Chapter 36 – Battle of Dovah

Time trembled at her approach as she held the scroll. The world was at her disposal. Z however had no interest in controlling the world through a scroll, no, if she chose to control the world she would control it through her own wit and power. She would not abuse the Elder Scroll. Her ways were set in her mind as she continued up the path, with Vale close on her heels. The little Elf had decided to accompany Z after she had returned with Farkas. Z had to admit, the Elf was pleasant enough company despite her somewhat concerned nature. Z took a moment to admire Vale's body as the Elf strode past her, jaw set as they climbed to Vale's master's final resting place, and the time wound caused by the Elder Scroll. Vale had toned up since Z first met her; her lean frame had developed some bulk with the muscle she had put on. The ice crunched beneath her fur boots, which hid her toned calves. Z decided after a moment of staring that the Elf was quite stunning, yet she paled compared to Farkas. Z almost scoffed out loud at that. Again, her thoughts had drifted to the Nord she had barely been away from for a day.

"Time shudders at the approach of the Kel, the Elder Scroll. You have the world at your disposal, Z. I hope you understand what you plan to do. It will corrupt and destroy you, The Greybeards can see this" Vale informed, gazing at Z with young yet old eyes. Vale contained the wisdom and teachings of old men, even at her age of over a Hundred she still was a child… a child Z had torn from her home, bound and corrupted and then shown her love from Aela as a weapon against her. At the present however, Z did not feel particularly guilty about the way she had subtly outplayed Vale. The Elf was spouting greybeard nonsense, trying to divert her from saving the world she had only just begun to care about again. Being honest with herself she didn't give two damns about the world, rather a single man who lived in it. She also felt for the Dark Brotherhood, and strangely enough the Companions. Her two families. Vale was a part of one, and involved with both.

"This has to be done, or Alduin will destroy everything" Z pointed out in a quiet yet firm voice. She watched the emotions of rage and realisation, and then helplessness flood through Vale's features. Her dark eyes shone with a sudden realisation as she stuttered. Z felt the deep satisfaction as she saw the exact moment Vale realised she was no longer the pride of the Greybeards, nor was she free from Z's possibly reign. The Elf's ears twitched for a moment before she sighed.

"I… I would have argued that. Maybe I would have argued that the world should be destroyed if he returned. Now, all I can think about is Aela" Vale confessed, holding Z's gaze for a moment before she dropped her chin and hung her head. The tips of her ears twitched again before she whispered in a dedicated tone.

"And I cannot let you fall alone" Vale's words stuck Z in a strange way. All she could master was a nod as she slid the scroll free and began to walk. Her body tensed as she passed the remains of the Dragon she had slain so long ago; even now her memory caused her a small form of grief. She did not have time to dwell on this however as the scroll pulse within her hands. With a subtle deep breath she yanked her hands apart, opening the scroll and reading it for the first time.

The design within lit the air before Z's eyes for a moment before a current rippled through her sight, rendering the world into the nothingness of a white background. Z blinked in a pointless attempt to have her eyes returned, but nothing happened. Even behind her eyelids everything was white. She did not panic at this however, for she could hear things happening from eons ago. If the price was her eyes, she knew Vale would not fail. She heard the female warrior boast proudly, she heard the older man announce he had the Elderscroll, and that Alduin could not be slain like a normal dragon. She heard a male warrior, the female's brother, claim that they had agreed never to use the scroll. And then, as she began to zone out she heard Alduin.

"Meyye! Tahrodiis aanne! Him hinde pah liiv! Zu'u hin daan!" She heard battle, and the cries as the female was eaten alive. Throughout the whole thing however her mind rushed over the shout that had begun the battle.

"Joor Zah Frul" Dragonrend. Then a rush filled her ears, and her sight returned to the snows of Skyrim.

…

Z sat in the snow, blinking as her sight returned. She bent a knee up, resting her hands back into the ice as she willed herself to see the world again. Already, she could tell the experience of reading the scroll had changed her, matured her. She felt the power of the scroll still humming through her blood, tingling in her freezing fingertips. She was faintly aware of Vale's hand on her shoulder along with muffled words, yet she could not focus. Her mind was shaken by the experience of power, her sight forever changed and her soul wiser. She heard Vale's voice become desperate and the hand on her shoulder shoved and pulled at her roughly.

"Alduin approaches! Z, snap out of it!" Vale's voice cracked with desperation as the roar filled the air. Z was aware of Vale drawing her bow as Alduin spoke, but Z could not make the words out. She heard Vale deny and resist the Dragon's no doubt hateful words. It was when flames erupted from the Dragon's jaws at Vale and her that Z found herself. She leapt up, grabbing Vale around the waist.

