"Well your pulse is strong, your eyes are clear and apart from a few scrapes and bruises I cannot find any injuries," said Danica, the priestess for the temple of Kynareth.
After entering Whiterun Aela had almost dragged Katrine to the doors of the temple leaving Jon to take a message to the Jarl of what had happened and where they were.
"What about that energy, the soul Katrine absorbed, is there any possibility of after effects?" asked Aela, who had been hovering uncomfortably off to the side.
"She isn't showing any, but keep an eye on it and let me know of anything if you see it, it may also be a good idea to write to the mages of Winterhold they might know more than I,"
"I told you I felt fine," said Katrine as they made their way to Dragonsreach.
"I know but it is better that we know for sure," said Aela as she pushed the door to the Jarls palace open.
Looking up at the Jarl's throne they saw that he was having a discussion with Proventus, Jon and Eorlund.
The Jarl looked up and met Katrine's eyes as they approached "When you first came in here I thought you looked familiar child," The Jarl said shaking his head "For what it's worth you have my condolences,"
Katrine gave a small bow "Thank you My Jarl,"
"Now tell me about this dragon, Jon told me that you could tell that it had been sent by another dragon?"
"Yes My Jarl, as far as I could tell, I only saw flashes of images and feelings,"
"And what did Danica say, any negative effects?"
"No My Jarl, the most was some bruising and scratches,"
The Jarl shook his head in disbelief "Let me get this straight, you fled Cyrodill, was almost executed, escaped a dragon attack, traipsed through a tomb full of draugur, leapt on to a dragons back from the top of a watch tower, then jumped of that dragon on to the ground as it fell out of the sky and then absorbed that dragon's soul and all you have are some scratches?" The Jarl laughed.
A voice from behind Katrine spoke "My Jarl?"
Katrine whipped around, her hand on her sword, Aela grabbed her arm before she could draw, the woman who had spoke had her arms raised in surrender.
"Easy child, Lydia means no harm," said Balgruuf "Lydia this is Lady Katrine Kvatch, Katrine this is Lydia, a young warrior who just finished training to be a housecarl,"
Katrine clasped the woman's arm in greeting, she was about five feet eight, dark brown hair, green eyes and she was wearing a set of steel armour with a steel shield and sword.
"I am sorry for almost pulling my sword on you," said Katrine.
Lydia shook her head "From what the Jarl has told me it's not surprising, I know you've probably received a lot of condolences of late but please accept mine," Katrine nodded.
Jarl Balgruuf smiled I'm pleased that you are both getting along, you'll need to,"
"My Jarl?" Katrine was confused.
Balgruuf smiled "In honour of your service in slaying the dragon I'm naming you thane of this city, Lydia is to be your housecarl, I am also gifting you Breezehome, a property in the wind district, it will be ready for you by this evening, Proventus has the deeds for you to sign, also," he motioned a guard forward who was holding a beautifully crafted steel war axe "This is to be your badge of office, I am proud to have you as Thane of this city Dragonborn," he pressed his fist to his chest in salute.
"Will you be answering the Grey beards summons anytime soon?" Balgruuf asked.
Katrine shook her head "Not until my mother, brother and my father's widow are safe home," she said and Balgruuf nodded in understanding.
Proventus stepped forward to address Katrine "If you'll come this way My Thane, we'll sign the documents for your house,"
My house, thought Katrine, I own a house and a title that is my own and I am Dragonborn, is this a sign? Are the Gods telling me that my cause is right or is this some cosmic joke, setting me up to fail.
"Here you are My thane, just sign these and the house is yours," said Proventus after leading them to the second level of Dragonsreach.
Katrine took the quill from him and signed her name on the bottom of the documents.
"Katrine Naomi Belanna Hanson Kvatch, an interesting name, I'll have someone fetch you when the house is ready," said Proventus with a slight bow.
Lydia turned to Katrine "Where to my Thane?"
Katrine thought for a moment "Jorrvaskr, I need to check in with Eorlund, to see if there have been any letters for me,"
Walking down to the doors of Dragonsreach they were met by Aela and Eorlund.
Aela shook her head at Katrine, she looked like she was going to start laughing.
"What is it?" asked Katrine with a sigh.
"Nothing, just you a thane and you're only fourteen winters,"
Lydia looked shocked "You're only fourteen winters and you took down a dragon? I think I need a drink,"
Katrine laughed "I think I will join you,"
"You both in luck, everyone's gathered in the mead hall to toast your victory over the dragon, but first here," said Eorlund handing Katrine a letter.
The handwriting was easily recognisable "Mama," she tore it open, it read.
My Omega, I am deeply sorry.
Had I known this would happen I never would have left you.
Oddok and I will be leaving Winterhold at first light.
Be safe My Omega, I will see you soon.
"That came in just before dawn on a messenger bird, she must have sent it last night, she should be here in three days, Gods willing," said Eorlund.
As they entered the mead hall a large cry rang out as everyone spotted Katrine, Vilkas strode over and enveloped her in a hug "I leave you alone for an hour and you kill a dragon, honestly,"
"Let her go brother I want a chance to crush her ribs," said Farkas, pulling her into another hug as his twin released her.
"Let the poor kid breathe ice brain," said Skjor, he clasped Katrine's arm "Nice job kid, tackling that dragon though did you really have to jump on its back?"
"It was the only way I could think to bring it down, I guess I was just insanely lucky to not get hurt," Katrine told him.
"I'll say," said Skjor raising a mug of mead to the sky "To Katrine and the insanity that is her luck," he laughed.
The celebration continued into the afternoon, people were laughing and telling stories all round, Katrine however was in conversation with Eorlund, Kodlak, Aela and Lydia.
"If you want training in combat the Companions will definitely provide," said Kodlak, Aela beside him nodded in agreement.
"You'll need it especially if those Thalmor dogs are still after you, however Fralia mentioned that you had an interest in working with me out at the forge," Eorlund said.
"I am, we would have to work out some kind of arrangement," said Katrine.
"If I may My Thane, what if you were to train in the mornings and work for Eorlund in the afternoons, of course I would like to help out with your training in anyway I can," said Lydia, Katrine smiled at her, then turned backed to Eorlund and Kodlak.
"Does that suit you both?" she asked, they nodded in agreement "Well it is settled, I will report here for training after my morning run at dawn, train till midday and then I will go work up at the forge with Eorlund,"
After that Tilma, the servant of the Companions called everyone to meal, approaching the main table Katrine noticed that there was two platters of each type of meat, one that the meat was sizzling and in Katrine's view cooked to perfection, on the other platters the meats were under done and still bleeding.
