Chapter 62
All I Ask of You
There was a quiet scrawling near her ear, it sounded like a quill on parchment. Rona opened her eyes and found herself in an all too familiar hospital wing. She looked over at the sound and saw her father sitting nearby at a writing desk, head in hand as he wrote slowly, then dipped his quill into an inkpot. He looked extremely tired, like he hadn't slept in days. He gave a low sigh as he reviewed his work and Rona whispered in a hoarse, scratchy voice, "Ata… you're here."
He looked over at her, his brows knit together as he choked back a sob, then reached for her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. Surprisingly, the shoulder she remembered being injured didn't hurt at all when he pressed against it.
He breathed, "We must stop meeting like this velvynen."
He pulled back and wiped a tear from his eye. She sat up in the bed and tried to clear her throat and swallow, but her mouth was dry, "Ata, what happened?"
He gave another deep sigh and said, "So many things my dear. I just arrived here yesterday only to find you back in the hospital wing. You were attacked four days ago by the World Eater himself and two of his leading Commanders."
She shook her head. She didn't remember that happening at all. Had she fought back? Obviously she'd survived. She couldn't remember anything from before she fell asleep in her bed after being stitched up.
Panic overtook her then and she looked around, searching for Bishop.
Her father put a hand on her shoulder and said, "It's fine, he's fine. He and Karnwyr haven't left your side in days so I sent them out to stretch their legs and get some fresh air."
She felt immediately relieved and her father got up and poured her a glass of water from a pitcher on a side table. He handed it to her and took his seat again while she drank deeply from the glass.
"You were unconscious for the entire incident, when Alduin returned here," he explained, "Bishop protected you, he saved your life and it seems General Tullius has repaid his own debt in full to me as well. He risked his life and the lives of his Legionnaires to keep you safe from the dragons."
She knit her brows together, pulling the glass from her lips, "Did anyone...?" She couldn't bring herself to say the word.
"Die?" Her father finished for her, "No, fortunately not. A few were badly injured. Cecil suffered a severe burn to his arm, but everyone is well otherwise."
She closed her eyes for a moment, just taking that in. Hundreds of people weren't killed because of her for once. Then she looked back at him, "I was out for four days?" Her voice was a bit clearer after drinking the water and she set the empty glass onto the writing desk.
"Alduin used some sort of shout against you," he said looking up thoughtfully with a hand to his beard, "Bishop said it was, Drun Hahnu Bex, though he mispronounced it at first and it took me some time to find the actual words. I looked it up in that book of yours, Dragon Language: Myth No More. It means, Make Dream Open. Bishop said that it made your nightmare appear before them, but I suspect that there was another effect. I believe it was meant to make it last longer. You've been trapped in that awful nightmare for four days my dear. Screaming… crying… gods…" he breathed the last and put a hand to his head.
She sighed. No wonder she felt so exhausted. Being trapped in Jillian's personal Oblivion for four straight days? She hated going back to that place.
She didn't want to talk about that dream so she changed the subject, "Did you get rid of that orb, Ata? The Eye of Magnus?"
He looked even more morose than he did before, but he nodded slowly. "I did," he said, then looked away from her and said sadly, "Savos Aren is dead."
Her eyes widened and she reached out, touching his arm. "Ata…" she whispered.
"It was Ancano," he said looking back at her, "He was consumed by the Eye. It possessed him and turned him to madness. He killed the Arch-Mage and I in turn killed him. It was an entirely horrific affair, honestly. I wish not to dwell on it."
"I'm so sorry Ata," she whispered. She felt sad for the loss of her father's old friend. Savos Aren was a kind old dunmer and she knew they'd been good friends for decades. She knew how he must have been feeling so she didn't press him for any more details.
Then their attention was drawn to a woman, three men and a young boy suddenly as Aela shouted, "Finally! You're awake girl! What took you so long?"
"Rona!" Nelkir ran over to her, dressed in his full steel-plated armor and he hugged her. He was pretty sweaty too, she figured he must have been training with the others.
She smiled at them all and Vilkas asked, "How's the shoulder?"
She looked over at her bandaged limb and said, "It doesn't hurt at all."
"Because your father here is an amazing healer!" Aela said motioning to the elf.
Serlas chuckled, "You flatter me, Aela, but without Nurse Prothe's advanced studies in restoration and superior skill in alchemy I'm afraid Rona here would be worse for wear. My focus of study was always in destruction," he looked on at his daughter and said, "All things considered though, I will be taking to the books to try and achieve a greater level of skill in restoration since it seems we'll be needing it."
