It has been so long! My apologies. I think most people can agree 2020 has been a rough year for mental health. I also really want to do this story right. So, my apologizes for taking so very long to update! Thank you so much for sticking with this story! I greatly appreciate follows and/or favorites for the story (it makes me smile when I get the email saying so-and-so followed/favorited Last of the Snow Elves). Thank you guys so much! Take care of yourselves. Please look a the important note below.

Note: I do not own Skyrim or its characters. I have only thought up my own OCs for this story. This is rated M for a reason and will have mature themes. I will try to remember to put a warning before every chapter but if one is missing or you think something should be added please let me know. Also, here is a small guide to help with my writing style.

Italicized with no quotes is the character's thoughts

"No italics with quotes," is the characters speaking the common tongue.

"Italicized with quotes," is the character speaking another language, most likely falmer.

Hope that helps.

Important Note: I have tried to figure out the distances between Skyrim holds IRL, but I have found nothing that has been helpful. So, I will be doing my best to guess timeframes for travel and keep track of what I decide for consistency. Hopefully inconsistencies won't bother anyone too much, but I am open to suggestions if it does.

WARNINGS: mention of suicide

Time continues to slip quietly by. Ysrae, Mol, and Scouts-Many-Marshes now regularly visit Kynsgrove, despite the head piercing hangovers they suffered on the morning of their first visit. The three even get Gilfre to come with them on occasion, who always prefers to have someone at the mill.

They continue to train and help each other improve. Mol has made huge strides with his magic abilities. He has proven to have a natural talent and understanding of it. He plans on going to the College of Winterhold eventually, but keeps saying the time doesn't feel right, despite Ysrae and Scouts encouraging him to fulfill his dream of pursuing magic.

Ysrae and Scouts-Many-Marshes finally started bedding each other. Both agreed they would fulfill each other's physical needs as long as they both want to and neither start having feelings more than friendship. Thus far, the arrangement has worked well for them.

Ysrae is ready for the first snowfall. This is the warmest summer and fall she has ever endured. Growing up in the mountains, the higher elevation was cooler and the snow stayed longer. According to Gilfre, they most likely won't see any snow until at least Sun's Dusk, which is, unfortunately, a few weeks away.

She grumbles under her breath as she and Mol load a wagon with timber. The cloth she wears to hide her face is stifling in warm weather. It also makes her neck and face sweat significantly more. By the time they are finished loading the wagon, Ysrae is ready to take a dip in the river.

"Great work you two," Gilfre approaches the duo. "Take a moment to catch your breath. The wagon driver said there are two more wagons coming."

Ysrae suppresses a groan.

Gilfre doesn't appear to notice, "And don't forget, we have a wagon from Kynesgrove coming for firewood tomorrow."

Ysrae lets out a deep breath, "Yes ma'am."

Gilfre nods and turns away, walking to the saw.

Ysrae pulls her mask down, relieved to be breathing fresh air. "Gods," Ysrae crouches, "I hope what that traveler said was true."

Mol crouches next to her, "About the woman in Riften?"

Ysrae nods. "Surely if she can use magic to completely change a person's appearance, she can help me have a more golden skin color."

Mol sighs. "Do you really not want to look like a Snow Elf anymore?"

Ysrae stares at the ground, her hands clasped together. "It is not that I do not want to look like a Snow Elf…" She pauses, trying to keep from trembling. "It is just that I do not want others to know. What if-," she clenches her jaw and her eyes start to well up with tears, "what if the wrong person finds out and I am sold like my clanmates? Or I am held captive again?" Her voice trembles on the latter question. She blinks rapidly, keeping the tears from spilling over.

Mol kneels in front of Ysrae and gently pulls her into a hug. "I'm sorry," he whispers.

The tears overflow. She clutches on to him, softly sobbing. He just holds her and lets her cry into his shoulder.

The tears eventually slow. Ysrae takes deep breaths, trying to completely calm herself. Once she feels better, she leans back and wipes the tears from her eyes.

"Sorry about that," she shakily laughs.

