Finally chapter 3 has arrived! I hit a serious amount of writers block and finally broke through it last night! It didn't help that with the flashback scene I went back and forth, a lot, if I wanted to leave in or take it out, and decided I would go ahead and leave it. It gives insight of how Rhys came to where she is in the present, etc.

I'm sorry if Rhys seems a little back and forth at points. I figured that she would just be trying to figure herself out given what she has done and isn't really able due to continuous curve balls from life coming her way. However, I think within the next few chapters, that might slowly start to change...But I don't intend on dropping this story or making it too fast paced. I want to take my time with it and see where it goes.

But enough rambling! I'll let you get to it and I just want to thank you for stopping by! ^^

Chapter 3:

An Unexpected

Visitor

6:05 a.m, 18th day of the Last Seed.

"...Shut up!" Rhys's mind was still fogged over, dreams continuing to swallow her. Her body jumped as howls entered her mind, a fuzzy creature appeared with long claws. The fur was matted and scraggly all over...

"SHUT UP OVER THERE!"

The twenty-five-year-old woman jumped awake, breaths heavy as the angry voice brought her out of her sleep-induced stupor. Her stomach swirled as nausea set in, the dank air choking her as sweat rolled down her face, soaking her shirt around the collar.

Her body quickly moved off the cot, to a nearby pot on top of a grate, just as bile and acid rose in her throat. Muscles seized as her stomach heaved, as if trying to rid itself of the dreams she had. Once she finished, Rhys's throat burned and her body ached as she tried to catch her breath. The woman hadn't expected to even dream last night, let alone about dragons...or wolves? She hadn't been able to tell once she had been woken by the shouting.

"You've been shoutin' in your sleep all night milk drinker!" Rhys dared to look out of the cell door, seeing a man in a cell across from hers. He was burly looking, head clean-shaven, and a scar ran along the right side of his jaw. Slowly, a malicious smile crept onto his face, fear welling in Rhys's stomach.

"Sorry." She told him, finally finding her footing as she stood. Her feet carried her closer to the cell door, just to get a look around. A few guards patrolled, but other than the man across from her, the dungeon seemed to be empty.

"...Of course, I would have nightmares too, if I were a murderer...Word gets around..." The man watched her amber eyes lock onto him and he chuckled as her face turned a bright shade of red. "Luckily I'm nothing but a drunk and it will fade away, but you...You will always have the blood on your hands..."

Rhys backed away from the bars quickly, ducking out of sight as her hands shook. Mikael's face flashed before her and she scrunched her eyes shut, crouching down. She placed her hands over her ears as a high-pitched whining entered them, memories trying to push through.

CLANG. CLANG.

"You have a visitor." The sudden noise interrupted the downward spiral, prompting Rhys to look over, seeing the guard let someone into her cell before locking it behind them. Hot tears sprung to her eyes at the familiar face, hazel green eyes and copper-colored hair in its usual bun, a few wisps of hair falling out. She looked tired but not from lack of sleep, it seemed it had been from worry because no sooner had Rhys stood, the woman in the golden yellow gown and beige apron, took Rhys tightly in her arms.

"...Hulda..." Rhys choked out into the woman's shoulder, tears slicking her cheeks.

"Curse you girl." Her warm hand cradled the back of Rhys's head, dark hair tangling around her fingers. "I have been worried sick about you." Hulda could feel how tightly the girl was holding onto her and she couldn't help but do the same, putting several kisses on the side of her head.

For several long minutes, neither of them said a word, just relishing in the fact they were able to see one another again. Although, Hulda was the first to break the embrace, soon looking Rhys all over, frowning at the bruising on her face, body, and the still swollen lump on the top of her head.

"You're hurt!"

"Hulda-"

"My sweet girl, who did this to you?"

"I was-"

"I should give them a good thrashing!" Hulda continued to fuss over her until Rhys took her wrists and shouted.

"Hulda please!" The woman stopped, seeing Rhys's eyes glaze over with tears. She gently took Rhys's hands off her wrists and guided her over to the cot, both of them sitting down. Hulda reached into her apron, pulled out a hair tie, and guided Rhys so she could braid her hair.

"Rhys, what happened? Saadia told me, but I want to hear it from you." The young woman relaxed, feeling Hulda's gentle tugs on her hair, careful to avoid the tender spot.

