20th of Rain's Hand

I'm alive. I just got done with my first battle with Alduin. I'm still here; it wasn't much of a fight. Bastard flew off. To where? I don't know. That's what I'm about to find out now. Paarthurnax suggested that I trap one of Alduin's comrades and get the information out of it. And the place to trap a Dragon?

Dragonsreach.

Yep. Apparently, Dragonreach was once used to capture a live Dragon. I can't do that without the Jarl Balgruuf's help. Problem, with Skyrim's civil war raging on, both sides are just waiting for Whiterun to make a wrong move. The only way was to host a Peace Council and have a temporary truce. So what do the Imperials and the Stormcloaks have in common?

The beloved Greybeards!

So I'm heading back to High Hrothgar now, in hopes of convincing Arngeir to let me host a council. I know the Greybeards aren't big on getting involved physically, but there's no choice. I hope they say yes.

But before that, I need to do something first.

Location: The Arcanaeum, The College of Winterhold
20th of Rain's Hand
6:00pm

Kayleigh entered in the Arcanaeum of the College, still bruised from the battle and exhausted from traveling from Whiterun, but wanted to be here to see her beloved canine, Vigilance.

Savos Aren and Vigilance both looked up when she entered the recovery room. The war dog laid on the bed and wagged his tail, still unable to move his body entirely.

"Kayleigh! Child, what happened to you?" Savos Aren practically shot up from his seat to get to her. "You're bruised all over!"

"Oh, Savos, I'm fine. A few scratches can't stop me." She assured with a small smile.

"Child, you need to see Colette. She can help with those bruises."

"Not now, Savos. I've got more important things to do," She may have been talking to the arch mage, but she kept her gaze on her pup. "Vigilance, sleep well for tonight, boy. I'm taking you back to Banning tomorrow."

Vigilance's eyes widened. He lifted his head and looked at her with a soft whine.

"You can't hang around with me anymore, Vigilance. If you do, you're going to get killed! And I don't think I can handle that! Vigilance," She patted him on the head. "You've been an amazing companion to me. Someone else can benefit from having you around. With me… I'm only going to get you killed."

Vigilance whimpered at that, and struggled to stand on his feet.

"Don't, boy! You need to rest!"

Vigilance gave her a bark for that. He then limped closer to her and nuzzled his face on her abdomen. He looked up with what were dismayed eyes, horrified at what she had said. It was clear to Kayleigh that Vigilance did not want to leave her side, no matter what happened. He was more than willing to give his life for her, because he had already gotten everything he could ever want: companionship, care and love.

He was pretty much saying, "Don't let me go." He only wished she could hear him say that.

"Vigilance…" She stroked his grey fur, choking on her words. "I'm sorry."

He continued to nuzzle against her, refusing to withdraw.

"Kayleigh," Savos called out for her. "You cannot just simply ask a companion to let go."

Kayleigh finally understood her pup's actions. "I'm sorry, buddy, I…" "She wrapped her arms around her beloved pet. "Talos forgive me, I won't let you go. I promise."

21th of Rain's Hand
Vigilance doesn't want to leave my side, no matter what. I guess one can't change the loyalty of a canine. I'm carrying him until he can walk again. He's not that heavy, you know.

And by the way? Yes! The Greybeards agreed! Alright. We will have the Peace Council on the 25th of Rain's Hand. Now to travel to Solitude and convince one General Tullius (the one who tried to have my head chopped off) and get him to attend the Peace Council.

It's going to take me every fiber of my being not to slay every Imperial I see.

21th of Rain's Hand (Continue)
Success! He's agreed to come! And I didn't try to kill any Imperials! But he did try to induct me into the Imperial Legion, though.

Remember when I said that I wish I didn't have to go back? Well, it looks like that's not going to happen. I guess I will have no choice but to go, since that's where Ulfric Stormcloak resides. I really don't want to go, but there's nothing much I can do. The Jarl is residing in Windhelm, and Windhelm is where I will have to go then.

Kynareth, Mara, Arkay, Akatosh, Talos, Nine Divines… please help. Don't make me have to relive that day. I just want to go to Windhelm and do what I have to do.

Location: Windhelm
21th of Rain's Hand
7:00pm

I wasn't like all the other young girls in Skyrim. I enjoyed Smithing; I used to hang out with Oengul War-Anvil. Daddy thought me how to swing a Sword and a Battleaxe all in one day; I was quite the learner.

In short, I was quite the rascal.

But, I also enjoyed Magic. Mother taught me my first spell: 'Flames'. And immediately after that, I learnt 'Sparks'. Alright, maybe Magic wasn't my favorite, but it was still fun.

Glad I took some of Mother's spell tomes with me when I ran off.

The night descended upon all of Skyrim. Stars danced amongst the blue aurora that had been laid upon the black sky. However, that was not what had caught Kayleigh's eye. She was far too busy just staring at every single building she saw upon taking the first step into Windhelm.

The first step she was taking in 12 years.

Kayleigh was carrying Vigilance in her arms as if he was a baby. He whimpered at her and licked the side of her face.

"D'aww, Vigilance!" She giggled, and then sighed. "Remember the story I told you? Well…"

"This is where it all happened."

A/N: Hello, once again! Well, FINALLY, y'all are gonna see her interacting with Ulfric Stormcloak ever since Helgan. I apologise if this took long, but my intention was that you guys could see this side of Kayleigh before we look at her vulnerable side.

So I have a little question: why do you think Kayleigh was so reluctant to go home to Windhelm? Do you think something happened? If so, what was it? :)