Okay so it has been a while and if anyone is to think that i wont be uploading anymore...

You my friend are dead wrong. Writing and school work don't particularly mix well.

Anyway, I hope to have another chapter up soon well within the next two weeks.

Remember review and follow the story if you havent already ;3

And always enjoy

Chapter 25:

I stormed down the chipped stairs of Dragon Reach, trust the damned Jarl not to do anything while this war rages. I would have to send the Grey Beards a letter regarding a peace council, not quite feeling up to tracking up those steps for one message.

I would also have to talk to Ulfric and General Tullius about going to the meeting, both as stubborn as each other. I sighed and rubbed my temples. Things could never be so simple could they.

Grace still hadn't returned, neither had Farkas since our fight and I couldn't care. If she wanted to act like a spoilt child, I would let her see how far she can get before she gets snapped back to reality.

I entered the hall, greeted by the familiar faces of the Companions. The cool air from the plains vanished as I walked further into the warmth. Vilkas was off doing some errand, briefly saying good bye before leaving, I hoped he would be back by late afternoon.

"Much luck with the Jarl Hana?" Ria asked as I sat down, my muscles aching the whole way.

"No," I sighed, "I have to convince Ulfric Stormcloak and General Tullius to gather for a peace council in less than a week." Ria's eyes widened, her dark brows raising in shock.

"Where at? Certainly not here," she worried.

"Aye, hopefully at High Hrothgar if I can talk to the Grey Beards about it."

"Sounds like a lot of running around for you."

I nodded in agreement at the whelp. I did enjoy Ria's company, she was so lively and sprightful in the hall. I noticed that she the amethyst I had given her planted into a silver ring. If only she knew about the Circle.

I grabbed for a spare piece of paper, and started writing the letter to the Grey Beards.

Dear Argnier

I am requesting upon your approval that a peace council between the two armies generals to be held at High Hrothgar in week.

Whiterun's Jarl wishes that there be a peace treaty while the dragons tear across Skyrim.

I understand that this could cause trouble but this would be the last thing I would ask of all of you that you allow this to happen.

Please reply as soon as you can.

Regards

Dragonborn

I folded the yellow paper in half and left the hall in hope to find a courier in the Bannered Mare or in the market square.

The crisp sunlight was welcome on my skin as I walked down the stairs towards the centre of the city. Winter had passed but it did not stop the coolness from these lands to make its way into Whiterun's walls.

A lone courier stood at one of the vendors in the street. I smiled briefly before walking over to him. "Excuse me, are you able to deliver something for me?" I asked as politely as I could.

"Absolutely. Where do I need to go?" The young man asked as I handed him the letter and a pouch of gold.

"To High Hrothgar. I will pay you double when you come back with a reply from the Grey Beards."

"Done deal lady," he smiled before walking towards the gates of the city.

Now to address the others. I would have to travel to them personally and ask them to attend. I groaned internally as I walked back towards Jorrvaskrr. Since Vilkas or Farkas weren't here, I had to look after the whelps training for the day.

I didn't even know where Farkas and Grace went, probably off into the woods to cool down. I didn't care if Grace came back.

I walked around the back of the hall towards the training yard, thankful to hear the sound metal hitting straw.

All the whelps where outside practicing. Athis and Torvar were sparring against each other, the sound of their weapons slicing through the air.

Ria and Njada were practing against the dummies, straw falling to bits as it hit the ground. As I watched them train from the back porch, my mind kept thinking back to the battle against Alduin less than a few hours ago. I couldn't sleep, my limbs ached and his crimson red eyes felt as though they were trained on my soul.

I hoped that whoever Alduin's ally was could tell me where I had to go or what I had to do to defeat Alduin. I had come so far already with trying to kill this dragon, let alone what else has happened in the process.

Something inside me still felt like I was a whelp. I still couldn't wrap my head around it all. Being a member of The Circle was bad enough. It would have to be nearly a year since I joined this guild. Time tends to fly by when it comes to chasing dragons and wolves.

I let out a deep breath and walked over to Ria, her grip on her shield slipping. "If you let that slip any further Ria, you will get killed." I said from behind her.

"Oh?"

"Here," I laughed, holding her elbow up, "Keep your grip on it strong while fighting. When you can, bash using you're shield." I motioned my arms as though I would when I fought.

"Like this?" She asked as she bashed at the dummy, sending it shaking. A smiled etched it's way on my face as I nodded to her. She smiled back and continued her onslaught towards the dummy.

Aela was off practicing her archery on a nearby target, arrows hissing around her. I sat down on the cobbled path and watched her hit the target with ease.

"Do you need something Shield-Sister?" She asked bitterly. I rolled my eyes at her.

