The skies of Skyrim were oddly bright and cheerful, the temperature surprisingly warm for the harsh area of Windhelm. 'A good omen for one leaving home...' Dralera thought to herself. She was finally old enough to leave the city, and she was about to.

The scene from this morning played out in the Dunmer woman's mind as she headed out of the Gray Quarter.

"I don't see why you have to leave today." Folris, her father, said as he observed his eldest daughter with sad eyes.

"Because, if I don't leave this city, you'll find some reason for me to stay." Dralera replied. She and her father were sitting in the living room of their home, which Dralera called a shack.

"Dralera." Her mother, Melsdala, said as she walked down the stairs. "Show your father some respect."

"Respect?" Dralera laughed and smiled bitterly. "The Nords of this city show us no respect, in case you haven't noticed."

Melsdala went to respond, only to be silenced with a look by Folris. 'No point in arguing with her.' is what the look said. Melsdala sat in a chair, Folris sitting in the chair next to her.

"But you can't go!" Her mother exclaimed, looking at her child pleadingly. "There are unnerving rumors about strange creatures roaming the lands, and bandits attacking travelers!"

"In case you haven't noticed, mother, but that really isn't anything new. 'Keep the threats out of the cities' is what the guards and Jarls always say." Dralera said as she leaned against a wall, careful not to crack it with her weight.

"You can't fight." Her father pointed out. "What if a sabre cat or a pack of wolves attack your carriage?"

"Then I run." Dralera laughed.

"It isn't funny, child. If you were to die-" Her mother began.

"Then I die." Dralera interrupted. "And you will still have Felmera."

"Dralera…do you think we care for you so little?" Folris said quietly.

"I need to go pack." Dralera said simply, standing and heading upstairs.

The next scene that went through her mind was a more cheerful one as she walked out of the gates, ignoring the suspicious glares of the guards.

"You promise you will find a way to bring me along?" Felmera asked, watching her older sister pack. The young Dunmer was wearing a blue dress that gave a splash of color to her person.

"Of course, little sister." Dralera promised. "The moment I have a house and money, I promise I will come here for you."

"Where are you going to go?" Felmera asked, red eyes wide. Her red hair was messy from only just having gotten up from sleeping.

"Whiterun." Dralera replied, then glanced at her finished packing.

"I'll miss you."

Dralera pulled her black cloak closer to her body as she approached the carriage driver. "Excuse me." She said, looking up at the driver.

"What can I do for you?" He asked.

Dralera held out a bit of gold. "Whiterun, please."

The carriage driver took the gold. "Climb in back and we'll be off-" He began to say, and was interrupted by a loud voice.

"Wait! Please!" A young Nord woman wearing iron armor and a greataxe across her back hurried over, handing her own gold to the driver. "Whiterun as well, that's for the fee." The woman said, pushing her blonde hair out of her eyes.

Dralera and the woman both climbed onto the carriage, taking up seats opposite of each other.

"First time to Whiterun? The Jarl's palace is something to see. Big old dra-" The driver was interrupted by the Nord woman.

"Dragon skull on the wall above Jarl Balgruuf's throne. Numinex the dragon, who was captured by King Olaf One-Eye." She said brightly.

Dralera observed her dryly. "You don't look like much of a scholar." The Dunmer said as the carriage started its journey for Whiterun. 'This is going to be a long ride...' She thought to herself with an inward sigh.

"Well. My Father is, and I guess I learned a few things. I'm Gwen Greycloak, by the way." The woman, Gwen, said.

"Dralera." The Dark Elf replied. 'Maybe if I act like I'm not interested in conversation, she won-'

"So, why are you heading to Whiterun?" Gwen asked, leaning back and observing Dralera with blue eyes. 'Was worth a try...'

Her reply was harsh. "To get away from being called 'Grey skin' by the Nords in Windhelm."

The Nord replied as equally harshly. "Not all Nords are like that."

Dralera simply snorted in response. A few minutes of silence passed before Dralera broke the silence. "And why are you heading to Whiterun, Nord?"

"I hope to join the Companions at Jorrvaskr." Gwen replied.

Dralera glanced at her with interest. "A very…" She paused in search of the word. "Violent path that would lead you down, wouldn't you say?"

"They are the best warriors in Skyrim. Of course violence is a part of their lifestyle." Gwen replied with a shrug.

"And that's the life you want? Violence in a world already full of war?" Dralera asked.

"Jarl Ulfric started the rebellion so the Nords could worship mighty Talos. I see nothing wrong with that. And the Stormcloaks will win this war because Ulfric is our leader, far more mighty than that idiot Tullius." Gwen said.

Dralera sighed. "So you support the Stormcloaks." It was more of a statement then a question.

"Obviously. But I wouldn't expect a Dark Elf to understand, as you just go around Windhelm doing whatever you please." Gwen said without thinking, and regretted it as she saw the hatred fill Dralera's blood-red eyes.

"I will forgive you for that remark. Now kindly be quiet and let me enjoy the ride in peace." Dralera coldly said.

...And all the while, the carriage driver simply sat in awkward silence.