Chapter 34

Lydia

It was warm, for a fall day. So she had taken Ragnar and Bryta down to the town square. It was almost back to the way it was before the war. The last 3 years Balgruuf had had his groundskeepers working on restoring it to its former glory and they had done well. Even the tree in the center was coming back to life.

She smiled as she thought back. One day after a trip to town Ragnthor had talked her ear off about how Danica had finally found a way to bring the tree back to life and all it would take was an 8 day trip to the hot springs near Kynesgrove. That he would take Ralof and Hadvar with a few of the horses and make a trip of it. That he would be back before the baby was born. By the time they got home she agreed mostly to get him to stop talking.

He had never told her what happened there. None of them did. But she sensed it was a deeply spiritual experience for them. And they had come back with a reverence to the old gods. Ralof and Hadvar had even gone on to complete the Trials of Kyne. She had fully well expected Ragnthor to look at her with pleading eyes when they had stopped by to ask if he would join them. She would have said yes.

She shook her head when she thought of it. Even with all his talk of wanting to settle down, for the longest time he looked for action. Maybe it was the decade and more of fighting, it was the same with her. Despite the amount of blood they had spilt the years had honed them into persons of action.

But that time he said no without hesitation. He said he had seen enough gods and didn't seek to come even close to seeing more then he laughed and said he had finally settled down to life on the farm without looking over his shoulder hoping Balgruuf had come to see him. But he wished them luck as they left.

The sound of laughing brought her back to the present. Ragnar and Bryta were chasing each other around the tree. She smiled as she watched. Even though Bryta had been born almost 2 years before him, Ragnar was close to her size and almost as fast on his little, toddling legs.

She shook her head. This is what it must have been like raising Ragnthor. A fast growing, fast running laughing little boy.

A voice rose up beside her, shaking her out of reflection. It was Olfina Battle-Born. "Lydia, you should have told me you were planning on bring the little ones out today. I would have brought Egil."

Lydia smiled. "I would of if it had been planned. Balgruuf and his brother might miss the sounds of little feet running around the hall. And even Balgruuf's bratty, haughty children crack a smile at their antics. But Proventus has veins springing up around his face. And while there are some days I would like to watch them pop I thought it would be prudent to bring them outside. Here they can yell and scream as much as they want. And some sunshine will do all of us good."

Olfina nodded. "That it would. Why haven't you been outside more? This was a great summer. Hot without being unbearable."

"Because I miss him."

"So badly you hardly left the keep?" She looked shocked.

Lydia nodded. "It was different with you and Jon. What you 2 had smoldered for years. You never acted on it except in the smallest of ways. Since I was 10 Ragnthor has been by my side. First as my friend then as more. I can count on one hand the number of times we have been apart for more than a month. It's going on 4 now. The last time he was gone this long, I didn't see him for 2 years."

Olfina nodded. "I think I understand. If you even want to talk. We may live in the second smallest house in the Plains District but its big enough to talk."

Lydia nodded. "Of course Olfina. Sometime soon."

Lydia sat and enjoyed the sun until she heard the sounds of small children fighting. She looked over and saw Bryta and Ragnar fighting in the way children do. Suddenly Bryta knocked Ragnar's legs out from under him then knelt over his stomach and made funny faces at him.

Lydia shook her head. "Bryta, let him up."

Bryta quickly stood and looked at her. "Yes auntie Lydia."

She smiled. "Come here." She looked at Ragnar, who was struggling to his feet. "Ragnar, come to mama." He beamed at her as he ran over. Before he had a chance to slow down she scooped him up, put him on her hip and tap his nose, which made him giggle.

She looked down at Bryta. "Let's go to Adrianne's shop. Maybe Baldr will be there and he can teach you some sword tricks."

She grabbed Lydia's hand and nodded, smiling. "Please auntie Lydia." As they walked off Bryta started giggling which was broken every time Lydia would swing her.

Soon they were there. Bryta saw Baldr and run over to him. And the sound Adrianne looked over.

"Lydia it's been a while."

Lydia smiled and nodded. "It has. But it was such a nice day I thought I should bring the little ones outside. And your father looked like he would burst if he kept hearing the screams of laugher from these 2 as they ran around the hall."

She laughed. "That does sound like him."