Mol shakes his head, "Don't apologize. With everything you've been through, I think you are entitled to cry once in a while." He sighs, "Plus, I shouldn't have asked."

"No, it is ok," Ysrae whispers. "It is a valid question." She sighs, "I just try not to think of everything that has happened this last year. I am trying to live in the now. You know?" She gives him a small smile.

Before Mol can answer, Ysrae can hear the clip clop of an approaching horse. She quickly takes a deep breath and puts her mask back into place. She stands and dusts herself off.

Mol stands with her, "You ok to work?"

She nods, "The manual labor will take my mind off things." With that, the two prepare themselves to load another wagon with timber.

….

Ysrae jumps into the river, wearing just her underclothes. The tingling of the cold water on her skin is refreshing. She stays submerged and slowly treads the water so as not to be swept away by the gentle current. She allows herself to sink, launching herself from the riverbed. She breaches the water with a soft gasp. She slicks her obsidian hair back out of her face and takes a deep breath, submerging herself again. She kicks hard and swims against the current. She ignores the stinging in her eyes and watches the blurry riverbed. She occasionally surfaces for air, but mainly stays underwater.

She spots the large rock that sits in the middle of the river just before the small waterfall. Ysrae's muscles are starting to protest, so she decides to rest on the rock. She clambers out of the water, scuffing her knees. She ignores it and sits so her legs are still dangling in the water. She leans back on her palms and listens to the churning of the falls.

"Hey," a raspy voice says gently.

Ysrae jumps, surprised to see Scouts-Many-Marshes in the water. She lets out a breath, relieved it's just him. "I did not hear you coming."

Scouts grins at her, "Perk of being an Argonian." He slips out of the water and sits next to her, "Plus, I had the falls to cover any splashes."

Ysrae hums in response.

"I am surprised you can swim as well as you can." Scouts mimics Ysrae's posture and leans back on his palms, a little more than shoulder width apart.

Ysrae puts her hand on his; he intertwines his fingers with hers. "My clan had a large wooden tub we used to teach little ones how to swim. It was also used as a communal hot spring."

Scouts chuckles, "Hot ,as in, your version of hot? Meaning warm?"

Ysrae laughs. "It was very cold in the winter. We would heat the water until it steamed." She takes a deep breath, imagining the steam, "The steam always made my lungs feel so clean and clear."

"You know, there are natural hot springs large enough to sit in east of the mill."

Ysrae scoots closer to Scouts, resting her head on him. "It would be nice to go there once it is colder."

Scouts hums his agreement and wraps an arm around her. They watch the fading sun change the horizon to brilliant orange, and from orange to deep purple.

"We should go back to the mill soon," Ysrae whispers, gently running her hand down his bare back.

"Mmm," he turns to face her, "I think we should stop by the island and have some fun before we do."

Ysrae smiles, "Great idea." She kisses Scouts' neck and tugs on his hand, leading him to the small island in the middle of the river.

….

Ysrae sighs in content, tracing patterns on Scouts-Many-Marshes' still bare chest. "I am going to miss this when I leave for Riften."

Scouts chuckles, "A woman as beautiful as you will have no problem finding a lover wherever you go." His voice holds no jealousy or anger, simply stating his thoughts.

Ysrae lifts her head from his shoulder to look at him properly. She grins, "Yes, but I doubt I will find someone I get along with so well. Plus," she drops her voice so it is barely a whisper, "I do not think I will find better friends than you and Mol."

Scouts turns away, looking embarrassed. Ysrae smiles and looks up into the now dark sky. The stars are vast and beautiful. She stares at them, losing herself in them.

I tried to kill myself. The thought hits Ysrae out of nowhere. She sits bolt upright. Scouts is saying something but there is a buzzing in her ears that drowns him out. She clutches her head. "I-," she swallows hard. "After I passed out, they were dragging me away. It woke me up. I could not bring myself to face whatever they had in store for me. I-," she looks at the angry scar on her wrist, "I grabbed a dagger off of the person dragging me and slit my wrist."

