Hey everyone!
Welcome back! I have been wanting to do this for ages but never got the time.
I would love to hear your reviews on the story and what you guys think.
Hope you enjoy this chapter!
~ Rosey
The coldness of the night nipped at my bare skin, the gentle breeze from the forest played with the loose ends of my hair, dancing around. Not even the peaceful nature of these lands could put me sleep. Tonight was nothing out of the ordinary, waking up dripped in sweat and screaming. I stared out beyond the forest line to the lake, the smooth ripples of water kissing the banks in a slow manor. The moonlight aided me watching these calming scenery, but like tonight, it wasn't helping. Another night terror. I had thought that everything would have gone back to normal after Alduin was gone, but it only seemed to get worse. Night after night, I was confronted with overbearing terrors. Memories, horrible twisted memories of the past years. I barely sleep now, avoiding the conflict that awaits in the night.
Lex stood by my side, his large shaggy head resting on my thigh. The only comfort I have in this house. Vilkas and I had found Lex on the road, a stray wolf hound pup curled up in an old hollow tree. It did not take much convincing for the sickly pup to approach us, deprived of attention and nourishment. Lex was my comfort, he always stayed by me with nights like this. Just us and the nature. It was hard to believe that it had been a little over a year since the World Eater had been banished from this world, and just under a year of being married to Vilkas. A sigh escaped my lips, the white steam slowly disappearing into the night.
My body ached as I sat up from the bench, Lex stretching along side me, his large tail wagging with anticipation. "No night walks tonight, sorry buddy," I sighed, scratching the top his head. Whines were the only thing to follow as I opened the heavy wooden door back into the house, the warmth welcoming back. Although the house was new, the wooden floor boards squeaked with every step, making sure my presence was heard. Not like there was anyone else in the manor, I was alone. Vilkas was not here, thank the divines for that.
Once again, Vilkas was back at Jorrvaskrr. That had been the routine not long after our marriage. I was either here, doing errands now and again while Vilkas was playing Harbinger back in Whiterun. I do not need the man to feel sorry for something he could not control, worrying about my lack of sleep and apatite. Lex did that enough. Vilkas would come home every second week, but never stopped working tirelessly. This was the largest stint of him not coming home. I brushed passed the mannequin, standing tall, adorning my old companions armour. Something that I have no desire of wearing any time soon. The flickering of the candles were dampened on the ebony armour, the signified wolf head covered in grime and wear from constant beatings. That armour was just a skeleton of memories.
I made my way back to my room, the small hearth still burning. I did not care if I laid in that bed until dawn, I knew I was not going to be able to go back to sleep. I looked down at Lex, his golden eyes waiting for something to happen. Dawn was maybe an hour or two away. I stretched once again, hoping for it to bring some energy. "Fine you get your walk," I stated to Lex. As I donned my new armour, ebony armour all the same but with no guild markings, no resemblance to anyone. The armour had once fit like a glove, no uncomfortable rubbing or bruises from movement. My axe and shield hung by myself, the weight making me a little slower than usual.
With Lex by myside, I donned my hooded cloak and left the manor. It was only a quarter of the day walk back to the city, so leaving now was my best option to avoid people. Since I had defeated Alduin, I was known through out Skyrim. Saviour. The Divines hero. Names that I did not fancy. I only had one name, even then I barely used it.
The crunch of gravel soon changed to the soft contact of cobble and metal, Lex running to and from the tree line. If only I could have that energy again. A dull light emitted from the crest of the hill in front, the rumble of wheels and the clicking of hooves grew louder. I pinched the edge of my cloaks hood, shadowing my face from the light. The carriage rumbled as it passed by, just another noblemen too lazy to walk. "Traveler" the carriage driver said as we passed. I only nodded in acknowledgement. I could feel the glares and whispering from the occupants in the carriage, murmurs of who I could be. There were strange folk spotted in Skyrim, had been since the death of Alduin.
