Author's Notes:

Special thanks again to Darkstorm Zero for helping me out with this chapter!

Sundas, the 17th of First Seed, 4E 205

Skyrim

Windstad Manor

Daenerys Targaryen still couldn't shake her amazement at all that had occurred in the last several days. She had ridden on the back of a dragon! It had been far better than any of the tales she had heard of the mighty beasts that had been under the command of her ancestor Aegon the Conqueror, and it meant a lot to her that she was following in Aegon's footsteps. Perhaps soon, she could ride her own dragons, once they had grown to their full-size, of course. Paarthurnax had taken her three dragons to the Throat of the World, Nakos called it. He pointed out the huge mountain in the distance. "You will see it up close soon enough," he had said with a smile, "But for now, you're staying with me." She was not about to argue with that. There was some comfort, knowing that she could at least see where her dragons were, even if they were not by her side.

Odahviing hovered over the ground for a quick moment before landing outside a large home on a small hill. Nakos jumped off the red dragon's neck and helped Dany off as well, "Welcome to my home, Windstad Manor." Once she was off of Odahviing's neck, the dragon took off towards the Throat of the World.

A cold wind blew in from the north, from the sea. Dany shivered once and pulled Nakos close, "You forgot to mention the cold, Ser Nakos," she teased.

Nakos bowed in jest, "I apologize, my lady." He took off the cloak from around his shoulders and wrapped her up in it. It didn't help much, but it would have to do until they got inside.

"You built this yourself?" Dany asked in awe.

Nakos nodded and beamed proudly, "Took me several months to finish it."

As he spoke, the door opened and two kids ran out, a boy and a girl, squealing in delight, "DADDY!"

Nakos knelt down and embraced the kids in a huge bear hug, "I've missed you kids!"

"I missed you more," the girl squealed, not letting go of Nakos' neck.

Nakos smiled and moved a strand of brown hair from the girl's eyes, "I bet you did, Sofie." He kissed the girl's forehead.

The boy made a disgusted face, though Dany could tell it was out of jest, "UGH! You smell!"

Nakos sniffed the boy loudly, "So do you, Alesan."

The boy laughed back, but before he could reply, Sofie made a face, "Well, you smell like a Hagraven, Alesan. And you look like one, too!"

Alesan wasn't about to be made fun of, "Elf-ears!"

"Draugr-breath!"

"Mammoth-nose!"

The last insult made Sofie start to cry, "You... you take that back!"

"Ok, kids," Nakos said, shaking his head. He missed this. His kids will be bickering one moment, then chasing each other around and laughing the next.

Alesan finally noticed Dany standing behind Nakos, "Who's she?"

"Ah," Nakos stood and placed his arm around Dany's waist, "This is Daenerys."

Alesan raised an eyebrow, "Daene.. whaa?"

"He said Daenerys, ice brain!" Sofie retorted.

Dany could only shake her head at the kid's banter, "It's nice to meet you both."

Sofie smiled, showing a row of white teeth, "It's nice to meet you, too."

The front door opened again to reveal Lydia. She seemed both relieved and exasperated, "By the Nine, Nakos! What took you so long? I thought you were a goner!"

Nakos chuckled, "I'm hard to kill. You of all people should know that."

Lydia noticed Daenerys and gave her a nod of recognition, "Hello there. I'm Lydia, steward of Windstad Manor."

"I am Daenerys," Dany replied with a smile. She looked Lydia over, taking in her armor and sword strapped to her waist. She had never seen a woman warrior before. "Forgive me for staring. We don't have any woman fighters were I come from."

"It's quite, alright." Lydia replied with a smile. "Aren't you going to invite her in, Nakos?" she quipped, noting his arm around the woman's waist.

"No," Nakos joked. Lydia thought he was serious until he winked at Dany and lead her by the hand into the house. The entryway was lit with several wall sconces and decorated with several dressers and display cases, each showcasing an ornate dagger. Elvish daggers, Nakos explained. The heads of bears and deers were mounted on the wall. Lydia opened the doors leading into the main hall. In the middle of the room sat a long, dining table, decorated with a long tablecloth. A chandelier hung above the dining table, making the whole hall glow in a welcoming light. At the far end of the hall, a fireplace raged and Dany could feel the warmth from the other end of the room. The warmth was a welcoming feeling from the cold outside.

"It's beautiful, Nakos," Dany said with a smile as she held him close. She could hear the children giggling and looked up to see them looking down at them from the second floor balcony.

A few hours later, the whole group of them enjoyed a nice home-cooked meal for lunch. Once that was done, the kids got to their chores while Nakos and Dany stood out on the balcony, looking out over the marsh. The sun was still high in the sky, but despite that, Dany still felt the cold wind on her face. Nakos had given her a thick bear pelt cloak to wrap around her, so at least her body was warm.

"What is your plan, my love?" she asked, holding his hand in hers.

"I'll spend the rest of the day with you," Nakos replied, "But tomorrow I will head out to retrieve the weapons. Hopefully they're still there."

"What if they're not?" Dany asked, a slight look of panic in her eyes. Ever since Nakos had told her of his dream, she was always wondering what would happen if he was to fail.

His mouth became a hard line, "Then I will scour Skyrim until they are found."

Sundas, the 17th of First Seed, 4E 205

Windhelm

For the past five days, Catelyn Stark and Sansa Stark were inseparable. They had been separated for almost three years. The last time they were together was just before Sansa had left Winterfell with her sister Arya and her father Eddard for King's Landing, where Eddard was to take his place as Hand of the King. Catelyn thought for sure that she would never see her daughters again, especially once her husband was executed by Joffrey Lannister. But thanks to the old gods and the new, Catelyn had been reunited with both Arya and Sansa. And all of this was thanks to the man she never met… Nakos Nalldiir. But now that her family was reunited, Catelyn felt it was time to return home to Westeros. No doubt Robb and Arya were waiting in Riverrun for her, and they would be ecstatic when she brought Sansa with her.

"Sansa," Catelyn began as the two of them at lunch, "Once this is all over, we shall be returning to Winterfell."

Sansa looked up from her bowl, stunned, "Winterfell?!"

Catelyn chuckled, "Did you expect to stay here, young lady? Winterfell is your home."

Sansa was visibly upset, "Everything I have here in Skyrim, I have earned with my own hands, as our ancestors once did. I am no longer the little bird I once was." Sansa's instinct was to demonstrate her magic… to show her mother that she could defend herself. But she thought better of it.

Catelyn sighed heavily, "You are a Lady, Sansa. It is your place to marry into a royal family and bring honor to our House. Our home."

"Even if Winterfell was, is and always will be home," Sansa retorted, "I will not fall back into the trap of traditions of men with power. I won't be helpless any longer. I don't need a man to protect me."

Catelyn could hardly believe her ears, "Of course you do, Sansa. Every lady… "

"Every lady does not need a man by her side," Sansa interrupted. "You've seen Mjoll. I'm sure you've seen several soldiers who were women."

"That is the life here for women in Skyrim, Sansa. Not Westeros."

