The Blind Dragonborn

Chapter Two

The Journey to Windhelm

Skye laughed along with her family, hearing the story of where some of the thieves went for their jobs. Most of them tired to see who can give out the funniest story, and whoever got the most people laughing won a free drink from the Ragged Flagon. No one here was going to pass a free drink at all, so they all told their stories. She loved hearing all the ridiculous things they told to the guild, and there were a few she couldn't tell if they were real or some of them made up their tale. Either way, the stories were hilarious and she could not help, but laugh along side with the people she grew to care about.

When she got here, a handful of the member were not on board with her being here, especially since she's blind. Skye could remember the time when Sapphire commented on her disability, insulting her harshly. Skye could hear Mercer's way of keeping her from actually being a thief. Then there was Vex and her rude assumptions of her. Skye had nights where she cried herself to sleep. However, she kept pushing on, knowing that she had dealt much harder things before coming here in Riften. After proving herself to everyone here, Skye began to be part of the family they formed. Everyone started to realize that Skye wasn't worthless at all.

Skye was sitting next to Delvin and Vex, near the bar enjoying themselves a drink while they listened. Skye could feel her cheeks getting red whenever she drinks. Vex would say something about that had the blind woman blush more at it. The blind woman couldn't help that at all. Delvin tried to flirt with Vex only to be blocked with Skye's scolding for flirting on Vex. They spoke to each other, trying to find ways to keep the business going for the next five years or so. Vex and Skye had some good ideas while Delvin came up with some ritual for everyone to keep luck. Vex only scoffed at him for being so naïve. Skye shivered at the details he told them. She didn't want to repeat his methods at all. Skye shook her head at the crazy man, not knowing what to do with him. Brynjolf joined the party after some time, sitting near where Skye and Delvin. Everyone was having a good time that night.

Skye would sometimes drown out the noises only listening to Brynjolf's laugh. It was smooth and deep. It was something she enjoyed all the time and helped her get through some things. However, now his laugh was something different for her. It was soothing, but also haunting. Haunting because it was something she couldn't have for herself. She wished it wasn't both.

By the time everyone finished with their stories and the winner claimed their free drink, most of them headed back to where they sleep. Some went to the cistern and others went to the homes they bought in this city. Vex went off somewhere to keep away from the drunken Delvin that was flirting heavily with her. Not even Skye or Brynjolf could stop him. Skye stayed put, savoring her mead that she bought from the beginning of the night. She was not much a drinker; she could maybe handle two drinks at most. She refused to drink more than that. There was a time that she had so many drinks that she was so emotional about everything. The guild would not let that down and joke about it every now and then. Brynjolf was trying to keep Delvin in his chair as the older man kept leaning to the side. The master thief was getting a tad annoyed by the man's drunken clumsiness. For the most part, the place had quieten down after most of the members left. It was only the drunk thief talking nonsense to the bartender.

"So, how are everything with..." Delvin started out loudly then looked around himself. He leaned over the table, bringing his voice low. "...the dragonborn?" He whispered out. Brynjolf and Skye laughed at this then glanced around to make sure no one heard him. Skye relaxed once she knew that her secret was safe. The only two people she told here knew that she was the dragonborn were the ones sitting with her. She didn't want anyone in the guild to treat her any differently. And she knew that if her secret was out, then everyone that she loves will see her in a very different light. That alone made the young woman quiet about it. Besides, it's not like being a dragonborn was a big deal for her.

How these two found out was when she was on a job and brought them with her. One to give Delvin some sunlight with fresh air. Only the nine knew that the old man needed it. She also wanted Brynjolf to help her for look out. The place they were setting for was heavily guarded. If she were to do it alone, it would have been difficult. Everything was going fine, until a guard caught her sneaking out a window. That was the start of the chase. She let out a shout on instinct on the guards, which had the two thieves shell shocked for the rest of the week. She told them everything on how she found out she was the dragonborn and how she defeated Alduin in Sovngarde. Delvin drank non-stop and Brynjolf didn't know what he thought on the idea of Skye being the dragonborn. He couldn't wrap the idea around it. Skye a dragonborn, savor of Skyrim.