Katrine watched in half amazement half horror as Kodlak, Skjor, Aela, Vilkas and Farkas all piled their plates with the nearly uncooked meat, she shared a look with Lydia, who looked as equally confused, Katrine shrugged and stepped forward to put meat on her plate, she ended up with a piece of horker roast, some grilled leeks and some roast potatoes.
"Where were you planning on going for a run, My Thane?" asked Lydia.
Katrine turned to her for a moment "How about this, I will tell you if you do something for me," she answered.
Lydia looked like she was trying to figure out what Katrine would do "As your housecarl it's my honour to serve you, aske of me what you will,"
Katrine looked around to see if they were being eavesdropped on, then she beckoned Lydia closer, Lydia leaned in and listened closely "Call me Katrine," she laughed, Lydia gave her an amused smile.
"Alright Katrine, where are we going running?" asked Lydia.
"We?"
Lydia nodded, "I was thinking to the watch tower and back," said Katrine tucking into her meal.
"You'll want to get used to me Katrine, I'm afraid you're stuck with me," said Lydia giving her a wink as she got stuck into her own meal.
After the meal Lydia began asking Katrine questions about her family "So your mother is a mage in Winterhold? What does she specialise in?"
Katrine shook her head "She isn't a mage, she is the first non mage scholar to study at Winterhold and she was given Masters in Dwemer mechanics and ancient languages," said Katrine pouring a mug of mead for the both of them.
"Wow she must be intelligent if she graduated collage without being a mage," said Lydia impressed.
"Anwen used to say that if there was something Mama did not know at least a little about then it was not worth knowing," Katrine told her, taking a sip of her mead.
"Anwen that's your father's wife?" Lydia asked.
Katrine nodded, looking over at Aela who was speaking with Vilkas, Farkas and Ria in hushed tones, Ria left the mead hall and Aela, Vilkas and Farkas looked over at Katrine, all of them wearing mischievous smirks, but looked away when they met eyes with Katrine.
"What does Anwen do?" asked Lydia.
"She managed the numbers of my father's business, but she also is a master in alchemy and restoration," Katrine answered before asking "Tell me Lydia, am I being paranoid or do you think they look like they are up to something?" she nodded in the direction of Aela, Vilkas and Farkas.
Lydia looked over at them "In my experience everyone is up to something, it's just a matter of finding out what,"
The doors to the mead hall opened and Ria walked in with a young man that Katrine did not recognise.
He walked over to a central spot where all could see him, he had a lute with him and was fine tuning the strings.
Lydia lent close to Katrine "I think I know where this is going," she whispered.
"I do also," said Katrine.
The man cleared his throat "Noble Companions, friends, Thane Katrine, in honour of the victory over the dragon I have been asked to play a song,"
"Our hero, our hero claims a warrior's heart,
I tell you, I tell you the Dragonborn comes,"
Katrine's face flushed bright red and she fought the urge to bury her face in her hands.
"With a voice wielding power of the ancient nord art,
Believe, believe the Dragonborn comes,"
Then everyone began to clap their hands to the rhythm and sung along with the words.
"It's an end to the evil of all Skyrim's foes,
Beware, beware the Dragonborn comes,"
To make things even more embarrassing the doors to the mead hall opened and in walked Irileth and a couple of guards.
"For the darkness has passed and the legend yet grows,
You'll know, you'll know the Dragonborn's come," with that the bard took a bow, mainly directed at Katrine and begun playing a nordic dance tune.
Irileth and the guards made they way though the people who had gotten up to dance over to where Katrine had been sitting.
"Greetings Thane Katrine," said Irileth.
"Greetings Housecarl, can I interest you in a mug of mead?" asked Katrine.
"No thank you, I have been asked by the Jarl to show you to your new house," Irileth told her.
"Thank you, allow me to retrieve my belongings from the Grey Manes and I will meet you at the Gildergreen,"
Katrine and Lydia said their goodbys and Katrine insisted that the party continue, they collected up all Katrine had, which wasn't much and met Irileth by the large dead tree.
They walked down to the Plains district, past the markets and to the cottage style house between Belethor's and War maidens.
Irileth handed Katrine a key, which she took and opened the door to her new house.
Inside was warm and inviting, a cooking hearth was in the centre of the first room, with a couple of chairs around it, a small book case was off to the side of the room which Katrine was looking forward to filling that with books.
Irileth led Katrine past the cooking hearth to the back of the room where there was a dinning table, a cupboard that was filled with plates, cups, mugs, bowls and cutlery, also there were some barrels, in which Irileth told Katrine were various vegetables.
To the left of that area was a small room with a tall bookcase with a chest on top of it, an alchemy set up with some elves ears and frost miriam hanging from a drying rack above it, beside it was a small table with a couple of clumps of blisterwort and whitecap sitting on it, also a small wooden tub that could be used for bathing was lent up against the wall.
Katrine was then led upstairs, they stopped at a landing and Irileth gestured to a door on the left "That will be Lydia's room, it has a bed, a dresser and a storage chest," Katrine started.
"Wait, Lydia has to move in with me?" she asked "I do not think that fair on her that she is forced to move,"
"It's alright Katrine, at the moment I live in the barracks, I'd actually prefer to move," Lydia reassured her.
"Well aright then, as long as you are happy,"
Irileth seeing their discussion was finished led them to the final room "This is your room,"
It was a reasonable sized room with a double bed, two side tables, a chest for storage, a dresser and a small table with two chairs.
"Well that's it," said Irileth "Oh, we were able to get three scales and two pieces of loose bones of that dragon, I've taken the liberty of placing them into the chest there," said Irileth as she left.
"I'll get started on unpacking," Katrine told Lydia, when they were alone.
"While you're doing that I'll get some water for a bath heated for you, if you will lay out something for you to wear afterwards,"
Katrine raised an eyebrow "Are you trying to tell me I smell?"
Lydia's eyes widened "No, no I just meant its been a long day and perhaps you would like to relax in a..." Lydia sighed "You're joking,"
While Lydia had been speaking a slow smirk had appeared on Katrine's face.
"Right, funny mmhmm, hilarious," said Lydia shaking her head.
While putting away the small amount of items she possessed, really it was quite depressing, she thought after the bath I should really write a letter to Ulfric about what has happened before he reads about it in the Black Horse Courier, something like the dragon attack would definitely be reported in the Courier.
Walking down stairs with her shift over her arm, she found Lydia in the alchemy room testing the temperature of the bath water, she looked up as Katrine approached.
"It's still a little hot you may want to wait," she saw the shift over Katrine's arm "Is that what you're going to wear?"
"It is, it is also the only clothing apart from my scaled and hide amour that I have, tomorrow between training and work I will have to buy more clothes or the items to make some," Katrine told her as she stuck her hand into the bath to check the temperature.
"I'll get some if you'd the," said Lydia as Katrine begun to undress.
