Soul of a Dragon

by InMyMindsEyes

Serlina is thrown into an adventure in a world unknown to her. When everything she has ever known turned upside down, she must endure pain, loss, lust, power, magic, revenge and destiny. When she encounters a ranger who sparks her interest, making passions unknown rise, her life will never be the same. Some better. Some worse. Some language and smut in later chapters.

10. Way of The Voice

A few hours of traveling had passed since Karnwyr was rescued from the bandits and Bishop looked much more relaxed than I had ever seen him. He had requested we stop by a river, nothing to big, just to wash up and rinse Karnwyr off. I didn't see a reason to say no. The look he wore made something in my chest ache as he had asked, his eyes never leaving his canine companion. As we had walked, I noticed that I never saw Karnwyr move ahead but every time I turn around, he's right at my heels. If I stopped for even a half a minute he lies down, the perfect mobile trip hazard. I smiled at the thought.

To be locked in that place. Covered in all kinds of filth that made me itch for soap myself... After we stopped for the day, I got to making camp, getting a fire going as Bishop started to remove kick off his boots and roll his pant legs up to his knee's. I couldn't help but laugh as Karnwyr ran into the water, almost diving in. It was eclipsed by the amount of dirt that washed off him, floating all around, like a cloud. I was so focused on him that I didn't notice that Bishop was unbuckling his shirt, opening it up and stripping it, tossing it onto the bank.

I still felt like my heart was racing. My Shout… from before, in that cave…

The bandit was looking over a map, his back to me, ignoring the commotion happening outside. I had been so… Shocked and disgusted at the sights. The abuse that the wolves had gone through, their living conditions... All for some sport and coin. It made me sick. I was trembling, but nothing to do with fear. I drew my sword, the sound of it making the large man turn and face me. The, I don't remember what happened. Glimpses are what I recalled, the sounds of our weapons connecting, him taunting me, saying that;

"They are just rabid dogs. No one cares if a few died for sport and if I make a few coins of it, what does it matter to you?" He asked as we clash weapons, crisscrossing between us.

"You are more of an animal then those you keep in the cages. They are here against their wishes!" The whining of the wolves proved my point. Pushing him away with my blade, I kicked the center of his chest, knocking him to the ground.

"Heh. You make it sound like they have feelings. They're just animals that were- "

"Forced. Here." I stated cutting him off. I didn't notice the rising pressure in my chest, my muscles tightening, locking on my bones.

"I like to think of it more as procured." He sneered, and my anger rose, as did the pressure in my chest. "Its part of the sport, capturing them and setting them to fight."

"Its not a sport… Its animal abuse! You should be ashamed! I shouted, my hilt digging into my hand. The pressure in my chest spiked, making my hands shake.

"I've grown tired of your ranting and raving. The sooner I kill you and pillage your corpse, the sooner I will have more money to bet with. You think I took them against their will? Ill show you what taking something against their will look and feel like" He stalked towards me and I inhaled deeply. In that moment of anger, I'd say anything, whatever was most hurtful, whatever would give me the most satisfying victory.

"Ill show you -FUS!" I shouted, and felt a surge of power flow through me, rising from the space in my chest, up my throat and out my mouth, I even jolted back a bit, the force of it leaving me was shocking... I had meant to say something different, but my mind filled with that word, the one I learned in the barrow… The Shout was a violence in the air, a way to take the anger from me and transfer the tension to the bandit. I didn't just raise my voice, my muscles tensed and he walked right got in close for maximum impact. There had been no escape. And for a moment, time slowed, as if this moment wanted me to remember it all. His eyes wide with horror, the mouth rigid and open, as if he was silently screaming in pain as the wind-like force bounced around us and him, his chalky face gaunt and immobile, his fists clenched with blanched knuckles and the nails digging deeply into the palms of his hand. The force of my voice ripped him apart, strangling the light from him. obliterating him…

The pressure in my chest all but gone. Instead of simply being in my chest, my whole body hummed with it. I had gone numb after. The sight before me made me feel ashamed. Bits and pieces of him scattered all around. I did feel better, the bandits were killed, the cavern cleared. My eyes began to lose focus, my lack of sleep catching up with me. I almost felt dizzy. My vision losing focus, until I caught the scent of leather and woodsmoke.

Bishop.

He walked around, mindful of his steps and released the wolves. I waited. Waited for him to say something, call me inhumane. He must have heard, hell, he must have felt it. But instead, he surprised me by saying he still wanted to stay by my side. And the numbness fell away, replaced with a different kind of warmth...Appreciation. We head left the cave, and made our way to our next destination in our travels. This time, as true companions.

And here we were, resting by a riverside on our way to Ivarstead, Bishop spending time with Karnwyr and me cooking up some food for us before we rest our eyes. I had just come back from foraging for something to eat as the sun sank lower toward the greying silhouettes of the woodland trees, when I caught the sight of the two of them that made something in my chest flutter. The wolf moved around in the water, stopping to drink now and again, barking and running around Bishop. His coat shined in the fading light, even as Bishop lectures him to stay still so he can finish lathering him up with soap.

Now that Karnwyr was free of dirt and blood, he looked young, maybe middle aged for a wolf. In fact, looking at the two of them, Karnwyr barking and splashing around with Bishop, pants rolled up to his knees, they looked like they were… Well, having fun. Bishop even laughed out loud a few times when Karnwyr shook the water and soap off. He may not laugh often, but when he did it made up for all the other times he didn't. I sensed the hardness in him, the untouchable part that he refused to let me discover, but we'd only known one another for a couple weeks now. And I wondered if I would ever manage to crack that shell he had. One, much thicker than my own. Still…

Glancing at him I nearly laugh as he caught the wolf in an embrace, almost getting toppled. Shaking his head, he continued running a bar of soap all over him. A smile on his face. He was quite something to look at. His chest had proven to be quite nice, but his back... I feared I might have moaned when he rolled his shoulders as he straightened. His back was wide, muscles ripples and he moved his arms and shoulders, motions loose.

Damn.

He looked just as good from behind as he did from the front. I wanted to run my nails over each and every muscle. Have him surround me like he did when he gave me pointers with my archery. Gods... I knew many ways to ensure my life would never be threatened. I could keep myself protected... But Bishop. He made me feel safe, still makes me feel safe when he is around. However…

As if following where my thoughts were going, Bishop glanced my way, water running down his bare arms as he washed soap from his hands... Though his hands didn't stop, they did slow. Our gaze locked again and I felt another wave of heat surround me. His eyes didn't leave mine, and for a second, I almost started towards him.

What is coming over me?! I've never reacted like this to any man before. I should be able to keep a neutral emotional feeling towards him. And yet, he was able to draw me to him. I caught his mouth slide into a lazy predatory smile and I had to take a very deep breath and let it out, even as several places of my body burned to get closer... As he ran a hand through his hair, I was able to break my gaze from his and continued to starting a fire.

The new-born flames flickered and lapped at the firelighters and kindling wood. They danced orange and yellow with their smoke that twisted in the draft toward the darkening sky. In minutes they grew ravenous, hungrily devouring everything in the stone circle I made. I placed a larger log into their seductive clutches and watched, hypnotized by their dance; a fiery, frenzied consumption that sent up sparks and ash, until the dying flames became glowing embers and then all that was left were the cold grey cinders and charcoaled remnants of wood. I looked at the flames and flashes of Helgen passed through my mind.

Rubbing my eyes, I push the feeling of much needed sleep away as well as the flashes of people burning and screaming. It was clawing at me from the far back parts of my mind… 5 days have passed since we had slept in the inn at Whiterun, and my nights were more restless than ever. I hadn't slept in 3 days... My nightmares lingered, bleeding into the day, awake or not, I wanted to scream. They were the same, but different every time, the fear, pain and screams making me wake, trembling and sweating. If I was honest, I was a little thankful for the fact that Bishop took his watch away from me, keeping his eyes moving as he sat a fair distance away. Though, when I woke, he often looked lost in thought, absentmindedly petting Karnwyr, sharpening his knife or just having this really intense look on his face... Until I told him to go rest and I took over watch. He would grumble and after a while, he would finally sleep.

Even now, I could feel his eyes on me. I didn't need a reflection to know I had a dark tint under them. Even now, I rubbed at them with the inside of my palms, my eyes dry from forcing them open. The longest I had ever gone with forced lack of sleep was a week, but I was more tired now than ever before.

Bishop turned away from me, giving me a scrumptious view of his back while I dug around in my small satchel for food. A bit of meat and vegetables from around our site... Hmm. Looking at the river, I notice a few fish jumping upstream. Would be a nice change from our salted foods... Clearing my throat, I stand and call for Bishop.

