hey everyone! New chapter and it's a bit shorter than usual but oh well. I hope a few of you enjoy this chapter as much as i enjoyed writing.

Enjoy!

Chapter 26:

The news couldn't have come at a better time. Right before the meeting, right before I could finally fix something.

My sobs couldn't be muffled at Vilkas held me close to his chest, my tears falling down his chest plate. Farkas had left the room to inform Arngier as to why I would be late for the meeting.

They were there, burned alive in our own home by some bandits that would find it entertaining. I could've saved them, they would still be here if I hadn't left.

"This is all my fault," I whimpered, clutching Vilkas's arms.

Vilkas pulled me closer into his embrace, running his hand through my rarely groomed hair. "No love it's not. You couldn't have known that this would happen," he hushed, trying to stop me weeping.

"But – but if I hadn't left, if I hadn't come here to this place…"

"You wouldn't have seen any of us again," Vilkas sighed, pulling away and brushing my tears away with a gentle stroke. "You would have been the last thing on their mind. How proud they would be that news has spread that their daughter is Dragonborn and will defeat Alduin."

I looked up into his silver eyes, trapped in his gaze. "You think so?" I sniffled.

"I know so. You're my little Dragonborn are you not? Come on, we can either let this keep you down or we can listen to a room of politics. Which one?" He pulled me up with him, planting a small kiss of my lips afterwards.

I wiped away the remainder of my tears and slightly smiled at him, but turned out as more a grimace. "I'll take politics Wolfy."

We both left the room in comfortable silence, his arm wrapped around my waist. Arngier stood outside of the chamber where all the other members had gathered, a rather sour look on his face.

I barely brushed past him as I pit on my mask. Mask of the Dragonborn. I blinked away any tears I had and stood at the end of the table, Vilkas on taking the seat on my right and Farkas leaning against the back wall.

"So are we going to start this or are we just going to stare daggers at each other?" I asked, sitting down on the cold stone seat.

Movement bustled around the room, the sound of armour scraping the stone chairs. People lingered at the entrance of the hall, making me look up from my saddened state. Elenwen clad in her Thalmor more get up, approached the table. Her eyes caught mine, causing in a smug grin to form on her face. "And so we meet again. But this time I know who and what you really are."

I shrugged and half smiled at her, "Elenwen. Good to see you but mind if you tell someone who really cares." I retorted. A scowl rested on her face as she sat down in her chair. I was the one who scowl next, wishing I could throw daggers at the next person to take her seat. Delphine sat down next to Esbern who looked ecstatic in his old age to be associated with the Grey Beards.

"If you two have finished, we may start this peace council," Argnier spoke for the Greybeards, who all nodded in unison. "I hope that we have all come here in the spirit of…"

Ulfric sharply cut through. "No. You insult us by bringing her to this negotiation. Your chief Talos-hunter." I groaned slightly. More drama with more idiots.

"That didn't take long," Rikke sighed, holding her imperial plated hands up to her head.

"I have every right to be at this negotiation, Ulfric. I need to ensure that nothing is agreed here that violates the terms of the White-Gold Concordat," Elenwen stated, a sneer of her lips.

"Please. If we have to negotiate the terms of the negotiation, we will never get anywhere. Perhaps this would be a good time to get the Dragonborn's input on this matter." The head Greybeard stated.

I sank into my chair a little, trying to avoid the gazes of everyone in the room. "I honestly couldn't give a crap if the Thalmor are here are not. I invaded her place so the least that she can do is invade ours. We're equal now Elenwen," I sighed, throwing a hand up in the air.

"But she is only to observe and nothing more. We are not negotiating with her. Is that clear?" Ulfric spat again.

Elenwen raised a golden eyebrow. "Ulfric, who so hostile? After all, it's not the Thalmor that are burning your farms and killing your sons."

I turned towards Vilkas who had an equal scowl that I had. I stood up and slammed my fist on the table. "Oh for the gods just stop your bickering! I know you're just here to end this dragon situation Tullius and Ulfric, I swear if start any more bickering, I won't hesitate to throw something at you or shout your ass's to the ground. Everyone understand?" I bellowed, staring daggers at everyone in the hall.

Elenwen and Rikke sunk back in their seats, while the two battle heads nodded.

"Jarl Ulfric. General Tullius. This council is unprecedented. I ask that you all respect the spirit of High Hrothgar, and do your best to begin the process of achieving a lasting peace in skyrim. Who would like to open the negotiations?" I groaned as soon as Arngier had finished speaking. This was going to be a long meeting.

0o0

I sighed in relief as they began to leave, my hands shaking. They had all ended of even terms, with arguments all the in between that I swear I could still echoing down the hall. A hand on my shoulder snapped me back to attention, finding Arngier, his old eyes peering down at me.