"Thank you, no dresses though, I have not warn a dress since I could say the word no,"
Lydia laughed "Alright no dresses, are you sure that's cooled down enough?" she asked as Katrine stepped into the bath.
"It is perfect," sighed Katrine sinking as deep into the warmth as she could.
Lydia smiled "I'll go put this armour away for you," she said.
"Thank you Lydia," said Katrine as she picked up a wash cloth and begun scrubbing.
Once done with her bath she called out to Lydia about what she wanted doing with the water.
"Leave it, I'll take care of it," Lydia called back "Are you going to bed?"
"Not yet, I plan to write a letter to a friend of mine first," said Katrine as she slipped the shift on over her head.
Up in her room she was once again faced with a letter dilemma, what to put in and what to leave out of thee letter.
Picking up the quill she began to write.
'Dear Bear,
You asked me to write if anything of interest happened and something has.
I do not know how fast you will receive this so it is possible that you already know, a dragon attacked the western watch tower her at Whiterun, but it was defeated by the guards the Jarl's housecarl and three warriors, one of which has been hailed as Dragonborn.
There was a big feast held in Jorrvaskr for the Dragonborn, I can still hear the people celebrating, even though the Dragonborn was the first to leave.
Not much else has happened, but I did manage to get in contact with my mother, she is well.
I will contact you soon, Katrine.'
"Who is that to? If you don't mind me asking?"
Katrine turned, Lydia was leaning against the door frame, Katrine smiled "A friend of mine from Windhelm asked me to write him, so I thought I would let him know what has happened before he hears it from someone else,"
"Did you tell him about being Dragonborn?" Lydia asked.
Katrine shook her head "For the moment I think it best to lie low,"
Lydia smirked and shook her head, to which Katrine raised an eyebrow in question "Forgive me for saying this Katrine but some how I don't think that is going to be possible," said Lydia.
"Yes, well if you see anyone from the Black Horse Courier sniffing around,"
"I'll be sure to head them off," finished Lydia.
After she left Katrine decided to write in her journal about the last couple of days, which she finished with a couple of rough sketches of the dragons, before slipping into her new bed.
That night she dreamt she was flying though the air, she could see the land stretched out below her, it felt glorious.
But something was wrong, a shadow loomed above her, she looked up and nothing, then she felt a sharp pain in her head and she was suddenly falling fast.
She woke with a start, breathing heavily.
Lydia, who had been lighting the candles in the landing outside her room rushed in.
"Are you alright Katrine?" she asked.
Katrine nodded "Just a bad dream, what time is it?"
"Just before dawn, half an hour maybe, I was just about to wake you," Lydia told her.
She left Katrine to dress and put her war paint on.
She met Lydia downstairs setting the table "I've made some bread and cheese for breakfast," said Lydia as she passed Katrine a mug of tea.
As they ate Lydia brought up the idea to go hunting that evening "It will give us a chance to stock the kitchen with meat, plus we could sell anything we don't use, pelts and such,"
Katrine nodded then suddenly remembered "I have some amethysts to sell that would be good for extra coin," she said "What were you thinking of hunting?"
"There is always plenty of deer in the plains, rabbits, some wolves maybe," Katrine made a face at that last suggestion, Lydia looked confused "Is there something wrong?" she asked.
"I do not like to hunt wolves if I can help it," she explained "One of my best friend is one,"
"You know a werewolf?" asked Lydia, eyes wide with amazement.
"No," laughed Katrine "An actual wolf,"
"I see, well what does your friend look like so I know not to hunt it?" asked Lydia.
"If you see him you will know, he is roughly the size of a pony, white as snow and he will be with my mother," said Katrine reaching for her mug of tea.
After she had finished her meal she walked over to the weapons rack "Should I take the axe the Jarl gave me or just the steel sword?"
"The axe is more of a badge of office, but it is a usable weapon, I'd take it but put it on your off side," suggested Lydia.
As Lydia was sheathing her own weapon a knock sounded at the door, it was Olfina, she raced in with some rolled up pieces of parchment, she unrolled them and thrust them at Katrine "Look at this," it was the Black Horse Courier, well that did not take long.
She read it aloud "In breaking news normally sleepy Whiterun hold was sensationally shaken awake yesterday after a unit of guards patrolling the western watch tower was attacked by what observers described as a dragon.
The creature descended from nearby mountain peaks and assaulted the tower, striking the guards with fiery attacks and buffeting them with its giant wings, hold guards members of the Jarl's retinue, a couple of well known adventurers and a stranger all combined arms in a desperate and valiant fight against the dragon, eventually bringing it down it down to Nirn and slaying it.
It was an ordeal that one battered and singed guard described as the most frightening experience of my guarding career.
According to one young lad who preferred to remain anonymous for fear he would be punished by his parents "I was hiding behind a rock to get a good look at the battle with the dragon and it seemed awfully angry about something and it wash lashing about with its tail and shooting out fire from its mouth but when it died its body caught fire some how and there was some swirly colours and it got windy and the colours went into the body of one of the soldiers, except they didn't look like the other soldiers and then the other soldiers were looking at the first soldier rather strangely, I didn't see anything after that because I had to go before my parents realised I was away,"
One local farmer commented "I couldn't comprehend what I was seeing, the size of that thing.
My bones were like water, by the Eight."
A hunter of many years experience in Whiterun hold also saw the dragon "I saw the guards shoot arrows at that monster, it reminded me of when I was a boy, throwing pebbles at mammoths,"
Farmers and trades people in the area are also reporting that only moments after the great beast was slain they heard a booming voice echo over the hold, others denied it was a voice, but the reverberations from the surrounding mountains of the dragons body colliding with the ground.
The people of Skyrim have been stunned by reports of dragon attacks and the subject has supplanted even the civil war as the popular topic of conversation at taverns.
The Jarl of Whiterun hold could not be contacted but a statement was issued by his steward, he commended the bravery of his soldiers and praised their devotion in preserving peace and safety for citizens and visitors of the hold.
No information could be found about the stranger who assisted in the battle."
Katrine looked up from the Courier "Well, so much for lying low,"
"What are we going to do?" asked Lydia.
"Well, it did not mention me by name or even describe me, so I think there is little chance of me being recognised by the Thalmor, I am actually surprised it did not mention Helgan," said Katrine.
"They covered that story the day you got here," said Olfina.
They parted after that, Olfina heading to get her mother's stall ready to open.
As they jogged along the road to the watch tower Lydia asked Katrine "What was your nightmare about?"
"Dragon's, I think," answered Katrine.
Lydia looked over at her, a sympathetic look on her face "Given what has happened over the past few days I'm not surprised," said Lydia.
They stopped in front of the ruined tower for a brief water break.
