Author's Note: Thank you for reading this far! I hope you like this next part as much as I did - it's a bit shorter, but lots more fun to write. I find Sora to be more interesting than Riku, at least for the beginning. Summer school is keeping me busy for two more weeks, but I got this done fairly quick all things considered. Please review, and thank you for reading!

Chapter Summary: We get a peek into a typical day as apprentice to the court wizard. Or maybe today will be different? Our two heroes finally meet!

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Sadly, I do not own any of these characters or settings... I cannot make money off of this. If only.

"The Last Dragonborn."

"You understand so little."

"…The only one…"

"Your destiny…"

Riku had been sitting by the river for some time now, deep in thought, replaying the day's events in his head. It was only this morning that the dragon had attacked Helgen. He had long since stopped hoping that it had all been a dream, admitting to himself that he might as well accept it; nothing had ever happened like he hoped it would, so why should this be any different? However he still wasn't sure whether he could trust Ansem's words or not. The dark-skinned man had obviously visited for his own benefit, timely though his arrival may have been. Who was he anyway? Riku had never been very familiar with the Planes of Oblivion, but he knew a little bit about the Daedra. Most of the Daedric Princes had cults, and some had frequent dealings with the mortal plane. Could Ansem be one of these demons, sent from another plane to interfere with him? Or was he a human with magical capabilities beyond any Riku had ever heard of? And why, above all, was he taking such a great interest in the Second Heir of House Turrianus? There was really no reason Riku could see for the stranger's actions unless…

…Unless he had been telling the truth, and Riku was 'dragonborn'.

Whatever that meant.

Something about destiny, and an inner power, and dragons.

…And if Ansem had been telling the truth, then the black dragon had attacked because of him. Riku didn't know what to think of this particular bit of information. He could only hope that the creature couldn't sense his presence and track him down.

The afternoon sun touched his back gently, unlike what he was used to in Cyrodiil. He felt that he could get used to this kind of weather- a little chillier than he was used to, but the wind wasn't so bad now, blowing his long silver locks of hair gently across his face. He sat there for a time, enjoying the feel of them kissing his cheeks and nose. He later learned that this was only one side of the weather that characterized the northern province; Skyrim's winters were harsh and biting, and travelers of that season gained a new respect for the hardy Nords who made a living in the tundra year after year.

"Hey, boy!"

Riku turned to see a man there upon a wooden horse-drawn cart, not unlike the one he had ridden into Helgen. He stood and nodded, returning the greeting.

"You want a lift?" the man inquired easily. "I'm going up the road to Whiterun if you want to get off your feet."

Whiterun? He vaguely recognized the name from a map of Skyrim he'd taken from his father's library. From what he remembered, it was one of the larger cities, and though he had not originally planned to stop there, he had no idea where he was now. Ansem had just left him out here – on 'the doorstep of his destiny'. Crazed loon.

"Sure," Riku answered as he walked over. "Thanks."

"Don't mention it," came the reply. "Climb in back and we'll be off."

The lad did as he was told and the cart began to move at a lazy trot down the road. Here the terrain was mostly flat, save for a few hills. It was a huge bowl of tundra grassland bordered by snow-capped mountains as far as Riku could see. As they came over a small hill, the shape of a city was revealed standing alone and proud, like a tall rock jutting out of a lake. The settlement seemed to be built on a hill of sorts, for the roofs of the houses climbed steadily upward until they gave way to a huge hall.

The driver's eyes lit with fond recognition as he saw the city. "Ah, there it is. See how Dragonsreach stands above the plain so? Ever since I was a boy entering the city for the first time I've gazed upon its glory, like a mountain tall and sturdy, and never have I lost the wonder that struck me then."

"It is impressive," Riku admitted, eyes fixed on the fortress. Wholly different from the Imperial City, and yet beautiful in its own way, the magnitude of it was indeed awe-inspiring. Later he was able to get a better look at the hall as he toured the city. Built like the Nordic houses he had seen in Helgen, it was as if many buildings were stacked and joined upon the huge stone foundation and melded into one. Great pine trunks gave support to the high gabled roofs, and the smooth clay walls were framed and subdivided by wooden planks. Narrow windows were set in the walls, more to let light in than to serve as viewports. The caps of the shingled roofs were adorned with repeating triangles, and carved dragons' heads reared up from the ends. Ever afterwards Riku would always consider the fortress of Dragonsreach to be the jewel of Nordic architecture.