"You have to hear the story that Skye told me early this evening." Brynjolf started with a stern, but soothing tone. Delvin leaned in to listen to him carefully. "Someone tried to claim that she was the false dragonborn and attacked her on the way back to Riften." Delvin started laughing at this, knowing that the people had clearly been on skooma. The two followed suit, but Skye got the feeling where this conversation was going. She let out a cough to Brynojolf to let him know that she was not confrontable telling this to Delvin. Brynjolf ignored her and continued with the story of her two attackers that she told to him. Skye listen to his voice flowing to her ears, like honey. She felt hurt that he abruptly ignored her wishes like that. "This is the letter she looted from one of the attackers. They are from Solsthiem apparently and this Miraak person sent them to kill her." Delvin read over the letter, swaying in his chair. He let out a hum, deep in his thoughts. Skye swallowed a knot in her throat, knowing that if he disagrees, than she would not be able to stop whoever this stranger is. Nothing will get solved if she stays here.

"Solsthiem you say?" Delvin questioned after Brynjolf gave him the yellowish paper. It was torn on the corners and the black letter seemed to pop out in contrast of the paper. The older man blinked a few times to focus more. "I believe my brother lives over there. I wonder how he is doing?" Delvin sobered up at this eyeing down Skye. Even if she was blind, she always knew whenever Delvin was staring at her with his prieceing gaze. Most of the time she can feel someone's eyes gazing at her, depending on the person. For Brynjolf, she can never tell when he was looking at her while he talks or looking at something else. Vex on the other hand was easy to feel her glaring eyes. There was no in between with this sense. "I think you should go there. Find out who this Miraak person is." Skye perked up while Brynjolf stiffen at this. This was not how he was planning this conversation going.

"What?" Both Skye and Brynjolf said in unison.

Brynjolf didn't believe the man he was partnered with for years was suggesting that Skye, a blind woman, should go to such a place. Not saying that she's helpless, but even she knew that it would be foolish to go there. She never been to that island before, who knows what they have over there. The dangers she could bring herself had him take a big gulp of his drink. The burning feeling made him wince a bit, but he could care less about that at the moment. He didn't like how this person sounded from the letter and he worried what will happen when she goes to that island. Skye let out a smile at this, sticking her tongue out at Brynjolf.

A chuckled was sounded. "Wrong person, Skye." Delvin told her in a musing.

"Oh, sorry Delvin." Skye said with a giggle. Delvin shook his head at this with a small smile on his face. He took another sip out his ale, enjoying the numb feeling in his throat. He set the mug down as he swallowed slowly to savor the taste. That was when he noticed Brynjolf's glare at him. Green eyes dark with evil intent on Delvin's being. Delvin shook his head at him of knowing why the master thief was giving him such a look at all. The man should know that he will not have control over her. No one really has control over her in any sense. Skye did as she pleased and even the old man knew that she would not be able to rest if she didn't know what was going on and why they were happening. Curious by nature if he had to say to anyone.

"Don't give me that look, boy. She is a lot more capable then most of us here. If she wants to get this person than she should, she has every right to. It is a threat that needs to be dealt with immdeatatly." Delvin said taking another sip. "When you get there, look for my brother, Glover. He may be able to help you in stocking in needed supplies. Of course, don't expect to get them for free. And he could also help you hide if you need it over in that island." Skye nodded her head at this. They were silent for a moment, in thought. Skye was glad someone agreed with her.

"I will. And thanks Delvin." She replied to him. She took her last sip then stood up from her seat. Brynjolf eyed her getting up from her chair, watching how her grey hair fall from her shoulders. He could see the slight visible scars on the right side of the face. Her thick lips slightly open to take in a deep breath. He knew that she was tired by the way her eyes were dropping slowly. She moved a bit slower than normal as well. "I need to get some sleep so I can start heading to Windhelm by the evening. I'll see you guys tomorrow when I leave. Don't stay up too late guys." She said then walked away. Brynjolf was silent as he took a large gulp of his mug. Delvin smirked at him.

"You know, this is the time to tell her, you know." Brynjolf scoffed at Delvin. "I know you rejected her before, because you didn't feel the same at the time. Or maybe you were not ready to admit them." Brynjolf leaned back, stiff at this. Delvin knew what was wrong. "I know your feelings has changed since then, boy. I feel like she might take you with her if you tell her." The master thief stood up from his seat quickly after that, ignoring his friend. He swallowed a knot in his throat.

"I'm going to sleep. I have a long day ahead of me." He walked to the cistern, leaving Delvin to drink by himself. Delvin watched the master thief disappear with a sad smile on his face. The boy will be fine, everyone goes through a phase of confusion, but all of them managed to walk through it alright.


