Ashley took an apprehensive step back, "I thought you were dead…Orion said he had killed you in the realm of Soveringuard."

Alduin growled and clenched his fist looking at the small maiden with a sour expression, "Yes I died…yet as I stood within the realm of Akatosh, my creator spoke to me. I would have the chance at life once more if I aided you in your quest…" His muscles twitched in his arms and Alduin smirked flicking his unruly black mane from his shoulders. Prowling up to her his blood red eyes bore deep into her own, "Yet I come to find my charge is like a vision of light a purity ready to be snuffed out." His lips brushed her ear while his thick fingers ran the length of her jaw sliding down the cords of her neck. "And defiled."

Staggering back Ashley felt her heartbeat quicken readying her to make a break for it. The feeling of his touch made her warm…it excited her like an aphrodisiac. She was terrified. Yet one part of his speech stood out to her. "Y-you know why I'm here?" Hope filled her heart and Ashley yearned to know her quest. The small kill in her hand was turning cold and the corse winter fur was greasy to the touch yet she held it close to her chest.

Taking one more step closer to her Alduin smirked, "I know only what the Divines had spoken. A young maiden will be chosen to tip the balance of Skyrim and she alone must tread the path of fire and sword. Only by loves true fate will she be shown the passage home."

Ashley stepped back again, then moved a stray piece of brown hair from her face, the biting cold of the mountains around them was not helping to kill the mist that moved in, soaking her fur armor and making her hair stick to her face. Her heartbeat was erratic as me mind ruminated over the new piece of information all the while Ashley never took her eyes off Alduin.

She felt more unsure now than when she had first come to Skyrim.

"To think they sent a maiden to writhe in the filth of this mortal land, how sad to see such succulent flesh wasted on mere mortal men." Alduin spat as he continued to close the distance between them, Ashley was easily ensnared by his massive hands even as she turned to run away. "Peace small one, I have no need to force myself upon you." Alduin chuckled and nuzzled her hair, "No, I will have you begging me to take you." He growled into her ear as his other hand gripped her waist holding her flush to his unyielding body. The heavy pulse of his need against her belly made Ashley wimpier and shake. "Even now your body betrays you…I can smell your arousal." Deep ruby eyes looked down at the young woman taking in every detail of her flustered state to the rouge of her cheeks then to the plumpness of her lips. Leaning down Alduin brushed his nose to hers rutting himself against her soft body.

Ashley gasped and moaned biting her lips as her legs shook, every word he spoke sent embers of flame to her core. The deep reverberating undertones made her shamelessly weak, she cursed herself for having such a voice kink. "You arrogant worm." Ashley bit out with a shudder when his manhood twitched against her soft belly. His breath was hot on her lips as he laughed, his wild black locks ticked her neck. Ashley growled and pushed up slamming her lips against his, the kiss was all teeth and tongue. She grabbed a fistful of his hair and a grip on his shoulder the taste of him was intoxicating as an inhale of rich tobacco and a shot of whiskey. Pulling away she took a deep breath, "You're evil." Licking his lips she slapped him, "Don't ever touch me without my permission again."

Letting her go Alduin looked down at the small woman with a toothy grin of wickedly sharp fangs. "I will have to teach you to speak the tongue of the Dov as well. For my own enjoyment of course."

"Ni, zu'u tinvaak Dov." No, I speak Dragon. Ashley rumbled without hesitation. Rolling her eyes she picked up her small kill, "Not that it's in any way useful in getting me home. Or keeping you away, pervert."

"Hi lost lot dan than fin dovahkiin. Zu'u los kah,." You have greater skill than the Dragonborn. I am pleased.

"I don't think so, I cannot control my thu'um I nearly challenged all the damn Dragons in Skyrim!" Strapping her kill to her belt Ashley clenched her fist, with bloodied hands she motioned to the natural symphony and elegance around her. "I'm not used to this…this world and its hazards. I don't think I'll live long enough to find my way home."

"Hi loss aan kiir." You are a child. Alduins voice rumbled behind her. "I will teach you to be more. You will experience so much under my tutelage." His deep purr was accentuated with his fingers tracing a path to her throat between the valley of her breasts. "I will be seeing you Maldovah." His body vanished into black smoke leaving her alone again in the wilds of Skyrim. Her skin hot and her core soaked, Ashley shuddered. Great. So now she has an immortal dragon trying to bone her too.

