A/N: Hello everybody! I hope you guys liked the last chapter! If I'm being honest, I definitely struggled a bit with how to do the introductions between the characters so I hope that it felt like a natural conversation. The dream sequence was unexpected but I did enjoy the chance to use more dovahzul. This chapter is definitely a little faster paced as I want the story to get up and going out of Kvatch. Also, has anyone started listening to Christmas music? It is an invasive goblin sitting in my brain with a record player.

*Disclaimer*

*As always, I own only my OCs. The main plots and recognizable characters are from the brilliant minds of Bethesda's Elder Scrolls franchise writers.*

Chapter IX: In Summary, No

"Something is on your mind," Martin watched the elderly Imperial carefully. The procedure had gone smoothly, a fact for which he would praise Akatosh before going to sleep. There is much to be thankful for tonight. And much to mourn. A pensive look had found its home on Jin's face as they worked to remove fragments of metal, cloth, and leather from the unconscious Nord's shoulder. She had been right when she had thought there might be other things hiding under the armor. While the shoulder had been their priority, Martin had been troubled by how many fresh and old injuries the Nord exhibited. It was clear that the last few years had not been kind to her. Scars, most still a light purple or pink depending on their depth, crisscrossed her torso and back. Some were clearly a result of arrowheads and the like, but others... They looked like bite marks from something massive. The only good thing they seemed to find was a well-cared for amulet of Akatosh around her neck. Even Jin was quiet as they continued their work. It was, perhaps, normal to someone looking over at them, but unusual to Martin, who was quite close to the older healer.

"The winds are changing, Martin. And I can't tell if it's for better or worse," Jin answered vaguely, hands full of cast off rags that would need washing. Or burning. It was hard to say if the cloth would be salvageable or not, given the sheer volume of dirt, ash, and blood covering them. He did not envy the acolytes come tomorrow. There would be much to do and too few hands to work. As they shifted things around, Jin's words nagged at him. There was change in the air. And something told him that it had to do with the woman sleeping in the pew. Still, he reminded himself, he had a job to do.

"Bormahu!"

Both healers jumped at the sudden hoarse shout, and Martin felt his heart beat wildly in his chest. Lumi had woken up. He rushed over as the woman tried to stand to her feet and crumpled back against the pew, wheezing with pain. Who in the world was Bormahu? He wondered as he helped steady the struggling Nord. The woman attempted to bat away his hands, eyes still closed from the rush of trying to move so suddenly. After a moment she settled, accepting his help.

"Thanks," she wheezed, patting vaguely at his arm. Martin resisted the urge to roll his eyes and laugh at the woman's behavior. Jin did not share that restraint, laughing loudly.

"I wouldn't try to rush out of here if I were you, shorty," the elderly Imperial cackled from her spot a few feet away. Lumi panted, eyes narrowed as she carefully leaned forward. Martin hovered nearby while the Nord caught her breath.

"How-,' her voice was rough, 'how long was I out for?" Martin glanced at the nearby window. The stained glass made it hard to judge time but he had come to recognize the changes in light throughout the day and night during his time in the cathedral.

"A little less than two hours, I'd say," he spoke quietly, mindful of the few people that had decided to spend the night in the building rather than trek down the hillside to the refugee camp. They were bedded down for the evening, eager to finally rest without fear of daedra storming the door. Hopefully I will soon be able to do the same. Tiredness weighed at his bones, reminding him of how long he had been up. That nap seemed so long ago now. Jin spoke up, casting aside a tin of ointment into a pocket of her robes.

"You're going to need to take it easy with that shoulder for the next week. Martin told me you know healing magic. That's all well and good, but it's no substitute for time. I want you to take a break every evening to check on the stitches in your shoulder and replace the wrappings and salve. Do that and it will finish healing in a fortnight. Don't-,' she paused to glare at the Nord and Martin felt a shudder go down his spine, '- don't, and a hurt shoulder will be the least of your problems once I find out."