Lydia put Ragnar down to rest her arms. The moment his feet hit the ground he took off running. Adrianna grabbed him as he almost fell into the forge.

She picked him up and looked him in the eye. "And what are you doing, little man?"

His face scrunched in what looked like intense thought. Suddenly, in the cutest voice Lydia had ever heard, he said "Running."

Lydia felt her jaw drop as Adrianna looked over at her, shocked. "That's his first word, isn't it?" Lydia nodded, unable to speak.

Adrianna smiled as she put him down and he took off like nothing had happened. "Well he certainly doesn't think he has done anything special, does he?"

Lydia laughed as she recovered. "He certainly chose the right word. Your father must say that 50 times a day because of those 2."

Adrianna laughed. "You're not wrong."

Lydia smiled. "I just wish Ragnthor had been here to see it. He would have loved…" she cut off as a voice rose up behind her that made her jump.

"You wish who was here?"

She turned and ran into his arms and felt the tears flow as she spoke into his neck. "I wish you were here, you dirt pusher." She felt his arms wrap around her and she felt a peace flow through her that she hadn't felt in months.

She felt him laugh. "Dirt pusher? That's a little harsh isn't it?"

She kissed him. "Maybe. But you haven't sat in the keep for 4 months." She rubbed his face. "But you have grown a beard."

He ran his hand through her hair. "Didn't bring a razor. And I am much more well know that I was before. By hiding my face and talking little, only those I like know who I am."

She touched his temple, where grey hairs were starting to show. And she saw more of them in his beard. "I don't like it. It makes you look old."

He kissed her. "I am old."

She snorted. "No you're not. Because if you're old then I'm old."

She felt him draw away, just a bit, and look at her face. "I don't know. There might be some…"

She hit him. "No there's not."

He kissed her again. "Of course not little one."

Suddenly Adrianna coughed and they finally broke apart. "Madam smith."

Lydia watched as Adrianna tried to maintain the face she always had when she dealt with him then smiled. "It's good to see you home. And call me Adrianna."

Ragnthor laughed. "So finally after 6 years you warm to me. Is there a reason you coughed?"

"Indeed. I don't think your niece needs to see this."

"She lives with us."

"And I pity her." They all broke out laughing.

Suddenly Bryta and Ragnar tore around the corner of the house. Bryta smiled as she ran tore Ragnthor. "Uncle Ragnthor!"

Ragnthor knelt and hugged her. "Hey Bryta. And what have you been up to."

She shook her head. "Nothing." As Lydia coughed she grew bashful. "I knocked Ragnar over."

Ragnthor rubbed her head. "Be more careful next time. You are older."

"Yes Ragnthor."

Ragnthor looked over at Ragnar. "Do you remember me?"

Ragnar smiled and ran over. "Dada!"

Ragnthor scooped him up as he reached him. "2 words in one day? That's my little man."

Lydia rubbed Ragnar's back. "I don't know about that. You always seem a little slow on the uptake." They all laughed.

Adrianna shook her head. "Alright you 2, get out of here. Lucia can stay while I look at her armor." Lydia nodded.

As soon as they left Lydia felt Ragnthor's armored hand enter hers. She leaned on his free shoulder as he held Ragnar on the other. "I've missed you Ragnthor."

"I've missed you too."

She sighed contently. "Since you're here I guess the trouble is over."

Even through his armor she felt him tense. "No, it's not."

"Then why are you here?"

He gave a small chuckle. "Because I'm Thane Lydia. If I can I stop back in to check on the hold and with Balgruuf." As she sucked air to give a scathing reply he continued. "And because I missed you. And I hope you missed me."

She smiled. "I did. How long will you be here?"

"Only tonight. We're on a mission for the Dawnguard and the route I planned to follow takes us here. I only stopped in to see you and maybe leave Lucia."

She looked up at him. "Why would you leave Lucia? You said you would take her."

Ragnthor sighed. "Because she is not you or me or any other person we have fought with. She's young Lydia, much younger than we think she is. I don't know if she can keep up, mentally and physically. 4 days ago we were in Ivarstead and she looked like she had been through a yearlong military campaign. Like I must have look liked my first few years gone. She looked worn and tired. She barely fought back when I told her to do something. She's too young for that. I won't break my niece like this."

She was concerned. "Is it that bad?"