"I do not know much about dreams or their meanings but this felt different," said Katrine frowning.
"How so?" asked Lydia as she took a sip from her own water skin.
"It felt almost like a memory, but it certainly was not one of mine," answered Katrine.
Lydia's eyes widened "Do you think it was the dragon's?" she asked.
"I believe so, but I think there will be many things I will be asking of the Grey beards, come on we best be heading back, I do not want to be late on my first day,"
They jogged all the way back and Katrine stepped into Breezehome quickly to grab her shield.
As they walked up to Jorrvaskr Katrine noted that Magnus' gaze was just starting to peak over the horizon and they were not the only ones awake.
"Good morning Katrine, Lydia," said Eorlund as he walked up to keep pace with them.
"Good morning Eorlund, did you read this mornings Courier by any chance?" asked Katrine.
Eorlund laughed "Yes I managed to just finish it before Olfina stole it, big news like that will certainly send shock waves though Skyrim, maybe even the empire but I doubt the Emperor or the Thalmor will connect it to you, as far as they are concerned you are just a child," he said.
They continued round to the training area behind Jorrvaskr where Skjor, Aela, Vilkas and Farkas were waiting for them and the younger Companions.
"Good luck, I'll see you at midday," said Eorlund heading up to the forge.
Vilkas looked up as they approached "Ah would you look at this, the only one up and ready for training on time is not our whelps that we have been painstakingly training for months but a fourteen winters child," he said shaking his head.
"Ah but does it count if that fourteen winters child is the legendary Dragonborn," countered Farkas.
Katrine found their childish banter amusing as ever but she was here to train and only had until midday to do so.
"Are we going to sit here and talk all day or are we going to train?"
Lydia chuckled under her breath and Aela smiled "A woman after my own heart," the huntress laughed which made Katrine blush slightly.
"You'll be training with me, Kodlak thought that would be easier since we are both lean muscle than heavy bulk like the men," Aela explained.
"Fair enough," said Katrine.
Aela first taught her some basic sword movements called forms, they were supposed to help with what Aela called muscle memory and flexibility, as well as getting her used to how the sword moves through the air and the weight of the blade.
"These forms are what we will be doing first every day, we'll start slow at first, but as time goes on your speed will pick up and you'll be able to do them faster," Aela explained "I also want you to practice them if you are ever away from Whiterun, so try to remember them,"
After forms they began working with the training dummies.
"You're doing really well Katrine, remind me how long had you been training with an actual sword and not just a wooden practice sword?" asked Aela.
"Four months," said Katrine miming slicing off the dummy's head.
After another couple of hours they stopped for a break and some water, during that time Katrine struck up a conversation with Ria and a male Dunmer called Athis.
They had been talking for a bit when Katrine felt eyes on her, she turned her head and noted a young nord in hide armour glaring at her, she turned back to Athis and Ria.
"What is her problem?" Katrine asked them.
"Njada? Don't mind her, she doesn't like people for various reasons," said Athis.
"What would be her reason for not liking me?"
"I overheard her telling Torvar that you weren't an actual Companion and shouldn't be getting any training, but I think she's just jealous of you and how much attention you're getting from the Circle," said Ria.
After break Aela had Katrine learning sword and shield techniques for the next hour, this was where Lydia came in handy as she would strike out with a wooden sword, so as not to damage the shield, and Katrine would have to block and counter.
Then came the fun part, Aela got another wooden practice sword for Katrine, she and Lydia were going to spar and everyone else had stopped to watch.
"Alright you two, the rules are simple, any hit that would usually be considered fatal or debilitating is a cut, best two out of three cuts wins and no aiming for the head, go,"
They circled around, both looking for an opening, Katrine decided she would play defence, see if she could wear Lydia out.
Lydia aimed a stab at Katrine's left but Katrine used her shield to block and then spun it so that Lydia's midriff was left open and she was able to land a stab on her opponent's stomach.
"Cut," called Aela and they went back to circling again, this time Katrine went on the offensive.
Making a swipe at Lydia's sword arm, Lydia however blocked and countered with a sideswipe across Katrine's stomach.
Fortunately Katrine was able to jump back, unfortunately she lost her footing and fell backwards landing on her back, which Lydia took full advantage of by placing a stab to Katrine's chest.
"Cut, next cut wins," called Aela.
Going on the offensive to someone who had been trained as a housecarl was a bad idea thought Katrine, no realising that Lydia had given her that first cut.
But she had a trick up her sleeve that her brother had always said was cheating, but her father would just chuckle and say while it was sneaky it wasn't cheating.
Katrine dropped her sword and shield onto the ground and held her arms out as if she was giving a free shot and waited.
Lydia stood there stunned, she didn't know what to do with this.
Farkas, who had seen Katrine pull this move off before decided to warn Lydia "Don't do it Lydia,"
"Yeah, it's definitely a trap," supplied his twin.
"Oh hush you two," said Aela "Don't listen to them Lydia what could she possibly do,"
With that Lydia struck forward, but Katrine sidestepped and grabbed Lydia's arm, crouch down, flipped Lydia over her shoulder on to the ground, the grabbed Lydia's sword and delivered the final cut to Lydia's stomach.
"Final cut, Katrine wins," called Aela, everyone clapped as Katrine helped Lydia to her feet and helped brush her down.
"Are you alright, I did not hurt you to badly did I?" asked Katrine.
"Just my pride," laughed Lydia, the rubbed her backside "And maybe my arse, that was something though, where did you learn that?"
"My mother, she is very skilled in unarmed combat," answered Katrine as she handed Lydia a water skin.
She turned to Aela who had walked over to them "What could she do? I think you know exactly what she could do," Lydia said to Aela in an accusing tone.
Aela chucked "Yes well, I thought it might be a good idea if some of our recruits learn not to mess with her early on," she said inclining her head towards where the others had gathered.
Katrine and Lydia glanced over and saw that Njada was staring at her again, though this time it was more that she was sizing Katrine up than glaring at her.
Aela clapped her hands together "Right I suppose you're heading up to the forge now?"
"Yes and I had better get going I do not want to be late on my first day," said Katrine.
"I'll take that letter to the courier's for you and get those clothes," said Lydia.
"Those amethysts ought to cover them as well as getting a nice amount of coin after the fact, use the coin to cover the courier's cost, also could you see if there are any letters for me?" asked Katrine.
Lydia nodded "I'll see you at home,"
Aela gave Katrine a teasing smile "Have fun beautiful," she said and kissed her on the cheek, Katrine went bright red as the people around her laughed.
As she walked up to the sky forge she thought, one small crush as a child and they never let you forget it.
"Ah Katrine, how did training go?" asked Eorlund.