"Wuld!" the shout erupted from her mouth as she shoved Vale aside. The Elf grunted in alarm as Z's heavier body landed on top of her. Z on the other hand winced at the thin elbow in her gut, but she said nothing. Instead she rose to her feet like a dark avatar of merciless death, striding towards the black form of Alduin. She did not waver as she avoided one of his shouts. She owed this Dragon many things, and she was not oblivious to that fact. She owed the midnight scaled beast her freedom, for if Alduin had not attacked she had little doubt she would be dead, regardless of whether it had been by beheading or she had fought and failed. She owed this Dragon Ulfric Stormcloak, and every Jarl she had under the Dark Brotherhood's control. She owed this Dragon many Imperial deaths, which only made her wish she could hesitate. Footstep after footstep fell in the ice as she continued to stride forwards, preparing the final shout.

"Joor Zah Frul" the shout tore through the air like a deathly hurricane of magical force. It rippled and churned as it travelled towards Alduin, glowing blue as it grew in size like a cone from Z. The black scaled dragon roared as the shout struck him, binding around his wings. The blue glow seemed to constrict around the Dragon's chest and throat, bringing the World Eater crashing to the snows with a furious roar. Z leapt out of the way as Vale raised her bow and fired three arrows in rapid succession at Alduin's face. The steel arrows bounced from his scales as if they had no point as the snow erupted and settled around him.

"You may wield the weapons of my ancient foes, but you are not their equal" Alduin snarled at Vale, unleashing fire a moment later. The little Elf leapt out of the way, firing her arrow as she hit the snow and rolled to her feet. Again the arrow bounced away, but Alduin shied from the blow. Vale focused on the single displaced scale, firing arrow after arrow. She felt the tight pull of her string, heard the hum of the string vibrating upon release and the whistle of her arrow. Eventually she reached over her shoulder for another arrow and only found thin air to greet her, but by then Z had leapt into the fray. She slashed at Alduin, leaping to her left as the dragon's massive jaws snapped shut beside her. Z struck with an overhead blow, slicing at the sensitive gums and soft scales around Alduin's jaws. He bellowed fire as his blood was drawn, then licked his wound with a large forked tongue before flying into the air, finally free of Z's devastating shout that forced him to understand mortality.

"Meyz mul. You have become strong. But I am Al-du-in. Firstborn of Akatosh! Muladgi zok lot. I cannot be slain here, by you or anyone else! You cannot prevail against me. I will outlast you" Alduin flew into the skies with a roar before delivering the final insult.

"Mortal"

"Nivahriin!" Vale yelled a split second before bending down to the snows and grabbing one of the fallen, bent arrows. She took no time in standing and pulling the string back, feeling the sense of power she felt every time she held her bow. In a blind fury she fired the arrow into the skies, hitting Alduin in the wing. His roar of pain split the air before he faded into the distance, a black speck on the horizon. Vale's anger was obvious as she kicked the snow with a curse under her breath, then concern flooded her features. Her black eyes shone as she looked at Z, who had again sat down in the snow. The cold ice clung to her rump, but the fog returned to her mind. What had Alduin meant when he said he could not be slain here…? Here. Why had he said here?

"Vale. There must be a dragon that will tell us how to defeat Alduin, or go to Sovngarde where he feeds on the souls of our dead. Find out how to summon such a Dragon. I will go back to Whiterun and prepare Dragon's reach"

"What did Alduin mean he can't be slain? Can we actually stop him?" Vale asked hesitantly. Z smiled at the Elf's concern, nodding once before speaking.

"He said he can't be defeated here"

"Well what does that even mean?" Vale demanded, tilting her head to the side as a puzzled expression claimed her beautiful, lean face. Z frowned herself, brows lowering as she thought hard on the words. Eventually she settled for a safe reply, never admitting she had no clue and never giving Vale the power in their socialization.

"Find out"

…

"I need your help trapping a dragon in your palace" Z's voice came from the shadows she hid in as she waited in the Jarl's bedchambers. The light of the moon ghosted across her body, making her skin shine like crushed diamonds in the beautiful light. The light layer of sweat across her skin caught the light, making Z shine like a ghost in the poor lighting. The Jarl yelped in shock, sitting straight up in his bed with the blankets pooling around his thin waist. Z took a moment to admire the fine scars across his aging body, hidden beneath the blonde and grey hairs that adorned his chest like a shaggy bear. She could see some harsh scars down his shoulder and chest region, as if he had suffered a severe slash. Her eyes followed the dark line curiously, her dark gaze wondering up the aged and war torn skin to his panicked eyes. She smirked in the shadows for a moment before pulling her facial muscles into a serious yet neutral expression, and her eyes into the same nature. Inside however her wolf was smiling, enjoying the fear it inspired.