Skye was packing all she could in her bag when she got back home. Small hands placed the weapons she thought she might need when she get to the island. She wasn't sure what she might face on that land yet and she wanted to make sure she was prepare. Food and healing potions were stuffed in the bag. Her clothes are in there and she made sure to have some fur gear with her. Windhelm is a cold area, even when summer is around the corner. Plus, she wasn't sure how Solsthiem was going to be. Then her fingers brushed over the leathery fabric in her wardrobe and the bow placed next to it. There was hesitation on this decision. Should she bring this or not? She bit her bottom lip with while her thoughts spun. After the spur of the moment, the armor was piled in the bag along with the blade and bow that was given to her.

Her feet patted lightly on the wooden floor around her home, searching through everything for this trip. The crackling fire had her hum in satisfaction. She was not big on cold weather, but she loved this place too much to leave just because for the cold winds. Her memories brought her to the time where she was traveling away from her home, surviving in the woods from bandits, wild animals, and other weird things that lurked in the night. Then she heard a knock on her front door, causing her to be brought back to reality. It was light that was almost not heard, but she heard with having sensitive ears. She got up from the bed and went to the door. "Who is it?" She asked in a firm voice. She was met with silence for a while which had her raise a brow. Going on her fighting stance ready for anything to break through the door.

"It's me." Brynjolf answered beyond the door. His voice relaxed her body, shifting to stand straight. One brow was raised higher in confusion as to why he was here at her house at this time of night. She thought this over whether or not she should send him home to get some sleep, but then she got worried. What if he was in trouble? What if the guards were on his trail? She sighed at herself, knowing how ridiculous she was being, but her mind always ran straight to those situation. Skye opened the door, smiling at him. She moved to the side to let him in her home. Brynjolf slide past her easily, his footsteps light. "Make yourself at home." She told him. He sat himself at the chair in the dinnig room/kitchen. He watched her small form run around in her open room already noting the bag that was placed on the green covers. It was filled with clothes while there were a few weapons set right next to it. He even saw the light armor that was given to her. "So, you are really are going." He stated out with a heavy feeling setting on his shoulders. He could hear her pet wolves out on the porch sleeping, purring. The master thief leaned against the table, rubbing his face in stress. He needed to tell her. She had to hear it before she left. He didn't know when she will ever be back here from that island.

"What brings you here, Brynjolf?" Skye asked while searching for her gloves and her hide boots.

"There was something I needed to say to you before you leave." He paused at this. The master thief saw her pause in her search, turning her head so he can see her face. Pale eyes stared at nothing, shifting left to right in her confusion. "Are you needing some help when you get there? Another set of hand?" That was not what he was wanting to say, she knew. However, she didn't question it, knowing that he will say what he has in his mind eventually. He did all the time. Patience is the key for his secrets and worries. Skye thought about his question, wondering herself if she needed another pair of hands with her.

"I might actually hire a mercenary there. Maybe." She told with a sly smile on her face. "I will not be able to bring you along since you are needed here for the guild. If I bring Delvin, everyone in the guild will question my sanity. Or they might think I killed him. Also, if I bring anyone else, they will discover my secret of being the dragonborn. I don't want that happening." She explained to him. Everything went still between them. Brynjolf held his breath while thinking. Skye decided to turn to face him, stepping closer to him to encourage him. Brynjolf sighed finally, ready to talk.

"Don't go." He said. Just his voice alone had that night come rushing back into that room. Skye froze, memories of what happened then came back to her. That night of just tears and an ache that kept her up for days and nights. Skye fell to her bed while Brynjolf rushed over when seeing that shocked face. "Skye? Are you alright?" She shook her head at him, jearking away when she felt his hands on her shoulders.

"Do not do this to me!" She said sternly to him. Brynjolf closed his eyes at this. "You have no right to do this. Not after what you said to me." She stood up and began pacing. Brynjolf stayed crouched beside the bed watching her. There were tears in her white eyes, he could tell. Her nose was turning a slight red. Skye took a deep breath to keep herself from sobbing.

"I am sorry, lass." Skye stopped him from saying any more than that. Skye stopped her pacing, facing him. Her glare was hard, and she forced herself to not feel a damn thing. Brynjolf bowed his head at this, knowing that he shouldn't have been cruel to her. One of the regrets that he has.