As they approached the city he could make it out in greater detail. Stone walls surrounded it, walls that looked to have endured the toll of many years and many assaults. Watchtowers were placed along its length, some more ruined than others. Several farms were laid out around the city, marked by windmills and small farmhouses, along with a stable built beside the road leading to the gate. The river that he had sat by flowed past, joined by a smaller stream that ran through a culvert from inside the city.

"Ever been here before, lad?" the man asked, looking back at his passenger. As he saw Riku's head shaking, he continued "You should ask one of the guards to give you a tour. They'd be glad for the change in their rounds. I'd do it myself, but I've got business with the stablemaster. Wants me to deliver a horse to Helgen."

Helgen! Riku remembered the rain of fireballs from that morning, and how easily the houses had burned to the ground. He felt suddenly sick as he realized that he might have been the only survivor of the dragon attack. Willing his voice to remain calm and steady, he addressed the driver, choosing his words carefully. "I came from Helgen this morning. I barely escaped with my life." As the driver turned about to frown in confusion, the lad forestalled the question he saw forming on the man's lips. "Helgen was attacked… by a dragon."

"A dragon?!" The driver gazed at him shrewdly, analyzing, unbelieving. "Don't play games, lad."

"It's true. I saw it all," he said, closing his eyes, bile rising in his throat as the memories returned to him as vivid as when he had lived them. "The houses burning, the men being- ..carried away. Quick as thought, gone."

SNAP! -leaving only his sword, clattering on the cobblestones.

After a pause the driver slowly nodded. "I would never believe your story, lad, but I know the look in your eyes. I've heard many lies and many truths in my time. But a dragon-" He stopped himself, running a hand through his messy hair. "A dragon attacking Helgen… Talos preserve us." Then, quietly "Did anyone else make it out?"

"…I don't know. The whole village was in flames." If he hadn't left Cyrodiil, the dragon wouldn't have attacked. He was the cause of it. He had lured it there somehow.

There was a long silence following. As they approached the stables the driver spoke again in a heavy, grim voice. "The Jarl must be told of this. You need to take him this news. The entire hold could be in danger now."

Riku nodded and composed himself, assuming the dignity of his heritage once again as a mask. He would warn them. Setting his jaw, he jumped lightly off of the high cart as it rolled to a stop before the stables and set off up the road to the gate.

Sigh.

Another long afternoon. An especially boring afternoon. Farengar had decided to spend this particular day enchanting, which meant that he was on standby duty. Keeping track of the supplies and taking care of any visitors or customers.

He glanced sidelong at the neat row of soul gems on the table beside him, their violet and rose colored facets gleaming up at him. A copy of A Catalogue of Armor Enchantments lay beside the gems, and he briefly considered flipping through its contents for the sake of his sanity.

"Sora, the common soul gem, if you would."

Before Farengar had even finished speaking, his apprentice was already reaching for the desired item. He got up and crossed the room to where the wizard was bent over the Enchanter, a pentagonal table inscribed with symbols of magical significance. The man absently took the gem from Sora's outstretched palm and began muttering incantations, which left the boy free to resume his post at the table. If only something would happen; the Jarl asking for a favor, Irileth checking in on them – heck, he would even welcome Nelkir's interruptions today. Maybe. The Jarl's youngest son and Sora had never gotten along.

The boy heaved another long sigh, but as frustrated as he was he remembered to keep quiet; Farengar had a fairly quick temper, and the easiest way to incur it was to break his concentration. He had thought that being apprentice to the Court Wizard would be a little more… exiting. But after two years of study, he had learned more about healing magic from the Priestesses of Kynareth than from Farengar, and the wizard had yet to teach him a single attack spell. Not that this hindered Sora; his master was absent-minded, and often forgot to lock the cabinet where he kept his spellbooks. The problem with this was that it was hard to practice flame spells in secret without burning something, and the wizard was convinced that his apprentice should be restricted to simple wards, alteration, and everyday-use spells for the first three years of his studies.

Holding back yet another sigh, Sora got up from his chair and meandered over to the doorway which looked into the Great Hall of the palace. The hall looked bigger on the inside than it did from the city. The space extended all the way up the shingled roof, which was supported by arched ribs like the skeleton of a ship. Tapestries hung on the stone walls, and two balconies ran on either side supported by carved and painted columns. Anyone entering would be greeted with a foyer that served as a waiting area for those seeking audience with the Jarl before climbing up a wide flight of steps onto the main terrace. Two long tables that could seat a third of Whiterun together were placed before the balconies, leaving a center aisle that led straight up to a dais against the back wall.

