"Are you aware that staring at the gyro is not going to give you anymore knowledge on the artifact?"

I glowered at the irritated Neloth. His folded arms along with the tapping of his right foot drove me insane. His pompous attitude was even worse.

"Shut it Neloth." I hissed, fiddling with the other Dwemer items on the wooden table. "Not all of our minds are the same as yours."

"Maybe because you are just a Nord."

Shaking my head, I decided to ignore his racist comment. I decided to travel to Solstheim when I turned eighteen, hoping to learn more about the dwarves. Their technology was astounding. And I intended on unraveling their secrets.

My father was the Harbinger of the Companions back in Skyrim in a town called Whiterun. He was rather strict so when he told me I was allowed to leave - it shocked everyone.

Granted, it took a fight for him not to send one of the whelps with me. I wanted to do this alone. I needed to grow. Grow outside of that environment.

My father made the Companions honorable, but it didn't stop my annoyance each night when I couldn't sleep due to the group throwing drunken punches at each other.

Part of the reason I think he allowed me to leave, was because he knew I had feelings for a certain member. One he did not approve of his daughter getting involved with.

Vilkas. One of the strongest warriors in Jorrvaskr.

He never has shown any interest in me; probably because I was a child. But I still wonder if something would have happened with us after I became of age.

Granted, him and his twin brother normally picked on me. Probably because I'm Kodlak Whitemane's daughter. The one whom they assume knows nothing of their secret circle. Just the naïve little girl who ran around with her head in the clouds.

Another reason I wanted to leave.

Coming to Solstheim was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I will never regret it. I've learned all about the Dunmer's culture - of their struggle.

I stayed in Raven Rock for a couple of months - hoping to help rebuild. But the only thing I managed to do was re-open the mine. After that, I decided to see what else was out there.

After traveling for a year - I ended up at Tel Mithryn. Which led to meeting Neloth. He agreed to help me with my research if I did a few tedious favors for him.

"Elsa," Neloth slowly put a staff he was working on in my face, "What do you think of this?"

"It looks like all the other staffs." I told him in a bored tone. "What does this one do?"

"Turns things into chickens." He shrugged. "I think I'm running out of ideas."

A small laugh escaped my lips. Ever since the Miraak incident ended, he had created staffs that did absurd things. I think he almost missed the horror that monster created on Solstheim.

"Master Neloth!" His apprentice Talvas called out from below. "A courier just dropped a letter off for Elsa!"

Neloth shook his head as he shuffled around the table. "Well come up you fool."

After Talvas floated up, he hastened his way over to me. His eyes appeared worried. I raised an eyebrow as I placed the Dwemer strut down.

"Why do you look like that?" I questioned, staring at him nervously.

He stared at me morosely. "I kind of...opened it..."

"Opened my letter?"

"Yes."

"Why...?"

"I was curious."

The scowl never left my face. "Talvas, my letter is none of your business." The words were a little distorted - my teeth were gritted together. "Now give it to me."

With shaky hands, he placed it on the table. Neloth literally turned the Dark Elf into a frightened rabbit.

And I as of yet, figured out how Neloth is such a frightening person.

Obnoxious, yes.

"Thank you Talvas." My voice was rid of anger at this point, causing him to slightly calm himself.

I slowly slid the letter closer to me as I adjusted a stray hair on my head. My auburn hair pulled back as normal, but it got rather annoying when some of it decided to fall out of place.

Solstheim was way to dry and hot to ever allow my long hair down. I was always sweating profusely.

With a sigh, I opened the letter.

'Elsa,

Kodlak is not doing so well these days. I thought I should let you know in case you would want to come back to spend time with him.

It would be nice to see you again. I'm sure your father would be grateful if you took time out of your busy schedule to sail back to Skyrim.

-Aela'

"What a friendly letter." I mumbled under my breath as I folded the note.

"What did it say?" Neloth's voice came from behind me, causing me to jump into the air.

"H-how long have you been behind me?" I breathed, placing a hand over my chest. "You scared the shit out of me!"

I could tell he was fighting back a snicker. "Just a little while." A smirk tugged at the ends of his lips. "So are you going back to Skyrim?"

"You Dunmer are so nosy." I exhaled sharply, slumping my shoulders. "And yes. I think I am."

"Are you coming back?"

I shrugged.

"Well," he motioned over to my left side, "if you ever decide to come back, you have a place...here."

"Thank you Neloth." I said, not being able to hide my surprised voice. "That's very kind of you."

"Eh, I've grown kind of used to your smart mouth being around. Just don't get all emotional on me."

I rolled my eyes. "Trust me, I won't."