"Just wanted to watch you practice. I'm amazed at how good you are with a bow," I stated, resting my hands behind me.

"I learnt how to hunt from my parents when we lived in the forest," She paused for barely a second before knocking another arrow. "I don't even remember how long ago that was." Her eyes fixed on the worn target.

I barely nodded as I watched her continually hit her mark. I guess everyone had his or her talents.

"How long do you think until Farkas gets back?" I asked her when she strung her bow across her back.

"Hard to say. He could come back any second now or not until tomorrow. You are doing a brave thing about these dragons Hana. Grace should be seeing it your way like everyone else has in this hall," she spoke before extending a hand towards me.

"Do you think Farkas will be on my side?" I asked as she pulled me up from the ground.

"I believe he will." She shrugged as we reached the porch, sculling down a tankard of water. "He won't stray far from the pack. He believes in you more than anyone else here so don't think about it too much."

"I hope you're right Aela," I smiled at her before walking into the hall to pack my things for the journey to Solitude and Windhelm.

I would have to leave by tomorrow morning if I wanted to reach the meeting in time, that is if the Grey Beards accepted. Eorland was already repairing my armour for me, I hoped it would be finished by late afternoon. I changed from my tunic and pants into a loose fitting baby blue dress, barely covering my shoulders.

I stuffed what potions I had left into my bag and placed my weapon and shield next to it. One of the whelps had been sent to grab it for me earlier this morning, and I was glad they did. I couldn't afford to buy a new set.

The aching in my side liked to become apparent when I moved too much in my room. I hoped that on my travels I wouldn't run into much trouble. I stayed in my room for hours until it was late in the afternoon. I sat up from my bed and walked over to place my book down on the worn wooden desk.

I traced over my new scar on my cheek with nimble fingers. If the scar annoyed me too much, I could always head to Riften and speak to the special healer in the Ratways. It has been said that she could change anyone face with a strange magic, not from Skyrim. That is if I was to survive killing Alduin first.

"You know, it does suit you," Vilkas's warm voice spoke from behind me. I smiled slightly as he wrapped his arms around my waist. I leant back into the warmth of his body, savouring it.

"It might suit me but I don't like it," I sighed, flickering my eyes shut. "When did you get back?"

"Less than half hour ago, thought I would change first before seeing you," he chuckled.

"Just as well you did, you still smell," I laughed.

Vilkas planted a small kiss on top of my chocolate hair, holding me closer to him. "Did you have much luck with the Jarl?"

"No, he won't help us until there is temporary peace treaty between the Imperials and Stormcloaks." I grumbled, letting my hand slip down to hold his.

"I'm sure they'll listen to you, you can be very persuasive," he purred into my ear, his stubble brushing against my sensitive skin.

I barely agreed with him as he brushed his lips over the crook of my neck. I almost moaned as he sucks gentle and pulled around my neck and shoulder. "And you call me a tease," I breathed, turning around to face him.

"You are," he smiled down at me, his canine teeth showing. His eyes weren't covered in the usual black war paint, replaced by his bare skin. I couldn't decide which I liked more, Vilkas with or without war paint.

"You're as bad as me," I laughed, poking him in the sides earning a small chuckle in return.

"Maybe," he smirked. He looked up from me and with one fluent motion; he picked me up and placed me down on the bed.

"I like your attempt, but not tonight," I giggled, dragging him down to sit next to me. He gladly accepted the invitation and sat down on the green quilted bed. We sat in comfortable silence next to each other. I enjoyed time like this with him, with anyone even.

Vilkas grabbed for my hand, his rough fingers tracing over the small scars on my own. I had forgotten how I even managed to get those scars, after the years helping my father or from missing the handle while throwing my dagger.

"So I'm guessing you're leaving tomorrow? To talk to Tullius and Ulfric?" He said, tracing small circles on my hand.

"Aye, I don't know how I'm going to get back in time if the Grey Beards accept for the meeting," I groaned, falling onto my back, the mattress growling with me.

"Can't you send a letter to each of them?"

"I doubt they would listen, they're stubborn like the Grey Beards."

A small laughed escaped Vilkas, making a grin tug at the edge of my lips.

"Will you at least let me go with you?"

I propped myself up on one elbow, quirking an eyebrow at him. "You were going to come with me anyway weren't you?"

A small smirk crept back onto his lips. I rolled my eyes at him and fell back down onto the bed, ignoring the pain in my side.

"Did you want to come up for dinner? Or did you want to stay down here?" Vilkas asked, standing up, tracing a hand on my thigh.

I savoured the softness of my bed, debating if I wanted to leave it or not. "If Grace is back up there, I'm going to throw a plate at her."