"Shor's bones don't you understand the importance of sleep?" Jarl Bulgraaf yelled in shock, shuffling backwards with a wild kick of his legs until his back hit the headrest of his bed.

"I must have misheard you. I thought you asked me to help you trap a dragon in my palace" Jarl Bulgraaf quickly woke up, rubbing his eyes with a thin hand before he returned his squinting gaze to Z. He only saw the slight shine across her skin and the blackness of her eyes, as if she had hollow eyes and cheeks in the light. He shuddered as she tilted her head to look at him again, remaining silent as the grave from behind a half curtain of dark hair that shone like midnight ebony in the moonlight. Eventually she nodded once, closing her eyes for a second as a gesture of respect.

"Indeed. You know I wouldn't ask if it were not important, Jarl Bulgraaf. The Dark Brotherhood's blessing to conduct our dealings within your city is too important to risk on a whim" Z informed him calmly. Even in a desperate moment she held her cool, collecting her thoughts as she gazed at the Jarl. He would do what was best for his people, even if it clashed with some of his morals. His people were the perfect weapon to use against him, especially his Housecarl Irileth. Z's mind was quick as she thought of all the ways she could threaten the Jarl. As harbinger of the Companions she had an advantage. It almost made her laugh that it had been this very Jarl who had forced her to join the Companions to begin with. Ironically, she had turned his weapon against him to her own advantage. Z almost smiled at the thought, but her body was in the business of assassination and murder, not foolish girlish smiles.

"You want me to let a Dragon into the heart of my City, with the threat of war on my doorstep?" Jarl Bulgraaf demanded in an offended tone of voice. Z savoured his resistance, knowing the moment she began to play the game he would crumble to her will as every other man and woman did when they faced the deepest, darkest part of Z. She had no idea how she did half of what she did, she simply acted. It suited her fine that way; she needed the Jarl to be confused, afraid even. She closed her eyes for a moment, willing her body to act as she knew it could. When she opened her eyes she was on the other side of the Jarl. With a small smirk she rested her hindquarters against a table, placing her hands behind her casually.

"It's the only way to stop the Dragon attacks" Z spoke in a soft voice, using some of the Dragon Shouting abilities to make her voice echo. She saw the Jarl shudder and flinch at the same time as he whipped his head around to see where she now rested. Z was almost lazy as she lifted an apple from the table, gazing at the Jarl with burning eyes. Seduction was on her mind as well as threatening. Sex and violence, it was a language all men understood and all bodies responded to. Z was a master of both.

"There must be another way. The risk is too great" the Jarl declared firmly, shaking his head as Z ran her lips over the apple. She paused her movements, gazing at the Jarl's face for a moment. Clearly, her softer approach of mystery and attraction wasn't going to work. With a grim determination, she noticed the way the Jarl's legs were split, perfect for a threatening knee if she would sit over him. The thought sickened her, for the Jarl was aging and she was still reasonably youthful… or maybe she wasn't. She couldn't remember her age, only that her body still moved like she was in her early twenties, but she knew that was too young. She remembered more than twenty years.

"Foolish Jarl. The threat is worse than you know" she purred. In a flash she sprinted to the edge of his bed and leapt up, placing her knee between his parted legs as she sat over one of his thin thighs. She paused, grabbing his beard with one hand as she pressed her forehead closer to his. Her eyes shone in wild excitement for a moment, insanity at its purest. She saw fear in the Jarl's eyes as she chuckled softly yet menacingly. She allowed her gaze to lower obviously to the Jarl's lips, leaving the possibility of seduction in her plans before she returned her gaze to the Jarl's eyes.

"Alduin has returned" Z whispered, allowing her words to strike like a thunder clap. She then released the Jarl's blonde beard, shoving his head away as she straightened over his leg, sitting there as she would on a horse before she swung down from the bed. The feeling of solid ground beneath her feet was a relief. So often had she wondered across a taught string, or been forced to ride a horse for her escape and business. Sometimes she had to ride men, or be ridden. Still, everything paled in comparison to what had to be done now.

"Alduin? The world eater himself? But… how can we fight him? Doesn't his return mean it's the End times?" The Jarl's voice was terrified, shaking like a little boys would if he feared monsters beneath his bed. For once Z did not feel disgusted by the Jarl's fear, even so she did not share in it. The Companions had rubbed off on her, and now she would not go down without a fight. Despite being the Dragonborn, she had not lived up to the role. In that very instant everything changed. She felt alive and connected to the world once again, and she was eager for battle.

"I am the Dragonborn. It is my destiny to defeat Alduin. As Harbinger of the Companions, I am sworn by my honor to defeat this threat" her words were delivered with the fire she felt burning within her icy heart. The balance between Assassin and Companion was a difficult one, but she would walk along the line between insanity and bravery with her head held high.

