AN: So there it is, next chapter. Hope you enjoy it.

Thanks for the new follows and favourites.


It had taken a while until Erador had enough strength to tighten his hold on her, it didn't really matter to her. They had remained that way just being glad to be alive.

Ayera sniffed, another barge of tears announcing with the increasing pressure behind her eyes. She shouldn't still be this upset. Fear had ingrained itself in her the moment that scum had gone for Erador and she had only been able to shout him dead. Her chest still hurt, at least she wasn't coughing blood up yet.

"How did you manage to blast the door in his face?" Oh, had he heard her shout? Not good if he had.

"I discharged a lightning spell at it", she muttered with her face in his chest suppressing the guilt gnawing at her stomach for lying at him again, even if for a moment, then her blood went cold again. Who was the Dragonborn? Not her. Looking up shortly he had a thoughtful look on his face.

"I thought I heard you say something, but…" he started rubbing circles on her bare back.

"I haven't said anything", she reassured squeezing him shortly.

"I was pretty sure…" she needed to distract him of this, make him forget.

"You were still groggy, I didn't say anything… just discharged a spell." If she said it enough times she would eventually believe it most fervently herself. In the end it was the truth, she wasn't the Dragonborn. That part of her died in her home in Whiterun, and now trying to resurrect something dead was just madness, but nothing was impossible. What if he found? No, she willed the thought down, how could he discover it if she wasn't able to absorb a soul anymore? But would he…? No, why should she care what he thought? He was a Thalmor, ruthless and cruel. He didn't deserve such thoughts. Auriel, help her soul….

He opened his mouth again, but closed it again when she buried her head in his chest again. Out of all things, her shout to save his life was not something she wanted to discuss except say it was a lightning charge to blow the door open. Her magicka had returned and movements weren't taxing anymore, thank the divines. The poison had finally worn off. Erador still had some trouble with moving his legs, but she was positive he would be up in a few minutes. This was far too peaceful to disrupt. Like their own little plane in Oblivion. No dragons to defeat, no vengeful Ulfric Stormcloak chasing after them.

Suddenly he stiffened,

"We should get dressed" they had been fine, but why… oh. Not that he was attracted of course, but crossing that line after just having finally talked to get to know each other better was a bit too soon.

Just how much was too soon and when was it too late? Scrunching up her nose she squeezed her eyes shut. She didn't want to think about this future just yet.

His hands shifted and pushed her gently away.

"We really should get moving again, who knows how far Ulfric has gotten on the hunt for us."

He was right, chewing on her lower lip she began to think, how long had they been out? A day, two? Even if, they did need to get moving, maybe they could slip into Morthal before any scouts reached the borders. Or has Ulfric already moved on to his next military conquest? What would be more strategically placed hold for him? Her head started to hurt….

Where were their clothes anyways?

"Do you know where he put our things?" Rolling her eyes she stood up and stretched her limbs. Where could they start looking? After all, this house might have some secret rooms and they would lose a lot of time just looking for that. A necessary evil considering they couldn't just walk out naked.

"No I do not, so I suggest we get to the searching."

It was awkward knowing fully that they were running around partially nude looking for their armor and then not looking at the other. She had sat on his lap for Auriel's sake, why did she feel the need to look away now? Stupid and not at all pragmatic.

The sacrificial chamber was empty except for the few soul gems and a pile of bones in the one corner. Ayera did her best not to look at it now, even if she caught her head moving on its own sometimes. Their armor wasn't here, which was expected, but Erador had insisted on it as she had been half conscious when the mer had performed the ritual on her. She still flinched involuntarily at the feeling of her brain seemingly trying to escape her skull.

The door around the bent was thankfully open and not locked, she really didn't want to touch Tristwyr, even if to just look for a key. An alchemy table occupied the far corner of the small room with candles giving some sparse light. Summoning her magicka had gotten easier thank the divines, a mage light popped into existence and hovered up into the ceiling. Just then they noticed the ladder leading up to a trap door.

"Hm, I wonder how he got us down. Didn't look so strong", Erador commented as he stepped into the room next to her.

"Dropped us maybe?"

"Doubtful, we would have bruises by then."

"Healing spell can do wonders on bruises."

"Waste your energy on bruises seems a little bit foolish."

"He healed the cut he made to drain my blood."

He stiffened "Well, then I suppose he would waste the effort then." Looking around she could only see some shelves at another wall stuffed with bits of parchments and some bottles. That was where he stored the recipes. Would it be worth to take and sell them for good coin?

"I see no chest here" neither did she, so they could only climb up and look there.

"Don't look solely for chests, maybe a wardrobe?" He only shrugged as response.

"Either way, there is only an alchemy set and a shelf with only bits of paper. No way had he put our armor there."

"I know, but I am simply pointing out it is not solely a chest."

A huff was her only response to it. This mer's antics were infuriating to say the least. Clenching her right fist she approached the shelf. Curious what kind of potions he had been brewing, might come in handy at one point.

"If you are thinking of sacking some of them, forget it", he had already climbed up halfway and gave her a warning stare.

"Why not? Might yield some nice coin."

"He was a lunatic, not sure his potions actually work."

"Worked wonders on us."

"That is beside the point, he only used one on us."

"And? Sell them to an alchemist? I don't have a lot of money anymore."

"And you think selling such recipes will get us some?"

"Yes."

"And the alchemist we will sell it to won't get suspicious?"

"Not if you know they won't ask questions." Babette certainly wouldn't. Just would she ever get back to the little sanctuary? By Sithis, they were all waiting for her and disappearing won't be good…. Most likely they will search and kill everything in their path. Would certainly cause some havoc and distraction…. If she could contact them somehow. Their contracts came through the nightmother and then her.

"If they didn't, they would most likely remember us then if the Stormcloaks come knocking and their door."

"So you are concerned that an alchemist who gets sold various recipes every day would keep us in his memory?"

"We are still in enemy territory and we have no guarantee how big Ulfric's influence is already."

"Morthal is most likely swamped with refugees…"

"Yeah and those are probably looking for any way to get on the good side once Ulfric conquers it too."

"You think Morthal will fall?"

"Yes, Whiterun had been the one hold which made the war not advance and now Ulfric has it. The war is pretty much lost on the Empire's side."

"Are you not concerned?"

"The war is not my mission, my mission is to find the Dragonborn and give her the Dominion's message."

"Some day it will be your mission"

A sigh, he looked almost pleadingly desperate, "Please, I rather not think of this now."

Why would he avoid answering that question? Did he seriously believe the Dominion could retain its current power without resistance? One they had majorly underestimated for sure. But she didn't press, no need to agitate him further. It would come sooner or later and she was not sure whether she liked him going to some stupid war for one stupid ideology.

She looked down and back up, he had shifted his attention on the trap door heaving it open.

"Well, the ritual chamber nearly above the sleeping chamber. How lovely", Ayera snorted at his sarcasm and followed him up the ladder, having forgotten about the potions.

The sleeping chamber itself was not lavish with a bed, desk, chest and a wardrobe. Would be too easy if they would find their armor and weapons in them, well he had thought her soul was attainable. Arrogant mage.