"Oi! Ranger!" I nearly hum in appreciation when he turns to me and lifts his head sharply in a 'what-do-you-need' gesture. "I was wondering if you could snag a few fish from up the river a ways." I point to where I was talking about, making him turn his gaze to the water. Then his sharp eyes moved back to me. Slowly, he walked out of the water, towards the camp, never breaking his gaze with me. Until he stops a few feet from me and grabs his bow and a couple of arrows, then walked back up the stream a bit, Karnwyr in tow, stopping to shake now and again, and I faintly hear Bishop groan. In the setting sun's light, I could see flecks of fur dancing in the gentle breeze. Bishop was probably sporting a new coat himself. I giggle and get back to making dinner for all of us.

Bringing everything I need I head to a flat part of stone I had rinsed off with water from the stream, I took out a small dagger that I picked up from a chest when I had found Amren's sword, and started cutting vegetables. I had been able to find a few things around our camp, even some wild onions and mushrooms. With a little bit of spices and herbs, I rub the venison on both sides, then set to cutting them up into thick cubes.

'Have you ever had to suppress an urge to pounce on someone? Cause I never have before, and now I do.' I don't know why I mentally projected the question, but I couldn't help it.

'Hmmm…. I don't know if you or I will be comfortable with my answer to that. So, I shall refrain.' The Voice responded; the tone was careful, almost unsure. It wasn't the first time I didn't get a solid yes or no answer. Something about it made me smile.

'Good call…' I don't want to know what gets the Voice all hot and- wait? My mind halts as a question I had never thought to ask before forms in my mind. 'Are you a man or a woman?' I mentally project and get a long minute of silence.

'Well... That came out of nowhere.'

'I know we're a few... years late to ask this question, but I am just... Curious.' Precautious.

'I think you are just as curious about this aspect of me, just about as much as I am about you in the aspect of needing my opinion. Or approval.'

'I didn't say-'

'You didn't need too. I could tell where your thought was and is going.' There was a small sigh.

'Well... I've come to... Appreciate you and your… Opinion. Yet you won't tell me your name.'

'You've never required it before.'

'Don't take this the wrong way, but I never cared for it before. I've always associated you being called... 'The Voice.'

'How cryptic. Hmm well, it could be worse. You could have called me something else, or ignored me, shutting me out.'

'There was a time, I'll admit. But you continue to talk to me and aid me...'

'I like to talk to you. Over the years our conversations have proved to be rather... Amusing.' The tone of amusement was infectious.

'I don't know much about you, and though I questioned it a little, I have always been grateful and I still am. But... I would like to know something. Anything.' I projected it long and hard, receiving nothing but silence. I pushed aside the feeling of disappointment and continued to work on dinner.

'My name is …lost to me…' The voice sounded sad, the feeling of bitter cold swept across my chest and rose up my throat. 'But you can call me whatever you wish. I will respond to it. And I am a woman. If that helps.'

'Well... I am glad I know now. Thank you.' I mentally sent my joy and glee outwards, feeling the cold slowly disappear. 'Ill call you...-' I thought on it a moment before deciding; 'Kena'.

'An honorific title, I believe. Thank you.' My knife paused mid-chop. It was. A term Kothringi used for scholars, tutors and so much more.

"You know Kothringi?' I mentally ask and received a hum of understanding.

'Some. Not a lot.' She still sounded pleased.

'Okay… Kena.' I smiled and felt warmth fill me. I hear the sounds of footsteps coming back to camp and Bishop strides over to me, a triumphant grin on his face as Bishop held up 2 arrows, 4 fish on each and laid them down on my rock.

"Thank you, Bishop. These look great" I smile and pick up the arrows. "Nice clean shots." I compliment him and he smiles in pride.

"I never miss my mark." He states as he leans against the rock I was working on. "How long will it be before it's finished?" I look at him and raise a brow. "I just wanna clean up beforehand." He clarifies looking at the spread I had going, then to the river, not far from our site. Mentally thinking it over, I figured it wouldn't take long.

"I'll say you have sometime. I'll call you if I finish before you do." I state and I start filleting the fish.

'What if we finish together?" His flirty smile didn't go unnoticed, neither did his innuendo. I kept my face neutral, at lease as best as I could.

"I highly doubt that. Most men finish before women do, in..." I pause for dramatic effect, even glance down at his waist then back to his eyes. I smile when his smirk fades, and a darker expression takes its place. "Many different activities." I finish. "But in this instance, you can take your time, I won't mind." I finish cleaning the fish and setting them aside. "It will be hot and ready for you when you come back." I clean my hands on a rag and turn towards him, a small smile tugged at my lips as I caught a muscle in his jaw clench, no doubt catching my play with words. And by the looks of him, they hit him the same way his did to me.

"Will all of it be mine?" He leaned closer, his eyes almost burning places on my body where they lingered.

"Only as much as you can stomach." My voice softened; my blood warmed.

"I've got a big appetite." The way his eyes sharpened over my face; I could believe it.

'You may not like my spices I've used." I recall the conversation between Nazeem and the wood elf about the spices he used and inwardly laugh.

"It only takes a taste to know its good." He laid a hand on the stone beside mine and leaned toward me, his eyes going from mine and dropped a little lower.

"You haven't even tried it yet." Even to my ears my voice sounded breathy. Good Gods.

"I am a man who knows what he wants. And so far, I am liking what I see." He leaned over me, making me tilt back my head to keep my eyes on him. My breath caught as I saw his eyes darken.

"Well…" My thoughts scatter for a moment when I realize how close we are, but not touching. His hands are fisted, one near mine, the other by his side, his forearms are solid with tension, like he was forcing them to stay by his sides. I would barley have to lean forward and pull his head to mine. Maybe one taste wouldn't be bad. Maybe things were just intense and after we got a taste, it would fade. Especially if we didn't work that way. My tongue wet my bottom lip and I heard him take a deep breath.

'Slow down. This isn't the time or place!'

I blink hard and physically give my head a shake. She was right. I had to be reasonable, practical and realistic! We were out in the open, my brain was practically mush because of lack of sleep and adding onto that, I was 'not 'his type' and… He doesn't trust me. Like falling in a frozen lake, my mind cleared, fully alert. He was insinuating us- No! I don't do this!

"Alright. That's enough of that." I waved a hand in a 'shooing' motion . "Go and bathe, and we'll see what you think of our meal when your all cleaned up." Slowly, like he too was realizing how close we had moved to one another, he backed away and turned sharply leaving me alone with Karnwyr while he bathed. The wolf sniffed at my boots, and barked happily at me when I walked to the fire to get cooking.

'Why do I feel this way though?' I mentally ask.

'Because your attracted to one another. It happens.' The statement that Kena delivered wasn't cold. Merely... Methodical.

'I've been attracted to other men… Just not like this. Not like… I feel like I burn just looking at him. The thought of touching him…' I mentally trailed off, picking up a few more logs and placing them on the embers. My body was yearning. And I don't yearn. He wasn't mine to do with as I pleased and my body was feeling like he was... I was, as he so said himself, 'not his type'. Add onto it the fact that he didn't trust me… It could lead to dishonest and cold bedpartners. And I was nit about to step into that circle. 'Do you... Find him attractive?'

'He's a little broody for my taste.' Her remark made me smile.

'So, that's a no?'

'Hey, I'm not blind. He is an attractive man.' I hummed in agreement before a thought gave me pause.

'You.. How vividly can you see him or things in general?'

'It's much like.. Looking through a fog filled mirror. Closer things are, the more clear I may 'see'.'

'Did you-do remember if you had a partner?' I ask and I hear a sigh.

'I can, faintly' She sighed again.

'Can I ask what he was like'? I rotated our dinner again

'I don't see why not.. He was proud and strong.. With eyes that reminded me of a sea after a storm. Calm and still.' She sighed. 'I understand when you say you feel like you burn when he looks at you, and you him.. Oh Lord do I know.' She sighed again. 'But your connection to him.. Its almost.. staggering. Tread carefully.'

And with that, I felt her presence fade. Settling in with my back against a mossy log, I looked over at the wolf who stared at me, or the food, I couldn't tell. When his eyes glanced down to the kabobs, I roll my eyes as I toss him a fish head. He chomp's down and licks his jowls. I flipped the rood again, making sure to sear and evenly cook the meat.

"Good right?" He wags his tail, and licks my fingers, making me smile. "I will take that as a 'yes'". More wagging. Humming, I settled into my task at hand, now and again I hum a mindless tune, making Karnwyr tilt his head now and again. "I like having you around, ya weird wolf." He barked at me, making me jolt a little. A wolf was still a wolf. I took another head and tossed it to him, letting him crunch at it.. Blinking a few times, I push the burn of smoke out of my eyes. Absentmindedly I began to rotate the food. While I crouched, laying in a kneeling position by our fire, if felt slightly familiar. For a moment, my mind drifted back to my family's little hut. The home smelling like our dinner, cooking over our fire, much like this one.

