A/N: Hey guys! Sorry it's taken me so long to update. I had a week of band camp, and then I got a car and had to learn how to drive it (manual cars are hard!) and I've been taking care of some kittens on top of all that. So I've been really busy. And I'm really sorry. I hope this makes up for the long break. Enjoy!

Chapter 12

In the darkness of midnight, the inn was quiet as the grave. The patrons were sleeping, the fire left unattended. I was alone with my guilt, knowing that it was my fault Silas was injured and possibly dying. I cursed myself for not listening to my more reasonable side when it told me to be done with companions.

I had gone with my instincts, and against my better judgment asked Silas to join me in my travels. Haven't you caused enough death? A taunting voice whispered. Why must you drag others to their doom?

"Shut up," I whispered to myself. The voice continued its nagging, and I struggled to ignore it. I heard a door open, and several pairs of feet padding quietly across the floor. When a hand was placed gently on my back, I turned to face the woman who had kicked me out of the room earlier.

"Your friend is going to live." Her voice was so soft I almost didn't hear what she said. When it registered in my brain, I jumped to my feet and made for the room Silas was in. A quiet warning drifted to my ears before I could open the door. "He lost a lot of blood. He is very weak, and needs his rest."

I paused, hand on the smooth wood of the door, and nodded. Footsteps faded, and I was left alone in the darkness. I debated about whether or not I should go in and check on Silas, or pack up and ride away. He would be safer if I left, but my heart jumped painfully at the thought. I need to stay with him and see that he gets better.

I opened the door as quietly as possible and slipped inside. A single candle battled the darkness, casting flickering shadows onto the walls. I could barely make out Silas' form in the gloom. He lay on his back, breathing steadily. Bandages wrapped around his shoulder and stomach, nearly the same color as his pale skin. His face was obscured by strands of midnight silk.

I stepped towards the bed, pulling a chair with me. Having positioned myself as comfortably as possible, I started clearing the hair from his face. I wondered if he felt any pain, and if he did, how bad was it? Maybe he was dreaming, and felt nothing at all.

My eyelids began to droop, but I fought off the desire to curl up and sleep. I struggled to keep my eyes open, telling myself that I had to be awake in case Silas needed me. I folded my arms before me on the bed and rested my head on them. I'll rest my eyes for a moment, I told myself. Seconds later, I was fast asleep.

I was floating through black nothingness, set adrift in an empty sea. Alone, cold, and blind, I realized that I was dying. I could feel my heart slow, all the life fleeing from my body, and my thoughts turned to Freya. I hoped she was somewhere safe, alive and well.

It became hard to think, a black blanket being lowered slowly over my consciousness. I felt nothing except the cold seeping into my very bones. I willed my heart to keep beating, if only for a few seconds, and images of my time with Freya spun through my head. The way she ate as if she was starving, the way she curled herself into a tight ball as she slept, the feeling of her hot tears against my bare chest…

I found myself begging for life. Praying to Gods I didn't believe in, asking for a second chance. As the pain set in, and the last of the warmth was sapped from my body, it seemed that my prayers would go unanswered. I struggled weakly against the darkness, but knew it was futile. And then everything changed.

Instead of dark, there was light. The cold was washed from my limbs by a soft light, and was replaced with warmth. And I was no longer alone in my struggle. A soft hand cradled my cheek, strength spreading from the fingertips.

"Do not fear, my son," a soft voice spoke. I opened my eyes, but saw only bright white light all around me.

"Who are you?" I asked. I could see no one, but felt the presence of a woman. The hand left my face, resting instead on my left shoulder. The dull throb subsided, replaced with soothing heat.

"You asked for assistance, and I am here to give it. But I do not give aid without getting something in return. You will live, Silas, but you must do something for me."

"What do you wish of me?" I asked. I was skeptical about offering my services to one of the Daedric Princes, but if it meant I would get to see Freya again, I would do anything she asked of me.

"You are more special than you know. Soon, you will be tested. You must not fail this test. If you do, Freya will not go to Sovngarde to defeat Alduin. Her feelings for you will keep her here. You must not allow that. Even if it means your death. Do you understand?"

"If I do this, and Freya goes to Sovngarde, will she return?"

"I cannot say. The future is ever changing. Freya must go to Sovngarde, but beyond that, it is up to her. If she lives through the fight against Alduin, she will be given a choice. The decision lies with her alone."

I nodded. My mind was made up already. I would accept this trade, and live to aid Freya. "I accept your proposal," I stated.

"Very well. If you need assistance, pray to me. I will help in any way I can."

I began fall, faster and faster. The light was fading, as well as the other's presence.

"To whom do I pray?" I asked.

"Pray to Mara. And remember, Silas. Change is coming. Prepare yourself."

Mara's voice faded, and my eyes closed of their own accord. I felt my mind slipping into darkness, and I was soon asleep.