"...I ran...I ran after I..." Rhys cleared her throat, hoping to get through it without crying. "I got caught in an ambush...I was going to cross into Morrowind and hopefully make my way over to Cyrodill. (*) I didn't know what else to do and I couldn't bear the thought of you-" She couldn't help but sob, a few tears slicking her cheeks. "Of hurting you because of what I've done. The idea that you would hate me..." Rhys shook her head.

"I see..." Hulda continued the plaiting of raven hair, the wheels of her mind turning. "What else aren't you saying?" She felt Rhys tense up and it confirmed her suspicions. "My dear I have taken care of you for almost twenty long years, there's nothing you can hide from me."

"If I tell you, she'll-" Rhys clapped a hand over her mouth, heart beating madly. Hulda finished the woman's hair, gently causing the girl to face her. She saw fear in the girl's eyes, but it dissipated as Hulda took her hands, holding them tightly.

"There is nothing anyone can do to me. I'm tougher than I look..." She looked over to the cell door to make sure no one was listening. "I am here for you and no one else. I will not say a word if you don't want me to."

"I'm so sorry Hulda..." Rhys's chin quivered before she let Hulda embrace her, burying her face into the woman's shoulder. "I'm so sorry."

Hulda smiled softly, resting her cheek gently on Rhys's head as she rubbed the girl's back. It was funny to her really, that no matter how old Rhys got, the girl seemed to always need some sort of affection and she supposed, that she would never really get over that. Her mind trailed back to when she had first taken Rhys in, and honestly, it had been the last thing she had planned.

4E 177, Riften. 23rd of Evening Star.

"We'll be sure to load the mead for you, Mrs. Hulda."

"See that you do and don't worry about the Mrs. I'm only thirty-two after all. I'll be at the Bee and Barb until then. Send a courier when you're finished. I have to return to Whiterun as soon as possible." The meadery clerk nodded, soon going about his business. Hulda made sure her cloak was wrapped tightly around herself before heading out into the blistering winter winds.

For a town full of thieves, Riften seemed to be in high spirits this Evening Star, the lanterns shining brightly. Everyone who milled about had a little extra mirth, though the alcohol in many hands seemed to be playing a big part. Fat white flakes fell from the sky, signaling that a snowstorm seemed to be on the horizon and it was all the more reason to get the Black-Briar mead back to Whiterun.

If Hulda didn't make it out before it became a blizzard, there was no telling how long she'd be stuck in Riften and one didn't want to be stuck here for too long. As she made her way from the meadery, the copper-haired woman decided to take a small stroll before heading to the warmth of the inn.

The market didn't hold anything of interest, especially with the male vendors hanging mistletoe above their stations. Hulda rolled her eyes at the childishness of it all, only to be knocked over into the snow, causing her to gasp in a brief amount of pain.

Her hazel eyes fell upon a small figure before her, raven black hair in tangles and amber eyes wide with fear. Shouting entered the air and Hulda's gaze fell upon a craggy old woman, running down one of the wooden planked walkways. Without thinking, Hulda stood quickly, tucking the young girl under her skirt and cloak. Something told her to hide the young girl, to keep her safe.

"YOU!" Hulda's heart quickened as a bony finger pointed at her. "Did you see a little girl run this way?"

"No ma'am." The woman croaked out, trying to sound confident. "Why? Did something happen?"

"That little guttersnipe belongs to the Orphanage. She has tried to escape again! She's been here only a year and has been a lot of trouble!" Hulda felt her blood boil, finding it harder to keep her cool.

"I'm sorry, I can't help you. Maybe you should check in with the guards." The old woman just waved her hands, a sneer on her face.

"Bah! You know what, good riddance! Let the winter take her!" The old woman stalked away, her angry posture giving her heavy footfalls. Hulda waited until she was long out of sight before pulling the girl out from under her skirts and cloak. She shook from the cold and tears floated along the rims of her eyes.

"Come with me." She told her, lifting the child as they hurried to the Bee and Barb. Once inside, she informed the proprietor to send up an extra portion for dinner before hurriedly going to her room. Hulda set the girl down, stoking the fire to build up the warmth in the room soon turning to the girl.

Her clothes had certainly seen better days and unfortunately, there was nothing Hulda could do about that. However, she made her way to the dresser grabbing a comb and a hair tie, hoping to at least get the girl's dark locks out of her face. Although, when she moved toward her, the little girl shrunk back, a few tears slicking her round cheeks. Hulda knelt to eye level, giving her a soft smile.

