A/N: I know I'm being ridiculous going back and forth like this but I have decided to finish this version and THEN work on the re-write. So here we go. Bear with me guys cuz it's gonna be a bumpy ride.

Chapter 27

Gravelly laughter reached me from above as I dangled precariously over the world. I knew Silas wouldn't let me fall, but the vertigo-inducing trip straight up into the sky was enough to leave me clutching at the long scaly toes wrapped around my middle. It was even colder up in the sky, and I shivered in my armor as Silas continued to gain altitude.

"Put me DOWN!" I screamed up at him, causing his laughter to grow in volume. I felt us descend, slowly, until his wings were beating furiously to keep us hovering over the rocks and snow at the peak of the mountain. He gently released his grip and I fell the few remaining feet and landed lightly on the snow. After moving a safe distance away, Silas landed in the typical earth-shaking dragon way.

I inspected his wing from where I was, and was dumbfounded to see it completely healed, like nothing had ever happened.

"How did your wing heal over night?" I asked him. "Broken bones take weeks to mend."

"Mara came to me in a dream," he said, voice low. "She said we are running out of time. Alduin grows stronger with each passing day, feeding on the souls that wander Sovngarde. There is no time to waste on broken bones."

So the Divines were keeping an eye out for me. If Mara wanted to lend aid, I would not refuse her, despite her turning my friend into a dragon. I could only hope that it would be enough. "We must go," Silas said quietly. I nodded, despite the fear creeping into the very marrow of my bones. He lowered his head and I trudged through the deep snow towards him, taking my usual place for flying.

"Should I fly you straight to Dragonsreach, or drop you off outside the walls and hide?"

I thought hard about his question. If I came flying into the city on a dragon, there was a large chance both of us would be harmed in the resulting chaos. It would save time, sure, but was the risk worth it? I needed new armor, which was certain, so a stop at Adrianne's or the Skyforge was a must. It might take more time, but it avoided the chance of either of us getting hurt.

"Land somewhere outside the walls, and then you can find a place to hide. I may need your help with Odahviing, so come when you hear me call him. I'll let everyone know whose side you're on so no one tries to kill you."

I felt him grumble beneath me and then he launched us into the air. He buffeted the air with his wings, fighting the raging winds as only a dragon could. Soon we were flying out over the mountainside, the land falling steeply away before flattening out into the plains of Whiterun hold. Silas found a low spot, a dip in the land surrounded on all sides by hills, and headed there to land.

Once safely on the ground, I slid from his back and landed on shaking knees. He curved his neck so that he could look at me, one pale green eye the size of my fist fixed on my face. I met his gaze, trying my best to keep my fear from showing. He knew me though, could see my fear in the way my fists were clenched at my sides, the hard set of my jaw, and the studiously blank look on my face.

He gently nudged me in my gut with his bony snout. "You will be fine, Freya. I will come when you call. Always."

I could say nothing around the lump in my throat, so I simply turned away and began the trek to the city. I tried not to think of anything as I jogged, nothing except my breathing. In three steps, out three steps. I tried not to let my panic overwhelm me, tried not to think of what I was about to do.

I reached the gates to the city and the guards opened them for me, dipping their heads in a respectful bow as I passed through. Adrianne was at her workbench, and I gave her a short greeting as I passed her and entered Warmaiden's.

"Ulfbert," I said, commanding his attention. I gestured towards my ruined breastplate, "I am in need of armor."

He considered my words for a moment, and then bent to retrieve something from beneath the counter. "I've been saving this," he started, "but I never realized just who I was saving it for until now."

He placed some items on the counter, all black and red and jagged edges. I recognized it as Daedric, but had only seen the armor once before. It was dark armor, made to instill fear in the enemies of the one that wore it. I doubted it would frighten Dovah, but the armor was well made and looked as though it would take more beatings than any other armor I'd seen before.

"How much?" I asked Ulfbert. He simply shook his head and pushed the armor towards me.

"For the Dragonborn, there is no charge. I could never repay you for what you are about to do for all of us, but perhaps this will aid your victory."

Again, I could not speak for the lump in my throat. There was no way I could show my gratitude except to hold out my arm and clasp his in a warrior's embrace. He gathered up the armor pieces and showed me to a side room where I could change.

I left the pieces of my armor on the small table in the corner, along with a pouch of gold. As I stepped back out into the main room, Ulfbert passed a critical eye over my form and nodded his approval. He stooped again and retrieved another item from under the counter and then showed me the last piece of the armor: a black, horned helm. He lifted it over my head and then brought it down to rest before stepping back and surveying me once more.

"Damn if you don't look terrifying, Dragonborn," he whispered into the room. "Go and kill that bastard."

O.o.O

I could not be still. My tail lashed side to side seemingly of its own accord, and my claws gouged lines in the earth. Surely she has reached the city by now, I thought. What if she was attacked? What if she needs my help? I shoved the thoughts away and labeled them as ridiculous. Freya was the Dovahkiin. She could handle herself.

She was Dovahkiin, but she was also small and frail, and could be quite clumsy at times. I should not have let her go alone. Time seemed to pass more slowly and I grew ever more restless. The hollow I had chosen was turning into a proper hole with all the restless turning and clawing I was doing. I willed myself to be still, to rest, but nervous energy tingled along my spine and it was impossible.

I wondered where she was, what part of the great city she was travelling through, who she was talking to, if she'd found armor suitable. My frustration grew, and I was to the point of screaming to the skies when I felt a gentle breeze that calmed me almost instantly. Mara.

Yes, child. It is me.

Why have you come? Is there more you require of me?

No. I come only to warn, and to help you prepare. Your greatest trial is coming, boy, and you must not fail, for the world depends on you just as much as it depends on her.

Me? But she is the Dragonborn, and I am but a half-breed.

You are just as important as she is, boy. Why do you think I brought you together? The idea to return to Whiterun was not yours alone. You needed a push in the right direction.

You are the reason I came to Whiterun and met Freya?

Yes, my child. She was losing faith, and needed help. If I had not brought you together, she would not have survived to this day. Everything happens for a reason, and you would do well to remember that. But I am not here to discuss the past. You must make a decision soon, and your choice with either save her and the world, or save the both of you and let the world be destroyed. You will have to give up whatever future you might have with her in exchange for the continuation of life itself.

That is no true choice, My Lady. I will choose her and the world.

Good. I knew you were the right one. You must prepare yourself. You must not let the fear of death cloud your judgement. For when the time comes, you will perish, and you must ensure the Dragonborn fulfills her destiny.

I'm going to die?

It is time. She is preparing to call the dragon. Steel your resolve, Silas, my brave son.

Mara, wait…

The breeze was gone, and the sense of calm was replaced with chaos. Every fiber of my being, every thought in my mind was trying to break free. It felt as if I was tearing apart from the inside. Both fury and fear fought for control, but before dominance could ever be established, a Shout ripped through the air. A Shout that was heard for miles in every direction.

"OD-AH-VIING!"

It was time.