"No." Skye then forced him up, and pushed him to the door. "Get out. I need to finish packing and get sleep." Brynjolf stuttered out anything for her to quit her pushing him, but she didn't listen to him. "Go, Brynjolf!" She shouted at him with a red face. He let out a sigh, then left the small house. Skye felt her lips tremble as she hugged herself. Her hands were shaking and the lump forming in her throat made it hard to breath. Her feet dragged her to the bed, her face landing first on the mattress. The rough fabric of the blanket had her wince a bit. She wanted these painful memories to be gone. She needed to get over him.

Brynjolf stood outside her house, scratching his head with frustration of himself. Green eyes were shut tightly as he thought over the situation. His breath blew out of his mouth while he turned away. He could only hear the words he ended up saying to her after that night. Brynjolf shook his head, knowing that he couldn't turn back time and change what had happened. He glanced behind him, seeing the shadow of her form moving again, getting ready for sleep. Leaning his head back, the master thief started to walk away from her home, just wondering a bit to clear his mind and his nerves. Let her cool down, he will see her in the morning. Brynjolf paused to look up at the sky. Yes, she will be fine in the morning, and in the mean time, he would have to try and support her decision.


She woke up early the next day. The feeling of her nose stuffed and her eyes swollen were signs that last night did happened. The heat coming through the window let the blind woman know that the sun was out. The fire was out not too long ago. It was fine with her, she was not going to be here for a while anyways. She might head over to the guild to have someone look after the house for her. With thought in mind, Skye grabbed everything for her trip and went out into Riften. It was still early in the morning, not everyone is open for the day. She was glad. Considering she was not much of a morning person, she rather have it quiet then have a lot of people shout in her ear as she walks by them. And after what happened last night, her mood was not in the best place for conversation. Light footsteps took their time on getting over to the guild spot, wanting to stall in meeting the master thief alone. The chances of talking to him alone were high, and she didn't want them to be high.

What right did he have to tell her not to go? She thought to herself. He rejected her. There was no going back to that. Skye wrapped her arms around herself, squeezing her hands on her arms to keep control. Tears doesn't solve problems. She chanted in her mind. Those were the last words her father told her before running away from that aweful place. Surprising as it was, those words were the only wise thing he ever said to her and her mother.

There were some gaurds walking around and early riser to get some errands done this morning. They were quiet as well, trying to wake up more before meeting anyone else in this city. There were also a few people, hangover from last night of drinking a ton of mead and ale. They would groan in pain while mumbling under their breath. Skye would have found it funny, if it weren't so early in the morning. She managed to get pass the forging area without the blacksmith noticing her. It seem that he was too busy with forging his weapons to notice her walk silently pass him. Thank the shadows that she was able to avoid talking to him. The temple of Mara was as quiet as ever, not one person making a sound in there. The people living in the temple don't usually get up till eight in the morning. But, she could hear the gaurds training in the yard next to the Jarl's castle. Swords slashing wood and hay, while the archers shot the arrows at their choosen targets. Skye walked over to the grave, her feet stomped on the dewy grass.

When she got to the fake tomb, she could feel someone was standing there waiting. A certain scent caught her nose, her luck running out this time. She felt that anger die down a bit, knowing that he was trying to mean well for her being, she guess. But she knew what she was doing, and he should trust her on that. "Brynjolf." She called out, unsure. The smooth laugh from him was endearing.

"Yes, lass." There was nothing else to say between them. She made her decision and he could not stop her no matter what. He wasn't sure what he could say to her. Good luck? Don't get yourself killed? Stay here? Brynjolf shook his head at this. "Don't worry about your house. I'll make sure it gets looked after while you're gone, however long that may be." Skye smiled at this, walking up to him to give him a hug. The ginger man followed up half way, wrapping his arms around her. Her small form let him know that she was not a full nord. Her other half of her race showed through her height. Brynjolf teased her about her height, but secretly loved that he towered her. There were times he was able to pick her up and drag her over to the thieves guild. Skye always punched his back, a little too hard, to get him to bring her down. There were other moments as well. Moments like this, where he enjoyed the way her arms wrapped themselves around him. He was able to lay his head above hers. Brynjolf took his time at moments like this. "Just keep yourself alive, Skye. We wouldn't want our dragonborn gone now." She laughed at this.