Closing my eyes, I could see my father, sitting at our table, writing border reports for our chief, my mother walking with tomes as she spoke about anything that came to her mind. My brother, would most likely be outside working on his spells or footwork. I would often look up and catch my father looking at my mother, his steel-gray face glancing up and follow where my mother moved. The look on his face was one of pure love. Devotion. How he would stop my mother's constant moving by just taking her hand, drawing her out of her little world. Her smile would be so bright and her cheeks would pinken as he kissed along her knuckles. Sometimes they would catch me watching, and my father would go back to his work, my mother, gazing at me, her face lit with love.

"Dinner smells wonderful Varla-gazer". She walked over, slowly lowering to my level.

"It's taking too long!" I'd whined. She chuckled, the sound sweet and soothing.

"Then maybe you should find a way to pass the time. Like study your-"

"Mama! I don't want to study! Father said I couldn't leave this unattended, in case it burns." I reminded her, and she nodded.

"Okay then. How about a song?" She leaned close. "I find that when I sing something, it makes dinner taste great." I remember how my eyes widened at that, my magical mother, her face sure and strong. I had looked at my father who was looking upon our interaction with amusement.

"Father, is she telling the truth?" I asked and he nodded, his eyes shining.

"She always makes the best dinner when she sings as she cooks." And he looked back to her, his eyes shining as he went back to his letter. I turned back to my mother, who was stirring, a low hum from her sounding around us. Gentle and soothing. No words were needed, I knew what song she had chosen… One she had learned from the from her travels The Whisperwood. I waited patiently as she started the first verse.

'Murmuring, whispering, creaking and crackling
Can you hear the voices of the wood in the wind?

Can you see the light as it shines through the treetops?
Follow the glow, it will show you the way'.

I looked at my mother and as she stirred, I joined in.

'Through the Whisperwood, the Whisperwood
Where eternity's echo can be understood

Can you sense the depth of the gnarly root
Reaching down to the heart of this world?

Things seem so far and the struggles of life
Dissolve and fade away with each step

In the Whisperwood, the Whisperwood
Where eternity's echo can be understood'

I heard footsteps and had glanced behind me to see my brother, carrying wood under his arm, a small smile on his face, a mirrored expression of my father, who looked at mother and me, singing as we cooked.

'Can you feel the breath of irrevocable ages?
Your senses will slowly fade in the mist...'

She stopped, letting me take the lead, to sing on my own. Closing my eyes, I let the gentle song carry me away…

"Far in the distance figures are straying
Lonesome and endlessly lost on their way

In the Whisperwood, the Whisperwood
Where eternity's echo can be understood

In the Whisperwood, the Whisperwood
Where eternity's echo can be understood."

---

Opening my eyes, I am back in our campsite, the memory fading away… A bittersweet smile pulled at me lips as I hummed the tune for a moment more, our dinner, as my mother would say, was finished by the end of the song. Snagging a small piece of meat, I blew on it and turned to call for Bishop and almost drop my bite.

He stood not far, his eyes dark ,hair still damp and fully dressed, well, mostly, he was carrying his boots. Shame. No! I mentally scolded myself...

"You a bard as well, ladyship?" He asked breaking me out of my glance over his apparel. He saw the shock register on my face before I could hide it, I felt my face flush and heat. How long had he been standing there? I pushed the thought away as I popped the still hot piece in my mouth, burning my tongue.

"Dinner's ready." I called and I turned a little too sharply, to avoid looking at him. I also avoided his question.

"It smells like glory." Bishop called out,

"It'll taste even better." I state as his eyes moved to the wolf who laid by the fire.

"Is Karnwyr eating fish heads?" He askes sounding just a little grossed out as he settled down to sit down across from me, not taking his eyes off his wolf companion. His brows furrow in a mixture of confusion and uneasiness. It makes me smile as I pull a few bottles from my satchel.

"Mhm. Fish heads are good for rebuilding the body from a weakened state. Animals and mortals alike. Whether it be from soup broths to-" I looked to Karnwyr as his jaw works hard on chewing. "Eating them whole. I will have them set aside along with a few other things to help strengthen you up, don't you worry." I rub the top of Karnwyr's head, his nearly dry fur coating my hand. Dusting it off on my leg I turn to the food. Pulling the food from its rigging I had made, I set it between the two of us. We served ourselves in silence, and for a moment, I worry that he won't like the food I made. My fear leads me back to Whiterun, with that… man , I mentally stab him, sneering at 'weird elvish spices'. Bastard!

"Damn woman. You made this?" He asked, licking his fingers as he tossed a morsel to Karnwyr. I inwardly smiled as he ate and hummed in pure appreciation.

"Yup. With my own little hands." I held them up and wiggled my fingers causing both of us to chuckle. Tossing another head to Karnwyr I smile when he lets out a small bark and then sets on devouring it. "Your wolf, Karnwyr, is sweet." I say softly, smiling as the wolf wags his tail. Bishop hums in agreeance.

"He likes you. You know why?" He asked and shrugged.

"Because I feed him good food?" I answer and we both share a laugh.

"Maybe that too." He tilted his head as if he was weighing the idea, making me snort.

"Why?" I ask handing him an ale then set on my own dinner.

"You're not afraid of him like the others." He states and I glance at Karnwyr. I finish chewing and I look back at Bishop.

"Well, once you understand an animal, you don't have to be afraid of it." He pointed a finger at me with a nod of approval.

"You see? And that's why you and he understand eachother. You understand what he is, what he does. But most importantly and this is the most important, you understand what he is capable of doing." As he spoke, I had a feeling that we weren't just talking about a fish-head eating wolf.

Popping a few pieces of meat and veggies into my mouth I settled back against my log, my gaze lifted from the flames of our fire to our horizon. The mountain, named Throat of the World, rose up high. The mountain soared up like it wished to challenge the sky itself, it dominated the horizon in every which way we looked except back. Graybeards... Way of the Voice... I sigh and shake my head. This wasn't at all what I had planed. I had someone to find, a score to settle. I frowned. And all this uproar about being dragonborn... Damn. My hands clenched in my lap. If I didn't worry about what exactly was happening with me, I would have continued on... I had seen the College on the map, and my fingers nearly ripped the damn thing in half. Soon…

"Everything alright?" I hear Bishop ask, breaking me out of my darker thoughts.

"Hmm? Yeah... Just. Thinking." I say getting more comfortable.

"You looked mad." He leaned his elbow on his upraised knee, fingers twiddling an arrow. I shrug as I look back at the mountain.

"Just... Thinking about the plan I had when I was making my way into Skyrim got shot to hell. And what I set out here to do, now has taken a backseat to finding out why I am… What I am." I finished.

"Dragonborn?" He filled in for me and I let a bitter laugh out.

"I'll admit. It's a new… title. Like Thane. If my other half could see me now." I mutter and stretch my arms above my head. Dropping them I feel my shoulders screech in soreness.

"Other half?" He asked as he pulled on his boots. I nodded and threw another log onto the fire, building the fire up again.

"Hmm... They would be losing their minds, no doubt."

"Who? I am going to need more to go on from just that." He shifts a little, finishing his ale and putting the stopper back in its neck.

"The High Court." I state and stab at the fire with a longer stick. "My mother was an Altmer." I stated and waited for a minute before looking up at him. Usually I was faced with repulsed faces, scorn and distain. Instead, Bishop observed me and nodded gently.

"Alright. I can see it. I think I am still missing something." He kept his face neutral, almost looking bored.

"I wouldn't want to trouble you with things I am sure you would dislike and be uninterested in." I shrug as I felt my eyes burn from both the smoke and lack of sleep. I rubbed at them with my fingers, massaging them gently.

"I'll endure it if it helps me figure you out." He replies and I felt one brow raise in question.

"Figure me out huh?" I sigh and shrug, dropping my hand into my lap. What the hell. "My mother was part of the high court, even made great strides for our… Their nation." I corrected with a bite. "But after she married and, 'bred', as they called it, with my father, they saw anyone who didn't have pure blood like them as... Experiments." I end softly.

"So... When they poisoned you..." He trailed off and I gave a single nod.

"I am a very stubborn mixed breed." I scoff. "They said that I had, and I know you will scowl at this-" I pointed my finger at him making him raise his brow at me, "-Royal blood from my mothers' side. That's where all the better parts came from." I state and he sits on that bit of information for a second.

"So... In other words, you are a Princess." He states but one corner of his mouth tilts up as if he was trying not to smile.

"In a sense-" I made a face of disgust. "-yes. However... I was not under their treatment for royalty. I didn't have any right to anything in their eyes. Not even a drop of my Altmer blood. Even though my mother would have said otherwise."

"Would have?" He echoed and a small ping in my chest made me clear my throat.

"She was injured when I was young... She died from her injuries." I sighed and glanced back up to lock eyes with him. "Though my Altmer kin didn't speak ill of the dead, I was never seen as anything of interest or approval. Only scorn and disgust. From all but my family." I held up my hands. "And yet, here I am. New land, new titles. And I would bet that I could go back and they still wouldn't blink an eye." I laughed. "But that's enough about me. Tell me something about you Bishop." I almost begged him. I had drawled on for a little too long. He sat in silence and I went back to poking the fire.

