The night air was crisp but it did nothing to settle Astaria's nerves. She couldn't place it, it was just a feeling deep in her chest, telling her that something was going to happen, something that would change things.
Shrugging it off, she hurried as fast as she dared so as she could still keep an eye on the road, her sword still drawn. This was technically neutral territory, but it wouldn't stop Imperials attacking her on the road if they found her.
Astaria almost breathed a sigh of relief when Whiterun came into view, she knew that relative safety was in those walls, Stormcloak or not. Although, hopefully, she wouldn't be staying long, it was still a small comfort.
As she approached the gates through the farms, she saw a small group taking down a giant. It crashed to the ground with a heavy thud before one of the men embedded his sword into it's skull. She watched as much as she dared, it was no easy feat to take down a giant and she did not want to get on the wrong side of people that made it look so easy. She saw one of them look her way and increased her pace.
Reaching the gates, she hurriedly sheathed her sword. One of the guards approached, looking nervous and wary. It didn't bode well.
"Halt. The city is closed with dragons about."
Astaria swallowed, finding her voice. "I have a message for the Jarl of Whiterun from Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak of Windhelm."
For a moment, she thought that the guard would not let her in but he nods slowly. "Alright, but we'll be watching you."
Ignoring the continuous foreboding feeling in her chest, Astaria ignored his comment and entered the city. The streets were quiet, many having already called in for the night.
As she walked through the streets, she could feel herself being watched. The guards were all nervous. The news of the dragon had no doubt rattled everyone, Astaria being no exception, but she had a job to do and she was going to be damned if some dragon was going to stop her doing it.
She reached Dragonsreach and the guards let her inside without question. It was warm inside and she was glad to see that the Jarl was still up and in deep conversation with his advisor.
As Astaria approached, a Dunmer woman drew her sword and approached cautiously. Astaria found her own hand grasp the hilt of her sword, ready for trouble.
"What' the meaning of this? The guards were specifically given orders to not let anyone in. Explain yourself."
Astaria stood as tall as she could. "I have a message from Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak for Jarl Balgruuf. I also bear news of the dragon attack on Helgen."
The Dunmer woman stared at her for a moment, considering her words before nodding. "You better come right away."
Jarl Balgruuf looked up as the Dunmer and Astaria approached him. "What's this then?"
Astaria bowed politely. "I come with a message from Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak."
Balgruuf frowns, his blue eyes watching her intently. "And?"
Astaria draws the axe from her belt and steps forward. "He asked me to deliver this axe to you."
She felt the tension in the room increase and an eerie silence befall everyone, as if holding their breathes for the Jarl's reaction.
Balgruuf stared at the axe in her hands. "Did he now?" He shakes his head and gives a quiet laugh. "The man is persistent, I'll give him that." He takes the axe and looks at her seriously. "But while dragons lurk on my borders, his answer will have to wait."
Astaria bites the inside of her lip, holding back her response.
"You do realise he took a great a risk sending you here, especially alone." He continued. "After all, this is ultimately a threat."
"That would depend on how you look at it." She couldn't help herself this time. "It can also be an offer of alliance."
He stares at her unblinkingly, before choosing to ignore her statement. "You also said that you had news of the dragon?"
Offended but not stupid, she swallowed her anger. "Yes. The dragon attacked Helgen and was last seen heading this way. I was asked by Gerdur of Riverwood for aid as they are defenceless if a dragon attacks."
"So Irileth was right." He looks at the Dunmer. "Irileth, get troops to Riverwood at once."
The man standing on Balgruuf's right started to protest.
"Enough!" Balgruuf said angrily. "I will not just sit by as a dragon attacks my cities and slaughters my people." He looks at Irileth, who nods and hastily leaves.
His attention turns back to Astaria, who was trying her best not to look impatient.
"Seeing as you must wait for my response anyway, perhaps there is something that you can do for me."
