Thick corded muscle wielded the sword with as much ease as when she was young, watching him mock fight during the harvest festival . This time,however , River was on the receiving end of the blow. Or would be if she hadn't memorized the old warrior's movements. He lunged, she twirled. He thrust, she parried. Metal clanged on metal. It was an old dance and she took great pride in the joy and pride her father reflected.

"So, Brat," he said as he went to maneuver his way around a practice dummy, "those are some tales you spin. You are destined to save Skyrim from the dragons because of your thuum and yet here you stand gathering titles and building a homestead ?"

"Yes papa." She grunted, dancing out of reach of his next blow. He was wearing down, likely due to age, but River wasn't so stupid that she believed the battle won. "I am supposed to meet with a woman named Delphine in Riverwood to debrief and continue on."

"Yet you are here."

Another lunge, another dodge, the old man was breathing heavy now. River was seconds from victory. "Yes."

"Why?"

Her steps faltered and she took a hard blow on her shoulder. Her father, ever the strategist and an opportunist, took advantage to strike her wrist with the flat of the sword . She dropped hers. He pressed in.

"Why?" He repeated as he leveled his sword at her. She knew he wouldn't hurt her, but it didn't stop her from retreating back a step when he advanced. Her hand went to her belt, but couldn't find her knife. She felt cornered trapped by both the question and the enemy. "Why?" And she was no longer in her cellar with her father. She was in a cavern filled with bandits after she had gotten free of her execution.

She was weaponless, terrified, and forced into a small space. She hated this feeling small and vulnerable. Something bubbled up in her throat. It was hot and tasted of electricity. It burned past her lips.

"FUS!"

With a loud clang and a grunt, she was brought back to reality. She blinked her eyes in rapid succession. Her father had been flung across the room, into the small shrine she had been building. For his part the old warrior didn't seem to hurt, or even mad. He was straightening even as apologies flew to her lips. He waved her away.

"I'm fine, my daughter. I'm fine. Damn, though, girl, if that ain't a damn fine power." Despite having been tossed into a shrine, there was a note of pride. "Although, I have to wonder. Did you really think I was going to hurt you?" A small amount of hurt ebbed into his voice.

River looked down to her hands, clasped in front of her like she was a child again, begging for forgiveness. "No, papa." She said in a quiet voice.

A heavy hand gently rested on her shoulder. "So tell me why, my treasure. Please. You are safe here. This is the castle you have built for yourself, with fierce warriors to protect you. You don't need to fear any man."

"That's just it papa!" She blurted out, jerking away from that kind and familiar touch. "I do fear. I'm always so scared! When I thought you dead because of Alduin, I was terrified because I was alone! Something had taken people I cared for! I was alone! I was terrified ! And then Imperial guards captured me, not really accusing me of a crime but condemning me to the headman's ax anyway !" Tears were running down her face. "Then Alduin attacked again! And I was alone- again! And after that no matter where I went the moment I got close to anybody, someone close to me perished! Everyday I worry that someone will come for my husband or my friends or my shield-brothers and sisters !" She was being pulled into her father's arms again, his hand patting her back soothingly , but she struggled and continued to sob . "I failed the village, failed you, failed my baby-I... I can't... I don't deserve..."

Her struggling proved futile, her father was still much stronger physically . Instead of continuing to fight she let herself be held , crying into her father's chest. He patted her back and let her cry, and she felt like a child again. It was a safe and secure feeling. So she let herself cry. She cried for all the friends she had lost; friends in every faction, her old village, her daughter. Her sobs lapsed into hiccuping eventually and she felt a little better. Her father gave a gentle chuckle.

"My, my. What a brat I have raised." He pressed a kiss to her hair before releasing her just enough to look her in the eye. "To have such a strong daughter who has accomplished so much, who is about to do even more, think that she has failed me- failed Mila ." River made a distressed sound, but Erik was shaking his head. "My dear, you'll only have failed Mila by not going out and slaying her killer." He tilted his head. "Not to mention, my dear, you have remarried a fine man, who is worried for you." He cupped her face. "If nothing else, take the word of a foolish old warrior. Speak with your husband. Be open and honest with him. He only wants to help."

"That's what I'm afraid of."

Erik chuckled and kissed her forehead. "Let him then. He's a Companion is he not? Then he knows how to fight. He loves you. Now, go, speak with your family. This old man is going to find a bed to nap in."

Another kiss to her forehead and Erik departed back up the ladder. River considered his words, wrung her hands together, then followed suit.

Vilkas' head snapped up when moments after Erik turned the corner and went up the stairs, River appeared .

"Love!" He started, rising, but she shook her head and motioned for him to sit.

"Vilkas, my family... I have something I need to say."