Lumi nodded, only to wince as the sudden movement jostled her shoulder again. Martin resisted the urge to chuckle at the way the woman's face twisted with disgruntlement. Calm settled between the three as Jin finished putting her supplies away and Martin kept an eye on their patient. Lumi merely watched as the older woman shuffled about confidently, little hint of age-born stiffness in her stride. Jin was in her element as a healer and moved with the grace and efficiency of someone thirty years her junior. There was a reason why she had overseen the training and work of Kvatch's physicians and healers for longer than either he or Lumi had been alive. She was damn good and knew it. But age caught up with all of them eventually. Martin understood the day was coming sooner than not, but he could not picture Kvatch or himself without her there. It was cowardly to wish it so, but with any luck, Martin would already be gone and waiting for her when that time came.

"Now,' Jin turned to face the duo, hand on her hip, 'I want you to get some rest if you can, shorty. Martin,' she directed a look at him and his back straightened unconsciously, earning a chuckle from both women, 'come help me do another round of checks on the other patients before we take stock of our supplies."

The Imperial man nodded his head and dutifully followed after the older healer. No rest just yet, he mused. A sudden thought had Martin turning back his head to look at their most recent patient. She was adjusting the tunic that Jin had found for her amongst their donated supplies. It was nothing beautiful, a little too big and sun-bleached if he were honest, but the wool was well made and warm. In any case, the woman seemed to appreciate it as she examined the stitching with approval.

"Lumi," he called, watching as her head flew up quickly only to jerk to the side as she winced at the sudden movement. Do not laugh. Do not laugh. It took all the willpower Martin had to force his twitching lips from blooming into a wide smile as the Nord sheepishly returned his glance, hand rubbing the back of her neck.

"I'd recommend finding a section of the wall to rest against to mitigate any potential damage from pulling of the stiches while you sleep." The suggestion was met with a nod and murmured 'thanks,' as he followed after Jin's retreating figure.

The hours passed and soon sunlight filled the stained-glass windows. Martin walked through the crowd of people getting up and ready to assess the damage to the city now that it was light out. Jin moved nearby, her eyes sharp but face soft as she spoke to a group of mothers and their young children. It had been a long night, with Savlian Matius' group returning close to dawn, battered and depressed. They had been too late to save Count Goldwine and his retinue. Luckily, there were no major wounds to deal with from their company, only shallow cuts and some cracked bones. Still, the healers had slept in shifts, checking on at-risk patients every thirty minutes until morning. Moving on, he spotted Lumi leaning against a wall, speaking quietly with a female guard. Both women appeared tired but calm and the guard gestured wildly as she described something, earning a laugh from the Nord. It was good to see spirits lifting, even after all that everyone had seen. We will recover, with time and faith. All flowers return in their own time and so will we. Heart lighter than before, he continued to chat with the people around him, helping dress wounds that had re-opened in the night.

The feeling of light on his face was wonderful, Martin thought. He had joined the group that had decided to journey down to the refugee camp and assess the wounds that no doubt awaited them. Smoke still clung to the piles of rubble but the flames were largely gone, extinguished in the night after they ran out of fuel. Guards had been busy shifting things around and removing the bodies of daedra and mortals alike, though he knew that no proper burial would be given to the daedra. They had died in dishonor and would face their rebirth in their own way, with no help from Kvatch. Passing through the gates of the city, he noted the three large patches of burnt grass. That must have been where the other gates had opened, he realized quietly. Oddly enough, a sound-looking pinto horse grazed lazily near the city gates, stubbornly refusing to move even as an exasperated guard watched it with a hand on their hip. While he looked on, a little High Elf girl sprinted up the hill and toward the horse, grinning widely, another High Elf following at a more sedate pace with a wolf plush in hand.

"C'mon! I want to play with Quilt until she gets here!" The girl giggled, earning huffs of laughter and tired grins from those exiting the city. Martin walked on, smiling softly at the scene.

It was some time in the early afternoon when Martin had returned to the city gates. His hands ached but satisfaction sat like a cat, content and warm in his chest. There had been injuries that needed tending, just like they had anticipated, but some of the refugees knew the basics and had kept their peers stable until more experienced hands could assist. There had been no casualties in the camp. Thank Akatosh. Oh, Martin knew that they were not fully out of the woods just yet, but the light was shining that much brighter through the leaves. As he was walking, Martin felt a gentle tug on his robe.

"Martin! How are you?" A familiar voice reached him as he turned around. Standing next to the two High Elves from earlier was Lumi. She appeared much better than she had that morning, her skin and hair cleaned. A smile was on her face as she held the little elf's hand carefully.

