I had a blast with this one. They're finally moving forward. It's finally getting to the good stuff; there's some more plot being interwoven in here that I've been feigning to move in to. I hope everyone enjoys this update, as much as I enjoyed writing it!

Reviews are much appreciated.

- Razzella

|| Chapter Six ||

Skyrim © Bethesda

Faelynn, Arvakr © Razzella

"I hate her." I informed Alduin bluntly as I stalked into his throne room, arms crossed over my chest and what I hoped wasn't an insolent look plastered on my face. He was lazing in his throne with one leg tossed over the left arm and looking effectively amused with my sudden approach. Since I had agreed to become his mate so many months ago, he had taken to the form I preferred in my presence, and despite the curled horns protruding from his head and that unruly long hair, he was still very handsome. Not nearly as intimidating as staring into the eyes of a dragon every time I had something to say, that was for certain. Those red eyes I adored glowed for a moment and I almost smiled when his smirk pulled into a grin.

"And why is that, mal jud?" Suddenly anxiety filled me as I realized he was about to go into a fury, and I wondered if I should have let my emotions lead me to him this way. But then Krahnelkrils' words echoed in my head once more and I felt the anxiety give way to the pain and rage they had caused.

"You are but a passing fancy. We are eternal – you will only be favored for a short time before you are gone and he is mine again. The fault of being a pathetic little mortal." Even in dragons tongue with no real magic behind them, the words had burned like fire itself. I would almost have rather been burned then have that obvious flaw in our relationship pointed out. I was going to die in, what, maybe 200 years, if my mothers elven blood was more prominent than my fathers. Not to mention I'd grow old and frail and probably senile; there was no telling at what age I would be too unsightly for him. And he would carry on young and beautiful forever – with her. It was something neither of us could formulate a good solution to, and truthfully I opted not to think of it at all most days.

The words must have rang with too much clarity, because his expression immediately clouded over with what I recognized as rage. Of course he was angry – he was possessive and regal and I was his favorite toy for the moment. His approach didn't frighten me as it once had, though I was startled when his hand curled around my wrist and he tugged me alongside him, pulling me down the hallway I had just walked. I struggled to keep stride with him, but eventually we came to a small alcove that we had often slipped into like teenagers to coo over one another. It was a space forgotten and all ours; he pushed me into it until my back was pressed firmly against the wall and his lips found mine earnestly.

"She is a foolish, petty creature; pay her no mind." Alduins expression was uncharacteristically gentle as his fingers came up to brush my cheek softly.

"You are my sky, Faelynn."

I jerked awake and immediately felt my body heating in embarrassment, shaking the dream off with some force. Well. I rolled my shoulders, before stumbling to my feet and then semi-deliriously out of our little cabin in the woods, breathing in the cool morning air. I dared not look at the sleeping male for fear of seeing that look once more. Gentle. Soft. Sweet. Kind. I ran my fingers through my hair, huffing in mild amusement. None of those words would I ever use to describe him.

"Dragonborn." I stiffened as the world began to slow in a shade of blue, eyes scanning the area in search of who had spoken. "Have you truly forsaken your destiny?" A man stepped forward, horns curling from his head though he was painfully white. Glowing white, in fact, and I was forced to avert my gaze as he appeared.

"Are you as Miraak was before you – a traitor to your very purpose?" I glowered at the ground, unable to turn my disapproving expression on the male as he spoke. The light that enveloped him was blinding, and filling the area around us as though the sun itself had risen. It was obviously some kind of spell that I decided almost immediately I needed to learn – how useful it must be to blind ones enemy rather than charging in and relying purely on your own power. I could hear the ruffling of fallen leaves as he approached, and naturally began stepping backwards from this stranger. His intent was not clear, but he seemed to be rather irritated with me, and I was unwilling to test him.

"My purpose is whatever I decide." I retaliated softly, and the sound of footsteps ceased, making me glance towards the bright light for a moment. I could see the outline of a man, but that was about all. He had seemed to have horns as Alduin had had in my dream, but that was long gone in the abyss of white he was currently exuding.

"You are so like him." The words were so quiet I almost missed them, but then the light grew brighter and I was forced to close my eyes; it was only by the sudden darkness behind my eyelids that I realized his spell was gone and quickly began searching the area. The shade of blue had faded from the world around me and the bright man was gone, leaving the darkness disorienting as I settled down on the steps of the cabin. That was strange. The thought bounced around my head for a bit as I took in the morning air once more, glancing up at the sky and figuring the sun wouldn't rise for a long while yet. After a long debate as to whether or not I should make breakfast now or later – because, who am I kidding, strange things followed me like moths were drawn to flame, so why fret? – I ultimately just wandered back inside. Glancing at the still sleeping Alduin, I shook my head, feeling a small smile tilt my lips. How could he sleep through all that light? Surely it must have bothered him if it was outright blinding for me.