"Good," she replied "Aela taught me forms, then we worked with the training dummy, then we practiced some sword and shield techniques and then Lydia and I spared for a bit, I won,"
"Good, well I know from your father that you're a decent smith, so let's see what you can do,"
He first has her smith an iron dagger and sharpened it " Good work, you put time into your blades and they'll serve you well,"
Then he had her craft a hide helmet "Excellent, well we've got at least another two hours before we have to pack up for the day, so I want you to restring that bow over there on the table, then sharpen the axe next to the bow and once you have finished that you can sweep up around the grindstone,"
As Magnus' gaze began to fade from the sky members of the community came up to give Katrine their condolences.
Carlotta from the fruit and vegetables stand stopped by to tell her that she was going to drop off a basket of fresh apples and some vegetables at Breezehome.
Anoriath the Bosmer that ran the meat stall came up to gift Katrine with a couple of rabbits and some pheasants, they also spoke briefly about the hunt that she and Lydia had planned, he wished her luck on her hunt.
"Well Katrine, I think that's it for the day, you did good girl, go get a bite to eat before you go on your hunt," said Eorlund as he wiped his hands on a rag.
Katrine nodded, she grabbed the rabbits and pheasants that Anoriath had left, as she walked off Eorlund called her back "Katrine, the scales and bones that you got from that dragon may I see them?" he asked.
"Of course, you are always welcome under my roof,"
Entering Breezehome they found Lydia stirring the cooking pot that had been placed over the fire pit.
She looked up as they entered "Katrine, I'd thought I'd cook us an evening meal, will you be joining us?" she directed the question at Eorlund.
"I'm afraid not Lydia, I just came over to look the dragon bones and scales," he said.
Lydia nodded then said "Here Katrine let me take those, dinner will be soon,"
Katrine led Eorlund up stairs and one of the pieces of the bone and a scale, Eorlund studied them thoughtfully.
"Hmm, the scales will bend not break," he said while bending it, "It's hard but lightweight,"
He then pulled out a dagger and stabbed it or tried to as it couldn't pierce "Iron won't pierce it or even leave a dent,"
He then turned to Katrine "If you had more of these I could make armour, these bones however I could carve them into a weapon,"
Katrine's eyes widened "Truly?"
Eorlund nodded "Give me time and with this amount I could craft a bow or perhaps a sword," he looked back down at the bone "Ebony handle maybe, yes,"
"Do you mind if I take these to work on them?"
Katrine shook her head "Take the scales too, see what you can accomplish with them," Eorlund smiled "A few weeks and I'll have made you a weapon worthy of the Dragonborn,"
After he left Katrine looked though the clothes that Lydia had brought, there was a tan coloured belted tunic with matching breaches, some shirts and several pairs of trousers.
She laid the belted tunic out for tomorrow then she went down stairs to where Lydia was dishing up two bowls of stew.
Lydia smiled at her as she passed Katrine a bowl "It's beef, I got a couple of beef steaks, some horker steaks and a couple of goat legs from the market and Carlotta stopped by and dropped of some apples and some vegetables by the way," She said pouring out some spiced wine
"Where did that come from?" asked Katrine.
"Ysolda, dropped it off as well as some alto wine and a cask of honningbrew mead,"
Katrine Recalled Ysolda as a girl two years older then her that sometimes helped Olfina and her pick flowers.
After they had finished dinner Katrine grabbed her bow, her quiver and her cloak, she decided to leave her sword at home.
The evening air was crisp as they headed out and Masser was just rising in the sky.
The planes of Whiterun were calm as they started to look for tracks, it was five minutes into the hunt before they found anything.
Katrine knelt by the tracks "Deer by the looks of it, decent sized as well," she said to Lydia as she got to her feet.
"Shall we follow them, they seem to be heading in the direction of the lake, probably headed for a drink?" Lydia asked.
"The tracks look fresh enough, lets go,"
They made their way following the tracks towards the lake, stopping when they caught sight of the deer.
The were three, a doe, a young stag with a small set of antlers and slightly further away was a larger stag with an impressive set of antlers.
He is probably the young stag's sire, thought Katrine.
The crouched down, trying to stay hidden as they readied their arrows.
Lydia gestured to herself then to the young stag, signalling her intent for it, Katrine looked at the other two deer and decided on the older stag, she signalled that to Lydia, who seemed a bit sceptical that she'd hit her target.
The young stag went down with out any idea that there was anything wrong, the older stag however had time to bellow out a warning to his mate when Katrine's arrow hit him in his flank.
They raced over to their kills, Lydia's was right through the eye, he was dead before he hit the ground, Katrine's however was on the ground squealing.
She knelt by him trying to sooth him "Shh, it will be over soon, thank you for your sacrifice, Kynareth guide your spirit to her glade," Katrine prayed as she pulled out her dagger and gave the final stroke.
Carrying their kills would have been a lot harder if it wasn't for Lydia borrowing a wagon.
"We should butcher these tomorrow," said Katrine.
"I'll take care of that while you're working with Eorlund," said Lydia as they walked into Breezehome.
After a bath they both sat by the fire sipping a mug of mead, while Katrine wrote down the days events in her journal.
Once in bed she laid awake for a while worrying about Her brother and Anwen, she hoped they were alright.
As she slipped of to sleep that night she dreamt of people being dragged from their homes by Thalmor, men, women and children being tortured and killed all in horrible ways, she tried to help them but found she couldn't move.
She woke up breathing heavily and sweating, she looked around the room, it was still dark, it must be hours before dawn.
She laid back down trying to calm her racing heart, the dream was so vivid and the faces of the people were so clear, she recognised none of them.
She got up out of bed and poured herself a mug of water from a nearby pitcher.
Knowing she wasn't going to get anymore sleep she dressed for the day, thinking back over her suddenly vivid dreams and then realized she had been having them since the barrow, perhaps it was time to speak with Danica, leaving a note for Lydia she headed out to the temple.
It was cool in the early morning air and a light frost had settled on the ground, Katrine found Danica in front of the Gildergreen tree with Heimskr, the priest of Talos.
"It's a shame isn't it," said Danica staring up at the dead tree.
"Is there nothing you can do for it?" asked Heimskr.
"I've tried every means that I know of, but I've asked my acolytes to research into unconventional methods, so I can only pray the find something,"
Katrine cleared her throat, Danica and Heimskr whipped around.