"It's alright. I won't let her find you...I just want to help." The girl twiddled her fingers and swayed back and forth in nervousness, before taking a shaky step forward. She reached out, feeling the soft texture of Hulda's dress, and the woman just waited patiently until the little girl sat in front of her. The woman delicately brushed the child's hair, though it was challenging, pulling it back into a single braid.

The little girl was silent all the while, soon leaning into the older as if she relished the touch. She whined when Hulda stood to put the brush away, great tears falling quickly before sobs and screams entered the air. Hulda jumped slightly at the suddenness of it all before turning around to find the little girl's face screwed up and twisted in hurt. Part of her wanted to scold the child but the woman realized that this wasn't a tantrum, something terrible had happened to this little girl.

Heartbreak radiated off her in a way the woman hadn't seen in quite some time. Not since she lost her parents and her husband all in the same year. It had taken Hulda quite some time to be alright after that and if it wouldn't have been for a few friends in Whiterun, she wouldn't have made it. The woman was unsure really of how to take care of children since she never got to have any of her own, but hearing her cry brought a sense of urgency to Hulda.

"Hey," Hulda scooped her up and held her tightly, rubbing her back in small circles. "It's alright. You just cry."

She felt small hands grasp at the fabric of her dress, holding on tightly as if Hulda might disappear if she let go. Smiling softly, the woman just shook her head, knowing she was in it now. There was no way she could leave this girl behind to suffer.

"How about you come home with me?" The girl said nothing, but bit by bit she calmed as Hulda began to sway back and forth. Only a small nod followed by a sniffle came from the child. "Then it's settled, you'll come with me and Whiterun will be home to you now...My name is Hulda."

"...Rhys..." A raspy voice choked out and Hulda just hugged the girl a little tighter. This was all a little funny really, the woman hadn't realized she needed someone in her life again. It was a good feeling and she hoped that someday, for Rhys, it would be too.

"Come on. Visit's over."

"Look Nakir, don't make me talk to your parents." Hulda frowned at the guard and she heard him sigh.

"Fine. You can have a few more minutes but that's it." The man walked away, the breakfast tray having been slid through the bottom of the cell door. Hulda smiled to herself as she made to bring the tray over to Rhys. The girl picked at the bread and cheese, not feeling very hungry.

"Rhys, you need to keep up your strength. Divines know how long you'll be here." Hulda told her, placing a warm hand on her shoulder.

"I'm not in the mood to eat...I didn't sleep well."

"Well promise me you will at least try, in a little while?" Hulda took the tray and Rhys watched as the woman placed it on the table. The copper-haired woman watched as Rhys nodded, a few stray, raven hairs falling from the plait before the girl tucked the strands behind her ears.

"Hulda...Do you hate me? Knowing what I did?" Rhys watched heartbreak wash over the copper-haired woman who now knelt before her.

"My girl, I can't hate you. I want to understand why you did it, but you're obviously not ready to tell me..." She paused. "I've known you almost your whole life and you've not done anything without reason."

"Does your faith in me ever waiver?" Rhys smiled softly, eyes misty. "I wish I could have as much faith in myself as you do." She shook her head and felt Hulda take her hands, giving them a small squeeze.

"Maybe what you need is some direction. Something to show you how to." Rhys shrugged. "If you get out of here, go and speak to Kodlak Whitemane. He might be able to offer some guidance. The Companions are looking for some help."

"Honestly Hulda I am not Companions material. I mean sure, I'm strong, but-"

"Will you stop being so hardheaded for five minutes?" Hulda rolled her eyes to which the girl before her snickered slightly as the woman stood. "Just think about it...And Rhys,"

"Hmm?"

"Stop biting your nails. You're going to get a hand growing in your stomach." The girl rolled her eyes and stood to hug the woman tightly.

"...I love you, Hulda..."

"I love you too kid..."

4E 201. 11:52 pm, Dragonsreach Dungeon, 3rd day of Frostfall.

Over the following months after her imprisonment, Rhys found the only thing that truly kept her sane was her weekly visits from Hulda. The woman's presence chased away her continuing nightmares of Dragons and Werewolves. She had yet to tell Hulda about the secrets and dreams she guarded, but whenever she tried, the fear that formed in her stomach stopped her short.