Settling back down in my makeshift bed, I stared at the dim embers of our former fire through one of the cracks in the wall, pulling at a loose thread on my sleeve. The air was chill, signaling the approach of much colder weather; I wondered if Alduins safe haven would be affected by that? Probably not, if it was a tear between dimensions, but would it affect our ability to get there? Possibly. This train of thought was with me until I dozed off once more.

"Alduin, stop." I spoke up from my place beside the ancient dragon, frowning anxiously. He was currently very much the beast I tended to forget he was, growling low in his throat at another dragon whose name I didn't know. His massive head swung around to face me and I took a step back to avoid collision, startled as he turned fully and began stalking towards me. He never tried to intimidate me now – not since we had bonded to one another and became mates.

"Is this what you prefer?" Suddenly I was aware I was dreaming, watching those piercing red eyes glow at me as I stumbled away, unable to contain my fear despite knowing I couldn't be hurt. "You prefer seeing me like this – angry, violent, frightening?" His roar echoed off the stone walls around us and the other dragon faded out of the dream entirely; suddenly it was just the two of us, me collapsing against a stone staircase and him towering over me as I stared at him, surprised.

"No! No, of course not!" My voice was shrill with panic as he huffed, looking irritated and amused all in one as he was suddenly surrounded in bright light, and against my better judgement I was forced to turn away. When the light faded I didn't immediately open my eyes, instead opting to just wait. It was a dream, and whatever happened he could not hurt me. I felt a hand – a very human hand, thank the Gods – brush my cheek gently and slowly turned my gaze back to him.

"Then why won't you see me as anything else, Faelynn?" Soft. Sweet. Alluring. His voice was quieter now, barely a whisper as he spoke and I almost hated him for it as his fingertips gently caressed my cheek. It was calming, and as much as I wanted to seethe at the dream version of him, when I met his gaze it was like all the snap drained out of my body. The expression on his face was so… vulnerable. I found my hand reaching up to grasp his gently, pausing his petting as I furrowed my brow in concern.

"I–I don't know." I stuttered out, though that wasn't entirely true. "You're just… you. You're the World Eater. The harbinger of the end times. I was supposed to kill you and be done with it – or you kill me, which is far more likely an outcome. That's how I ended up in this mess in the first place. You aren't supposed to be anything more to me than an obstacle." I rambled, watching his expression darken slowly. Not in anger, as I had expected, no, he just looked, well, almost sad.

"But then I had to go and meet you and suddenly everything's different," I was squeezing his hand, spilling my guts to the dream version of the man I was meant to kill. It couldn't hurt to be honest with him here; it was almost therapeutic to explain myself to the dark-haired man, who I hadn't really noticed looked nothing like what he did in the waking world. "You're not what I need you to be in order for me to hate you enough. I know I should. You've done awful, terrible things and I try to remind myself every day that you're probably the single most awful creature I've ever encountered but it just doesn't work. Not until you decide to drop the niceties and be a jerk, anyway." Alduin cracked a grin and it was then I realized he looked very different from my normal perception. He was ghostly pale – almost glowing in a very ethereal way – and his raven hair was longer, almost reaching his waist. The most apparent change, however, were the pair of onyx horns protruding from his head, curling backwards not unlike that of a ram. But those beautiful red eyes of his were just the same, shimmering with mirth as my hand slowly released his and reached up to run along one of his horns.

"You're always have to be so beautiful, don't you?" I muttered, scoffing slightly when his grin turned into a smug smirk, letting me run my fingers through his ebony locks without a word. My fingers traced the horns curling from his head lightly, following the movement of my hand rather than meet his gaze again.

"Even as a stupid man-eating dragon you're beautiful. It really isn't fair." I grumbled, feeling more than seeing the dream begin to tremble, as though I were going to wake up soon. I almost didn't want to. It was quiet and peaceful, with Alduin now sitting across from me, letting me run my fingers through his hair. The reality of our situation would come back soon, and I wasn't sure if I could face the man after having such… odd dreams of him. And yet, I would have to, wouldn't I?

"It's really too bad," I whispered, wondering why it was my companion hadn't responded. Well, it was probably because I had wanted the peace and quiet. It was my dream after all. I controlled what happened in it. "I was enjoying not arguing with you, for once."