"Oh good morning child, you are up early," said Danica "Heimskr you remember Lord Adrian Kvatch's daughter Katrine,"
Heimskr clasped Katrine's arm in greeting "My dear child, I'm so sorry to hear of your father, please accept my condolences and pass them along to Anwen and your brother,"
Katrine smiled at him "I will and thank you,"
Danica studied her face "Is something wrong my dear you seem troubled,"
Katrine nodded "Ever since the barrow I have been having these strange dreams, the first was fine, I quite enjoyed that one, the second one was fine until near the end of it and last night was horrifying from start to finish,"
Danica placed a comforting hand on Katrine's shoulder and gestured to the temple "Lets go inside and we can discuss these dreams more,"
Once inside the temple Danica led them to a side room with chairs and a table and she begun to mix various ingredients into a cup of water when finished she handed it to Katrine "Here drink this, don't worry it's a calming draught," she added seeing Katrine eyeing the cup nervously, she then poured herself and Heimskr a cup of water and sat down.
"Now tell me about these dreams,"
Katrine took a breath "Well the first happened the night after the barrow, we stayed at the inn in Riverwood, in the dream I am above the clouds looking down on the fields below me, fire is raining down but for some reason it does not worry me," she explained "The second dream started off the same, I am flying in the clouds but then something feels off I look up and there is suddenly a sharp pain in my head and I am falling, then I woke up at first I thought it was due to fighting the dragon but the more I think about it, it feels like a memory, like it is one of the dragon's memory,"
Danica sat silently for a moment then said "When you absorbed the dragons soul you said you saw what seemed to be a life time of memories, is that correct?" Katrine nodded "Then this could be your brain trying to cope with having a life time of extra knowledge inside it, frankly I'm surprised you are coping this well," said Danica "In fact given what has happened to you this week I am worried that perhaps you are not dealing with this as you should, Katrine when you think of your father being killed what do you feel?"
"I feel angry at his killers, I want them to feel my pain and I want to be the cause of that pain," Katrine snarled.
Danica sighed "That is understandable and natural, what of when you think of being named Thane?"
"Honoured and slightly overwhelmed,"
Danica no nodded "Good, good and what of the Grey beards summons?"
"I am curious and slightly nervous," answered Katrine.
Danica smiled "That is a natural reaction I think, now you said you had one more dream, one that you said was horrifying,"
"In my dream I saw people being dragged from their homes by the Thalmor, I can hear their screams, I want to help them, I try to run but I can not move," finished Katrine.
Danica thought for a moment before speaking "I see two possibilities as to why you have had this dream, the first is that you feel responsible for the death of your father, you feel like you should have done more and you are worried about the rest of your family,"
That is probably not far from the truth, thought Katrine, but still it did not feel like a dream, it felt to real.
"What is the second possibility?" she asked.
"The soul you absorbed unlocked the ability to see things that happen elsewhere," said Danica.
Katrine frowned "Is that possible?"
Heimskr nodded speaking for the first time "The Jarl of Morthal and her children have had visions, although this kind of magic can sometimes affect the mind so you must be cautious,"
Katrine shook her head, magic she thought, this will make Tomas happy, the quickest way to give Tomas a head ache was to talk about magic.
"Is there anything thing I can do about these dreams?" she asked.
Danica thought for a moment "Well I can give you a recipe for a strong calming draught to take before you sleep, this will help if they are just dreams, if they are visions, well it will help keep calm,"
She got out of her seat to grab a piece of parchment, she was writing down the list of ingredients when the doors to the temple opened and in walked Lydia, Aela and Olfina.
They caught sight of Katrine and rushed over "My Thane is something wrong?" asked Lydia.
Katrine cocked an eyebrow at her, Lydia gave a weak smile and shook her head "I mean is there something wrong Katrine?"
Katrine smiled "Just some bad dreams, there is nothing to worry about,"
Olfina scoffed "Nothing to worry about, you'd be saying that even if someone chopped your arm off," Aela sniggered.
Danica handed Katrine the list of ingredients "If you have any trouble with brewing it Arcadia can talk you through it,"
"Thank you Danica," said Katrine clasping her hand, she then turned to Heimskr and clasped his hand in farewell.
As they strode out the door Katrine spoke to the others "Now there must be something if you all came to find me, so is it bad news or good news,"
Olfina took a breath before saying "A letter came for you, it's written in elvish,"
Katrine took a shuddering breath, there was only one person who would be writing to her in the elven language.
Once inside Breezehome Katrine walked over to the table were the letter lay, her fingers trembled as she picked it up, she glanced at the writing on the front, it was Anwen's hand writing, she knew it would be.
"Katrine, what ever your thinking I guarantee you, it won't be as that," said Olfina.
Katrine shook her head and opened the Letter and read.
'Dear one,
As much as it pained you to write those words, it pained me to read them,
Please believe me when I say that I do not blame you, nor does your brother, though we know you probably blame yourself, please don't, whatever happened it was not your fault,
I am so sorry darling the pain I feel of loosing my husband is great but I cannot even begin to understand the pain you and Tomas must be feeling,
I have joined your brother and we sail with the tide, I pray these waters will carry us swiftly to you, we will be with you in body soon just know that we are with in spirit, stay strong dear one and please for your mother's sake and ours stay safe, loosing you on top of all this would be too much to take,
All my love, Anwen,'
She does not blame me, she thought, Katrine sat silently pondering this for a time before she shook her self from her stupor, sitting here thinking about them will not bring them to me any quicker, she thought, best thing to do will be to keep my mind and body busy.
As Lydia dished out four bowls of stew they spoke of the goings on at the Bannered mare from the night before, what life had been like in the Bruma mountains and what Aela had planned for the days training.
They parted ways as Olfina went to get the jewellery stand ready and Aela went to set up the days training session.
As they jogged down the road to the watch tower Lydia kept sending concerned looks at Katrine "Is something wrong?" Katrine asked her as they stopped for a water break.
"It's just, are you sure you're alright?" Lydia asked "I know you say you are, I just wonder wether after everything that has happened if you should be," she paused before adding "Katrine, I lost my father to bandits when I was fifteen,"
Katrine looked around at her "I am sorry,"
Lydia gave her a small smile "It was hard I cried for days, after that I barely spoke, this went on for months till my mother, who was friendly with Hrognar, sent me to Whiterun to begin training to become a housecarl, but my point is if I had to go through what you did on top of loosing my father I don't think I would have coped,"
Katrine gazed off into the distance thinking, both her and Danica are alluding to the same thing and maybe they are right, maybe I am not dealing with this as I should whenever I think of my father all I feel is numb, I was not like this when Nana died, I cried for days, what is wrong.
"We best head back Aela wanted you to be in amour and bring your bow for training today," said Lydia.
As they were jogging back Katrine asked Lydia "Do you think there is something wrong with me?"
"I feel so much anger towards the Thalmor and the Emperor for what they did, but when I take that away and just think on Papa's death all I feel is empty,"
Lydia was silent as they slowed their pace as they came up to the gate, then she said "I think you haven't fully excepted it yet, that you just need time, a lot has been put on you, you need to just be able to work through it, you'll morn when your ready,"
After she had changed into her amour and got her bow they headed up to the training area but they were stopped by Olfred the patron of the Battle Born family.