"I-" He started drawing my attention, "-have never had a meal that delicious before." He said smoothly and I felt my cheeks heating up again, and it had nothing to do with the fire.

"Then it's all worth it." I rolled my shoulders and felt the twinge again. A dip in the river would have been refreshing but the cold water would have made my body lock up worse... I used one of my hands to rub the crick from my neck.

"Here." I heard him mutter as he stood up, making me look at him in confusion. Taking a few steps towards me he boosted himself up on the log I was leaning against, straddled me from behind one leg on either side of my arms.

"You don't have to-". I lost my thought as he dug his fingers into my shoulders. "-Never mind." I leaned back into his hands. "Carry on." I heard him faintly chuckle.

"You've got some solid rock in here, Ladyship." He worked his thumbs up the back of my neck, making me groan.

"I have felt... Different since I absorbed the dragon soul. I have been alert, but not like-" a gentle crack in between my shoulder blades made me let out something mixed of a groan and wince. "-this" I finished, letting out a little breath. "You have to stop that. Between the fire, food and your magic hands, I'm going to end up taking a nap right here on the rocks." He let out a laugh behind me.

"What's so wrong with that?" His voice was low, close to my ear, making my skin tingle in awareness. But his question had my back locking tight.

"It's wrong because I am first on watch." I explained and sighed as a smaller crack sounded. "And it would be a little uncomfortable, sleeping on rocks."

"Your always first on watch." He said gruffly as he worked. He lifted my shawl and touched bare skin. Like little flicks of fire, they warmed my skin, sending different sensations down my arms and everywhere else.

"I don't mind." I say softly and gasp when his fingers tighten on my shoulders.

"And neither do I, until I do and right now, I do. Your barely sleeping, ladyship." Almost to prove his point I couldn't help but let out a yawn. Even felt a click in my jaw from how wide my mouth went. "Mhm. I can't help but notice that even when I am on watch, you barley sleep." He sounded like he was lecturing me! I turn a glance over my shoulder and open my mouth to say something when I feel another crack, this one louder than the last, and my thought dies on my tongue. "Why wont you sleep. Don't you trust me?" He asks and another splash of cold water douses my system, making me lean away and out of his grip.

"Thank you for working out my shoulders, but I could ask you the same thing, ranger." I angle to look at him. My position is not a strong one. I am sitting between his legs, my head level his waist as he sits behind me, my face lifted to look at him. He notices this too, but doesn't comment on it. Instead he slowly stands and steps away, going back to where he sat originally.

"I have been able to get several nights of decent sleep. I appreciate that you are willing to watch over me while I- we." He corrects as he glances to Karnwyr, who is now asleep near the fire. "-Sleep." He says sharply and my brows raise. Not exactly what I was expecting, but in his own way, he trusts me. At least, not to kill him in his sleep. I nod in a silent thanks and poke at the fire again. "Now that we got that out of the way, do you want to explain to me why you're not sleeping?" He asked and I push the stick into our pit so hard it snaps.

"I'm scared." I admit and I hear him scoff.

"I'm not going to touch you while you sleep woman. That's the farthest-" I roll my eyes. Men.

"I am not afraid of you touching me Bishop. Asleep, I would wake up if it was unwelcomed. And from you..." I trail off and clear my throat. Best not to finish that sentence. "I am scared of what I will see when I rest." He shook his head as he settled back into his spot.

"Have it your way." He did look a little confused. "But sooner or later, your body will give out. Stubbornness can only take you so far." He muttered as he shook his head.

And he was right. I tsk and gather a rag from my satchel.

"All I need is a splash of water on my eyes and face, and I'll be ready to go." I state and slowly get to my feet.

I dust off my legs and I turn towards the river when I feel it. Throughout my sight, inky black spots filled my vision, my heartbeats pounded loudly, echoing in my ears, alongside the fading light. From the week of barely getting any sleep, I had expected this.

"-ship?" I faintly hear Bishops voice and I wave him away. I took a few steps towards the river and my vision blurred. I had barley passed the curve of the rocks toward the river when my vision left me.

Fuck.

I tried to keep my eyes open, I really did. But it was so hard, and I was so comfortable from when Bishops hands had been on me, pushing away my plaguing thoughts... My eyes began to drift closed. Feeling in my body drained away until finally all was black.

---

Dreams plauged me all night. Or however long I had been sleeping. Dark dreams, turbulent and bloody. The fires of hell licked at me, smoke billowing, putrid, filling my nose and making me gag. I felt like I had been here a thousand times before, but the evil never failed to creep me out. Screams, such screams, echoed off the blood-soaked walls. I can taste saliva thickening in my throat and beads of sweat trickling down my brow.

"-up." Came a whisper.

I looked around and, in the darkness, a pair of dark red eyes flashed in front me. My throat tightens as the fire brush my skin and I screamed.

"-ake up!" I heard... Something...?

I drifted into consciousness. And then back out. The world was a blur, and random images seemed to float aimlessly around in the pool of my thoughts, as though they were being blown about viciously by a hurricane. My fingers are curled into a fist, nails digging into my palm. I can't hear my rapid breathing, but I can feel the oxygen flooding in and out of my lungs. Hesitantly, my eyes look at the dead corpse before me, the person I killed. Fear tortures my guts, churning my stomach in tense cramps. Fear engulfs my conscience, knocking all other thoughts aside.

'Senseless killer'. I hear a voice echo and I clasp my ears with my hands, blocking it out. No. No no no!

"NO!" I screech and my throat feels scrapped raw. I was not a senseless killer! I was-

"WAKE UP!"

I wake with a gasp, my heart pounding, sweat all over me. I looked around franticly and see Bishop looming over me, Karnwyr whining by my side. My hands flailed to my sword; my palm sweaty on the handle. Before I draw it, my mind collects where I am. Who I am with? I hear the faint sound of the river and look in that direction. I was a few feet away. I look down and see that my clothes are covered in dirt. I. Fainted… Fuck.

"What was all that about woman?! What, are you tying to attract some predators?" I look up and follow where the angered voice was coming from and I see Bishop frowning at me, his eyes dark and hooded in the lack of light. I open my mouth to speak and he stands up abruptly. "You know what, don't answer that. I don't want you getting the idea that I cared or something." His tone was gruff but his face expressed concern. Pushing my damp hair out from my face I steady my breathing.

"I... I must have had a nightmare." Well. Another one, I thought to myself as I struggled to sit up and calm my breathing. My throat felt raw again. Damn.

"Just couldn't sleep with all that screaming of yours. " He trailed off and stood, offering me a hand to get up. I took it and he helped me stand on unsteady legs. I felt ashamed when my legs shook a little. "Damn. How long has it been like this?" He asked as we walked back to our site. I thought about it, counted then replied;

"Over 2 weeks now." I say softly. "It's the same but different. Every time." And I have been to many battles, but the fear that I feel when I sleep is... Unlike any other.

"I could help you." He offers and I almost scoff. Help me sleep.

"I don't know what you have in mind ranger, but I don't think that would help me sleep." I let him fill in what I was underlyingly stating. Truth be told, it would probably make me feel worse.

"Gods woman. I don't mean- I hardly think this is the time for things such as that!" He's chastising me?! I look at him in a tired state of shock.

"But you said-"

"I wasn't implying sex!" He growled and crossed his arms. "Looking at you, you look as thought you barely have enough strength to keep your eyes open, let alone go for an hour long round or three with me."

I may have been tired, but my brows did rise into my hairline at his statement.

"Hours?! Good Lord!" I said it a little to loud, but my shock as apparent and to Bishop, a little funny since he chuckled low in his throat. "Save some for later ranger." I tease and I hear him snort again, this one a little louder.

"Endless reserves." His smile is a little flirtatious, it makes me roll my eyes. But I do smile.

"My word. To have that much time to... waste." I say a little astounded. I could think of so many things I could do in a few hours besides-

"Hardly a waste if both are willing and enjoying it." He stated and I blinked hard, my head bopping a bit. "But all seriousness aside, I think you should try something else. Other than falling flat on your face and passing out." He gestures over to the river. I look away, feeling myself closing in on myself.

"Worked before. I've also tried to meditate before I sleep... I am not above making a goddamn sacrifice to the gods at this point." My damn eyes were burning, my head was starting to pound.

DAMMIT ALL TO OBLIVION!

"Well that clearly didn't work, and the gods are all but useless." He sent me a scornful look and I met it with, no doubt, bloodshot eyes.

"Well Mr. Giver-of-obvious-things-and-sage-advice, what would you suggest I do?!" I snapped; my voice charged with power. I think we both felt it. He looked a little shocked at my outburst. So was I if I were to be completely honest... I hadn't even noticed my 'Thu'um' had been building. Bishop said nothing, he simply laid another log onto the fire. I took a shallow breath and let it out. "This is my problem and I will figure out how to deal with it."

