The noise came from the darkness. A branch snapping, footsteps crunching in the snow. Someone—or something—was approaching.
My stomach twisted. In the game, a level 1 adventurer could swing a sword like a hero. But this wasn't the game. This was real. And I was far too weak for a fight.
I drew my iron sword anyway, forcing my shaky hands to steady.
"Who goes there?" My voice cracked slightly, but at least I sounded loud. Sneaking wasn't an option—better to face whatever it was head-on.
The footsteps stopped. Silence.
I edged forward until the figure appeared in the moonlight—a man in full iron armor, sword at his hip. My chest tightened. Bandit? Soldier? Either way, dangerous.
I raised my blade higher. My heart hammered in my ears, but I tried to look calm.
"Who are you?" the man asked at last. His tone was calm, almost gentle. That made me more suspicious, not less.
Instead of answering, I shot back, "What are you doing here?"
"I could ask the same," he replied.
Stalemate. He wasn't attacking, but he wasn't lowering his guard either.
"I'm just… a traveler," I said carefully.
"Then why are you so far from the road? There are no towns out here."
"I got lost. Ended up here by mistake."
He studied me for a long moment, then sighed. "Put your weapon down. I'm not going to hurt you."
Yeah, right.
I gripped my sword tighter. "I don't trust you."
His eyes narrowed. "Then you're a fool. You're standing in my camp, using my supplies, and now you want to fight me? That's plain rude."
The words hit me like an arrow. He was right. The campfire, the intact tents, the stacked wood—it all looked too well-kept to be abandoned. This was his camp.
I lowered my sword, cheeks burning. "Sorry. I thought it was deserted. I didn't mean to intrude."
He relaxed slightly. "It's alright. Not many find this place. But next time, stick to the main road—it's safer than wandering Skyrim's wilderness."
"I will," I said, sheathing my blade.
He nodded. "Good. So, how long have you been here?"
"An hour, maybe."
"And you didn't steal anything? Honest, then. I like that." He smiled faintly.
"I wouldn't take what isn't mine."
"A good man." He chuckled. "I like you already."
I realized I hadn't even introduced myself. "I'm… Chad. Chad Michael." Still hate that name, by the way.
"Chad Michael?" He tilted his head. "Strange surname, but your first name rings a bell. I'm Zavir."
"Zavir? Unique name."
"I'm not from Skyrim. I'm Redguard—born in Hammerfell."
"Oh. So you're a Redguard."
"You sound surprised."
"No—I mean, I've never seen a Redguard in person before." Which was true. In the game, yes. But here? This was my first time.
He laughed. "Hah! You must have lived under a rock. Redguards are everywhere. We love to travel."
I quickly changed the subject. "So… why stay in a camp that looks abandoned?"
"I come here now and then. To help travelers who lose their way. And because I prefer solitude."
I hesitated, then asked, "Would you mind if I stayed the night?"
"Not at all," Zavir said with a smile. "It would be nice to have company for once."