"It's my fault," Nelkir looked up at Rona, "You got hurt because I kept trying to prove myself. If I'd just listened, then maybe…"
Rona pulled her little brother in for a side arm hug and said, "No blaming yourself. Just learn from the experience okay?"
"Okay…" he mumbled against her.
Rona looked around at them all, "So you've all met my ata then?"
"Yes," Serlas said, "Well, obviously Aela and I were already acquainted years ago."
"Still the same old elf talking our ears off about the Oblivion Crisis," Aela said with a laugh.
Serlas pouted playfully, "I thought you liked all my adventurous tales, Aela."
She snorted, "Yes, please tell me again about how useful calipers were in tearing down the Oblivion Gates."
He smirked at her and Nelkir said, "I like your stories Mister Thormin."
Serlas chuckled at the boy and said, "You may call me Serlas, Nelkir, as it seems my surname has proved a bit of a challenge for your tongue."
Nelkir blushed lightly and Serlas looked between Rona and the boy, shaking his head. "It's absolutely striking how much you both resemble one another. You two really do take after Claudia quite a bit. Though I see Nelkir here has inherited his mother's freckles when you did not velvyn."
She smiled down at her brother, "You should see him fight Ata. Got the spirit of a warrior too."
"Speaking of," Aela said, "We'll be leaving for Whiterun tomorrow. We're heading back to Jorrvaskr."
"Thank the gods," Athis murmured in the background from his spot against a wall, "Can't stand another day in this place…"
Aela glanced back and chuckled at him. The brothers both looked very pleased at this notion as well. Rona asked, "So you're welcome back in Whiterun?"
Vilkas pulled a fancy piece of folded parchment out of his furs and held it up, "Got a full pardon from Jarl Vignar Gray-Mane himself," he laughed, "Can always count on the old Gray-Mane clan to have our backs."
"That's great," Rona said, but she was hesitant, "Just… be careful, okay? You never know if it's really a trap or not."
"No worries," Vilkas assured her, "Considering the sloppy handwriting, it's definitely from Vignar. Man's got the shakes so bad he can't scrawl a single legible letter to save his life."
"I'm going too!" Nelkir said excitedly.
Rona looked worried and frowned, "Are you sure that's a good idea?"
"Already been cleared with Jarl Elisif," Aela said, "though she really didn't want to let him go. We've got some rules obviously, like no confronting the Stormcloaks," Aela gave him the stink eye and Nelkir frowned slightly as she continued, "But Nelkir here is going to help us get a certain plan of mine going."
"And what's that?" Rona asked curiously.
"Well," Aela started, "We've been struggling to recruit new members and the other day I met a whelp around Nelkir's age. Some stable boy, an orphan. So I offered him a sword and a bed in Jorrvaskr."
Vilkas scoffed shaking his head and smirking, "This woman is mad I tell you."
Aela scowled at him, "Let me finish," then she turned back to Rona, "So the war has been leaving a lot of kids orphaned right? I figured, why not rebuild the Companions from the ground up? We'd also be giving them a place to live while we train them up at a young age."
Rona smiled and laughed, "You're serious? Like… turn Jorrvaskr into an orphanage?"
Aela beamed at her, throwing her hands to her hips, "Not just an orphanage girl! Turn it into a place for them to call home, give them family, stability and put them to work! Hah!" She seemed really proud of herself and it didn't sound like the worst idea. Though Rona wondered how Aela would fair with a bunch of children in her midst.
Athis crossed his arms from his spot on the wall and grumbled, "Gonna need plenty of mead if we're going to have a bunch of screaming brats running around."
Farkas grinned, "I kind of like it. Wouldn't mind training some pups up myself."
"We'll definitely have our hands full," Vilkas said, though he didn't seem entirely against the idea either.
"The boy we're bringing back with us, his name's Blaise," Nelkir said, "He's the same age as me, but I'm going to show him the ropes!"
"Whip him into shape!" Aela laughed, putting a hand to Nelkir's shoulder.
"That's great Nelkir, I'm really glad you'll meet and make friends with some kids your own age," Rona said genuinely.
"Hey," Nelkir said, "Lady Elisif reinstated the Burning of King Olaf Festival –"
"That's right," Vilkas butt in, "We went out and found some old bard's verse for the College Headmaster here. He was going to ask you to go get it, but you know, since you were so busy getting your beauty sleep and all," Vilkas laughed, "we went and found it. It was enough to get Jarl Elisif to bring the Festival back."