"As my role as Harbinger, I go strongly against that decision," he chuckled, hooking his arm around mine as we walked through the hall towards the stairs.

"Oh you're so wise oh great Harbinger," I snickered at him, batting my eyelashes while doing so.

We both laughed as we entered the mead hall, earning strange looks as we sat down. I owed it to Tilma, looking after us all in this place. I wondered how much she even got paid to look after us.

"So Hana, what was it like battling Alduin?" Njada asked, stuffing her mouth with salmon steak.

I raised my eyebrows at her, weird to think she would actually care. Her usual helmet had been removed letting her golden brown hair fall short.

"Well he was not like any of the other dragons I have fought," I laughed slightly. I was about to continue when the doors of Jorrvaskrr opened, Farkas entering as they closed behind him. The other Companions didn't take one look at him while he walked across the hall and sat down next to his brother.

He smelt of her, even from here I could smell Grace's scent all over him. I wrinkled my nose at the smell and pushed away my dinner. "So what else happned?" Athis asked, kicking his feet up onto the table.

I gingerly laughed and faced him. "Well, there was this shout he would use. Storm call I think but when he shouted it, the whole mountain would shake and the heavens above rained down boulders. I was lucky I didn't die from getting hit by them."

"What about the scar?"

"Oh that," I sheepishly lifted my hand to cover it, "Alduin hit me with his wings and sent me into some rocks." I'm definitely getting rid of this thing next time in Riften.

"It suits you," Farkas's gruff voice rumbled as he placed down his tankard of mead. His eyes were not burning with hate or anger, but soft like a doe.

I rose my eyebrows at him, surprised he even wanted to talk to me from previous events. I would not want to either.

"I'm sorry about Grace, Hana," he spoke again, looking my way. "She… She headed back to Riften. She doesn't seem to want to come back to anyone here."

My eyes widened at the man, the shadows on his face darkening his expression. I looked over to Vilkas in shock, I was not surprised that she didn't want to come back to see me, or Vilkas…but Farkas?

"I'm sorry to hear that brother," Vilkas said soothingly, patting his brother on the shoulder.

"Sorry but I don't understand," I frowned, "why did she leave you as well?"

"Hana," Vilkas warned, scowling at me. I merely poked my tongue out at him and faced the other twin.

"She asked which side I was on. I picked the wrong side apparently," he sighed, standing from his chair. "I'll see you all in the morning."

"Actually Farkas, we're leaving early in the morning. If you were up for it, you can come with us," I slightly smiled at the heart broken Nord. "For old time sake."

He barely nodded my way before disappearing down the stairs, each step shadowed by generous groaning of the wood.

I slumped back in my chair and palmed my face. I did this to him, I shouldn't have been mad at Grace and Farkas wouldn't be acting like this. Invisible weight shifted on my shoulders, forcing them to sag.

I didn't stay at the table long after Farkas left. I said farewell to everyone as they would not see me in the morning then escorted myself back to my room. When I closed the door behind me, I barely made it to my bed without stumbling.

I stripped myself of my dress, and buried myself into the sheets and few pelts on the bed. I wrapped one of the soft fur pelts around my shoulders, the intoxicating smell of honey and smoke warmed me.

I hadn't realised I still had his pelt, though I don't remember ever handing it back to him. My eyelids started to fall as I laid there, trying not to think about the events to come, worrying about the meeting.

The sound of the door creaking open made me open my heavy lids slightly. Vilkas's familiar frame strode towards the bed and laid down next to me. I shifted closer to him, allowing him to wrap his arms around me.

I sighed into his chest and let my eyes close again. I was barely awake for five minutes before I fell asleep.

0o0

The rocking of the carriage wasn't helping my state. We had woken up early, and left in the brisk cold of the morning towards Solitude. Vilkas sat next to his brother opposite of me, their war paint hardly visible in the dark.

I was surprised when I saw Farkas in the hall, expecting him to sleep away his sorrow from Grace. I still felt the weight of the guilt building in my stomach. Seeing him like this, I felt horrible.

Things were just getting worse. Having to do so much running around for one stupid meeting, convincing to trap one dragon in my home, Grace and Farkas calling it off – I feel like the gods are hating me right now.

I didn't take much offense to Vilkas sitting on the other side. His brother needed him more than me.

Vibrant shades of orange and pink littered the sky as dawn broke above us, our carriage driver humming along to a song I didn't know of, but catchy non the less.

Not moments later our carriage stopped. I furrowed my eyebrows and jumped towards the front of the carriage. I could have fell to the ground laughing. A khajit thief was threatening our driver, his brown fur covered in torn hide armour.

"Just keep going," I ushered our driver who hesitantly commanded his horses to walk on.

