A/N : Another one for you guys ! :)

I'm not gonna make any promises, but I'll reeaallllyyyy try to have another chapter done by the end of the week. So just keep those hopes up!

This chapter is focused on the romantic side of the story, and a little future build-ups for the storyline.

I'm happy, and also at the same time sad, to say that the story is nearing to a close. It would take around 4-5 chapters more before everything is done. I'm just really glad to say that I enjoy writing for you guys! Even if this is my first fanfic ever, I'd like to say I enjoyed writing every word of it, and without your continual support, I may have never gotten this far. And with that, I'm saying a big thank you for everyone who supported me in this story of mine. :)

Chapter 21: The Calm Flow

Of course, with every feat accomplished, there had to be at least some sort of celebration.

And with Ancano's defeat, Tolfdir's rise to Arch-Magehood, and Elsa's upcoming departure (yet again), they had no choice but to embrace all the festivities. It was short-lived since they still had to recover, but the night was enjoyed by all.

Yes, Tolfdir became the Arch-Mage and sole leader of the College. Be it with fractured bones and a broken arm, the anointment was decided very intricately by the other teachers, leading to a landslide vote for Tolfdir. He was the most potential amongst the others, so it was inevitable anyhow. He was filled with wisdom come with old age, which was a fact. Unfortunately, they were very sure that it was of most temporary position, just until they can find someone who would really be suitable in the coming years.

Elsa could've been nominated, but she didn't accept the offer. Her future was pretty much panned out already, and with one look at Erik, it was obvious what she'll do with her life, and she'll never regret the decision she'll make.

The teachers had to stay in Winterhold to uphold all the reports and conditions of the current disruption Ancano did. No sooner, there had been multiple sightings of magical anomalies occurring in the outskirts of Skyrim. Believing it could be one of those after-effects Ancano created, the masters tried to investigate further into the matter regardless of other priorities.

On the other hand, Urag and Sergius were delighted to see Elsa again after not seeing her for a couple of months. Urag was very angry at first when Elsa took off without even telling him, which made their deductions true. He would've pulled off a tantrum if he was informed in the first place. Nonetheless, he calmed down easily with a garner of new books she managed to collect during her adventures.

Sergius, as complacent as he always was, never seem to be bothered by her absence. Of course he cared about her, but he actually treats her like an adult and he knows she's responsible enough to whatever may happen to her. He also told his ventures on the mage gathering. It went well, and it seemed that the College was still approved of its independency from the other guilds.

After all the reacquantances were done, they had to rest from the tiredness of it all. Nevertheless, it was fruitful for Elsa to enjoy the company again of her second family, and insightful for Erik to mingle with others and just simply talk about their endeavours, regardless of it being magic-related or not.

Tomorrow, the students would be having their own time with each other the coming night. They had to leave around midday to get to Dawnstar, which Onmund recommended for them to visit because of the drinks and non-hostility amongst some mages.

Freddas, 27th of Second Seed, 4E 204, Morning dews

Arcaneum

"So you said you've slain a Dragon Priest?" Urag gro-Shub asked the dazed Erik.

Erik, Elsa and J'zargo visited the Arcaneum to catch up some thoughts about what happened during their recent exploits. They later approached Urag to ask about a certain Dragon Priest that was buried in the tombs of the old city of Bromjunaar.

"Err…yes."

"Hmmm… What markings did the mask he wore had?"

Erik told him in every detail, including the color, the markings, and unfortunately, the destruction of the mask. He remembered it was tanned blue, the eyes were shut closed (as to seeing with the mask, it was unclear), and the jaw-line was structured, with linings embossed upwards to the forehead plating.

"Pity, but I think I may have information about that certain Dragon Priest." He quickly searched some books around Arcaneum. He took a book out of its shelf, flipped through some parts, and would return it very carefully (as to not destroy the very old books) back to its original place if it wasn't the book. It took a couple of minutes before he could find the one he was looking for.