"You did well today Dragonborn, considering previous events. I hope this helps you," As quickly he had spoken to me, he left. I slumped back down in my chair, earning a chuckle from Vilkas.

"Didn't take you long to crack at all of them," He said softly, holding my hand in his.

"Do you blame me. All they did was bicker at each other like an infant."

"Looked the same when you first came to Jorrvaskrr," Vilkas shrugged, a small smirk on his lips.

I removed my hand from his and punched him in the shoulder, hurting me more than him. "Whatever grumps."

"So what now?" Farkas asked from behind us.

I slowly stood from my chair and stretched. "Now. I have to catch a fucking lizard."

I nodded my fairwell at the remaining Greybeards as we left the hall and into the frosted winds. "You can't be seriously going after the dragon now?" Vilkas asked halfway down the mountain.

I raised an eyebrow at him. "What do you think I was going to do?"

Vilkas's eyes locked with mine, sadness hinted through the silver orbs. "I was just hoping you would stay a day or two before."

I relaxed my shoulders a bit. It probably would be for the best. I couldn't know what would happen when I go through that portal. The cold wind bit at my face like the anxiety now pooling around me. I was one step away from Alduin. So close to killing the blight on this land.

But if I left it for too long, I might be too late. It could take decades for Alduin to recover, years, months or even just a week. I had to go, but I wasn't going to just leave Vilkas. I couldn't knowing that something may happen.

I smiled slightly at him. "And here I was thinking you were going to try to get rid of me."

Vilkas let out a laugh, just audible in the wind. "Don't tempt me."

I laughed, creeping closer to home.

0o0

M'Keenz

"So if I just place this here," I spoke to no one.

One end of a broken staff laid limp on the table, another fixed to my hand. My hair clung to the sides of my face, the humidity in this place was like Oblivion. The dull light from the light orbs hung above me as I picked up the broken staff.

If my assumptions are correct, in which they aren't, the two staffs joined together shouldn't do anything but may cause a different staff altogether.

"Well here goes nothing," I shrugged to myself, excitement running through my veins. I jammed the two sticks together, the sound of splinters breaking was the only thing I heard.

"Funny, something actually didn't," I was cut short as a shockwave sent me hurtling through the air and into the walls of this giant mushroom manor. My way of describing it really.

Bowls and scrolls fluttered around everywhere, potions knocked off benches with a sickening crack. The usual.

I blinked away my blurred vision, finding an overdressed Dark Elf towering over me. "M'Keenz! This is the third time this week you've sent my workspace into chaos." He howled, his red eyes full of disgust.

"Remember Neloth, I'm your apprentice. I was just mearly seeing if I could merge a staff of raise the dead and mage light would form together."

"You are the worst apprentice I have ever had, M'Keenz. I hope you know this," He raged, picking up the scrolls on the floor.

"Sure," I winked at him and tried to look for my new creating, only find that it had splintered to bits. "So did you think about my request?"

The Dark Elf spun around and glared at me. "After this stunt, sure you can go. If it means I don't have to put up with your dim head, the better days I will have."

I smiled at him and skipped past Neloth. "I'll take that as a compliment." I floated down the blue transition beam, white particles fluttering around me like fairies.

I hoped that would have been enough that he would let me go. It was worth a shot and that shot succeeded. I rushed into my small chambers and gathered my already packed bag. It wouldn't take long to get to Raven Rock, just had to worry about those Ash Spawn. I hated them, it looked like someone had made an ugly sand statue and gave them magic.

I attached my mace to my waist and rushed out the door towards Raven Rock. I covered my mouth with cloak, making my eyes and ears the only thing visible.

I couldn't care less for the looks by other at this place. They were all elves, they should be used to seeing pointed ears. My parents got ridiculed enough for having a child. Apparently Nords and Altmer aren't exactly one of the most best pairing to have a child. I appeared to be a Nord, had the height and the slimmest build that I could get, but the easy ability to use magic and ears gave away to my Altmer blood.

I could not complain though, I loved my strange ears and abilities. Though I didn't always question how Hana would put up with me. I knew her from when I was travelling and she was travelling so we basically had to run into each other.

I wished that we were a whole ocean apart, but lucky her she gets to see me in a few weeks. I sent her a letter atleast a month ago and haven't had a reply since, to me sounds like a great time for me to visit her.

I couldn't help but have a bounce in my step as I came closer to Raven Rock. I get to meet everyone, I'm very interest in this Vilkas fellow.

The smell of ash and foreign spices intoxicated my senses as I strode into the town. I sifted through my pockets as I made my way through the market circle and towards the docks. I had enough gold for a boat trip and for whatever else I needed when I get to Skryim, hopefully.