"I am well, Lumi. And you? None of the stitches have come loose have they?" He asked. He still had enough supplies to fix her shoulder up if need be. Jin will have already given her the healing salve and some wrappings. She shook her head, rolling her shoulder with far more ease than before.

"All good! Thanks again for that by the way, I've been told I am a terrible patient. I already spoke to Sister Jin but I think I'll keep thanking you both until I'm old and grey," she chuckled.

"Is there anything else that you need?" He was curious why she had stopped him. Not that he did not appreciate the thanks, but it seemed like she was busy with her present company. At his question, Lumi stilled and Martin felt a small sense of unease as the happiness on her face slipped away entirely like it was only a mask. The elves had retreated a few paces while they spoke, leaving her hand free to rub soothingly at her elbow. She opened her mouth, paused, and grimaced. Shaking her head, she spoke.

"There is something I need to tell you but it must be in private."

Martin frowned. Eyes guarded, he examined the woman with greater scrutiny. She had broken eye contact, obviously nervous about her request. The pale skin of her face was stretched as she chewed her lower lip, face troubled. He had no reason to suspect her of ill-intentions, but there was something the Nord was clearly hiding. The question was, what was it? Jin's troubled look from the night before flashed in his mind. She had been suspicious of what was to come and now this stranger, an admittedly seemingly normal and nice stranger but a stranger nonetheless, was announcing that she carried news for him after appearing during a battle. It was concerning and a smarter person would have said 'no thank you, please leave.'

"Alright, but Sister Jin will be there," He agreed but added his own terms. If she wanted to speak with him, he would have his most trusted companion there. Jin would suss out anything he did not pick up on himself. The Nord nodded, face set.

"Where can we speak without being overheard?" Lumi asked.

Martin thought about that. Prior to the battle, he would have said anywhere in the countryside surrounding Kvatch. The fields were wide and open, with little space to eavesdrop on others conversations. Now? One of the abandoned cells in the church would have to do.

"There are older cells beneath the church. They haven't been occupied in decades. Follow me and we will find Jin,' he said, then paused before adding almost as afterthought, 'Bring anything you might need for this conversation."

He waited as she walked over to the pinto, of course it was hers, and reached into the saddlebags. Moving quickly, the Nord woman returned, a small stack of journals in hand. Martin's eyebrow raised but Lumi said nothing, merely waving goodbye to the two elves and gesturing for him to lead the way.

"So, let me get this straight," Martin began, sarcasm and disbelief practically dripping from his words.

This should be good. Lumi couldn't wait to hear how ridiculous her life sounded from an outside perspective when she thought it was hysterically farfetched even to someone who had lived it. I mean really, not only are you the illegitimate son of the last emperor and his only remaining heir, but you are dragonborn because of this and have the latent potential to learn how to shout, a skill you really need that only I can teach you. Why is that? Oh, because I am a time-travelling dragonborn from Skyrim who just defeated the firstborn son of Akatosh! You can trust me, I swear. Look at my hand-written journals that I've kept over the course of the last year and read every embarrassing and private thought I've ever had, that will prove it. She chafed at her own idiocy. How convenient that she just happens to know who he is and how to train him but no, no I can't shout for you because we are in public and I have been forbidden from using shouts until we reach safety. Yes, that includes not using an incredibly effective power I possess to try and save citizens from daedra. No, you cannot hate me for that more than I hate myself, but thank you for the dedication, let's just apply that to you defeating Mehrunes Dagon. Oh, did I forget to mention him? Yes, that is who we are up against and who you must defeat or everyone and everything dies. By the way, did you know that the only way to reach the Hall of Valor is over a bridge made from a flying whales' fossilized vertebrae? Or that sometimes giants in Skyrim will just hit someone so hard that they fly into the sky and are never seen again? How convenient and totally plausible! Bah, she mentally scoffed. I'll be lucky if he doesn't take me to a prison for lunacy.

"You are from the future, specifically two hundred years from now in the FOURTH era. Not only that, but you expect me to believe that you and I are both dragonborn, and I am the bastard son of our recently assassinated Emperor. And now you're asking me to travel with you, a person I only met yesterday, to Weynon Priory to speak to a man I haven't seen in twenty years. Is that it?" Pretty much, thank you for summing it up so nicely Martin, I appreciate it.