There sat Jarl Balgruuf the Greater, Ruler of Whiterun Hold, upon his gilded wooden throne, speaking (or arguing) with his steward, Proventus Avenicci. He could hear their tones rising and falling, as 'discreet' as the steward attempted to be. Sora snorted in amusement. Proventus thought too much of himself, and his influence with the Jarl. Looking on with the same stern expression that she had worn for years was Irileth, the ever-suspicious bodyguard. She, at least, was interesting, despite her routine 'inspections' of the palace and continual frown; she was a Dark Elf, hailing from Morrowind, and had apparently fought many battles beside Balgruuf in their younger days. Sora decided he liked her, although she had nearly caught him several times practicing magic in the basement.

The distinctive clanking groan of the hall doors opening drew Sora's attention, and he turned his head lazily to the terrace steps to see the newcomer. And his eyes flew open in surprise.

The stranger was a boy, who had to be eighteen or nineteen, a year older and almost a foot taller than himself. His long silver hair was disheveled and tangled, and his garments were torn and mudstained, and even burnt-looking in some places, the remains of what once could have been a fine-quality travel outfit. The stranger slowed to a halt and gazed in wonder at the hall, drinking in the splendor, until his eyes fell on Sora. Turquoise green eyes that pierced the very soul, keen and deep. Their gaze remained locked like this until, after a few seconds, the newcomer blinked and turned away, directing his entrancing eyes purposefully towards the Jarl's throne. Sora gazed after him, and realized with surprise that his mouth was hanging open. He snapped it shut, slightly embarrassed, and shook his head vigorously to clear it. That had been weird.

Irileth had just noticed the stranger as well, and walked towards him with drawn sword, narrowing her suspicious gaze. Sora moved into the hall and stood by one of the columns supporting the balcony so as to better hear the conversation.

"What is the meaning of this interruption? Jarl Balgruuf is not receiving visitors."

The boy stood a little straighter, undeterred and dignified. "I must speak with the Jarl. I have urgent news. The Hold is in danger."

The bodyguard glared at him. "And who, exactly, are you?"

"Riku Turrianus, of the Imperial City."

A native Imperial boy? In Whiterun?

Irileth seemed at a loss as well. "Very well," she said at last, lowering her blade. "If you have news of a threat, that is reason enough. You may approach."

Sora watched with growing interest as they made their way up the center of the hall to where the Jarl was still arguing with his steward. He couldn't help but snicker a bit as he heard the Jarl's almost grateful "Proventus, we have a visitor." Balgruuf turned to the newcomer – Riku, was it? – with keen eyes, analyzing the boy who stood before him. After a moment the man spoke in the Nord accent that Sora had somehow avoided acquiring. "Well met, traveler. What errand brought you here, past the guards and Irileth's questions, into my presence? Speak."

"Jarl Balgruuf," Riku began, bowing in respect, "I bring terrible news. You all may be in grave danger. This morning a black dragon attacked Helgen."

"You saw this dragon with your own eyes, then?"

"Yes. I escaped quickly, but… I doubt that there is anything left standing."

"By the gods!" the dark elf muttered.

"You aren't the first messenger to come to the palace with a strange tale, lad." Balgruuf sighed heavily. "I wasn't sure what to think at first, but your tale changes things."

Sora himself was dumfounded as well; this was the first he had heard of the dragon, and if the beast had the power to destroy an entire village- How could they fight such a threat?

"Sora!"

The boy whirled to see an angry Farengar bearing down on him. "Why do I have an apprentice assisting me with my enchantments if he isn't present when I need his help?"

Sora gulped nervously. "I- I, um-"

"Presence, Sora, presence of mind! Stay focused on the task! This is why you have trouble with the wards and illusions; you forget to concentrate!"

There's a big difference between a calming spell and sitting in a chair for two hours, the boy thought to himself, wise enough to keep such comments from escaping his lips.

The man gave a sigh that sounded like a mix of frustration, defeat, and acceptance. This wasn't the first time his assistant had been distracted from his duties. "Fortunately, there was no harm done. But if this ever happens again-"

"Farengar!"