"In the end, we are all still human, still mortal, we all bleed red, we bear children." Sansa paused for a moment, then continued, her voice becoming softer, but still firm, "Mother, don't you think we have the right to protect the ones we love as much as the men who strive to protect us?

A woman may not pick up a sword, but may still die at the edge of one? Is that it? And what if I find a man I love? What if I find someone who may not be of royal descent, but is more worthy than some rotten spoilt prince like Joffrey was? Would marrying an honorable man not bring our house more honor than a monster with a crown ever could?!"

Sansa stopped for a moment. "When you found out what Joffrey had done, I think you felt the same way I did. If the opportunity was there, you would raise a blade, and strike Joffrey down for what he did to Father. I know you would, Mother."

At that, Catelyn paused for a few moments with her eyes closed, remembering when Petyr Baelish had delivered Eddard's body to her at the camp on the Trident. She remembered the anguish, the despair, and the incredible rage in her heart. "Yes…. Sansa, I would have given almost anything to have claimed Joffrey's head at that moment. But Sansa, there is a difference between raising a sword for righteous fury, and taking one up as a way of life."

Sansa nodded, thinking for a moment, "Very well. I will not take up a sword, then." I have other ways to protect myself, anyway, she thought to herself.

Catelyn sighed once again, "Thank you, Sansa." She motioned Mjoll over and stood, "Lady Mjoll. I thank you for your service and for all that you have done for me and my family."

Mjoll bowed, "It was an honor, Lady Stark. I would assume you want to leave for Solitude?"

Catelyn nodded, "As soon as possible."

"On the way," Mjoll added, "Do you mind if we stop by Windstad Manor? Nakos' children are there and I know he would want me to check up on them."

Catelyn gave a small smile, "Of course."

As Catelyn and Mjoll walked away, Sansa held her hand out in front of her, the icy winds of her frost magic swirled in her palm, before she closed her hand into a fist over it. "Winter is coming, mother. and I will protect you and all those I care for, even if they don't wish it so..."

Morndas, the 18th of First Seed, 4E 205

Castle Black

Jon Snow could not stop thinking about the dream he had those six nights ago. A Daedric Prince had actually come to him! The thought was both awe-inspiring and terrifying. From all the reading he had done from the book Lord Commander Ulfric had given him, Jon was surprised that he even survived. He thought for sure that any encounter with such a powerful being would be deadly. But he could not stop thinking about Meridia's words. "Wait for my Champion," she had said, as well as, "Await the Dragon's Call, for he will herald a change in the fortunes of your world." If Meridia was being literal, then Jon would have to be on the lookout for a dragon. And so he was. Every day since that dream, he kept his eyes and ears open for the roar of a dragon.

"Still looking out for a dragon, Snow?" the voice of Lord Commander Ulfric came from behind him and Jon winced at the jest. He immediately regretted telling Ulfric about his dream.

"I know what I dreamt, Lord Commander," Jon replied, feeling that Ulfric was making fun of him.

Ulfric chuckled, "Don't worry, Jon. I believe you."

Ulfric's words elicited a wide-eyed glance from Jon. "What?"

"I believe you," Ulfric repeated, "I have no doubt that Meridia visited you in your dream."

"So… dragons exist, then?"

"Maybe not here. But they most definitely exist in Skyrim. And since Meridia is a Daedric Prince worshipped in Tamriel..."

"But why would a dragon come here to the wall bearing god-like weapons?" Jon interrupted, "I mean, there is nothing up here for a dragon, never mind one from Tamriel."

Ulfric chuckled, "Knowing Meridia, I doubt she meant a literal dragon. She most likely means the Dragonborn."

Jon remembered how Ulfric had talked about this individual. At first, he thought it was mere myth or figure of legend from Tamriel, like the Azor Ahai he had heard about from Stannis' men. But after being visited from a Daedric Prince, he was willing to believe anything. "I remember you mentioning something about a man who has the blood and soul of a dragon being responsible for you being here."

"Aye," replied Ulfric.

"You still have a lot of admiration for him? Despite what he did to you?"

"He could have killed me, Jon Snow. But Nakos spared my life. I owe him at least that much. That man seems drawn to all kinds of trouble. He has a way of dealing with all of the worlds problems, and he makes people around him believe in hope again. When he arrives here, it won't be a minute too soon. We need hope now, more than anything else."

Jon nodded in understanding. But his smile disappeared when the Red Priestess approached the two of them, "Seven Hells," Jon muttered to himself.

"Damn her to Oblivion," Ulfric echoed, "What does she want now?"

"Lord Commander," Melisandre greeted the older man with a small bow of the head.

"Lady Melisandre," Ulfric replied, with an even smaller head bow. It was more like a nod, "Is there anything you need?"

"I would like to speak with Jon for a moment," Melisandre replied. Ulfric and Jon exchanged glances. "Will that be a problem?" Melisandre asked.

"Perhaps," Ulfric gave the Red Priestess a stern look, "What do you wish to talk to him about?"

"It does not concern you."

"I think it does. He is one of my best rangers." Melisandre gave a small chuckle, and it unnerved Jon. Ulfric, however, stood his ground. "So, if there's anything you need to say to him, you can say to me."

"Very well," Melisandre replied, obviously not happy, "It seems there may have been a slight… variant in the flames. King Stannis is definitely the one I know to be the Azor Ahai, but the flames have shown me that you, Jon Snow, also have a role to play."

Jon folded his arms across his chest, his eyes narrowed. He wondered if this timing was too coincidental. A few days after Meridia had given him a dream, and now this… Red Priestess was claiming that he has a role to play. "I want no business in your Lord of Light religion."

"The Lord of Light does not give you a choice," Melisandre replied firmly.

"Is that why you burn innocent people in fire?" Ulfric retorted, "Because you believe you have no choice? No benevolent god I know would demand the sacrifice of innocent beings!" Melisandre turned her piercing gaze on Ulfric, but Ulfric gazed right back. "That's right, Priestess of Rh'llor. I know about your religion. I know the value of information, because I ran a rebellion."

"An unsuccessful one, I see," Melisandre sneered, "or else you would not be here."

"Not as unsuccessful as you might think, Melisandre. I may have lost, but I lived, and was sent here for a reason." Ulfric stopped short of telling her about Nakos.

Melisandre simply huffed, "Be careful, Lord Commander. The Lord of Light hates being opposed. It usually never ends well for those who disregard and disobey his will." With that, she walked away, her robe flowing behind her.

Ulfric knew a threat when he heard one, especially one so thinly veiled. He turned to Jon, "Make sure the patrols are doubled tonight."

Morndas, the 18th of First Seed, 4E 205

Windstad Manor

The sun was just kissing the top of the mountains and the rooster was crowing as Nakos prepared the last of his things. He had spent most of the afternoon and night of the previous day in the basement, smithing new weapons: two dragonbone swords smithed to a straight single edge in a similar shape to his ebony swords, a dragonbone bow, and as many dragonbone arrows as he could make. He certainly had the dragon bones to spare and he had a feeling that he was going to need better weapons in the coming days. Once he was done, he went into his enchanting tower and added a fire enchantment to all his weapons. There were not many creatures… or people that could withstand fire, and he was about to fight creatures of ice, so it made the most sense.