Scouts arms are instantly around her. Ysrae realizes her face is wet with tears. She throws her arms around his middle, quietly crying.

"I just gave up," she whispers, a sob escaping past her lips. "How could I do that?"

Scouts pulls her closer, "Shhhh. It's ok. You suffered there for so long, I don't think anyone could blame you for giving up for a moment, especially your ancestors." He pulls back just enough so he can tilt Ysrae's head back. He looks in her teary eyes, "Your ancestors protected you and killed everyone around you. They must care. How can they not?"

Ysrae nods and wipes her tears away. "You are right." She lays her head on his shoulder, "Is it ok if we stay like this for a while?"

"As long as you want," Scouts whispers, rubbing her back.

They silently sit in the dark. The sounds of the river and night insects soothes Ysrae. After some time, she sighs, feeling a little better. Her grip tightens around him.

"Thank you. You have comforted me many times."

"I will always be here for you Ysrae. Your travels may take you far and wide, but you will be able to find me in Windhelm."

Ysrae mindlessly strokes Scouts' back, "You have decided to go back home?"

She feels him nod, "I think I have had enough adventure."

Ysrae chuckles and leans back, "I do not know if I could ever get tired of traveling."

Scouts smiles, "You're a free spirit." His face turns serious, "You are getting restless here, aren't you?"

Ysrae grimaces, "Is it that obvious?"

Scouts shrugs, "I would be surprised if Mol was clueless, but I doubt Gilfre has noticed."

"Good." Ysrae sighs in relief, "I am getting tired of the same work and I am having a hard time not letting it show. But," she pauses and stares at the ground, "I am afraid." Her voice wavers, "I am so afraid I will be sold off as a slave or as some exotic pet," she spits out the last word."

"It's ok Rae." Scouts strokes her hair, "You have trained almost every day and have the skills to beat most people. I think," he says slowly, "you need to live for you now. You are good at living in the moment, but I think you need to live for you. When you go into a fight, give it your all with the intention to come out on top or die trying."

Ysrae looks up at him, surprised.

"Sorry," Scouts fidgets, "was that too harsh?"

Ysrae shakes her head, "It is just….I have never thought of it that way before."

"Hm." Scouts smiles, "Well you were always told to stay alive no matter what."

Ysrae sighs and nods, thinking of her father's last words. A stray tear slips down her cheek. She wipes it away and stands. Scouts watches her, confused.

"Sorry," Ysrae whispers, "I just- I just need to think. I am going to take a walk."

Scouts sighs, "Alright. But you should stop by the bunkhouse and take a weapon with you."

Ysrae nods. She quickly puts on her undergarments and walks to the river's edge.

"Be careful," he whispers after her.

….

Ysrae ends up spending the whole night wandering the forest near Mixwater Mill. By the time she starts walking to the mill, the sun is starting to crest the horizon. Ysrae's feet ache; even so, she thanks Auri-El. She somehow managed to avoid any animals and never strayed too far. She attributed her luck to the God.

She makes it back to the bunkhouse in one exhausted piece. She silently slips through the door. She gasps in surprise as she is immediately swept off her feet in a bear hug.

"Mol!" she manages to squeak out.

He laughs and puts her down. His face falls, "I thought, maybe, you weren't coming back."

"Oh, I am sorry." She goes on her tip-toes and hugs him. "I was not planning on staying out all night. I just really needed some time to think." She pulls back from him, "I would never leave without saying good-bye."

Mol nods. "Scouts said you'd be back. S'pose I was just worried 'bout ya."

"That is sweet," she smiles at him. She looks around, realizing Scouts is missing. "Where is Scouts?"

"He went to talk ta Gilfre." He moves to the table and sits down, his half-finished breakfast there, "I think he was givin' her the day he's leaving."

Ysrae sits across from Mol, "I should do that as well." She grabs an apple from the bowl in the center of the table and examines it.

"You know when ya want to leave?"