"My dear, allow me to pass on my family's condolences at your father's passing," he said taking Katrine's hand in his and patting it in what he probably thought was a comforting manner.
"Thank you Olfred, and please pass on my thanks to your family," said Katrine silently hoping he'd let go of her hand soon, as his hands were rather damp.
"I must tell you there is all sorts of rumours going around, not that I believe them," he said with an arrogant smile.
"Oh and what would that be?" asked Lydia stepping forward, clearly not liking this conversation one bit.
Olfred spared Lydia a quick glance before turning back to Katrine.
"That your father was executed by the Thalmor for treason and you fled your own execution," he said with a condescending smirk.
Katrine felt an anger in her like she had never felt before, she felt hot in the cool air and she felt her magic rise up in her as well as the energy she had felt during the dragon fight, and she wasn't certain but it almost felt like Mulmulnir rose up inside her demanding she destroy this unworthy man in front of her.
She however subtly twisted her father's ring and when she spoke her voice was deceptively calm "My father was murdered by cowards, ten to one, all for protecting his daughter,"
Olfred looked like he was about to say something when Lydia interrupted "I'm sorry but Thane Katrine has a meeting with the Companions," she said putting emphasis on Katrine's title.
Olfred narrowed his eyes at her but all he said to Katrine was "As I said rumours, unsubstantiated ones, I myself don't believe them, your father was an honourable man, I hope to speak with you again soon my dear," and with that he walked off.
"I wouldn't advise going anywhere in Whiterun unarmed and alone, not with him reporting to the Empire," said Lydia.
Katrine narrowed her eyes at Olfred's retreating figure, wishing she could kill with her eyes "I will not, do not worry about that," she said subconsciously running a finger along the edge of the ebony dagger she had tucked into her belt that morning.
As they walked into the training yard they saw Athis and Ria setting up archery targets under Skjor's instruction.
Skjor, possibly hearing their approach, turned to greet them "There you are, what kept you?" he asked.
"We had a run in with Olfred Battle Born on the way over," supplied Lydia.
Skjor glanced between Lydia and Katrine "Well what did he want? Did he try anything?"
Katrine shook her head "He was trying to find information he could report back to the Empire I think," she said "But I am certain he went away unsatisfied,"
Skjor smiled "Good, now lets get the day started,"
Katrine went over to Aela and immediately they went into working on Katrine's forms.
They worked at that for two hours, Aela stepping in to help anytime Katrine made a mistake.
After forms they worked on Katrine and Aela's favourite weapon, the bow.
They worked at that for an hour, Katrine impressed Aela with her skill, after which they stopped for a break and Katrine going to collect her arrows from the target, heard Tovar complaining to Njada about training with a bow.
"I don't see why we need to be training with a bow, I mean it is a weak weapon," at this Katrine turned to see what Aela though of this.
She met the huntress' eyes and Aela mouthed "Hit the apple," Katrine turned to look towards Tovar and saw that he was holding an apple in his hand.
She notched an arrow and waited till he was bringing the apple to his mouth and she let it fly.
Tovar let out a shocked cry as the arrow lodged itself into the apple and he dropped it out of reflex, he whipped around to glare at Katrine.
"You little bitch, you could have shot me!" he cried.
Katrine gave him a faux confused look and said in a sweet tone "Why are you so worried after all the bow is a weak weapon," every one who heard Katrine laughed at that.
"You may think the bow a weak weapon Tovar, but from where you are standing Katrine could have shot you twice before you could even draw your sword," said Skjor.
"Alright break time is over," called Aela.
They moved onto shield techniques, Aela teaching Katrine stances to use against heavy weapons, such as war hammers and battle axes.
After shield techniques Aela had Lydia once again spar with Katrine, this time with Lydia coming out victorious.
They ended training after that for a midday meal of bread and cheese with mead.
Aela turned to Katrine during the meal "I'm afraid there won't the any training tomorrow,"
Katrine frowned "May I ask why?" curiosity getting the better of her.
Aela smiled "The Circle have a tradition of going on a hunt on nights when the moons are full,"
Katrine raised an eyebrow "You are not hunting for werewolves are you?" she asked.
Aela laughed "No, don't tell me you believe in those werewolf tales,"
Katrine laughed and shook her head.
"Good, now I still want you to come and practice your forms after your run and no doubt Eorlund will still have you working up at the forge from midday, but the rest of the day is yours," Aela told her.
Lydia and Katrine parted ways at the steps up to the forge "I'll pick up the ingredients for the calming draught and get started on those deer," said Lydia.
"Oh I have a satchel of glowing mushrooms and a vial of frostbite spider venom on the alchemy table both should fetch a nice price with Acadia," Katrine told her.
Eorlund smiled as she climbed the last step to the forge "Before we get started here is your pay from yesterday, one hundred and twenty septims," he said tossing Katrine a coin purse.
The rest of Katrine's day consisted of pouring coal into the forge to reheat it, fixing the straps on a shield, sharpening several swords, daggers and axes, restringing some bows and sweeping up at the end of the day.
When she got home she found Lydia all ready at the cooking pot, she looked up as Katrine entered and smiled "Good evening Katrine, I thought you might like some of the venison tonight and a little messenger bird told me that venison stew is your favourite,"
Katrine smiled "Well that bird is right," said Katrine taking off her sword and placing it in the weapon rack.
"Oh I also made you a bath with hot water a few minutes ago, so the water should still be hot," Lydia told her.
Katrine walked into the alchemy room and tested the bath water, it was perfect, she sighed happily as she slipped into it after undressing.
While washing she thought of tomorrow, if Eorlund was right tomorrow would be the day her mother got here.
The emptiness she had been feeling since her father's death lessened at that thought, she knew however that it would be unwise to get exited, so many things could happen when traveling to delay someone.
After dinner Katrine brewed up the calming draught to the instructions that Danica had given.
It is not entirely unpleasant, she thought, she felt the effects of the draught almost immediately, it was like those burning sticks Anwen had brought home from Hammerfell one year.
Katrine felt really sleepy, she barely heard Lydia tell her that she had gotten three weeks worth of the ingredients stored away but she nodded anyway and headed to bed, she fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.
Howl!
Katrine sat up in bed with a start, it was dark and she was a little disoriented, but she listened out for what woke her.
Howl! A wolf's cry rang out, that sounded close, thought Katrine.
Howl, it is in the city, Katrine leapt out of bed and dressed quickly into the trousers and shirt that Lydia must have left out for her, she rushed over to Lydia's room and gently shook her awake.
"Lydia!" she hissed "Lydia wake up!"