Dull light creeped over the mountain range as I passed through Riverwood, the months before winter always brought a spectacle of pastels in the morning sun. The clanging of metal echoed over the moving water next to the town. No one else seemed to be awake as I walked through the small town. I was glad that I would never have to see Delphine in this town again. One of the few benefits I guess. She stayed away from me and that's all that matters. I never saw much of Ralof either, last thing I heard he was back to Windhelm, helping train new recruits in the stalemate.
As the sun rose higher into the sky, the sound of more forest animals added to the picturesque scenery of the plains of Whiterun, my first home. I began to relax a little as I saw the overturned boat in the distance, soon I could relax. Growling rumbled from my side, Lex's hair prickling up along his spine. My eyes darted to the side of the road, hand hovering over my axe. A lone figure stood in the shadows of what trees were left along the border or the plains. The dagger glistened with an unnatural shine as the stranger approached, Lex still snarling. A slim tail ducked out from behind the being. A khajit, a theif no doubt. "Stop were you are!" It hissed, "hand over you gold and weapons!"
I cocked an eyebrow under my hood, and looked down at Lex. "I don't think so cat. Leave me be," I stated, pulling back the hood of the cloak. The cat snarled at me, ready to attack until he looked closer at me. In seconds he cowered, his hands raised. "D-Dragonborn," it whispered, "Please, if I knew it was you I wouldn't have dared."
I rolled my eyes, "Move before I change my mind." In seconds the thief ran back into the forest, Lex whimpering in his wake. "Go on, get him," I said to Lex. He didn't need to be told twice. The hound ran after the cat, soon to catch up with me later down the road. People knew of my face here, some still dared to confront me or react the same way the Khajit did. I couldn't go anywhere without being recognised, praised and thanked for saving their world. The thought of people thinking they owe me in return, I couldn't help but wish I could run and hide.
If there were people who were still ignorant from the past year, it was the guards. I am thankful however. They treated me the same as any common folk, maybe with the title added to it. Two yellow uniformed guards passed as I approached the walls of Whiterun, "Dragonborn," was all they said as they continued on their way. The doors to the city towered over me as I entered, wood and stone scraped in my wake. A small nudge at my side promted Lex's return. I glanced down at the pup, his mouth holding a pouch of gold and tuffs of white and black fur. A small chuckled escaped me as I retrieved the pouch, earning Lex a small scratch on the head.
Nothing had changed in the city, Adrianna still labouring over metal, kids running through out the street. There was still the same amount of stairs in this place as well, the only downside of this city. Lex bolted from my side, running up the chipped stairs to Jorrvaskrr. Lex scratched at the door of hall, the door too heavy for the large hound to shift. As I pushed on the door, it barely budged. Surely something was stopping the door from opening. I shoved the door again, finally deciding to open.
A subtle warmth touched my face as the door slammed shut behind me while Lex claimed home by the smouldering fire.
Something small wrapped around my finger, tugging shortly following. "Ana," a small voice said softly. I looked down to see the only child in this hall. Rylin. I smilled as I crouched down nexst to the young boy. "Look at you!" I gasped, softly grabbing the boys two hands, "You've grown so much!"
Rylin giggled, tugging at my hand "Da," he said, trying to pull me again. I giggled as the child lead me to the back patio, also struggling to open the door. The last time I had seen the boy when he was just able to crawl, Grace had been off on one of her guild missions again. That girl was never around when I seemed to be here.
Giggles erupted from the boy as we walked onto the patio, metal against metal echoed. As predicted, Farkas was sitting by the table watching over the new whelps training. There had been so many new recruits joining the ranks of the Companions. "Da!" Rylin screamed at his father, his ruddy face smiling from ear to ear.
"You know, he looks just like you," I laughed as Farkas picked his son up. The brute of man looked towards me, his face now shining with excitement.
"Hana!" He yelled as he came over for a side hug, Rylin staying comfortably in his other arm. "Good to see you again, it's been too long." His gaze shifted as he looked over me, stopping at my face. In seconds his eyes went dulled but was blinked away just as quickly. He placed his down back down on the ground. "Why don't you go get Guncle?" He asked his son. Rylin nodded and stumbled over to the door. "I didn't think you were to be back until tonight?"