"You stop right now or I'll just you all like a fish," The Khajit hissed, his accent lingering.

I looked back to Vilkas and Farkas who were both smirking.

"Look, I either burn you alive or," I shrugged, "You get thrown into the nearest tree. Your call."

The thief just let out hiss, grabbing for the bow on his back. "Keep going," I sighed to the driver before I jumped off the carriage. An arrow hissed past me, too close to the trees than to me. "I warned you kitty," I laughed. "FUS RO DAH!"

The thief was on the ground one second, the next we was pinned against a tree knocked out. I chuckled to myself and paced back towards the carriage that had began rolling again. I smiled up at Vilkas as he held out a hand for me to board the moving open carriage.

I batted it away and jumped up into the wooden carriage, almost falling atop of him.

"You really didn't have to do that," Farkas mumbled as I sat down in my cold seat.

"It was the only thing that could keep me awake," I replied. I still couldn't look at the Nord in the eyes, how pathetic of me. Guilt still corrupted my system as we continued. I still had to apologise about Grace bit could I even mention his name without her breaking his heart even more?

I coughed slightly, breaking the silence between us all. With a wince I looked up at Farkas. "I- I didn't get a chance to say I'm sorry for upsetting you Farkas, well formally I guess. I'm sorry for dragging both of you into this mess."

To my shock, laughter erupted from Farkas. I furrowed my eyebrows at him, my mind not having a single clue why he would be laughing. "If it wasn't for you Hana, I would have to work twice as hard to mess with my brother." He chuckled before straightening his back and faced me. "We wouldn't have been able to do half of the things we did if you weren't at Jorrvaskrr so there is no need to apologise. Grace-" He paused, letting out a shaky breath, "It hurt that she left but your family."

My eyebrows shot up at the large Nord, never would I have expected Farkas to be so… open.

"Look what you did brother, for once she's lost for words," Vilkas chuckled, nudging my foot.

I poked my tongue at him and smiled. "I'm thankful you class me as family and I'm glad we've sorted it out so can we please stop sitting in silence like this?"

The two brothers laughed in unison, I too following moments after.

0o0

"Please, can you two not make a fuss when I talk to General Tullius?" I hissed at the Nords behind me as we walked through the crowded streets of Solitude. It had taken us three days of two days of travel by carriage before we finally arrived.

"Why would we do that?" Farkas asked, starring at the nimble hawks above.

"Because she doesn't want to mess this up ice-brain," Vilkas shoved his brother, their armour clinking along the cobbled street.

"That's one reason," I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. I hoped Tullius didn't recognise me from Helgen, if he does who knows what he would do. He could drag me away and get executed like the man had when we arrived.

I don't want to see another beheading axe again.

Castle Deor towered over us as we approached the open training yard. The constant sound of metal clashing with wood and arrows hissing made me feel like I was back at Jorrvaskrr. Two guards clad in Imperial armour stood out front of the castle, both of their arms crossed and faces stern.

We walked straight past them, they didn't even bother to acknowledge us. Good.

The sound of quarraling echoed down the hall as we walked through and up the stairs. An old man hunched over a map had his fists clenched, a scowl written on his face. His Imperial Armour standing out compared to the others, gold symbols covered the chest plate of his armour and cloth draping from his shoulders. General Tullius.

"Are they letting everyone in here now?" He asked now one in particular, his snobby voice already causing a headache. "You are?"

"General Tullius, I believe we have already met." I sassed, crossing my arms over my chest. Vilkas and Farkas clung to walls of the open room, staying well away from the General.

"Of course, I thought I recognised you. You were at Helgen," he eyed me up and down. It was an effort not to reach for my axe. "You're lucky I don't send you to the headsman block."

"But you won't General," I bit back at him, "I have a message from the Greybeards or are you going to charge them for something they couldn't help?"

Tullius squared his shoulders at me, the Legate Rikke barely able to hold back from reaching for her sword. "What do those old hermits want?"

"They – I want you join the peace council at High Hrothgar."

"There's nothing to discuss as long as that traiter Ulfric is in arms against his rightful Emperor." Tullius snarled, crossing his arms.

"Oh be damned with your politics General Tullius. I couldn't care less about this war right now, the only thing I care about is getting rid of these dragons. Unless you want to lose more soldiers because of them, I suggest you come to this meeting." I growled, the familiar burning sensation danced at the back of my throat, wanting to reeve havoc in the room.

He paused for a moment, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Fine I'll be there. Next time I see you Prisoner, you better watch your tongue in here." He dismissed us.

"The names Hana, don't forget it," I huffed in triumph and walked out of the room, the brothers following me out. Bastard Imperials, all they ever do is think about war and politics. Thank gods I don't have the right mind for that.

