Chapter 42

Stay in Whiterun

Rona stirred at the quiet sound of people having a lengthy discussion nearby. She tried to swallow, but her mouth was quite dry. She moved her hand over the sheets and felt a tuft of fur. Karnwyr gave a low whine and looked over at her from his comfortable position on the bed next to her. She sat upright, feeling a light headache hovering just above her eyes and looked around the room. She was laying in Delphine's bed and her dress was missing. All she had on was her underwear and her chest and bra were stained and sticky with dried wine.

She looked to her left where Delphine's cabinet stood open, showing the hidden stairs that led to her secret room. She heard her father speaking softly, "...and the reception isn't for another three months, so we have no choice but to wait. In the meantime, Bishop, I think it would be best if you and Rona stay out in Whiterun."

"Why Whiterun?" Bishop asked.

"First off I'd rather keep her away from Falkreath, at least until I can find that brigand's hideout. Considering he's already testing our defenses I'm very concerned for her safety. Velvynen will also need to stay busy, perhaps she could join with the Companions for the time being... give her some semblance of normalcy for a change."

"Yeah," Bishop agreed, "She'd probably like that."

"As for me," Serlas continued, "I will pay a visit to the Mage's College and speak with my colleague Savos Aren and peruse their library to see if I can find anything about the Elder Scroll in question."

Delphine said, "I'll get a hold of my contact in the Embassy and discuss our plans with him and see what else I can find out about Alduin's Wall and its whereabouts."

"Good," Serlas said, "We will meet back here in three months on Sundas the twelfth of Rain's Hand, a week before the reception. We'll prepare ourselves and leave for Solitude then."

Rona pulled the sheet up, covering herself as she heard footsteps coming up the stairs. Serlas was first to come in and said, "Ah, velvyn! You're awake - oh, pardon me," he averted his eyes,"I'll let Delphine show you the washroom dear. We'll talk in a bit."

She nodded and he left the room, Bishop and Delphine came in next and Bishop smiled softly at her. Delphine went over and rifled through her dresser drawers, pulling out an old towel and Rona's cleaned and pressed dress. She went over and handed them to her. "There's a washroom downstairs in the cellar storehouse. You'll have to go around behind the bar to get to it. I'll check and see if we have any customers before I wave you in. Once you get cleaned up we'll get you something to drink and eat and then we'll talk."

Rona just blinked at her, expressionless and Delphine gave her a concerned smile before stepping back into the main inn.

Bishop looked down at her, putting a hand to her shoulder and said, "You feeling alright? You're being awfully quiet Lightfoot… and when you get like that, well, it's usually cause for concern."

"Just thirsty," she said thickly. She remembered most of what had happened the night before and felt a burning shame over her behavior. She'd never gotten so drunk in her life… though being in Sanguine's presence it was bound to happen.

He'd been so kind to her, which was surprising for a Daedric lord, she thought. Feeling complacent on his ambrosia she just went with it. He'd even promised her that she could forsake being Dragonborn and live a peaceful and merry existence in his realm. She knew it was a lie… but she wanted so much to believe it.

Bishop said, "I'll be right back." He left the room and she looked after him. She had a sinking feeling in her stomach about Bishop's safety. She knew he'd never let her go on alone, that he would always stand by her side, facing dragon after dragon until the very end. Alduin was the greatest threat to him. Not all dragons were very bright, but Alduin, being the oldest of them all, he was without a doubt the most cunning and vicious of them. He would be the kind of creature that would see love as a weak trait only mortals had and find a way to use it against them. If Alduin learned of her feelings for Bishop, he would kill him right in front of her and it would absolutely destroy her.

Bishop came back with a glass of water handing it to her. She downed the whole thing quickly then Delphine poked her head in and said, "The coast is clear, better go wash up now."

Rona grabbed the towel wrapping it around herself and folded her dress under her arm brushing by Bishop. She wasn't trying to be cold to him, she just had a lot on her mind and wasn't ready to talk.