She burst out laughing when they found their weapons and armor in the chest and wardrobe. For once something was going alright. Her laughter earned her a reproachful look from him as he dressed in his leather garments for underneath his armor.

"Stop laughing, you are only embarrassing yourself."

More laughter bubbled up in her throat and she leaned over the chest holding her stomach. He must have decided to just let her be. As her laughter died down and clarity returned to her, Erador was leaning against the door with crossed arms and raised eyebrows.

"You done?"

"No, need to get my armor on still."

"You could have done it sooner if you haven't started laughing like a witch." Someone had a low sense of humour today. Snorting she returned her attention to the chest content, sure enough her weapons were in there. Dagger, bow and arrows. Would Tristwyr had sold them if he had succeeded? Might explain why they haven't found anything which could have belonged to his victims.

He had left the room while she put on her chest piece, boots and gauntlets. One last look at the room for anything useful she sheathed her dagger in its scabbard. It seemed the sleeping chamber led directly to the room where they had been poisoned. She viewed it all in a new light now. It must have been easy to slip the sleeping draught in with a shelf so close to the cooking pit. There was still some remnant of the soup now cold in the pot with the fire extinguished.

"It is night outside, not a time I want to wander around in the mountains", nodding she walked over to where he sat at the table. Climbing to the peak and down was best to be done with daylight. He had the map of Skyrim spread on the surface and was studying it with a creased eyebrow. After a while he pointed with his finger on the mountain range, east of the peak.

"I believe we are and", he slid the finger further north and west to a sign with Morthal written next to it, "we need to get to Morthal."

"In Morthal we will continue to search for her?"

"What else?" he snapped while pinching the bridge of his nose.

"We didn't find her in Whiterun fortunately, how can we be sure she is not somewhere in Stormcloak territory?" How did someone justify their own location without being too obvious?

"She hates the Stormcloaks and they are looking for her."

"So she avoids those regions altogether?"

"I can vouch for that." Well, she was where he was. Kind of funny when thought of it like that. How was she going to break it to him? She still didn't trust him with that detail of her identity… just yet, she would have to in the end.

"Alright, Morthal it is. We will get moving once day breaks."

"Are we in the middle of the night or close to dawn?"

"I would say close to dawn, but we still have some hours yet."

"So… what do we do?"

"Eat, anything, we need our strength if we are to climb the peak and down to the marshes."

Eat? Of all things, he was thinking of food? What about anything they could sell for some coin? Coin bought food. Well not here, but in Morthal. How long were they planning to stay there? Ulfric won't sleep and at one point they would need to move again.

"Is there something in this shelf?" He stood up and walked past her and rummaged through the contents of it.

"Hm, leek, potato…."

"Salt?" Sighing she went over to him, if they ate then at least something she could force down. He shifted through the food and nodded. At least some sort of flavor, if she would have to cook.

"So do you cook?" she looked somewhere else. Cooking was something she could never really do well. If she could avoid doing it herself, she went into an inn or asked the people who knew she was terrible at it. No wonder, alchemy was a disaster with her.

She expected an incredulous look when he turned around to face her with potatoes and leeks in his hand.

"No…" then he broke into a grin, "I can, really good as well." Involuntarily her lips twitched upwards at his confident smile.

"Just sit back and I will do something", with that he set to work while she leaned back on the bench beside the table. For a Thalmor, he was far too enthusiastic about cooking than their racial superiority fanatics.

"You know most people put cabbage into the stew with the potatoes, but I think leek always tasted better…" Smiling she continued listening to him rambling, well not really rambling, but she didn't understand half of the things he was saying. How salt could be overdosed. That was new, there was no such thing as too much salt. It had saved many meals from being spit out by her, not really from Lydia vomiting it out later on. Oh no, don't remember her…. This time tears didn't spring to her eyes, this feeling was more… bittersweet. One less weakness.

She hadn't realized she had phased out and her mind was somewhere else, when Erador placed a bowl of steaming stew in front of her.

"Your mind in the aetherius, Ayera?" He was in a good mood. That was for sure. She didn't want to bring that down and smiled back at him reassuringly.

"No, I was just thinking."

"So your head was in Aetherius" he muffled out with a spoon in his mouth. One thing she noticed was that he always dug into food. Well, he made the food, so he really didn't need to worry about any poison. But right now, it had a small bitter after taste to just not question anything. She picked up her spoon, just hesitated.

"Is this because of the lunatic downstairs you aren't eating?" He read her too easily, how could it have been so obvious she was hesitant?

"I…" she raced through any potential lies, why should she lie? This was not something she had to lie about and lying to him felt worse ever since the incident at Loreius Farm. Sighing, she nodded instead of answering more and risking more lies to spill from her.

His face softened and he set down his spoon which made her frown.

"I understand, but you need your strength to walk. How long is the climb?"

He was right, just her stomach was knotting again and she looked down. No way she could keep the food down there.

"I am just…"

"Hesitant because we were put to sleep here?" He had hit the nail on its head and driven it fully in.

"Yes."

A sigh and she heard some wood creaking underneath his weight. Lifting her head up, she looked at him again. He had shifted so he was basically straddling the bench and was looked at her curiously.

"He is dead, I cooked this you saw that", he paused and she saw his face hardening slightly, "or do you not simply trust me?"

Ice water had been dumped on her head, goosebumps raised on her skin. She didn't want to answer the question. On one hand she didn't trust him enough to disclose that other part of her, probably asleep by now, as on the other one she did after what they had gone through. After all, she wasn't lying when she said the Dragonborn was not her… anymore. A scowl appeared on his face when she hesitated further.

"So you don't."

"No" she burst out "I do trust you, but…"

"But this was all too recent?"

Gratefully, she nodded. Hopefully he understood that. Well he kind of did with the reassuring smile he had sent her way. Why was he so kind to her? He must have ulterior motives. Manipulating her would be easier if she had warmed up to him. Yes that must be it. Looking down again she stirred in her soup then took a bite. By Sithis this was delicious. Who knew he could actually cook, a Thalmor? Something bubbled up in her, well she knew what it was, but it wasn't appropriate now to laugh.

Then it was out, laughing with Erador looking as if she had grown a third eye.

"What is so funny?" there was a suspicious undertone.

"Nothing, just you can cook", this caused another surge come forward and she was lying half way on the table laughing. He looked positively irritated now.

"You don't like it?"

"No, I like it. It is just I would have never thought you of all people could cook!"

"Hey, I am a man of many talents!"

"I am not doubting it" she had to gulp for breath, "but this is so funny!"

His face contorted into annoyance, "Are you done mocking me?" Sithis, he thought she had been mocking him. Back paddle! She sobered up immediately,
"No, but you a Thalmor who is high and mighty above everyone else. Don't you have servants to cook for you?"

A raised eyebrow,

"Yes we do have a cook in our home in Summerset Isle, but on the field you learn a lot."

On the field?

"You mean as in soldiers being on a mission?"

"Yes, a good meal was sometimes the best thing that could happen to us before a mission", he had a far-off look. Probably remembering those. Not that she could really. Cooking was an inevitable evil in the wilds if she didn't find a farmer or traveler on her way. The stomach pains sometimes from undercooked meat made her shiver, they had been nearly just as bad when she got her moon's blood.

