I Do not own Elder Scrolls nor it's characters, other than my own OC. This story is to a collection called 'Toying With Reality'
'Thoughts'
"Speaking"
"Dragon Speak"
"Non-english"
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The imposing size of Whiterun and the looming height of DragonsReach stole Ashley's breath away. Their caravan was passing by on the road to Markarth and Ashley found herself awestruck by the architecture of these great holds yet again. The dilapidation and weather-worn stone were almost nonexistent, each wall untouched by battle or storm. It was as if the fortress was built yesterday. Horses in the stables whinnied and shook their manes in the cold chill of evening, even as the sun began to set on the plains of Skyrim life was flowing. The sounds of the blacksmith rang out over the stone walls, the distant roars on the wind suggested a dragon patrolled the on coming hills.
Ashley turned to Kharjo as they sat on the crumbled remains of the Western Watchtower a fire crackling between them. His nose was twitching and his tail flicked back and forth. "What is it?"
"Dog," Kharjo growled his pupils blowing up in the readiness of battle.
Ashley looked around the full moon covering the tundra in a silver glow, there was nothing but the sway of grass and the call of crickets. "Perhaps a stray?" The other Kajiits didn't seem as phased and continued to cook their meal in relaxed silence.
"If anyone sneaks up on us, I'll smell them coming. Or, I might not. We will see." Kharjo sounded amused at his little comment but it made Ashley roll her eyes knowing that 'might not' is more like it.
Rising from her spot by the fire Ashley stretched walking away deeper into the rubble, she needed to relieve herself. Going around the base of the tower she took a squat untying the small strings of her makeshift underwear. The snap of a twig and the rustle of dry grass caught her attention and her heart jolted. She looked around at the low lit grassy tundra her hand ready to go for her dagger when she saw it. Two sets of glowing eyes. Heavy panting and deep growls sent panic into her heart. Those were not wolves…their bulky hunched frames moved towards her slowly one on each side. Her back to the watchtowers unyielding stone her legs shook, she was going to die. She couldn't run they had her cornered, and she couldn't fight them back with her small dagger either. The two beasts were so close now she could see the claw-tipped human-like hands and the deep amber of their eyes, massive white fangs gleaming as they snapped their jaws at her drool falling to the dirt. Werewolves.
The one to her right stood to full height mere feet from where she stood its muzzle to the sky taking in big whiffs of air then it turned to her and chuffed. Shaking like a leaf Ashley squeezed her eyes shut hoping that the werewolves would kill her quickly. Jumping she almost screamed when she felt a big wet nose press against her neck and the puffs of hot breath across her chest. A brush of fur against her exposed legs made her stomach tighten in knots, she heard more sniffing and the two wolfs began to let out small chuffs and growls. Like they were communicating. Ashley swallowed hard and peaked at the beast to her left who's wicked sharp teeth pressed against her neck, its ears were back and it started right at her. Massive clawed hands clamped onto her thighs and she felt the others muzzle press into the furs of her skirt right at the apex of her thighs. Ashley gasped and pressed against the wall as the wolf warbled to the other.
The muzzle to her neck pressed down with enough force to make her knees buckle, haphazardly she slipped on the small incline and rolled to a stop in the dirt pulling herself up she turned to the werewolves in fear bringing her knees under her she tried to rise. But the teeth to her neck were back and she froze kneeling on the ground tears pricking at her eyes. The muzzle moved to her hair and she felt and heard it sniffing at her growling softly nudging her slightly. Jolting forward Ashley let out a squeak when she felt a warm clawed hand on her thighs, they tightened and pulled back forcing her to her knees. Whimpering Ashley shook wanting to call out to her friends for help but terrified of the fangs at her throat. She could hear the werewolf behind her panting heavily and could feel it brushing against the back of her legs. Thick muzzle moving against the inside of her knee slowly moving up taking her fur skirt with it, till the cool wet nose pressed against her most precious place making her flinch and choke out a sob her thighs tensing. The heady scent of their musk made her dizzy, the rhythmic nuzzling of the wolf at her neck made her head sway back and forth as the heat began to pool at her center. The wolf between her thighs began to lap at her sex.
"Ashley are you well?" Kharjo called out rounding the watchtower his moonstone eyes bright. Once he saw his ward on all fours nearly mounted by a werewolf he let out a feral hiss and drew his sword.
