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It them another day and a half with only one short stop at a small dwelling to reach the small, cold port city of Dawnstar.

"Finally, civilization." The duo's pace sped up once they saw the tall wooden buildings. Both women were utterly exhausted from their non-stop trek. They battled spiders, trolls and sometimes even each other (only verbally) as they passed by ruin after ruin and fort after fort. And now they wanted nothing more than to rest their feet, warm their bodies and sate their appetites. They took two steps into the city proper when a guard stationed near the only inn stopped them. He gave them a once over before declaring, "I'm sorry. You can't enter the city."

Lydia's irritation made itself known. "Are you serious? Do you know what we have been through in order to get here?" M'rasha put her hand on the Nord's shoulder in an effort to calm her but Lydia shrugged the hand off and sat down on a nearby rock, glaring at the man keeping them from their goal. M'rasha pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. "Is there some sort of epidemic," she asked the guard.

"No," he replied.

"Overcrowding?"

"No."

"Daedra on the loose?"

"No."

"Dragons burned half the town down?"

"No."

"Then why in Oblivion can we not enter?"

He stiffened up and pointed at M'rasha, "Your kind is not welcomed."

And now it was M'rasha's turn to get angry. Lydia watched as a look of disgust washed over the Khajiit's face. M'rasha took a few steps forward until she and the guard were only millimeters apart.

"Listen to me, you piss-ant," she tilted her head and all but snarled while jabbing his chest with a finger, "I have not walked through snowstorms and wild animals and the like to be turned away."

The man's eyes narrowed and one of his hands traveled to his scabbard. "What did you call me, cat?"

"Ignorant and deaf, I see. Well, let me repeat it in words you can understand: You-" A loud, almost deafening roar shook the ground beneath them and interrupted M'rasha's rebuttal. Everyone at once turned their heads skyward.

"Is it a d-d-dragon?" The guard nervously asked. M'rasha scanned the skies. "Are you asking because you don't know or are seriously that dim-witted?"

Just then a large shadow flew across the sky breaking the serenity of the morning by exhaling horse-sized fireballs onto the town. A giant brown dragon landed atop the White Hall and began spewing fire at the helpless guards that approached it. The sound of a loud bell echoed throughout the town and guards located in the barracks came spilling out to fight the fabled creature. Lydia pulled out her sword and ran towards the behemoth. When she didn't hear another pair of footsteps behind her, she turned around to see her Thane still outside of town.

"Well," Lydia yelled, motioning towards the dragon that took flight once again. The Khajiit shrugged her shoulders. "It's not attacking me, therefore, not my problem. Besides, my kind isn't allowed in, remember?"

Lydia shook her head in disbelief. "By Talos, this is not the time to be petty!" She shouted before running off to aid the guards. Lydia pulled out her bow and began firing arrows along with the rest of Dawnstar's guards.

The winged behemoth landed on the ground, snarled in annoyance and crawled towards a group of archers near one of the mines. Any guard that was within its reach was grabbed with its mouth and flung or had their extremities pulled off. Those lucky enough to escape its giant maw, fled for cover as a stream of fire poured from the dragon's mouth.

The dragon took flight once again, circling the city. Lydia came out of her cover near one of the houses near the docks and quickly surveyed the damage. Many of the city's guards that were out had been killed or gravely injured. One of the houses near the blacksmith's was on fire. Citizens ran around trying to find shelter from the dragon's wrath. And any damage the guards had done to it was insignificant as the creature continued to spew fire, this time advancing back towards the Jarl's residence.

But before it could land, a giant ice spike cut through the skin and muscle of one of the dragon's wings. The dragon roared in pain as it fell out of the sky and crashed hard into the ground near the docks, only a few feet from where Lydia was hiding. Lydia turned to see M'rasha standing atop one of the houses, her hands encased in blue energy. She brought her hands together and shot out a larger icicle. This one hit the dragon's hind leg.

"Lydia! To me!" The housecarl sprang into action, leaving her hiding spot and rushing over towards the house M'rasha was on top of. The monster snarled again and turned its attention towards the Khajiit. Its mouth glowed orange before it bellowed out a stream of fire towards where M'rasha was standing.