"Let's see," He carefully flipped through some of the musty pages of the book. "Morokei. Glory. Not really good with dragon tongue, but I think that's his name." He sprawled random trivia regarding its history, appearance, and their roles as dragon worshippers.

"Ah, so you are Erik, slayer of the one called Morokei." J'zargo slowly wagged his tail back and forth, in interest.

Erik wanted to say something, but he just rubbed his hand over his head in fluster.

"Now, now. Let's not get into Erik's head thinking he could best every monster there is." Elsa quipped. "Of course, it would be nice for me if you could achieve a feat like that." Her light hands poked his chest.

Erik's cheeks pulsed red, much like his ever so scarlet hair, fluttering away with embarrassment. He couldn't reply. What could he reply? Mumbling would be the least option, so he just stilled and just chuckled on her statement.

"Well, c'mon. It's almost midday. Let us gather our things. What say you, J'zargo?"

"Okay, J'zargo will call the others in Countenance to get ready."

"You're going already? I won't get to see you again." Urag butted in. "You said after Dawnstar, you'll leave immediately, right?" The orsimer furrowed and his face covered in worry.

"Don't worry, I'll come back. I promise." Elsa assured him, patting his shoulders and hugged him.

"Alright, I guess I won't stop you. Write messages this time. I don't want Sergius having your undivided attention." He let go of the hold.

"I promise that too." She smiled.

"Well, shall we get going?" Elsa then faced Erik, who had a questionable look on his face.

"Hmmm, okay."

Hall of Attainment – pre-midday

The two spiralled up the stairs.

"So, you've never seen my room right?" Elsa asked.

"Yeah. As much as I'd like to know everything about you, I also want to know how you live in this place."

They crossed two bedrooms and when they reached the third one, she entered and opened her arms, inviting him in.

"Welcome to my humble abode." She awkwardly smiled. She then noticed some of the crumpled sheets she never bothered cleaning up before she left and just kicked it below the bed, hoping Erik would see none of that. "Of course, this place still needs the tidying…"

"No," He said. He slowly moved forward and looked around. Erik noticed that there were no windows or something else to see beyond the walls. There only was a dresser and shelves filled with potions, gems, and scrolls. Surprisingly, all were properly labelled. In the short end of the room, there was her bed, slightly folded neatly. He then gazed back to Elsa. "It's perfect. This place screams you." He couldn't fathom that feeling he had for her. Every detail about her being obsessively compulsive about these sorts, down to her being the most wonderful and caring person he'd ever met, was everything he loved about her, and not even her flaws would change his mind about her.

"Oh-" She blushed. His steady but tantalizing gaze to her was really too much to handle. She cleared her throat and stifled a cough when she continued on to what she said. "T-thank you." She looked away. Elsa didn't know why she felt so shy in front of him. They knew each other like they were the best of companions, even more than that.

It was kind of awkward as the moment stilled the air. Erik never responded, feeling he might do wrong if he said anything. Naïve little fellow. Elsa was just caught up in the moment too, and she didn't know what to say either.

She sat at the end of the bed and thought for a moment. She finally breathed out a sigh to calm her nerves down, and then looked back at Erik. "Come, sit with me." She then patted the space from her side.

To which Erik did. He sat in a comfortable position, and let himself lace around her, wrapping his body to hers. She smelt of fresh pine and mint snow to which, he felt somewhat nostalgic. Of course, he distinctively remembered that they did almost the same thing that fateful night, and he remembered those first words he uttered to her. And now she said those to him.

He remembered that night where there were no troubles that seeped into their memories, only just the two of them, finally realizing that their worlds only revolved around each other.

She nuzzled close, feeling the closeness they formed together. It was intimate, and special, even though it was only a simple gesture.

He kissed her forehead and rubbed his arms around her shoulders, warmth trailing down his every touch.

"I have to keep on repeating myself, but I really am lucky to have you." He said.

"And I to you." She sleepily replied.