"I'll be safe, not to worry." She pulled away finally. "Wish me luck." She walked away from him.

She went to get both Winter and Midnight with her. She knew that this was going to be a very long journey for her and she really didn't want to be alone on this one. She hopes that whatever is going on would keep her alive. She has so much she wanted to do for her future.


The travel to Windwhelm wasn't so bad. Just fended off a few bears, wolves, and saber cats. Skye managed to sell some fur and items to the kajits that were moving to another city in Skyrim. She knew that she might need the extra coin when she gets to the island. When she reached to snow covered city, her body shivered at the cold. She paused to listen to her surrounding. There was moving water, and the smell of salt was in the air. The city of Windhelm always have this distanct smell of ale and mead roaming around in the air. The city was half filled with nords, which meant plenty of that stuff to go around and enough for the nights. When that certain scent filled her nose, she knew that she made it the city of Stormcloaks. She wondered when this ridiculous war will end. She hated one side as much as the other. There was really nothing to gain if someone choose one side or the other. A annoyed sound was pulled from those full lips, mind reeling on things that she wanted to change here in Skyrim. That will take some time for the people here.

Skye continued her walking, her feet crunching the snow below her. Midnight and Winter followed close behind the small woman, cautious at everything the surrounded them. Anyone that walked the trail kept their distance. They didn't want to be a meal to one of those wolves she owns. The two wolves had their own routine when they travel with Skye. One wolf stride on one of her side while the second wolf took the other. They always were on guard to keep Skye safe from any kind of danger.

The bridge to the gate was awkward for her. Everyone here knew who she is, being the champion dragonborn in Skyrim. Most of the time, someone would try to run her down and ask her about the tale on killing the World Eater. She honestly didn't care much about it. The black dragon was gone, no need for them to track her down to get the full story. They should be glad that it was all over now. Thankfully this time around, all the guards did was watch her walk instead of talking to her.

When the gates opened for her, the scent hit her nose like a wave. Not being much of a drinker had some disadvantages for her. Like the fact that, any scent of mead and ale had her dizzy with drunkenness. Skye wished at times like these that her a few of her scenes weren't as strong as they were. It seemed the city went quiet the moment she stopped. They watched the dragonborn silently walking over to the inn, carefully climbing the stairs leading up to it.

"Ah, it's the dragonborn." Someone shouted behind her, catching up to her. Skye wanted to groan, but bit her tongue. The man draped an arm around her shoulders. His breath was on her face causing her to cringe. The smell of mead was strong on his breath, like any other nord that lived here. "What brings you to the greatest city in Skyrim?" He questioned. The growling caught the man's attention behind the small woman. He stiffen at this, frighten at the sight of the two wolves snarling. Skye hide her grin.

Skye kept the two pets calm by putting a hand out to let them know that it was alright, that this man didn't bring harm to any of them, yet. She heard them starting to purr out. "Just passing through." She answered him, not going into details about it. The man obviously couldn't take a hint at her words. He gave her a look, of course she couldn't tell if his eyes were on her or not. Then made a sound of humming.

"Just passing through? Why is that?" His voice went curious about the trip she was about to take. Skye took hold the man's large hand and pulled it off of her. She gave him a sweet smile to let him no that there was no offense to him.

"It's personal business and I would like to keep it that way." The man hummed, displeased with that reply. However, he left her alone after that, going nowhere it seems. The man was surely drunk. She shook her head, wondering how she can a nord like them. It wasn't like she was completely in the nord bloodline. Only her father side had the Nordic blood. Skye had ordered Midnight and Winter to stay outside to keep the costumers and workers from panicking inside. They were fine. After going in the warm place, she got a room for the night to rest and come up a plan if luck didn't work on her side. She had to get to that island, one way or another. She manage to get a hold a meat to feed her wolves outside. "Just another adventure as the dragonborn. Hopefully, it will be the last time." She whispered to herself once she was settled in bed ready to go to sleep that night. Images of what this Miraak person could be like. Why was this stranger after her? She hasn't done anything to them. It annoyed her how some people can just attack for no reason behind it. That kind of thinking gets everyone killed in the end.

The bed she laid on wasn't not comfortable at all, leaving her sleep deprived when morning came. She could tell when it was morning by the sounds in the inn. She got herself ready and geared up for the travel. How will a boat feel, if one never been on it before? She thought to herself. She will find out if seems.