"It is good", he looked back at her and smiled.

"Thank you, what about you?"

"Uh, you rather not want to know", she shrugged at him and he chuckled.

"Let me guess, a disaster in Alchemy as well?"

"Yes, about every potion blows up somehow?"

"I don't believe you, potions can't explode."

"You would be very surprised when it comes to me." Another chuckle.

"Oh Auriel, I want to see that. You blowing up a healing potion." She flushed a bright crimson when she remembered how she blew up the alchemy station in Arcadia's shop by mixing something with wheat. Boom, even Arcadia knew she had put in the wrong kind of ingredient which had been fine, but she always managed to get the quantities wrong.

"Well," he started and had a short moment where he laughed, "you could have invented a new weapon. Exploding potions" he looked at her with a straight face. It didn't hold long to her dismay, he was bent over the table laughing again. Was it that funny?

"Oh my, I can just imagine you standing bent over the alchemy table and then" he laughed harder, but she didn't need to know what he imagined. Sighing she returned to the food and continued eating. Men. But at least he was laughing.

"You know, Ayera" he stopped and she looked back at him again with a frown.

"Sometimes I am glad you weren't a Nord who supported Ulfric." What was that supposed to mean? Sure, it meant he would have had to kill her to get to her friend with no clue. Her heart jumped into her throat. No he didn't mean it in a personal way, he is a Thalmor on a mission. How could she be sure he was not lying to her like she was to him? This was hurting her head. One more spoon, just forget and let herself go in the conversation. Sighing softly,

"You aren't so bad either." That was the most he would get from her, after all he was the one who had held a dagger at her throat to make her cooperate. Not even the strife for survival would excuse this.

A snort, "Not too bad, here I am giving you a compliment you only give a second rate one?" The teasing was evident in his voice, making her smile at him.

"What? Surely no Breton could ever match you in your compliments" she winked and was rewarded with a twinkle in his eyes.

"You know I am a man and we always like being complimented by a woman", oh Auriel, this mer seriously had an ego as big as Ulfric's, but just not insufferable. Was that even possible? Apparently this mer had the most irritating ability to overhaul those believes.

She laughed and ate again. This time he didn't remark anything and they finished eating in silence. It was strange leaving the house with its dead owner in the basement, a lone house in the wilderness. Not that someone would miss that scum for sure.

The sun was casting its warm morning light into their faces when they stepped out. They would be walking away from it for now, up the mountain and then down. Was the peak still deserted after her defeat of the dragon or had wildlife reclaimed it? The skeleton might be still there, how was she going to drag him away from that? He would most certainly want to know what she knew, as if she knew. Her friend didn't take her to the Dragons, she was far too weak for those.

"This time we go for settlements, no more lone necromancers trying to steal our souls" far too cheerful referencing the occasion.

"As if we are going to encounter more of those lunatics" she rolled her eyes and adjusted her cloak again. The sun might warm their faces for now, the cold from the night was still there. Probably won't lessen that much at the middle of the day.

"No, presumably not" she concentrated on the peak in the distance and tried to remember the way up there again. There had been a small footpath, deserted because of the dragon, maybe it had more traffic than before. Or not, if it wasn't well known then the chances of encountering Stormcloak troops would be down. They had not really rested last night and she worried, could they last a whole day without sufficient rest? Looking over to him, she bit her lip. He had said he had soldier training so marching without rest shouldn't be a problem for him, but her? The last three nights she had barely had a deep sleep. Not that she felt it now, it will come sooner than later, however.

They didn't really talk while marching up the mountain, preserving strength, but were panting by the time they reached the point where steps replaced the rocky ground. They had reached the peak.

"Steps?" shocked he stopped and looked at her.

"I don't know" she offered her poor explanation. Nordic structures, they had reached the word wall and around the bent with the bushes hindering their sight they would see the place where an ancient dragoncult structure used to be, well that was what she believed it had once been.

There should be a stream here or was it past the peak? They should drink something sooner or later, mead and ale wouldn't do it in the evening.

"Well, we will see" he pressed on, striding around the bent with the cloak swishing. What would he say to the skeleton?

"By Auriel…" his gasp made her walk faster to catch up. Internally chuckling at his wide eyed expression while eyeing the white bone head staring at them, she took in the scenery. Nothing really had changed, except maybe more plants having reclaimed most of the peak again, but it was still bare.

"That is a dragon?" She only nodded and walked around the skull which reached her waist and looked at the word wall again. Something tugged in her, she suppressed it however. She had never been here. Erador was still occupied eyeing the monstrous remain of a vicious battle, as she walked up another flight of steps to the open space of the ruins. It all was so eerily silent. Why was there no wildlife? Surely after two years at least foxes or wolves would have come back. She didn't like this.

The sun was nearly at its peak when she looked up from the word wall.

"Ayera, is this what happens when the Dragonborn absorbs the Dragon's soul?" there was a certain edge to his voice. Sighing she turned around to his blank expression. What was he thinking? That she was too dangerous? Too dangerous for the deal?

"Yes" she gritted out. His brows moved a tiny up. This was more of astonishment than fright. Well, if someone managed to frighten him.

"Then… oh Auriel" he was speechless, she smiled at his stuttering and glancing back at the skeleton lying on the steps to the rest of the ruin. It was surreal she had to admit, creatures made by the chief deity were fallible by a chosen of that same one. Cruel in a way, but then again, cruelty was a part of them as well. Paarthurnax had said that they were made to dominate, as was she. What would she give to have him here right now? She walked back to Erador who had moved closer to the bones and stared into the hollow eye sockets. No feelings came. A hand came down on her shoulder, "Ayera, your friend" she turned her head towards him, "to devour a whole soul, that I just…" he left the thought discontinued. Frowning she stepped closer to him. She wanted to hear what he wanted to say. Though, he pulled his shoulders up and muttered "nothing."

Confused, she was rooted to her place when he turned and walked off. Not even once did he look to ensure she was following him. What was going on with him? Why the sudden change?

"Erador?" calling after him didn't deter him either. A heavy feeling settled in her stomach, she couldn't see into his head. Sithis, if she got out of this with her sanity intact… Picking up her pace she reached his side and caught up with him well into the descent from the peak.

"Erador" she tried again, only earning a quick glance nothing more. The feeling nearly made her sick. Was it because of her? Not everything resolved around her, but she was the only one around at the moment.

Softer this time she tried again, stretching out her hand to touch him. She couldn't feel whether he was tense or not under his armor or not. At least this time, he stopped. Just didn't turn around. Gripping onto him tightly, she had him listening now, she walked around to face him. A deep scowl tensed jaw greeted her. How was she proceed with this?

"What is wrong?" cringing internally she waited for his reply. This was the most awkward way to ask, but what else could she do? The look she got was more of annoyance than anger. Progress at least. So she waited for him to open his mouth and finally tell her what had him so… brooding. It took a while until he finally forced himself to speak.

"It doesn't concern you", her face fell. This was not the answer she had been hoping for. But she would be damned if she let that deter her.