"I don't know about such things, but I heard the Greybeards summon you. That's good enough for me. Now, what's this nonsense about trapping a dragon in my palace? Look, I want to help you Dragonborn, and I will but I need your help first. Ulfric and General Tullius are just waiting for me to make a wrong move. Do you think they will sit idle while a Dragon is slaughtering my men and burns my City? No. I can't risk weakening the city while we are under threat of enemy attack. I'm sorry" Jarl Bulgraaf informed. With sudden clarity Z realised she could not use her tricks on the Jarl, for he was under greater threat than she had anticipated. After a moment she realised this was perfect, not only to protect Whiterun but her investment in every city. She could try and make peace across Skyrim, if her idea went well.

"If I get both sides to agree to a truce, will you give your aid to my cause?" Z asked. She saw the shock and admiration in the Jarl's eyes and smiled. She knew right then and there she had his interest and loyalty coming together into the perfect leash for the wild wolf. Soon, the wolf would become another hound eating out of her hands.

"Then I would be glad to aid you in this scheme of madness. Getting both sides to agree to a truce now will be difficult, the bitterness has gone too deep" The Jarl rubbed his chin in thought.

"My Jarl. The Dragonborn demands an audience" Irileth's voice came. She was accompanied by soft, catlike footsteps of bare feet. Z could only ponder for a moment before the lithe Elf stormed through the doors, every inch the Dovahkiin she was as she stood before the Jarl. Her eyes widened when she saw Z, and Irileth drew her weapon. Z casually leaned against the table for a moment before she lifted the apple and rubbed it on her cloak. Irileth lowered her sword as Vale cleared her throat.

"We need a truce between Stormcloak and Imperial. High Hrothgar is neutral ground, and the Greybeards are respected by all Nords. I have already debated this with Arngeir, he has agreed. Ulfric and Tullius will be forced to listen. I have also already sent word to Solitude; I could be there in a couple of days" Vale came in, taking control with a powerful voice. Z arched a brow at the girl, clearly amused by her fire. Z felt a warm rush of pride for the Elf, although she doubted Vale could always be this strong. The small bruise on her neck made Z chuckle. Aela was obviously to thank for this burst of courage.

"I will make Ulfric comply" Z announced, looking at the red apples skin before digging her teeth into the sweet flesh with a crunch.

She only had to stop a war.

…..

"I have a message from the Greybeards" Z announced as soon as the doors parted from the push of her hands. She only took a moment to glance down the table, eyes reflecting the candles and silver dining ware on the wooden surface before she began striding towards Ulfric's throne with the courage of the Dovahkiin before her. Z's personal ideas for the Dark Brotherhood flooded through her mind as each and every one of her silent footsteps ate the distance between her and the Jarl of Windhelm. The Wolf within cringed at the silver as she passed, yet she did not show any outward sign. Her wolf was angry, burning beneath her skin and yet it made her movements perfect. Ulfric stood to respect her, eyes somewhat wide with shock before he regained his composure.

"It's about time they turned their gaze from the heavens and turned it back to our bleeding homeland. What do they want?" Ulfric Stormcloak, Jarl of Windhelm spoke in a deep, gravelly voice. Z contained a small shiver of excitement as she realised she had the Jarl's attention in more ways than one. His dark eyes gazed upon her like any unclaimed maiden, ripe for being brought to his bedchamber. The advantage Z had over him considering he didn't know anything about her personal life was one she could exploit, one she would most certainly exploit for the Dark Brotherhood. The chill and excitement from her lies began to bubble in her blood, driving her towards shadowy dealings that a respectable hero most certainly would not engage in or approve of. It was then she laughed the thought aside, since when was she an honourable hero? Sure she had begun to lie less, and show more emotions to certain people. Sure she had saved children from Dragons and agreed to die for others… that did not make her honourable. No, she was the lying snake she always had been and would always remain.

"There is a discussion for a truce until the Dragon menace is ended. Tullius has agreed to attend. The fate of this truce falls to you. Before you claim this will make you appear weak, know that Alduin the world eater has returned and he thirsts to destroy the world once again. Without this truce, I cannot reach Alduin in time and the world will be destroyed by flames." Z's voice was strong yet low, both intimidating yet inviting. She invited him to accept what she already knew would happen. Nothing could stand in her way, even if she had to kill this Jarl and end the war then and there. She did not have time to negotiate and act like a typical, submissive to the greater good hero. No, she was saving Skyrim, and indirectly all of Tamriel for her own selfish reasons. The light flickered across her flesh from the candles above, illuminating the darkest shadows of her eyes. It also illuminated Ulfric's face, revealing a certain handsomeness that Z had failed to notice. Still, it meant nothing to her as it once would have. Her home was among the Companions, even if the Dark Brotherhood would always be her family. Neither lust nor logic could win out over her heart this day, only success was important. Ulfric would attend the Truce meeting, or he would die. Although Z did not openly voice these options, she saw the fear flicker in the dark eyes of the Jarl of Windhelm.