"Sir, I really think that such a decision-" She started.
"Unless you wish to serve the time in prison?"
Astaria snapped her mouth shut but did not bother to hold the look of fury back from her eyes. The nerve of it all.
The Jarl gave a small smirk and stood, heading towards a room on the side. Astaria followed, her hands clenched.
"Farengar, I believe I have found someone who can help with your dragon project."
Astaria stared at the hooded Nord before her and could feel the small trickle of magic in the air. Balgruuf leaves her there and she silently curses the man while being left under the scrutiny of the hooded man in front of her.
"Hmm, yes, well, I could use someone to retrieve something for me, although whether someone like you would be up to the task is another-"
"Alright. Where am I going and what am I fetching?" Astaria snapped, knowing full well the meaning behind his words.
He raises an eyebrow. "Straight to the point eh? I like that. I need you to go to Bleak Falls Barrow, where, hopefully, you will find an ancient stone tablet. This tablet should provide us information on the dragons."
Astaria gives a short huff of impatience before drawing in a deep breath and letting it out slowly. "Very well. I shall return when I have retrieved this stone tablet."
She turns on her heel and walks out, Farengar tries to talk after her but she ignores him and welcomes the cool night air as it hits her face.
This was going to be no easy task.
Hurrying back to Riverwood, Astaria hoped that at least one of them would be awake in the house. She was going to have to give a message to Ralof that she was going to be delayed, she looked up at the barrow as she approached the town and swallowed, and why.
She knocked on the door, slightly out of breath. To her relief, Gerdur answered.
"Astaria?" she asked quietly. "What are you doing back here?"
"I need you to pass a message to Ralof for me." She whispered. "I've been delayed-"
There was movement inside and Ralof appeared behind his sister. "What's wrong?"
"The Jarl is being difficult. He has refused to respond until this dragon problem is dealt with." Astaria breathed deeply. "I've been enlisted to help them, lest I wind up in the gallows for bringing a threat. The sooner I deal with this the quicker I can get an answer out of him but I do not know how long this is going to take."
Ralof looked outraged. "He can't do that, this is practically calling for war!"
Astaria shook her head. "No. He cares for his people. He simply wants to deal with one problem at a time." She frowns. "I don't like the man, but he has that going for him."
"And what exactly has he got you doing?" Ralof hissed angrily. Shutting the door so as those inside would not be disturbed. Gerdur looked just as angry.
Astaria licked her lips, suddenly remembering the looks of the two men earlier. "I need to go into Bleak Falls Barrow to retrieve something that may or may not be there."
They both stared at her.
"Astaria," Ralof's voice was deathly quiet. "That place is dangerous. He cannot expect you to walk in on your own-"
Astaria was shaking her head. "I must. I will move quicker on my own and, gods be with me, more quietly. Hopefully I can get through without too much trouble."
"I won't allow it. I can't allow it. It's-"
Astaria gave him a dark look. "You need to get back to Windhelm and report to Ulfric what we found at Helgen. The duty of reporting Balgruuf's answer back has fallen to me, therefore I shoulder all responsibility that comes with it. Dangerous or not, I am still a soldier and must do my duty."
"This is above and beyond your duty Astaria." Gerdur says gently. "This is the Jarl using you."
She nods. "I am aware."
Ralof hesitates. "At least rest up the night. We have travelled a fair way, you-"
"No. This must be done now." She looks at him. "I will be alright. You just have a safe trip back to Windhelm." She starts to walk away.
"Astaria." Ralof gently grabs her arm.
Astaria stops but does not look back.
He hesitates. "Just wait a moment." He lets go of her arm and hurries back inside, Gerdur stares at her worriedly. He returns with a small pack and a bow and some arrows. "At least take these with you, the pack has some food, water and potions."
He hands them to her and she takes them gratefully, slinging the pack over one shoulder and the arrows over the other. "Thankyou Ralof."
"Stay safe Astaria."