I shrugged as I watched the boy disappear into the hall, "I didn't want to wait till midday to travel, too many people on the road at that time." I sat down at the bench, the wood groaning with weight of my armour.
"Everyone will be happy to see you back," Farkas said, "M'Keenz escpeically."
"I'm surprised that nothing looks charred in the hall," I laughed.
"Only cause Vilkas puts her in her place."
I only laughed. I knew Vilkas was doing an amazing job as Harbinger, but not that good. I didn't know of anyone that could control her. Surely she had settled down since staying in Whiterun.
"Where is everyone anyway?" I asked, gazing over the training yard.
"Aela is off on a hunt. Heard word that the last of the Silver Hand members were trying to regroup. She can handle it," Farkas tapped on the table, "Vilkas should be in his den, and M'Keenz I think is at Dragons Reach with the court wizard." Of course she would be, at least she was using her magic for someone reasonable reasons.
As if on cue, M'Keenz ran from around the corner, her eyes glistening with excitement. "Hana! Why didn't you see first!" She whined, giving me a hug at the same time.
"Because she doesn't like to be noticed," A gruff voice stated from behind me. I smiled as I turned around to see Vilkas, holding his nefew in his arms. Rylin tugged at his long hair, earning grimaces from the man.
"Nothing out of the ordinary," I smiled, opening my arms to hold the child. Vilkas passed the young lad over, kissing the top of my head. I could finally relax, everyone was back. Well except for our thief. It was nearly midday, the sun casting little shadow over the training yard. I stood up, pecking Vilkas on the cheek. "Good to see you too dear. I don't know about you guys but I'm starving. I'll see you all inside in a bit," I stated, "Want to spend time with Aunt Ana?" I asked Rylin. His silver eyes lit up like a braisier, nodding.
"Hey! Why does the kid get more attention?" M'Keenz bickered, crossing her arms in a huff.
"He's an actual child, you just act like one," I laughed as I opened the doors back into the hall. Rylin played with my hair as we made our way down into the sleeping quarters, the homely never changed. Tilma worked so hard to keep this place going, I was thankful that she was still with us. As we walked, I passed my old room, I noticed it no longer fitted the occupants of an adult. "Did you steal my room?" I teased Rylin, his face burying into my shoulder in response. I had no use for the room anyway.
As I entered my new sleeping arrangements, a wave of comfort and sadness washed over me. I could still remember walking in this room, seeing Kodlak sitting at the round table with Vilkas. Nothing had really changed. Vilkas had kept the same style of the room, except for more mess and papers littered on the bookshelves and desk. I placed Rylin on the bed as I unstrapped my armour. The boy was too busy rolling around on the soft bed to pay any attention towards me as I changed into one of my old dresses. It hung loosely around my sides, the pale green material barely leaving any shape for my body. I knew that I had lost a little bit of condition, but I didn't think I was in this much of a state. I pulled my hair over my shoulders and turned about to the young boy. "Ready to go back upstairs?"
The hall was buzzing when we reached the top of the stairs. The other whelps had made their way inside sitting at one end of the long table while my family was on the other. It was a pleasant change from having no one around in a house to laughter and banter. Rylin let go of my hand an wandered over to his father. He was an amazing father to that kid. I was just waiting before I get questioned from others why I wasn't with child. I looked over to M'Keenz who was taking a large bite out of some soft cheese. Did I have something on my dress? M'Keenz looked at me in shock as I sat down down with the other members.
"Hana, you look terrible!" M'Keenz stated, "There's barely anything on you."
I didn't know if I should have yelled at her or ran back down to my room. Apparently it was noticeable. The long nights of no sleep, the lack of energy to eat anything. I should have guessed someone would pick up on it. "M'Keenz," Vilkas scowled for me, "Mind your place."