"I don't know how bad it is. I've never commanded more than a few men and even then other man troop decisions. What I do know is its taking a toll. 13, 14 hours in the saddle a day, 7 days a week would take a toll on anyone. Mix in scattered fighting and night long watches in the deep wilds, hell everywhere save the middle of cities and it even makes me tired and I've been at this for 14, almost 15 years."

Lydia nodded. "What do you plan to do?"

"Let her have a good night's rest and hope that does wonders. We are going to the Reach after this. And I will keep my eye on her. If she doesn't get any better I will leave her when we ride back through."

Lydia nodded. "Alright." She looked up at the shy and saw the sun was close to falling. "What do you want to do?"

He laughed. "Eat and sleep."

"Sleep? You know Balgruuf gave me a room with a large bed and thick walls."

Ragnthor laughed. "I would love to but I need the sleep."

"And why do you need sleep so bad you would ignore your wife?"

His hand slipped from hers as he rubbed his chin. "I don't know? Maybe stopping vampires with a with who knows what plan and an Elder Scroll. Or maybe those 13, 14 hours a day in the saddle I mentioned." She huffed and he put his arm around her shoulder. "How about this. We go and talk to Balgruuf, eat some food and see where it goes."

She shook her head, hiding a smile. "Fine, fine. If that's all I can get."

Ragnthor

Early the next morning Ragnthor woke and looked at the sleeping form next to him. He smiled when he thought about what he said last night. All they had got was sleep.

He looked down at her still sleeping form and smiled, placing a kiss on her temple. She shuffled in her sleep but that was all.

He pulled on his shirt and boots then walked out of the keep to stand on the eastern battlement. There he met Balgruuf.

"Greetings Ragnthor. Lovely morning."

"Greetings Balgruuf. That it is."

They stood there in silence for a while, watching the sun rise. Then Balgruuf spoke, not looking at him. "So Vampires."

"Yeah."

"And you're the only one who can stop it?"

"So it would seem."

"No rest for the wicked."

"I never said I was a saint."

Balgruuf turned to face him and held out a hand. "Stay safe out there Ragnthor. I don't want to have to take care of your widow."

They shook as he smiled. "Deal." Then he left Balgruuf watching the sun rise.

Lydia was still asleep when he got back. Quietly he got into his armor then slung his sword over his shoulder and walked out of the room. And almost walked into Lucia. She was pulling on her boots and he caught her as she fell.

"And what are you doing?"

She finally got the shoe on. "Getting ready to go." He looked at her and saw she was looking better. Almost a week of rest, save the hard riding hard done wonders for her.

"You can stay home if you want."

She face hardened as her anger flared. "Why would I stay home?"

"To rest. I'm sure you have seen yourself in a mirror. You don't look the same as when we left. You are drawn and harder."

"I look like Lydia. Would you keep her home?"

He hid a smile. "No."

"Besides, who would keep you from doing stupid?"

He laughed. "You don't do a good job of that."

She hit him. "I'm still learning."

"Alright. Get your gear and meet me at home. You need to changes horses. All this riding is wearing Fire down."

She looked at him, questioning. "You don't need to change?"

He shook his head. "I told you, Bowen will run 3 times longer than Fire. We would have to ride much harder and through rougher country to tire him. Maybe you should choose a horse like him this time."

"Maybe I will."

"Smart."

A few weeks later Ragnthor turned off of the mostly cobblestone road onto a dirt path. Lucia urged her new horse, a blood bay named Chief, toward him and pointed up the road they had been following. "That way leads to Markarth, right?"

"Yes."

"Can we go see it?"

Ragnthor laughed. "That's not a good idea. I did escape the jail there with the king of the Forsworn. And while it has been a few years I don't think they have forgotten."

She looked crestfallen. "Ok."

Ragnthor smiled as he pulled his hooded cloak around him, on he had put one once he knew they were in the Reach. "Maybe in a few more years we will take a trip up here and see it. Before we marry you off."

She looked at him. "You wouldn't."

"I might. That Battle-Born boy is a handsome looking man these days. And if you married him that would give me a small claim on some of their land, maybe enough of a claim I could get a large chuck for myself." She looked at him, jawing hanging loose, and he laughed. "I wouldn't do that. The Battle-Borns are from fighting stock, even if that lad doesn't show it. Your children won't need any more fighting spirit than they will get from you."