Lydia opened her eyes and blinked up at her "Katrine, What's the matter?" she asked sleepily.
"There is a wolf in the city!" hissed Katrine.
"A wolf? Are you sure you weren't dreaming?" She asked, sitting up and rubbing her eyes, Katrine was saved the trouble of answering as another howl rang out.
"Shit yes that is definitely in the city," cursed Lydia leaping out of bed.
Katrine helped her quickly into her amour and they rushed downstairs , Katrine grabbed her bow and quiver, Lydia grabbed her sword.
The night air was crisp and cool as they exited Breezehome "It sounded like it came from Jorrvaskr," said Katrine gripping her bow tightly, two thoughts running through her head, the first was she hoped she wouldn't have to kill this wolf, the other was where were all the guards?
"Any chance this is your wolf?" asked Lydia, her hand on the hilt of her sword, ready to draw at a moments notice.
Katrine frowned "Oddok no, this wolf sounds like it would be bigger, although that is actually a scary thought seeing how he is bigger the most wolves,"
They crept through the market place, past the Gildergreen and up the steps of Jorrvaskr.
Katrine signalled Lydia to go one way around the hall, while she would go the other.
They crept silently, Katrine notching an arrow to be ready, but all she met on the other side was Lydia.
Katrine lowered her arrow, shook her head and laughed "Tell me Lydia, are we going crazy?"
"I don't know Katrine, I don't know," chuckled Lydia.
They headed back to bed and that was the end of that nights adventure.
The next morning Katrine woke to sunlight streaming on her face.
She got dressed while trying to recall the dream she had, she vaguely remembered a dark haired boy with pain filled eyes.
Dressed and with war paint applied she headed down stairs.
Lydia was relaxing in a bath when Katrine poked her head in "Did you want a bowl of the left over stew?"
Lydia jumped slightly "Oh Katrine you startled me, yes I would like some stew please," said Lydia, trying to restart her heart.
Katrine put two more pieces of wood on the dying fire underneath the pot and placed a third piece by her chair, she planed to whittle herself a flute.
Stoking the fire to the level it would need to reheat the stew, she sat back to wait, Lydia was out and ready by the time it was time to eat.
"What is that?" Lydia asked pointing to the piece of wood sitting by Katrine's chair.
"I am planning to whittle a flute," answered Katrine.
"You can play a flute and sing?" asked Lydia incredulously.
"Yes and the lute and drums,"
Lydia looked at her blankly "Is there anything you're actually bad at?"
Katrine thought for a moment and replied "I can not weave, or knit and do not ask me to take care of flowers, they tend to die around me, which is odd seeing my skill in alchemy,"
Lydia laughed "Well let's go for that run," she said smiling.
It appeared to Katrine to be an hour after sunrise, as they made there way towards the gate the city was starting it's day.
"Slept a bit late did we?" asked one of the gate guards as the walked out of the gate, Katrine gave him a small smile.
They ran all the way to the watch tower without interruption, stopped for a drink and set off again towards the city, only Katrine was slightly distracted staring at the road that lead north west of Whiterun.
Lydia noticed Katrine's gaze "She'll be here, the Gods know how much you've suffered, they are not so cruel as to keep your mother from you,"
"I hope you are right," said Katrine.
Up at Jorrvaskr the only ones practicing forms were Athis and Ria, Torvar and Njada were just sitting around.
Ria and Athis nodded their greeting to Katrine and Lydia, who nodded back then got started practicing forms.
Katrine went through the forms under Lydia's guidance for two hours, after which Katrine struck up a conversation with Ria, asking if she'd heard wolves howling the night just gone.
"Wolves? No, but then I was pretty drunk last night, we all were," said Ria "The Circle doesn't usually let us drink a lot except for celebrations and the nights they go hunting, when this happens we tend to take advantage,"
This made Katrine thoughtful, as they walked back towards Breezehome, she wondered if these things were connected, the wolves howling, the Circle's hunt and the "whelps" free rein of the mead.
After Collecting her bit of wood she found herself a vantage point behind the training area from where she could keep an eye out while working on her flute.
Humming a tune as she worked, every so often looking up to scan the road, just to check, meanwhile Lydia was reading the Book of the Dragonborn again, just sitting beside her.
"What are we looking for anyway?" Lydia asked after a while.
"What do you mean?" asked Katrine looking up from her nearly finished flute.
"Well is your mother walking, riding a horse or has she got a cart?"
"She has a type of covered cart, it has a roof made of fabric," answered Katrine, blowing the wood shavings off her now finished flute and holding it out to show Lydia.
"Looks good, how does it sound?"
Katrine brought it to her lips and played a tune her mother use to sing about forbidden love, perfect.
Before midday they had a quick lunch before Katrine had to head up to the forge.
As she made her way up Eorlund was writing on a piece of parchment "Any sign of her yet?" he asked.
Katrine shook her head.
"Not to worry, she'll be here, was that you I heard earlier?"
"Yes, I decided to craft myself a flute," said Katrine.
Eorlund nodded "I thought I recognised the tune, still let's get to work, here's your pay from yesterday, now let's get to it, I have a guardsmen coming to get fitted for new armour, so I'll need you to write down the measurements,"
The fitting took half an hour as Eorlund measured out the guard with some string, while Katrine wrote down the measurements, after the fitting Katrine filled the forge with coal, then she stung a newly crafted bow, filled a quiver with a compliment of arrows, fitted a shield with fabric showing the Whiterun's crest, hammered down the fabric with nails to keep it in place and cut the excess fabric off with a knife, she then sharpened a sword on the grindstone and was just beginning to finish up when a whistle sounded out.
Katrine and Eorlund glanced down to the training yard where Lydia was pointing down to the road.
Katrine raced to the edge of the overhang and looked down at the road where she saw a covered cart with what looked to be a blond woman driving and beside her sat a rather large white wolf.
Katrine whipped around to look at Eorlund who smiled "What are you waiting for girl? Go greet her?"
Katrine didn't have to be told twice, she raced past Eorlund , down the steps of the forge, past Jorrvaskr, past the Gildergreen, down the steps to the markets, past the stall where Olfina was talking to her mother, when she saw Katrine she called out "Katrine what's going on?"
Katrine didn't stop she just called back "She is here!"
"Oh thank the Nine!" exclaimed Olfina happily catching on at once.
But Katrine didn't here her, she was already out the gate and running down the road past the stables, past Honning brew meadry, past the Battle Born farm when finally the cart came into view.
The women driving pulled it to a stop when she spotted Katrine and leapt down off the seat, she raced over to Katrine and pulled her into an embrace.
Katrine knew the arms that held her, knew the body she was held against, the scent that enveloped her and the voice that was murmured in her ear "I missed you, my Omega,"
"I missed you as well Mama,"