"It's going to be tonight," Nelkir added, "Will you come? Dagny's supposed to sing too."
"That sounds wonderful," Rona said excited, "I'd love to go with you all!"
It really did sound nice. Some more normalcy she could stuff into all the insanity she suffered throughout her daily life.
"I'll go let your grumpy ranger know you're up and about," Aela said, "The wolf's been missing you too. Hardly seen those two leave your side this last week."
"Wait," Rona said throwing her feet over the edge of her bed, "I'll go with you."
Serlas looked concerned, "Velvyn, you'll be very weak still. You haven't even eaten anything for four days."
She made to stand and nearly toppled over when Serlas quickly caught her. She frowned at her own legs then looked up at him, "Please Ata? I'll never get stronger just sitting around."
He sighed and Aela walked over and threw Rona's arm over her shoulder, "I got her Serlas. We'll be fine," she looked to Rona with a smile and said,"Let's get some food in you and stretch your legs, alright?"
Rona was on the move again with Aela helping her and she was really grateful for it. Serlas called at their backs, "Rona dear, promise me, any dragons and-"
"I'll come right back to Solitude!" She said waving back.
Aela barked at the others, "Get back to training you slags!"
Vilkas and Farkas chuckled and Athis just groaned loudly and rolled his eyes.
Bishop watched as Karnwyr slipped through the brush and around to the other side of the elk they were hunting. He was trying very hard to focus on the task at hand, at least for Karnwyr's sake, as the wolf was probably starving by now.
He'd already lost their last two marks, having spent hours tracking them. But he just couldn't keep his mind on anything else. He kept thinking back to four days of her torturous screaming and endless sobbing while trapped in that horrific nightmare. He felt exhausted. Vilkas and Aela tried so hard to get him to leave, to go and sleep but he just couldn't, he wouldn't leave her.
Even when Serlas arrived and insisted he take Karnwyr and go for a walk he didn't want to go. But when the elf used his magic to finally calm her, Bishop felt comfortable enough leaving her. She was in safe hands, he could always count on her father to protect her, to be vigilant, though even Serlas had looked as nearly as tired as him.
He nocked an arrow to his bow and felt his eyelids drooping heavily as he lined up his sights. He scrunched his eyes a few times, trying to clear his vision of the blurry sleep. Then exhaustion took over and his grip slipped setting the arrow free too soon. It whistled right past the elk's ear and the animal immediately sprint off into the forest, while Karnwyr took off after it hopelessly.
Bishop just sighed and whistled for the wolf to return to him. Karnwyr gave up the chase and ran back, loping up to him whining hungrily. He looked down at his companion and said, "Sorry boy. I can hardly see straight right now. We'll head back and get you some fresh meat from the marketplace instead, how's that sound?"
Karnwyr gave a light bark and wagged his tail, then nuzzled Bishop's open hand trying to comfort him. He scratched behind the wolf's ears and moved on, taking the path back to Solitude.
He gave a loud yawn and did everything in his power to keep his eyes open. He heard the sound of a horse and carriage trotting along the cobblestone path behind him. He stepped off the path and into the grassy area to let it pass. As it came up beside him though he heard a familiar voice.
"Afternoon ranger. How's Solitude been treating you?"
Bishop glanced over to see Delphine sitting in the carriage smirking at him. He breathed a laugh and shook his head, "You're here early. Party's not for another three days."
"Hey, Thaer," Delphine called to the driver, "Stop for a minute, we're going to give my friend and his wolf a ride back with us. That alright?"
"Whatever you say Miss Marjorie," he pulled the carriage to a stop and Bishop looked over at Delphine with half-lidded eyes.
She smiled at him and said under her breath, "Can never be too careful."
"Right," he said then climbed into the back of the carriage with her. He motioned for Karnwyr and the wolf hopped in too, finding a spot on the carriage floor between their feet.
Once Thaer saw that all the passengers were in, he clicked for his horse to move along again and the carriage resumed its steady pace down the path.
Bishop stared sleepily off into the distance, his mind stuck on Rona and her well being as Delphine looked him over curiously and finally said, "You look like shit Bishop. What happened to you?"
He sighed, settling his tired eyes back on her, "Long story."
"How's the Dragonborn?" She asked.
"Trapped in a nightmare," he said deadpan.
Delphine knit her brows together, "What do you mean?"
He took a breath and exhaled, "I'm way too fucking tired for this Del-"
She cleared her throat loudly before he could say her real name and said, "Just call me Marjorie."