Ashley screamed when the wolf between her legs jumped at Kharjo's voice its muzzle bumping so hard against her sex it sent her up and forward crashing face first into the abdomen of the other wolf with a yelp. The claws at her thighs cut through fabric and skin, the smell of blood became very prominent. Ashley hissed in pain her eyes rimmed with tears, pulling back from the face full of fur her lips brushed against the warm slick heat of the wolfs member. Doubling back Ashley's eyes widened in horror as the wolf got up and shook out its fur stepping over her in a defensive crouch growling at Kharjo.
Dro'marash ran up to his fellow Khajiit sword drawn, both warriors ready to slay the beasts. Bleeding and shaking Ashley could only press herself to the ground as they fought one wolf, the one atop her had yet to move or join the fight. It remained over her growling at her friends. Looking at the wolf Ashley watched its claws press into the dry earth and its lips twitch from holding snarl. A full body ripple overtook its massing black form and it whimpered amber eyes widening in a human-like manner. Looking to the other wolf it barked once high and quick.
Ashley instantly understood, they were going to change back…
One swift kick to the cajones and the wolf above her leaped into the air about five feet with a yelp. Looking at her with pinned ear and wide eyes it tucked its tail and shook with pain. Its companion was retreating with a howl as both bodies rippled again this time in quick succession.
Standing up Ashley glared at the two werewolves as they ran back into the forested base of the mountain. "Fucking dogs…"
"Ashley you are bleeding." Dro'marash spoke up as he sheathed his sword.
Sighing Ashley looked down at her bleeding legs, they pulsed angrily and burned. "I need healing," with that she passed out crumpling to the ground.
The warm yellow light slowly roused Ashley from her dreamless sleep, her body stiff and aching. Rolling to her side she looked at the temple she was laying in, ivy hung down from the rafters, wooden walls painted with yellow and blue designs. A water-filled mosaic danced in the morning light, taking a deep breath Ashley was soothed by the scent of healing herbs. Pulling herself up into a sitting position she stretched popping her back and neck in the process.
"Ah, child it is good to see you've risen up so early." An accent-laden female voice made Ashley look to her left where a woman in robes was working on another patient.
"How long was I asleep?" Ashley felt the lingering haze of sleep still nagging at her mind, but other than that she felt no pain on her thighs which had been rendered to ribbons from the werewolf.
The priestess walked over to her with a smile, "Not but the night. You healed exceptionally well, your body is eager for the help of the Divines." Placing a hand out for her to take Ashley was easily brought to her feet. "Your Khajiit friend risked a lot to find you sanctuary here child, your wounds were great and indeed fatal but Divines blessed you."
Frowning at all the memories of last night that came flooding in, "I don't feel blessed at the moment…"
The tall Nord woman frowned, "Aye being attacked by one of those beasts is not one to be wished upon any, but you have survived. The goddesses blessing upon you. Come, child, I have a gift for you, one that may help in times of need."
Ashley followed the priestess to a book self where she was handed a yellow tome with a bird on the front. Looking up at the lady than to the book Ashley opened it, golden wisps came out from the pages and right into her body. Flooding her with warmth and peace. "What was that?"
The priestess was looking at her with a bright smile, "That my child of Kynareth, was you gaining magical knowledge, you now know Fast Healing. An apprentice skill that should have taken you months of novice skill to achieve."
Ashley was shocked, she knew magic now…holding up her hands she watched them glow with yellow light and she smiled. "This is amazing!"
"Aye, my child truly a blessing, one that I urge you to keep in practice. You have strong magical energy, a potential for greatness, and a heart of pure kindness." she walked Ashley to the doors of the Temple of Kynareth, "Travel great Skyrim, and Kynareth travels with you."
"Thank you so much," Ashley smiled and walked out into the warm morning light of Skyrim, embracing the sounds of Whiterun.
Heimskr was already preaching his voice cracking from his feverish screaming, the Gildergreen tree was standing tall with its pale trunk vibrant with life and purple leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. Orion must have already healed the tree, for it did not look to be dying. Walking around the base of the tree Ashley was engrossed in the rhythmic sway of the bows and the soothing aura of the tree itself.
