Heyyyy everybody! Yeah sorry it has been a while since i uploaded.
Okay so im hoping to upload a chapter each week if i can. If it over a week and i havent uploaded, im still working on my chapter oooorr i just havent had time to upload it (laziness :3) any hoo, here's the chapter tat you guys have been waiting so long for.
Always, remember to follow the story and leave a review, its much appreciated
Enjoy
- Rosey❤❤
Chapter 16:
'How the heck does Grace live down here?' Hana pinches her nosed as she wandered through the ratways, in search of the Ragged Flagon. As expected it took Hana two days of travelling by horse to reach Riften and catching the guards out on trying to get unwary travellers to pay tax into the city.
Much had changed since Hana had been in Riften. There were lots more people, and the Black-Briars didn't control everything in that city.
During her 'adventure' in the Ratway, she stumbled across so many lowlifes than she thought. Eventually she could see a door in the dim lighting with writing on it. 'Welcome Visitor,' its said. Seemed to Hana that not many people seemed to go down here often. She opened the door into flagon, slightly relived from the smell of the place. Honey and a mouldy aroma wafted around the tavern making Hana cringe slightly. Water dripped from the moss infested ceiling and walls. The stone glinted from the light reflected from the water.
Walking across the tavern, she could feel the eyes of the occupants eyeing her down with every step. Her armour clinked across the stone floor as she walked closer to the bar of tavern where an man was wiping down the bench. He looked up at Hana with curious eyes, "Welcome stranger, the names Vekel, give me a yell if you need anything." He said continuing the clean the bench.
"Do you know of a man living in the Ratways by chance?" She asked as sweetly as she could.
"Nay, can't say I remember anyone like that. Say talk to the tall red-headed lad Brynrolf, he may know something," Vekel shrugged. "He should be in the market square."
Hana nodded in annoyance. Trust them to make her run around like an idiot. She left the tavern behind her and backtracked to above.
She had never been so relieved to smell fresh air again when she stepped back out into the city of Riften. The wooden pathway creaked below her as she walked to the stairs to the market. She was surprised that she hadn't seen Grace yet. However, she was probably off doing some other biddings, the guild wanted her to do. She pushed her hair away from her face as she walked across the market square, the usual banter of sales people trying to sell their junk. She knew exactly who Brynrolf was. She never heard the end of it from Grace going on and on about the man the man when she was younger. She was acquainted with him but was never real good friends with him either.
She scanned the market for the man in his little stand. He was standing there bantering some form of elixir the was probably rubbish. Hana sighed and walked over the man, a small smile on her face. "Long time no see Brynrolf," Hana cooed at him.
Brynrolf turned around and looked at the young woman, "Well I be damned. Good to see you again lass," He smiled in his foreign accent. "What are you doing here?"
Hana sighed sightly, "Looking for man, goes by the name Esbern. You seen him?"
Brynrolf shrugged slightly, "I've heard of the name, buts that about it."
Hana raised an eyebrow at the man, "Fine, maybe this may refresh your memory," Hana flipped open her small satchel on her hip, finding it empty. That's when she heard the whistling from behind her. Hana spun around and saw a leather clad figure waltzing away from her. By the height of the figure Hana had to guess it was Grace, no doubt about it. "Grace you little shit! Give that back! Please excuse me Brynrolf." Hana ran after her friend around the market, hearing the red headed Nord laugh behind her and into the back streets of the city before she caught up, and tackled her friend, snatching her gold perse of Grace.
"Jeeze someone is in a good mood," Grace laughed as she was pinned to the ground by Hana's foot.
"Well not considering that my friend tried to steal from me, again," Hana jeered, taking her foot off Grace's chest and helping her up onto her own feet.
"Now I'm guessing you're here for your 'business'?" Grace shrugged, rubbing off any dirt on her face.
"Aye, I am and was about to get some answers for it until you rudely interrupted." Hana glared at her friend.
"I can't help that. I'm you guessing you didn't come alone. Where is your man? Or Farkas?" Grace smiled nudging Hana slightly. Hana frowned slightly and looked down towards the ground.