"And also learn how to defeat a Daedric Prince…" She muttered quickly, hoping he wouldn't catch the fast words. Unfortunately, he was fully able to hear her. Martin's brows rose even further into his hair than she thought possible as he looked at her, unblinking.

"I'm sorry, would you care to repeat that, Lumi? If that is actually your name." Lumi winced, rubbing the back of her neck.

"Uh, Jauffre wants me to teach you how to shout in the dragon tongue so that you can take down Dagon if he breaks through into Mundus," she explained, anticipating the way the Imperial looked at her like she was insane.

"Just that?" Martin asked sweetly.

"And I wasn't lying. About my name,' she added awkwardly, 'I can't let my clan name be publicly known in case someone decides to go to Skyrim and murder my ancestors, seeing as I would kind of like to be born in a hundred and seventy-five years."

"Naturally," he drawled.

"I know you don't believe me, but-," at this Martin cut her off, holding a hand out to stop her. He smiled blandly and Lumi's gut twisted at the expression. It was unnatural looking on the man's face.

"You're right, I don't believe you. This entire story is clever, I'll give you that. A tale that would make bards salivate and flutter at the lute. Certainly, one worthy of a trencher and a drink. But not of following someone I don't know into the wilds on the word of a man I met as a boy."

"She is telling the truth, Martin."

Both Nord and Imperial turned to look at Sister Jin, twin expressions of shock on their faces. She scoffed and from the folds of her robes, brought out an old piece of parchment, wrinkled and sealed with a signet that Lumi had seen open a secret passage only days prior. Jin hobbled forward, the movement so unlike the confident stride of earlier. It was as though she had aged twenty years in but a moment. Tiredness weighed heavy in her proud brow and the whitish-grey strands of her hair which gleamed like ivory in the sun now waned, dim and brittle in the shadows of the cell that they huddled within.

"I had hoped that this day would never come or that I would be dead in the ground and could pretend it hadn't, but none of us are lucky enough for that," Jin handed Martin the letter.

"What do you mean?" he looked askance, "Surely you cannot actually believe this woman?"

Jin sighed, and patted the man's hands comfortingly. Lumi quickly brought an old chair that had been relegated to the corner of the room forward, placing it beside the Imperial elder. Rather than spit or glare, Jin instead nodded, sitting down stiffly. Martin and Lumi glanced at one another, their feud temporarily forgotten as they watched the woman with concern. Jin noticed and scoffed once more, waving her hands.

"I'm old, not dead,' She groused, 'Damn children, the both of you. Just wait till you're my age and all of the young folk act like you're made of cracked glass."

Suitably chastised, they nodded. There was a moment of silence. It lasted a beat, and then one more. Until Jin laughed. She laughed loudly, drowning out the cries of the other two as they realized she had played them. It continued until her face grew serious. She pointed at the letter that Martin had been studiously ignoring the presence of, speaking quietly.

"When you were found, near dead ten years ago, you had a letter on your person. It was from Jauffre."

Martin hesitantly looked at the letter. This time both Lumi and Jin groaned with annoyance at his fear.

"Open it,' Jin demanded, 'before I actually am dead."

He acquiesced, hands shaking slightly. Martin's thoughts were all over the place. Whatever the contents of the letter, they had swayed Jin to Lumi's side with ease. Much of him did not want what the Nord said to be true. He liked being Brother Martin, friend and assistant to Sister Jin at the Chapel of Akatosh in Kvatch. A simple Imperial man amongst other Imperial men, different only for the path that he dedicated himself to. It was a good life. An honest one that he could be satisfied with when he fell asleep. Some of what Lumi said he could handle. Being a bastard he could take, knowing that like everyone else, he was first and foremost a child of the gods. But being an emperor's bastard? One who held impossible responsibility now that his father and brothers, not the ones he gained when he swore himself to Akatosh, but the ones that his very blood was bound to the fate of, were dead? He had a whole family that he would never know. A father and three brothers. A mother. Martin swallowed, anger flickering in his belly that he swiftly kicked at, unwilling to feed those flames. My birthright. My birthright is only alive because other men are not. What kind of gift is that?