Snow pelted my face as Windhelm came into view. I snuggled deeper into my cloak. Even being a Nord the cold was not my friend. Especially after being in the heat for so long. Maybe my body will become attuned to it with time, but as of now - I can't get my teeth to stop chattering.

I placed a hand on my horse. "We're home Bubba." His name came from me consuming too much mead.

"How does it feel to be back?" A sailor inquired as he came up beside me. "Haven't you been away for a while?"

I nodded as the wind continued to blow my hair into my face. My shivering body made it difficult to speak.

"I'm sure you are aware that Imperials won the war." He notified me with a hint of relief in his tone. "Ulfric Stormcloak now rests in the Hall of the Dead."

My jaw slightly dropped. "Wow, I have missed a bit."

"If you have time you should stop into town to meet the new Jarl." He suggested, rubbing his nose. "He's incredible." His voice became higher as he spoke.

My eyes began to blink several times in a row as the realization came that he had more than admiration for the Jarl.

"Yeah, I'll see." I studied his face for a long moment, speculating.

The conversation came to a halt as we approached the decks. Relief washed over me as the ship came to a stop.

"Finally." I whispered, grabbing on to Bubba's reins. I did not tell the Companion's of my return. After Aela's letter I figured I would just surprise the lot.

I escorted Bubba to the stables. Wondering if I should rest or just head straight home.

My hands no longer had feeling, and my sudden urge to get out of this cold grew.

"Decision made." I told myself, climbing on top of Bubba.

He didn't seem to want to move, no matter how many light kicks I gave him.

Stubborn horse.

"Are you trying to make me croak from hyperthermia?" I questioned him bitterly.

He just looked down at his feet.

Releasing a small sigh, I dug into my satchel. After giving him three carrots he decided he could walk.

This trip is going to be very vexatious...

Sudden anxiety washed over me as I approached the stables. My heart began to pound as I realized I'd be stepping through the Whiterun gates in just a short moment.

"Well look who it is." Skulvar Sable-Hilt the owner of the stables greeted. "If it isn't the Harbinger's daughter."

"Hi." I said with a weary voice. "How have you been?"

He began petting Bubba when he got close enough. "Been good. Business has been running more smoothly since the war ended."

"I bet."

"Where have you been?" He then took a big whiff of Bubba and I. "You smell worse than those damn miners."

"Haven't stop since I've reached Skyrim Skulvar." I frowned, suddenly becoming self-conscious.

"Well I wouldn't go back home looking like that."

I leaned my head back in annoyance. "Then can I clean up in your house?"

"Of course. Anything for Kodlak Whitemane's gal." He smiled sardonically. "You will be doing all of us a favor."

I glowered as I hopped off my horse.

After grabbing my bag, I headed inside the house. Suddenly glad he mentioned my hygiene. At least now I won't see Vilkas for the first time looking like a disaster.

I wonder how he'll react when I step through those doors again...

Will he be happy? Angry? Annoyed? Did he want me to stay gone? Was life better for them without them worrying about me possibly being around the corner?

I shook my head, exhaling sharply. I shouldn't care what he thinks. I shouldn't care how he will react. I'm here to see my father. Not to start up my fantasies about walking down the aisle at the Temple of Mara.

I slipped on a pair of black leather trousers that I cut into capris. Realizing I had clothes in my bag that I haven't worn in years due to the weather in Solstheim.

Normally I just wore the robes Neloth gave me. I fitted them to my body as well making them wearable in the heat. I found no reason to wear my good clothes.

Now I have all the reason in the world.

With a small painful breath I finished tying my forest green corset. It was sort of nice being in my old wardrobe.

After I slipped on my black shoes - I began fiddling with my hair.

Singing, I began pinning it half back. Leaving some hair in my face.

When I realized there was no more use in stalling my return - I exited the house. Skulvar gave me a look of approval as I trudged past him. The road to the gate suddenly seemed shorter than it used to.

Maybe because with each step I took, I grew more solictious.

When the gates came into view - it took about a second for a guard to approach me.

"Halt!" He hollered, holding out his hand. But then suddenly froze. Even through his helmet I could tell he was examining me closely.

"E-Elsa?" He stammered in meer shock. "Is that you?"

"Yes."

"Open the gate! Kodlak Whitemane's daughter has returned!"

I rolled my eyes. So much for remaining inconspicuous.

"Thank you." I muttered to the guards, as I entered through the gate.

As I anticipated the town was just as I had left it. Open, beautiful, and sunny.

The familiar citizens turned their heads with bug eyes when I walked past. I thought a few were going to break their neck. But when your father is one of the most respected men in Skyrim - you anticipate this sort of thing.

After going through the market, I slowed my pace down when I reached the stairs. My stomach began turning into knots.

This wasn't a dream. I was actually home.