"Ha yeah, funny story about that," Hana tried to laugh but failed. "They don't exactly know where I am at the current moment…"
"What! Hana what the in the nine divines did you do?!" Grace barked at her.
"I didn't do anything! It was my stupid brother that started the whole mess about the Embassy."
"Figures. Well you obviously survived the infiltration but that doesn't explain why you haven't gone back to Jorrvaskrr. How long have you been gone?"
Hana paused before wincing slightly, "Nearly a month…"
"That's it. You're an idiot! Although that would explain why Farkas had sent me a letter regarding if I had seen you. Please tell me you're going back soon?"
"I don't know Grace."
"That's it. After this 'quest' you're going on, you're high tailing your arse back to Whiterun." Grace huffed at her.
"Fine," Hana sighed, pushing her stuborn pride aside. "First you have to help me out, I need to find a man called Esbern. Do you know him?"
"Aye, I know him. I give him food and everything else down there. Why?" Grace questioned.
"You know Delphine? Apperently he is a member of the Blades and I have to find the bastard and take him back to Riverwood, hopefully not getting attacked by the Thalmor," Hana sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.
"I will show you to him, I'm meant to be meeting Mercer at someplace near Windhelm but he can wait, follow me," Grace smiled and walked towards the cemetery.
"Grace, why are we going this way?" Hana asked her friend as they walked towards a small open shake with a coffin in it. A small diamond with a small circle in the middle was centred on the coffin.
"Easier way to get to the Ratway, don't you dare tell anyone about this, got it?" Grace warned.
"Loud and clear midget," Hana laughed as Graces pressed the symbol and stepped back. The sound of stone grounding on stone filled the air, the coffin moving back revealing a passage way with a trap door at the bottom.
"So this is why this is here." Hana chuckled as they walked down the stairs.
"I'm going to get hell when the others see you down there," Grace sighed removing the hatch and climbing down the ladder, Hana promptly following. The same smell from the Ratway filled her nose and made her cringe. "How the hell do you live down here Grace, it reeks," Hana said as he jumped off the ladder and onto the ground. She looked around the room in front of her. It looked similar to the Ragged Flagon except had for small bridges over the centre of water, forming at a small island.
"You get used to it after a while," Grace sighed and began walking, "Keep your head down when we walk across okay? Welcome to the Cistern."
Hana nodded in agreeance as she walked across the large room, avoiding any eye contact from it inhabitants. The sound of arrows being fired made her be on edge constantly as she walked next to Grace.
"Grace, who is this? You may be close with Brynrolf but your breaking the rules!" A fellow thief yelled at Grace as they walked onto the small stone island.
"Oh shut up Vipir, she's not here for long and Bryn is fine with it so shut up," Grace hissed at him.
"Well if it isn't Hana my best bud!" Rune shouted from a table not far from her. Hana rolled her eyes at his comment and walked on with Grace. "Hey guys, you wont believe this, Grace is friends with the legendary Dragonborn!"
Snickers filled the room. Hana spun around he glared at Rune, Grace doing the same. "Shout his arse to the ground would ya." Grace huffed.
"Gladly," Hana snarled, "FUS RO DAH!" A thunderous sound filled the room and sent three other guild members flying to the ground. Hana laughed as they all held their heads and tried to get up. "Don't test me again guys, next time won't be as nice!"
The two laughed and continued walking to the door leading to the Ratway, Grace leading the way. "So why do you need to find this guy?" Grace asked as they went through winding tunnels.
"He knows a lot about dragons apparently and why they might be coming back." Hana shrugged.
"Well it obviously isn't a force from any mages or anything like that for sure," Grace scoffed as they continued to walk further into the Ratways.
"You're telling me. Delphine thought that the Thalmor had something to do with it. The worst that they could do it try to ban them or something," Hana laughed. Grace giggled slightly at her comment.
"Well you aren't wrong," Grace chuckled, "He is just up here, do you want me to stay with you?"
"Just stay back here and wait for me," Hana stated as she walked past Grace and into the opening of the room, heading towards a large metal door.