Bumping into an armored shoulder Ashley yelped out a quick apology only to freeze in terror at the scent of dog. Not just the scent of any stray dog but the musky odor of the wolfs who'd attacked her the previous night. She began to shake and prayed to the Divines that she would be saved by her friends once again. "Are you alright?" The voice broke her trance and she looked up to meet the white blue eyes of Vilkas, recognization flashed in both their eyes and Ashley took a step back. Right as Vilkas took in her scent to really tell if she was the woman from last night. His wolf howled in joy, they had found her again!
'I should have known.' Ashley thought panic clutching at her heart. She started to walk back but she slipped on stone steps and fell into thick arms. Looking up from her skewed position she cursed her luck, Farkas was holding her up with the same look of confusion until he too recognized her. "Be careful." The deeper voice of the burliest twin sent shivers down her spine.
"Ahhh…right, sorry uh you just s-startled me." Ashley laughed it off and stood straiter not turning her back on both brothers.
Vilkas looked at her with unreadable eyes, "An Amulet of Mara? You're not married?" he chuckled with a brilliant smile, "Surprising."
Clutching at her amulet Ashley blushed and looked away. "I-I really should be going. uh, good day." With that, she fled down the steps past people and guards ignoring the calls behind her and the sound of armored boots following. 'oh shit oh shit oh shit.' slamming against the wooden gate Ashley struggled to pull it open just enough so that she could slip right through. Once out she sprinted straight for the dip between the watchtower and the wall jumping over the small gap onto the rock covered slope nearly falling onto the stone road startling her Khajiit friends.
"Ashley?! What is the matter?" Zaynabi rushed to her side pulling the small girl close.
Between pants and shaking Ashley managed to speak, "We need to leave now."
Kharjo and Dro'marash unsheathed their swords and took up the rear, escorting the three females away from Whiterun. Their eyes trained on the two figures standing on the topmost guard tower.
"Should we follow her?" Farkas asked his hands clutching the stone.
Vilkas hummed in thought, watching the young woman's retreating form. Her scent was heavy in the air, sweet citrus making his beast howl. His beast urged him to follow her and take her as his mate, she knew what he and his brother were. If they could not take her as a mate then they would at least get her to keep their secret. "We have to."
Ashley stretched and looked out at Whiterun way in the distance, they had made a great time having put a good amount of distance between them and the city before nightfall and sought out their camp out of the way of Giants and their herds of Mammoths at Sleeping Tree Camp. The massive hairy beasts were not pleasant company since their smell seemed to make her eyes water and the Khajiits sneeze, it must be universal how disgusting the massive elephants smelled. Crickets sang out as Ashley tended to the fire, her eyes always looking over at the silhouette of Fort Sungard she knew the Forsworn were there and she hoped they'd stay away from their little camp during the night. Dro'marash had asked her to take the first watch while they all rested and Ashley happily complied. Nights in Skyrim were her favorite, color danced in the sky and life seemed so surreal and peaceful.
Standing up from her sitting position Ashley decided to walk around the perimeter of their camp, take in the views and stretch her legs. Dagger at her hip she walked around the stones and grass looking at the rolling hills and roots of the mountains there were soon to travel through. Stopping just over her camp on a large boulder she put her hands on her hips and sighed.
The grass rustled just behind her and she pulled out her dagger and whirled around swinging it in a wide arc the blade bit into the hide of a bracer and she moved back hearing the other make a hiss of pain. Her eyes narrowing in the low light she kept her dagger up in a defensive position. Her attacker held his hands up in a sign of submission, "Lass relax put the dagger away, let us talk."
Ashley felt her heart jolt at the sound of Vilkas's voice, "Why are you following me?" She growled out not putting down her dagger, her nose filled with the scent of copper and she frowned looking at the blood that was dripping down Vilkas's arm. "Oh…oh my gosh. I'm so sorry!" Putting her dagger away she took Vilkas's arm and brought it closer letting the magic flow into her palms and envelope the wound in a glowing yellow light. "There…all better now." Looking up at the warrior she felt bad for cutting him, but was still pissed that he had followed her all this way.
Taking her hand he brought it to his lips kissing her knuckles then turning it over to lick his blood off her palm. "Hmm, you are very kind my dear."
Blushing Ashley looked away from her hand tingling from the sensation, "umm thanks."
Pulling her close Vilkas pressed his nose to her neck and inhaled, "You know what we are…you recognized us in Whiterun. We can't have you telling others about us…" his voice was a low growl and it made her knees weak and her heart rate pick up.
"I-I promise to never tell, i-it's not my secret to s-share…ahhh" A hot hand around her throat made her gasp in shock, and two hands on her hips pulled her into an armored pelvis.