"He was Helgen? He was the one that sent you to the chopping block?" Farkas asked as we exited the tower, its shadow trailing us.

"Technically, it was a Legate but yeah in a way he did," I sighed, pinching the bridge of my lightly freckled nose. "If he wasn't part of the second half of this war, he would have been dead a long time ago."

"Can't say I agree with you more," Vilkas said beside me, brushing his hair back. It had grown so long since I left, almost as long was his brothers. It did suit him, but knots where already forming in a tangle heap at the ends.

"What now?" Farkas queered, looking around at the large city.

"I'm not one for drinking, but I could sure use one right now," I chuckled slightly, nodding towards the Winking Skeever. I would never begin to understand Skyrim has such weird names for places. "And no you can't have a drinking competition, we have to leave for Windhelm by this afternoon."

The two brothers laughed off the comment as we entered the tavern, buying ourselves a drink each. If I shouldn't have expected any better from the General to still call me a prisoner, after all war is everything to them it seems. I hoped the talking to Ulfric would be a bit easier.

I leant against the wall of the Inn, enjoying the music and little conversation.

"I've been looking for you Hana, something I've been meaning to deliver."

I almost jumped to Sovengarde and back. I snapped my neck around to see who had frightened me only to find a capped courier holding a note. "For gods sake, don't scare people like that. Thankyou." I grabbed the letter off the young man and unfolded the crimpled piece of paper.

Dragonborn,

I do not like the idea of having the two opposing sides meeting in this fortress of peace but no matter.

I have discussed the meeting with my fellow Grey Beards and they have agreed. So have I.

I hope you know what you are doing Hana.

Arngier

I sighed in relief, a small part of the weight on my shoulders lifted. Now just to get Ulfric to agree to it.

I strode over to the brothers and handed the rest of my sweet drink over to Vilkas. "What? Can't a Nord like you even finish one bottle of mead?" He joked, a smirk teasing his lips.

"I had some so that counts." I laughed and at down next to the twins. "The Grey Beards agreed to the council. We just need Ulfric to agree to come and we should be all good."

"Does that mean we have to leave now?" Farkas pouted slightly.

"Sorry big fella, I want to get this over and done with," I said as apologetic as I could, but sounded more sarcastic.

"You agreed to come with us Farkas, so quit your complaining. I didn't want to come either," Vilkas mumbled.

I spun around and flicked him on the ear hiding under his hair. "You asked if you could come with ice-brain." I laughed, striding off towards the door and into the coolness of the afternoon. I prayed to the gods that everything would be smooth sailing from here.

0o0

"I don't personally want to be in the middle of this peace treaty either Ulfric, but you have to go. Unless you want your whole army wiped out completely by Alduin," I growled, fire burning at the back of my throat.

"Alduin? He's returned?" The bear of a Nord stood there in shock.

"Who else has been bringing the dead lizards back to life? Of course is Alduin!" I barked at him. It hadn't been easy on the way here and I hated my race for all of it. Galmar, Ulfrics right hand man had decided to make it difficult when I explained that I was at Helgen.

Plus, on the way to Windhelm my wolf spirit tried to etch its way into the lands during the full moons. I was barely holding back as it was. I could feel Vilkas's eyes on me the whole way Windhelm and when we where in the city, as though I would turn any second.

"Watch your tongue Hana," Galmar growled.

"Or what? You won't let me join the legion?" I sassed, biting back a scowl.

"Enough, the pair of you. I will go to this meeting Hana. You know we could always use someone like you on our side," The Jarl tried to coax.

"Not happening Jarl Ulfric. I side with the Companions and them only. I will see you at the meeting," I waved my hand at them and walked back down the hall, joining Vilkas and Farkas at the other end. The beast blood burning my skin, sending small ripples of pain over my body.

"Hana, you need to calm down," Vilkas ushered, keeping pace with me as we walked through the snow covered city.

"I might have to but I can't," I grumbled, trying to keep my wolf at bay.

"Did you want to turn when we leave the city?"

I briefly nodded at him, keeping my eyes ahead. It would probably be quicker to get to Ivarstead anyway.

'About time you let me out of this miserable body," my wolf growled, still pushing against my skin.

I chose to ignore it and kept walking past the gates and along the frozen bridge. All three of us split up, choosing to meet along the way to Ivarstead.

As soon as I found a large rock mass, I stripped of myself of my armour and stuffed it into my bag. I let the familiar churning and aching rack over my body as I transformed, each bone breaking and snapping painful than the last.

Everything around me shone in crystal light as I picked up my bag with my lethal jaws and sprint towards the direction of Ivarstead.