"Really? That's your reason for not marring me off?"

He kept laughing. "No, that's not my reason. It's that if we tried, you would fight back. And even though you might not think you, me and Lydia really do want you to be happy."

"Right."

"Fine, believe what you want. Now why don't you kick the horse of yours and let's try to make some distance before night fall." She snorted but took off, her horse faster than his once again.

Toward night fall Lucia pulled up. She pointed up to hill. "What's that?"

Ragnthor looked up and cursed. "An Orc Stronghold. Tie those rags I put in your saddle bags around Chief's feet and get off the trail."

As she swung down she spoke. "Why?"

Ragnthor shook his head, silently cursing how big Bowen's feet where. "Orcs aren't known for being overly friendly to those who come near there strongholds. We have to pass by and I would rather not fight then. So we cover our horse's feet and ride off trail. Orcs aren't known for being the best trackers. We'll ride like this for 2 days. By then we will be passed there hunting areas." Lucia nodded.

That night as they sat around the fire, Ragnthor saw Lucia staring at the fire and smiled. "You want to hear a ghost story?"

She looked at him and nodded. "What's it about?"

Ragnthor smiled. "The poet and the muse. It happened here in the Reach."

Lucia looked around before she nodded. "Let's hear it."

Ragnthor nodded. "There's an old tale wrought with mystery of Rolf the bard and his muse. And the magic falls that gave a life to the words the bard used. Now the muse she was his happiness and he rhymed about her grace. And he told her stories of treasures far below that cascade. Til in the stillness of one morn, still in its misty swell, the muse she went down to the falls and down the crags she fell."

Lucia was hugging her knees, a shocked expression on her face as he continued. "The bard came down to the falls to call out to his dear but when there was no answer he was overcome with fear. He searched in vain for his treasure lost and too soon the night would fall, yet only his own echo would wail back at his call. And when he swore to bring his love by stories that he'd scrawl, nightmares shifted in their sleep in the darkness of the falls."

He dropped his smiled and his voice. "In the dead of night she came to him, with darkness in her eyes. Wearing a mourning gown, sweet words as her disguise. He took her in without a word, for he had seen his gravest fault, and vowed them both to silence, deep below the falls. Now if it's real or just a dream, one mystery remains. For it is said, on moonless nights, they man still haunt this place." Lucia looked up and he inwardly smiled as she realized that there was no moon.

"Is it true?"

He nodded. "Aye. And we aren't far from the place either. It's in the middle of what it currently a Forsworn camp. It's called Bard's Fall…Redoubt I think. But it's a little different than the story, so I've heard. You have to jump off the falls, and survive, to see them. In fact, I've heard they talk to you."

Her eyes went wide. "Really?"

He shrugged. "That's what I've heard. You want to test it?"

She looked at him. "Maybe."

He stood and put a hand on her head. "That's my brave girl. Now you get some sleep. I'll take first watch."

All day he had had a nagging suspicion that someone was following them. So after Lucia had got to sleep he made a bundle across the fire from her that looked like a sleeping person then retreated into the shadows.

A few hours later he heard something rustling on the opposite side of the camp. As quickly and as quietly as he dared he got as close as he could. He heard the shuffling of feet and someone spoke.

"Quiet Gro-ash, you'll wake both of them."

"Yes huntmaster."

There was no noise for a second then there was the twang of bows and suddenly 2 arrows appeared in the bundle he had made. Knowing what would happen next he surged up from where he was hidden, drawing his dagger.

In 3 strides he had reached them. He swung his dagger at where he thought the bowstring was and was rewarded with the cracking sound of a drawn bow snapping. At the same time he swung his fist and it slammed into someone's head with the force a kicking horse.

"What The…" was all the other man got out before Ragnthor hit him as well.

Ragnthor shook his head. "Orcs."

A few hours later he heard them stirring where he had tied them. He crouched in front of them. "So you would attack Blood-kin."

One of them spat at him. "You're no Blood-kin. We would have heard you're name."

Ragnthor harshly laughed. "Damned insular Orcs, take a look at this." He drew his dagger and shoved it under the Orc's nose.

It wasn't his normal dagger but one he only wore on special occasions. In fact it was the only weapon he had during his wedding. He only grabbed it when he heard he was coming to this part of the Reach. It was crafted from the highest quality mix of steel and orcish metal the maker had. On both sides of the blade and pommel was the mark of, to Ragnthor's knowledge, the current king of the Orcs.

