A/N: Good/Bad news people. I'm going to lay off a little on posting this story. Nothing crazy, at most it will be a week before you see any new chapters posted. I'm doing this because I feel that although I've basically thought of where I want this story to go, I haven't fully gone over my, technique. I've only written short stories, with a lot less dialogue, and more playing with words. And after reading my chapters, I've decided that I need to try a different approach. Putting this story in paragraph form constricts me to clunky, shorter lines, and not enough 'space' to fully flesh out the scene, details that would make it more complete. This chapter was DREADFUL to write, but I had to just pump it out so I could start on forming a new take on this story. So, prepare for some changes!

Chapter VII: When the Sun Rose Again

The sky was stricken with a dark blue tint that morning. The birds conducted their symphonies, never giving pause for breath. A somber Vio treaded down the wooden steps from the inn, silent as the grave. Her usual armor was now replaced by the tight black combat outfit she would wear underneath, her reason for even wearing armor in the first place, gone. She walked to the northern wall, before stopping under the walkway. Dawn approached, the sky's transformation was at hand, showing its true colors to the world. The sun drew its first breath above the tree line, shining its warm rays upon Vio, her heart beginning to wither.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" a voice said from behind her. She didn't have to turn around to know who it was. The brunet stood beside her now, his bandages gone, no traces of blood left on him. He watched the sky with her, until she sputtered, "I'm…I'm so sorry." Tears began to pour from her, "I couldn't protect you… And now you're gone. I... didn't even get to say goodbye." They sat there for a moment, the brunet frowning, "I think your brains fried Vio, maybe you should eat." He took a bite of the green apple in his left hand, before holding it out to her.

Her eyes widened, tears stopping, confusion pummeling her brain. She looked to him, before slowly reaching for the fruit. Her hand touched it, 'It's real!' continuing to next feel his warm fingers, '…He's real too!' She stood there for a moment in silence of the revelation, his eyes watching her astonished face. With one swift movement, Vio wrapped him in an embrace with the strength of a bear. He whimpered as the life was slowly being squeezed from him, "You're… hurting… ME!" She released him from her mighty death grip, as he coughed harshly.


As soon as he awoke that morning, Calibur could feel the pit in his stomach. He sat up from the bed in the inn, eyeing the cramped room. His body felt like lead, his spirit snuffed out like a camp fire. But he knew that he'd have to move on without Vio. He only stayed because Ember had commanded him to. Now that he's… he was no longer bound to them. He put on his steel armor, remembering how she was the night before, how defeated she was. It didn't feel right leaving her in that sorry state, but what could he do?

Calibur trotted down the inn stairs, beginning his trek to Whiterun. But two figures stood in his way, the sun basking them in a glow like none other. He winced at the intense light, blocking the sun with his left hand, his eyes widening at who he saw. There was Vio, and then there was…'Is that?' A strange sensation, one similar to joy, filled his being. A part of him wanted to run to the two standing there, but he held back, only increasing his pace slightly.

"That was a nice story you told last night" Ember grinned. Vio blushed, not knowing what to say. "Wait, you were watching us!?" Calibur shouted. "Yup," Ember pointed to the tree next to the mill, "I was sitting right over there, washing my clothes." Calibur was confused for sure, "So, how are you alive?" Vio's attention was drawn to the question. Ember raised his forearms, jingling the gold bangles on his arms. "I had enchanted these guys just before we left Hammerfell, actually. Thought I might need them, in case something went wrong out here." Vio commented, "So the bangles healed you?" Ember rubbed the back of his head, "Well, yes… more or less." He paused, "The golden bands I enchanted have a powerful healing ability, but the thing that makes them more potent is the conditions I put on them."

"Conditions?" the two raised an eyebrow. "Yes, conditions" the brunet chirped. "Most enchantments have a constant effect, but the extent of their capabilities are limited. But when you put conditions on those enchantments, it gives them much more strength. For instance, I was banged up pretty bad. I wouldn't have made it through the night. But as soon as the conditions I put on the enchantments were met, the bangles were activated, healing my injuries at an accelerated rate."

Calibur inquired, "What were the conditions?" "One: that I was seriously hurt, life threatening basically. Two: that I was asleep or unconscious." Ember waved his hand back and forth, "I would have rather used healing magic, but I don't know any restoration spells. That's why we're here in Skyrim, to join the College of Winterhold, so that I can learn more about magic, and apply it to my special brand of magic." Calibur sighed, patting Ember's shoulder, "Well we're glad you're alright." "Oh, I never got to ask," Ember wielding a curious look to his eyes, "what will you do, now that we're out of Helgen?"

Calibur grasped his chin lightly, "Hmmm, well I had planned to meet the jarl of Whiterun, and assist him in any way I can." Ember placed his hands on his hips, "Is Whiterun on the way to Winterhold?" "If you take the road east of Whiterun, it'll lead you straight to Windhelm, a stone's throw from Winterhold." Ember smirked, "Good, then we can walk to Whiterun together." Calibur was glad that the brunet was alright, but he still didn't want to leave them, a feeling he couldn't quite comprehend.