"Hi lass, what you need?" The captain of the ship asked, his voice slightly slurred from the alcohol on his breath.

"To Skyrim please," I said with a bright smile, handing over a pouch of gold.

"It's going to be a bit rough but we'll manage, we leave in ten minutes," he stated, walking off and yelling orders at the crew.

I couldn't help but get jittery with excitement. Finally I could see Hana again, and warn her about these Cultists.

0o0

I swear these people must be soft. The cool air wisped through my mousy brown hair, the short strands not even considerate enough to hide my ears from the passing Nords.

I knew I was going to get insults coming here but I couldn't do much. Who knows, I could even find someone like me, high unlikely, but I could.

I hoped that on the way I found a daedra or something useful for potions or just something to snack on. A weird trait of mine if one would call it that, anything is tasty if you think about it too much. I learnt that a long time ago.

I looked over the small map that I had of Skyrim. I just had to make it Whiterun and find the Companions. I was almost halfway there.

The road had been fairly quiet, just the thing I needed to practice a few spells. It was always a shame when my zombie wolf crumbled next to me every two hours, but there's plenty more roaming around here apparently.

I was just about to heat up some salted beef when a leather clad figure came barrelling after me. At first I couldn't tell if she was screaming at me to scare me or the bear behind her. I had hoped it was me.

I bit into my steak, holding it tight with my teeth as I rushed over. Energy pulsed through my veins as I neared the bear that was toppled over the thief. I wasn't stupid enough to know what they were, the leather always gave it away.

"Baard mmbear," I said with a stuffed mouth, sending pulses of lightning straight towards it. In seconds it fell to the ground twitching.

The thief rose to their feet, daggers in hand. "Thanks now piss off," She growled.

"Ancy ancy," I puffed, walking past her towards Whiterun.

"Great now I have to follow some fucking mage," The thief hissed.

I rose a narrow eyebrow at her. "You're coming to Whiterun?"

The thief sheathed her daggers and growled. "Yes and that it none of your business."

"Why did you tell me if it wasn't any of my business?" I countered.

A strangled cry left her mouth, leaving a smirk on mine. By ash mountain she was short, either that or I was just tall.

"Fine. Why are you heading to Whiterun half-bred?" The thief hissed.

I rolled my eyes at her poor attempt of an insult. "Seeing a friend, finding daedra, any normal person would do." I shrugged. "Why are you going to Whiterun?"

"I don't have to answer that," She spat.

"But you will."

Bright eyes stared me down from under her hood. "Fine. I'm seeing a friend too, mainly settling something and getting something back."

I nodded but an idea struck me. "You wouldn't know a girl named Hana would you? She's the reason I'm heading there."

I couldn't remember if I said something funny but the thief laughed. Her hood falling back revealing sandy blonde hair. "By the gods I know her, she's the one I'm settling something with. You must be M'Keenz then. The one who has been sending her letters."

"Indeed I am," I said, straightening up.

"Name's Grace. At least I found someone on the way that isn't a complete fool."

I laughed with her as we made our way closer to Whiterun. From what Grace had told me, Hana was going to so something completely reckless and stupid enough to put people in danger. Seems like her.

By the time midday arrived, the walls of Whiterun came towering over us. Skyrim seemed so surreal, all the wild life and green grass. Something I don't see very often.

"Don't be sad that Hana might not be in Jorrvaskrr, she has a tendency to run off from time to time." Grace stated as we approached the gates.

"Nothing has changed then," I shrugged. She would often leave me by myself when we had been camping together, claiming she was just finding some food. She probably found some cave and got a new sword.

Whiterun wasn't as big as what I thought it would be, but the looming shadow of the Jarl's keep made up for the lack. People whispered around us about the Dragonborn, killing dragons and saving countless of lives in doing so. I wasn't surprised.

"Why does this place have so many stairs?" I groaned, walking up the last set of stairs towards the overturned boat.

"You get used to it after a while," Grace shrugged, running up them and grabbing the door for me.

I nodded in thanks and walked into the warm hall. Three people sat at a long table, enjoying the light display of the fire.

"Grace? What the hell are you doing back here?" A Nord with auburn hair hissed at my newly acquainted friend. "And who is this stranger?"

"Nice seeing you two Aela. This is M'Keenz and I'm here to see Hana. I wanted to apologise to her, and Farkas." Grace said, looking down towards the ground.

Aela eyed us both carefully before nodding towards the seats. "They should be getting back by late tonight. Feel free to help yourself M'Keenz." Aela offered.

I had the rest of the day to wait for Hana. I couldn't promise to anyone that I wouldn't set fire to something.