Once his weapons were done, he smithed himself dragonscale armor, boots, helmet and gauntlets. He preferred the lighter dragonscale armor to the heavier dragonplate armor. Dragonscale made it much easier to move around in, and fitted Nakos' elusive fighting style. He did not put on the dragonscale armor, though. He would save them for battle. For now, he would stay with the Nightingale Armor. Easier to sneak around in that.

Once he was finished, he had crawled into bed with Dany in the West Wing bedroom. The bedroom was large enough to hold one large double bed and two child beds in the same room… and unfortunately, the kids were in their beds sleeping. Dany had teased Nakos that she wished the kids weren't there so she can ride him. "There are… other things we can do, though." she had whispered seductively as her hand slipped under the covers while at the same time taking his hand and placing it below her waist.

"Unfortunately, Alesan is a very light sleeper," Nakos had said, but he couldn't help but flick his fingers and he smiled at Dany's face as she bit her lower lip to keep herself from moaning.

"Shame," Dany had pouted. She kissed him on the lips and lay her head on his chest, as they both fell asleep.

Nakos smiled as those memories came back to him. He sheathed his dragonbone swords and placed the quiver of arrows and dragonbone bow on his back. Daenerys watched as he and Lydia packed. "When do you plan to be back?"

"I should be back in two days," Nakos answered, "Dawnstar is only a day's ride from here."

"Hurry back, then," Dany replied as she smiled seductively, "because I'll need a ride soon."

Nakos and Lydia exchanged a glance and burst out laughing. "There are children here, you know," Lydia noted between gasps.

"I doubt they'll understand what she meant, Lydia." Nakos only shook his head as he laughed, "But I will keep that in mind, my love." Lydia handed Nakos his packs and the three of them walked outside to the cold air. The sunlight still barely reached the house, thus the snow covered fields, and the small cliffside that lead to the small fishing pen at the back of the house was still under shadow. Nakos gave a two-toned shrill whistle. After a few moments, a red-eyed horse seemingly appeared from out of the shadows. Dany only stared in astonishment. "Ah, Shadowmere, my old friend," Nakos greeted the horse. He tied the packs onto the saddle, then got up onto the horse. "I'll be back in two days."

"I'll be waiting," Dany replied with a smile.

After blowing her a kiss, Nakos spurred Shadowmere on, and they rode east, towards Dawnstar.

The Next Day

Tirdas, the 19th of First Seed, 4E 205

Dawnstar Sanctuary

Nakos dismounted Shadowmere and approached the dark door that lead to the Dawnstar Sanctuary. He was about to speak the password when he realized that the door did not speak to him. Furrowing his brow in confusion and concern, he approached the door to find it open, just a crack. Nakos drew one of his dragonbone swords. The door would never be left opened. He pushed opened the door, and kept his sword ready for any attack. The only sounds he could here at the moment were his own footsteps as they echoed against the cavern walls. As he got closer, he could hear voices coming from ahead. Quick as a fox, he slipped into the shadows and made his way down into the Main Hall of the sanctuary. From the shadows he could see signs of battle: broken furniture, blood trails, and dead bodies, both wearing Brotherhood armor and some clothing that was unfamiliar to him. He prayed that we wasn't too late. As he rounded the corner, he could see two familiar faces: Cicero and Babette. They were trying to decide what to do with someone. He was wearing the unfamiliar clothing, and was bound and gagged, but unconscious.

"He could have useful information, Cicero," Babette was saying, "We should question him."

Cicero laughed maniacally, as he usually did, "You mean torture him!"

Babette laughed as well, a more subdued laugh, "That too."

Cicero jumped up and down, "Let me do it!"

"HA!" Babette exclaimed, "You? You'd kill him. Maybe I should do it. I have the teeth for it." She paused for a moment. "Or maybe you can question him, Listener." she added, turning to the shadows where Nakos was hiding.

Nakos chuckled as he stepped out of the shadows, "Damn you and your sense of smell, Babette." He looked around at the carnage, "What the hell happened here?"

"We were attacked," answered Babette, "By whom, we don't know. Which is why we're going to interrogate this man here."

"Good idea." Nakos said as he walked to a dark corner of the room off of the main hall, where a chest lay hidden. He opened it, and stood there stunned. The weapons were gone. Nakos could feel his dragon blood boiling. He took a deep breath to calm himself and slowly walked back to the main hall. "Bring him into the torture chamber," he said firmly. At that, Cicero began to giggle with evil glee, while Babette only smiled, showing her two fangs. She dragged the unconscious man by the collar to the torture chamber with her vampiric strength that belied her size. She placed his arms into the shackles on the walls and his ankles to chains on the floor, so the man would not be able to stand.

The man was still unconscious when the three assassins heard movement in the door. "What the hell happened?" Nakos heard a familiar voice cry out.

"Babette," Nakos said, "keep an eye on our guest. Let me know when he wakes up." Babette nodded and sat on the floor in front of the man, twirling a dagger in her fingers.

Meanwhile, Nakos went out into the main hall to meet Morgen, one of the first Initiates into the Dark Brotherhood once the group moved to the Dawnstar Sanctuary. "We were attacked, apparently."

"By who?"

"We're about to find out," Nakos motioned to the torture room, "We have one of the attackers back there. I'm going to question him when he wakes up."

Morgen nodded in agreement, "Is there anything you want me to do?"

"Help me clean up for now."

A few moments later, a few other assassins came in and Nakos filled them in on what had happened and helped them clean up. The last assassin to come in was surprising to Nakos. She seemed to be a young girl, perhaps only fifteen years old. She was just as surprised as everyone else was when she first stepped inside the main hall.

Nakos looked her up and down, "You're a little young to be an assassin, aren't you?"

"Everyone says that," the young girl said with a sneer, "But I'm going to prove them wrong."

"Careful, now," Nakos warned, "You could get yourself killed thinking like that."

"Only if I fail," the young girl retorted, "That's what Laniel taught me."

Nakos chuckled, hiding his surprise at hearing Laniel's name, "Then he was a good teacher. An arrogant student, though."

"You taught Laniel?"

"You could say that. He and Morgen were the first initiates here once the Dark Brotherhood moved here to the Dawnstar Sanctuary." Nazir and Babette taught the initiates at first for their early contracts. Once they were capable enough, Nakos took over their training and gave them important lessons for the more complex contracts. It made sense too, that Nakos would take over the training. He had an extensive knowledge of stealth, after all, as he was leader of both the Thieves Guild and the Dark Brotherhood.

"Then maybe you can teach me!" the young girl said eagerly. "Laniel left before our lessons were finished."

Nakos gave the young girl a smile, "I could do that. But be warned, my lessons may be much harder than those Laniel gave you. You had best be well prepared for it."

"I can take it."

Nakos chucked, "You have heart, I'll give you that." He motioned for the girl to join him at one of the tables that had not been turned over, "So tell me, young initiate, how did you manage to become part of our family?"