"Well, your screaming caused and will cause such a stir that it would draw attention to us, and if its not sorted out, soon..." He sat back in his spot as I rubbed my eyes vigorously. "So in a way, its also my problem."

"I didn't-" I felt anger again but looking at Bishop, he didn't have a face of someone who was scolding me. It was... By the looks of things, worrisome. His brow was furrowed, his mouth set in a hard line. When I had woken, he had brushed off the thought of showing that he 'cared' but the way he looked now, like he too was trying to figure out a way to make my pain go away. There was a warmth that spread though my chest, and I let it warm away all the anxiety I felt. It was. Nice. Even if it was for just a moment. "I never wanted to be a problem for you. I didn't want to cause you grief when we agreed to stick together. I'm sorry." I let my anger go. I slouched as my eyes burned.

"And there is no shame in asking for help." He said quietly, making me smirk.

"Oh no? I find that little clip of information coming from you to be interesting since you didn't for him" I pointed with a lift of my chin towards Karnwyr. He glanced towards the wolf who sat near the edge of the camp, eyes all round, on guard.

"Yeah well... Sometimes you don't think you need help till its all but forced on you." He looked back at me and the warmth that started in my chest spreads outward... I shook my head. My fatigue was getting out of hand.

I meet his gaze for a minute and I look away, my eyes on the grass under me. "It's not-" I swallow, trying to form the right words. "It's not that I don't want help... Gods, if there was a way, I could just... relax enough to deal with… whatever is going on in my damn head … Whatever makes me... like this." I run my fingers through my hair and feel the tie slip a little, letting some strands fall. "It's the fear." My voice wavers and I rub my arms, as if I was cold and the fire was doing nothing to warm me. "Flashes of everything that had gone wrong, everyone who has died that I didn't even try to save because I simply… stood there. Or by my hands that I don't know if it was justifiable or not... If at all. And the fear is... Engulfing." I tried to explain and I almost tremble at the idea of sleeping again. "I am... Horrified to the point of fear by this… Dark feeling that sleeps inside me. The feeling like I am going to lose myself to it. And I am fighting like hell not too." I say and I feel tears building.

"Can I ask you something that's been on my mind a little while?" His voice is cool and calm, it makes me take a deep breath before I just nod. "In the barrow… You had said something about the dead men. The draugr." He clarified and the memory makes me nod. "What made you hesitate?" He asked. "You mentioned something but I still don't understand it."

I sift through my muddled mind to explain. His question took my mind off of things and my tears left. If that was his intentions, I was glad for it. If not, I was grateful for the distraction either way.

Looking into the fire I let out a small yawn.

"It's a bit… complicated." I admit.

"Ill take notes." He replies and I gently laugh. Thinking on it a second, the memory surged up in my mind that I had to take a bracing breath.

"Alright. Hmm… When I was... Maybe 9, I was asked to assist with the burial of the dead from a clan war that had erupted in early spring. I don't know the cause of the war, but I know I didn't like the outcome. I remember staring at a body of a man who wore different garments than our own. And... I kicked the body. More so in a you-got-what-you-deserved manner; and my father saw me do it from across the plains. He marched right over and backhanded me, causing many healers, and survivors to look at us... Outside of our training, he never once struck at me. I was so shocked and then… afraid. I had never seen him look so… Enraged before. When I had asked him why he struck me, he told me to 'think of that pain and imagine the man's family feeling it'.

'But father, the man is dead, I told him. He no longer matters. And why should I care about his family, when I do not know or care for them?' I had said it so casually that his back straightened as he grabbed my hand and took me to the outer rings of the battlefield.

'Look around' he'd told me. 'What do you see?'

There, I could see dozens of people, of different clans and walks of life alike, standing over their loved ones, sobbing and mourning. Their pain could almost drag you in and pull you down to their own despair. Children crying out for their parents, telling them to 'open their eyes, it was time to go home', wives finding their husbands when they thought they were unharmed. The shock and pain that crossed their faces made my chest ache for them as I watched them realize that they were now widows. Men who clutched at their children who had gotten caught in the middle of the crossfire..."

I took a steadying breath, tears filling my eyes again. I could picture it all. Still fresh in my mind. The fog of the early dawn over the bodies that littered the grass… The gentle wind carrying the scent of blood and the sounds of crying and mournful screams.

"And that barely scrapes the surface of the outer rings. The inner ones were worse." Bishop watched me as I spoke, his face morphing into one of slow understanding. And maybe a touch of pained horror.

"'War and death, holds no favors Serlina. It takes what it wants, whoever it wants.' My father said.

'Why did they have to die?' I asked. My father sighed as he looked all around us.

"Sometimes, it takes nothing but a single word to lead to a dispute of this mass." He shook his head and stepped in front of me, wiping the tears that fell from my eyes. I hadn't even realized I had been crying. "I will tell you this only once child. Regardless of who dies, our way, is to respect the lives that have been lost. Senseless acts or not. The dead, are dead. We keep our hands away from those who have passed on, because we must respect the ones who are living enough to not, in any way, mutilate their body. Whoever dies in a battle, its not just them who dies. For every man, woman and child, they have had an impact on someone else's life. Family or friend, it does not matter. When they learn of their death, a piece of them dies with whoever has been killed. For some, it's a large piece. Others, a splinter. But for those who mourn, we respect their loss enough to not go about ...kicking them while they already feel pain of loss." He stood and pointed to a family, the children crying over their fathers body, the mother in shock. "Would you go over to them, look at their fallen and kick his body?" he asked and I shook my head so hard I fear I pulled a muscle. He looked back at me then laid a hand on my shoulder. "Why not?"

"Because… They would hurt more." I answered my voice becoming unsteady and filled with hiccups.

"Exactly right. We respect their loved ones, as they will respect ours. That's why we're are so peaceful when returning the dead to their homes. The mourners have the right to see them buried in peace. And we must always respect that wish." I realized what he was telling me and I let his lesson sink in.

To disrespect the fallen dead, to mutilate a corpse in any way, was like getting a strong backhanded slap to the face to those of the living. My face still burned, my cheek, jaw and tongue even felt swollen.

"You will speak of the dead with more respect. And treat them with the highest honours."

With that, he'd left me to watch, to take it all in. And I watched. Though all the clans could have gone on killing eachother, many of different colours of garments looked onto one another and understood the pain. It was all alike. It didn't matter what colour they wore, the place they were born, the colour of their skin... Death took its toll. And when you knew that kind of pain… Seen it with your own eyes... It leaves it mark." I look away from the fire to Bishop and took a steadying breath. "And that is why I respect the dead."

I finished and though my lengthy explanation was filled with sorrow, I hadn't shed a tear. Bishop looked at me like he was seeing something new, eyes a little wide, his expression a million miles away.

"I... Understand now." His voice was rough and deep as he looked away. For a time, we sat in silence. "I think-" he started looking back at me "-that if you fell into a dark place, something like a slap to the face could bring you out of it. Something that would make you check yourself into being who you have become. But you won't be able to try until you face them head on. Confront them, like your father had to do with you. He stood by your side while he made you face something that helped you. You are in a way, avoiding them." He waved a hand. "At least, that's what I am getting."

I knew what he was trying to say. This… fear is my challenge and my demon to slay, for it will come until I do, unannounced and gnarly. The only way out is to order this brain of mine to function, to demand solutions instead of this crazy-making circling anxiety. So though it feels as if my bones have no more strength and my muscles are all out of power, I still have the option to remain still, to be quiet enough to choose how to fight.

"You don't have to face this alone though." He said sternly and for a moment, looks pensive. Then, he untangles himself from his lazy slouch, stood again and walked back over to me. I watched him, my eyes burning all anew. The sky was still pitch black; I must've not slept as long as I thought. The thought was cut short when Bishop sat down beside me, putting us side by side. Our legs, arms and shoulders touching. The scent of him slowly drifted over to me. I had to move. It wasn't proper being this… close to him. And dangerous!

"Bishop!" I chastised and even squirmed a little. He simply lifted a hand and placed it on my shoulder, stilling me. I could have put up more of a fight, but my body was exhausted.

"Look here, Princess, stop your struggling." I looked up and my breath faltered, for only a moment when my gaze locked with his. I did stop. Struggling, that is... His eyes flickered with the firelight, making me want to move closer to look deeper. From how close we were, I could see he had a faded scar on his left cheek, like someone had gotten to close with a blade. Not small like a shaving cut either... Looked like it was from a knife. It wasn't a clean-cut scar. A little jagged in a few places. The scar was almost and inch and a half long . Cuts like that come from heated battles… It added to his rough rogued ranger vibe. Damn him. "Now, I will keep you safe. Nothing bad will come to you while I am here. Now, try to rest easy. I've got you."

I fought it. I did. But he held me, awkwardly as it was, he held me. His scent making my mind so fuzzy again.

"I... hate it." I slurred; my voice thick with sleep.

"Hate what?" He asked, fading away.