M'rasha leapt down and landed painfully on her side just as the fire ignited the roof. Lydia grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her to her feet just as the dragon turned its head towards them.

"Shield!" Lydia brought up the large Dwarven shield and placed it in front of them. M'rasha held her hands high and created a magical ward in front of the shield just as the creature let loose another torrent of fire. The fire collided with the ward but the ward stood firm. "Move forward!" M'rasha yelled over the dragon's roar. Lydia nodded and the two slowly inched towards the creature.

The heat produced from the flames proved to be almost too much for the Nord and even M'rasha was having a hard time keeping the shield up. But as quickly as the fire had started, it stopped. The pair looked over Lydia's shield only to see the dragon's head coming straight at them. Both women rolled out of the way just as the monster's head smashed into the spot where they stood.

As soon as she rolled to her feet, M'rasha ran towards the dragon, pulled out her mace and bashed it against the dragon's snapping maw. The dragon roared in pain, smashing its head onto the ground. M'rasha then climbed onto the creature's body and wrapped herself around its scaly neck. She pulled out her dagger and began stabbing the monster's throat. The monster let out another painful screech and began trying to throw her off. With the dragon distracted, Lydia, the guards and some of the citizens took this opportunity to strike. They took their swords and maces and bows and arrows to the monster, slicing and stabbing and piercing its lower body.

The dragon's movements began to slow as it tried to fend of the numerous assailants, whipping its tail at those behind it and attempting to crush others but the onslaught was too great. It let out a roar, shook its head twice, throwing M'rasha into the cove, and collapsed, unmoving. The dragon's body then began to glow. A light left the dragon and traveled towards the water. Seconds later, the light disappeared and the only thing left of the dragon was a giant skeleton.

Some guards began to cheer while others put out the scattered fires. Lydia fell to the ground exhausted just as two men approached the cove. Skald the Elder and his steward looked at the giant bones sitting on the shore, "So it's true. The End Days and the Dragonborn have arrived." He scanned the small crowd and beckoned, "Where is the brave soul who climbed atop the dragon?" He looked down at Lydia, "Was it you?"

She shook her head. "No, my lord. My Thane did the deed."

"And where is your Thane?" The sound of splashing caused the Jarl and housecarl to turn to the cove. M'rasha surfaced with a peeved look on her face. "Damned dragon broke my blade," the Khajiit cursed as she trudged back onto dry land, squeezing the water out of her hair. "If anyone sees a glowing piece of metal, it belongs to me."

She spotted the seated Lydia. "Good to see you haven't died yet." Lydia couldn't help but stifle a chuckle at her Thane's appearance. She looked like…well…a wet cat. Skald looked over at the drenched woman and cleared his throat, "I thank you Khajiit-"

"M'rasha."

"Then I thank you M'rasha. You have saved Dawnstar from becoming a fiery grave site. If there's anything I can do for you, name it and it will be done."

M'rasha brought a hand to her chin and thought for a moment. "A pair of horses, a room at the inn and some clothes would be nice..."

Skald nodded. "I will pay for the room myself. Horses are very rare in our part of Skyrim but you have earned them. As for the clothing…"

"Leave the clothing to me." Someone from the crowd offered. M'rasha faced the group of people and let out a small gasp of surprise. Lydia looked at the volunteer. It was an older woman dressed in a red tunic, a blue robe, and a pair of dark brown trousers. The man next to her wore Legion armor. Lydia watched M'rasha's look of surprise morphed into glee as she walked towards the two.

"Brina! Horik! Just the two I've been looking for!" She enveloped the woman in a tight hug. "I can't believe you two are still alive."

"I can't believe you're not dead. And that you hugged me," the woman pushed the cat away playfully. "Ugh! You're sopping wet."

M'rasha laughed and firmly shook Horik's hand. "But that's what happens when you get thrown off a dragon near water."

"True. But come. Let's get you out of the cold before you catch one." M'rasha began to walk off with the two when she stopped and turned to her housecarl.

"Lydia. You're free for the rest of the day. We'll leave town tomorrow."

"Your housecarl is welcome to join us," Horik commented.

"I will be fine but thank you for the offer." Lydia said as she got to her feet.