As Hana walked across to the door, she could hear random nonsense from an old lady down below here.
"There's the Blades agent! Kill her!" An elf screamed from below her. 'Damned Thalmor,'
"Grace! Lend a hand?" Hana shouted from across the room as the elves started shooting arrow at her. Gurgling sounds filled the air making Hana look down. The two Thalmor that were pursuing her, were laying on their back, a dagger lodged in their throats.
"Well that works," Hana joked and turned back to the door. Hana banged on the door with her armoured hand. "Esbern, open the door! The name's Hana!"
"Go away," a rash voice came from the other side.
"Esbern, I'm going to ask you again, open this door old man," Hana warned.
"What no, that's not me. I'm not Esbern. I don't know what you're talking about."
Hana pinched the bridge of her nose out of frustration, "30th of Frostfall Esbern." She sighed.
The sound of iron shifting made Hana look up. A small panel in the door opened, allowing Hana to see the old man. He was quite old and pale and white hair dusted his head. "What did you say?" he asked through the panel.
"Delphine asked me to say that. Obviously that means something to you," Hana said, crossing her arms over her armoured chest.
"Indeed, I do remember. Delphine really is alive then. You better come in then and tell me what you want." Esbern stated and closed the panel. A series of locks started clicking after each other making Hana look back at Grace who just shrugged. "Protectection?"
Hana rolled her eyes and looked back to the open door, walking inside and joining the old man.
"So, Delphine keeps up the fight after all these years. I thought she'd realised it's hopeless by now. I tried to tell her years ago." He sighed, leaning against a table in his small room.
"Well you know her, she's as stubborn as a Mammoth. You have been locked away for too long old man. There is a Dragonborn back in Skyrim." Hana clarified.
Esbern quickly spun around and looked towards Hana, eyes wide. "What? If this is true then there is hope! Tell me where is this Dragonborn, where is he?"
Hana's jaw fell open in shock, "I'm standing right infront of you and sorry that I'm not exactly up to standards." She huffed.
"You? I'm sorry if I offended you, I always though the Dragonborn would be a man sorry. We must go as soon as we can. Just let me get what I need and we can go." Esbern declaired, shuffling around his room, stuffing books and other items into a bag.
"Okay, I will be outside waiting." Hana huffed and walked out of the room and towards Grace. "Great so apparently the Dragonborn is seen to be a man not a damned woman!" She complained to Grace, flailing her arms in the air.
Grace laughed at her reaction, making Hana chuckle slightly, "Well they got that wrong in the books then. Also I hope you don't mind me tagging along with you until we reach the cross road to Windhelm." Grace stated, fixing the pack on her back.
"Thank the Divines you are. I don't think I can tolerate another Blade's character," Hana said while holding her head.
"Okay let's get going then," Esbern stated, walking up behind the friends.
"It should be a five day walk at least from here, if there isn't any interruptions," Hana sighed, "Grace you lead the way out and pray that we pass Whiterun at night fall."
"Why is that Hana? It is safer to travel during the day than at night." Esbern wondered.
Hana sighed and look at the old man, "I'm not at good terms at the moment around that area, so I only ask he travel through there at night."
"Yeah I wonder why," Grace huffed and took the lead, taking them through the winding tunnels of the Ratway. It felt like not much time passed before they walked out of the tunnels and into the daylight. It was late in the afternoon when they exited the gates of Riften and into the wilderness.
"If I find your hand in my pocket, I will cut it off sneak-thief," a guard warned them as they walked past.
Hana looked down at her friend as they continued to walk along the road, "Sneak-thief? Really?" Hana sighed at her friend, a slight giggle following.
"I can't help that I get caught a couple hundred times by the guards," She shrugged with a not so innocent smile on her face.
"You're just looking for trouble Grace," Hana chuckled and looked back towards the road, "We should be able to walk for an hour or so before stopping."
"Fine, but you're taking the first watch, I don't want to be killed by some bandits," Grace huffed, crossing her arms over her leather-clad chest.