She stepped down into the dingy cellar and found the bath hidden behind some shelves, just a lone tub filled a third of the way with warm water. She undressed and sat in it, washing the filth off of herself and drifting off into her own mind.

She missed the days when it was just her and Bishop, having fun in a tavern, drinking, singing and dancing. She wanted that back so much. Her father had mentioned something about them staying in Whiterun. Maybe they could do that again. He'd also mentioned something about a reception. It was probably one of Elenwen's fancy get togethers where she could mingle with high society and be the obnoxious bitch she was.

Rona had always despised the woman. They'd met when she was just nine years old and she never forgot how the woman looked down at her like she was the most vile speck of dust she'd ever seen in her life. The bitch couldn't even stop herself from saying, Really Serlas? An accomplished mage like you and you'd breed with a dirty snow-back? How repulsive. Of course her father shared a few choice words of his own, then swept Rona off and away from the awful woman. But now she was Dragonborn, now she was someone Elenwen desperately wanted to sink her claws into for her own purposes.

And Rona had power. She had enough power to easily destroy the woman if she so chose to. She definitely considered it. Killing one of the heads of the Thalmor Justiciars was high on her to do list, especially that particular woman considering the threats she'd made against Bishop and her.

Rona sunk further into the water, wetting her hair and rinsing it. She finished washing up, including rinsing her underwear and dried off with a spell then pulled her dress on, fixed her hair and took a deep breath. Time to talk.

Upstairs she found Delphine playing her role of harmless innkeeper, sweeping the floors and serving the lone drunk, Embry, at a table.

Delphine glanced back at her, "You're looking a lot better. What can I get you to eat?"

Rona's stomach growled and she laughed slightly, "Heh, anything, honestly."

Delphine smiled at her and went around the bar, putting together a hearty sandwich and poured another tall glass of water then passed them to her, "I'm thinking you'll want to lay off the liquor for a while."

"Definitely," Rona agreed, sitting at the bar and downing the glass before taking a bite of the sandwich.

Delphine was staring at her, studying her and Rona just raised a brow as she went in for another bite. "Sorry," Delphine chuckled, "I just can't believe you met Sanguine. That's pretty incredible, although it must have been terrifying for you."

"Not really," Rona said, covering her mouth as she swallowed a bite, "He was surprisingly nice."

"Well, be careful. If the Daedric Princes are watching you there might be some other less friendly ones interested in meeting you."

Rona just nodded and continued tucking into her food. The Daedra were gods and Sanguine had definitely put some sort of spell over them. How she could even possibly hope to stop them if they wanted to intervene on her journey was beyond her. She looked up, changing the conversation to something that had been on her mind, "Hey… What did you do with those two books of mine?"

Delphine smirked at her, "I'm protecting them."

Rona narrowed her eyes at her, "I knew you stole them."

"Well, they belong to the Blades," she said, meeting Rona's gaze, "If you'd have given them to the Greybeards they would have just burned them."

Rona knit her brows together, "Why?"

"Because, they're ancient Akaviri records. They tell us about Alduin's Wall and about the location of several dragons still living. The Greybeards would rather information like that disappear forever."

Rona frowned and thought for a moment. Arngeir had been very against the fact that she was killing dragons and he didn't seem to care for the Blades much at all. He probably would have burned them. Anything to keep people from finding out where they could learn Dragonrend or from finding the other missing dragons. Then she remembered that Paarthurnax's name was listed in the Atlas of Dragons. Maybe they were just trying to protect him...

Delphine cleared her throat and Rona looked back to her, "You're right. They probably would have destroyed them."

"Exactly," Delphine nodded, "Now you understand... You know, if they had it their way you'd be stuck up on High Hrothgar with them doing nothing at all. But you're a woman of action. I like that about you. The gods chose wisely, I think, when they chose you to be Dragonborn."

Delphine gave her a smile and Rona felt herself actually liking her, even though she'd been so secretive before and stolen her books. She really seemed to know what she was doing. Rona smiled back and said, "Thanks..." She finished off her sandwich and was feeling a lot better. More like herself.