M'rasha nodded. "Very well then. I'll see you in the morning rest will Lydia."

"Of course, my Thane."

Lydia spent most of the day helping the residents with the clean up. By the time afternoon had arrived, the city was back to normal. As thanks the miners dragged Lydia to the inn for food and drinks. She spent the rest of the afternoon carousing with her newly made friends. When she stumbled out of the inn for some fresh air evening had arrived.

The crisp, cold air sobered her up a little as she walked down the path to the cove. Lydia found herself enjoying the calm night. That was until a familiar voice reached her ears. She spotted a warm light coming towards her and decided to hide in the bushes and spy on the incoming group. Seconds later M'rasha and the two Imperials from before passed by her hiding spot. The man held the torch.

"Pissed me off," the cat said, "But the man was right. You could be armed to the teeth but you'd still be as defenseless as anyone else when you're thrown into a deep river."

The three of them shared a laugh as they stopped on the frozen pathway.

"So Brina. When did you settle in Dawnstar," M'rasha asked.

"Right after the war," Brina replied. "Somehow Horik followed me here."

"I did not follow her here. I made an oath to protect Brina whether she was in the service or not," Horik stated proudly.

M'rasha's fingers went to her chin. "I see. So that would be 25 years of marital bliss. Congratulations!"

The unexpected statement caught both parties off guard. Horik almost dropped the torch while Brina began to stutter a protest. From her hiding spot Lydia covered her mouth to muffle a chortle.

"How could ask such a thing?" The ex-legate asked.

M'rasha looked confused. "Wait. You two aren't together? Well, I just feel silly now."

"No! Why would you even think such a thing?"

"Well, after you left the Legion there were rumors on your sudden…resignation."

Horik crossed his arms. "Like what?"

The Khajiit pointed at the man. "You got Brina pregnant and the two of you ran off to elope. Of course since I don't see a little one running around, I guess that's wrong."

This time Horik did drop the torch sending the three into darkness. Lydia had to bite her hand to keep from laughing. Even in the dark she could clearly see the ex-soldiers' reactions. Horik's mouth and eyes were open wide in a look best described as stupefied horror. The flush on Brina's face disappeared. M'rasha caught the woman just as her knees failed her.

"I'm sorry. Everything went blurry for a moment," Brina apologized.

"Maybe we should move this conversation inside," M'rasha suggested.

"That would be nice." Before M'rasha could move the woman, Horik swept Brina into his arms.

Brina was startled by his actions. "Horik! What are you doing?"

"My duty." He began marching towards their house.

"You know this just enforces the rumors, right?"

"Oh hush up M'rasha," Brina replied as Horik walked down the path. M'rasha grabbed and re-lit the torch and followed the two back to their home. Once she was sure they left the area, Lydia crawled out of the bushes and headed back to the inn and into their room. Though the scene she witnessed was funny and heartwarming it also revealed something.

M'rasha was in the Imperial army meaning her loyalties surely were with the Empire.

An ex-Imperial soldier and her Stormcloak aligned housecarl.

Nothing good could come from that.

Lydia was glad M'rasha had asked for the horses, though she would never admit it. The almost two day journey on foot only took them a few hours on horseback, and that was after the spider and troll attacks. Once they were near Whiterun's walls, they led the horses towards the stables. And after some haggling with Skulva on prices, the two made their way to Breezehome. The moment they set foot in Whiterun, a courier ran up to the duo and handed M'rasha a letter before heading towards the inn. She broke wax seal and scanned the letter.

"What does the letter say," the Nord asked.

"Jarl Laila Law-Giver of Riften has requested my help."

"Will you go?" M'rasha folded the parchment and put it away in a pocket. "Of course. When's the last time a Jarl requested your presence?"

"When I was told I would become your housecarl."

"See Lydia," she clapped the younger warrior on the shoulder, "Only good things can happen."

Lydia wasn't sure exactly how to take the comment so she stayed quiet. Once inside of Breezehome, M'rasha threw a small fireball onto the coals in the fire pit. Soon the fire grew and its warmth spread throughout the room. Lydia sat down on one of the chairs and began undoing her armor. M'rasha spoke up as she walked into the small room near the pantry, "You're free to stay here if you want."