"I wasn't going to argue with you, not like I can sleep usually anyway," She shrugged. Ever since getting her beast blood, she has never been able to sleep like she once could. Not waking up in every few hours. It had become a usual routine for her, staying up late at night not being able to sleep.
Grace elbowed Hana and winked; "I wonder why," Hana rolled her eyes at her friend and continued on walking.
0o0
They had passed The Rift hold and continued on into Eastmarch. Exhaustion was wearing at Hana's body as they tracked through the harsh weather of what Skyrim had to offer, each step was more difficult than the next. Grace had been trying to her best to keep Hana awake for most of the day but her attempts weren't working for her.
"Hana, when you stop next, you are taking a rest," Grace commanded her as they reached the cross road to Windhelm.
"Yes mother," Hana giggle at her friend, "Please be safe Grace, and tread lightly in those crypts, there is always something that will try to jump out at you."
"I'm not stupid Hana, I know what I'm doing. I promise you I won't get killed or shot at." Grace tried to assure Hana, somehow she didn't believe her.
"Okay, stop by Whiterun when you can," Hana nodded and wrapped Grace into a hug.
"Trust me I will, oh and give this to Farkas would you," Grace pulled a small amulet out of her pocket and handed it to Hana. On the chain was the same emblem that was on the stone at the coffin entrance.
"I will, again be safe," Hana said while stuffing the chain into her satchel.
"Give me a break would you," Grace laughed as she walked off towards Windhelm.
Hana turned and caught up to Esbern. They hadn't talked much over their trip and may as well make the time pass. They were nearing the edge of Eastmarch and into Whiterun Hold when Hana finally decided to speak up.
"Esbern, when you said a couple of days ago, what did you mean by, "It's hopeless?"
"Young lass, you have are just as blind as anyone else in Skryim. Alduin has returned, just like the prophecy." Esbern stated, excitement in his voice.
"Oh yes, that damned thing," Hana sighed.
"As I was saying, the Dragon from the dawn of time, who decours the souls of the dead. No one can escape his hunger, here or in the afterlife." Esbern warned as they continued walking closer to Whiterun. Hana stopped in her tracks, not wanting to venture any closer to the city during the day.
"Can we stop until night fall? As I said before I'm not walking past that city during the day," Hana whined to Esbern.
Esbern shook his head frantically, "I'm sorry Hana but I need to talk to Delphine, we are just going to have to risk it."
"Aye fine," Hana sighed, her voice slightly shaking as they continued walking. "If we continue at this pace, we should be able to make it to Riverwood just by mid night. Now what were you saying?" This was her best attempt she had to try take her mind off things as they walked closer to Whiterun.
"Yes well he will devour all things and the world will end. I am afraid nothing will be able to stop him."
"So you're talking about the literal end of the world?" Hana asked with an eyebrow raised
"Yes exactly! It's all been foretold as the end had already begun. Alduin has returned and only you are able to stop him." He fussed.
"Well no pressure then Esbern," Hana said rolling her eyes at him and picked up her pace as she continued to walk ahead of the old man.
"But I have the up most amount of faith that you are able to do this Hana, you wouldn't have been chosen for this task if the gods didn't think you were able to do it."
Hana just hummed in agreeance and kept her eyes trained to the road. The figure of Dragonsreach came into view a head of Hana and Esbern as they continued walking. Hana shakily sighed and fastened her pace, making sure the old man could still catch up.
"So why is it that you need to avoid Whiterun? Trouble with the guards?" Esbern carried on.
"Nay, I more or less left with out letting anyone know after a fight. I went past here after seeing Delphine and someone I knew saw me and now they probably have alerted the guards to tell them if they see me." Hana consoled.
"None of my business as to why you left but it must be a someone important if they're looking for you. A noble man?"
"No definitely not. I'm in the Companions, they're the ones who have been probably looking for me for the past month." Hana mumbled.
"My advice to you girl, you can't keep running from them. I'm sure that they will forgive you for running away." Esbern coaxed. Hana looked at the old man and smiled.