Jarl Balgruuf was approaching them with the silver-haired boy in tow. Sora's gaze met Riku's again, and he looked away again quickly, not wanting the boy to think he was staring.

"I think I've found someone who can help you with your dragon project," the Jarl said indicating the youth, who bowed his head in respect and acknowledgement.

"Oh? He seems a bit young for that kind of work," the wizard remarked blatantly, eying Riku up and down.

"That may be, but he has passed through a dragon attack unharmed, and knows his way around a blade."

"Indeed?" Farengar was suddenly far more interested than before, and let his admiration show briefly on his face before replacing it with his customary sardonic expression. "In that case, I'll have a chat with him about the job."

"Good then, I'll take my leave." Balgruuf turned to walk back to his dais.

"So, you're to help with my research then?" Farengar asked.

"I suppose so. I'm Riku Turrianus."

"Farengar, Court Wizard to Jarl Balgruuf, and this is my apprentice Sora," the mage said absently. "Now then; I am doing research into the dragons and their history as a sort of pet project. You confirm the rumors that have been going around, so it appears my work may bear great significance. First things first though – what can you tell me of this 'dragon attack'?"

"…It was unlike anything I'd heard of." The boy's silver eyebrows were drawn together in a frown as he spoke, remembering. "The dragon came out of nowhere – like a black bird as big as a house. When it roared, fireballs rained from the clouds, and it set the town ablaze with its breath. It was strong enough to destroy the stone tower in one pass… I escaped before I could see much more."

Sora's eyes were wide with disbelief. A beast that had the power to level an entire village… what chance did Whiterun stand, then?

Farengar seemed less impressed. "Yes, the strength and abilities of the dragons were quite terrible, according to the legends. The voice of a dragon is its greatest weapon. But you were unable to learn anything beyond that?"

"I- I don't understand."

"Well, no matter. I expected as much." The wizard straightened and gestured to his quarters. "Let's move to my office."

When they were seated at the desk, Riku facing the other two, Farengar laid out a map of the hold on the surface.

"Forgive me if I seemed a little doubtful of your qualifications, Riku. I need you to fetch something for me." The wizard watched the boy intently from under his hood as he continued "And when I say fetch, I really mean delve into a dangerous ruin in search of an ancient stone tablet that may or may not actually be there."

Riku didn't bat an eyelash. "That doesn't sound too difficult. What does this have to do with the dragon?"

"Ah, a thinker – perhaps even a scholar. Well, rumors of dragons began to circulate long before this attack. And instead of dismissing them as nonsense just because they fell outside of my experience, I began to search for information. Where had they gone all those years ago? Could they indeed return? This tablet – the "Dragonstone" – is supposed to be a map of dragon burial sites."

Sora felt a little cheated. He hadn't even known that his master was involved in such research. Must be something too important for me to know, he thought, again cursing Farengar's concept of an apprentice. He glanced over at Riku to see the boy lost in thought, his face veiling his emotions. After a pause, the sea-green eyes met Farengar's gaze. "Fair enough. Where am I headed?"

The mage pointed to the map. "Bleak Falls Barrow. The tablet will no doubt be buried in the main chamber. "

"Can I go with you?"

Sora snapped his mouth shut as soon as the words left his mouth, blushing quickly. He hadn't meant to say it at all, and wasn't sure how the sentence had left his lips at all; it was almost completely involuntary.

"Hmm…" To his surprise, Farengar was actually rubbing his hand on his chin thoughtfully. "I don't see why not. You could use the experience, Sora, and two heads are better than one. And it would mean getting you out of my hair for a while, so why not? Unless Riku here minds…?"

To Sora's intense relief and excitement the latter shook his head and gave a small encouraging smirk. YES! He says YES! It was all he could do not to jump out of his seat and shout in his joy.

"Well then, you must be tired and hungry," the mage said to Riku, showing an uncharacteristic thoughtfulness. "Go talk to the steward and ask him about a meal. You two should prepare yourselves to start early tomorrow morning."

Sora could hardly wait.

Author's Note: Aaaah! Sora is so fun! And so is Farengar, actually. So sarcastic and cynical. More to come, including... Bleak Falls Barrow! Which will be brilliantly re-imagined so as to not bore the Skyrim-players to tears! Again, a huge THANK YOU for reading!

Thoughts, comments, questions, concerns? Grammatical or spelling mistakes? Please let me know what you think, even if it's not critical! Review! (they make my day) :D