"I'm coming with you."

"Very well. We leave in two days time. You might want to get your things ready before then. I suspect we will be gone for a very long time."

The day of their departure, Lydia awoke to someone shaking her shoulder. 'Even while I sleep she bothers me.' She groaned and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and was ready to give the cat a piece of her mind. But instead of seeing M'rasha stand over her, she saw the smiling face of Brenuin looking down at her.

"Good morning beautiful," he said, a giant grin on his mouth. Lydia's mind went into defense mode as her hand went under her pillow. She pulled out a small dagger and aimed it at the beggar. The Redguard took a step back. "Easy there, gorgeous! I was just sent to wake you up."

Before she could demand how he got into the house, M'rasha peered into the room and smirked at the scene that had unfolded.

"Stop that Brenuin," the Betmer chastised, "You're embarrassing her."

"My apologies. But what am I to say when a beautiful female makes herself known."

M'rasha grabbed his ear and began dragging him out of the room. "Ow! Let go!"

"What of 'Stop embarrassing her' do you not understand?"

"Why is he here," Lydia asked.

"I'm just here for the food," he whined. M'rasha spun him around and pushed him into the hallway. "Then take your rags and go downstairs and wait there."

He griped but did as he was told, leaving the women in the room. M'rasha turned back and gave Lydia a small smile. "My apologies. I forgot how friendly he could be. Make sure you bring your things downstairs. We leave right after breakfast."

M'rasha left the room. Grumbling, Lydia donned her armor, with the exception of her chest plate, slung her heavy knapsack over her shoulder, grabbed said chest plate and climbed down the stairs. M'rasha and Brenuin were seated at the table near the door, eating roasted potatoes and grilled chicken. Instead of wearing her usual armor, M'rasha wore simple blue robes. Lydia placed her things by the bookshelf and sat in the remaining seat.

"So I hear you two are going out again. Heading to Riften?" Brenuin asked in between bites.

"Why," M'rasha asked with a smirk, "Hankering for some Black-Briar mead?"

Brenuin attempted to act aloof but failed miserably. "Maybe?"

M'rasha finished her ale. "Tell you what, if you watch the house while we're gone and drink none of the ale or wine, I just might get you a bottle of Black-Briar Reserve."

The beggar's eyes widened and he let out a happy cry, slid off his chair and hugged one of the Betmer's legs. "Bless you child! Bless you!"

She laughed and pushed the grown man away, "Child? You do know there's a good chance that I'm older than you?"

"Details, details. Now hurry and finish your meal."

Lydia leaned over to the Khajiit and whispered, "Are you sure that is a good idea?"

She waved her concern away. "Have you ever had Black-Briar Reserve? Everything else is piss water compared to that stuff. Brenuin wouldn't dare to mess up."

"Really? It's that good?" M'rasha nodded and then added, "I'll get you a bottle and you can see for yourself."

"I think I'll take your word for it."

"Suit yourself."

Brenuin reached for another potato. "And have you heard? There was a big battle north of here."

The Betmer sighed. "More Bandits?"

"Wasn't bandits this time. Stormcloaks."

Lydia stopped mid-chew and looked over to M'rasha. The other woman had a look of genuine surprise on her face. "What? Where?"

"Yeah, a group of them were hold up in Shimmermist Cave. The Legion got word and wiped them out." Lydia's face went grim. She knew exactly who informed the Legion of the soldiers' hiding place.

"But enough of current news. Eat up! You two have a long journey ahead!" So with their meals finished and armor and supplies in place, M'rasha and Lydia left their home and started for the city gates. Brenuin stood on the stoop of the house, waving frantically at the two.

"Have fun in the wilderness!" He cried out before darting back inside and slamming the door shut.

'Well, there goes all our ale.' Lydia sighed as she followed the cat down the winding path and towards the stables and where Bjorlam was stationed. Instead of continuing down the path, the Betmer boarded the carriage. "Morning Bjorlam."

"Morning M'rasha. Where are we headed off to?"

"To Riften." M'rasha motioned Lydia to climb in. Lydia hopped on and sat across from the Khajiit.

"Everyone in," the driver asked. "Good. Off to Riften!"