So, Davos, that's an unusual name for a Nord, any history behind it?
My Father liked a character in some book he read. I'm not sure of its origin.
And Coldhands? Cold hands warm hearth? *grins*
*Frowns*
*Hrhmmm*... Is that your Clan name or does it have an unconventional origin like Davos?
My Great, Great Grandfather was a mage who practised the School of Destruction and specialised in the element of Frost. He adopted the name when he created a new clan... family feud and such. Apparently he could chill a mug of mead just by holding it without channelling the element itself, simply because his hands were permanently cold.
Not a hit with the ladies then?
Nords, both men and women, are hardier folk then you Bretons. We bump uglies on frozen mountain tops with merely the pelt of a bear to keep us warm.
I didn't mean to offend. Eh, er, anyway, this is meant to be about you. So, tell me... what is it you do here in Skyrim.
Travel. Do odd jobs here and there. Sometimes I do the odd bounty... not that they pay well, but a good melee is always welcome. On occasion, I return to the Companions to fulfil my duties as a member, though I tend to remain distant to them. However I carry their work ethic anywhere I go, with or without pay.
A Companion! Those Warriors are pretty legendary around these parts. I heard they were hit with a tragedy recently, would you like to add a few words on that?
No. The Companions are a Brotherhood. A family. We do not share our private affairs with the uninitiated. No Offence, just tradition.
And none taken. I can respect holding true to traditional values. Companions are, and I mean no offence by this, but they are notoriously critical of magic users. Did they give you any grief? You are capable of performing magic aren't you?
I suppose I am capable, but I don't pursue it. I prefer the cold edge of steel and the masterly crafted shield over the Arcane arts. Though that said, I'm not as bigoted as my Nord brothers sometimes are. Magic has its uses and its an element of life, refusing its existence only burdens us with ignorance.
As for the Companions. The notoriety is well placed... though they won't hold an aptitude towards magic against you if you prove yourself as fierce and reliable as the rest of them.
I doubt it has escaped your notice, but... Dragons. As a companion have you had to deal with them?
As I said earlier, I travel. My link with the Companions is something I earned, but not something I have fully embraced. I have seen my shield brothers and sisters slay dragons yet at the same time they realise that Dragons aren't the only Menace in Skyrim. But make no mistake, the Companions are Mercenaries, they only take jobs that pay well... the people who are able to afford them for Dragon Hunting are too preoccupied by the War to allocate funds to mercs, and those that do need help can't afford it. This is part of the reason for my unenthusiastic relationship with them.
But yes, I have dealt with Dragons. I have... responsibilities. I will say no more then that.
A shame. You sound like you've been through a lot. You must have a story you can share with us. Maybe a fight with a Dragon? Or some other adventure?
Well, I suppose I can share this story. It's not my greatest achievement, but it is a story that entertains. I was in pursuit of a bounty given by the Jarl of Whiterun, the target was a very big, unfriendly giant. He had been raiding the local Farmsteads and had already killed a guard and a few travellers. I had tracked him down near a Giants camp, lumbering his way around the perimeter. While I was considering my angle of approach, of all things a DRAGON appeared on the horizon. This wasn't one of those lesser Dragons that attack small populations or torch huts... this was an Ancient Dragon, a powerful and terrifying creature. I'm not sure what it was doing here, but when it arrived near my locations it ATTACKED the giants.
Amazing! That must have been some sight.
Indeed. Rather then interrupting this titanic battle, I decided to watch and see how it would turn out. After the Giant who was standing by the camp fire went down to the flames of the dragon, the fight then seemed to gravitate further and further away. It was only then that I noticed a Khajiit Caravan was following the road and was about to walk right into the battle...
Then what happened?
I had to act. I drew my Bow and attempted to get the attention of both the Dragon AND the Rogue Giant. The Dragon shrugged my diversion off and kept at the Giant, but the Giant seemed to really hate arrows. The big lumbering beast came down on top of me just as I had drawn my sword and shield. It was wounded from its fight with the Dragon, but it was still dangerous. The giant wailed on me with all its might but fatigue had set in. Following one final blast from the dragon, who at this time had become an unwitting ally, the Giant went to its knees. I proceeded to finish the creature off, as the unspoken truce with the dragon was not going to last.
What of the Caravan?
Well here is another twist. A good friend, also Khajiit, was guarding the Caravan. Amidst the howls, smoke and flames we found each other back to back as the Dragon Circled above. I was making use of my skills in Archery trying to bring that Dragon to the ground where my friend and I would have a better chance at defeating it. The Dragon soon succumbed to his wounds and hit the ground... hard. We closed the gap fast, myself taking it on from the front, while my friend went in at an angle. After a few minutes of near death experiences, the Dragon finally fell.
That is incredible... and this isn't your greatest feat? I hope the world eventually hears of these stories you teasingly keep from me, I imagine it would inspire generations of young Nords and possibly diminish the unfortunate level of racism Skyrim currently panders to. But tell me, what happened after the Dragon fell?
I followed the Caravan to Dawnstar, where my friend and I celebrated. The next day we parted ways, and I returned to Whiterun to cash in on the Giants bounty.
After such a story I can't even fathom the things you face that would surpass this. Care to let us know what the future holds for Davos Coldhands?
I've heard there has been a Vampire problem brewing and an old order is standing against them. That sounds like an Adventure to suit my lifestyle.
Indeed it does... and I feel safer knowing you've got your eyes on it. I doubt this is the last we hear of Davos Coldhands, not if future historians still care about the pivotal figures of our time. I hope I'm not being presumptuous, but as a Nord I hope you appreciate this: Talos Guide you Davos.
*smiles* And you.