"Alduin? The world eater of song and legends? If that's true… well, it changes the situation doesn't it? Even Tullius may be forced to speak reason in face of such a threat. Yes, I will give Tullius one more chance to quit Skyrim with his tail between his legs. I will be there, Dragonborn. On the condition you give me something in return" Ulfric recovered quickly from his shock and fear, gazing at Z with an unknown expression that made her skin crawl. The wolf within her snarled at Ulfric as he approached, his dark eyed gaze traveling down Z's body appreciatively. Z could see the way he moved, the way he tried to hunt her down like prey. A wolf finding its bitch, then forcing obedience. Z refused to be such a cowering animal, and the Werewolf in her blood agreed. It raged to tear free, to attack the man who would even suggest such a thing but Z forced it back beneath her skin. Her own dignity was not worth more than the world. Her excitement at possessing his attention had become dread when she realised it was not a weapon in her hands. The Jarl obviously had plans for her, and she doubted he would listen if she told him she was to be married. Like a deer in a trap Z realised she was helpless to any suggestion he could and most likely would make.

"And what do you want, Ulfric Stormcloak?" she growled softly. The pure anger within her growl shook the Jarl for a second, before he realised what he had that she did not. Power. The dislike she felt for the man resonated within her chest, rumbling with her voice as he drew closer. The Jarl merely smirked, bringing his large hand up to stroke her cheek. It was not a tender gesture, but a possessive one. Z recoiled from his touch slightly, silently allowing him to know that she was not such willing prey as many women may have been. Anger flashed in his eyes for a second before he wielded the power he possessed over her, his attendance to the meeting was essential and he knew it. The Jarl of Windhelm was more powerful than Z in that rare moment and he wielded it against her as a giant wielded its club against the foolish bandits that attacked. A single blow was fatal.

"We should discuss that in private, Dragonborn"

…..

Disgust. It was the foremost emotion Z felt as she strode up the steps towards Jorrvaskr. Soon, she would be home and with Farkas again. This did not bring her joy however, but fear and pain. Ulfric had not been kind to her, nor had he been gentle. Z had fought against the Jarl and won, but the ghostly memories of his touch seemed to roam her body like a plague. Still, she could not avoid Farkas forever. She knew the moment she saw his silver eyes she would fall in love all over again and be saved from the nightmare of Ulfric. The first man she had unwillingly being with had been a haunting memory for years, by now she was used to such disgusting memories and they rarely troubled her. The sun burnt down on her back as she placed her hand on ancient wooden door. Her heart was heavy as she pushed the door open and stepped into the hall she called home. The scent of meat and mead hit her sensitive nose, making her stomach rumble quietly. Aela sat with Vale, laughing as they locked arms and chugged from their mugs. Aela naturally finished first, yanking her arm away and almost causing Vale to spill her mead everywhere. The Elf snorted loudly, spitting a mouthful all over Vilkas, which caused an outrageous amount of loud, hearty laughter.

"Z… Who was it?" Farkas came to greet her, but his nose flared and the pain in his eyes shone brighter than the heart. Z swallowed, looking down to the floor as Farkas began to walk towards her with rage in his silver eyes. Of course he wouldn't understand what had happened, what Z had been played into doing. He was so simple and sweet but sometimes that worked against him, when he couldn't understand what people wanted from Z when they saw the dark eyed Nord.

"Farkas…" she began to whisper but her voice cut short. How could she begin to explain what had happened when her own memories wanted to hide from the light of day. She felt so disgusted with herself she had to blink back a few tears, shaking her head to dismiss the rough laughter every time she had refused him. She could still feel the sting of the lashes down her back from where his Second had lashed her for not doing a woman's duty to her Jarl. Pleasing it may have been for the Jarl, but for Z nothing but pain lingered. She hated herself. She hated this side that had to deal in a world she had no desire to belong in. She looked to Farkas to feel better, to make her able to resist the darkness calling her back to its embrace. However, the sight of him brought her pain. She wanted to beg him to put her back together, to erase the harsh memories by replacing them with his tender touch and yet all she could do was shake her head and look to the ground.

"I should have known!" he growled, fury claiming his body. Z could feel her wolf whimpering, pleading with its mate to understand. While their wolves could understand one another the human side of them were in combat, unable to hear what the other wolf had to say. Z didn't dare say a word as she watched Farkas turn away, and heard the halls fall silent. Confused gazes landed on her, overloading her senses. Without a sound she turned and left her home. She had been exiled once again.