She stepped outside and was surprised to find her father and Bishop standing next to both of their horses. Karinda and Misty shook their heads and chewed on some grass. Whiskey was nearby sniffing and touching noses with a happy Karnwyr as well.

Serlas was holding the staff Sanguine had promised her which only solidified the fact that she'd actually met the Daedric Prince. Bishop turned and looked over at her, "Hey, you're looking a lot better."

She walked over to them and said, "How long has it been? When did you get the horses?"

"We didn't," Bishop said, "Just came outside this morning and they were both here... Sanguine's staff was strapped to Misty. So I'm guessing the Daedric Prince was doing us a little favor."

Serlas smiled down at her and said, "I'm so glad you're well velvyn. When Bishop came stumbling out of that portal last night, carrying you... I truly thought the worst."

Bishop smirked, "He thought all that wine on your dress was blood."

"I'm sorry Ata," she said sadly.

"You have nothing to apologize for my dear. A Daedric Prince is nothing to trifle with. And from what Bishop told me, it seems as though neither of you stood a chance against his powers of manipulation. Still," he looked over the staff, "it's quite the gift he gave you both."

Rona laughed, "You can keep it Ata," she scrunched her nose, "You know I'm no good with staves."

"Indeed," he chuckled, "I'll be sure to have a drink in Sanguine's honor, so as not to offend him for taking it."

Rona smiled, "He's actually pretty nice. I don't think he'll mind."

Serlas raised his brows at her and she shrugged. "Well then," he said, "I'm going to make my way out to Winterhold to do a little research on the Elder Scrolls, maybe teach a few classes while I'm there. Bishop will be escorting you off to Whiterun, where I hope you will keep yourself busy. He'll explain everything else on the way." He hugged her again and said, "Please take care of yourself Rona dear. I'll pray to Auri-El to watch over you... And if you're visiting Winterhold be sure to come see me."

"I will Ata," she said and then spoke in Aldmeri, "(I love you Father.)"

He looked at her surprised but with fatherly affection sparkling in his kind eyes. They rarely ever told each other they loved one another, it was just an unspoken truth most of the time. He knelt down to her height and kissed her cheek, "(I love you too daughter.)"

She wanted to say it more. She never knew when her last day would be and with dragons, Daedra, brigands and the Thalmor at her heels, that day might be sooner than later.

Bishop looked at them, totally lost by the Aldmeri exchange between them. Serlas turned back and strapped the strange staff to Whiskey and climbed up, saying his last well wishes and goodbyes to the both of them, insisting they would meet up again soon in three months. He took off down the path heading north.

Bishop stepped over to her, a mischievous grin on his face now that they were finally alone again. She smirked back up at him, vaguely recalling their frisky groping the night before, "What're you looking at Laurence?"

He crossed his arms and laughed, "Oh, is that how you want to play it, Benanius?"

She grinned at him and wrapped her hands around his waist before standing on tip toe to kiss him. He met her lips, grasping a hand to her scalp and pressing her more forcefully to him. They lingered like this, taking their time and not caring who could see as they pulled at each other's lips. They even ignored the young boy who gagged audibly at the sight of them, "Ew! Elders are gross!" As he ran off with his dog.

Rona laughed slightly under his mouth and he pulled back a little, smiling, "What?"

"A tandile tye, Bishop," she said affectionately in Aldmeri to him.

He cocked an eyebrow at her, "What the hell are you saying woman?"

She gave him a flirty smirk and bit her lower lip, teasing him in Aldmeri again, "Tye nira quelna?"

He looked her over and said, "I really want to know what that one means."

She laughed and clarified for him, pulling up to his height so only he could hear her, "You wanna fuck?"

He groaned, "Oh, don't tease me like that."

She giggled and pulled away from him, climbing up onto Karinda then gave him a wink and snapped her reins shouting, "Tata mirie efe tye rahtan!"

"What does that mean!?" He shouted.

And she looked back shouting, "Catch me if you can!"