"You know, you're not as bad as Delphine as what I thought." Hana laughed bowing her head. She looked up slightly and saw two guards walking closer to them on the road. Hana kept her head down as they walked past, wishing that she had a helmet. "Good day travellers," one of the guards commented as they walked past. Hana sighed in relief as they walked further away from the guards, passing the farmhouses outside of the city walls. Walking past the stables, Hana glanced to the side, making sure that no one that knows her sees her walking past.
"Why didn't we walk the other way Hana, through Helgen?" Esbern asked as they walked further away from the city.
"I was there when Alduin attacked the town, ironically he saved me from being executed before he burned the town to the ground." Hana sighed looking ahead of them. "Well I be damned, we only have two hours or so left before we reach Riverwood."
"You were at Helgen? Tell me what did he look like?" Esbern asked her, excitement in his voice.
"Calm down old man," Hana laughed, " Well was a lot bigger than any other dragons I have seen. His scales poked out of his body and was as dark as Oblivion. And his eyes, they could easily piece someone's soul." A cold shiver ran down Hana's spine at the thought of the twisted Dragon.
"So how many dragons have you killed? Do you absorb their souls as told in the books of old?"
"Aye, I have only helped kill three dragons and all of them I absorbed their souls. It is so surreal honestly, taking in their life form and all. Knowing their knowledge from the past and all." Hana shrugged like it was nothing out of the ordinary, but now it really is nothing different for her.
"Tell me from the beginning what has happened," Esbern encouraged her.
"Fine, but this is going to be a long story old man," Hana chuckled.
0o0
She was exhausted, and the last thing she wanted to do was talk to Delphine and Esbern talking in what Hana liked to call 'The Dungeon.' She was leaning against the wall, eyes closed resting her head on the wall trying to listen to the two Blades commune.
"Esbern what are you getting at now?" Delphine sighed, resting her hands on the table in front of her as Esbern flicks through numerous books.
"You see, right here. Sky Haven Temple, constructed around the main Akiviri military camps in the Reach, during their conquest of Skyrim."
"Do you know what he is talking about?" Delphine asked Hana. She just flicked her hands away at Delphine and opened her eyes.
"Something about a temple I think. I read it somewhere back with my parents. Please I did what you asked for me Delphine, all I aske for you is that I leave for Whiterun in the morning." Hana sighed, trying to stay awake.
"Let her go Delphine, we can send her a letter if she is needed. I need to do some research first before we go." Esbern agreed with Hana. She was really starting to like the old man.
"No she needs to stay here and listen to this. It is her fate that she defeats Alduin," Delphine argued.
"Honestly, fuck fate Delphine. The last thing I want right now is to be listening to all of this. I will stay for now but I can always change my mind bitch," Hana snarled.
"Shh the both of you, you see right here. This is where they built Alduin's Wall. Set in stone with all their accumulated dragon lore. Despite the far-reaching fame of Alduin's Wall at the time, one wonders of the ancient world." Esbern cut in, flickering through numerous pages.
" Where are you getting at?" Delphine huffed.
"Alduin's Wall was where the ancient Blades recorded all they knew of Alduin and his return. Part history and part prophecy. Its location has been lost for centuries but I've found it again. It was never lost just forgotten by the elders of the Blades."
"So you think that we can use this wall to defeat Alduin?" The Breton pushed at the old man.
"Well yes, maybe… I can't guarantee it."
"That's it then. We head to Sky Haven Temple."
Hana pushed of the all and trudged over to Delphine, "Yes why not. Let's just detach the wall and throw it at the dragon, that will fix him won't it. You must be crazy if you think that I'm going tonight or tomorrow. I haven't had a chance to properly for the past month Delphine. I have been travelling all across Skyrim and I for one am sick of it." Hana barked at the woman. The nerve of that woman expecting Hana to be able to go after some stupid wall especially after she has done for the lazy woman.
"I understand that you need your rest Hana but we have to get to the wall before Alduin attacks next!" Delphine retorted back.
"Yes because tomorrow he will just appear out of the sky and attack! If he does I hope he gets you first!" Hana growled. Her skin began to itch and her blood boiled, her wolf spirit trying to make a surprise visit. 'Come on, you know you can easily bite her head off,' her wolf spirit laughed at her.