…..

The air was tense as Z strode towards the grand doors. Outside several soldiers waited, along with Aela and Vale. The archers had agreed to aid Z in bringing the dragon backwards once she had summoned him. She had learned the shout after hours of debate during which her tension with Ulfric had been picked up on by Vale. This had been followed by Vale giving her constant sympathetic looks and more debating, which she had gained a headache from. The steady pounding in her head however had nothing to the pain within her heart. Farkas had not spoken with her for nearly a week, it didn't help Z had hidden away at the Bannered Mare but she refused to face the judgement of the halls. Aela had come to her through the week and yelled at her. She had demanded why Z allowed Farkas to think what he did, demanded to know why she even allowed Ulfric to touch her in the first place. Vale had softened Aela, but the Nord woman was still blunt and clear. Vale's approach had been softer, but ultimately the same. When Z had explained some of what happened the two women had sympathised with her and agreed to aid her against the dragon. Z was tense marching through the doors, beneath the large beam of wood that would land around the Dragon's neck. The cobblestones were hidden by a roof taller than the mead hall of Dragonsreach. It seemed protecting a dragon from the skies was something worthy of magnificent building.

"Odahviing" Z's shout pierced through the air in a sharp roar. Instantly she felt her heart pounding faster and faster as she listened for the pounding on air that was the wing strokes of a Dragon flying to meet her in combat. True to the words of The Blades and Greybeards an answering roar split the air, causing the men behind Z to tremble and take a few subconscious steps backwards. Z only clenched her jaw for a moment before shifting on the balls of her feet. Darkness brewed in the skies, at first a tiny spec so small Z had to squint to even be sure it was there, but soon it grew and grew. The spec soon turned out to be a line with a dot in the middle, but the lines were wings and the dot the terrifying body of the fast approaching dragon. Flames suddenly erupted at Z from the Dragon, Odahviing's mouth in a terrible shout. Z yelled as she leapt backwards, feeling the heat of the flames licking at her body. Through the rising flames she saw a horned Dragon with scales as red as pure blood. Instead of being intimidated by Odahviing's immense size, Z smiled at the large dragon before her, knowing full well that her speed was an advantage.

She drew her daggers quickly and silently as she always did, but she spun one dagger so its length was down her arm like a curved viper. She knew her dagger tips were her fangs, and the dragon the larger prey she would bring down with one deadly bite. Odahviing snapped for her with large jaws and teeth the size of half her arm, instead of panicking as many would Z simply stepped to the left, driving her toes into the earth as she tended her muscles and brought her daggers down in a massive overhead strike. Odahviing roared loudly, throwing his head up as flame bellowed from his mouth. Z rolled out the way as he spun his massive head towards her, casting his flames at Z's black dressed body with such a vengeance Z almost yelped. She rolled through over her shoulders, jumping to her feet with a victorious smirk as she prepared to slash at a wing. Her victory was short lived however as a spiked tail swung at her, colliding painfully with her stomach. Z grunted at the impact as she flew backwards, landing on the hard stone with a loud thud. Her head bounced as she landed, sending her vision into fuzzy patches of darkness as she took a deep breath to steady herself.

"Come on, let's see what you got" The strong voice rung as the doors were opened. Z could feel her heartbeat quicken and her wolf struggle for freedom as if in the presence of its mate. A small smile flashed across Z's mouth as metal boots rushed past the side of her head with the large, ground eating strides that she had grown to know by heart. The battle cry was followed by light shining on a large sword. After a moment of wondering if it was true or not she thought the one name that made any sense to her at all. One word, one perfect word that made all her pain fall away as she whispered the name she had grown to love and adore.

"Farkas"

Her elation that he had come was short lived as she suddenly realised he had succeeded in drawing the Dragon's attention. Odahviing was walking forwards, prepared to tear her husband to be apart with his large talons while Z lay stunned on the ground. She saw an arrow fly over her head, then heard the roar of Odahviing tear through the sky. Farkas yelled and brought his sword down again, only to grunt as he was slammed aside by a large Dragon paw. Z was incensed as she leapt to her feet, grabbing her daggers in the motion. The moment her feet hit the ground she sprinted towards Odahviing's face, completely ignoring the flames that came at her body. Suddenly the flames spread to her right as Farkas threw his whole body into the Dragon's skull. Odahviing roared again, the sound thundering through the city as Z closed the distance between them. She raised her daggers, slashing for Odahviing's nose. Every movement made her muscles burn with the pleasant strain of battle, drawing the Wolf closer and closer to the surface. She and Farkas struck in unison, taking turns and then together in a beautiful pattern that drove Odahviing back to the edge. It snarled as its hind paws went up on the wall that parted the large trap from the skies.

