingly gestured towards me to start. Okay, admittedly I missed this atmosphere, these people were so genuine, it was hard to not like them. “I was at the College when the Archmage told me about a some dragons being sighted at Whiterun, obviously I knew this idiot would fight them so I came to lend a hand, otherwise he might try to jump on the back of another.”

“Oh, it will be like that then?” Thorum took the jab with a laugh. “How many dragons have you slain my friend, shall we compare numbers?”

“It’s not about the number – “

“Yes, with all your women, I can guess you’ve heard similar words before.” Thorum interrupted, that big goofy smile on his face. That got a round of jeers and laughs from everyone.

I couldn’t help but chuckle as well.

“Oh, so you finally got jokes? Honestly, I thought the only joke you knew was the one about your magic ability.” I raised an eyebrow. While most Nords didn’t care for magic, they sure did erupt at my retort.

Thorum, for all his good nature, just laughed along with them. “My friend, my honor demands I take revenge for this insult.” He slammed his elbow on the table, propped up with his palm open.

“Oh, am I being challenged?” I loosened my tie, giving me a cocky look.

“Aye, if you have the stones.” Thorum returned my smirk, though he was playing it up, I couldn’t miss the humorous tone in his words.

“Arm wrestling, huh?” I eyes his admittedly muscled arm.

“No one would fault you for backing down, Wilhelm. This is a true Nord’s strength right here.” He slapped his bicep, earning a whoop form the crowd.

“I feel like I’m being looked down on.” I began to unbutton my vest, setting it to the side, taking my tie off I placed it down and finally, I unbuttoned my shirt and tossed it into the pile with my other clothes. I stood up straight, letting everyone get a good look. “Want to talk about strength? I earned all of this.” I gestured to my body, while I wasn’t particularly muscular like most Nords, I damn well was cut into shape and thoroughly remodeled from Scathach’s teachings. I was leaner, perhaps closer to a swimmer’s build, but I was not at all scrawny.

That got a reaction from our crowd.

“Didn’t think you were hiding something like that under there, Mage boy.” Aela gave me a once over, a clear bit of interest in what she saw.

“You should see what I’m hiding under my pants.” I sent her a wink, earning a snort and laugh from her.

“You’re alright, milk drinker.” She finally gave a genuine smile.

“Well, my friend, you continue to impress.” Thorum commented.

I just realized, was Meridia still watching? I’m definitely going to tease her with this later on.

“As you should be.” I put on my best faux arrogance. “So, what are the rules?”

“I got this.” Farkas stepped forward, hushing the crowd. “For those not familiar, the rules are simple. No outside help, no magic, no potions. We rely on physical strength, loser buys a round of drinks for everyone.”

“Do you guys pay for drinks here?” I blinked in confusion.

“We have to restock somehow.” He shrugged.

Made sense.

“Well, Dragonborn, ready to lose?” I put my arm on the table, clasping it to his own.

“Red Dragon Emperor, it will be you losing.” He returned my little taunt with a smile.

Farkas placed his hands over ours. “Being.” He let go, taking a step back.

Immediately we began pushing in opposite directions, trying to force the other’s hand down. My eyes widened as I felt his physical strength for the first time.

“Damn, how many dragons did you eat, fatty.” I grit out, feeling my muscles bulge under the strain.

He looked a lot more relaxed, but I could still feel the tension from his end. “Enough to take a mage or two down.” He smiled again, putting more strength out and my arm began to fall towards the table.

I had a dragon’s heart, Aura, and my own devil physiology, yet he was beating me in pure physical strength. I knew he got stronger by munching on dragon souls, but hot damn was this impressive.

No wonder he killed that other dragon so easily.

“THORUM.”

“THORUM.”

“DRAGONBORN!”

“THORUM!”

Most of the shouts were for Thorum, not that I could blame them, I was a bit of an outside here even if I had a lot of good will from these people.

“H-hey, Thorum.” I earned his attention again. “Did I ever tell you I got a familiar?” I was doing everything I could to keep my arm from going down any further.

“A familiar?” He questioned. I suppose he wasn’t too knowledgeable on mage practices.

“A contract with a creature or animal, a bond that makes them become a sort of companion.” I briefly explained. With my free hand I took put my hat and turned it upside down, letting Sir Wiggles walk out onto a fee corner of the table.

That earned a bewildered look from Thorum, enough that I pushed him back slightly, but he regained his wits and stopped me from moving any further. “Behold, Sir Wigglesbottom Fluffytail Octavius Benedict III, Crown Prince of Emerald Kingdom. Duke of Carrot Island, General of the Northern Armies.”

“…what?” Thorum just looked at me blanky, then at the rabbit on the table. A sentiment shared by most of the people in the building.

“Sir Wiggles, attack.” I ushered as my familiar hopped towards Thorum, and started getting up in his face.

“Hey, what are you—“ Thorum started honest to god giggling as Sir Wiggle’s rubbed up on him.

I of course took this chance to push him arm back, taking him by surprise once again. His eye’s widened as I felt another surge of strength overcome me, he stopped me mid push and slowly I began to be pushed back again, no break this time until the back of my palm hit the table.

“Winner, Thorum!” Farkas yelled and the crowd cheered.

“Little fella.” Thorum seemed more amused by Sir Wiggles.

“Alright, alright.” I held my hands up in defeated, taking out some gold and setting it on the table. “Drinks for the evening are on me.” A lot of faces I didn’t know gave me genuine cheer and thanks.

It was nice, I did forget how welcoming the people here were once you got in with them.

I didn’t even have to move as drinks started being shoved into everyone’s hands, people happily chatting and laugh about. It didn’t matter that dragons were constantly attacking the city, as long as there was a moment of respite, these people would celebrate. Atleast I didn’t have to move for drinks to come to me.

I quickly got started into my mead, the taste nostalgic, considering Scathach drank my stash.

“I guess my secret technique didn’t work.” I grinned at Thorum who was happily giving Sir Wiggles attention.

“Aye, but it was a good try.” Thorum happily replied.

I blinked for a moment, realization dawned on me. “Weren’t we supposed to tell about the fight with the dragon?”

Even Aela and Farkas seemed caught up in their own little thing at the side.

Thorum looked around and realized they weren’t being paid attention to much anymore, and just shrugged. “They look more caught up in their next drink.” He mused.

Well, whatever.

“But I would like to hear about this daughter of yours.” He grinned right back at me.

“Well, that’s a bit of a story, I guess I’ll start from the very beginning.” I took another drink, and I could guess this was far from the last one for the night.