Cold wind rushed through my brown fur, each gust of wind biting at any bare skin I had in wolf form. Echoing from the distance, the familiar sounds of howling danced around me. With heavy prints, I sprinted towards the sound.

I paused to where I thought I heard the howl, scanning around the frozen landscape. Without any time to react, I fell to the ground, a large black wolf howling with laughter. His silver eyes brighter than I had even seen them.

I growled him off and sprinted off towards Ivarstead, the twins following in the wake of my footsteps.

By the time I had to transform back, we had made it into Rift Hold, less than an hours walk from Ivarstead. Vilkas and Farkas where a head of me by the time I shifted back, making me catch up to them at Ivarstead.

The sun was setting by the time I reached the small town. I could smell the twins from a mile away.

Vilkas smiled down at me while he leant against the side of the bridge, Farkas throwing rocks at the hiding mudcrabs. "Took your time Hana," Farkas laughed, throwing the last rock he had in his hand towards me.

I easily grabbed it and dropped it. " Not my fault I tripped." I readjusted the straps of my shield on my back while the twins grabbed their gear.

Vilkas chuckled to himself as he walked up by my side, out feet leading towards the climb ahead of us.

Footsteps sounded behind us just as we approached the first steps. I turned on my heel to see another courier, an Imperial, shuffling around in his bag. "Hana of the Companions, I have a letter for you. Just as well I caught you now," he said in an uneven voice.

"Thanks?" I said, grabbing the letter from him. He left without another word. I slipped the smooth letter into my bag and faced Vilkas. "I'm really sick of these couriers everywhere."

"They seem to follow you around like a lost puppy," Vilkas laughed, "Any idea who it could be from?"

I shrugged my shoulders and strode up the first steps, "Probably just M'keenz again either that or Lockan. Could even be Grace trying to apologise. I'll have a look at it when we get to High Hrothgar." The meeting was tomorrow, can't afford any distractions before the meeting.

I hoped the two sides where almost near High Hrothgar for nearing Ivarstead, my stomach already churning its way into iron. If I chose the wrong side, I could permanently make another enemy, well more than what I already have. If worst came to worst, I would side with the Stormcloaks.

Ever since Helgen, I have hated the Imperials. Now and forever but I do not wish to be part of this foolish war that rages around us.

"Feel like being carried again Hana?" Vilkas purred next to me, slightly shoving my shoulder. Farkas supressed a chuckle behind us as we walked further up the steep and daunting mountain.

"You can only wish," I teased, tapping him gently on the nose, "though if we run into another frost troll, you two are dealing with it."

A low growl escaped my lover, his silver eyes low. His usual straightened and postured stance slackened whenever we walked together or when he was near me. His usual wolfish tainted eyes softened whenever I would see him looking at me.

I adored him for it.

"Let's just stick with not slipping off this blasted mountain," Vilkas growled, passing his intoxicating pelt over to me, his scent instantly mingling with my own as I sheltered my shoulders from the blasting wind.

As we continued further, the wind tried to coax us over the looming edge the high we went. No trouble passed our way as we came close and closer to the second highest point on the mountain. Which reminded me. Paathurnax. If everything went to plan tomorrow, I would have to go see the old dragon.

I felt sorry for the ancient being. Alone on his mountain, unable to speak to anyone and just meditate. He needed a friend, I planned on being that person.

The frost bitten stone of High Hrothgar came into view, it's frosted entrance welcoming us to join the warmth inside the hall. If it was warm that is.

"I feel like the Grey Beards are going to hate me for bringing you two along" I sighed, blinking away frost on my eyelashes.

"If they have a problem with it, they will have to put up with it," Vilkas said, wrapping an around my shoulder.

"I hope they won't hate us too much," Farkas frowned as we ascended the stairs.

"I hope not. I think you will get along well with them Farkas. They aren't all that great at words either," I laughed, "Well our tongue anyway."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

I let out a small giggle as Vilkas pushed open the heavy iron doors, the sound of it slamming behind us echoing down the stone hall. The soft putter of footprints following as we walked to the centre of the hall, the scratched diamond still having words of power engraved into the ancient stone.

"Hello again Dragonborn, I understand that you are here for the meeting tomorrow?" The same old voice echoed.

"Of course Master Arngier, I am grateful that you replied to my letter as soon as you did. Both sides of the war are coming and will be here tomorrow." I looked over my shoulder towards the iron door, hoping that no one else would walk through.

"If this meeting will help you defeat Alduin then so be it, but the other Masters and I aren't too happy about it," Arngier warned, "And I was under the assumption that you would be travelling… alone." Arngier's old eyes shifted towards the two brothers, a small scowl pulling on my lips.