"Well, Laniel had…"

"Listener!" Babette yelled out before the young girl could finish speaking, "The man is waking up."

Nakos shrugged, "Another time perhaps."

The girl did not respond but only looked wide-eyed at him. "You're the Listener?!"

"I am," Nakos replied with a smile as he walked back towards the torture chamber. He heard the young girl get up and follow him. "You sure you want to witness an… interrogation?"

The girl nodded, "I may have to perform one myself, no?"

"Perhaps," Nakos replied, and relented. He saw no harm in letting the girl watch. She did have a point, anyway. "First lesson. Killing can complete contracts, and win battles. But information… information can win wars… and change kingdoms."

The man began stirring and groaning. After a few seconds elapsed, the man's head slowly rose from his chest. When he saw the assassins standing in front of him, he snapped to attention, and noticed he was bound. He began fighting, trying to break free. "Don't bother," Nakos said softly, but darkly.

"What the hell is this?" The man still tried to struggle, "Who in Oblivion are you?"

"I could ask you the same question," replied Nakos. He took a step forward, "Who sent you?"

"What?" the man asked, and Nakos wasn't sure if he was still in shock or playing dumb.

"Who sent you?" he repeated, in the same dark tone.

The man looked Nakos in the eyes for a long moment before laughing, "Piss on that! I ain't telling you nothing, milk-drinker! Now… " the man grinned, "If you let me go and ask nicely, I may tell you."

Nakos stared the man in the eyes before reaching down to his calf and pulling out the Blade of Woe from his calf sheath. It had been a while since he used it, but he could still see dried drops of venom from the manticore he had killed back in Astapor. He placed the blade on the man's arm and ever so slowly, sliced down from his wrist to his shoulder. The man screamed in pain, but Nakos' face did not change. "Oh, hush," he teased menacingly, "it's only a shallow cut. But that's just the effects of the enchantment you're feeling… and the manticore venom."

"FUCK!" the man yelled in pain and began breathing in short, shallow breaths.

"It'll get worse soon enough," Nakos said, "Only Babette here knows the cure for manticore venom. Nasty stuff. Rots whatever wound it is infused into. It gives you a slow and painful death…"

"Actually," Babette said, "I don't have the cure for manticore venom" Nakos glanced at Babette, but he could see in her eyes she was lying. It was a mind game she was playing. "At least, not yet," she added. "It takes time to gather ingredients, and then make the mixture the right way. SO time consuming."

"How long would that take?" asked Nakos, playing along.

"A few weeks, at least."

"Oh," said Nakos, shrugging, "Well then, in that cause, you're a dead man. Now, let's try this again, before you die on me." He knelt down in front of the man. "Who sent you?"

The man simply looked at Nakos and spit in his face. Nakos laughed and wiped the spit away. He looked at the man before grabbing him by the hair and dragging the Blade of Woe deeply across his chest. The man's eyes went wide as the blood poured from the wound. Nakos waited a split second before healing the man. "THAT is called dying. Felt awful, didn't it? But luckily for you, I can repeat that as many times as I want. But I don't know if you'll survive each time."

He could tell the man was about to break, but in defiance, the man spit in Nakos' face again. Nakos gave a sigh, "Babette."

Babette gleefully walked over to the man, smiling, but keeping her mouth closed.

"Oh, what? You have a little girl to torture me?" the man laughed, "You're going to tickle me to death?"

Babette smiled, showing her razor-sharp fangs, "Not exactly." She bit into the man's neck and began drinking his blood. His screams drew a few casual glances from the other assassins. Babatte drunk for a few seconds before releasing her death-like grip. She laughed as she wiped a drop of blood from her mouth. "We have all day, my good sir." She motioned to the nearby wall, where other torture instruments hung, "We have plenty of tools. And do you know what? You and your accomplices have killed many of our beloved family here, so I don't need to tell you how eager they would be to have a piece of you."

Nakos glanced over at the young girl, and was honestly shocked to see her face as hard as stone. Unmoving. He waved Babette off with a hand wave and looked back at the young girl. He indicated the man with his eyes, silently asking her with his eyes if she wanted to join. She looked up at Nakos and immediately walked over to the man. She drew an ebony dagger from her belt, knelt in front of the man and began sawing at the man's fingers. The ebony easily cut through the bone and flesh and within a few strokes, the man's thumb fell off. As the man screamed, she switched to the man's other hand and cut off his other thumb. When she was done, she leaned into the man's face, "Now you'll never again hold a weapon with your hands. You won't be hurting anyone else."

Nakos nodded at the choice of cutting off the man's thumbs. He approached the man once again and cauterized the stumps with a small fire spell so the man wouldn't pass out from blood loss. "I will only ask you one more time. Who sent you?"

The man finally broke, "Alright! Alright! I don't know his name. All I know is that someone from the Rift hired me. He said he was from a new Thieves Guild in Riften and that his client wanted something from here."

"A new Thieves Guild?"

The man nodded frantically, "The old one was run out of the city."

"Why come here?" Nakos asked.

"Cause that's where some magical weapons were."

"Did he say what weapons?"

The man hesitated for a moment.

"You'd have to be very stupid to attack the Brotherhood without specifics," Babette exclaimed, "Speak!"

"YES! YES! Some glowing sword, a glowing bow, and a glowing shield."

A chill ran down Nakos' spine, "Dawnbreaker, Auriel's bow and Auriel's shield?!"

The man shrugged, "I guess. I don't know their names. We were just supposed to steal them and bring them back."

"Where is your group supposed to make the drop?"

"Riverwood."

Nakos played with the Blade of Woe in front of the man, "Who's your client?"

"He didn't say. He only said he worked for someone calling himself the Mockingbird. That's it! That's all I know!"

Nakos gave a sigh, before conjuring a small ball of fire in his hand and pressing it against the man's chest. He held it there and the man screamed in agony before passing out. Nakos removed his hand, leaving a burned black hand in the man's chest. He felt a tap on his shoulder and turned to see the young girl motion him to a corner.

"This is all too coincidental," she murmured, "I received a contract from a member of the Thieves Guild."

"Which one?" Nakos asked warily.

"The original one, the one that was driven out of Riften. Vex, her name was. She says that the Guild was driven out by a man named Petyr Baelish and that she wanted him dead. And Vex also mentioned Petyr had aligned himself with Jarl Maven Black-Briar."

Nakos narrowed his eyes. He remembered his dealings with Petyr Baelish before when he was in King's Landing. What in Oblivion was Petyr Baelish doing in Skyrim? "Where is the Thieves Guild now?"

"Helgen."

Nakos nodded, "You're right. This is too coincidental." A flash came to Nakos' memory. He thought back to his time in King's Landing. Dealing with people like Cersei and Varys and Petyr. There was something about Petyr that Nakos knew he had seen before. Then, he remembered. Petyr always wore a lapel pin of a mockingbird on his collar. Nakos chuckled to himself, "That son of a…" He stopped himself and glanced at the young girl.

She shrugged, "It's ok. I've heard worse."

Babette, by now, had walked over to them, "So what's the plan?"