They held in that moment for a really long time. The gesture was subtle, but really intimate. Their breaths were synchronized, their heartbeats as one. He thought, if maybe someday he'll ask her to finally be his, and finally bind their love for each other. Sure, the time will surely come, but the opportunity only never presented itself. Maybe someday, he can.

Soon. Very soon.

"You should start getting your things. Your cat-friend might jump on us anytime soon."

"I don't want to." She pouted cheekily.

"Now, Elsa." He pinched her arm, jolting her back to sitting position. He remembered the way she teased her that time also, and thought of a way to get back at her. "Sorry." He chuckled.

"That hurt." She playfully punched his chest, but really, when was the time he ever got hurt with those punches?

If you even call it a punch.

He started to laugh.

"What's so funny huh?" They started teasing each other and shared some laughs again. It was only for a short time until J'zargo actually showed up and reminded them to hurry.

"J'zargo wants to apologize for ruining the fun, but we may reach Dawnstar by midnight if you keep continuing this childish behaviour."

They stifled their laugh, but some still burst out.

"Apologies, J'zargo." Elsa cheekily replied.

The khajiit left and headed downstairs to his room. They both looked at each other, and started to laugh furiously again.

Dawnstar, Windpeak Inn – Evening

Like any other inns, the Windpeak inn was a warm and welcoming place despite the fact that Dawnstar was situated in the coldest regions in Skyrim. The mead was great, and the people were really friendly. The bard was rather… unique when it comes to her singing. Her name was Karita, as the townsfolk told the group. She had a very special way of singing the ol' song: "Ragnar the Red". J'zargo willingly stepped outside to get some fresh air after her… soulful singing. Onmund, on the other hand, was enticed with her.

"Someday I will marry someone like her." Onmund was hopelessly gazing towards the singing bard who was thankfully playing the flute at that time.

The others burst out laughing.

"Yeah, and let's just hope you don't have a child who could sing like her." Brelyna hastily replied, leading to another roar of laughter.

This moment was very rare. They rarely spend time like this. In the College, everyone was so focused and determined to become the best they are. They always had a serious look on their faces, and every workload they've done resulted into another, and sadly another. They were very stressed at the harsh life of magehood. Now, thinking they could have an opportunity like this, just to share those laughs with each other, they've finally formed a new personality in themselves that each would cherish for the rest of their stay in Winterhold, and for Erik who was dragged in with them but enjoyed the night anyhow.

Onmund grumbled at the Dunmer elf's previous statement, but he smiled nonetheless. "Well, besides the lady, I must say, coming to this place makes it worthwhile to travel to."

"Yeah, I'll drink to that." Elsa gestured. The three tapped their mugs together and drank on their fresh mead.

J'zargo went back and noticed their drinking. He grabbed his cup and took a sip too.

"Did J'zargo miss anything?" His tail slowly wagged in curiosity.

"Oh, nothing in particular." Brelyna replied.

The khajiit sat back to his seat leaning heavily on the chair.

"But seriously though, having a partner is well-deserved after all the things I've put through. Someday, I'll find a woman who understands my way of life as a mage, and I'll make sure she'll never regret her decision over me. " Onmund took a slight sip after his short speech.

"Awww, I never knew Onmund was such a romantic." Brelyna teased.

They again drank to the moment. Their mugs were empty, and soon the innkeeper pitched in another round of drinks.

"Well, how about J'zargo eh?" Brelyna continued the conversation.

The others wittingly chuckled, but J'zargo was still and only quietly sipping his drink. As he dropped his mug, he began explaining.

"J'zargo does not venture in that saying, but I certainly do not detest the idea." His cat-green eyes mellowed slightly. "It is always considered wise to have someone having your back and you having theirs. It forms that special trust in each other..." The khajiit cleared his throat on his peculiar words. He was never really a person to say all those stuff, but he did anyhow. "Well, that's at least, J'zargo would say on the topic." He too sipped a drink after his rather awkward-to-the-tongue speech.

"I agree wholeheartedly on that." Brelyna stated, quickly sipping a drink too.