'Don't tempt me,' Hana cooed back, "I'm leaving tonight," and with that Hana snatch her bag from the ground and stormed out of the room and towards the door of the inn. How could she expect Hana to be able to go on some wild hunt for a damned wall that might not even help. She was through with the whole business.
Thunder raged above her as she walked along the road. She didn't care if it stormed above her, as long as she was away from that damned Breton. 'Just get to Whiterun, fall asleep at the gates if you have to,' she kept reminding herself. Rain pelted down at her form as she trudged further toward the city's plains. The icy water soaked her hair and making her shiver slightly, causing any dirt and her war paint to slightly run off her face as she walked.
She shivered slightly in the storm, wind wrapping its hands around Hana's hair wiping her in the face. All she could think about was just getting back to Jorrvaskrr and seeing everyone in hall, Vilkas more than anything. She still felt the guilt in her stomach weighing her down from the night she left.
What would he say to her when she walks into the hall? What would her brother say to her? Scold her and lock her away in her room again. This time she had done it. Messed up completely. A constant nagging made an appearance in her head as she walked. What if they kicked her out of the Companions and the Circle? 'They would never do that, would they?' she asked herself. Worry set in as she continued on in the rain.
'Well you never know child, Vilkas probably won't look at you the same way again,' Her wolf spirit howled at her.
'Don't need your opinion wolf,' she sighed back. The light of the city came into view, giving her slim hope that it would all be over soon. She quickened her pace, trying to make it to the city as quickly as she could.
Another clap of thunder sounded above her. Then another. Hana stopped in her tracks and looked up in the sky. 'That wasn't thunder was it,' she asked her spirit but got no reply. It sounded again, making Hana spin around frantically looking at the sky. The sky lit up with light from a lightning strike, illuminating the sky with light purple. In the clouds, Hana saw a flying figure travel through the clouds.
"Come at me you damned dragon! I'm already having a shit day now, why not be more of a challenge!" She screamed at the ancient being. As if it had heard her, it plunged from the sky straight towards her, fire raging from its mouth as it swooped down towards her.
Jumping out of the way of the flames, Hana rolled a couple of meters before jumping to her feet holding her axe and shield tightly. The dragon landed in front of her, its golden scales glistening from the rain and reflecting any lightning from the storm above them. Hana charged at the dragon, her axe raised.
The dragon coiled back slight, an orange glow coming from its mouth. "Oh to Oblivion with you," Hana shouted at the beast, knocking its head to the side with her shield. A cry of shock came from the dragon, its eyes glowing with rage. It raised onto its hind legs and flapped it enormous wing, sending it into the sky.
"FUS RO DAH!" She shouted at the dragon, forcing it to lose balance in slight before raising higher into the sky. Hana wiped away the water from her eyes as she looked for the air born dragon. 'Why do I have to do this alone!' she cried to herself, fear setting in slightly.
A screeching could just be heard over the storm above her. Looking behind her, the dragon was bellowing its fire breath her. With no other option, she ran. Leaping over a few rocks, she fell down into a small whole, narrowly missing the onslaught of fire.
Hana jumped up from her position and ran towards the dragon which had just landed, swinging her axe, hitting it where its wing meets its body. Rendering it flightless, Hana smiled slightly before launching herself back at the dragons head, hitting it straight in the eye. It screamed out in pain, flinging its tail. "Not again," Hana yelled at it hit her in the chest, sending her flying. This time she rolled to her side, protecting her head. The dragon raced after her while she stumbled trying to get up. Blinded by her hair, she could just see the dragons form racing towards her, an orange glow coming from its mouth again. Not able to do anything she just stood there waiting for the attack.
Red and orange flames came flying towards her, but she had another idea in mind, "FUS RO DAH!" she shouted again, forcing the flames back into the dragons face making it screech out in pain. As the dragon flailed in pain, Hana wiped away the blood from her eyes from a fresh cut on her forehead.
