Faelyn was able to catch up with Sorian fairly easily even with the slight delay when leaving the carriage. She had sent Fen back to Oblivion, not many mages would be able to recognise the deep red swirls and pattern on his fur but it was best not to keep a daedric wolf out for too long. She was jogging with the satchel in hand when she spied Sorian leaning against a tree waiting for her.

As she jogged past, Sorian turned and kept pace, both knowing that the best thing to do would be to get as far away from the Imperial army as fast as possible. Nudging her shoulder as he passed her made Faelyn laugh and increased her speed. Neither would have to worry about leaving any tracks, so it was just a case of them running for as long and as fast as they could.

They didn't take a break until the sun had started it's slow decent for the night. By this stage, they were far enough away from Helgen for them to relax a little. Walking beside each other Sorian decided it was time to strike up a conversation.

"Think it was a good idea to insult those guys back there Fae? They could easily make our lives in Skyrim more difficult if they chose to."

Smirking Faelyn gave her brother a side ways glance "They could certainly try; it would make things slightly more interesting. They would need to catch us for long enough though."

"I don't know about you, but I for one would rather not be ambushed every other week, whether it was aimed at me or not!"

"You're just annoyed that someone other than me was able to get something over you. If you're that worried you can take first watch tonight. It's going to take a little longer getting home it seems."

"A little longer?! Fae it's going to take over a week! We now need to head up towards Windhelm, turn off for Whiterun and then head south to Falkreath! I wanted to sleep in my own bed tonight!" Sorian grumbled as he glared at Faelyn's laughing figure.

"Oh, come on! Think of it as an adventure! Well, a lengthened adventure."

Sorian continued to mutter to himself but the conversation was ended as they neared the alchemist's hut. He leaned against the wooden door frame as Faelyn entered to collect the alchemy ingredients that were growing and stored in the shelves. A quick debate on whether to stay here or continue forward was had before it was decided that they would head on to Ivarstead and stay there for the night. Sorian really was a drama queen when he wanted to be. Truthfully though Faelyn was relieved with the decision, she was looking forward to bathing in the lake and ridding herself of the grime that had built up on her skin from the ambush.

Faelyn left her brother at the inn, regaling the local bard with stories of adventure in attempts to get her into his bed for the night or at least a few free ales. Clutching her small satchel, she walked along the bank of the lake looking for the best spot to settle down. Moving further from the town along the south bank she found a spot where she would be able to place her things on a boulder that was big enough to give her some form of privacy, not that she really cared. Faelyn was not shy about her body.

Leaning against the boulder she removed her feet from the dark leather boots and peeled the leggings from her toned legs. Placing her boots at the bottom of the boulder she proceeded to unclasp her cloak and pull her deep green tunic over her head. With a relieved sigh she undid her breast binding and took in a large relaxed breath. Quickly moving to her satchel, she rummaged around until she found the small pouch containing soap. Faelyn then quickly washed her clothes before laying them flat out against the rock to at least air them a little while she entered the lake.

Slowly stepping into the cool water until she was waist deep Faelyn reveled in the temperature. What most people didn't know is that those with strong mana usually had a higher temperature because of it and for that reason, she loved anything cold. The moon was bright enough in the sky that she was able to see her reflection in the water. Red untameable hair was coming out of the bun at the top of her head. Her nose was straight and small enough that it still matched with her high cheekbones. She had, what others had called, an alluring beauty about her but it was her eyes that set her apart. They were the colour of liquid gold and protected by beautiful long lashes.

Using the snowberry soap, she still carried she proceeded to clean herself until she was sure that she would squeak with every movement. Loosening the clasp from her hair Fae lowered herself into the water until she was fully submerged. Opening her eyes, she watched a glint of silver dart across her vision to indicate the movement of the small fish. Pushing herself up she emerged and washed her hair before throwing the soap in the direction of her satchel. Submerging her body again she decided she had time for a little swim.

Swimming was the one thing that would always calm her. If she didn't shrivel up like a prune, she could happily stay in the water forever. With that thought, she let out a little laugh, the water deforming the sound as the air bubbles released. It was when her head bobbed up to the surface that she realised that she wasn't alone. Standing where she left her belongings was the silhouette of a man. Silently moving in the water, she watched as he bent to examine her satchel, only for him to jump back when she spoke.

"You know in most places it's considered rude to go through someone else's belongings."

As the figure turned the clouds chose that time to block the moon, obscuring his features from her view.

"In most places, many would consider it unwise to go swimming unarmed at night," the man argued as he crossed his arms across his chest in what was clearly an attempt to change the subject.

Laughing Faelyn casually waded in the water as she responded, "If you think I am unarmed then you are sorely mistaken." Observing the stranger, she noted that the man was wearing dark loose trousers, boots and a white flannel shirt. He was tall, definitely taller than her and she appreciated the muscles of his forearm and could only imagine what other treats she could find on his body. As the clouds slowly moved across the sky, she realised that although his clothes were clean, he himself was in need of a bath. Looking up at his face she could make out a smirk on his face before it was covered in shadow again. Damn clouds!

"Indeed. You could be distracting me with small talk while you conjure a dagger."

Faelyn's features morphed into a frown. She did not know this man and yet he knew she could conjure weapons. She did not like that. There was something about his deep voice and accent, she recognised it but couldn't place how she knew it.

"Why a dagger? A bow would be much easier at dispatching you from this distance and I would never need to leave the water."

Her eyes glinted in delight as she watched him tense as if just realising that although he had caught her unaware, he was in far more danger then she would ever be.

It was then that the clouds decided they had caused enough trouble and moved further from the moon. Thus, allowing Faelyn the first look of the man in front of her.

Ulfric.