It was no matter as it seemed Rhys was going to be here for quite some time, no signs of what her punishment might be. The only thing the young woman could catch from the patrolling guards about anything was the sporadic dragon attacks, but it seemed as though it had quieted down in the last few weeks.

"I just wish-" Rhys panted as she continued push-ups. "Someone would tell me something." Working out had been a way to assuage her boredom, though the girl figured it was completely useless. However, when she focused on the physical workout, her mental state was quiet and unable to torment her. She had noticed that her appetite had begun to return, though Hulda's persistence played some part in that.

CLANG. CLANG.

The sudden noises caused Rhys to stop mid push-up, her muscles tensing up. She made to stand as a guard entered her cell. He said nothing, only standing there his eyes on her as he waited. Rhys dared to move and step out of the cell, finding another guard outside.

"The Jarl is requesting your presence." He began walking and the woman followed him, the other guard staying behind her. The walk was heavy with silence, Rhys's stomach churning with fear and yet relief bubbled, knowing the day had finally come. It was odd, but she wanted to atone for what she had done, it was only right.

When the trio finally arrived before the Jarl's throne, it was no less intimidating than it had been two months ago. The Jarl straightened from his leisurely state when he saw Rhys appear before him, looking slightly disheveled and sweaty. Dirt from the cell was sprinkled on her clothing and face, hair in a tangled braid over her shoulder. He nodded to the guards, who descended the dais and stood as still as statues.

"My Jarl." Rhys couldn't help but keep her gaze downcast, still remembering how it felt locking eyes with Jarl Balgruuf. The man noticed the woman's tense stature as she stood before him, the slight shake of her legs.

"Miss Dahlgren, I suppose it seems I have kept you waiting for some time." He watched as she slowly met his gaze, concern settling on her face.

"Have you come to a decision my Jarl?" He soon stood, clasping his hands behind his back. Rhys took note of his height, the way torchlight bounced off his blonde hair, and his blue eyes were ever piercing.

"In a way I have. Walk with me." He gestured with his head to a staircase off to the left of his throne. Rhys followed him, absentmindedly chewing on her fingernails as they began their ascent. She also soon noticed that the Elven woman, whom she found out was named Irileth, followed closely behind. Always watching, always observing. "Over the last two months, I found I was divided on what I should do. I sought many audiences with those who were victims of the bard and others in the city, to gain as much knowledge as I could."

They soon stopped at a war table, a map spread out and pinned. Several red and blue flags littered the map to which Rhys only knew that the Imperials were represented by the red ones and Stormcloaks with the blues. Other than that, she did not know much about the war or politics, usually too busy helping out at the Bannered Mare to pay attention.

Jarl Balgruuf noticed Rhys quickly bring her hands down to her sides, his eyes flicking to her slightly bleeding fingers. He knew all too well that she had been biting her nails, he had seen that type of nervousness before and the man supposed he should move the conversation along.

"Irileth, please retrieve Farengar from the Porch."

"Jarl Balgruuf-"

"She will do me no harm Irileth." The Elf hesitated before nodding and making her way up another flight of stairs, leaving Rhys alone with the Jarl. She watched as he sat on the corner of the table, crossing his arms. "Now where were we?"

"You were talking about knowledge?" Rhys swallowed hard and watched as the Jarl nodded.

"Right...After all that, I have decided to leave your fate up to the Divines."

Rhys felt her eyes widen slightly, mouth turning slightly downward unsure of how to feel. This was certainly not what she had expected nor what she expected of her fellow townspeople. Especially Ysolda, she knew for sure that the woman would no longer have a kind word to say about her. What was to keep her from coming after her?

The blonde took note of the look of shock on her face. He had also been surprised at the idea, knowing usually how the law went when it came to serious crimes such as hers. However, he had noticed the inconsistencies when it came to the murder of Mikael the Bard. Just as he took the claims against the man seriously when they were brought to his attention. However, he had yet to figure out why the woman before him had taken his life.

Jarl Balgruuf just had a feeling that if he sentenced her to death, something worse would happen. It bothered him that he didn't know why that feeling rose in him, but he felt if he left it up to the Divines, it would be out of his hands. They would be able to decide if she lived or died, and if she lived then her life might have a greater purpose he could not see. However, if she died, life would seemingly go on. This would not be the first time that he issued this type of punishment, having dealt it out to a repeating thief years ago, but he didn't live to tell the tale.