0o0

Hana

I hated these long trips, they made me think too much. Think too much about past events. I wouldn't be surprised if my brother was on his way to Jorrvaskrr now to talk about our parents. It killed part of my heart knowing there was no way I could have saved them.

"Hana, stop over thinking it," Vilkas said.

I looked up at him with confused eyes. "I'm not."

"You are. Your feet drag and your eyes give it away."

I sighed slightly and shrugged. He only knew because I dragged my feet, there was no way he could have seen my eyes in this light. No moon shone tonight over us, making it hard for anyone else to see, except for the cursed. I had to thank the beast blood for this ability.

"I can't wait to get some food," Farkas grumbled next to his brother. The poor fellow ate all his rations last night and didn't save any for todays trip.

"That's your fault you oaf, you already ate mine so quit your complaining," Vilkas grumbled.

I laughed slightly. " Don't be so hard on him. You're not much better when your hungry."

Vilkas mumbled under his breath, low enough I couldn't hear him.

The dim lights of Whiterun glistened ahead of us, mashing in with the stairs above. I was to be home and I planned on making the most of it before I leave. I couldn't tell how long I would be gone in Sovengarde, if time worked differently there than here. Knowing the gods, I could probably be gone for a while for everyone else here.

"How am I going to leave this place in two days?" I sighed to myself, sadness bounced off the end.

"You won't be leaving this place for good, Hana ," Vilkas's hand gripped at mine, "You'll come back."

I smiled briefly at him, before returning my gaze back to the gates of the city. The streets were quiet as usual for this time of night. My heart fluttered slightly remembering how deathly quiet it had been when Kodlak left us.

My thoughts were cut short when an eruption of hissing and smoke echoed above us. I glanced at Vilkas with worry who had already heard the same thing. We all sprinted towards Jorrvaskrr, my feet taking me as quickly as I could.

I rushed up the stairs and towards the back patio of the guilds home. People were laughing around as two people stomped out small fires on the ground, not bothering with the smouldering dummies behind them.

"What in Oblivion is going on?" I yelled, my own fire burning in the back of my throat.

Aela stepped out from the group and shook her head. "Your friend was the one who did this."

"Who?"

A scream of joy filled the air, a smouldering woman came barrelling towards me. "Hana! You didn't die!" I knew that voice anywhere. M'Keenz.

I smiled a her and shook my head, giving her a tight hug. "What the hell are you doing here and why the hell did you just blow up half of the training yard?"

My mage friend just shrugged, a smile toying on her lips. "We got bored, besides it was Grace's idea."

My eyes instantly shifted to the small figure behind M'Keenz. "Excuse me for a minute."

I walked away from M'Keenz and towards the Breton. "What the hell are you doing back here?"

"Jeeze thanks for the welcome." She sassed, pulling back her hood.

"Answer now or you will be one of those dummies."

"I'm here to say sorry okay. I finally found a place that was like a home and didn't depend on me for everything, then I messed up and left it. I know I acted like a child when I was here and I want to say I'm sorry for what I did," Grace said, her eyes pointed towards the ground.

I smiled in relief at her. "Did you rehearse that on the way here?"

"Maybe." She laughed. I pulled her in for a tight hug but was cut short.

"Grace?" A gruff voice said from behind us.

"Hey big fella," Grace said softly but not quick enough to stop Farkas from walking away. Grace detached herself from me and chased after Farkas. More drama she would have to resolve.

I shook my head and turned back to M'Keenz who was eyeing up Vilkas. I rose my eyebrows at her. "You all good M'Keenz?" I asked.

Her head snapped to me and she smiled. "Is that Vilkas? He looks like a Vilkas."

I laughed at her, "Yes that him. No you cant use him for experiments with magic. He hates the stuff."

"I never said I hated it," Vilkas chimed in, wrapping a hand around my waist.

"If you two get any closer, I'll use a separation spell on you," M'Keenz warned, crossing her hands up infront of her.

"I'm pretty sure there isn't a spell for that," Vilkas stated, a scowl on his lips.

"I'll find one, watch me."

I rolled my eyes at my friend and jabbed Vilkas on his arm. "Oh stop you two. Can we just head inside before we freeze?"

"Oh um yeah," M'Keenz said cautiously.

"What did you do?" I eyed my friend down but she didn't reply.

I furrowed my eyebrows together and walked into the hall.

The whole place was a mess, cups and plates laid strewn on the floor, parts of the beams slightly singed.

"I hope this wasn't your doing M'keenz," I growled at her.

She avoided eye contact as we made our way further into the hall. Everyone was inside except for Torvar. That's when his snores echoed in the hall, not from a bench but from above.

Torvar floated aimlessly above us, a purple light surrounding him. I buried my head in my hands and sighed. This will be a long two days.