Walking back into camp Ashley proudly held up her kill to show Kharjo. The male smiled and gave her a nod patting her shoulder with his pawed hands. "Good kill child. This will make a fine meal, come sit we eat."

Taking a seat around the fire Ashley sighed happily and leaned back onto her palms staring up at the sky. A few clouds lazily floated across the sky and crickets chirped nearby, it was peaceful and sweet. She felt good sitting with friends around the fire. Ashley felt her heart soar for a moment, she could live here and be happy…

'What of your home? Your family?' That little voice in her head broke through her train of thought. Ashley closed her eyes and frowned the familiar sharp pains of loneliness clawing deep into her heart. Her throat clenched painfully she felt a tear fall down her cheek. Sitting up Ashley wrapped her arms around her legs and let out a small sob. Something soft brushed against her fingers making her look up, Kharjo was gently batting her hand with his tail.

"No pain today child, we are almost to Markarth. The temple will give you aid."

Zaynabi knelt next to Ashley her whiskers ticking her tear stained cheeks as the Khajiit female wrapped her in a soft hug. "Worry not little one, we know the pain of homesickness. We know that your heart yearns for home. This is good. Remember your home, because it is here." Her warm clawed hand pressed lightly to Ashley's heart. "And here." A claw tapped teasingly to her forehead.

Ashley smiled smoothing her hair back, "Yeah…you're right."

The rest of the road to Markarth was spent with idle chatter and practice with Ashley's bow. When they came to the farm just outside of the stables Zaynabi stopped the caravan and turned Ashley to face her.

"I have allowed you to look like traveler for this long, this is where you try to fit within the city wall. Come." The female began to wipe the dirt from her face with a rag she wet with her water sac, "Dirty human child. Like a kitten." Zaynabi tisked and began to used a bone comb to remove Ashley's tangles and smooth out the long nut-brown locks, taking some strands she began to weave a simple crown plait into her hair. "There."

Ahkari looked at her with bright pale blue eyes and a warm smile, "This is where we say goodbye child. It's was a pleasure to travel with you. Despite the werewolf and dragons." The older Khajiit female laughed and hugged Ashley close.

"Should you need me, my sword is your's friend." Kharjo smiled and hugged her into his armor. Wiping her tear away with a fuzzy hand he began to purr, "Continue to practice with the bow and blade. This will help you live long years." Placing both his hands on her cheeks Kharjo stared into her hazel eyes with narrowed moonstone ones, "Stay away from men."

Dro'marash snorted loudly, grabbing her shoulder and pulling her over. "May your road lead you to warm sands, friend." He patted her head, "Preferably one with fewer dragons."

Ashley laughed with tears in her eyes, giving each of them one last hug she waved them off with her back to Markarth. Taking a deep breath she turned around and looked to the massive stone walls, with the gleaming Dwarven metal door. She made it to Markarth…she was one step further towards her path home.

Walking up past the stables she was tackled by a mass of fur and tail. A hot tongue was lapping at her cheeks between loud delighted barks. Her fingers buried into corse thick fur as she petted her assailant.

"Hey! Get off her ya mangy mutt!"

Suddenly the dog was lifted off her and Ashley blinked at the brightness of the sun once again, a man was looking down at her in concern.

"Lass are you well? He didn't hurt ya did he?" The man held out a hand to her, Ashley took it with a smile letting the concerted citizen help her up.

"No need to worry I'm fine, he's just a dog. If getting taken down by eighty-five pounds of fur is how I go, then it's how I go." Ashley laughed dusting off and picking straw from her hair.

"I feel terrible for the behavior of my hound. I take pride in how well trained they are, this only shows that I have more work cut out for me."

"Honestly no harm was done." Ashley rubbed her arm and looked at the man in front of her. He didn't seem enthralled by her, just truly sorry that she got tackled by his dog. "Though I am new to Markarth and might need some directions to getting to the temple."

"Oh? Are you a priestess?" The man said while petting his dog.

Ashley laughed, "You could say that."

"I'm Banning, my family and I have been training war dogs for generations."

"Ashley, I study dead languages and dabble in art."