He grumbled, annoyed, "Marjorie then, for fuck's sake... Fine. So, where shall I start? From the Oblivion that was Whiterun or the utter madness of Solitude?"
"I heard all about what happened in Whiterun," Delphine said forlorn, "The Companions, the Jarl and the Stormcloaks? Tell me you two weren't there for all that."
"We were there for all of it," he confirmed while his expression remained stiff and drained.
"Damn..." Delphine muttered under her breath, then she said, "Tell me about Solitude then."
Bishop quickly gave her all the cold facts in brief detail, telling her about how Rona was injured fighting the dead Queen Potema and then how Alduin decided to try and kill her in her weakened state. She was speechless, pausing and mulling over these details when finally she said, "And she's still asleep?"
Bishop nodded slowly, his tired eyes wandering again.
"There's nothing Serlas can do?"
Bishop pressed his forefinger and thumb to the space between his eyes and rubbed hard and relayed what Serlas had told him, "He says dragon magic is too powerful for him to break and he wouldn't even know where to start with this one."
"But if she doesn't wake up," Delphine sounded dire, "How can she eat? Drink? She'll dehydrate and starve!"
"DON'T YOU THINK WE KNOW THAT!?" He bellowed furiously making the carriage driver jump and startling Delphine. She leaned back in her seat, while Karnwyr gave a low growl under her feet. Bishop's exhaustion, fears and worries were starting to get to him. Four days he'd stressed over her, worrying himself sick, trying to make her drink water, or eat mushy porridge or anything, but it was useless. He was just as helpless as the rest of them.
Delphine must have realized that she was only making it worse with all her questions and whispered, "I'm sorry Bishop. I really am..."
He turned his head away from her and stared hard down the path. They were nearly to Solitude again. He'd feed his wolf and go back, he'd do what he'd done the last four days and just stay by her side. He'd whisper his love and hold her in his arms and even hum all the songs she'd ever sung back to her while she cried.
And then he saw her and Aela walking down the path from the gates, heading right for them and he shook his head and blinked a few times. He really needed to sleep. He was hallucinating. She never wore blue. Why would she wear blue? Not that it didn't look nice on her. Of course she'd look nice in anything and even nicer without anything.
And then it hit him like a giants club. She was wearing blue because her red dress had been soaked in blood and the nurse got her a change of clothes, putting her in the knee length, light blue dress instead.
He took a sharp breath when she waved to him and called his name, smiling, "Bishop!"
He stumbled out of the still moving carriage, not even realizing his legs were trying to take him to her. He tripped as he hopped out, falling onto one knee while Delphine looked at him, startled and Rona broke into a sprint. He scrambled to his feet and ran to meet her in the middle.
In seconds he had her in his arms and she was saying, "Bishop! I'm sorry! I'm so sorry I worried you!"
He'd never in his life let his tears flow so freely and in front of others too. But he didn't care. She was awake, she wasn't screaming and she was there in his arms. He gripped her tightly and whispered, "I love you Rona, I love you. Gods tell me this is real."
She pulled back from him and looked over his tear strewn face with her own apologetic one. She caressed the tears from his cheeks and said, "Yes, it's real." Then he kissed her and he knew it was real. It felt real. Even as drained as he was he still kissed her with the passion of a thousand suns. He was just high on the fact that she was awake and speaking to him.
Then he pulled back and said through a choked sob, "Thought I'd lost you Lightfoot."
"Oh, Bishop," she whispered with a weak smile.
He buried his face into the crook of her neck and murmured, "I'm so tired Ladyship. I have to sleep. Stay with me, please..."
She said, "Of course." She gave a quick wave to Delphine as he leaned heavily on her, ready to pass out. The breton woman called over to her, waving as the carriage rounded the bend towards the farm and Karnwyr hopped out, "I'll meet you both at the Winking Skeever later. Get him in a bed already will you? Before he collapses and we have to carry him back."
Bishop stepped into the room he'd been renting out at the inn for the last four days. He hadn't really slept there though; it was just a place to keep all their things at the moment. His swords lay on a table and a bunch of their other belongings were scattered around the room. He'd gone back to their home after the fire was put out. The roof of had been destroyed, but for the most part the building had remained intact. He retrieved all their extra clothes, her weapons, their gold and a few other precious valuables. Everything they couldn't live without was there.