"Well," Nakos sighed, "this sanctuary is compromised." He got up onto a table, "My brothers and sisters!" Everyone stopped what they were doing to listen. "We are abandoning Dawnstar. This sanctuary is no longer safe. We're heading to Helgen, and we'll ally ourselves with the true Thieves Guild. Cicero, you and two others prepare to move the Night Mother's coffin." He turned to Morgen and another assassin, "Morgen. Hamish. Get to Riverwood and keep your ears to the ground about those weapons. If you do hear something, get a courier to me and Babette immediately." He then scribbled quickly on several pieces of paper and handed them to Babette, "Babette, send this message to Queen Elisif by raven. A courier will take too long. And take this to Brynjolf in Helgen. Tell him I'll see the Nightingales in six days time in Helgen Keep. The rest of you, pack up all that you can, and evacuate to Helgen immediately." Nakos stopped and pointed at the young girl, "Young initiate, you and I will stay behind to burn the rest."

The sanctuary was busy as everyone followed Nakos' orders. Within an hour, the sanctuary was empty, except for Nakos and the young girl. "What about him?" she asked, pointing to the still unconscious man.

Nakos didn't give him a second look,"He'll burn with everything else." They doused everything in dwemer oil and regular oil. Once that was done, they moved to the entrance. Nakos took a deep breath and Shouted "YOL… TOOR SHUL!" The huge gout of fire that sprouted from his lips enveloped everything in sight. The oils immediately caught fire and spread throughout the whole sanctuary. The two of them ran outside before the flames could catch them. They could hear the faint, pained terrified screams of the enemy thief for only a few moments, before the flames swallowed him whole within the sanctuary.

"Now," Nakos said, turning to the girl, "You head to Helgen like everyone else and I'll meet you there."

"Not a chance," the young girl retorted, "I stuck with Laniel, and I'm going to stick with you. You taught him, so you can teach me. Besides, you're a little nicer than he was."

Nakos raised an eyebrow. This young girl had fire. If he recalled correctly, she would be the first member of the Dark Brotherhood to ever challenge a Listener, breaking the third Tenent. "Well, someone hasn't read their Five Tenents." Nakos teased. He could see that the young girl wasn't about to change her mind. "Very well. What's your name?"

The young girl smiled, "Arya Stark."

Nakos' heart skipped a beat and his smile dropped for a moment. "Yes. I think it's best you stick with me, then." If the Nine allowed it, he could reunite Arya with her sister Sansa in Winterhold. But that would have to wait until he got the Daedric artifacts back.

Middas, the 20th of First Seed, 4E 205

Just Outside the Dreadfort

The cold night air nipped at Tribune Salkan's legs. The Dunmer was not expecting such cold weather this far north. He shivered once before gathering himself together. The only light in the area came from the moon, and it was a crescent moon, so there was not a lot of light. The clouds blocked most of the starlight as well. A perfect night for a rescue mission. "Infiltration team ready?" Salkan whispered to the infiltration team behind him. The infiltration team nodded. "And support?"

"We're ready," the gruff voice of an orc whispered back in reply.

"Good." Salkan wanted to make sure everyone was on the same page. "Now, we all know the plan. Rescuing Theon Greyjoy is our top priority. Capturing Ramsay Snow is secondary. Is everyone ready?" They all nodded. "Move out."

The force split into two groups. The infiltration group, consisting mostly of archers and those who were adept at sneaking, went first. They moved forward, keeping their bows at the ready. They approached the gates to the dungeon, keeping to the shadows. Two Bolton men stood guard, unaware of the approaching Legion soldiers. Two Bosmers drew their arrows and took the guards out without a sound. The archers now kept their distance, but stayed on guard as a Dunmer picked the lock to the gate. Once they were inside, they made their way towards the dungeon, taking out any guards in their way silently. They found Theon in a cage, curled in a ball, sleeping. They slowly approached the cage, making sure not to wake him. They did not want to give him a chance in alerting any of the other guards.

"Moria," Salkan whispered to a nearby Imperial, "be ready to cast a Calm spell on Theon. He's not going to come willingly if we don't." Moria nodded and conjured the spell, having it at the ready. Salkan went up to the cage and picked the lock as silently as he could. While he did so, a few other archers stood around him. The lock clicked, louder than Salkan would've liked. Theon began to stir, but did not wake up yet. Salkan silent thanked the Nine the sound didn't wake the young man up. He took out a potion from his belt pouch and taking a deep breath, gently shook the young man. When he awoke and saw the people before him, he opened his mouth to scream but Moria was ready. She quickly cast her Calm spell on the man, who quickly calmed down.

"Who are you?" he asked, his eyes filled with fear.

Salkan had to choose his words carefully. From what Yara had told them, Theon was loyal to Ramsay, so perhaps they could use that to their advantage. "It doesn't matter. What matters is that we have Ramsay, and we're not afraid to kill him." Salkan handed Theon the potion, "Drink this. But watch yourself. If you scream, Ramsay dies. We doesn't like loose ends."

Theon stared at him for a moment before snatching the potion from Salkan and drinking it down. It took a few seconds, but the potion did its work and Theon fell limp, unconscious. Salkan gestured to one of the orcs to carry him and the rest of the support group gathered around them, forming a kind of shell with their shields.

"Who in Seven Hells are you?" a voice came from the castle's entrance. They turned to see Ramsay Snow, standing there in surprise. He glanced at the empty cage, and then back at them. "Ah, so you've coming to rescue the coward Reek, eh?" The Legion didn't bother to respond but held their ground. "Tsk tsk tsk, it's bad manners not to respond when someone addresses you," Ramsay taunted.

One of the orcs simply laughed, "Is it better manners to carve people up like they are fresh kills on a hunt? is it good manners to break their minds and spirits for sadistic pleasure? Hows about hunting innocent girls for sport?"

Ramsay raised an eyebrow. He had expected men among their numbers, but not a creature like this, "Well, you're one ugly fucker, aren't you?"

"And you are a savage, with none of the honour of your northern cousins, or the manners of any civilised people!"

By now, several Bolton soldiers had gathered behind Ramsay. "Well, then." he gave an evil smile and drew dual swords, "Let's settle this like civilized people." The Boltons charged at the Imperial Legion but were almost immediately cut down as the Legion attacked in unison.

Salkan laughed, "Charging a phalanx. The bane of many foolish commanders. And you're obviously no commander." More Bolton men tried to break through, but they met the same fate as their friends. Then Ramsay, growing impatient, attacked himself and had both of his hands cut of for his trouble. Before he could even react, a blowdart hit him in the neck and he fell unconscious. "Grab him!" Salkan ordered, "And let's move out!"