Opening the letter, he expected to see some explanation of sorts for what was happening to them, only to be met with a strange combination of shapes and letters. None of it made sense, and Martin felt the frustration from before grow some. As he was wondering what he was to do, Jin gestured for Martin to return the letter to her. It passed hands in silence until Jin pointed at the first few scribbles.

"It took me some time to figure out his code, I won't lie. No cipher to help. But I did. It reads-,'

'Young Martin,

I am sorry for where life has taken you so far. When you were born, your

father had many hopes for you, ones that he never wished to come to pass and those that he prayed for every night. If the gods were good, you would never need know of what lies ahead. Your life would be simple and peaceful, one that all men would be content with. But as I write this, things have reached a delicate state and if you now read this letter, the worst has happened. You are the last son of Emperor Uriel Septim VII, not a farmer as you were led to believe. For the deception, I am sorry. While it was designed to ensure your safety, the removal of such a cloak will leave you open to the elements in ways that you have not been prepared for and that too, I must apologize for. I plan to send a messenger to collect you in the event that the main line falls. They are to bring you to Weynon Priory where we will take you into the fold and plan our next steps. The days of summer have ended, Martin. Your beginnings may have been challenging, but what we now face is like nothing else. It is the duty of the dragonblood to raise their shields in defense of all mortals, no matter how heavy the offense presses down. It is an unfair burden to give, but with faith I believe that there is little we cannot do. And no matter what, Martin, know this. Your father, both of them, loved you. I cannot fix the wounds you bear, but it is something that you should know. Ride now and make haste, we will meet again in the priory.

Sincerely,

Jauffre, Grandmaster of the Blades and member of the Order of Talos'"

Martin blinked away the tears that pricked at his eyes. His throat was tight and unwilling to release the words he wished to speak. Why him? Damn the Empire, why does it have to be him? He did not want to do this. He wanted to stay in the cathedral, not try and save the world from a daedric prince! Anger and fear were the strongest emotions raging in him. I am one priest! What can I even do? I am no leader of mortals! We are doomed to undeath and wrath. The inside of his heart felt volatile as the self-deprecating, cowardly thoughts filled him up. Send someone else! Let this be someone else's burden, I am not an emperor!

"You are the last son of the emperor. He said that if the time came, Jauffre would send someone to retrieve you so that you can fulfill your duty. It would seem the day is upon us and with it, the night that follows creeps close," Jin continued, grim and determined like she could read every thought in his head and was disagreeing with what she saw. Lumi nodded, the Nord woman's eyes hopeful as she looked at him and that was worse. She thought he was capable of defeating Mehrunes Dagon! How absurd! In his hands, they were ruined. A dragonborn? Martin could laugh. Akatosh preserve them if he was their last hope for salvation. A dragonborn indeed.

"No," he muttered. Lumi blinked, stopping short.

"Repeat that, Martin? I think I misheard you," she asked. He ground his teeth together.

"No, I am not who you seek," he spoke quietly but in the silence of the cell it echoed like the voices of ten men.

"I am sorry, I must be confused. Why do you think that we're all mistaken? You are Martin, aren't you?" Lumi was growing visibly agitated while Jin merely watched, face unreadable. Martin ran his hand through his hair, grasping at the ends and tugging as the frustration continued to build up.

"I am a priest,' he affirmed, 'what good is a priest against a daedric prince? Find someone else, anyone else and you will be far more successful."

Lumi stalked forward, nostrils flaring, until she was face to face with him. Or face to chest, as he stood nearly six inches higher. The air was taught, like the bow string before the arrow was released.

"Where is the man that willingly risked his life to defend the cathedral full of innocents from daedra, knowing full well that he would likely die?" Lumi spat, eyes flashing dangerously. Martin's head reared back as if he had been slapped, gray eyes meeting brown as they glared at one another. Jin stayed quiet. This was between them.

"Are you so scared of change that you would run from duty? That you would forsake your people!" the Nord woman growled, standing taller than either Imperial thought to be natural. It was as though something more was speaking with her. Her teeth shone in the scant light and for a moment, looked longer and sharper than they should be. Like fangs…

"I am scared that I will no longer know myself should I do this! If I am not Brother Martin, who am I? No matter what I do I am lost!" Martin exclaimed and it was like all the tension left the room at his admission. Lumi backed off, eyes softening as a look of understanding passed over her. She turned away, leaving Martin and Jin alone as she thought.