The dream promptly faded away.

I blinked awake slowly, vaguely aware of the biting cold on my face as sunlight streamed in from the cracks in the walls, forcing me to rub the brightness away as I sat up. It wasn't quite freezing, but in comparison to being wrapped up in furs and hay, it was miserably cold; I felt a small frown pulling at my lips as I glanced around the cabin. Part of me wanted to roll over and go back to sleep, but after scanning the room once, my drowsiness faded completely.

Alduin was gone.

Scrambling to my feet, I let out a soft curse, feeling my heart leap. I should have been more cautious. Put up wards or tied him up or something. Why hadn't I thought to do any of that? Not bothering to strap on my armor, I stumbled out of the cabin, the wind blowing through the trees making me shudder as my tunic lifted up just enough to let the chill under my clothes. I wanted to scream at the realization that the world's most dangerous dragon was literally out and about unsupervised because I had decided to be an idiot. A huge idiot. Gods, I was so stupid. I ran my fingers through my unruly white locks, panic and dread settling into my chest as I scanned the tree line, looking for his aura. No, he was definitely gone; seeing as he could see me coming from a mile away thanks to my stupid soul chain, he could probably evade me for days if not weeks. Eventually I would catch him, naturally, but with Paarthurnax after me it was going to be twice as hard to find him, much less catch him without drawing any attention to myself.

"You seem distressed." A voice drawled behind me and I jumped, spinning on my heel as my dark-haired companion leaned against the cabin, a small grin tilting his lips. Relief flooded through me – along with, what was that, gratitude? – when I caught sight of the male, putting a hand over my chest as I breathed a sigh.

"Don't wander off like that." I chided half-heartedly, watching his eyes twinkle in amusement. "You're supposed to be my prisoner." I reminded him, trying to sound stern, but seeing as he could feel every emotion I was having, it just seemed to amuse him more.

"But I'm not really much of a prisoner, am I?" He mused, his normal grin shifting to a sweet smile and suddenly my dreams came flooding back and I stiffened in alarm. Oh. Oh no. I wanted to tell him not to look at me like that, but my mouth was dry and I could feel warmth spreading up the back of my neck. Flustered at my reaction, I clicked my tongue and rolled my eyes, stalking back into the cabin hurriedly to strap on my armor so we could head out. I ignored his mildly surprised expression as he watched me move passed him, trying to focus my thoughts on anything but my pleasant dreams and the star of them.

"So," I cleared my throat as I braided my hair thoughtfully. "We should probably continue on." I heard him hum in acknowledgement as I finished lacing up my boots and turned to pack up the remainder of our things before stalking back out of the cabin, casting him a sidelong glance. After a brief murmured conversation about our directions, we were off again, wandering through the wilderness in a seemingly random direction.

I tried to focus on anything but watching Alduin, but I couldn't help glancing his direction every so often. It was strange, having him so quiet and not coming up with something to fill the void between us. The silence was probably for the best, but it was deafening all the same. Part of me wanted to ask why it was he hadn't taken off like I assumed he had when I woke up; I knew if I asked I would be opening up a whole different can of worms. He probably wouldn't even answer me, he'd just deflect the question by asking me why I didn't lock him up at night. Which was a good and valid question, if I was going to be honest with myself. Most people would have him on a much shorter leash than the one I had him on; maybe I was being stupid by giving him as much trust as I was giving him. Maybe that was his whole reason for scaring me this morning – to show me he could go if he wanted and that he only stayed because that's what he decided to do.

I wanted to pull my hair out as these thoughts spun around in my head, letting out a small huff. Just ask him. I thought, trying to psyche myself up for a conversation that was, unfortunately, not coming out of my mouth. It's not like he would lie to me about it. He was a proud and conniving creature and if that was the message he wanted to get across, all I had to do to confirm was ask. But it was as if my dreams the night before had planted this seed of affection in me that was causing me to go haywire. Suddenly striking up a conversation seemed really difficult no matter how hard I willed myself to speak; a faint blush dusted my cheeks when he caught me glancing at him from under my lashes. I turned my attention to the path ahead rapidly, trying to seem casual even as he cocked an eyebrow down at me, obviously curious about my strange behavior.

You're being stupid. I told myself sternly, internally berating myself as the day went on. Another plausible thought was that he was tinkering with my head. He'd already proven he could give and take and alter my memories – what's to say he couldn't mess with my dreams as well? Maybe he purposely planted these ideas into my head while I slept in order to get this exact reaction from me. I wouldn't put it passed him, because honestly, it was a really smart idea. Slip into someone's head at their most vulnerable and tweak it just enough to encourage affection for you. I would totally try it if I was able and stuck in a situation like this. The more your captor likes you, the more likely you are to escape.