He smirked and laughed, "Hah! Just you wait you little minx!"

He ran over and hopped up onto Misty, watching Rona's retreating back as she sped along down the path towards Whiterun with Karnwyr sprinting after her. Delphine stepped outside and saw him leaving. "Already heading out?"

"Mmhm, indeed I am Delphine. I'm going to be a very busy man tonight... tomorrow... and well, looks like I'm booked solid for the next three months."

Delphine chuckled, "Well I'll see you when you get back. Oh and try not to break the Dragonborn, we at least need her to walk straight."

She gave him a wink and he laughed, "I can make no such promises!" Then took off down the path chasing after his quarry.

"Ah Whiterun! Great taverns and great ale," Bishop said as they stepped through the front gates into the vibrant city.

"No more ale for me thanks," Rona said, "I think I might be going sober after last night."

He exhaled, "Yeah, me too Lightfoot. Me too," then he threw his hands to his hips and said, "So! What do you wanna do first?"

She looked up at him and shot him a flirty smile, "I think we should stop by the house first."

He threw an arm around her waist and said, "You read my mind, Ladyship."

They headed over to the home, unlocking and opening the door and then both leaning back, away from the doorway, covering their noses.

"Ugh!" Rona gagged, "What is that smell!?"

Bishop's eyes were watering when he said, "Oh gods," then he realized, "Ah shit... I sort of heaved all over the floor last time we were here and didn't bother to clean it up."

She recalled how abruptly they left last time they were in Whiterun, after a certain Thalmor bitch made some threatening remarks to him.

"Well, if we're going to stay here for another three months," she said, still holding her nose, "why don't we tidy it up and make it more… comfortable?"

"Good plan," he said.

"Great! I'm going shopping and you can clean up your moldy spew," she pat him on the shoulder and he grimaced at the sight of the mess he'd left on the floor, grumbling to himself before taking a brave step inside where he shouted, "GOOD GODS," and gagged some more, then Karnwyr walked in and he cried, "Augh! Karnwyr! Don't eat it!"

Rona left down the path laughing to herself. She did quite a bit of shopping, stopping by the local food stands and purchasing several basketfuls of produce and some meat. She even went down to the khajiit caravans and visited with Ri'saad and Atabah for a bit. They showed her some beautifully made blankets and she purchased three of them plus some very soft, down pillows. She knew they'd be spending a lot of time on that bed and she wanted it to be as comfortable as possible.

After a few hours of shopping and visiting with the khajiit as well as Dagun and Sigrs, who had finally healed from his burns, she returned to find a pile of freshly washed dishes in the tiny kitchen and saw Bishop rearranging the furniture and dusting everything off while Karnwyr kept making a habit of getting in his way.

Bishop stumbled over the wolf, "Damn it Karnwyr! Go lay down over there," he pointed to a corner and then he looked over at her. "Mmm, what's this I see?" He stepped over the wolf, walking up to her and ran a hand over the blankets, "Very nice. You're going to look so good on top of these."

She chuckled at him and said, "We should get some fresh flowers too, maybe brighten up the room a little."

"We'll get around to it," he waved at her as he went back to reorganizing everything. She went upstairs, dumping the pillows and blankets onto the bed and putting it together nicely before heading back down to fill their cupboards with the food she'd bought. After a few more hours of sprucing up the place it really felt like a home.

They stood by one another looking over their work, Bishop nodded his head and said, "Yeah, I think that'll do." Then he looked down at her, sporting the most wolfish grin she'd ever seen and he scooped her right up off her feet, making her yelp.

She should have expected it by now, but she still scowled up at him, "I really wish you'd stop doing that, or at least warn me first."

"Not a chance Ladyship," he smirked at her and carried her upstairs. He brought her into the large bedroom and gently laid her down on their newly made bed, leaning over her. "I'm keeping you under me all night," he whispered into her ear before sending his lips and tongue on a journey from the tip of her blushing ear, down her neck and over her bosom. She breathed and moaned at his touch, running her own hands over his scalp, grasping at his tufts of hair while he nipped and kissed tenderly on her bare skin.