He looked at the bed and walked over, falling face first into it. Karnwyr hopped up and curled up in the empty spot next to him. Bishop lay his head against a pillow and Rona knelt down beside him, running a hand over his temple and she asked, "You were really that worried about me?"
"Always," he said wearily. She kissed him on the forehead and he tugged on the sleeve of her dress and said, "Stay with me. I can't sleep without you here."
She gave him a half-smile, "I will. But first I'm going to go get some food and talk to Delphine for a bit."
"Marjorie," he said. Rona looked at him confused and he clarified, "She's using an alias because she's beyond paranoid, Ladyship. Just thought I'd warn you."
Rona smirked and said, "Thanks."
He knit his brows together, "Come back soon?"
She kissed him on the lips and said, "I will, I promise. I'll be just downstairs, okay?"
He sighed, watching her as she went. She gave him a gentle wave, closing the door over behind her and went back downstairs into the tavern.
Aela was sitting at a lone table in a corner and Rona joined her. Corpulus swept by and said, "Lady Rona! Nasty business that was with the dragons. How are you feeling?"
"I feel much better, Corpulus, thank you," she smiled kindly at him.
He put a hand to his hip and asked, "You got the bread I baked and sent over I hope?"
"Uhh," Rona looked at him mystified.
Aela laughed and said, "Oh right! We've got a ton of stuff for you girl. The whole town brought you flowers, sweets, amulets, wine, the works! Got a whole room in the palace for all the food, trinkets and liquor everyone left you while you were out."
Rona stared at her stunned. Bishop already told her she had way too much stuff. But now there was even more stuff?
Rona looked back up at Corpulus and said hesitantly, "I guess... I did get it."
He chuckled and said, "That's alright, let me know how the bread is though. I've been working on a new recipe," he winked and then asked, "So what can I get for the two loveliest Companions?"
Aela smirked and ordered a meat pie and an ale. Rona asked for the same but with a tall glass of water instead. Her stomach growled a little as Corpulus walked away to get their food.
Aela laughed, "Yeah I bet you're hungry."
"Starved," Rona said rubbing a hand to her angry belly.
"Bishop tried to spoon feed you porridge in your sleep. It was pretty funny to watch when you weren't... you know, thrashing around. He sure was persistent though, made a mess all over you."
Rona knit her brows together, "Was I that bad?"
Aela took a deep breath and exhaled, "If you were having that same dream over and over again girl, with the World Eater killing him? Yeah. It was bad."
"So you all know then?"
Aela nodded, "Yeah, the monster himself decided to show it to us... You have that dream often?"
"Only when I'm asleep and Alduin is nearby. Otherwise I'll dream of the Dragonborn women sometimes. They'll teach me songs and show me bits of their lives, their adventures and struggles, like they're trying to guide me on my path and show me I'm not totally alone or something."
"You hate it don't you? Being this legendary hero?"
Rona looked down at the table. "Is there a stronger word than hate?"
Aela looked her over for a moment, studying her before Corpulus came by and served them their plates and drinks and took his leave again. Rona's stomach growled at the smell of the hot food and she dug right in.
Aela took a few bites and swigs and said, "Wish I could help you more. You know we'll always have your back right? If you ever need us for anything don't hesitate to ask."
Rona looked up at her, taking a bite and smiled through her chewing. She swallowed and said, "I appreciate that Aela. I appreciate everything you've done to help us and for training Nelkir too. I... I want you to know, I forgive you, for all of it."
Aela furrowed her brows and said, "I don't deserve it."
"I want us to be friends again, Aela. Real friends, like our mothers were."
Aela gave her a weak smile and took a sip from her drink, "I'd like that. Been missing my little sister you know." Rona smirked at her and Aela leaned an elbow on the table, drink in hand and said seriously, "You're really lucky to have him you know."
Rona raised a brow at her, "Bishop?"
"Mmhm," Aela said, "He's got his flaws, definitely - damn snarky bastard he can be sometimes - but he loves you more than anything. I really envy that about you two." Rona looked at her surprised and Aela explained, "Skjor and I always tried to hide it. It was stupid, we both knew that everyone knew about us. I mean how could they not?" She scoffed, "Us always sneaking off together. He wanted to be more open about it, but I-," she faltered, "I worried the others would look at me differently for it. You showed me that you can still be a warrior and a woman in love," she turned away looking mournful.
Rona touched her hand and said, "I'm so sorry about Skjor, Aela. He was a good man. I learned a lot from him and I know Bishop did too. We miss him... Kodlak did too. He grieved deeply over his passing."