The beaten path had become clearer as we got passed the trees and made our way up the rocky terrain, but that didn't make it any easier to stalk our way up it. We walked in silence up the mountainous area for almost four hours before the silence became too much and I finally cracked, crossing my arms over my chest with a small sigh.

"Can you mess with dreams?" I demanded, not looking up from the ground as we walked, though I felt some surprise flitter to me over the bond. I tried not to appear as shaken up as I actually felt at the idea that he was digging around in my head and planting such thoughts, but I think he could tell from the very careful tone he used in his response.

"No," Alduin answered slowly, and I could feel his gaze boring into the side of my head. "Why do you ask?" I could feel the blush crawling onto my features again, pointedly ignoring his gaze as I shrunk slightly. I wish I had asked more questions about how he tinkered with memories because now I was concerned he was curious enough to actually look at my memory of the dreams and that was just downright mortifying to imagine.

"Just curious." My voice elevated in pitch and I picked up my speed a bit, staying a bit ahead of him. I wasn't sure what was more embarrassing – that I actually dreamed up a sweet and affectionate Alduin for myself or that I had been wrong in my idea that he planted the dream in my head. Actually, no, the most embarrassing thing was gambling that he could tinker with dreams at all and accidentally giving him a reason to be curious about why I wanted to know. Mentally, I prepared myself to be constantly aware of the dragon-turned-human in order to try my damnedest to keep him away from the memory of those dreams. If they were really just me having a crush, then I needed them to remain hidden in the deepest, darkest part of my memories where no one could ever hope to find them.

"I feel as though you had an unnerving dream." Alduin said casually and I cursed myself for ever tying myself to him as he kept pace with me. He was sizing me up; I just knew any minute now he was going to try poking around in my head and I just couldn't allow that. I needed to come up with a way to keep that from happening. He was already involved enough due to the bond, and the last thing I needed was him seeing the literal reenactment of my dreams.

"No, no, I was just curious about your abilities." I tried to sound just as casual as he did, but there was a slight squeak in my voice that I knew he would pick up on. "I thought if you could tamper with memories, you may be able to tamper with dreams."

"Hmm. I'm starting to understand why you haven't looked at me since this morning. Dreamt up something you don't want me to see, mal jud? Or were you concerned I caused the dream in the first place?" Both. I acknowledged honestly to myself, but outwardly I rolled my eyes a bit. There was laughter in his voice that I found both endearing and irritating. When I didn't answer him, he snickered softly and I glared at the ground heatedly.

"In order to see your memories, I need eye contact," Alduin confided, apparently humoring me and my less than stealthy investigation, and I relaxed slightly. "To tamper with them, I would need to touch your skin." Right. So just don't look him in the eye and don't let him touch me. Easy peasy. I tried to do those things on a regular basis anyway.

"Interesting." I hummed and glanced his direction, easily evading his eyes, though I did see his normal wicked grin painting his features.

"I'll get it out of you eventually, Faelynn." My name rolled off his tongue in an almost sinful way and I shivered, feeling warmth bloom within me. He was curious, and despite my best efforts at being casual, I supposed I should have expected him to make a game out of it.

Of course he would.

We made it to Markarth the next day by nightfall, miraculously, and I had never been so grateful to get a room at an inn in all my life. A real bed, with warmth and comfort. Sure, the city was basically the slums of Skyrim, but I was the Dovahkiin and I had the World Eater tagging along. What could possibly go wrong? Settling down at the bar, I purchased a room and almost immediately began drinking. Not so much for the fact that I enjoyed drinking as much as I needed to relax. Alduin had been trying to pry into my head for a day and a half, and tomorrow we were going to go waltzing into some rift between worlds that was nearby. All very stressful situations that I didn't really want to deal with, but had no other option but to.

Alduin turned his nose up when I offered to buy him some mead, but I shrugged the reaction off. The pair of us had actually been pleasant the past two days of travel. No bickering or rudeness or intimidation tactics. It was all just jokes and laughter and… well, fun. Excluding when he shouted me into the river during our break and another practice session – that was miserable, seeing as it was getting progressively colder and I spent the better part of the day freezing. He had laughed until he couldn't breathe and almost literally collapsed; I, on the other hand, had been mortified and spent the next two hours giving him the silent treatment.