"No," she gripped him tighter and he stared harder at her, "you will tell me what is wrong here and now." His face grew cold and her heart fell. He didn't want to tell her, there was no trust on his side. Like she was any better. It took him not a lot of effort to her shame to shake her off and continue marching with a bitter expression. She stood there dumbfounded for a few moments not able to process what was happening. What had him so riled up?

"Are you coming or not?" it was malicious. Flinching she continued marching along him. Crossing her arms she pointedly looked away from him. She didn't care what he thought. That was what she kept telling herself really. Why was nothing for once easy with this mer?

In silence they walked down, avoiding roots, rocks and too steep parts. All the while not exchanging a single word. It irked her, they had made such good progress getting more on friendlier terms with each other. How could they travel together until they found her friend and not talk? Pressure was building in her temples. Great, a headache… groaning she thought how she could survive the day. Lack of sleep and now him being a jerk. Divines, for once make her life easy.

What would they eat today? The rabbit she had shot yesterday had been dumped somewhere by Tristwyr and she had lacked the energy to search for it. Where would they cook it as well? Belethor's supplies could be used and what they had taken from the other one. Just in the Marshes they had less hunting or collecting options. Probably more of an advantage to eat them then and not in the mountains where they still had plenty until they reached the base.

Nothing happened which she was grateful for. Well, if Erador's mood was discounted they had reached the halfway point without too much problem and the path got less steep. Somehow she had hoped he would talk eventually on his own, but no luck, he kept silent all the time. What was he thinking? It made her nearly sick to not know what was going on and for all she knew it could be something she had unwittingly done.

Her senses tingled, not now. She pushed them down and concentrated on Erador's back trying to sort through the events. Necromancer, he had been very talkative, it all changed when he saw that dragon. Well, she hasn't really said anything but answer his questions. Had those displeased him? He would have said so if he hadn't liked them.

"Halt", she nearly jumped when ripped from her musings. A man clad in steel armor had built himself up in front of Erador with his weapon drawn. She had fallen back while brooding and quickened her pace to reach his side. The man's eyes fell on her shortly , then shifted back to Erador who had a clenched jaw.

"What do you want from us?" it was gritted out and with an undertone of arrogance. Don't provoke them. Gripping his arm was more on an instinct, not that he could feel her tightening it through his armor. But it did cause him to shift in his stance.

"Your companion has a bounty on her head", her eyes widened, a damn bounty letter…. Who put a bounty on her head? Those were mercenaries looking for a quick coin. Did she really look that harmless? An involuntary sneer formed on her face. What a rookie mistake.

"I am sorry to inform you brainless brute that my wife has done nothing", he glanced towards her, was there annoyance there? Oh great, he also blamed her. The man had a dumbfounded look on his face which contorted in fury at the insult.

"I would keep your mouth shut, filthy elf", he advanced closer making him appear bigger. Intimidation tactics, effective on the less experienced. She looked past him into the group of trees nearby. There must be others with him. Only a fool would dare to demand to collect the bounty on someone's head by approaching them without sufficient backup. Sure enough there were, it was difficult to count them in the shadows thrown by the sun. Five or six?

A jerk made her focus back on Erador again. Don't do something stupid. His upper lip was drawn up in a sneer and he had the ability to look down his nose on the Nord in front of them who practically towered over them.

"My wife" he emphasized wife, "is no way a criminal and you would do well to let us pass."

The Nord only snorted and looked to her again, his grey eyes were hard assessing her. She shivered involuntarily. This was the gaze of a predator certain to have won his prey. How should they proceed? Engaging him would be taking in the risk that there more than the five or six she had counted, so there had to be another way.

"Your wife, eh?" She laid her arm around Erador's waist and pressed herself closer to him. Her face dug into the hard ebony of his armor underneath the cloak making her wince slightly. Their act had to be impeccable to convince them. He didn't seem to notice her motion to play the frightened wife. Not good, if he didn't play along they would move to apprehend her. Then, she swallowed thickly; she might end up in Ulfric's clutches. Oh Auriel, please spare her from that fate.

"Yes my wife" one thing she had to hold to him, he could be very menacing when he wanted to. Well not really a surprise. Elves.

A raised eyebrow, not good, he didn't believe them. Her thoughts ran wild. What could she do to reinforce that idea? Cuddling closer would be too obvious, maybe hide her face and shiver? Give a display of fear? Might work. So she did, she buried her face into Erador's side, her nose being squashed into the ebony, making her eyes squeeze shut. Please work. An arm wound around her squeezed her against him further. Finally he had caught on, took him long enough. Her poor nose, was her second thought.

"Hmpf" a snort. Please work, she mumbled against the cloth while waiting with frayed nerves. Something sounding like paper rustled.

"Do you agree that the woman on this looks just like your wife?"

"Surely the drawing would make every woman look the same. So leave us be," Erador sneered back.

Dagger was in place, drawing the bow would take too much time and he was too close. If it came to a fight what would the others do, rush in or did they have bows as well? Magic and her dagger had to do, but what if… don't concentrate on that, she had lost when she thought like that.

"I do not believe you", her heart fell. Her dagger, she needed to get it before he dragged to Ulfric. Divines knew what he was going to do to her. The arm around her tightened, did he have a plan?

"Well, believe what you want but we are walking now." He took a step nearly causing her to falter at the abruptness. Then she was shoved back violently.

"Hey take your hands of my wife!"

"She is not your wife."

"She is." Her heart was speeding, how else could they persuade them?

"Husband, they are scaring me" her voice wavered. Squeezing tears out didn't work however, damn it. He looked down on her, his eyes had softened at least. He was good, or was it honest? She was drawn in closer to him, they were close… too close.

"Sweety," his voice was awfully…sweet, any other time she would have cringed visibly, "this is all a misunderstanding, we will be on our way soon." He reached out with his other hand and stroked her cheek. Her skin tingled when his fingers touched it and the feeling stayed after it had trailed down and away. She'd never understand her reactions to his touches. It distracted her for a moment with that pleasant feeling.

Another snort, why was he not buying it? Her stomach clenched, muscles tensed and her eyes flitted across the path. Little space, not much room to evade and flee. Not good, so not good.

"You two are good, but she is the exact image of the woman on the bounty." He was stubborn, well he was actually right. What could they do to make them think she was the wrong person? Looking up she saw Erador pinching the bridge of his nose. Probably thinking with what kind of buffoons he was dealing with. It tugged her lips slightly upwards.

"We are not… enacting, that would be frivolous."

The mercenary crossed his arms and had a pensive look. Please get to the conclusion that they were not the people he was looking for.

"I don't believe you", she slipped her right arm which was out of view down to the scabbard which held her dagger and gripped its hilt tightly. They would have to fight, even if the odds could turn in against their favour very quickly.

"Believe what you wish, we have a mother in law waiting" another snort, when could this all be over? Erador made a move to walk past the man. Her hair stood on end, if the man… he did, he ripped his sword up. A great sword her mind registered numbly.

"You are not going anywhere until you hand over the woman" it was cold and low. Erador eyed the blade travelling up its length with a mocking smile.