"Let me loosen those clothes," he said sensually and reached around her back, undoing the button on her dress. She sat up and pulled it off. He did the same with his own top, undoing his buckles and tearing it off. She always admired his tanned skin, even the hair on his chest was neat. She had a feeling he trimmed it, keeping himself groomed for her. His muscles were nicely shaped as well, he wasn't bulky though, just very lean. The scars on his body, most of which had faded with time, only made him more appealing to her. They told his story, one of pain certainly, but they proved he was strong, that he could get through just about anything and come out only scathed.

He too seemed to admire her form as his eyes looked over her body. She was significantly less scarred than him. Her skin was much smoother, softer. Her own muscles not as pronounced but still there, underneath her tight, curvy figure. He growled low and buried his face in her chest, reaching around looking for the clip on her bra and unclasping it. He tugged on the lacy piece of clothing with his teeth and tossed it away, giving him a full view of her breasts then immediately took one in his mouth, tracing her nipple with his tongue and sucking hard, while he caressed the other with his rough hand. It felt good and made her moan.

Bishop took his time touching and playing with her body, feeling every inch of her, while she caressed his body in return, running her hands over his powerful muscles and digging her nails into his back whenever he found a tender spot to nip at on her neck or her breasts.

He was still wearing his trousers and she her panties. They were taking it slow, enjoying it. There'd be time to get wild later, lots of time. For now they wanted to spend it enjoying each other.

He positioned himself between her thighs, caressing her rear as he grasped her leg with a hand. He leaned over her, pressing his forehead to hers and looked deeply into her eyes. She could see his love for her, mixed with the passion and desire smoldering in his handsome amber eyes. But when he vocalized it, it always made her heart soar, giving her a new high to hold onto. "I love you, Rona," he said, keeping his eyes connected with hers.

She closed the distance between them, placing her lips dangerously close to his and let her breath touch his face when she returned his affections, "I love you too, Bishop."

He placed his mouth on hers, running a hand up the back of her head, coiling her hair through his fingers, pressing her closer to him as he kissed her, desperately, frantically, like his life depended on it, twisting his mouth onto hers, only pulling back for a moment before returning for more. His tongue always worked wonders in her mouth. He was forceful and gentle all at once, his tongue exploring her own. She loved the way he tasted, always a hint of honeyed mead on his lips.

She felt him press himself between her legs then. His groin, swollen and hard, bulging in his trousers as he rubbed himself up against her damp panties. His fingers made their way under them and she felt him smile under her lips as he ran them over her slick nethers. He caressed her folds, sliding one large finger in to rub over her swollen pleasure center, making her moan under his mouth. It was so different from when she touched herself, so much better. She couldn't remember the last time she'd bothered to touch herself now that she had him. Though that gave her plenty of ideas for another time.

He pulled away from her mouth and looked over her reddened face. She wasn't so much blushing from embarrassment as she was from the pleasure of it all. His smile broadened at the sight of her, "Even after I've just made love with you, I want to start all over again, did you know that?"

She smirked, biting her lip, "Hmm, I had a feeling."

He let out a low groan, continuing to touch her between her legs, sliding his fingers over her most sensitive place, touching her entrance, "No matter how many times I've already had you, I still want more. As much as you're willing to give."

His words made her face burn, and his fingers as they slid inside her made her gasp and she felt her mind go fuzzy. He pressed his chest to hers, leaning close to her face flashing her a devious grin, "I'll never grow tired of seeing you all flushed and breathless in my arms when I've spent myself. You are definitely an addiction, woman."

How could his words turn her on so much? Even more than the way his fingers moved inside her. She moaned heavily, sucking in her breath with each pass over that one spot inside that always set her off. "Oh Bishop... it feels so good. I... I need you. I can't wait, please."

She could hardly find the words like him, never knowing what to say. Maybe he could teach her how to talk dirty too. But for now, she needed him, bad.