I felt an arm loop lazily around my waist and tensed, still not used to my companion suddenly touching me. I knew it was part of the game we were playing – he would touch me and try to brush against my skin, and I would swat him away – but just about every time I felt butterflies fill my stomach. But this time I was feeling a bit intoxicated and instead let him remain like that, sipping at my mead as I listened to the bard play. We didn't speak, and I let myself relax as Alduin ran his hand lightly along my side, tickling me a bit despite the tunic blocking his touch. I rather enjoyed the atmosphere as I watched the festivities, eyeing everyone who entered into drinking contests, or who decided to sing along with the bard. It was warm and welcoming and fun; I enjoyed being surrounded by people like this.

"Faelynn," I loved the way he said my name. "I think it's time we head to bed, don't you?" The purr made me shiver, which in turn made him chuckle softly as I pouted a bit, not meeting his eye.

"But I'm having fun." I surprised myself with how whiny the words came out, and had I been a bit more sober I might have flinched at the noise. But unfortunately I was right in the sweet spot before one became too drunk to function, but was drunk enough to lose inhibitions, so instead I just giggled.

"You've been drinking for nearly three hours. I seriously doubt you want to pay any more than you already owe." Alduin reminded me, squeezing my side slightly. I scowled when I realized he was correct, slipping off my seat and wincing when the room began spinning. Luckily, his arm was still firmly wrapped around my waist, which kept my teetering from becoming full-on collapsing as I gained my bearings.

"Dance with me first." I demanded, setting my mug down on the bar as I turned my body to face the darker male, focusing my gaze pointedly on his forehead with a grin. His eyes narrowed thoughtfully, but I could see the slight curling of his lips that warned a smirk was just barely being contained as he examined my drunken state.

"I don't think you're capable of staying upright on your own, much less twirling around." The words made me huff in distaste, swatting him away from me as I pouted a bit more noticeably. Per usual, he simply seemed amused at my show of irritation with him, even as I stalked very shakily towards the bard and the group of burly men who had previously been making all the requests. After a quick word and some laughter from the males, I had snagged myself a dance partner and a rather cheerful tune, though I could have done without my partners friends shouting along the words as we danced.

I made a point of being twirled several times by my newfound friend – though, I think he was more interested in me than I was him – and gave Alduin a pointed look as he leaned against the bar, appearing casual besides his stiff posture and slight frown. Sniffing snootily at him, I squealed when the man I was dancing with suddenly twirled me in the air, letting out almost hysterical laughter out of sheer surprise. He was a terrible dancer in general, but I had a rather grand time evading his two left feet and being swung around much like a ragdoll. When the song ended I bid the group a quick goodnight and flashed a dazzling smile, practically skipping back to my immortal friend with a pleased little grin.

He didn't say a word as he placed his hand on the small of my back, leading me towards the room after grabbing the key from the owner. I wanted to groan when we walked in and there was only one bed, having completely forgotten about that bit as my companion nudged me onto the soft quilt. I knew the game would be up tonight, seeing as there was no way we could sleep in such close proximity and not touch skin, but I pouted anyway. Or, rather, I tried to ignore the sting in my eye as I crawled under the blanket, curling up. I always was an emotional drinker; it wasn't really surprising that I was getting upset over the end of our game. It was the first time we had had any real fun together. No drama or mishaps or cruel words – just pure, easy fun.

"I think we should pause our little game for the evening." Alduin announced as he crawled into the large bed, keeping a good deal of space between us as he blew out the single candle lighting the room. I felt a smile pull onto my lips as I rolled over to face him, watching his silhouette move in the darkness of our room.

"It is pretty unfair." I agreed, trying not to slur my words as I rubbed away the mistiness in my eyes. He nodded, rolling over in turn to face me; I met his ruby gaze despite myself, counting the flecks of gold I found there for a moment.

"It wouldn't be as fun to tease you while you are inebriated." My friend added, and my heart suddenly felt light. My friend. Maybe that was pushing it a bit, but we did act as if we were friends. We teased each other and laughed together often; a lot of the time even our bickering was over silly subjects. So maybe in a weird way we had developed a bit of a friendship. Once you put aside our supposed fate, it was easy to imagine us being friends. We had similar humor, a handful of similar interests, and both seemed content to go against our destinies. Even if we did take two very different paths in order to do so.

"Goodnight, Alduin." His eyes glowed for a moment and rather than the familiar eerie feeling I normally associated with their glow, I felt calm. It was a nice change of pace, to not be afraid of every little move he made and every little thought that ran through my head.

"Sleep well, Faelynn."