"Z! The plan! We have a plan! Did you forget about the plan? Don't forget about the plan, it's really not good to forget!" Vale's voice rung as she let another arrow fly from her ancient Nordic bow. Her elven arrow buried itself the Odahviing's tender spot of the jaw, making the Dragon raise its head to the skies and roar. Aela repeated the feat with a steel arrow; although it did not go as deep it most certainly enraged the Dragon, who sent flames bellowing for the Nordic archer. It was then Vale let two arrows fly simultaneously into the Dragon's neck. One bounced off the plate like scales while the other lodged itself in Odahviing's throat.

"Right. Back" Z spoke softly to Farkas. He hefted his sword up before giving her the most confused look Z had ever seen from the Nord. For a moment she forgot herself, resisting the urge to get closer to her mate, her lover and the reason she had become such a hero. She didn't give into her urges however.

"What?" Farkas asked, completely breaking her out of her trance. They both ducked a paw swipe from Odahviing. Farkas dropped to one knee, bowing his head and arching his shoulders as if he would turn into the wolf he was then and there, yet he held his sword and remained true to his human form. Z on the other hand rolled to her left, wincing as she landed incorrectly on her shoulder. She didn't grumble or complain, she merely did what she always did. She leapt to her feet and took several large steps backwards.

"Retreat" she commanded. Farkas obeyed her like a hound commanded by its master. He began to back up with large yet cautious strides. They were the strides of a warrior, well-seasoned in both attack and defence. He kept an offensive appearance however, swinging his huge sword in large half circles from his waist, twisting his muscular shoulders with the strain of such a weighted sword. The dragon fell for the bait, which Z didn't know if it was intentional baiting by Farkas or blind luck. She was not about to curse the luck however, she simply continued striding backwards with Odahviing right at her. Suddenly the wooden beam dropped and Odahviing's head hit the ground. A metal collar thicker than Vale's body wrapped around Odahviing's throat, holding his head almost perfectly still. The curved wooden beam fell over the dragon's top wing joint, effectively rendering most of its power useless against his restraints.

"Nid! Horvutah med kodaav" Odahviing roared loudly, making several of the Whiterun soldiers manning the trap wince and cower. Z however straightened from her battle crouch, arching a brow at the dragon as she walked closer. Odahviing's slit like eyes narrowed at his captor. The look in his eyes made Z somewhat uneasy, he eyed her like prey. Unwilling to be considered as anything less than an equal Z unleashed her shout before she could think.

"Fus!"

"Zok frini grind ko grah drun viiki, Dovahkiin" Odahviing replied after a short, startled roar. The Dragon's desire to taste the Dragonborn's voice, Z's thu'um was satisfied and now he was willing to talk. Z tilted her head in well concealed annoyance as she struggled to understand the Dragon's words. Single words she could put together, but the long sentences were so tricky for Z she wanted to tear some strangers eyes out. She was so focused on the words she had heard that she almost didn't notice the soft footsteps of Vale closing in on one side. Aela did not make her steps quiet, even so they were not as loud as Z would have liked for a woman in heavy armor. Her brain was aching as she dug deeper into the Dragon souls to understand the words spoken for her.

"First he said 'No! Trapped like a bear' and then he said 'my eagerness to meet you in battle brought my defeat'. Don't worry about having trouble with those words Z, they are not commonly spoken to mortals I would imagine" Vale came to her side, bare feet perfectly clean despite their openness. Z didn't know whether to thank Vale or to strike her down for showing Z had a weakness. Z simply nodded a silent thanks for Vale, eyes as hard as stone as the Dragon chuckled before her in his chains.

"Ah I forget. You do not have the dovah speech. As the Elf said, my eagerness to meet you in battle was my… undoing., Dovahkiin. I applaud your, hmm, low cunning in devising such a grahmindol – stratagem. Zu'u bonnar You went through a great deal of trouble to put me in this humiliating position. Hind siiv Alduin, hmm? No doubt you want to know where to find Alduin" Odahviing seemed almost amused despite his situation. Z could see his pride was hurt, and his faith in Alduin shaking with every moment he spent collared. Reading a dragon was not as difficult as Z had allowed herself to believe, and she saw no reason to lie to her pray.

"That is correct. Where is he hiding?" she demanded, placing her hands on her hips.

"Rinik vazah. And opt phrase. Alduin bovul. One reason I came to your call was to test your thu'um for myself. Many of us have begun to question Alduin's lordship, whether his thu'um was truly the strongest. Among ourselves, of course. Mu ni meyye. None were yet ready to openly defy him." Odahviing informed. Z's mind silently ticked over what she had heard, growing in pleasure and pride with each passing moment. So, the Dragons themselves were becoming divided and questioning Alduin. It was a weapon Z could use against all dragons, as well as it was something she could understand so she was in their heads. When she entered someones head she had already killed them, she simply allowed them to continue going through the motions of life.