"My-my Jarl I don't -" She shook her head, not comprehending. When her eyes locked onto him, he felt his breath catch. Something was different about them now as tears threatened to spill over her lids. "Are you sure? What will the other townsmen say? Ysolda?" He sighed and Rhys watched his face soften, her chin trembling.

"There is no need to worry. The proper councils and audiences have been held, I assure you I have taken great care. You are not the first prisoner and certainly won't be the last." He paused, daring to wipe a few of the tears that had slipped down her cheeks. "Everyone deserves a chance to make up for their crimes."

The woman's heart clenched at the way he said those words as if he weren't saying them about her. Surely he didn't mean himself...Did he? Rhys mentally shook her head, not putting too much stock in it. She had to have imagined that...

"Thank you my Jarl." She sniffed, trying to quell the quivering tears still in her eyes.

"As part of your due diligence to the city and its people, you will help my court wizard, Farengar. He was in charge of the healing sessions for you..." Rhys watched him stand up, now leaning over the map. His eyes searched it over until he found the proper point of interest, a strong finger making contact with the map. "You, along with an escort, will make your way to-"

"Bleak Falls Barrow?" Rhys dared to edge closer, looking at the map. Her mind brought her back to the couple in Riverwood...She was sure they had mentioned something about it before, but what had it been?

"Ahh, so you've heard of it then. That's a good start...The easiest way to get there is through Riverwood." He watched as the woman nodded, albeit hesitantly. "I've also sent word to Eorlund Gray-mane. He is to fit you with armor and a weapon of your choice for your journey. Once that is finished, your escort will meet you at the Bannered Mare."

"My Jarl I've never fought. I am just a chambermaid I cannot-"

"You summoned me Jarl Balgruuf?" The familiar wizard interrupted, as he approached the war table. All the while, Irileth watched the girl closely, daring her to try something. Her unbreakable gaze sent a chill down Rhys's spine.

"Yes, Farengar. I have someone who will be able to help with your research. Go ahead to your study and fill her in on all the details."

"Of course Jarl Balgruuf. Come along." Farengar gestured for the girl to follow and the pair made their way downstairs and into a very familiar room. Rhys had been so thankful for the wizard's skill in restoration, it had made it easier after a while to move around. Although the cells weren't very big in the first place...

"So," Farengar started, pulling out several books and papers, setting them on the large table. "The Jarl thinks you can be of use to me? I suppose with those healing sessions after you arrived there is some truth in that." Rhys felt her face grow hot, a blush spreading across her cheeks.

"Thank you for that. I never got a chance to-" He waved a hand, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"You couldn't exactly do that whenever you wanted." Farengar watched the dark-haired woman try to stifle a smile, though it wasn't successful. "Now, onto business. Though it's part of a punishment, it'll be very helpful to me...All of us really, if you succeed. If you don't, well..." He shrugged.

"...Um..." Rhys was unsure of what to say to that, her mouth opening and closing like a fish. Thankfully, Farengar decided to continue, not noticing as he thumbed through a book.

"What the Jarl was referring to when he spoke of my research was this..." He found the page he was looking for and set the book down on the table in front of Rhys. A goldenrod-colored creature stood out on the page, wings spread out in flight as flames erupted from its jaws. Notes were scrawled hastily in the margins, but as Rhys stared at the being, her heart quickened, palms becoming sweaty.

"Dragons?" The woman questioned, voice shaking.

"Yes. Dragons..." Farengar repeated before continuing. Now Rhys understood what the Jarl meant by letting the Divines decide. Sure they would decide, but there was a very good chance that dragons would help them along the way.

'A chambermaid against a dragon? Talos save me.' The young woman shook her head, knowing she was as good as dead.

The last part of this chapter has to be my personal favorite yet, especially since I'll get to write stuff for Bleak Falls Barrow soon! Everything is starting to feel a little more natural when I write it, which is very helpful. But thanks for r&r! ^^

In Text Notes:

(*)There is a point in Skyrim where Ralof mentions that the Stormcloaks were ambushed around DarkWater Crossing. I figured instead of trying to rework that, I figured Rhys would have reasoning to try to cross into Morrowind and make her way to Cyrodil for safety. It might seem a little nonsensical, but I figured if I were her, I would want to make my trail as crazy as possible as to not be followed.

(However Ralof needs to look at a map sometime and get himself together ) (6_6;)