Author's note: Sorry for the short update! This should be split up into two parts. The second, much longer bit, will be out on Friday.

I got a PM a little while ago requesting a story featuring a specific character. To the kind champion of justice, here is your story. And yes, I swear, I shall actually finish it.

I've hit a fairly busy point in my life right now, so the updates might be shorter than usual. Bear with me! Everything will go back to normal after a few weeks.

Thank you everyone who has reviewed, and all of those who haven't. You're all amazing!

Disclaimer: Not my game

The travelers sit around the campfire. Remains of food litter the ground, and cooking utensils sit by the fire. None of the travelers are asleep, however. They sit around the fire, talking.

"You've heard the legend, of course."

The dark-haired man on the far right grins.

"Which one, you idiot?! I know thousands."

The woman speaking laughs.

"The one of the Dragonborn. He who saved this land from ruin? We've been talking about this for hours. Weren't you listening?"

The man shakes his head.

"Of course I was listening. You-"

"Okay look, I know that you weren't listening. But listen. Remember that woman that we met last week?"

"Yes."

"She was in that legend. The young woman, the housecarl? She was that old woman. And she told me a story."

Walden grinned, shaking his head. Hair flew around his face, and wet drops flew around the room. Lydia laughed at his antics, then grimaced in mild disgust as the water hit her face. She didn't like unwarranted projectiles, water droplets included.

"You're leaving today?"

It wasn't really a question, and they both knew it. He'd been planning this trip since the moment he heard from The Greybeards. And both of them knew that she was going to argue with him until he left.

"Yes. I have to, Lydia. I wish that I could stay a little longer, but as you know, the world awaits!"

Lydia frowned. The young man had only been with her for a few weeks, and he was already off to the Greybeards. Those damn old men, living at the top of their mountain of ice. Wielding too much power for any mortal man to be able to handle. And off they go, summoning this man who has never done a thing in his life to warrant that kind of power. She couldn't help but feel a little bit upset towards them. After all, this man was her charge. And she couldn't have him running off to the highest regions of the land, especially not when the dragons were back. He might not be strong enough…

Walden broke her out of her worrying with a pat on the back.

"I'm sure you'll be fine, Lydia. And don't worry, I'll be fine. I should be back in a few weeks, okay?"

She scowled even more than before.

"My thane, with all due respect, I am coming with you. You haven't heard the tales of High Hrothgar. It's not a safe place far anyone, even the so-called 'Dragonborn'."

He finally stopped looking jovial, obviously bothered by something. Perhaps the invoking of his new title had been the correct decision.

"Look, Lydia, I don't want you to come with me."

"And why ever not?! You need help, and if you go alone, you may die! The fate of the world rests with you, if you truly are what they say. You can't let that go to waste!"

Walden merely grinned, teeth flashing for the millionth time.

"I'm sorry."

And he turned and walked away, leaving her defeated. Lydia was shaking, and had her hands clenched into fists at her sides, but she still left him alone. If the damn fool wanted to die, then so be it. Let it never be said that she didn't at least try to stop him.

It wasn't until much later on that she realized what he had truly been trying to save. Not his pride, not his dignity, and most certainly not his life. Somehow, some way, her life was more important than that of the legendary Dragonborn's. And she treasured that gift.

"You can't possibly be done!"

The woman laughs.

"Of course I'm not. But we're losing Taz."

The dark haired man leans over, and pokes the sleeping girl.

"I'm sorry! I swear I didn't mean to fall asleep, it's just so late and I'm so sleepy and I can't help it-"

"-No, it's fine. I'll continue tomorrow. Laque, you're on guard duty tonight. Good luck!"

The dark haired man splutters out a complaint, but takes her command in stride. The rest of the travelers retreat into their bedding, and finally, all are asleep.

And as the fire dies down, the silhouettes of their forms cast long shadows on the trees.