Aela sniffed and wiped at a stray tear clinging to her lash and whispered, "Thank you."
The two of them finished eating and Aela started telling her all about her fight with the dragons and everything that had transpired four days ago.
Rona laughed and said, "You did not!"
"Sure did," Aela chuckled over her bottle of mead, "Got him right in the eye and told him, fuck you!"
Rona laughed louder, "I can't believe it! I mean, not only that you told the World Eater off like that - but you really got him in the eye?"
Aela shrugged, "Guess he's not so strong after all."
Delphine came through the doors then and looked around. Rona waved to her and she went right over to their table and pulled up a chair.
Rona made to introduce her and said, "Aela this is my friend –"
"Marjorie," Delphine interjected quickly and held a hand out. Rona gave her a side eye glance and remembered what Bishop had said.
Aela shook her hand and said, "Nice to meet you Marjorie, I'm Aela."
Delphine looked over her armor and asked, "One of the Companions?"
"Harbinger of the Companions," Rona said with a smirk.
Delphine looked surprised and smiled, "Ah, another strong woman in our company."
"So they tell me," Aela shrugged, "So, Marjorie, how do you know our little dragon?"
Delphine shifted in her seat, setting her elbows on the table and laced her fingers together, "We met a while back. She did some work for me, collected an old stone tablet I was looking for some time ago."
Aela raised her brows, "Oh yeah? Not one of our contracts was it?"
"It was before I joined the Companions," Rona said.
"Nothing important really," Delphine waved it off, "Just some old relic. I'm a collector of sorts."
Delphine was being incredibly vague and overly cautious, probably because they were in public and in the presence of a stranger. She could tell Delphine really wanted to speak with her alone, but she didn't want to just rudely tell Aela to leave either.
Delphine looked towards the stairs then and smirked shaking her head, "Your ranger has come calling my dear."
Rona looked back to see Bishop slowly walking over, tired as ever with dark circles under his eyes. He went right up to her and put a hand on her shoulder and muttered, "You promised Ladyship."
She pursed her lips and knit her brows together as she looked over his pathetic face, "Aw, I'm sorry Bishop," then she glanced at Delphine who was holding back a laugh.
"Go on," Delphine said with a smirk, "We'll talk later."
"Are you coming to the Festival tonight?" Rona asked her as she stood and Bishop tugged on her arm.
"Festival? Sure, sounds fun," Delphine said, "We'll meet there and talk then."
"Ata is over at the Blue Palace if you want to talk with him for a bit," Rona said as she slowly started to move her feet, letting her persistent ranger draw her along.
"I think I'll do that," Delphine said, "Hey Bishop, do try and actually focus on sleeping will you? Can't let those dark circles get any bigger or your eyes might just fall out of your head."
He gave an annoyed grunt in reply and pulled Rona along quicker with him up the stairs.
The minute the two of them were gone, both Aela and Delphine looked at each other and let out a fit of laughter.
"Those two," Delphine smirked shaking her head.
"Doubt he'll be getting much sleep at all with her around," Aela scoffed. Then she stood up and said, "I can take you over to the Blue Palace, Marjorie or whatever the hell your name is." Delphine looked surprised at her and Aela just flashed her a knowing look as she said, "You're the one helping her find the Elder Scroll to take down the dragon menace right?"
Delphine didn't reply, she only gave a short nod. Aela motioned for her to follow, "Well come on then woman."
Delphine smirked to herself, shaking her head slightly, glad to see so many sharp women in her midst.
Bishop pulled Rona onto the bed with him and she had to shove Karnwyr over some more as she was suddenly sandwiched between the two of them in the middle of the bed. An all too familiar memory came to mind, one from many months ago up on the Seven Thousand Steps where she'd shivered up a storm but Bishop and Karnwyr were kind enough to provide her with their warmth. This time though she had no intention on hurting her sleepy ranger for touching her so intimately.
She let Bishop wrap his arms tightly around her waist, pushing their bodies impossibly close and he pressed his forehead to hers and let out a low sigh, closing his eyes. She ran her fingers through his hair and looked over his sleepy face with a smile. She wasn't tired in the slightest, having four days of sleep already, but she'd stay for him. He seemed so at ease now, holding her in his arms.
She thought he might have already drifted off until he opened his tired eyes, looking into hers as if he was checking to make sure she was still there.
"You should sleep," she whispered.
"Can't," he mumbled.
"And why's that?"
"Nerves," he said.