"Steel, huh?" Then he drew his sword, black ebony flashing as it reflected the sun. Her grip on her dagger tightened even more. It would only be a matter of time now.

"Oh, someone with guts and a fancy sword" the bandit mocked back. Then he made the first move. It was as if time had slowed down, she couldn't draw her dagger fast enough for her tastes. She dodged the first arrow aimed for her shoulder, and dove behind a boulder next to the path. Charging up a lightning spell in her left hand she peeked over to see Erador engaged in a furious exchange of slashes and swipes with the leader it seemed. There were others approaching, she needed to help him, was her first instinct. Lightning flashed past the two fighting in the middle of the road and hit the first in the chest, the bandit spasmed before falling flat on her face never to move again.

"Get her and kill him" the leader shouted. Oh Sithis, frantically looking around she gripped her dagger and moved away from the rock. It would only hinder escape routes. Another arrow flew past her, missing her face by mere hair widths.

Erador was still battling the man, but she could see he had a more determined glint in his eyes than before. Thalmor and their dedication to missions. The next one had to die really quickly, not one should be able to grab her. She couldn't fight three at once.

The first was clad in furs, daggers had a hard time pushing through leather. Her eyes darted to any possible skin she could stab. There the neck had a fine line of skin showing. She surged forward, he raised his shield, her body slammed into it, driving him backwards. Gripping the edge of his shield she yanked it down only to be greeted with his sword being raised to take a stab at her. Letting the shield go she sidestepped the swipe and stabbed downwards into his vulnerable spot. It crunched as her dagger pierced skin and bone. The man went down screaming holding the profusely bleeding wound. He would bleed out eventually.

Another yelp, from behind told her that the leader had been wounded by Erador.

"Filthy elf" she didn't turn around. Erador was a capable warrior.

This time an arrow hit her in the shoulder throwing her onto her back at the force with the arrow sticking out. It hadn't gone through, thank the Divines. Damn archers. Rolling to the side she avoided another coming her way and yanked it out forcefully. Coming up she was face to face with Erador who had wide eyes and a hand outstretched towards her. The man behind him cackled and swung his greatsword out and cut down in a long arch.

"Watch out!" was she could yell.

Erador whirled around just in time to parry the blow enough to lessen the force, not enough to make him stumble backwards. Her heart nearly stopped when he had to catch his footing and parry another blow which would have decapitated him. She was useless…. The only advantage that had happened was that she was behind him now and the other bandits now had to be drawn out to get her. Swallowing and readying herself with lightning spell and dagger she waited for them to charge.

That they did, with a bellowing battle cry. She wondered briefly whether Ulfric would have heard that all the way in Whiterun. Pushing that thought out of her head she faced the charging bandits. There had been not the four remaining she had estimated, she realized with a sinking heart. A whole clan was more like it; those were eight more charging at her. Oh Sithis. Discharging another spell only brought down one, causing the others to raise their shields. A yell and she turned her head shortly to see Erador's sword penetrating the leader's armor into his heart. Then he turned his attention to the advancing bandits.

Her heart stopped when he threw himself forward. He was going to get himself killed! Oh Talos, please preserve him. She followed him into the fray, with her dagger and lightning spell. Where was this damn archer from before? A sword stabbed in her direction, she ducked dodging it, then forced it up with her dagger, leaving the attacker wide open for her to stab him into the throat. He gargled pitifully when her dagger found its mark, making his life spill out on the ground. Suddenly she was shoved backwards causing her to lose her footing. Shaking her ringing ears she looked up in fright on the raised war axe ready to strike her down. Lightning, discharge the lightning! Lifting up her hand sparks flew through the air. It was a weak spell she didn't have enough time to charge a stronger spell. The bandit spasmed, die, just die! He didn't, with horror she scrambled backwards just in time for the axe to slam into the ground whirling dirt up. A green flash hit him, confused Ayera watched dumbfounded as his muscles tightened and he fell down, her head shot to her side seeing Erador throwing those green flashes around. Paralysis spell it hit her, lurching forward she stabbed the man on the ground before he could get up, he died from not being able to prevent the blood loss. Erador had to teach her that spell later. Charging another lightning spell she looked around for another enemy. It struck a bandit frantically looking for her weapon, she slouched into the ground with an outstretched arm.

She swung out again turning around to another assailant who raised her shield successfully blocking her dagger which struck through the wood and got stuck. Oh to Sithis with all of this! Trying to yank it out didn't work. It was deeply lodged into it. The bandit used her momentary distraction to pull the shield to the side, pulling her arm with it leaving her open. A sword was raised and in an act of insanity she gripped the bandit's arm slowing down the descent. Damn her opponent was strong, her arm was shaking with exertion. Biting her lip she strained even more, looking right into the hateful look of the bandit. Let go of the dagger. No, letting go of the dagger would mean one less mean to defend. Otherwise she'll be dead if she didn't let go! Was she even strong enough to punch her in the face and drive her back? Just do it and longer the chance will be gone!

It took immense willpower to let go of her weapon, the familiar weight missing in her empty hand now. The air crackled as the instinctively charged lightning spell as she raised her fist. Eyes wide, the Bandit could only watch as Ayera's right hand shot up and released the lightning into her face gritting her teeth in pain as some of the lightning shot through her arm. Ayera kicked the dead body away from her as it slumped against her, leaving her free to move again. Though, she missed her dagger. Wincing she grabbed her right arm which felt numb, she knew later it would hurt like Oblivion later. A yell and she whirled around to face another opponent charging at her. Without her dagger all she could do was evade until there was enough space and time without getting part of the spell back at her again. If her arm didn't feel numb anymore, she wasn't sure whether she could channel anything through it for a time. It was too late, he was onto her now swinging the sword with the flat side towards her temple. Throwing herself to the ground, the sword hacked into empty air, leaving the attacker winded. Damn, she was losing her edge. She needed her dagger! Looking around from the ground she tried finding the familiar black red blade. Suddenly there were black boots in her vision. Ebony… Erador! He stepped over her, near her temples making her flinch. What was he doing? A scream and the gurgling sound of choking on blood were heard. Oh, he killed the bandit for her. She had to get up, but where was her dagger? Where was it, panting she twisted to the other side, where was the shield? A hand grabbed her by the neck of her armor and she was forcibly hauled up. Her stomach dropped low as the world spun shortly. There were still some snarling bandits charging at them. Sithis, if she survived this. Her arm was still useless; she doubted she won't be able to lift it for a long while. Three of them and she was exhausted, how had they survived the battle for Whiterun? Where was her edge? If she could only use her bow…. The hand was gone from her neck. Somehow it had helped her stand upright, she wobbled on shaky knees as Erador dashed past her with a scavenged shield on his left arm. There was blood on his forehead, neck…. Hopefully not his, she hoped. Before she could think otherwise she took a shaky step in his direction. She had to help, no way was she going to let him fight this alone. Lifting her remaining arm she charged another spell, sweat was forming on her forehead, this was taxing. The crackle died out, damn it, concentrate! Frowning she focused on the lightning spell again, the tell tale crackle came again. It wavered, straining against her control. Oh no, let it go! She did, it flashed through the air into a tree. Wood splintered and an agonized cry filled the air. Her knees wobbled and she had trouble focusing her vision as it blurred. Who had fallen, she didn't know. Take a deep breath, get the haziness gone. She needed to move. A step to the right and colours went back as they were before. Erador seemed slow in his movements, sluggish even whilst blocking the merciless onslaught by the bandit. Movement behind him made her snap her gaze to the last one stalking stealthily with a Warhammer raised towards him. She needed to help him, her knees nearly gave out while she did another step forward. If she could just distract him enough… another spell would mean unconsciousness for her, she couldn't afford that.

