This short story is based on actual events that happened in the depths of my XBOX. Well, this isn't so much of a short story as it is a few paragraphs. It's more just... dialog.

I once had a dog named Bran. He was a husky, and the most beautiful one I've ever seen. Of course, he was a Dawnguard dog, meaning he was a war dog. His life was constantly at risk in battle.

He had a sister, Sceolang, who was just as beautiful, but less trained.

I was deep into the Imperial business, and was constantly leading raids into forts to claim them. Bran always fought by my side faithfully. I couldn't go a second without him next to me, smiling and barking happily.

One day, when we were taking Fort Greenwall, it grew foggy and hard to see. I was doing close combat with a Stormcloak, and Bran jumped up to bite her. I swung, and the blade tore through his flesh instead of the enemy's.

While I was staring down at his lifeless body, shocked, the Stormcloak took this opportunity to force her blade into my stomach.

I was hospitalized for days. Bran's body dwelled in my mind, and I could barely sleep. A few folks from Riverwood brought their town dog, Stump, to visit me. He was an Irish Setter, though, and it only made my heartache worsen.

Once I got out two weeks later, I visited the abandoned Fort Greenwall. My memory was clouded, so I couldn't quite remember where he had fallen. Everywhere I stepped, dead bodies flooded the place - both allies and enemies. A dead horse made me wince. I wondered if it had an owner that loved it as much as I loved Bran.

Then, when I climbed up to the bridge connected to the watch tower, I saw his black and white body soaking in a pillow of blood. His fur was stained with red. I almost couldn't bear to see him like this.

I took him in my arms and held him close, singing to him. His head rested in my lap. The blood stained my Dark Brotherhood armor, but I didn't mind.

A few days later, I gained ownership of Sceolang. I trained her, and took her to her first battle. Since I was afraid of hitting her, I kept my distance when battling.

The thing that haunts me is seeing Bran's face reflected in hers. I gave her a battle mask and armor so I didn't have to see her long snout, and her sleek, glossy fur.

But the real thing that kills me inside is knowing that I delivered Bran's death blow.