Banning laughed and motioned to the gate, "The Temple of Dibella is the topmost door on the mountain in the middle of the hold. I'm sure the other Priestesses are eagerly awaiting your arrival."

"Thank you again." Ashley bowed and made her way to the stairs waving at the Breton. One of the guards stationed at the gates pushed the large doors open for her, Ashley beamed and lightly touched his shoulder, "Dibella's blessing to you, kind sir."

"Twas my h-honor ma'am."

Taking the guards hand she gave it a light squeeze, "Stay strong and clear soldier." Letting the rough leather glove slide out of her hands she walked into the city, taking the stairs to her right, up onto the second level. Moving her hair back as the wind tousled it she looked at the large stone city with a smile.

The bright cerulean sky was cut by towering silver stone and bright bronze accents, the mist from the waterfall settled in the air like sparkling stars. The sound of the forge and the bustle of the townsfolk was like a sweet symphony to Ashley's ears. Clutching her hands to her heart she smiled and continued along to stone path and up flights of stairs to the Dwarven metal doors. Pushing them open with ease Ashley walked in with a smile, looking at the white stone statues of Dibella bordering the foyer their shadows dancing in the candlelight.

The room smelled like stone and incense.

Moving her hair to her front Ashley nervously ran her fingers through it. With steady feet she walked into the main hall where a small pool of water sent prismatic lights about the room, more statures of Dibella stood tall and graceful at each pillar. Deep orange banners hung languidly from the ceiling, Ashley couldn't help but look around in awe and reverence. This place hummed with a magical aura, she felt her very soul dance in this room.

"Welcome sister, how may a servant of Dibella be of service?"

Ashley startled turned to her right where a woman in robes kneeled in front of a shrine. "Oh! Forgive me I did not see you there." Ashley bowed, "I am Ashley…I was sent here for my safety."

The woman's smile faltered for a moment, then she rose from her kneeling position. "The one whom the Dragonborn begged us to give asylum. I did not know you would be a woman…for this I am glad. Come, sister, I'll take you to the inner sanctum where you may find refuge." Walking deeper into the hall she opened another door for Ashley with a key leading her through an antechamber into a series of stairways that led her deep within the rocks to a long chamber with stone chairs and many wooden shelves. "I am Senna, and these ladies are Anwen, Hamal, and Orla." Senna motioned to the other women whom all nodded their heads to her. "My sisters this is the one whom the Dragonborn sent, she seeks refuge and guidance within our temple."

"Child I am Mother Hamal, High Priestess of this temple, what plight do you carry that has you seeking our aid?" The silver-haired Nord woman walked up to her placing a warm hand on Ashley's shoulder guiding her to one of the stone chairs.

"I don't know where to start honestly, just one day I woke up in Skyrim on some shrine wearing this." Ashley lifted her amulet of Mara, "I cannot remove it. No matter how I try."

"That is no cause for concern…" Orla spoke up from where she leaned close to look at the amulet.

"If it were only that…" Ashley sighed and leaned back, "It seems that I'm cursed, men fall instantly in love with me. Not all men mind you, but most. And it's terrifying! I've been fondled in public, werewolves have nearly mounted me, and worst of all I have caught the attention of a very powerful and influential man who asked me to marry him! I do not know how I came to Skyrim…I would like to find out why. What is my purpose here, and how my destiny intertwines with that of the Divines."

Hamal leaned back contemplating Ashley's words, "I see." She looked to the other women around her and they all nodded. "You will stay here as long as you need, our halls shall be your sanctuary. Eat and we will commune with our Goddess, she will give us insight on your future."

Ashley smiled, "Thank you very much. I will do my best not to be a burden."

Anwen hummed and looked down at her, "What very powerful man is craving your young body to the point where you chose to run?"

Blushing bright red Ashley looked at the candle next to her, "Ulfric Stormcloak." The ladies in the room gasped.

"You merely ran away?"

"Yes."

"Have you no mind to the beast you have unleashed?"

Hazel eyes widened in horror, "What?"

"He will have his men scour every town and city in Skyrim looking for you." Anwen sighed and shook her head. "He probably thinks you stole off by some bandit or Empire lackey." The Redguard woman took Ashley by the hand dragging her into the room at the end of the great hall, "You must write to him at once! I will not be thrown in chains for hiding his woman away."