The Orc's eyes grew wide. "By Malacath, the mark of the king. Forgive us, mighty Blood-kin. Do with us what you will."

Ragnthor cut their bands, to their surprise. "Spread word amongst the strongholds that the fighting thane of Whiterun is blood-kin and should not be bothered. And only to the strongholds. If I heard anything outside if them, your head will be the first I collect." They nodded as the grabbed their weapons and left.

As soon as they were gone Ragnthor rolled up in his blankets, knowing they would be safe for the night. He woke up about 30 minutes before the sun rose. As he started making breakfast he heard noises coming from where Lucia was.

She sat up and stretched. "You didn't wake me up."

He smiled. "Let you sleep. Thought you would need it more than me."

"But you're…"

He laughed. "Old? I am but this is an old campaigner trick. I pushed you hard for the first bit, almost broke you. Since you didn't stay with Lydia, I'm cutting you some slack, easing you back into the trials slowly. Like I would do for a new recruit."

"But I'm not a new recruit. You took me with you when Lydia left."

He smiled. "Lucia, I took you because I couldn't leave you alone for the Thalmor to take. You didn't fight, if anything we fought to protect you."

"But…"

"No buts. Now if you want to do something, you can pack camp while I catch a wink." He laughed as he heard her grumble as he wrapped himself in his cloak.

A few hours later they came across a woman muttering by an old dwemer watch tower. He rode a respectful distance and then spoke. "Greetings, are you Sorine Jurard?"

She waved a hand. "Indeed. Now have you seen a bag of drwaven gyros around have you? I could swear I left it right here. You think mudcrabs might have taken it? I saw one the other day… might have followed me here. But what would a mudcrab need with a gyro." She shook her head. "Just look around."

Ragnthor motioned for Lucia to search as he swung off Bowen. "Isran asked me to find you."

She snorted, not lifting her head. "Isran? Wants me? No, you must be mistaken. He made it exceedingly clear the last time we spoke he does not want my help. I find it hard to believe he has changed his mind. HE said some very hurtful things before I left. Besides, I am quite happy with my current pursuits. Now if you will excuse me…"

"You had a falling out?"

She looked up and gave him an exasperated look. "Did you not understand my point? I could have sworn I was quite clear. Look, what do you want?"

"Vampires threaten the whole of Skyrim. We need your help."

She smiled. "Vampires? Really? I suppose he finally remember that I proposed no less than 3 different scenarios of vampires over running the living populace." She looked at him expectantly then sighed. "Well tell me what they are up to now."

He smiled. "They have an Elder Scroll."

She got a shocked look on her face. "That's…well that's not something I ever assumed could happen. Interesting. But what could they want with an Elder Scroll and how long have they had one. Maybe…" She shook her head. "Well Isran is right in thinking this is bad."

She looked at her table and ran her fingers through her hair. "Alright, I should go and see what he knows, if only to prepare myself. But I am not going to abandon what I have spent the last 3 months working on, it's just too valuable. So either you give me one or find the ones the…mudcrabs…took."

Suddenly Lucia ran over. "Is this your bag?"

Sorine grabbed and opened it. "Yes it is. This means I can continue my research. Where did you find it?"

Lucia pointed. "By the stream."

Sorine glared. "Mudcrabs." Then she turned to Ragnthor. "Where are we meeting?"

"Fort Dawnguard."

She smiled. "Been working on his secret hideout, has he? Well it will be interesting to see how far he has gotten. Will you be joining me?"

Ragnthor shook his head. "No. I'm taking my niece to Bards Fall Redoubt."

"Ah, the bard and his muse. Good luck to you." She turned to leave then suddenly stopped and turned around. "I never asked you for your names."

Ragnthor smiled. "This is my niece Lucia and I'm Ragnthor of the Isles."

Her eyes grew wide. "The Dragonborn Legate? I hear you went to the halls of the Nordic dead. I need a sample of blood and you should tell me about what you have seen. Also I need you to kill a dragon to I can watch the soul absorbing process in person, with a blood sample taken both before and after to compare. Oh and we should find a way to almost kill you so I can test your nigh immortality. With blood samples. It all has to be in the blood. Somehow, or else…" She turned and left, muttering to herself.