"Now that's done, tell us where to find Alduin" Aela's strong voice came from Vale's side. Vale gave Aela a look of horror as she realised how Aela had just spoken to a dragon, Z however merely nodded, crossing her arms across her chest calmly and patiently as she waited for the Dragon before her to answer. She knew he would. He questioned Alduin, and she had defeated him. It was in a dragons pride to serve the strongest, which Z had proven herself.

"Unslaad krosis. Innumerable pardons. I digress. He has travelled to Sovngarde to regain his strength, devouring the siillesejoor… the souls of the mortal dead. A privilege he jealously guards… His door to Sovngarde is at Skuldafn, one of his fanes high in the eastern mountains. Mindoraan pah ok middovahhe lahvraan til. I surely don't need warn you that all his remaining strength is marshalled there. Zu'u lost ofan hin laan. Now that I have answered your questions, you will allow me to go free?" Odahviing rumbled as he spoke, trying to tilt his nose as Z wondered around him. She silently considered his words, wondering if she could possibly make a dragon serve her before he spoke again.

"Hmm… krosis. There is one… detail about Skuldafn I neglected to mention. Know this. You have the thu'um of a dovah, but without the wings of one you will never set foot in Skaldafn. Of course, I could fly you there… but not while imprisoned like this" Odahviing finally revealed in an amused rumble. Z almost laughed out loud when she heard his words. Never in her life did she expect to be negotiating with a dragon, let alone to be an at impasse with one. After a moment of thinking she turned her eyes to Vale, searching for the answer of the little Elf's face. Eventually Vale gave Z a nod, walking to the controls before Z could do anything else. The Assassin composed herself, crossing her arms yet somehow managing to look relaxed as the wooden beam lifted from Odahviing's body. The dragon roared loudly, getting to his feet with a shake of his terrible shake of his mighty wings before he took long strides towards the open balcony and the freedom of the skies. Z followed him slowly, ever wary of his massive tail which rocked from side to side with each long step.

"Z… Wait! You're not going to Sovngarde" Farkas' voice was strong as he stepped up to Z's side, grabbing her arm with a large hand. Z saw he was holding one of her armor sleeves in his other arm, even with her dark brotherhood cloak over the top. She couldn't help but smile inside, feeling the warm feelings and butterflies of joy in her stomach. He had come back. After what had happened he had come back and was even prepared to fight to keep her. Z had to remain still however, looking at the armor sleeve before reaching for it. Farkas didn't fight, he simply placed the armor on her arm and buckled it up. His fingers grazed the bare skin on her arm, almost trying to plead with her to stay as he prepared her to leave.

"I'm coming back" Z declared softly, bringing her spare hand to his scratchy cheek. She brushed her thumb over his cheekbone, savouring the feeling of his flesh under her soft, loving touch. She knew she could quite possibly never see him again, yet she couldn't be selfish enough to take what she wanted from him. Instead, she presented courage and cool confidence, preying it was conveyed in her touch instead of her doubts and fears. She was so afraid to lose him that she would go on the dragon, just to know she had him until the end. She smiled at him after a moment, gazing into his silver eyes with all the courage and power she could muster. She saw the understanding flash through his eyes and almost cursed herself. She couldn't sense, read or even guess what message he had understood. He placed his own hand on her cheek, gazing into her eyes with all the love she could muster.

"I'll be waiting" he declared firmly. Z didn't say anything as she saw Odahviing waiting to be mounted, she simply nodded to herself and walked to his side. The dragon silently lowered his head, eyes turning so they were on Z. The assassin bowed her head to the dragon before she grabbed one of his horns and pulled herself up behind his head. There was a rush of cold air at her back that almost pushed her forwards as Odahviing launched himself into the skies with a roar. His whole body flowed in a wave that Z sat to, amazed by the strength of the Dragon. She suddenly wondered how she had killed so many with the Dragon's majesty. Suddenly he jolted down, roaring in alarm before he continued to fly. It seemed he had a second passenger.

"Vale, what are you doing?" Z demanded in a yell, the Elf only smiled at her, climbing up behind the assassin via Odahviing's massive tail.

"Who better than a Dovahkiin to have your back?"

…

AN: Sorry for the long wait, this chapter was quite hard for me in many places. My Skyrim has crashed so some inspiration has gone down the drain until I fix all my mods and make everyone pretty again. This is my longest Z chapter, at 8,080 words… Anyways, I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Check out Forever Rose by Truth Dawns in Fire

Good story with some interesting theories on the Dark Sanctuary and survival of an Oblivion favourite.