Ashley yelped indigently as she was pushed into a chair facing a stone table with writing supplies, "I am not his woman!"

Anwen rolled her eyes and handed Ashley a quill, "That is not what he thinks, now tell him you are not captured that you are on a pilgrimage to discover your truth."

Sighing Ashley began to write.

—

The snow had ceased its onslaught for a moments breath of bright azure sky, large drifts eddied and hissed in the wind along the frozen roads. Nearly covered in the frost a young man trotted down the long bridge to the gates of Windhelm his blue eyes on the many Stormcloak soldiers stationed along the stone batteries, as he did not fear his fellow Nord the missive he carried held terrible weight on the young runner. Aye, he knew who wrote the letter…the other couriers before him had spoken of the lass. There was no mistake she was the young maiden whom Ulfric Stormcloak had sent many search parties to find. There was even talk that he hired members of the companions and thieves guild to locate her. They thought her snatched away by bandits to defile, or dead by assassins.

Taking a deep breath the young Nord pushed open the gates and hastily jogged the stone center of the city his eyes looking longingly at Candlehearth Hall. Mead will be greatly appreciated after this. Tearing his eyes away he looked to the Palace of the Kings a sense of foreboding eating away at his gut. Talos give him strength, this was only one small letter. Steeling his resolve he made the last few steps to the palace doors giving a nod to the guards.

Ulfric sat on his stone throne with a scowl as reports were brought in by two captains and his trusted general. The breath of warm air did nothing to ease the grip of cold in the courier's heart, this very well might be the day he gets killed for being the messenger. Briskly he walked to the throne giving the Jarl a low bow and presenting the letter. "A letter for you sir, your hands only."

Ulfric raised a brow, his letters never came from a common courier. Taking the small piece of parchment he broke the small wax seal, storm blue eyes looked over the small yet elegantly scrawled words. "Where is she?" His growled out words made the entire entourage freeze.

The courier jumped, "I'm sorry sir but she's a clever lass, assigned multiple couriers to carry this. I've heard from the others this letter has traveled the entirety of Skyrim and all her cities. No one knows where she's at."

Galmar Stone-Fist huffed and motioned to Ulfric, "Well what does it say? Is it a ransom? Do those faithless Imperials have her?"

"No." Ulfric looked down at the letter with a frown, "She says she's on a pilgrimage to find her purpose in this world. Apparently, the Divines have gifted her with a prophecy. She's spoken of her travels the creatures she's seen and flowers she's collected." Ulfric laughed softly, "And of her first successful hunt." His laughter died and he looked to the page again reading over a passage one more time. "She fought off two werewolf brothers with her own blade, and accidentally got into a shouting match with a…dragon?!"

Orion spat out his mead from were he sat the table eavesdropping.

Galmar doubled over with laughter smacking his thigh with a meaty hand, "Gods be praised that small lass has the heart of a Nord. No fear in that little body." A fist to his chest Galmar grinned, "Oh to have a woman like that."

Ulfric glared at his general, "I don't think her challenging every beast she comes across is means for praise. Did I not say she would be the death of me." His head fell into his hand and the future king groaned loudly. "Yet Ashley writes with so much joy about all her experiences I cannot find it in me to feel anger at her."

"Sir then shall we call off the search?" One of the captains stepped forward.

"Yes, but have every Stormcloak from here to our sympathizers in Solitude know that should Ashley need it, we will aid her in any way we can." Ulfric stood from his throne the weight of her looming death gone and now a determination to see her life journey fulfilled encased his heart. She would come back to him when she is ready. "Come we have much to do for the war effort."

Orin watched them leave into the war room, getting up from the table he grabbed the courier who had snatched a sweet roll on his way to the door tossing his arm over the smaller Nords shoulders with a big grin, "So lad would you mind taking a letter to that lass for me?"

"But I don't know where she is."

Stepping out of the Palace of the Kings Orion gave the lad a sideways look, "I do. And I have some questions for her." Steering them over to Candlehearth Hall the Dragonborn made a mental note to take his travels to Whiterun, Jorrvaskr seemed like a good place to find those werewolf brothers Ashley spoke of in her letter.