I own nothing
Irnskar never been so glad for a feast to end. After that story it seemed like every male in the room was staring at Hilda in that beautiful dress.
After the Jorunn stood up and gave one final toast before leaving the remaining guests to continue eating. He led his table to a sitting room way from prying eyes. Once everyone was sitting down he looked at Hilda and said "Now lass, can you tell us your tale. It would seem like it must be tragic to wait."
Hilda looked down and nodded before speaking, this time her monotone had a hint of sadness in it, "Yes it is. Just do not say I did not warn you. My first memory is waking up in a dark damp cell dressed in rough rags. I remember hearing people running, other cell doors opening, people talking about escaping. It was the leader of the escape attempt that freed me. Before telling me where I am." Hilda took a deep breath before speaking "I was in Coldharbor and I was dead.
Irnskar couldn't believe what he was hearing "Dead? You were in Coldharbor? What, how? How did you get there?" Just like everyone Irnskar had of Coldharbor, the evil realm of Molag Bal the Daedric Prince of Domination and Enslavement. That she escaped it nothing short of a miracle, a blessing from the Divines.
Hilda shrugged as if unaffected "I cannot remember myself but from what I was told I was taken by the Worm King Mannimarco and sacrificed to Molag Bal, probably to bring forth one of those wretched anchors or just to give him more power who can say. Everything that I was before is gone, whipped from my mind as my soul was absorbed by the Prince. The leader I mentioned previously and I rescued a Moth Priest that has read a prophecy in an Elder Scrolls about someone soulless defeating Molag Bal. The leader had to take his place so he and I could return to Nirn, before we left the Moth Priest summoned a Skyshard to take the place of my stolen soul so I could return. Later I rescued the nord woman as she rescued me and she then gave me the name Hilda, for battle. She has become like a big sister to me, she still sends me letter when possible. She is a good friend."
Hilda was quiet for a bit before saying "And that is my true story. The rest I would imagine you have heard since I have been fished out of the sea. I am no glorious hero, I am just a broken shell of a nord girl with no idea who she really is. The only reason I am here in this plane is because of those Skyshards that are all over the place. When I absorb them they help strengthen my connection to Nirn, like they take the place of my soul. They can't really but it is enough for me to feel shadows of true emotion. Well except for anger, I feel that well enough. I am sorry to disappoint your expectations of me, I am sure more than a few rumors have been passed around about me." The girl looked down at the floor with an almost embarrassed look on her face.
The three listeners could not believe their ears. Irnskar could only stare at this shell of a woman, this hero he has heard so much about is actually literally soulless. But Irnskar could remember her showing some faint traces of emotion especially with the children or things she was interested in. He watched as the thane put a comforting hand on the girl's shoulder as the younger woman gave the Thane a faint smile that seemed lifeless. At that moment the possibility that she could be Asta made Irnskar want to find every single Worm Cultist and kill them for turning his Asta into this poor emotionless creature.
Mara cleared her throat and spoke "Nonsense child, everything you told us does not lower our esteem for you. If anything it raises it. The fact that you have done so much good despite having so much against you is nothing short of heroic. Knowing this, all those rumors about you does not even scratch the surface of your strength. You may not have a genuine soul but your heart is brave and kind. I am sure your-" Her voice cracked at this, the unspoken meaning behind her words getting to her "I am sure your mother would be very proud of you. You are everything a nord mother could hope for in a daughter."
The young woman actually blushed, faintly but still there, and hesitantly replied "I, thank you my lady. That truly means a lot to me, more than I can express. I am well aware that the chances of finding my family are slim yet I cannot help but hope." The young woman shook herself and finished the conversation "Well it is late, with your permission your majesty I wish to retire for the night. I have a long day ahead tomorrow."
The king chuckled "Of course child no need to be so formal. Pleasant dreams Hilda."
Hilda gave one final curtsy and bid the rest of the room good night. The others decided to retire as well. They needed some sleep to clear their head of all that has been reviled tonight.
None of them slept well that night, haunted by the past and what should have been.