"No lass we don't think you will…" Farkas chuckled his hands kneading into the supple flesh of her hips, while Vilkas began to kiss at her neck sucking gently on the soft skin his tongue dipping along her clavicle.
Ashley's head fell back and she moaned softly, "please don't do this…" the hand at her throat tightened and she moaned out her legs shaking as Farkas rutted against her slowly.
Vilkas chuckled and loosened his grip on her neck, "shhh lass we don't want your traveling companions to hear." The ties to her hide top were being strummed by Vilkas's skilled fingers, every now and then he'd dip a finger into the openings and touch the soft skin beneath. He kissed her neck and clavicle then to the tops of her chest his fingers drifting from her neck to grab a fist full of nut brown locks. Her head titled back Vilkas let his tongue play in the valley between her breasts. Nosing the fabric covering her chest he growled, "What is this?" he pulled down the fabric revealing the healing bite mark that Ulfric had given her but three nights ago. The wound still purple and tender. "and another…" His almost white eyes flashed in the moonlight at the second mark left on her neck by Argis that one what much lighter since he did not break skin like Ulfric had. "What a busy girl…does your scent lie then? Have you truly remained untouched by two males or have you already been ravaged?"
Ashley glared at Vilkas, but when Farkas reached his hand under her skirt she blushed and looked away. "No brother she is definitely untouched, I tasted it in her juices the night we met." Thick battle worn fingers rubbed slowly along the thin fabric of her small coverings at the crease of her warmth.
"Stop," Ashley growled finally at her breaking point of these damn Nords. Both brothers froze, Farkas removed his hands from her person and Vilkas stepped back. "I promise to keep you're secret only if you leave me be, I'm not some bitch you can mount when you damn well feel like it. I WILL STAY PURE TILL I FUCKING CHOOSE NOT TO BE!" The last bit was accented with the deep reverberating hum of magic and the ancient tones of Dragon Speak. Ashley's shout echoed off the mountains about her, what greeted her was the response of multiple dragon roars from all quarters of Skyrim.
Silence overtook the plains of Skyrim, her companions had emerged from their tents and torches were gathering on the walls of Sungard.
Both wolves looked to the heavens than to Ashley who had her hands over her mouth eyes wide in terror. Farkas was the one who broke the silence, "Lass, you speak the dragon?"
Tears started to fall down her cheeks and she hunched closer to herself, "I didn't mean to It slipped out…I'm sorry."
"Ashley! Child are you alright we heard a great shout, thought Dragons had come." Zaynabi ran up to her keen eyes on the two Nords as Kharjo and Dro'marash held their swords at the ready.
Sniffling Ashley wiped away her tears, "They will come, at least the ones who are curious…we need to leave." Turning to the twins she felt her cheeks darken, they still looked at her with hunger possibly more so now than before, "Please you two run back to Whiterun call up the guards and the rest of the Companions and prepare to defend the city from dragons."
Farkas placed a hand to her cheek and pulled her into a kiss. His warm lips and tongue like sweet ale, had she known a kiss from the Companion would be this sweet she'd have kissed him herself. Farkas snarled and pulled away from his eyes amber, it took seconds for him to transform letting out a loud howl. Vilkas huffed at his brother shaking his head turning to Ashley tilted her chin up and gave her a quick kiss, with a lot less saliva than his brother. He too shifted and ran after his brother their black forms headed to Whiterun.
Looking to her Khajiit friends she wiped her mouth and blushed, "Not a word."
Kharjo chuckled and walked down the hill to start taking down the tents, the four of them worked quickly and soon they were on the road to Markarth the cover of the night giving them the advantage of sneaking past Fort Sungard. Tall rocky crags giving them cover as they moved along the stone road, soon Ashley could see a dense fog roll in as the light of the sun started to turn the sky light blue. The back shadows of Dragons passed over them every now and then, the air was tense. With only trees and rocks to hide under when a dragon came to pass was making their journey longer than normal. Ashley was exhausted and the roar of dragons had faded into unnerving echoes in the canyon, her leather boots dragged and she stumbled a few times. Kharjo having to steady her on occasion till Ahkari called them to stop just behind a tall spire-like rock, making camp they set out their bedrolls and took turns on watch.