Onmund remarked to tell Brelyna hers too. And with that, she told them her own version of the idea. A man, who can also accept her as a mage, and at the same time, tries not to bother her when she's studying or meditating. But in the end, he'll always be there for her.

Elsa was the next one to tell.

Of course, Erik already knew what she wanted. She wanted someone who could embrace the idea of magehood too. Being ever so carefree and adventurous, the man must always stick to her side, or she'll eventually leave him behind. She'll protect herself, she was an independent woman. But for what's it worth, it's nice to know that someone would risk everything for her.

And that's exactly how Elsa told them about it. Elsa quickly sipped her drink after the long speech.

"Okay, last but not the least. Erik?" Brelyna finally inquired.

All eyes were on his.

Pressure built up on his chest, his temperature heated up. He shifted awkwardly in his seat. He really wasn't the type to tell his own idea of love, especially when Elsa was sitting right next to him. One wrong move and it could mean the end of him.

"Well, uh, I-" He stammered.

"Look, I know we were never told officially, but we already know you two have something for each other. You don't have to hide it." Onmund stated. The couple blushed in embarrassment, sincerely sorry for keeping it a secret all this time. But even if the secret was out, nothing would bend their friendship for each other. "Since from the start, we've already known. Don't worry, it won't affect us. It's your life. You live it the way you want it to." He then continued.

Erik breathed out a sigh, trying to ready himself to speak his own idea.

"Well, I believe in hopeless romance." He played with his thumbs and looked down on his own mug. "I always believe that someday, somehow, fate would bring me someone special. Of course, somewhere along the way, destiny will try us, but I'll always fight for her." He smiled, as if trying to remember something on the back of his mind. "I'll love her, protect her, and even cherish her. I'm just hoping in the end that she'll return the favor." He looked at Elsa, very content with everything he'd said.

Elsa almost wept at that point. She held his hands, grasping it very firmly. It was the correct answer, maybe even the perfect answer. And he was right and true to his words.

"How romantic." Brelyna dreamily said.

"Well, that was some way to lighten the mood." Onmund replied.

J'zargo was silent, but his tail wagged with enjoyment.

"I think this is a wrap for tonight." Onmund clasped his hands together, and then stretched his systems, readying himself for the sleep.

"I certainly did enjoy the drinks." Elsa said.

"Me too." Erik replied.

"So… You're leaving at dawn? To Whiterun?" Onmund smirked.

"Yes…" She replied, the word didn't want to escape from her lips, but it parted nonetheless.

"Well, we'll miss you. Both of you. Just promise us you'll come visit us often when you have the time. Or maybe you could write to us as well."

Elsa nodded. "Of course, of course I will."

Loredas, 28th of Second Seed, 4E 204, Morning dews

Cold winter morning breezed through the small town of Dawnstar. She was on the patio, overlooking the distance covered by the morning horizon. It was beautiful. Colorful light yellow streaks slowly flashed upwards as the sun slowly rose from the far end. The Windpeak Inn really bore its name. The Inn was situated high above ground, so the winds were far colder than usual, but one could also see everything down below. The town, the mines, the small port, everything this town had.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Elsa jolted out of her trance as Erik trotted towards her, his full body armor strapped and ready to go. His boots clanked as he approached Elsa.

"Yes, it is." She was enticed by the beauty of the morning horizon.

Out of nowhere, he joined his hands in hers, accepting the glimpse of warmth of each other. Erik smiled that smile to her, the one that Elsa always loved to see. Her body somehow was enveloped with pure bliss and happiness seeing that face of his.

"You know, maybe we could live in a place like this in the future." He too looked over the distance, seeing the beauty of it all.

"Hmmm, what do you mean?" She asked.

"Well, I mean, someday, when we settle down with everything, or when we find Alvring, I don't know."

Elsa thought for a moment.

"I'd like that." She smiled.

She almost tiptoed as she kissed him, very soft and subtle.

"Let's go then."