She gave a gentle smile as she traced the line in his jaw with a finger, feeling the stubble on his face which had grown quite a bit in the last few days. It seemed Bishop had neglected to care for himself while trying to take care of her.
"You worried the dragons will come again?"
"They always do," he said somberly.
"I know," she whispered turning her eyes down from his. She tried to take their conversation somewhere nicer, "Heard you tried to feed me porridge in my sleep."
"Yeah," he mumbled, "You like that gruel right?" She laughed and he added, "Figured it'd be mushy enough that you wouldn't choke on it. I just got it all over your face and hair though," he gave a weak smile.
"You're too sweet," she said and leaned in to kiss him. Even when he was exhausted he still made the effort to take her breath away as he caught her lips with his and their tongues entwined. Four days without sleep and he still found the energy to get excited too, pressing his hardness against her leg.
She pulled away from his lips and murmured, "Really? I thought you were tired."
"If you haven't realized by now Ladyship, my penis has a mind of its own," he replied while continuing to prod himself up against her thigh.
She laughed and said, "Your hips too it seems."
He smirked, "My entire lower half does what it likes as evidenced today when my legs ran off without me while I was still in the carriage."
She wrapped a hand to his back and murmured, "Sleep, love. Tonight we'll go to the Festival and visit with everyone… but after that…" she gave him a flirty smirk and felt his member twitch through his clothes, getting what she was hinting at.
He pressed his face into the crook of her neck, laying against the pillow under them and sighed, "Sing me to sleep then Ladyship, like you always do."
She started stroking his hair again and quietly vocalized a soft lullaby. It wasn't long before he started to steadily snore in her ear, louder than usual too, indicating just how tired he was and how much he needed this deep rest. She lay there for some time, just humming and running her fingers through his hair before she began to nod off herself. This time in a dreamless sleep.
They both woke up to the sounds of explosions in the distance and Karnwyr barking loudly in reply. Bright and colorful flashes came through the window and lit up their room before they faded and it darkened only to happen all over again every few seconds.
Bishop sat straight up in a panic and ran to grab his gear shouting, "Shit! Not again! Ladyship let's go!"
Rona laughed as she watched him scramble to strap his swords and quiver to himself and she finally and calmly said, "They're just fireworks."
"What?" He stopped his rushing around and looked back at her perplexed.
"You've never seen fireworks before?" She asked surprised.
"Ladyship, I don't have a damn clue what you're even saying to me right now," he said.
She rolled her eyes and smiled, "I bet it's Ata setting them off. They're really common in Cyrodiil for celebrations and things like that," she got up and grabbed his arm, pulling him over to the window. She undid the clasp on the window panes and pushed them open. She pointed out at the sky where the fireworks were exploding high above the Bard's College in the distance.
Bishop stared fixedly at the sparkling lights as they spiraled through the air and burst into colorful, bright images. Their shapes were mostly stars and flowers but a few times they created images of animals, like rabbits and foxes. Rona appreciated that her father had refrained from sending off the ever famous ones that looked like dragons, however.
"That's... amazing," Bishop couldn't seem to take his eyes off the beautiful, sparkling images as they glittered in the distance.
Rona laughed and said, "See? Nothing to be afraid of."
He looked down at her, his brows knit together and shook his head, "There are plenty of things to be afraid of Rona. But... I'll keep you safe from it all."
"Bishop..."
He leaned in and kissed her gently, sweetly, caressing her cheek as he did so. She smiled under his mouth and he pulled back looking her over, a smile of his own perking at his lips, "What is it Sweetness?"
"I love you," she said.
He brushed her hair from her shoulder and said, "I love you too beautiful."
(The music is Star Above the Garter by Erutan)
The two of them ventured off down through the marketplace together, making their way to the College. Karnwyr stayed behind however and hid under the bed, too frightened by all the noise. Naturally with it being a celebration held by the Bards College they heard the sounds of music drifting along throughout the city.
As they walked along, Rona noticed that Bishop was keeping his eyes glued to the sparkling explosions in the sky, completely enraptured by them. She thought it was cute seeing such a childish joy lighting up his face like that.
When they arrived at the College, despite how late in the evening it was, the plaza was busy and bustling with people. A baker was selling some sweets, Evette San was giving away bottles of Spiced Wine and plenty of others were offering a variety of food and refreshments for the celebration.
Rona saw her father over in the sunken portion of the plaza near the effigy of King Olaf sending off fireworks from his staff while a group of local children watched in awe and asked him questions a mile a minute. She didn't see Delphine anywhere though and figured the woman was still probably keeping a low profile. Serlas noticed Rona and gave her a quick wave. She waved back and smiled at him, then turned her attention to the group of Companions standing near the College entrance.