He wet his lips and sat upright. "Enough talking," he growled, "Let me show you exactly what you do to me Rona."

He undid the buckle on his trousers and slid them off with his underwear. His throbbing erection pressed against his abdomen, twitching and dripping. It made her tunnel convulse. She wanted to feel him inside, pushing all the way in, filling her.

He reached around her waist, tugging on her panties and slowly sliding them down her legs, pulling them off and tossing them to the floor with the rest of their clothes. He grasped her legs, spreading them apart and moved in, aiming himself for where she wanted him most. But he kept up the tease, grasping his cock and rubbing the tip against her slit, joining his fluids to hers as he pressed himself against her swollen nub. He slid himself back and forth for a while, watching her squirm, gasp and listening to her beg for it. A mischievous smile played on his lips as he looked down at her.

"Do I drive you wild?"

"Yes!" She screamed, her chest heaving as he continued to torture her.

"Tell me you want me to fuck you," his own breath quickened at the words.

She looked right into his eyes, gasping and twitching as she felt his cock prodding her entrance, and she released her pleas, loudly, begging for it, "Fuck me Bishop! Fuck me! I need you! Please fuck me!"

She was sure she saw a fire ignite behind his eyes at her words and he plunged himself inside her, sliding his entire throbbing length within, burying himself hard before sliding it out again, grunting and groaning loudly at the way her body made him feel as she contracted tightly around him.

His hips pound against her so hard and quick that she released short gasps, "Ah!" and "Oh!" and the occasional, "More!"

Sweat glistened from his body as he pumped away, slamming himself repeatedly into her aching need. The feeling of having him there, filling her was so incredibly good. She absolutely lost herself in her own desires. He picked up the pace when she cried, "Harder!" He grasped the headboard and leaned over her, making his hips meet hers over and over. She wrapped her legs around his waist, and gripped a pillow with one hand while her other moved swiftly against the bundle of nerves above the space where his cock was sliding recklessly into her. She even let her hand slide down, touching him, feeling him entering her. This made him gasp heavily, releasing a string of pleasured grunts all his own.

They were both very near now, so she finished herself off, rubbing herself while he pressed her favorite spot inside her. She felt him growing thicker, getting ready to release and as she cried out heavily in orgasm and he groaned deeply, coming inside her... it dawned on her. She'd forgotten to take her contraceptive tonic.

Bishop's eyes rolled into the back of his head as he let himself collapse onto her body, still reeling from his own powerful orgasm. She just stared at the ceiling. No way to enjoy the afterglow as her mind was wracked with the same thought over and over again. Shit. Shit, shit, shit.

Bishop took a breath and rolled off of her laying at her side and gasping for air, "That was... Wow. That was incredible. I don't think I've ever come that hard in my life. Hearing you say those words though? Mmm, damn, woman." He leaned over kissing her on the cheek.

She closed her eyes, knitting her brows together. She couldn't hide it. She couldn't lie. He looked her over and laughed slightly, "Damn, I wasn't that bad was I?"

She turned to look into his eyes, her fears plainly sprawled all over her face. He looked concerned and said, "What?"

Her lip trembled, "I... I forgot to take the tonic."

His eyes widened as he whispered, "Fuck." He pushed himself upright and pressed his head into his hands, "Ok... Uh. So... When did you forget?"

She sat up too and said, "It's been two days since my last period. I was supposed to take it the day after."

He swallowed hard, "Right. So, you're not exactly fertile right now? Right?"

"I don't know," she said. She hadn't exactly paid much attention in the health class at the Mage's Guild all those years ago, she didn't know a whole lot about the reproductive system, just that if a man empties himself inside a woman without protection she might get pregnant.

"Shit," he muttered, "Ladyship if I'm anything at all like my parents... shit." Then he got angry, throwing his arms out and grit his teeth, yelling at her, "Fuck Ladyship! You were supposed to keep track of that! What the hell!? You want to get pregnant or something!?"