The dragon was clawing away from her, trying to escape. Hana charged at the dragon, bringing her axe down on the back of its neck, blood oozing from the new wound. It spun around, trying to close its jaws on Hana's frame. Being reckless as usual, she ran up to the dragon and jumped onto its head. Flailing its head to shake Hana loose, she held on to one of its horns bringing her axe down continuously on its heads in the process.
With all the energy Hana could muster, she plunged her axe down into the dragon's skull. Hana jumped off the dragon as it threw its head up into the air before landing on the ground, shaking the earth below her. Try to catch her breath, she watched as the dragons scales burned away from its body. Silver and purple lights filled the air and washed themselves over Hana's body. She let them in gladly, standing in the rain.
0o0
Everyone one was sitting in the mead hall enjoying their dinner, trying to speak over the rain and thunder from the storm outside. Vilkas sat next to his brother, listening to him banter with Lockan about the College.
"I thought your father was a blacksmith not a mage," Farkas gasped at Lockan.
"Aye, he was a former mage at the college before he met my mother in one of the inns. That's why I want to go to the college for a while. I won't be gone for long hopefully." Lockan shrugged.
"Well you're going to have to argue with your sister about that, it she gets back," Farkas laughed.
Vilkas rolled his eyes. Since Farkas seeing Hana a week ago, any spare time Vilkas had he would wait on the edge of the city, hoping to see Hana. Earlier that day he was waiting leaning on the walls of the city when he saw two people walking along the road. He had his hopes that it was Hana but then realised it was probably just some old noble with a bodyguard.
Another clap of thunder echoed through the hall, making the youngest Comapnion jump slightly. "Don't tell me you're afraid of thunder Ria," Aela scoffed as she took a sip from her mead.
"I can't help it," Ria whined, making Vilkas laugh slightly. Another sound rang through the halls, making Vilkas look up. It didn't sound like natural as it echoed through the hall. Vilkas nudged his brother in the side, getting a confused look from Farkas.
"Did you hear that?" Vilkas asked his brother.
"It's just the storm Vilkas. Heck it's a nasty one at that," Farkas shrugged as he took a bite at the meat on his plate.
Vilkas just nodded, not that he agreed it was the storm. He had never heard thunder like that in the years that he had spent in Jorrvaskrr. Again another unfamiliar sound filled the air, almost like a screeching sound.
"What in the nine divines is with this storm," Torvar shouted from across the table.
"Could it be a dragon?" Athis suggested next to Torvar.
Another thunderous sound filled the room, this time everyone heard it not just Vilkas. Everyone fell silent hoping to hear the sound again but a faint roar could be heard. Slowly everyone in the hall went back to the usual banter for the night except for Vilkas. He still had his mind on what that noise was. It definitely couldn't have been thunder, but it was quite plausible that it was a dragon that the guards had taken care of.
"As I was saying, my Father was a mage and he taught both Hana and I how to use some form of magic. Hana learnt a simple fire spell and I learnt sparks. That's all our Father would want to teach us and I want to learn more about it." Lockan chimed in.
"It would be good to see someone with a different ability in these halls other than your sister," Vilkas stated, leaning back on his chair. "Just don't set the hall on fire with your magic."
Aela and Farkas laughed at Lockan who just shrugged. "So Farkas, have you heard back from your little 'friend'," Lockan cooed.
"Nay I haven't. She is probably busy with her guild most likely." Farkas said in a sad tone.
"Don't worry, I'm sure she hasn't forgotten about you." Lockan laughed patting him on the shoulder. Vilkas laughed at how sad Farkas had become since Grace had left. Although he was not one to be laughing at his brother, he felt the same way since Hana had left.
Suddenly the doors to the hall opened and slammed shut. Everyone in the hall went quiet again, making Vilkas look at who was at the door.
The figure was standing there at the door, soaked in water. Vilkas was stunned for words when he realised who it was. Her hair was a mess, blood and war paint ran down her face as a slight smile could be seen.
A slight bang filled the room. An elven dagger was now lodged in the wood of the table in front of Lockan, "Hey everyone," Hana smiled while giving a small salute with two fingers. Suddenly she fell to the ground with a clang, her axe and shield thrown on the ground.