"Hey" she surprised herself "Come here you warthog!" Sometimes she had the maddest ideas at the worst times. But it worked, the bandit swiveled around and saw her. Snarling he readjusted his grip on the hammer and then with her frozen for a moment he charged. New energy returned to her limbs and she scrambled away from the blow which threw of dirt from the ground where the hammer had impacted. That had been a terrible idea, where to?

Her foot caught on something, she stumbled and fell on her fours. No, no he is nearly there. Twisting her body she saw him advancing smiling cruelly. Assured of victory, or was this insanity born of blood lust seeing that most of his comrades were dead? Don't think, get a weapon! She reached out with her good arm fishing on the ground for something, anything she could hurdle at him. Her fingers closed themselves around something round… familiar shape. Her dagger! Finally she had it again. Nocturnal, her thanks. New confidence filled her and she assessed the man charging at her. Throwing the dagger would be no problem, but where? His throat was exposed, but easily swatted away. It would take him longer to reach his head. It was protected though, except the eyes…. She threw the dagger while falling back on her side, watching it rotate in the air towards the man who saw it coming too late. He tried lifting his arms to block it, but laden with the war hammer they were slowed down. With a deafening scream the dagger imbedded itself in his eye hilt deep. He died instantly.

With a sigh of relief she turned her attention back to Erador still sluggishly parrying the hits of the other, but there was something tense in his movements. Like he was waiting for something. Crawling to the now dead bandit she yanked the dagger out, causing blood to squirt out. The next thing she knew and the bandit was clutching a profusely bleeding stump where his arm used to be, screaming. Horrified she froze. Not that she had not seen detached limbs, but it was always new and sickening whenever she saw it. Then the scream was over, the head rolled a few paces until it stopped near her. Panting filled the road as Erador leaned forward on his sword gulping for air.

Forgetting her own fatigue and right arm which still hung limply at her side, she scuffled over on her knees.

"You alright?" Her voice was cracking, she hated herself for that. Show no weakness, she had shown enough in that fight. The look she received made her recoil physically. Menacing and contempt. It all melted away when his face softened.

"I should" he gave out a cracked laugh "how you are still up and breathing." His eyes shifted to her arm.

"Your arm?" She gripped it with her good arm instinctively. Don't make him worry, she focused on the nasty cut on his forehead. Blood was still pouring out, worry settled heavily in her stomach. He needed a healing spell, quickly.

"Nothing bad, let me see your cuts." She reached out with her good arm while Erador let himself fall on his knees. The skin was tender and stiff. It will be a bruise later that much was sure. Right now her concern was the deep cut on his forehead, if left untreated it could get infected and that would mean the sure death. Summoning the healing spell was difficult, her magicka exhausted from the strenuous use of lightning, unused to the more gentle flow of restoration magic. The golden glow wasn't as vibrant as usual, but it had to do. It took a while until the skin had knit itself together and she was satisfied enough to end the spell.

Sighing she looked at him again. Breathing was still heavy, she frowned, too labored for her taste. There was something else. Cracked ribs? Shifting again she edged closer while observing him. He had his eyes shut and his mouth shut tightly. Not good, so not good. Looking around, she saw the ground littered with corpses. They needed to move as soon as possible. Who knew there were more? Or worse Stormcloaks would be coming through here.

First, get him up and breathing again. Tentatively she reached out again with her left arm and touched his neck. He flinched, she wasn't wanted. She quickly snatched her hand away and waited for him to berate her. Nothing of the sorts came except him finally opening his eyes again.

"That bastard got me good on my shoulder" a cracked smile and she wanted to slap him. A hit to the shoulder was no laughing matter by Sithis! But she couldn't really help it, she smiled alongside with him. He was alive, maybe with a shoulder injury but still breathing and kicking.

"Let me see it then" imploring softly she stretched her hand out again and touched the clasps holding the shoulder parts together. A huff and before she could distract him, he had grabbed her right arm.

"What happened to this one?" there was no menace in his voice, but plain concern. She didn't know how to react, how did someone explain that one of her lightning spells had also backfired on her? He would laugh for sure, chewing on her lip she got to work on the clasp singlehandedly. It didn't work, she knew that. Clasps couldn't be opened with only one hand, but she had hoped he would be distracted enough not to mention her arm again. Shifting her hand up to the edge where the armor ended and his skin began she pressed down hard, intentionally. Let it drop, her arm will be fine. Later. He hissed. She expected him to get the hint and let it drop. Just he didn't, a snarl which made her swallow thickly. Sithis, she always had to screw up with him.

"You are injured, Ayera. Let me have a look and then you can think about my shoulder." He left no room for argument, when she was suddenly and forcibly shoved backwards. With a yelp of surprise she fell on her back with him sitting on her stomach and gently removing her gauntlet. Sometimes, she wished she could just do the same, overwhelm him and over go his stupid wishes. Damn he was heavy, at least this time her dragonscale armor prevented him from sinking further down, she would have surely vomited up the stew.

She didn't feel the gauntlet coming off or the cool air hitting the skin of her fingers. Turning her head she focused on her hand being held by him. It was disturbing not to feel his touch. Not that she wanted to feel his particular touch, but the loss of a sensatory perception left her reeling mentally. Could she move them? No, unresponsive. He prodded the skin, she focused her eyes on the spot. There was a light pink scarring there. Forked, like lightning. She didn't feel the spell, but she saw the glow on her skin. It took a while and all through that she avoided eye contact. Holding her hand was an intimate gesture even if just to heal her arm, but there was this light feeling in her stomach. Nocturnal, was that her price for saving her skin in that battle? Making a gesture of comradery feel so… intense.

A tingling spread on her palm of her hand, pressure sense returned. Mesmerized she stared at her hand as the pressure of his fingers and the spell's warmth grew in intensity as her senses returned to her hand. Don't look into his eyes, don't make this more awkward. Look at the leaf there, just focus on that. Brown, flecked with occasional yellow, sharp edges. It lay there on the path, as if no fight had happened around it just moments ago. How could that leaf been undisturbed? With all that fighting and not even a single drop of blood on it. She could feel again in her fingers now, the tingling feeling proceeded down to her hand balls. Don't look, she had to tell herself again when her head nearly turned on itself. The tingling became unpleasant when it travelled down her arm restoring her sense of touch again. She looked back, seeing her hand still being held by him, even if she could move it, she didn't. No need to disturb the moment, he was still healing her.