Staring down at my shoes, I began making my way up to Jorrvaskr. The cheering from inside could be heard from where I stood.

Seems like things haven't changed to much.

I wrenched open the door slowly, causing everyone to suddenly become quiet.

"Who's there?" I heard a familiar voice call.

Skjor hasn't changed much.

"It's just me you morons." I answered, revealing myself.

Everyone stood there in shock.

"Elsa?" Skjor suddenly had a smile on his face. "You're back!"

"No, I'm not. Maybe you should lay off the Skooma." I joked through a humorless laugh.

Suddenly everyone circled around me as soon as I reached the end of the steps. My eyes scanned the room, but no sign of Vilkas, his brother nor my father.

"Where have you been?" Aela questioned.

I shrugged. "Solsthiem."

They cocked their heads to the side.

"Why?"

"Because I wanted to go there?"

"Don't a bunch of dark elves live there?"

The Dunmer who seemed to be a new recruit glowered. "You don't have to say that like it's a bad thing." He suddenly focused his attention on me, "You must be our Harbinger's daughter. I'm Athis." He held out his hand in a friendly manner.

I shook his hand. "I'm Elsa."

"We are all fully aware. Kodlak never stops talking about you." He chuckled.

"Speaking of which..."

Aela pointed towards the stairs that led to the living quarters. "The rest of the circle is downstairs."

I pursued my lips. "Alright then. I'll see you guys in a bit."

After making my way through the curious group I entered the living quarters.

Vilkas's voice echoed through the hallway. I could tell he was in my father's quarters.

With a sigh I made my way down. Here goes nothing.

When I could see they weren't paying attention, I leaned up against the open door, and began knocking on the hinge.

They glanced up then back down, then back up again. Shock washed over their face.

"E-Elsa?" My father stammered, his voice even more weak than when I left.

"Hey stranger." I smiled.

He immediately stood up, quickly embracing me into a hug.

I glanced over at Vilkas to find his mouth slightly hung open. Apparently the shock had not faded.

"My, my!" My father beamed. "How you have grown!"

"It's been a few years." I embraced him into another hug. "I've missed you father."

"Oh dear, I've missed you too."

I tried to stop the single tear that wanted to fall from my eyes.

"Well, isn't that cute?" Farkas's voice came from behind me. "Welcome back Elsa."

"Thanks Farkas." I said as I pulled away from my father.

I pulled my eyebrows together as Vilkas continued to remain in the state he was. Approaching him did not even make him stir. I knelt in front of him as I began wailing my hands in front of his blank face.

"Anybody home?" I questioned.

Finally he blinked.

"W-wow, none of us was expecting your return." Vilkas breathed. "You look-"

"She looks beautiful." My father interjected. "She always has."

"Thank you father."

As I stood up, Farkas clapped a hand on my shoulder. "Have you lost your ability to wield a blade?"

I rolled my eyes. "No. I have not."

The brothers barked out a laugh.

"Do you even know what monsters are in Solstheim?" I questioned them, a bit annoyed. "I wouldn't be standing here now if I had no idea of how to defend myself."

Vilkas shrugged. "We'll see."

"Vilkas, my daughter had just return from being gone a very long time." My father chimed in, taking a seat at his table. "How about we not force her into a training session?"

A smug grin formed on my face as I folded my arms to my chest. "Yeah, my journey was brutal. Leave me be."

"Tomorrow then." Vilkas slyly suggested, but there seemed to be more brewing in that mind of his. "I'd like to show you a few things."

I took in a deep breath. "Fine."

"This should be good." Farkas smirked.

Vilkas scowled at his brother, "And you aren't coming."

That caused the poor guy to frown.

"Sorry Farkas." I shrugged, leaning up against the wall.

My father seemed as if he were going to object, but then realized he had no power over this matter anymore.

"Are you hungry Elsa?" He decided to change the subject.

I nodded vigorously. "Yes, Bubba ate all my food."

"Bubba?" Vilkas cocked an eyebrow.

"Yes, Bubba." I snapped back bitterly. "Got a problem?"

"Why would you-"

"I drank too much mead."

"How did he-"

"He wouldn't move unless I kept feeding him. He's a rather fat horse." I sheepishly answered.

The smile that I've always loved began to form on his face.

Suddenly I couldn't wait till dawn to spend alone time with him.

"Why don't we have some father daughter time at the Bannered Mare?" My father suggested.

I nodded. "That would be great."

As we exited the room - I turned back around to take one last look at Vilkas.

Despite my feelings coming back - I had to act mature. I had to be realistic about this. He probably had someone. He could even already be married.

But that doesn't mean I couldn't mess with him right?

"Like the new hair." I winked.