0o0
Hana slowly opened her eyes. Every things was hazy around her but she could see the slight flickering of light coming from across the room. The last thing that she could remember was stepping into the hall, and seeing Vilkas not a smile on his face.
Hana frowned at the memory and slowly got up. She was a sore but did not feel as exhausted as what she had been the past few weeks. Here vision slowly came back to her and she sat up in bed, trying to focus on something in the corner.
She focused on the figure in the corner of her room. Dark hair hung over their face, slightly hunched over while sitting in the seat. His great sword leaned against the wall opposite to Hana, as well as her own weapons that had been cleaned from any blood for dirt.
"Vilkas?" Hana tried to call out, but her voice was harsh and raspy. He shifted slightly from his sleep, slowly lifting his head up and looking at her. He must have been staying awake for however long she has been asleep.
"Good your awake," Vilkas said, the only emotion Hana could register was sadness in his voice. Hana frowned slightly at him, not understanding why he was acting the way that he was. She watched him get out of his chair and sit down at the end of her bed, not once looking at her. Hana looked down at the floor, shame racking through her body.
She noticed that she no longer wore her armour but a simple tunic and pants. She could still however feel the grim and blood on her face as well as through her hair. She knew why Vilkas wasn't saying anything to her, obviously still upset that she left that night.
"You know, you're still scowling," Hana stated while slowly lifting herself from her bed, walking over to the small washbasin in her room.
"I know," Vilkas mumbled behind her. Hana's frown deepened as she dipped the rag in the cold water and wiping down her face.
"Right, like you know how you're not even talking to me like you usually do," Hana scoffed, "Please don't make me get upset with you Vilkas."
Hana heard shifting from behind her, footsteps walking towards her. An armoured hand wrapped itself around Hana's waist. Vilkas rested his head in the crook of her shoulder, his breath tickling her skin. Hana spun around and wrapped her arms behind Vilkas's back, pulling him into a hug. She rested her head on his chest, keeping her eyes closed.
"I won't get mad at you Hana, you might run off again," Vilkas mumbled into her hair as he rested his head on top of hers.
Hana couldn't help but break into tears, "I'm so sorry I left Vilkas, I truly am. I didn't want to leave you that night I swear to the nine divines I didn't want to!" She cried into his chest, tears streaming down her face, onto his chest plate. Before she could say anything else, Vilkas shifted his head and kissed her on the lips softly, her tears mixed in between the kiss. She could have stayed like this for an eternity but Vilkas pulled away before she had the chance. She looked up at him, a small frown on her face, her eyes slightly red from crying.
"I know you didn't want to go Hana, and I understand why. But what I don't understand is why you didn't say goodbye when you left." Vilkas frowned down at her, "And why the hell did you risk racing past Whiterun a week ago?"
Hana sighed a shaky breath and looked down at stone floor, not wanting to look into his silver eyes. "I didn't want you to try and stop me from leaving, you're first attempt was tempting to stay with you but I couldn't bear to wake you and try to leave, mainly because I had to use the beast blood to get away," Hana sniffed, "I also did say goodbye to someone. Tilma, she saw me leave. She obviously kept her promise not to say anything."
Vilkas laughed at her slightly, "I should have known, of course Tilma knew something." Vilkas grabbed Hana's hand in his, pulled her into another kiss. This time soft and gentle, his stubble rough stubble brushing against her slightly freckled skin. Hana couldn't tell how long they were like that for but she was the one to pull away, a happy sigh escaping her lips.
She looked up at Vilkas, his silver-grey eyes peering back into her own green eyes. Hana felt the rough texture of his covered hand on her cheek, nuzzling her head into his hand. "Promise me this Hana. Don't run off like you did again otherwise you will break my heart for the second time." Vilkas said smoothly.
Hana closed her eyes and sighed slightly, "Aye, I promise." She did not know if she was just said it so that she could keep Vilkas with her, or if she actually meant it.
Vilkas slightly smiled back down at her, pulling her back into his embrace and placing a small kiss on her forehead, causing her to giggle. "I love you Vilkas," She whispered to him.
"And I you, love."