Lucia looked at him. "She's crazy. Why would Isran want her?"

Ragnthor rubbed her head. "Those touched with madness see things differently. Sometimes more clearly than you or I. Now let's go and see that falls."

Toward evening they rode up to the falls. They left their horses and started walking to the top. As they drew closer to the top Ragnthor held up a hand then lowered it, signaling to drop lower and keep quiet. They walked out to the edge of a ledge overhanging the fall. Lucia was shocked at the height.

"Impressive, isn't it."

She nodded. "It is."

Suddenly Ragnthor heard the shuffle of feet and drew his sword and whirled, managing to catch the dual axes of a Briarheart on his blade.

He snarled at Ragnthor. "Died, Nordic scum."

Ragnthor snarled back. "Leave off, I'm a friend of your king."

He laughed. "The old wolf would never befriend a Nord."

Ragnthor, holding his greatsword in one hand, used his blade to shove the Forsworn away. As the stumbled back Ragnthor swung his left fist and knocked the man down. "Die for you unknowing of the truth." He then drove his sword through the man's chest, piercing his briarheart.

Suddenly he felt more than heard a spell being cast and, with lighting reflexes, he spun and lashed out with his sword. He felt heat wash over him as his sword slashed through a fireball. Then he whirled, taking the sword in both hands, and spun his blade, deflecting an ice spike, causing it to sail off into the distance. Then he heard the chattering of hagravens and saw more than 30 Forsworn charging toward them.

"Lucia, Jump!"

"WHAT?!"

Ragnthor deflected another ice spike while taking an arrow to his armor. "This Is A Death Trap! Our Backs Are To The Wall With 30 Men Laced With Gods Know How Many Spellcasters Charging At Us. We Will Be Torn To Shreds! NOW JUMP!"

He stopped another fireball less than 2 feet from his face and felt his hair and beard catch on fire. He turned and saw Lucia still hadn't jumped. He snarled as he sheathed his sword and picked her up then hurled himself over the cliff.

They fell for what seemed like forever and Ragnthor saw the water rushing up to meet them and took a deep breath and covered Lucia's nose and mouth. They hit the water with a massive splash and sunk like a stone. As soon as the water hit Lucia's face she started struggling and he clamped over her mouth and nose tighter. When his feet hit the water he surged forward, uphill, with all of his strength, fighting for every step.

Time seemed to slow around him. He didn't know how long they had been underwater when Lucia stopped struggling and grew limp in his arms. Just before he was about to black out his head broke the surface and he took a massive breath and plowed through the water to the bank.

As soon as he got there he dropped Lucia and tore off her breastplate and started giving compressions. "Breathe Damn It! BREATHE!" Suddenly her eyes flew open as she spit water and took a breath that sounded like she was tearing the air itself. Then she started coughing and he crushed her to his chest. "Oh praise the gods you're safe."

Suddenly he felt her grow stiff. "Ragnthor, look behind you."

He let go and turned. There was a ghost smiling down at him. "So another person, well group, has braved the falls. And in full armor no less. I'm Rolf and this is…" He turned and Ragnthor saw sorrow cross his face. "The muse is gone. Forgive me but I must follow and stop the darkness she will be spreading. As a Champion of Light yourself you must understand."

Ragnthor nodded. "I do."

He smiled. "The towns are always…Ordinary." Then the ghost nodded. "Well then go in peace. And from now on, both of you will find talking to people easier." Suddenly he vanished.

Lucia looked at him with shock in her eyes. "Champion of Light?"

Ragnthor smiled and rubbed her head. "It's a title a got long ago, for keeping the light of good in men's hearts."

"Does Lydia know this?"

"No. She is too rigid. She doesn't understand the sometimes you must…compromise your morals to help people."

He stood and shook his head, shaking off the water. "Now put your armor on and let's go back to the fort to hear what Isran has to say." She glared and he started to laugh.

Author's note: Well here she is, in all her shining, slightly disjointed body. And it only took well longer than I had intended. And chocked full or references. And I might have started making Sorine a little more crazy that I should. But it's here. And I should, hopefully, have the next chapter out by the end of the summer, at least, maybe sooner if I can't control the urge to write. As always, thank you for reading. And brace yourself for a lot of ground to be covered next chapter.