They took the roads north and east, reaching Morthal by nightfall.

"You been here before," Vilkas murmured, watching how she confidently moved through the streets. Her interactions were brief but clearly born of previous acquaintance.

"Yes. The Jarl offered to make me Thane of the Hold. I haven't yet taken her up on the offer."

"Yet?"

Elana paused. "We just talk about how I belong to Whiterun, yet I can't help feel drawn to Morthal as well. I cleared out a den of vampires for them, almost right after I ran off the first time. That was the last time I charged into a place without back-up."

"Oh really?"

Fair enough. It was not the last time I went into danger without back-up, no. But certainly the last time I went running to danger alone. I don't think I'll ever be able to stop with the solo adventures.

Vilkas raised an eyebrow. "So the time you got your knees sliced by a dragur chasing the Dragonstone didn't sink in, I take it."

She shrugged. "The hardest lessons have to be learned twice. Now come along; I think I can talk the innkeeper into a deal for tonight."

"We could just stay with the Jarl."

"I don't want to impose. Besides, I've got a feeling that this kid-"

"Companion Elan, Thane of Whiterun and Dovahkiin, Jarl Idgrod would like to extend an invitation of her hospitality of the night to you and your fellow Companion. She understands that you might prefer to pay for you room tonight to satisfy your pride, but there are plenty of beds to accommodate the two of you."

Elana leaned towards Vilkas. "Thought so." She straightened back and addressed the runner. "Please tell the Jarl I would be honored to accept her invitation."

The kid scrambled away, leaving the Companions to trail along at a slower pace.

"You accepted the invitation."

"What else should I have done? Admittedly, I chose the position that made me subordinate, but I know she did not mean it like that. Sometimes I can get outside of my dragon-like instincts. I would rather not insult her generosity and court by saying I would rather pay for a room than rest with her."

"You'll have to explain some of these dragon customs sometime. And how you learned them."

Elana pushed the door of the Jarl's hall open. "Some I recognized as they are basically human thoughts magnified. Others I was taught, I'll admit."

"Will you tell me by whom?"

"Thane Elan of Whiterun!" Jarl Idgrod hailed the entering Companion. "Please be welcome here in Morthal. And if I may, I have a request of you. Of course, if your duties are pressing I will not stay you beyond the night."

"Please, my Jarl," Elana replied, striding forward. "I will honor your request if I have the skill."

The woman smiled with joy. "Some bandits have set themselves in a gorge to the southwest of here, near the bridge over the river. If you and your fellow Companion could remove us of that threat, I would pay the both of you handsomely."

Elana tossed a glance at Vilkas, who nodded. "Jarl Idgrod, it would be our pleasure to aid you so."

Jarl Ingrod clapped her hands together. "Excellent. Please stay the night in any of the available rooms. I hope you will be comfortable. Do not hesitate to ask for anything."

"By your leave, my Jarl, we shall enjoy your hospitality. The road has been long."

"You have a great path before you. I wish to give you this one moment of rest." She rose gesturing to her Steward to aid them. "I find myself needing more rest than in days past, so I will retire. Good evening to the both of you."

With a swirl of her robes, she was gone, and the two Companions were left following her steward. They found themselves in stationed next to each other for the night.

"Like Jorrvaskr, right Elan?" She merely huffed, throwing herself on the bed. "I didn't realize threatening Jarls and walking took so much out of you."

"I hate diplomacy some times."

"Yes, you don't get to take a chunk out of anyone when you're trying to make friends with politicians."

She giggled, then stilled. She rolled over, cracking an eye at the Companion who still stood, leaning against the doorframe. She opened and closed her mouth a few times before finally saying. "Mirmulnir. His name is Mirmulnir."

"Who?"

"The dragon who teaches me things."

"Oh. Well, thanks for trusting me with his name. Is he nice?"

Elana glanced quizzically at Vilkas. "He's a dragon. They don't really do 'nice.' But he's not evil, no. He can be quite sarcastic and a little possessive. But he calls me 'hatchling,' so I don't think he hates me." She paused, a smile crossing her face with inner warmth. "No, he definitely doesn't hate me."

"That's good. I like knowing there's at least one dragon that's not intent on destroying men."

"He can't destroy anyone." Vilkas gave a confused look at that statement. "It's not that he's wounded, old, or pacifist or anything. He isn't exactly alive anymore. He's the first dragon I killed, Vilkas. His soul is still inside my head. He's teaching me from inside my own head."