"That should do it" he said abruptly and got up from her stomach and moved to her side. Gingerly putting weight on her right arm she turned over to him undoing the clasp on his shoulder piece. Snorting she understood now, he hadn't wanted to be in her debt for healing him. Mers and their pride. The clasp snapped open and he lifted it a bit for her to see. Wincing she looked at the massive bruise forming there already. His ebony armor had caught most of the impact, but some force of the blow had come through. They would need to have a smith have a look at the armor once they were in Morthal. Summoning her healing spell in both hands, she channeled it towards his shoulder. Hopefully, this was all, no broken bone. She should look. He hissed when she prodded the location where the bruise looked the worst. Nothing felt out of place except very firm. Lucky mer, no broken bone.

"What was that for?" rolling her eyes she explained "I looked whether they was a broken bone…" before she could continue he interrupted: "You can do that?" He sounded incredulous. Raising an eyebrow she stared at him. What did he mean? That was one of the first things Danica had explained to her after she had asked for lessons as a compensation for reviving the Eldergleam. Not that it had impeded her work, Danica had been more than happy there was another set of helping hands.

"Yes, I can" he nodded and looked the other way. "I suppose I have no broken one?"

"You don't have a broken bone, don't worry" she returned to casting her healing spell.

"I thought you knew about healing spells?"

"It is in basic training, but broken bones are advanced topics for the medics", he explained patiently like it was the most obvious thing in Tamriel. That was interesting, she had no experience in armies, but she had assumed that since elves had a natural knack for magic, restoration magic would be taught in detail to them.

"Why only the basics?"

"Because soldiers are trained in the other schools and having a specialized restoration mage is better than more with just basic knowledge."

"Yeah, but certainly you could study it more in detail."

A sigh, "We can't, some don't have the ability to do much with restoration and it takes a certain mindset to do so." He regarded her more openly this time.
"And you displayed a certain understanding of restoration magic that goes beyond the basics" she looked down to hide her heated cheeks. Not once had someone complimented her on her skills. What was she to say to that, Lydia had said similar things, but she had been her housecarl. Also her friend… No stop, don't remember. Concentrating on the spell again she continued healing while chewing her lower lip. He had complimented her, he of all people. The mer who blackmailed her to co operate initially, not the thieves guild, they only nodded whenever she returned from a successful heist. The assassins well, they were different, but it was mainly her duty say such things to the others.

He touched her shoulder and she looked back at him? Right now, she didn't know what to make of him. One time he was outright cruel and sometimes like now, encouraging or comforting her. To say she was confused would be an understatement.

"There is no need to look down, restoration is maybe an underrated school of magic, but it is essential on the field. I don't know who taught you, I can't judge but I know assessing broken bones is advanced restoration magic."

Her mouth only formed an O. She was overwhelmed. A healer, her? An assassin and thief had a talent for healing? That was… unexpected. After all, her strength lay in the destruction school. Still one out of five, so was it really that unconceivable she might be good in another? Destruction and the few basics in restoration had always worked just fine.

Probing the skin and the underlying bone structure once again, while chewing on her lip, she found no more too firm skin. It wasn't fully healed yet, but any further spellcasting would exhaust her. She let her hand drop from his shoulder so he could redo the clasps. They looked at each other, she felt the need to shift, this was a far too new feeling for her right now. Some kind of… fluttering in her stomach.

"You know" he started and hesitated, probably looking for words. Why was he so talkative now? All morning he had stayed silent, except when they had seen the dragon. Looked like it took a close call encounter with bounty hunters to loosen his jaw.

"I was wondering if you can wield a sword." A sword? Daggers were just fine, well today had been an exception, but they were just as useful as swords.

"I don't know", she admitted truthfully. Well, she did know theoretically. Lydia had tried lives ago to teach her and in the end settled for bow and magic, with a dagger on the side. Swordsmanship she would have had to learn from scratch unlike the others. There had simply either been no time or the opportunity. In the end both of them had forgotten. Assassination needed a dagger, for daggers were small, easily concealed and wielded quickly. Swords were just too slow.

He sighed , "Looks like we have to practice."

"How should we do it with no extra sword?"

Rolling his eyes in response, "Not now obviously, but once we can you need to wield a stick."

A stick? The conjured up image of her holding the toy swords some children ran around with made her snort, then laughter burst out of her. She didn't care he gave her an inquisitive look. It only had the effect that she had to laugh even more while picturing him with one. Adorable.

"What's funny?" She shook her head, damn her sides hurt.

"I want to laugh too!" Oh Nocturnal, if he kept up like that she would die from laughter. Gasping for air she explained "Pictured you…me, us waving around with those toy swords!" She observed his expression. Blank until it sparked into a look of recognition. He threw his head back and laughed. His laughter was loud and how to describe… unrestrained? A stark contrast to his usual reserved chuckles.

"That's just... a rather comical picture" Flashing her a toothy smile, whilst laughing to himself he stood up. She followed suit, looking for her dagger. It was still embedded into the bandit's eye. With a wet slurping noise it was drawn out. If they found a stream she would need to wash it out. Straightening out she saw the bloody corpse of the leader. Frowning she eyes his armor pouch. Maybe she'd find an answer to why he hadn't bought her disguise and their masquerade of wife and husband.

"Erador?" she called out.

"Yes?"

"Didn't you find it strange that he didn't buy our husband wife charade?"

A small pause, he was thinking.

"Now that you mention it, yes it is" he walked from behind her and crouched next to the leader, opening the pouch. Lockpicks, which she greedily stuffed into hers, earning her a chuckle from him, then some septims, a silver ring. So the leader had had a wife somewhere… strange thought. Twirling the ring in her fingers she saw a small engraved name. Sturdy silver, the blacksmith who did it was good at his or her trade, probably Markarth. Shrugging it off as a potential selling item, she pocketed it.

"There is the bounty", she shook out of her musings and looked over his arm to read the piece of parchment.

"It is," breath left her and she looked back in direction of Whiterun.

"Yes, they got you quite well," he commented nonchalantly on the picture drawn in charcoal of her face. Who had drawn it? This had been someone who knew her had described her. Saadia, her stomach clenched, could have. She had been righteously furious at her for abandoning the battle and leaving the citizens to their fate. No, she had been in that house since the conquest, she couldn't have done it. The arm which was placed around her shoulders made her jump slightly.

"I know you are thinking of who could have done this, just we need to move on. As soon as we are out of Skyrim, the better." Not really, bounty hunters were all over Tamriel, she wouldn't even be safe in Sumerset Isle. A reassuring squeeze from him didn't help either. Were there other scouts? Why had the bandits been here? She hadn't realized she had started hyperventilating, until the note disappeared from her view.

"Look, Ayera," he had turned around and was gripping her shoulders. Were there others?

"Stop panicking, if there were others we would have known." No she couldn't stop, they needed to move! Though her limbs didn't move. He sighed and let her go.

"I think the way leads straight to Morthal?" the completely off topic question threw her off.

"Can you repeat please?"

"Does this path lead straight to Morthal?"

She was confused, of course it lead straight to Morthal! Who had the map? Not her. Stupid question.

"Of course" it came out as a scoff and she cringed internally. But, he only winked and continued marching on. What… oh hang on, he did it on purpose to distract her. Clever, mer.