"Look at her!" She opened her hands out in front of her, "Her face, her sides! That dress looks like a sack on her!" I twisted the ring on my finger, something to keep me distracted from the truth.
"Aye, I hate to say it brother but M'Keenz is right. I noticed it earlier, not my place to say something," Farkas stated, sipping from his tankard. Vilkas looked over me, finally seeing what everyone else could. Pity. He was looking at me in pity and worry.
"When was the last time you ate? Or slept? You honestly look like a draugr," M'Keenz pushed.
"Enough!" I growled, "I didn't come back here to be ridiculed and judged by you lot." I took a large swig from my tankard, leaving the conversation to be buried in a tomb. M'Keenz opned her mouth to say something but quickly let the conversation die. Vilkas grabbed for my hand, slowly rubbing circles into my palm. Vilkas leaned over to me, speaking softly as he could, "Do you want to talk somewhere else?" I gripped onto his hand and shook my head. I would talk to him later about it, I didn't want to cause a scene.
I sat there in silence while I ate the rabbit stew Tilma had made, savoring what I could. I tried to eat as much as my body would allow only to keep M'Keenz quiet. Nothing however had been mentioned of Gracell in the hour of us sitting there. I looked over to the other twin, searching for any sign of Grace on my fingers or his neck. No ring was around his finger, or the pendant. Something wasn't right.
"So when is Grace getting back?' I asked the table. Even the fire's roaring flames went quiet. The new members turned their conversation to whispers. I looked to Vilkas in concern, his only reply was avoiding my gaze.
"She's not." Farkas broke the silence, placing his mead back down onto the table. "She is not welcome here." Guilt covered me like a wolf's pelt. I had never received a letter, no sign that Grace wasn't a member of our family anymore. Before I could even ask what happened, Farkas left the table with Rylin, disappearing to the rooms down below.
"I was meant to tell you last time I saw you, Hana," Vilkas sighed.
"Did she pass?" I asked, the only explainable reason for why she wasn't here. M'Keenz and Vilkas looked at each other, having their own mental conversation.
"No, worse. She just left. She left a note on Rylin's bed but never said anything to anyone else. Even Tilma didn't see her leave." M'Keenz explained, "The letter said she wasn't coming back, didn't want to be followed, didn't want to be part of the Companions anymore or part of Farkas and their child's lives." I couldn't comprehend what I had just heard. I knew Grace was one to make impulse decisions but not on this scale.
"Surely someone knows where she is?" I asked, turning to Vilkas.
He frowned. "We know exactly where she is. She's back in Riften, in charge of the Thieves Guild and right hand woman of the Briar's. Farkas does not want to see her again. She is no longer welcomed in these halls." I stayed there speechless. If I had known.
"Why didn't you send a letter?" I growled at Vilkas.
"I was going to tell you when I was to head back to manor," He snapped back. I glanced over to M'Keenz sitting awkwardly by herself.
"You haven't been back to the manor in a month, Vilkas!" I stood up, the chair knocked to the ground in a violent crash. "You could have sent a letter." Before he could grab for my wrist, I stormed out of Jorrvaskrr. How could I have known anything, my own husband couldn't even let me know of my own friends actions. Now Rylin was without a motherly figure and I just reminded his father.
In my storm, I took no notice to those around me, the stares and the greetings of the towns folk. I was beyond angry. I looked up from the cobblestoned road, greeted by two robed figures. "Are you Hana, Dragonborn?" One spoke, his accent lingering on every word. Their armour was nothing of Skyrim origin, light armour of an unknown material, adorned with leather like robes. Their masks screamed danger. Sharp points making up the sides of the pale cracked mask. Tendrils flowed down the bottom of the mask, a skull like shape.
"So what if I am?" I stated, standing my ground.
"Your lies fall of deaf ears deceiver!" The female shouted, her hands sparking with magic, "The true Dragonborn comes! You are but his shadow. When Lord Miraak returns all shall bear witness! You shall not interfere!"
"Fus Ro Dah!" I shouted, the ancient words boomed through the streets. I could only run.