Middas, the 20th of First Seed, 4E 205

King's Landing

It was Tommen Baratheon's first Small Council as king. He was nervous, of course. But with his uncle Tyrion by his side, he felt that it would go well. He named Tyrion Hand of the King, because he knew that his uncle was very knowledgeable in the ways of the Small Council and in all manners of politics. That, and Tyrion was always kind to him… unlike his late brother Joffrey and at times, his own mother, Cersei. Tommen and Tyrion watched as the rest of the Small Council filed in. First came Cersei, then Margaery Tyrell. Tyrion could obviously sense the animosity between the two women. They sat on either side of Tommen. Next came Tywin Lannister and Varys. Tywin sat next to Cersei while Varys sat next to Margaery. Then came Grand Maester Pycelle, shuffling along. And finally Oberyn Martell. Tyrion had advised Tommen to place Oberyn on the Small Council as a sign of good faith, since Dorne was not yet returned into the Seven Kingdoms. That, and as Tywin had said, Dorne was the only nation able to hold off the Targaryens and their dragons. If Nakos and Daenerys ever decided to attack, Dorne's expertise on defending against the dragons may be all that can save them. Even though Tyrion doubted Nakos would attack, as a Lannister, he had to protect his family.

"Thank you all for coming," Tommen said, nervously.

"Sit up, boy," Cersei scolded, earning her a stern look from Tyrion and Tywin.

Tommen obliged his mother and continued, "Thank you all for coming," he said with more confidence. "I know we have much to discuss. So let's begin." He took a deep breath and continued, "I've received reports of several riots occurring between the lesser lords."

"Not just the lesser lords, Your Grace," Varys replied, "Amongst the commonfolk as well."

"Any idea why these people are rioting?" Cersei asked sternly.

"They're not so much rioting, as they are arguing amongst themselves," answered Varys, "What happened in the Great Hall on the day of your coronation should give you an idea of what's happening."

"They're causing unrest and they should be punished," Cersei sneered.

"Oh, like Joffrey punished them?" Tyrion retorted. "You plan to kill all the commonfolk simply because they're fighting amongst one another?"

"Enough!" Tywin boomed. He hated the constant bickering between his children. "What do you suggest we do about this, Your Grace?" he asked Tommen. he knew what the best course of option was, but he wanted Tommen to think for himself.

Tommen thought for a moment, "I think it's important to find out what it is they're fighting about. Whether it be lack of food, water…" His answer earned him a nod from Tywin. "Since we are at war, it is possible that resources are running low. Varys, if you can, find out what it is the commonfolk and lords are upset about."

"Certainly, Your Grace." Varys said, bowing his head.

"Your Grace," Margaery came into the conversation with a smile, "If you need, I could help with provided resources for those affected by the war."

"How so, Lady Margaery?" Tommen asked.

"As you know, the Reach feeds most of Westeros. We have some connections with Skyrim and other parts of Tamriel, but it hasn't been much more than a few boxes of wheat and other basic foodstuffs. If you wish, we can provide food to King's Landing and elsewhere, since the war will be hard on civilians."

Tommen nodded, "That would be wise."

"Speaking of Skyrim," Pycelle stated, after a brief coughing fit, "what are we to make of the assassin that killed Joffrey?"

"He's dead," Tywin said firmly, "There's nothing more to discuss." He did not want to admit it, but he was somewhat scared. After seeing what had happened to Laniel's body, he was beginning to wonder if the country of Tamriel truly had magic at their disposal.

"But, my lord, what of his possible connection to the Skyrim folk that now aid the Starks?" Pycelle pushed.

"Then it would seem Tamriel is not as closed off as Lady Margaery would think," Varys suggested, "There was that rebel commander being sent to the wall a few years ago, then Nakos a few months ago, then he sends that 'Dawnguard' to reinforce the wall."

"It makes one wonder whether they are for us or against us," said Tyrion with a smirk, "One one hand, they protect us from the monsters at the Wall. And on the other, they assassinate a king."

Tywin glared daggers at Cersei, "You may have made a powerful ally into a dangerous enemy when you and your son drew first blood."

"I agree with Grandfather," Tommen said, "Nakos was nothing but kind and respectful when he first arrived and Joffrey had to go and try and kill him."

"Nakos threatened to… " Cersei began, but Tyrion stopped her.

"I do hope you stop and think before you tell another lie, dear sister. I stand with Tommen as I am sure Varys and Pycelle do." Varys nodded quickly, but Pycelle simply shrugged. Tyrion glared at the old man before continuing, "The only thing Nakos may have done to deserve such cruel treatment was treat the Stark girl with respect… as well as speak his mind."

"But Nakos did try to kill Joffrey once," Cersei snapped back, "Who's to say that this assassin wasn't sent by Nakos to make sure Joffrey did die this time?"

"He never acted without provocation," retorted Tyrion,."He had one mission here in Kings Landing: to acquire information regarding the White Walkers, and you prevented that mission. If another Long Night comes, it will be on your head."

"I doubt the White Walkers exist, Tyrion," replied Tywin, "But the Night's Watch has been instrumental in defending the wall from the Wildling invasion."

"And yet…" Pycelle spoke up, "Nakos allied himself with the Targaryen girl and kidnapped Sansa Stark." Tyrion wanted to strike the old man across the face. Pycelle was always Cersei's favorite pawn.

An idea came to Tyrion. "Ah, but what if Nakos went to Daenerys to investigate her dragons?"

"And why would he do that?" Tywin asked.

"He did seem unusually interested in the Targaryen Dragons," answered Tyrion, "He has one of his own, fully grown. And according to Skyrim, there is a figure of legend called the Dragonborn. Perhaps his upbringing pushed Nakos to go and meet the Targaryen girl."

"Is there any news from Meereen?" Tywin asked.

Varys nodded, "My little birds tell me that he has left Meereen and gone back to Skyrim, with Daenerys."

"Petyr still has thieves and cutthroats in his back pocket, yes?" Cersei asked and Tyrion did not like the direction she was going. "Send word to Lord Baelish. Tell him to have his assassins kill Nakos and Daenerys."

"Ignore her," Tywin said firmly, glaring at his daughter. "You know better than to make decisions so rashly. You and Joffrey already tried to assassinate him once."

Cersei chuckled, "Are you afraid, father?" The air seemed to be sucked out of the room at her question.

Tywin's face remain unchanged, "If you must know, Lord Baelish has been feeding us information on Nakos' past. Some of that information has proven to be very interesting, especially since those in Skyrim believe that he is this… Dragonborn. If these reports are accurate, that man is perhaps the first in many thousands of years who could rival the deeds of the Age of Heroes. After all, you have seen what he could do. You said he almost killed Joffrey with just his voice? Well, imagine hundreds of men dying at his voice. Imagine whole cities burning from flames that rush from his mouth." The whole room was as silent as a crypt. "I doubt you would want to make an enemy of him," Tywin added finally.

Oberyn, who had been silent all this time, finally spoke, "It is true. I myself have travelled around the world in my youth, and in my times in Tamriel, the myths and legends surrounding the Voice are not to be trifled with. Any man who can command the power of the Thu'um can lay siege to cities, and crumble mountains with his own voice. If Nakos is truly Dragonborn, his power with the Voice would be unmatched by even that of the Greybeards, the foremost masters of the Voice among men, and only the dragons of Tamriel can match it."

"Then what are we to do about Nakos?" Cersei asked, visibly frustrated.