"You are who you have always been, Martin. Someone who cares for strangers as deeply as most care for life-long friends. A man who lives his life in service of others, not because it is easy or even because it is just, but because it is what makes him happy. You are a good man who has done things he regrets and wants to learn from those mistakes to be a better man in the future. That man is who he is not because of his titles, but because of his convictions," Jin declared, voice firm. Martin closed his eyes, face twisted with grief as he breathed raggedly.

The chair Jin had been sitting in creaked as she stood and wrapped her arms around him, squeezing tightly. Martin crumbled, arms coming to gently embrace the elderly woman. He allowed the tears to finally fall, their stinging a relief as the fear and anger he had been bottling up for their entire conversation finally left him.

"I am scared, Jin. I am just a man; how can I help where even gods falter?" He asked her, voice muffled as he breathed in the comforting scent of her robe. It reminded him of better times, when he was younger man learning how to move on from his old life. Her patience and humor in the face of his petulant anger and self-loathing. The present parallels of those moments were not lost to him.

"Hope is a delicate thing, Martin. Like the birds that hatch every summer, it can grow strong if given the proper care," she murmured.

"I felt much the same as you do now Martin," Lumi looked back at them. There was something open and vulnerable about her expression as she spoke. Like she was admitting a closely-held truth.

"A year ago, I was a normal woman with an interest in alchemy. And in one day, my life was torn apart by dragon fire. In many ways, I am not the same that I was before that day, but at my core, nothing has changed. You will always be Martin, just as I will always be Lumi. Fate has chosen a path for you that I would not wish upon anyone, but you will not be alone, not when you have people like Jin to ease the burden when it grows heavy. And no matter where you are taken in this life, I will guard your back if you allow it, and teach you what I know."

Martin felt the weight of her words as Lumi finished speaking and backed off with a nod. Could he remain true to himself in the coming months? Jin and Lumi seemed to believe so and he knew better than most the power of shared faith. His life was built on faith. Faith in Akatosh, to guide him and those around him. Faith in his peers, to help keep the peace and teach others the ways of their order. Faith in Jin and her heart, how it always guided her when words failed. And faith in himself, as much as he forgot. He had to have faith in his own abilities. In his faith, he would find his strength. Perhaps that strength would be enough. It would have to be.

"Alright," he sighed, gathering himself.

"I will choose to believe you and together we will go to speak with Jauffre. From there, we will see. I can promise nothing but that I will try and be what is needed. In that, your help would be appreciated. And,' he added, 'I apologize for my behavior, it was uncalled for." Martin would do what he could to help. He would never be able to live with himself if he knew that it was within his power to stop the coming violence and he did nothing. What happened at Kvatch should never be repeated. Even if he was scared. And by Akatosh, he was scared. There were so many unknowns and nothing to be done but move forward. I will carry my hope with me. It will grow. It must.

Lumi shook her head, eyes bright like twin flames.

"There is nothing to apologize for. What I said sounds ridiculous even to my own ears. I am sorry for calling you a coward," she extended her own apology and Martin nodded.

"I was acting cowardly, but thank you. I won't say that I'm not afraid, but I want to help."

Jin laughed lightly at them and walked to the door, opening it and ignoring the horrible shriek of the hinges as they protested the movement. Martin and Lumi both winced at the sound, the Nord going to cover her ears.

"I will gather some herbs for you to carry. Meet me by the narthex in an hour," she ordered before leaving them in the cell.

Martin turned to face his new companion. The Nord smiled crookedly, journals in hand.

"Gather what you need but keep it light if possible. Do you ride?"

He cocked his head to the side, brow raised.

"Horses? Not in some time but I know how."

Lumi nodded, purpose radiating from her as she strode toward the door.

"Good, we're going to move fast. I want to reach the priory as soon as possible."

The next hour passed quickly, with Martin gathering sets of robes and regular clothes at the recommendation of Lumi. If anyone asked where he was planning on going, he only said that he felt it was time for a pilgrimage to one of their sister churches. He regretted not being able to get that drink with Florus, but if nothing else, he could use that as a motivator to return soon. Occasionally, he could see glimpses of Jin and Lumi flitting about. Both women were on a mission as they gathered things they planned on carrying. Soon enough, he found himself back at the front of the cathedral, being handed tins and bottles by Jin.