"I'm sorry that I didn't run it by you Arngier but I don't really want to be filled in that room with ruthless politics. After this, I will hardly come to this hall," I shrugged.

"So be it. You know where your room is Dragonborn, I will see you all tomorrow at the meeting," Without another word, the old monk slipped past us and down the hall.

I rubbed my gloved fingers over my temple , "And I wonder why I don't want to come back up here."

Vilkas let out a small chuckle, placing his hand on my lower back guiding me to our room. I hated that room, it was either too cold to sleep in or the wind would keep you up at night. If worst came to worse, I would sleep in the hall.

As we entered the spare room, all three of us dumped our bags into the corner and immediately started up a small fire in the hearth. I rubbed my hands in front of the blazing fire in front of me.

Although we were all here, the meeting was tomorrow, something still did not feel right. I couldn't place the odd feeling, but it kept pushing. It's probably just the height of the mountain and the biting cold.

I must have been staring off into another world when Farkas poked me in the side, making me jump. I spun around on my heel, creasing my eyebrows at him. "What?"

"You seemed like you left Skyrim, just making sure you're still here," he stated, throwing out his sleeping roll.

"Aye I'm still here, something just doesn't feel right. I cant really explain it," I sighed, sitting down on the stone bed, it's old pelts fraying beneath me.

Farkas only nodded towards me in understanding. I don't take to much offence when he doesn't understand what I say sometimes, I hardly understand what I say.

"So when can me meet this dragon friend of yours? Paathurn? Paathrun?" Farkas furrowed his eyebrows together, confusion in his silver-flecked eyes.

"Paarthurnax. Paar- thurr- naaax," I laughed, "I might go see him before the sun sets. And don't mention to the Greybeards that you know of him. For my sake."

Before Farkas could even manage a word, Vilkas clasped a firm hand on his brothers' shoulder, "You have our word Hana."

Farkas nodded straight after his brother, earning a small giggle from me. If I wanted to see the old dragon I best leave now. "I'll see you two at dinner," I waved them off before walking into the hall and out into the freezing courtyard. If Vilkas had seen the climb the first time I wondered up to the top, he would have refused me to go. I would say he is controlling, but I was not any better myself.

The bone chilling wind whipped at any exposed skin on my body as I ascended the mountain. I felt bad leaving the two brothers behind, but if the Greybeards caught me, well, I would not expect anything less than to be shouted off the mountain.

Another person I would want to shout off the side of the mountain would be Grace. She knew about Paarthurnax. If I heard that she had even suggested the idea that he was a dragon then she would have one-way passage over the edge of this snow-bleached mountain.

"AH welcome Dovahkiinn. What brings you back up to my mountain?" The croaking ancient voice boomed around me.

"Sorry if I was intruding on your meditation Paarthurnax. I just thought an old Dovah such as you needed some well deserved company," I smirked, "But if you don't want me here, I can gladly leave…"

"You humans and your… humour. You can stay, but you didn't just come up here to talk to me did you?"

I let out a sigh of defeat. I leaned my weapon and shield against the side of the rock I deemed as my seat, thankful the coolness didn't seep through my armour. "Aye, I just need time away from everything. From this," I waved my hand around me, the whole of Skyrim at the end of my covered fingertips. "And something, I don't know what has been pulling at me all day. It began with the beast blood this morning but hasn't left since."

Paarthurnax looked away from me and down towards Whiterun, the city clearly visible in the afternoon light. Dragonsreach looming over the city. "The Beast Blood. Diseased that of Companions from less than what felt like a day ago. I cannot help with this… feeling Dovahkiin. You may be overwhelmed as such."

I stared down at the snow covering my boots, the dark ebony under the snow making it look like the sky at midnight. It was so peaceful up here, the weight on my shoulders disappearing into the wind. "Aye. So, is there any old tales you would like to share with this whelp of a Dovah?"

0o0

Hours passed by the time I descended the mountain, the screeching of ice-wraiths in my wake. Damn things, hiding in the icy ground waiting for anyone to step on them. A new scratch marked my armour as I entered the slightly warming fortress.

The wind from outside howled after me while walking through the halls to my shared room. The boys were probably still in there, either that or Vilkas finding any books he can his hands on.

The sound of soft shuffling feet made me look up, the familiar grey robes and long beared hanging from outside of the hood. "Master Borri," I nodded to the old man, his own voice in reply shaking the old stonewalls. I just hoped that none of them sleep talk.

Paarthurnax had much to say while I was up on mountain, full of wisdom and a occasional jokes, which was hard to think of from a dragon. I made a mental note to try to find any old books of the ancient dragon tongue, making it easier for the old being.

