Chapter 1
The last time she had been in White Run the sky was filled with fire. People ran to their homes in fear only to find them up in smoke. Helga still had nightmares of the people's terrified faces as she ran through the city. But as she walked past a guard who said hello, she was reminded that the town had survived.
She reached the doors of Dragon's Reach to find Lydia waiting for her.
"It's an honor, my thane."
As much as she loved her career in the Imperial army, she had missed Lydia. They had fought side by side in the Battle of White Run.
"I'm glad to be back Lydia. It's been a while," Helga replied as she held her arms out for a hug.
Lydia hugged her back. "So what's the plan now?"
Helga beamed."Now it's time to train with the Grey Beards. But, first it's time to buy a house."
The Imperial army had paid her handsomely for missions as she rose through the ranks. It had also given her food and shelter. Saving up her coin, she had enough to buy a house in the city that felt like home the moment she came to warn them of dragons. It was also closer to Hadvar, an added bonus.
Helga walked through Dragon's Reach in her impressive set of Imperial armor. She had earned it along with her weapons by moving up the ranks. It was something her parents would have been proud of. Finding the man in charge she smiled proudly.
"I'd like to buy a house." Helga handed over twenty coin purses filled with gold.
This was something else her parents would have been proud of. Being raised by poor peasants, Helga's parents never owned a home, especially not in a bustling city.
Helga waited as Proventus Avenicci counted the coin, Lydia quietly standing next to her. She noticed that Lydia had recently polished her armor. It was a handsome set. Feeling the need to fill the silence Helga asked Lydia, "Would you like to move in the house or would you rather stay in the barracks?"
"I'll move into the house with you, my thane."
Helga smiled at her response. The companionship would be nice. She hated being alone.
"It won't be much but beds and a cooking spot for now. I'll work on decorating the house with each coin that I make."
Lydia nodded.
"It's all there," the steward huffed after an hour of counting. "Here's the key to your new home." He handed Helga a key and a book The Gentleman's Guide to White Run. This would be a good read before bed.
The two women walked side by side through the wounded city towards their new house Breezehome. Helga loved it instantly. It felt like royalty to have a house with a name. It was definitely befitting of a woman of her stature to have such a stylish home. She was long past her days of being mistaken for a Stormcloak soldier with her head on the chopping block. Breezehome and Lydia solidified it. So did her impressive military career. With each passing day she made that chilling memory more distant.
Lydia stopped outside the door and Helga put the key in. With a swift turn, the door unlocked.
"Welcome home Lydia."
Helga stepped inside gingerly to find the cooking pit near the entrance. She'd have to pick up some firewood. As she walked through the home she saw the wooden dining table and smiled. It was large enough for friends to come over. The house needed a dusting, but the candles in the candelabra were new. So were the window panes. The house was in great condition. She checked the rungs of her ladder to make sure none were weak. Stepping up the stairs, she entered the left room first.
"That'll be my room, my thane," Lydia said from behind her.
"It's a nice room," Helga replied. She was thankful the room had a bed.
Leaving the bedroom Helga walked carefully through the rest of the upstairs. She was impressed by the largeness of her bedroom and the chest already inside.
It was her first house and she had done well.
"Lydia," she called out, "Let's go to the Bannered Mare to celebrate."