"That you were right." I slurred again. "My stubbornness outlasted my body." I heard his chuckle and a grin on my own lips pulled at me and with that, I fell back into the darkness. And for a time, there was nothing…

---

Then there was a large door.

My hands tremble and my eyes water in preparation as I reach my hand towards the door knob. My fingers trembling as they stretched towards it. Something was behind there and it was anything but good, at least, that was going to be my bet. My body feels hot and sweat starts trickling down my neck, and I haven't even gripped the handle... Yet. I close my eyes and shake my head. Damn it, come on! I mentally shouted at myself as I grip it tightly and twist it. With every move I make, I get more and more terrified. My breath quickens as I hear the creaking of the door, and soon the sounds of a dragon inhaling and letting out a deep breath fills the dark silence around me. Screaming. Oh gods the screaming. I nearly begin to cry when I hear a child whimpering for their mother. For their father. But everything grinds to a halt as I catch the scent of leather, pine and woodsmoke...

Bishop.

I close my eyes and breath deeply. Let the feeling that comes with it fill me. How he covered me when we dove into the burrow. How ferociously he defended me on the battlefield against friendly fire... How... Safe, he made me feel.

"I've got you. You're not alone." I listen deeply, letting his deep voice as it echoed in the darkness around me, carry away the screaming until there is nothing but calm silence. I am safe. And not alone to face whatever is beyond me... What is in store? I… I don't know. Just as soon as that feeling of apprehension seeps in, I can almost feel his body heat, surrounding me in a protective coat.

And just like that, I open my eyes and the door fully opens. Suddenly everything is silent and behind the door is just darkness. Once I see that there's nothing there my tense body relaxes. This is what facing your fears feels like. Stepping through I let the darkness pull me deeper, and this time, I was not afraid…

And finally, I slept.

When I had awoken, I was alone in my own bedroll, the sun rose like a canopy of gold, bright amid the blue, bidding the stars to take their nightly rest. As the darkness surrenders, every colour changes from tinges of charcoal to a vibrancy.

There are days I wonder what we give in return for such gifts of divine magic; perhaps it is our love, perhaps we radiate it into space; perhaps that is our connection to creation beyond the borders of our world, our reality.. Perhaps inside I too am gold, a bright flame that burns for another kind. Thinking back to what my uncle Kalomon once told me when I had arrived at his home.

'Time for the Sun to Rise.'

I look over and see Karnwyr trotting along with Bishop, bow in hand and his pace easy. There is something about seeing him that brings a deeper breath into my lungs, brings my own heart to a steady rhythm. In that moment I am so thankful with everything that I am for a sky full of birds and chance to be alive. I roll up my bedroll and pack our things. I was almost finished when Bishop walked over.

"Morning Ladyship." He called as he got closer.

"Good morning Bishop." I call back as I stand and stretch.

"You look like you slept well." He states as he steps up and examines my face. I smile, really smile and nod in agreement.

"Thanks for your help. Sleeping beside you felt great." I say and for a second, I think a tint of pink colours his cheeks.

"Don't mention it." He says offhandedly and soon; we are on our way to the Throat of the Word. Concorded a small mountain. Might as well get a big one under my belt.

---

Ivarstead

The town is small, nothing to grand, but I love the river running through it. Just before we cross the bridge, Bishop parts way to go get a few things before we head up mountain from the local store. We were finally in their foothills. Soon we would be on the earth and mud path. Even from where I stood, I could faintly see the steps, winding up and around the mountain.

"On your way up the 7,000 Steps again, Klimmek?" A man asked an older man near the bridge. He sighed and shook his head.

"Not today. I'm just not ready to make the climb to High Hrothgar. The path isn't safe." This caught my attention and I started towards him, to ask what kind of trouble we would be in for.

"Aren't the Graybeards expecting some supplies?"

"Honestly, I'm not certain. I've yet to be allowed into the monastery. Perhaps one day." He looked up at the mountain with a faint hope in his voice. As I walked to the bridge, he looked at me, his eyes looking at my gear then to the mountain.

"On your way to High Hrothgar? About to make a delivery up there myself." He says as I slow to stand beside him.

"What types of deliveries do you make to High Hrothgar?" I ask and he lifts a single shoulder then drops it.

"Mostly food supplies like dried fish and salted meats; you know, things that keep fresh for a long time. The Graybeards tend not to get out much, if you catch my meaning." I looked up to where the top would be. Indeed I did.

"And in return?" I ask looking back at him.

"Well, it's kind of an understanding between us. I mean, it just wouldn't feel right to charge them for a bit of preserved food. Trouble is, my legs aren't what they used to be and climbing the 7,000 Steps takes its toll."

"I'll bet it does. I could do it for you". I offer, since we would be going up there anyway.

"Really? That would be kind of you. Here, take this bag of supplies. At the top of the steps you'll see the offering chest. Just leave the bag inside and you're done." He hands me the bag and I catch the scent of pine and woodsmoke. I smile in welcome and I know Bishop is behind me, his shopping done.

"Anything we should watch out for during the climb?" I ask getting back to why I came over here in the first place.

"Well, there's the occasional wolf pack or stray, but that's all I've ever had to deal with. Shouldn't be a problem for the likes of you. Other than that, watch your footing. In these wintry conditions, the stairs can be treacherous." He explained and I nod.

"Got it."

"Be careful up there."

"We will. Thanks!"

I tie the bag to my hip and we start our ascent. Starting wasn't so bad. It was easy to see the mountain as just its peak. Part way up, the cloud prevented us from seeing the peak, perhaps I mused, that was a good thing. Seeing all the way up could be daunting from its base , but inwardly I prayed for it to clear as we climbed. I wanted to see the view from the top. To me, it was my motivation for each step. And to see the Graybeards too... I never thought of the total distance to a summit, just one step at a time until they were all done. The steps had an unstable look to them. The stone steps rose steeply with high rises and narrow treads. Each step was only a child's pace in width and they wound up the mountain like a grey stone stream. Each step was weathered and worn with thousands of footfalls over eons, thousands of unique and personal pilgrimages to the vistas above.

In the wall there lay a small inclination, with an emblem on it. Below it read;

'Before the birth of men, the Dragons ruled all
Mundus.

Their word was the Voice, and they spoke only for
True Needs.

For the Voice could blot out the sky and flood the
land.'

And below that,

'Men were born and spread over the face of

Mundus

The Dragons presided over the crawling masses

Men were weak then, and had no Voice'

"Quite the opening welcome sign" I mutter and we continue on our steps. Klimmek's warnings were well heard as we dealt with a frostbit spider and a few wolves on our way up the mountain.

No sooner had I gotten used to the forest around us as we gained altitude, but soon tendrils of iridescent silver mist creep over the mountainside. Cold wind whips and screams through, bringing cold snow into the air, which even with my hand blocking the wind, it's blinding and stings any skin it can reach. Reading the third emblem proved to be rather, taxing with the weather.

'The fledgling spirits of Men were strong in Old Times

Unafraid to war with Dragons and their Voices

But the Dragons only shouted them down and broke their hearts'

"I see these guys like to tell it like it is." Bishop's voice carried over the winds as we walked.

"I highly doubt the Graybeards come out of High Hrothgar to scratch some words on stone." I say and blow hot air onto my hands. Had I known this kind of weather was here, I would have packed warmer gloves. Damn. Note to make future outfits. Our boots crunched in the deeper snow, I could feel the cold seeping in through my heeled boots when I felt a rock or something shift under my foot, making me loose my balance. I teetered on the edge of the stairs that were leading down and braced for the fall.

It never came. I waited; my feet tilted at angles that could not have supported me in this way so. I slowly open my eyes to see me still at the top.

"What the h-" I look around and nearly gasp when I see Bishop's arm around my hips.

"Mind your step there, Princess." He pulled me back until I righted myself. I looked at him and gave a nod of thanks. I clear my throat and make my way over to the fourth emblem.

'Kyne called on Paarthurnax, who pitied Man

Together they taught Men to use the Voice

Then Dragon War raged, Dragon against Tongue.'

These emblems looked old. Weather worn sure, but.. Judging from the sate of the ones we had seen, even at the base, they held a glimpse of age.

I re-read it a few times, looking to Bishop I motion for him to come over. When he came close I pointed to the large name Paarthurnax.

"Any who this is?" I ask and he shakes his head. He pontes to the other.

"This one, Kyne, I do. Do you?" he asks and I find myself shaking my head.

"Never one I focused on, but I have heard of her." I admit as we walk.

"She is the Nordic goddess of the storm, harvest and hunting. A favourite amongst gods and warriors,"

He nods at the emblem and we move along. I laugh a little as Karnwyr goes jumping into piles of snow, moving ahead, his nose sniffing a mile a minute. Bishop was able to bag some game and threw a chunk at the wolf. I don't think he even chewed. Just slurp and it was gone!

"Another emblem! Man, these things are everywhere." I say as I step up to see it.

"You don't have to stop and read each of them, ya know." Bishop says following me.