"Nothing," Tywin replied firmly, "As far as we know, he has remained neutral in this war, and I would like to keep it that way. I know he would not join our side, but neither would I want him as an enemy." A few heads nodded in agreement. "Now, since we're on the subject of war, our scouts tell us that the Imperial Legion have taken Winterfell. It seems that Robb Stark is looking to take back control of the North. The only place that remains in our control is the Dreadfort and Karhold."

"I don't doubt that they'll look to take Casterly Rock soon enough." noted Varys.

"Yes…" Tywin sighed, "and at the rate these Legions are advancing, we are at a severe disadvantage. Those men are more experienced and better trained than our own levies."

Their conversation continued to war tactics but Cersei drowned it all out. In her mind, Nakos was still the enemy they should be concerned about… and anyone who took his side was an enemy as well.

Cersei sat in the Queen Regent's seat beside the Iron Throne, stewing over the Small Council's decision to ignore Nakos. Even if what they said was true, that still did not mean that Nakos should be ignored. She hated Nakos for what he did to Joffrey, for aiding the Starks in the War, for allying himself with the Targaryen, and she was sure he had a hand in Joffrey's death. If Nakos were to return to King's Landing, and if she was still Queen, she would immediately call for his execution.

"Your Grace," Varys' voice came from behind her.

"What is it, Lord Varys?" Cersei was in no mood to talk.

Varys gave a small chuckle, "I can see you are still troubled by the King's and Council's decisions regarding Nakos, Your Grace."

"It was my father's decision," replied Cersei, "not the king's."

"You would risk the wrath of a whole nation on your head all because of one man?" Varys asked.

"Do you know the words of House Lannister, Varys?" Cersei asked, knowing full well that Varys knew them.

"Be that as it may," replied Varys, "you must understand why your Lord father would do so. From what I understand , Lord Tywin does not get intimidated easily."

"My father has lost his touch. The father I once knew would bring a whole army down on the nation of Skyrim and demand that Nakos be brought to face justice."

Varys gave a small sigh, "I know Joffrey's death and the assassin's attempt on your life has shocked you, your grace. But now, more than ever, your son needs you. A great weight has been placed upon him, the weight of a crown and it's kingdom. Joffrey never needed you, but Tommen does need you, more than you know."

Cersei glared at Varys, "I don't believe I asked for your advice, Varys."

"No, but it advice you should heed… Your Grace." With a bow, Varys scurried off. As he walked away, he bowed to a hooded, noble lady who was walking toward Cersei.

As the lady approached, she removed her hood, revealing a tiara of shiny ebony and rubies, "Your Grace." The woman was about Cersei's age, and had brown hair pulled into a braided bun. The black cloak she wore showed an emblem Cersei did not recognize: a black spider with a red hourglass on its abdomen on a red field.

Cersei stood, unsure of who this woman was, "And you are…"

"Lady Mala, of Essos. Stygai, to be exact."

Cersei narrowed her eyes, "And why is a Lady from Essos here?"

"I am on a pilgrimage, for the most part. And to offer my… services to the world. Many services one can use, yet so few know of them."

Cersei sneered, "If you wish to offer your services, the brothel is down in the streets." As Cersei turned to leave, she was shocked to find the woman right there in front of her.

The lady had an evil smile on her face, "Those… are not the services I am referring to. While I do enjoy partaking in the services of the flesh, the services I refer to are much more... involved."

Cersei was afraid and intrigued at the same time, "Such as?"

"Bringing loved ones back from the dead, for one." The woman smiled when Cersei's eyes went wide. "You whisper out for many things, Queen Cersei, from your innermost thoughts," the woman said, her voice eerily sinister, "The success of your reign, the painful deaths and tortures of your hated enemies…. the return of lost loved ones."

"What do you want?" Cersei was truly becoming unnerved now.

"To offer my services to you. I know you recently lost a loved one. I can see about returning him to you."

Cersei had a feeling this would come at a cost, "In return for?"

The woman chuckled, "Very astute, Your Grace. I understand you were visited by a man who you think is responsible for you son's death." At Cersei's glance, the woman merely shrugged, "Rumors spread very quickly around this city, as I am sure you know." The woman continued, "And I am sure you feel that there are people here who are taking the side of that man. If you were to remove one of his supporters from the playing field, then I can see about returning your beloved Joffrey to you."

Cersei folded her arms across her chest, "What's in it for you, Lady Mala?"

The corner of the woman's lip curled into an evil smile, "Let's just say, the man you want taken care of has caused more trouble than simply here in King's Landing."

Cersei had one person in mind who she could… remove, as the woman put it. The one person who supported Nakos since his arrival in King's Landing. "Your offer is most tempting, Lady Mala." Cersei turned to walk away, "I will have to give it some thought."

Mephala watched Cersei go, "Don't wait too long… Your Grace."

Middas, the 20th of First Seed, 4E 205

Just Outside of Windstad Manor

Catelyn Stark followed close behind Mjoll as she led her, Serana, and Sansa towards Windstad Manor. Catelyn was hesitant at first to travel alongside a vampire, but Sansa and Mjoll were able to change her mind, though it took some prodding. Knowing that there existed a creature like a vampire bothered Catelyn, but as Serana pointed out, albeit bluntly, there were worse things out there. And Serana was more in control of herself compared to other vampires who would just as soon kill you than turn you, just because they could.

"Where is Nakos' wife, Lady Mjoll?" Catelyn asked as they passed the Nordic ruin of Ustengrav.

"He doesn't have one, surprisingly," Mjoll said with a laugh.

Serana laughed as well, "I imagine there's an entire legion of women who would throw themselves at him. But he's more in control of himself than most men."

"Then his children are bastards?" Catelyn found herself asking instinctively. Her response caught everyone off-guard.

"Mother!" Sansa reprimanded, shocked that Catelyn would ask something like that.

"I'm sorry," Catelyn apologized, "But how can he be a father if…"

"He adopted them," Mjoll was quick to say, "They were orphans. The Civil War took many parents from their children. Sofie was left stranded in Windhelm, where she scraped by, selling flowers. And Alesan brought food to miners near Dawnstar."

Catelyn mentally kicked herself for judging Nakos so harshly. In Westeros, adoption was unheard of. But even Catelyn had to admit to herself, to take the children of other people lost to war and death, and raise them as your own was very honorable indeed. "I apologize if I offended you, Lady Mjoll."

"It's alright, Lady Stark," Mjoll replied. "I don't take any offence. I'm sure things are quite different here than they are in Westeros. I went through the same adjustment when I first arrived."

"Is it true, then?" Catelyn asked, her voice somber, "What Sansa said about Joffrey."

"I'm afraid so, my lady." Mjoll's voice was grim, "I would've stopped it myself, but the king had his thugs hold a knife to my throat."

"I'm surprised you let them get that far, Mjoll." Serana quipped. "You'd normally have hacked your way through a hundred of them before letting anyone get behind you like that."

"Oh, I know. But If I'd done that, I'd certainly me dead. My head would've been on the chopping block, for sure."

Serana chuckled, "And when has that ever stopped you before?"