Bishop and Rona talked with them for a bit. Nelkir couldn't stop jabbering on about all the things he was going to do once they were in Whiterun again, all good things thankfully. No talk of revenge or taking out the Stormcloak invaders to Rona's relief. Instead he carried on about his plans to recruit other orphans like his new friend Blaise.
Then Master Viarmo, Jarl Elisif, her housecarl and Dagny came out of the College. Dagny looked very pretty, all dressed up in a shimmering gold gown, her hair braided up around her head with gold laurel leaves woven into the braids. The little girl beamed at Rona and ran over to her giving her the biggest hug ever, "Rona! You're awake! I'm so happy you're here!"
Rona got excited with her and said, "I heard you're singing tonight!"
"Yeah!" Dagny jumped up and down, "They're making me an official member of the College now!"
Rona shook her shoulders side to side with Dagny while holding her hands and doing her best to fuel the girl's excitement. Master Viarmo called Dagny over then and she said, "I have to go, but promise you'll stay for my song? I've been practicing it every day."
"I wouldn't miss it for the world sweetie," Rona gave her another big hug before she ran off to join Master Viarmo down in the plaza.
Jarl Elisif approached Rona then and said, "I'm so glad to see you're well Lady Rona. We were all very worried for you."
"Thank you for your concern and hospitality Jarl Elisif," Rona said.
The Jarl waved a hand, "Think nothing of it. Your companions have done an impressive job of keeping our city safe from the dragons. If anything we owe you our gratitude."
Master Viarmo's voice carried up loudly to everyone then, "Welcome people of Solitude! We of the Bards College are pleased to be here to celebrate the Burning of King Olaf. The Festival would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the Companions guild!"
"Whoops, that's our cue," Aela said. All of the Companions stepped over to the plaza as the crowd cheered them on and Master Viarmo continued.
"Yes, you have our utmost thanks Companions. Now I would like to present our newest and youngest member, the lovely Dagny Balgruuf. A true prodigy in the way of musical and vocal talent. And with the lighting of the effigy," he stepped forward and lit the giant straw man with his torch and said, "she becomes a full-fledged member of the Bards College! She will now demonstrate her remarkable talent for us by singing the song, All I Ask of You."
Bishop scoffed and mumbled sarcastically, "This should be good."
Rona nudged him hard in the ribs and she said, "You'll see. Dagny has a beautiful voice." He just rolled his eyes skeptically, rubbing at his side where she jabbed him.
(The Song is All I Ask of You by Jackie Evancho)
The other members of the College began to perform the start of the song on their instruments and Dagny stepped forward looking incredibly nervous. Her eyes met Rona's and she gave the girl the widest smile she could, nodding slightly, encouraging her to go on. Dagny took a deep breath and then she captured everyone with the beauty of her voice. Even Bishop was absolutely floored and Rona couldn't help it when she whispered with a smirk, "Told yah."
"No more talk of darkness, forget these wide-eyed fears
I'm here, nothing can harm you, my words will warm and calm you
Let me be your freedom, let daylight dry your tears
I'm here, with you, beside you, to guard you and to guide you
Say you'll love me every waking moment
Turn my head with talk of summertime
Say you need me with you now and always
Promise me that all you say is true
That's all I ask of you
Let me be your shelter, let me be your light
You're safe, no one will find you, your fears are far behind you
All I want is freedom, a world with no more night
And you always beside me, to hold me and to hide me
Then, say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime
Let me lead you from your solitude
Say you need me with you here beside you
Anywhere you go let me go too
Love me, that's all I ask of you
Stay each day with me, each night, each morning
Say you love me, you know I do
Love me, that's all I ask of you"
Bishop wrapped his arm around Rona's waist and she leaned into him while they listened to this beautiful song. One that captured her feelings for him perfectly. He seemed to feel the same as their eyes met and he said, "Love me Ladyship, that's all I ask of you."
She smiled warmly at him and said, "You know I do." They kissed as Serlas sent off more fireworks into the sky and the crowd cheered wildly for Dagny. Even Nelkir ran in and gave Dagny a big hug and Rona couldn't be happier to be around everyone she loved and but most especially in the arms of the man she loved. It was happy and beautiful and she wanted it to last forever.
She clung to it desperately, knowing deep down inside, that it would come to an end all too soon.