Ysrae twirls the apple between her hands. "Fredas. I hope she will not mind I gave her such short notice," Ysrae mumbles.

Mol shrugs, "At least you gave her notice. Sounds like her last workers just up and left."

"Hhmm," Ysrae hums and takes a bite of the apple. "I still do not feel good about it."

"Think I'll leave to, then."

Ysrae shoots him a questioning look.

"If you and Scouts are going ta leave, I might as well as go to the college. Besides," he shoots Ysrae a smile, "we've worked hard for the seven months we have been here."

Ysrae hums, "True. I guess work should slow down as well; once the snow starts to fall."

Mol nods and quickly finishes his breakfast. He stands, "Shall we go tell her?"

"Ok." Ysrae stands and takes a deep breath, following Mol out the door. I really am not looking forward to this conversation.

….

Ysrae, Scouts-Many-Marshes, and Mol diligently work their last two days. Gilfre wasn't particularly happy the three decided to leave on the same day, but she appreciated all their hard work. For that, she allowed them to stay an extra night in the bunk house so they wouldn't have to leave after a hard day's work.

The trio are sitting on their beds. Ysrae is sitting cross-legged next to Scouts whose feet are firmly planted on the ground. Mol is sitting across from them, excitedly talking about the college.

Ysrae rests her head in her hands and smiles at him. It is nice to see him so happy. She stares at the floor and internally sighs, Wish I had a better plan. Ysrae contemplates on what to do when she is finished in Riften, losing track of the conversation.

"You ok, Ysrae?"

She jumps and looks up. Mol and Scouts are watching her.

"Uh…yes. Sorry about that," she smiles sheepishly. "I do not know what I am going to do after I talk to the woman in Riften. I am a little worried."

Mol gives her a reassuring smile. "You'll be alright. Yer a resourceful woman. Plus, you can always come to the college as a plan B."

Ysrae chuckles, "Right."

"Just do not forget to write us occasionally," Scouts chimes in. "It would be good to know you're still alive and well."

Ysrae's brow wrinkles, "But what if you change locations? How will the courier find you?"

Mol laughs loudly. He reaches over and slaps Ysrae on the back, "Couriers always find their man."

Scouts nods and crosses his arms, "They learn a special magic so they know exactly where the recipient is. And only the most trustworthy people can become couriers."

"Ok," Ysrae uncrosses her legs and leans forward, "but what if they are attacked and killed in route?"

Scouts and Mol both scoff. Ysrae raises an eyebrow at them.

"No one is dumb enough to attack a courier," Mol rumbles. "Your hands will be cut off for attacking a courier."

Ysrae's mouth drops open.

Scouts shrugs at her and answers her unasked question, "It's a punishment worse than execution. You're not dead but you can't defend yourself and everyone knows what you did."

"Huh." Ysrae scratches her neck, "I did not realize couriers are so protected."

"Oh yea," Mol gives her a crooked smile. "Many adventurers or what-have-you will help couriers if they run into them on the road."

Ysrae nods, "Ok. So, if I receive a letter, am I supposed to pay the courier?"

"Hmm," Mol rumbles. "Technically, no. But it's customary to give them some gold or ta at least offer them food and a place to rest if yer far from town."

Scouts nods, "They are well paid, but they remember the more generous and the stingier people in particular."

Ysrae hums. "Thanks for the information. I would not have known otherwise."

"Sorry we did not tell you sooner." Scouts smiles apologetically, "It's one of those things that is common knowledge you don't think about until a courier is standing in front of you with a letter."

"Hm," Mol grunts in agreement.

Ysrae waves her hand. "It is ok. I know now." She smiles at them, "So, tell me more about the major holds."

The three stay up swapping stories. It's mostly Scouts and Mol telling Ysrae what they know of the different holds and their own personal experiences in them. Ysrae chimes in with stories from when she was a rebellious teenager.

They talk and laugh late into the night, enjoying their final night as a group. They will soon be going their separate ways; Riften, Winterhold, and Windhelm. The good-bye will be teary eyed, but none of them would trade their time together for anything.