"Its called sightseeing Bishop. Live a little." I lean over and read;

'Man prevailed, shouting Alduin out of the world

Proving for all that their Voice too was strong

Although their sacrifices were many-fold'.

I found both uneasiness and comfort in this one. Prevailed, but too strong. Hm. As we climbed our, who knows how many step, I laid a hand on a rock and breathed. Despite the cold, I was out of breath, sweating in places under my armour and my face would flip from cold and wet to slightly warm then cold.

"Gods above. These steps are killing me slowly. Damn." Bishop stood at the top, looking down from me. He did look a little out of breath, but he didn't really look cold. How?

"Why aren't you shivering?" I ask as I climb at reach the top.

"You forget Ladyship that I was raised in these lands. Harsh winters aren't new to me. You could say I've grown accustomed to them." He spoke as we walked. Just ahead there was a path between to rock walls, curving down and to the left.

"Well, at least we can get some reprieve from the winds in here for a moment." We slowed and as we caught our breaths, I smiled at how the little puffs of white air left us and rose above us like little clouds.

"Still enjoying the dreary cold weather?" I hear Bishop call from behind me and I find myself smiling and nodding.

"Cold yes. Dreary.. Not so much…" My eyes looked all around and was caught by a shine. "Is that.. glass?" I ask stepping towards it.

"No that's what we call-" I cut him off with a small shriek as my boot caught something slippery and I found my self flailing around until I fell on my ass. "-Ice." he finishes and throws his head back and laughs as he makes his way over to me, keeping his eyes on the ground, he stops and glides a little on the ice over to me and holds out a hand. "I told you to watch your step princess." He chuckles as I take his hand as he helps me back up. He steps off the small sheet of it and I look down. At first glance, I could have sworn it was like glass. Bishop walked away, leaving me to look around, get a good view of our new surroundings. Looking up at the top of one of the walls of rock, I saw that there was a small lip to one of them. Dangling just under were spears of ice. Icicles. They glistened and shined above me and I smiled when the light caught them, letting them sparkle.

There's a stupid grin plastered over my face as I feel like I got shot in the shoulder with something that felt like a rock.

"OW!" I yell and look over at my shoulder and see snow decorating it in a small round splatter and Bishop smirking at me. "Did you just-" I pointed to my shoulder with my thumb. "Hit me.. With snow?" I ask and he gives me a shrug.

"You said to live a little." He states and I dust off my shoulder.

"That hurt." I mutter and I hear him laugh.

"That didn't hurt." He said and I turned to face him fully. I barely had time to register the next one being thrown and hitting me right in the chest.. My air left me in a rush and only pained spread. When air finally returns to me, I find myself sitting on the ground again, Bishop strolling over to me. "That, looked like it hurt." And it did. Leaning back on my hands, I carefully get my breathing back.

"What was that for?" I ask and he crouches down, on his toes, elbows on his knees.

"That, was your first taste of a snowball fight." He fully smiles as he stands. He whistles for Karnwyr and he trots over, stomping through the soft snow, pauses to lick my cheek and follow Bishop. Slowly, I went from a state of angered confusion to one of amusement, to a mental frame of mind that had me eager to get him back. Standing back up, I dusted myself off and looked to where he and Karnwyr had wandered off too, only to flinch when another ball flew past me, landing on the rocks wall.

"You did not just do that. Again." I hear his laugh echo around us and glance around. Though the space was wide, it was littered with rocks of large slices, pillars of ice. Leaning forward, I scoop snow into my hands and form a ball, my first one fell apart, making me reform it and apply more pressure. This time, it stayed round.

"I wouldn't even think about that Ladyship. I have very good aim." I listen to him, sounding so smug and I catch a fast movement of black. Looking around, I run to take cover by a rock. Mid-run I hear him murmur a humored "Ohh, sneaky, sneaky." I can't help but let out a giggle as I hear him grunt and I glance back to see that he has thrown the ball and I duck, letting it fly over my head and landing on the ground, falling apart.

"Missed me!" I called out, my breath coming out in small puffs.

"Meant to do that" I hear him mutter as I peak my head out from my rock and see Bishop creeping over to my right. I take my first snowball and whip my arm back to send it flying towards Bishop. Impact, mid-leg. I let out a whoop and crouch back down then I move and make a break for another cover spot.

"Hey!" I hear Bishop call out and I look towards the sound, see another ball flying my way and tilt my shoulder away, letting it fly by me again. I let out another laugh, echoing out between the walls as I get to my new cover and start making another ball.

Leaning around the corner of my cover, I look and catch Bishop glancing around, no doubt looking for me and as he turns his eyes left, sees me, ball in hand. He lets out a low chuckle before he makes a break for his own cover. I watch and like before, I lean my arm back and throw the ball, this one smacking him in the back of his head. I let out a joyful 'whoop' and laugh as I get down to making another one.

"You okay, Bishop? That one looked like it hurt." I call out and hear him let out a laugh.

"Ok. You got me. Fair enough. Let's get serious." I lean back over and packed another ball down. "Where are you hiding Ladyship?" I hear him gently call out. I glanced around both sides of my ice covered rock and I saw nothing. I stood and took a step, angling my body sideways as I moved to look for him. I look at the ground and notice the glass-like sheen on the floor. Great. More Ice. Looking around, I see another emblem. Bending over, I had to squint to read what was inscribed on the stone.

'With roaring Tongues, the Sky-Children conquer

Founding the First Empire with Sword and Voice

Whilst the Dragons withdrew from this World'

What? Sky-Children? Withdrew?

THWAP.

I flinch as I inhale a sharp breath as I feel a hit to my hip.

"You gotta hide better than that, princess." He teases from my left. I throw blindly and miss, by a long shot. I hear him laugh when my ball flies through nothing but air. I move covers again, my hit whining in gentle pain.

Behind my new cover I build another ball, and slowly get out from my cover. My leather bracers pick up snow like they want to be snowballs themselves, frozen crystals dangling from their loose fibers I'd never normally notice. Already the coldness of the snow has deep chilled my fingers to a point where they no longer wish to bend. But cold or not, a snowball fight is a snowball fight and I won't give in. I see him almost in front of me and I step out and toss mine at him, hitting him near his neck/jaw.

"Ahh!" his face goes with the hit, all the while I laugh and run for a cover to his left, or in this case, my right. I break out into a light sprint and he returns back to throw the ball he's holding at me. My timing couldn't have been more perfect even if I had tried it a second time. I dropped to my knees and slid along the ice, gliding across and right behind my cover. I hear him scuffle around, no doubt giving us more space. I faintly hear Karnwyr bark near the exit of the walls and look down to where the sound came from. He trots back into the small space, tongue hanging out the side of his mouth and I laugh. Damn that wolf was cute. I see Bishop lean outwards to him and motion him over to where he was with a 'come-here' wave of his hand. Karnwyr looked at him and simply sat down. Bishop rolled his eyes and after glancing back and forth, stood, a small glare as he carefully walked over to him, letting me stand and get a clean shot, straight into his shoulder, making him slip on the ice a little. "Whoa!"

"That's right!" I called out and threw a fist into the air.

"That does it, I'm coming for you, princess!" He taunted, righting himself and started staking towards me.

"And, then what?" I taunted back and even turned tail and ran towards the exit of the small space, laughing as I nearly clear it when I hear rushed footsteps behind me, making my heart pick up its pace.

"No more!" I call back behind me and I hear Bishop Laugh, Karnwyr barking not far behind me. I make the false mistake of glancing over my shoulder and I am grabbed, spun around, my boots catching ice and I feel us falling to the ground in a heap of laughter.

"Got ya!" He says a little breathless, his smile makes my heart tumble as we catch our breath.

"Not bad for my first time, huh?" I ask between puffs of breath. He tilts his head side to side as if weighing his answer.

"You could have covered your tacks better." He teasingly mocked me and I roll my eyes.

"But I put of a fight, didn't I? Made ya work for it." I had managed to clump a small ball of snow in my hand, and went to push it down his jacket when he caught my hand and pinned it above my head, his hand and mine clasping the snow my other pressed between us.

"Alright, alright. You said no more." He states and I hum a little happily.

"So, I think its my favour then." I state as he smiles and shakes his head.

"You are a worthy advisory, Princess Serlina, of the Snow. Keep working on it and you may even best me." He humbly brags and I shift a little.

"If I am queen, you thinking you rank higher than me must make you a king." I lift my head so my face is right in his. "Prepared to get dethroned." I teased and he chuckles in his throat. "Milord." I add some poshness to my tone and his brows raise. Smiling he leans down, putting us nose to nose.

"My Lady." He says softly and for a moment, everything slows. As the snow lightly drifts down around us I feel a familiar pull to get closer to him. We are caught in a trance, looking into each others eyes but I, only now realize in the position I am in. I'm under him, one of my hands under his grasp above my head, causing my chest to arch into his, making them rub together with each of our breaths, our legs twined together from our fall, his weight, heavy and... Intoxicating. Our breaths mingled around us, rising and falling in soft clouds of steam. I glanced down at his mouth and I think I hear him groan softly, making my blood warm and my heart races for a whole new reason. One that makes me scared all a new.