"Akatosh willing you won't need half of what you'll find here, but just in case, use your brain and you'll be fine," she grumbled, watching as he stowed away the herbs in his rucksack. When he finished, Jin grasped his hand, bringing him close.

"Stay safe out there, Martin," the elderly Imperial's voice was hushed as she peered at him.

"I will, Jin. And thank you, for everything," he murmured, smiling even as sadness gripped his chest. This was not a permanent goodbye, he reminded himself. Merely a 'see you later.'

Jin nodded her head, patting his hand before turning to face Lumi, who had stayed silent while they spoke to one another. Her gaze sharpened a little but it was still soft for the Imperial's standards.

"You keep an eye on the skies. Things are changing faster than anyone but the gods can see. Don't ruin the work we put into that shoulder," She groused. Lumi smiled at her, dipping her head respectfully.

"Yes ma'am," the Nord murmured. Jin tutted and backed off, making a shooing motion at them.

"I won't keep you two any longer. Remember to use common sense, Akatosh knows you must have some between the both of you."

Both of them laughed and walked out of the church but Martin couldn't resist turning back one more time. Jin had disappeared inside and no one stood by the doors of the building. Despite the recent fighting, the brickwork was undamaged and the windows glowed with the fading sunlight. Peace washed over him, and Martin felt in his heart that he would see the church at least one more time before everything was over. Lumi led the way to the gate and past it to the tree from earlier that day. Beside the pinto, a bay mare grazed, already outfitted in tack. The two Altmer from before were there, alongside a pair of adults he recognized from his time walking around town. They were nobles, who helped fund several of the local businesses and brought in trade. Someone has been busy making friends.

"Lord and Lady Elsinthar,' Lumi bowed and Martin copied the movement, 'Thank you for helping me find a second mount. Your aid is greatly appreciated. If you have need of me, send word and I will come as quickly as able."

Lord Elsinthar shook his head, a smile on his regal face.

"Thank you, Lumi, but think of this as a way of repaying the debt we owed," he looked down at the little Altmer girl who giggled and waved her stuffed wolf.

"We will get Nerente some hounds to train as you suggested but we could not accept letting you leave without expressing our gratitude for helping take care of our daughter when we could not. Accept the gift, young warrior, and perhaps we will call on you in time and hear of your deeds."

Lumi bowed once again, grinning broadly though her cheeks were pinked.

"Then I thank you for your generosity, Lord and Lady Elsinthar. May your house glow with the light of the ancestors." The family nodded and walked back down the hill toward the camp. Lumi looked over, her grin still in place.

"Come meet your new best friend, Martin!" She gestured at the bay mare as she walked over to the pinto. Martin studied the mare as he approached with caution. She was well-built, with strong muscles and a gleaming, dark brown coat that shone red by her hip and barrel. Reaching out with her nose, the mare sniffed at him curiously. A little white star shone on her forehead, partially hidden behind her inky black mane. He smiled at her, only to blink as she sneezed loudly. The mare's head whipped back and forth and she practically danced in place as she looked at him challengingly.

"Looks like you've got a spitfire over there," Lumi called. He turned to see that she had already mounted the pinto mare and was waiting.

"Just respect her space and you'll be fine," he muttered, eyeing the horse who seemed to laugh at him as she stood tall. With slow movements he approached once more, hand out. The horse reached her head forward and sniffed him again. Instead of sneezing, she licked him. Martin had to stop himself from flinching at the odd sensation. For a moment, the mare simply snuffled at his hand until she seemed to lose interest and put her head down to graze again. Taking that as the most approval he would get, Martin made his way to her flank and carefully stored his pack in the saddlebags before mounting up.

"Does she have a name?" Martin asked as they began trotting down the hill at a gentle pace. Lumi laughed.

"You're going to love this,' she promised, 'Her name is Queen Rhae, emphasis on the queen part."

He looked at the mare. She held her head high and seemed to look down on the rest of the world. A fitting title indeed.

"I like it," Martin decided, earning a pleased snort from the horse in question. As soon as they passed through the camp, Lumi set a quick pace, not galloping but not a meandering walk either. They were heading to Weynon Priory.