"Since I was in a new place, away from home," answered Mjoll, "Had this happened here in Skyrim, I would've cut them down. No questions asked."

Sansa was quiet throughout their whole conversation, wanting to forget that day ever happened. Thank the gods that Nakos and Tyrion were there. The four of them soon approached Windstand Manor, and Catelyn was taken aback by the sheer size of the house.

"Before you ask, yes. Nakos built it himself," Serana quipped with a smile.

"It's beautiful," Catelyn remarked as she got off her horse.

The door to the house opened and Lydia walked out, "Mjoll? Serana? What are you doing here?" She greeted both of them with a hug. "Ah, Sansa, welcome back."

"Hello, Lydia," Sansa greeted Lydia with a hug. "This is my mother, Catelyn Stark."

Lydia bowed, "It's an honor to meet you, Lady Stark. Sansa's told me all about you."

"I'm sure she has," Catelyn replied with a smile, but her eyes were drawn to the young man standing in the doorway. He was a few years older than Robb was and a couple inches taller. His skin was a dark brown, and his hair was braided thickly backwards. His eyes were brown and welcoming. He smiled, showing his white teeth, "You must be Lady Catelyn Stark." He walked down the steps toward her and knelt in front of her. "It is an honor..."

"No, Ser Nakos." Catelyn interrupted as she knelt down as well, so she was eye level with him. "The honor is mine. You saved both my daughter from a fate worse than death, and for that, you have my utmost thanks."

"I only did what any normal person should have done… and was afraid to do. Nobody was willing to even tell that brat 'no', not even his mother."

"Even so, you have my thanks."

Nakos stood to his feet, "Sansa. It is good to see you again."

"Nakos," Sansa greeted the man with a bow of her head.

Nakos gestured for them to follow. "Please, come in." As Catelyn Stark entered the Main Hall of the manor, she was in awe of the craftsmanship and the amount of work that must have gone into building this house. "You caught me had an inopportune time," Nakos said with a dry chuckle, "I had just arrived here and was actually preparing to leave for Helgen. Some urgent manners have come up than desperately need my attention."

"Couldn't you spare a few moments, Ser Nakos?" Catelyn urged. "Ever since I was reunited with Arya, I always wanted to meet the man responsible for keeping my daughters safe."

Nakos could not say no to that. Besides, Shadowmere could easily make up for lost time. "Then, I think you would be glad to see another familiar face." He called out towards the second floor. "ARYA!"

Catelyn's eyes went wide, "What in Seven Hells is Arya doing here?!"

Nakos was confused, "She was not with you when you arrived?"

Catelyn shook her head violently and watched as Arya descended from the second floor, wearing a red and black armor. By the reactions on Catelyn's and Sansa's face, Nakos could tell they were not happy.

"Hello, mother," Arya said simply, her face not showing any emotion.

"Arya,"Catelyn ran to her daughter, "what in Seven Hells are you doing here?!"

"Training. To be an assassin."

Catelyn's face was a mix of shock and horror. She looked at Sansa, then back at Arya and sat down, speechless. She looked back up at Nakos, "Did you know of this?"

Nakos shook his head, "Upon my honor, no. I was just as shocked as you when I learned Arya was with the Dark Brotherhood."

"And I assume you brought her here to change her mind, then," Catelyn said, a tinge of hope in her voice.

Nakos chuckled nervously, "Not exactly."

"I know what you would say, mother." Arya said, "but I won't go back. I can't."

Catelyn could not believe her ears. The second of her daughters was making the same case as the oldest. They would prefer to live here in Skyrim than back at home in Winterfell. Am I losing my family? I can't keep them together, Catelyn thought in despair. "A Stark becoming an assassin?" Catelyn said finally… slowly. "Your father would be turning in his grave, Arya!"

"Lady Stark, if I may speak." Nakos offered. Catelyn glanced at him, saying nothing for a while before nodding. "I know that this may not be looked upon in Westeros. But this is a very different place from Westeros. And, if I may be so frank to say so, the lifestyle you are used to in Westeros could get one killed in Skyrim."

"But neither of my daughters should be here at all! The women of Westeros aren't fighters, or assassins, or wizards!"

"True, but at least your daughters know how to protect themselves should the time come."

"Protect themselves from what?! Most men in Westeros would not dare hurt them... "

"You underestimate men, Lady Catelyn," Nakos replied firmly, interrupting, "In my travels, I have seen men rape women without a care. I have seen men kill men, women, and children for their gold or simply for the fun of it. And I can tell you, men here are the same as men in Westeros."

Catelyn paused. He had a point there. "But even so, here in Skyrim, you have monsters and beasts, and people bloodthirsty enough to attack armed and escorted caravans! You have people who are infected with Vampirism and Lycanthropy!"

Nakos could see that convincing Catelyn of the dangers in Westeros was going to be a difficult task. Luckily, Mjoll spoke up. "Lady Catelyn, Nakos speaks truth. Women may be warriors here in Skyrim, but that is by choice. It is not a role forced upon us by our religion or culture, or social expectation. We chose to be fighters because that is our passion, our choice. My father was a hunter, my mother was a warrior. I could have been anything I wanted. In Westeros, most men see women as objects: something to be gained, used, then thrown away at will. They don't see us as people, as equals. Here in Skyrim, in Tamriel, we still marry, love our families, and bear children into the world, but not because it is expected of us, and not because it is some duty or obligation. Here, we do it because we love the men we choose, and they love us. We fight to defend those men as they do us. As my father once said, 'A Lioness is never more deadly than when protecting mate, cub, and den.'"

Catelyn took in all Mjoll had to say. She had never really understood Mjoll's point of view until now. She nodded her head in understanding and looked at her two daughters, "Even though I don't agree with it, I understand the reason why you wish to stay. Your father's death at the hands of a cruel king has changed you both, forced you to grow up faster than you should have." She hugged her two daughters tightly, "I love you both so much."

"I love you too, mother," Sansa said, a tear in her eye.

Arya hugged her mother, "I love you, too." Her lips curled into a smile but when she opened her eyes, her smile quickly turned into a frown. "Who are you?" Everyone turned to see the young woman with white blond hair in the doorway to the bedroom. No one said anything for a moment, but just stared at each other.

Catelyn's mouth dropped slightly in surprise, "I believe we have a Targaryen in our midst."

Dany's brow furrowed in confusion, "Who are you?"

Catelyn managed a small smile, "I am Catelyn Stark."

Dany's eyes grew wide and if not for Nakos holding her back, she certainly would have leapt up onto the table, picked up a dinner knife and attacked the woman. "Dany, NO!" Dany was still screaming and trying to wriggle out of Nakos' grip. But Nakos held firm. He looked her dead in the eyes, "Drem, dii lokaal! (Peace, my love!)" The Dovahzul seemed to work as Dany could feel her dragonblood cooling down.

"What… are Starks doing here?" Dany asked, breathing heavily. "You know our family history!"

Nakos gave a huge sigh, "I honestly was not expecting them here. But I think that the Nine willed it so we are all together. Now we all can talk." It was going to be a loooong day.