Waking up in a leather and fur bedroll was starting to become the norm for Ashley, the smell of fresh mountain air and the crisp water was like a drug to her senses. Zhaynabi had given her extra furs for her bedroll to keep away the biting chill that seemed to always keep Ashley in its clutches. Emerging from the warm cocoon she looked around their little setup, and up to the sky, the sun has risen to it prime. Stretching she gave Zhaynabi a nod and walked down to the river to rinse her face. Her dream still hasn't changed…the same man with black hair and red eyes. They would meet in some hidden oasis in a cave and he would talk, or they would sit in silence. She knew him…but she couldn't remember who he was. And all the times that she had asked he would just smile. The dreams were increasingly frustrating and too real to be coincidence.
Crouching by the waters edge she splashed the cold water in her face and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes, shaking her hands to flick away the cold drops from staying on her longer than necessary. Sitting back on her heels she watched as salmon swam through the crystal clear water with a smile. Ashley was entranced by the thin veil of fog that hung close to the water that she was unaware of the snarls of wolfs till they were upon her, letting out a startled squeak Ashley without thinking swung her blade at the lunging wolf slicing its throat. Ducking she dodged the others attack slamming her blade into its belly, the wolf yelped and fell to the ground writhing in pain. Dropping to her knees Ashley plunged the blade into its heart, "May you be given life once more." She whispered petting its deep grey fur with a sigh.
"You are better, Kharjo is pleased." The said was walking up to her with a twitch of his whiskers he pointed to the body of the wolfs. "They will make good coin, clean kill for one the other was not so good, good coin none the less."
"Aww, you're making me blush Kharjo." Ashley teased cleaning off her blade.
The armored Khajiit laughed and shook his head, "This one has a new weapon for you. Come."
Ashley's brows shot up and she smiled brightly, getting off of the ground Ashley dusted herself off and followed the Khajiit to the horse they placed most of their supplies on. "What is it?"
"Patience." Kharjo scolded at as Ashley tried to peak at what he was pulling out of a bag. Turning around the Khajiits moonstone eyes brightened at her, "These this one bought for you when we stopped at Whiterun." Kharjo handed Ashley a book and an Orcish bow and a quiver.
"Kharjo, thank you so much! I am honored that you bought these for me." Ashley beamed brightly. The book was another tome this one with the symbol of destruction, opening it she was enveloped with the warm sensation again this time prickling heat across her skin. Her palms crackled to life with tiny fires that danced and popped happily. "Oh~ fire!"
Kharjo laughed and watched as she cast flames out into the river her eyes bright. "Take great care of where you throw that."
Smiling at her friend she let her flames die down and lifted her bow. Testing the weight of the green bow Ashley ran her fingers along the grooves, the flare was almost wing-like and the sharp point perfect for close combat bashing. Having some previous experience with a bow, Kharjo was delighted to find her a fast learner and an excellent shot.
"This one is pleased, bows are good to have here. Much danger walks these lands kill at a distance better than wounded at close range." Kharjo about near purred out the praise, "And hunt much better when far away from large prey."
Slinging her quiver Ashley smiled at Kharjo, "May I go hunting? I'll pick something small so that we can cook it fast." The Khajiit warrior nodded at watched her run down the road into a more wild part of the canyon.
Grinning like a mad woman Ashley dashed through the undergrowth and around juniper berry bushes till she stood next to a tree bow drawn and aiming at a rabbit. The bow pulled tautly she breathed out and released the arrow a quick squeak and the rabbit was dead. Putting her bow on her back she picked up her kill by the river pulling out the arrow and thanking the Divines for the good hunt. Loud clapping made her back straighten and she pulled out her dagger turning to the noise she readied for a fight.
A male in black breeches and a white linen top sat on a boulder just above where she had shot the rabbit, her hazel eyes met his red ones and she felt her jaw drop. "A fine kill maldovah." His voice was too deep to be human, he barely seemed human, everything about his presence screamed not human. "Close your mouth lest you catch bugs."
Ashley's mouth shut and she blushed red, "Who the hell are you?"
He laughed and jumped from the ledge his bulk making the ground seem to shake…he stalked up to her like a predator. Ashley felt fear rise in her belly and she took a step back. He was tall and massive, built like a tank his black locks in a wild mane and his toothy gin a lot sharper than any human. "I think you know exactly who I am maldovah…we've met every night."
"Alduin…" Ashley breathed out, her eyes wide.
His dark smirk was her answer.