She was taken aback by his anger and accusations and snapped back at him, "I didn't mean to forget! There's just been a lot going on! God damned dragons and Daedra! The world is on the verge of ending and I'm supposed to stop it! I have a million responsibilities already dumped onto my shoulders and I still have to remember to take a potion every damn month so you can enjoy your orgasm!? Well fuck you Bishop!" She leapt up, grabbing her clothes and feeling absolutely livid at his selfishness.

He called out to her, "Rona wait! I didn't mean! WAIT!" Realizing his mistake, but she was too fast for him, as always, throwing all her clothes on and slamming the front door shut behind her before he even had a chance to pull his pants on.

She sprint down the road, heading for the marketplace which was empty at that time of day. The sun was slowly dipping under the mountains and setting in the west. She turned down the path, taking the stairs up towards the dying Eldergleam. She didn't know where she was going, but felt drawn to the Companions Mead Hall in the distance so she walked towards it. She wandered around towards the open yard behind the building and noticed a lone man seated at one of the tables on the porch, drinking an old ale by himself.

It was Kodlak Whitemane. She considered turning back, leaving him be when she heard him say, "So the Dragonborn returns to us once again," he looked back at her, a kind smile tracing his lips, "Would you care to join me young one?"

She exhaled and shrugged walking over to the porch and took a seat across from him.

He sipped on his ale and said, "So, I take it you killed your dragon seeing as you've returned to us so soon."

She gave a weak smile. "Not exactly. He's still out there somewhere. I'm not strong enough to face him yet."

Kodlak stroked at his beard. "So you've come to train then?"

"You mean with the Companions?"

"Certainly. We might even be able to teach you some things you don't know... and you could teach us how to slay the dragons."

She smirked at him, "You haven't faced any yet?"

"Skjor has. He went on a mission to take one down out on Eldersblood Peak a while back. The experience nearly killed him, but he came out stronger for it, I'm sure. May I ask, how many you have slain?"

She pressed an elbow to the table, putting her head in her hand and wracked her brain trying to remember. She'd lost count after Solitude. She didn't know anymore, "I have no idea. Twenty maybe? More? Couldn't say."

Kodlak looked at her, impressed, "That's quite brave. Though Claudia was much the same way, barreling headfirst into danger."

Rona looked up at him, frowning slightly, "I'm not going out of my way to look for them. They find me. They can sense me."

"Ah... I see. You seem troubled by your gift."

She scoffed, "Gift? This? No... it's a curse."

He took a drink from his mug and said mindlessly, "Hmm... yes, I understand. I know what it means to be cursed."

"What do you mean?"

He chuckled at himself, "Ah... don't mind me. Just the musings of an old man. I forget myself sometimes, thinking of a time long past."

She knew better than to press an old man for answers, especially one she hardly knew so she changed the subject, "I'm going to be here for about three months. I was hoping that I could join the Companions, lend you my strength and my sword."

Kodlak nodded, "I'd never say no to the Dragonborn joining our ranks. I'm sure you'll bring us plenty of work. I've already seen your arm, but perhaps one of the others can assign you a task to fulfill. We'll send you out on a mission with a Shield-Brother and he'll see how you fair."

She smiled, "I'd like that."

Karnwyr came running around the building and into the yard, loping right up to her and sniffing at her hand.

"Ah, I see your friendly wolf has decided to join us," Kodlak said holding a hand out to him.

Bishop came around next, carrying her swords with him and grumbled, "There you are!"

She turned her face from him, not in any mood to talk to him. He approached them and Kodlak looked up at him curiously. Bishop pressed his lips together and gave a short nod at the man before setting her swords on the table, "Forgot these Ladyship," then he grasped her hand and muttered, "Hey, let's go back and talk about this."

She scowled at him. Kodlak looked between the both of them, bemused while he scratched at the scruff of Karnwyr's neck. Then he spoke to Bishop, "You look like a capable young man, may I ask your name?"

Bishop glanced at him, his face etched with disdain for the wise elder in front of him. Perhaps it was the young man remark, or perhaps it was because he didn't care for strangers taking such an interest in him.