When I entered the room, I wasn't surprised to find Vilkas reading a book, The Atherium Wars from what I could see. If I had time to read another book, I would try to steal that one from grumps. The weight on my shoulders became apparent again as I looked over at the note from the Greybeards. The bliss from hours on that mountain suddenly washed away like the rivers in Skryim.

"Where's your brother?" I asked Vilkas, barely stirring from his book. He peeled his eyes away to look at me, the silver orbs then scanning around the room.

"I thought he was still in here. Guess I got too distracted," he mumbled, his eyes pulled back towards the book.

"Book head," I laughed, untying the latched from my armour. The warmth from my armour disappeared as I pulled it off my body, replacing it with a cream tunic and leather pants.

"Oh leave this Harbinger be," he smirked, placing the book down on the stone bed.

"Careful, you may over use that name Vilkas," I giggled, grabbing out my own book and the letter I had received earlier. I shuffled over to the bed and sat down, leaning my back against his chest.

We sat there in silence, charcoal scratching against paper the only sound in the room. I was a struggle balancing my book on my legs and drawing while Vilkas held my other hand, drawing circles with his thumb.

"You still haven't read that letter?" He asked, breaking the silence.

"No. Most of the letters I receive I don't read. There's a whole pile in my draws back at Jorrvaskrr filled with the damn things." I sighed, careful not to smudge my drawing.

Vilkas let out a small chuckle, his hands wandering up my back and to my messy hair.

"Don't even bother with that mess," I sighed, letting it loose of its tangled braided mess.

Without even bothering to listening to me, he waved his hands through my hair, untangling all the knots that have made a new home.

I couldn't recount how long Vilkas sat there untangling it before he was done. "There. Now you look like a real Nord," he laughed, tying the last piece of leather in place at the end of the small plait on the side.

"I thought I always looked like one," I sassed, lightly pushing him.

"Well now, more than usual," Vilkas laughed again.

We sat there talking until we had a silent dinner. From wherever Farkas had disappeared to, he joined us, looking like he was struggling with the silence. The same young servant from the first time I came here took our plates away, smiling in my direction. The poor girl, stuck up here without anyone up here to talk to other than Arngier, but who would want to talk to him sometimes.

As soon as I made my way back to the room with Vilkas and Farkas, the days of travelling finally caught up to me, sleep beckoning to overcome me. If it wasn't for Vilkas guiding me back, I would have tripped on the stone stairs, bound to add another scar to my face.

Thankful that I changed out of my armour when I did, I would have fell asleep in it. I sat down on the cold stone bed, wrapping myself in Vilkas's pelt. I didn't care if he wasn't in a comfy position. My eye lids soon fell, letting sleep take over my body.

0o0

"By the gods woman you snore worse than a giant," Vilkas grumbled, doing up the last strap of his armour.

"Thanks dear," I laughed, poking my tongue out at him.

"I didn't hear her," Farkas joined, sheathing his great sword on his back.

"You wouldn't be able to hear her over your own snoring," Vilkas growled.

I couldn't help but let out a fit of laughter, the one thing I needed before this meeting. I had heard the great iron doors open earlier, indicating someone has already arrived.

"Quit your laughing woman," he growled, his eyebrows creased together.

"Okay, okay I'm sorry," I giggled, reaching up on my tiptoes and kissed his cheek, snapping him out of his grumpy mood.

"I guess we should probably start heading out there," Farkas suggested, ready to open the door.

"I'll be out there soon. I was going to read that letter before the meeting so I could burn it," I laughed, grabbing it off the bed. The sinking feeling in my stomach hadn't awoken when I woke up. It was probably just nerves after all.

I stood near the fire, ready to throw it in as soon as I was done. It's once smooth paper was now crinkled from travel, silver paint outlining the edged of the seal letter. Very official.

I sighed and opened the letter, too lazy to read it outloud.

Dear Hana, Member of the Companions and Dragonborn of Tamriel

It is with a heavy heart that we inform you today that your parents

Greylin and Dayna

Of their death.

They're family estate was burned to the ground on Morndas, by what we believed was a group of bandits that have plagued the area.

Your brother has been sent the same letter and will be shared with the inheritance from your family.

We are sorry for your loss.

No. This couldn't be right. I flipped the paper over and over frantically, looking for some sign that it was a joke, anything to tell me they were alive. But there wasn't.

I could feel every string in my heart snap, the strength that I once obtained coaxed out of my body. The cool stone was the next thing that I felt against my face, new salty tears pouring like the creeks in Skyrim.

A strangled cry left my mouth as Vilkas kneeled next to me, trying to hold me in his arms, attempting to comfort this sobbing mess. But there wasn't.

Okay i know this was mean...

remember i will be submitting another in the next few weeks!