I see his pupils dilate and lower to my mouth, like mine to his. And slowly, so slowly, his head lowers to mine, my eyes start to lower as I hear Karnwyr growl not far from us. I push it away as I inhale the smell of woodsmoke and pine and for a moment, my mind goes blank. Another growl. Bishops mouth hovers over mine and I nearly squirm. We're a breath apart until a roar breaks our moment. The world around us catches up and everything returns with such speed that it gives me vertigo. Bishops head snaps away, lifting himself from me with such sharp movements that he looks mad that we had even gotten in that kind of position anyway. Drawing his bow, he follows the roar just as I am getting to my feet, my sword drawn.

Just outside the walls is Karnwyr, facing of with a frost troll. As Bishop fires arrow after arrow, I slice at the troll. We make quick work of it, our energy and hormones spurring us on. When it was done, I turned to Bishop as he retrieved his arrows. He glanced up at me as I sheathed my sword. His eyes are dark, sharp and nothing like they were a moment ago. I look back to the stairs then to him. He looks like he was about to say something when I beat him to it.

"We should get to High Hrothgar." I watch as he closes his mouth and give me a tight nod as we continue on. I will not speak of what nearly had happened. We'll simply, moved on. I open and close my hand to get the blood flowing again and stick it in my pocket to warm up.

We found the rest of the emblems along the way. The seventh read;

'The Tongues at Red Mountain went away humbled

Jurgen Windcaller began His Seven Year

Meditation

To understand how Strong Voices could fail'

Fail? I wondered as my teeth chattered. The dragons left, didn't they..? Stepping away, I head down a set of stars and find another.

'Jurgen Windcaller chose silence and returned

The 17 disputants could not shout Him down

Jurgen the Calm built His home on the Throat of

the World'

From what I gathered from that one, Jurgen built Hrothgar. I think? Moving on, I found the ninth;

'For years all silent, the Greybeards spoke one name

Tiber Septim, stripling then, was summoned to Hrothgar

They blessed and named him Dohvakiin'

My fingers traced over the word 'Dohvakiin'. Looking beyond the wind, I could maybe see a tower of stone. I wanted answers. We continued and I was set on the tower that Bishop called for me over the wild winds to the final emblem. I nod in thanks and read it.

'The Voice is worship

Follow the Inner path

Speak only in True Need'

The last line of that makes my jaw clench. 'only in true need.' I scoff and walk on.

Noted.

As we reached the summit, I have to admit I caught my breath. The beauty and the thinness of the air overtook my senses. High Hrothgar looked like a mix between a temple and a castle. Thick dark stone carved from the mountain to house the Graybeards. Placing the food that I had carried in the large chest, I let out a sigh as I turn, looking out to the world below. The view from the peak of a mountain is very different. The climb to the peak had been a long one. Stumbling over rocks and brush, slipping on pebbles, cold winds and now this. As I stood atop the rocky surface I raised my arms in victory. Clouds swirled around me in what felt like an icy greeting. My eyes began to water as a wind whipped my hair across my face. When I looked down at the dizzying drop, nothing met my gaze but flat clouds, hiding the treasure of their landscape below.

"We did it," I whispered more to myself, my lips, no doubt a little blue, my teeth chattering but curving upward in gaiety. "We really did it. We're on top of the world!". I heard my voice carry out along the clouds and Bishop stands beside me, looking around.

"Always wondered what was up here." He said over the winds and I have to hold my hair to my neck so it wouldn't whip him in the face. Besides the wind, it was quite.. Peaceful. Like Jarl Balgruuf had said. Being alone in such a peaceful setting caused me to feel , just a little, spiritual. "Shall we?" Bishop asked looking at the large doors. I take a steadying breath, even though it burns like hell due to the wicked winds.

"Yeah. Let's go."

Climbing the stairs, and pushing the doors, we walk into High Hrothgar.

The warmth of inside hits us as we both let out a comforted breath. Within walls that have defied eons our safety isn't guaranteed but enhanced and there is some protection from the driving winds. Cozied to the frigid walls we can at least forget the biting winds for a time. Closing the door, we brush off snow from our arms, shoulder and hair. Stepping around a large stone pillar, I look around and take in my new surroundings. It is built of stones of varying sizes and shapes, each one unique. From a distance it is uniform gray, from up close it is a mosaic of humble rocks, each of them nobody would think anything of, were they loose by the roadside. But together they created this.. Temple? Home for ancient people. The fragrance of incense was heavy and the sound of chimes could be heard in the distance. There are banners hanging throughout the interior of High Hrothgar. Despite how many hang, there are only two separate phrases written on them, they have to be read together to make sense, but the language is.. Like the ones on the walls in that barrow! I step into a wide room and Bishop follows me, no doubt looking around us too. My thoughts are ground to a halt as several robbed people start towards us.

I counted four. Each of them wore a robe that was something like a long-sleeved black dress, black from the neck right down to almost the hemline, where the shiny toes of black boots were just visible poking out. As they got closer, I realized they we're all men. In robes. Yet somehow it was still manly and the black of the robe. One kept walking closer to me, while the others lingered away. The old man's deep wrinkles seemed to carve a map of his life on his still agile and mobile facial features. His eye lines told of laughter, of warm smiles and affection. His forehead told of worries past and worries present. But mostly they were so deeply engrained they told or a man who had travelled through eight decades to that moment; to stand here as an old man. His twinkling eyes were framed by thick white eyebrows and on his stubbled chin were white whiskers.

"So... a Dragonborn appears, at this moment in the turning of the age." His voice was slow and aged. My throat tightened, as I stepped forward a step.

"I'm answering your summons." I state and the other turn to look at one another then back to us.

"We will see if you truly have the gift. Show us, Dragonborn. Let us taste of your Voice."

My heart stops. Taste? Last time I used it; I made a man... Bust. Shatter. Swallowing, I avoid his gentle demand.

"You call me Dragonborn. What does it mean?" I ask and he stands a little straighter.

"Shout for us, Dragonborn. Then we may have time for questions." Heresponds, his eyes never leaving my face.

"I really think it would be best if we talk first."

"Strike us with the power of your Voice." His quiet voice grew a little louder, but I could tell his doubt was becoming higher each time I avoided it. He just looked so... Frail. They all did.

"I don't.. Think that's a good idea." I say, my concern apparent.

"Do not be afraid. Your Shout will not harm us." The others nod in agreement and I figure, they asked for it. Closing my eyes, I search for the feeling... The building, burning sensation I felt. I felt a small flicker, but nothing to push. I was feeling angry when I Shouted the first time. I thought back to the cavern and the pressure in my chest increases. Then, like before, I take a deep breath and the power is pushed from me.

"FUS!" The power is released, sending the men to take several steps back, arms over their face to protect themselves from the wind. Slowly, they dropped their arms, their faces a mixture of shock and.. wonder?

"Dragonborn. It is you. Welcome to High Hrothgar." am master Arngeir. I speak for the Greybeards. Now, tell me, Dragonborn, why have you come here?"

"Who are you? What is this place?" I ask as I look at the others and at the room all around us.

"We are the Greybeards, followers of the Way of the Voice. You stand in High Hrothgar, on the slopes of Kynareth's sacred mountain. Here we commune with the voice of the sky, and strive to achieve balance between our inner and outer selves.

"I want to find out what it means to be Dragonborn." Gods know I had a right to know.

"We are here to guide you in that pursuit, just as the Greybeards have sought to guide those of the Dragon Blood that came before you." Guide? Dragon blood? Okay, I am missing something, though the emblem from outside flashes in my mind.

"You mean I'm not the only Dragonborn? " I still found myself asking. And he nods slowly.

"You are not the first. There have been many of the Dragon Blood since Akatosh first bestowed that gift upon mortal kind. Whether you are the only Dragonborn of this age... that is not ours to know. You are the only one that has been revealed thus far. That is all I can say." All he can say? What the hell does that mean?!

"As I said before, I am answering your summons."

"We are honored to welcome a Dragonborn to High Hrothgar. We will do our best to teach you how to use your gift in fulfillment of your destiny. However, we must ask your... companion to leave." His gaze goes from me to Bishop, and I feel another surge of anger.

"Why?!" I ask loudly, my voice echoing around the stone walls around us. He glances to him.

"Because he doesn't belong here with you, Dragonborn."

---

Authors Note;

Hey guys! Sorry for the silence! Thanks for bearing with me with my chapters. As you all know, I do not own Skyrim or Skyrim Romance. This story is just a story of my weird imagination, and thank you all for joining me on this tale!

Let me know what you guys think, leave me a review if you have any questions or guesses as to how the story will go! I love to hear what you guys think!

Stay awesome!

Serlina's song that she sings while she cooks - The Whisperwood

watch?v=1yaU8VSUh1Y

-IMME