"What's it to you if I'm capable or not? I'm not interested in joining your merry band of drunk brutes, thanks," He tugged on Rona's arm and she tore it away from him furiously.

"Why do you have to be like that? He's just being polite! Gods, you're so rude to everyone all the time!"

Bishop crossed his arms, "You know me Ladyship, I don't go around pretending to care about others feelings," he looked at Kodlak with half lidded eyes, "no offense." Kodlak chuckled as he brought the mug back to his face for another swig.

"That's just who I am. So take it or leave it."

Her eyes burned with a raging fire at him and he raised his brows at her. He sighed and dropped his arms taking a seat next to her, "Alright, fine," then he looked at Kodlak, "The name's Bishop," he reached a hand out and Kodlak took it, shaking it firmly.

"Kodlak Whitemane," he said introducing himself in return.

"Right," Bishop said casually, "So what do you wanna know? About my skills? I'm a ranger."

"I can see that. That's quite a fine bow you have. I see you have a dagger as well," Kodlak said looking him over, "May I ask, how many dragons you've faced off against?"

Bishop scoffed, smirking, "Shit... I lost count after the attack in Solitude."

Kodlak raised his brows, "So you were there for that as well?"

"You kidding? I got a nice scar all up my leg from that night." He drew his pant leg up, displaying the white scars licking up his skin like fire.

"You're a true warrior inside and out," Kodlak said impressed.

"I like to think so," Bishop chuckled, "Definitely learned a lot chasing her around."

"You two travel together?"

"Yup, since before we found out she was Dragonborn," Bishop replied. Rona was surprised at how forthright he was being. It was so unlike him, though she expected that he was making the effort for her sake. Doing whatever he could to get back on her good side.

"I have to admit I'm thoroughly impressed, though I'd like to see your sword arm."

Bishop crossed his arms again turning away, "I don't care for swords. Haven't touched one since... I'm no good with 'em."

"I could teach you," Kodlak offered.

Bishop furrowed his brows at the old man and scoffed, "And why the hell would you wanna do that? I do just fine with my bow and my knife. Never needed a sword before."

Kodlak smiled gently at him, "Facing off against dragons, well... Lady Rona seems to have gotten the right idea about it, having a pair of dual blades made, I'm sure they pierce the hide of the beasts much easier."

"They really do," she agreed.

"If you're going to keep up the fight against these creatures you might consider having one of your own made and training with it. I'm sure we can find a material strong enough. Perhaps more dragon bone."

Bishop smirked at him, "I still haven't agreed to anything."

Kodlak chuckled and the doors to the Mead Hall opened. Farkas, Vilkas, Skjor and Aela all stepped out onto the porch. Aela's eyes lit up as she saw Rona, "Well! Been a while girl, how've you been?"

Rona smiled at her, "I've been okay, how about you?"

"Keeping up the good fight!" Aela laughed, raising a fist and holding a hand to her bulging bicep. "I heard all about you showing off your skills out here with those new blades, wish I could have seen it myself."

"You might get a chance to see it firsthand," Kodlak said as he stood up, "Lady Rona has offered her sword arm to us."

"Really now?" Aela said excitedly, "Wonderful! It'll be nice having another powerful woman around to whip the men into shape!" She laughed loudly while Skjor and Vilkas just rolled their eyes. Farkas didn't seem to catch on, he really did seem a bit thick.

Rona looked at them all, "Going somewhere?"

"Ah yes," Kodlak said, "We are members of the Circle, a higher rung within the Companions. We're to meet in the under forge tonight," he glanced up at the night sky. A full moon was rising in the distance, covered lightly by clouds. He turned back to her, "If you still wish to join us, come see us tomorrow morning and we'll see if we can give you an assignment. And Bishop, was it? I think you'd make a fine Shield-Brother if you decide to join us. We can always use more talented marksmen, especially with dragons about."

Rona stood up, grasping her swords and smiled, "I'll definitely be here tomorrow."

"I look forward to it," Kodlak said, "Have a good night."