They marched on like that for the rest of the day, no stopping to rest in between. The bandits had held them up for far too long. Maybe they could find their camp, but she had an inkling that they had marched right past it in their hurry to get as much distance as possible to Whiterun.

Looked like they would have to sleep in the wilds. Not something she felt comfortable about, wolves and other beasts weren't shy of attacking the weary traveler. Then there would be no cooking opportunity, the rabbit would be spoilt by tomorrow. What a waste then.

Sun was setting already when they reached the base of the mountain. There was a small meadow in front of them, light and with still all the leaves swaying in the wind. Not for long, winter days were close by. Maybe there was a small hut from an illegal poacher they could crash in for tonight. Or a tent at least. Something which would give them cover from hungry wildlife.

With new energy they strode over to the trees, vanishing from sight.

Taking in a deep breath, Ayera could smell the mud from the swamps. They were close to the swamps, but not in them yet. Strange there were no familiar sounds of harmless wildlife. No scuttling or rustling of small critters running around. Weird. Was there none?

"There is a hut!" That explained why there were no animals around here, the owners might have killed them.

"Abandoned?" She wasn't keen on another lone settler in the middle of nowhere. The necromancer had been enough for her. Coming to his side she saw the hut below them. It was nestled between a crook of boulders. Sheltered and difficult to get to even from above. Clever construction in all sense, but was it empty?

"Well we have to see right?" He commented and crouched down.

"That is quite a drop from here, animals who approach it from here will hesitate jumping down" he had a point, a broken bone and alone in the wild meant certain death. Though what was dangerous for animals could be dangerous for them as well. Broken bones were difficult to heal, even if she possessed an aptitude as Erador had claimed.

"Well, looks like one of us has to go down and help the other" he said. It might work actually. If one of them went down while being hold by the other remaining up then they would be down with no risk of injury. Erador was more suited to go down first; she wasn't strong enough to catch him. Would most likely be crushed.

"You will go down" she said quickly. He rolled his eyes and smirked.

"Of course, so I can catch you like the maiden in distress", she hit him in the arm. Smug mer, but she smiled. At least he wasn't forcing her to do this.

"So you are going to lie on your stomach and hold me by the arm", he looked at her imploringly to which she only nodded. She crouched as well and went on her knees as well looking down where she would be dangling him. It was a far drop even with her lowering him down a bit, the rocky ground underneath them wouldn't soften the landing either. Frowning she looked to her left, was there some sort of elevation she could drop him to? None, damn it. If he broke something, she couldn't get down fast enough, not at all or with an injury on her part as well. Nocturnal, help them one more time.

"Yes, we can go" she lowered herself on her stomach and turned her head to watch him. He approached her slowly, turning his back to the edge. Then he lay down as well, robbing backwards slowly. Laughable nearly, but she stifled a giggle. Not appropriate right now. Totally not.

Stretching out her left hand so he could grab it whenever he was ready she moved slightly away from the edge. The more weight was on the ground here the safer this… stunt would be.

He was dangling down with his legs when he grabbed her wrist and lowered himself further down. Her arm was already straining and he wasn't even putting his own weight on it. Not good, so not good. What if she dropped him? Grinding her teeth together she forced the pain sensation down. They had survived a bandit attack, they would get through this without too much of a scratch. His weight was pulling on her arm now and she had to rob forward to ease the pain a little bit. All she could see was his head dangling a bit underneath her turned down.

"Drop me." What? No! He was still too far away from the ground!

"No."

"Just do it," he yelled up and she let go. Shall he see that he would get a few bruises. Ones she won't heal, was her irritated after thought when she let go. He didn't drop as far as she thought and landed on bent knees with a soft thud. Cocking her head to the side, she saw why after he rolled away. How could she have not seen that small elevation of the ground before?

"Come down now!" he straightened out and held his arms open. Hang on… was he thinking of her jumping into his arms? No, that is just beyond pathetic even for her standards. There must be a way he only helps her down and not puts her down. Pulling her legs to her side she twisted around with her legs over the edge first. Shuffling further to the edge she tried to keep her weight supported by her arms. Fisting a bunch of grass to help her she lowered her legs fully over the edge.

"Let go I will catch you", she tensed. Should she? No, she couldn't see whether he was doing what he was saying he was doing. Nocturnal, help her. She needed to see where he was. Twisting her head she looked down. Not a good choice, a sudden jerk went through her right arm and she nearly fell down, when the bunch of grass in her right hand ripped out of the ground.

Sithis, the left one ripped out and she fell. She couldn't even scream from the shock, if it just had held for a few moments longer and she would have known if Erador would have caught her. All breath left her when she impacted on something hard and then found herself lying on the ground next to him.

"You know we could have saved that if you just had let go" he sounded irritated when he finally caught his breath.

"How could I have known I would slip?"

"Well, you swung to the left and that is why I had to move and couldn't catch you", she turned in his direction and froze. Her nose nearly touched his. Too close! Move away, subtly, just don't insult him. His eyes were twinkling, no don't get lost in them. Breathing out she swallowed and edged away.

"Then I am sorry", he sighed and the irritation was gone.

"Well looks like we have a stay for tonight" sitting up he offered her his hand to follow suit.

The hut in itself was tiny, not that they needed space. A table, a shelf and a small bed covered in fur. Everything was covered in a thick layer of dust. No one had been here for a long while. Her nose tickled, quite forcefully. Sneezing hard she turned away.

"Too much dust?" There was mirth in his voice when he pushed past her.

"oh my, that is a lot…"

"What a genius observation."

"You sure we can sleep here?"

"Pretty sure, just shake the furs out I suppose."

"And have all that dust in the air?"

"Any better idea?"

A moment of silence, then "Not really."

Approaching the bed, she took the blanket between her fingers and carried it out. There she shook it out, which only made her sneeze again. She was stupid, if she just pulled her cowl up she wouldn't have that problem anymore. It would be wasted energy now to face palm, sleep was calling to her.

Not that it mattered anymore, the furs were shaken and placed back into the small bed frame. They stood in front of it awkwardly. They had shared a bed before, even held each other just in their smallclothes, but why was she hesitating to share the bed this time?

She must be getting insane. No other explanation for it. Tired, she took her cowl of her head and placed it on the table.

"When we get to Morthal, we will get you a better helmet" his voice was somewhat slurred and his eyelids were drooping. He was tired, probably more than her. He had been doing most of the fighting while she had been useless. Shameful, pathetic and not worthy. But why another helmet? Her cowl was just fine. Turning around to the bed she saw he was already lying on it. Was… a snore tore through the air and she smiled at that. Too tired to care that they would be too close to being appropriate again. She could learn that from him. Not caring about how appropriate they were right now, practicality had to take priority. Well, they were posing as husband and wide, no harm in just lying next to each other.

Gingerly lowering herself next to him, she shifted so he could continue sleeping, but she wasn't also dangling halfway of the bed. Even if it meant lying halfway on him. He deserved that much, sleep that is.

It didn't take long for her to fall asleep again, falling and rising with his breath. After all, the cold was best held at bay huddled together.


AN: So now that we are a bit further into the story, what do you think of Erador now?