I Live and Make a Friend – I yowl frantically as I'm pulled over. Water fills my jaws, cutting me off. As I tumble through the raging waters I try to avoid the rocks, but I slam into them regardless. My body is still being battered as I feel arms grabbing my own.

Anxiously I paw at the arms, feeling solid ground beneath me as I am dragged onto the shore. "Saoirse?!" I cough, waving my hand to let Faendal know I'm alright. Gingerly I sit up, rubbing myself for warmth. Faendal fidgets, as if he's unsure what to do.

"Thanks," I tell him. He nods, then I hear, "My god! Are you all right?" I look up to see a platinum-haired woman rushing over. I hack up a bit more water before murmuring, "Ah… Yes, thank you." I study her clothing – it's all Imperial armor, but I suppose that means little when she's alone.

I introduced myself, "I'm Saoirse, and this is…" Faendal interrupts me. "I'm Faendal. Nice to meet you." The woman smiles, her hand moving discreetly away from her sword hilt. "I'm Lorelai Wolfwood," she says, sticking out her hand. "You can call me Rory, if you want."

Standing, I shake her hand. We smile at each other for a bit until Faendal interrupts, "Saoirse, wolf!" I turn to see him shooting arrows at a wolf. I fumble for my sword, but suddenly flame erupts from beside me, charring the wolf. It whines, then I see the life fade from it's eyes.

I turn to Rory in surprise. "You're a mage!" She nods, laughing, "Yes! Magic just seems so interesting – I figured it wouldn't be so bad." What an odd Nord. "Well," I wave to her, "May your road lead you to warm sands." She grabs my arm. "Wait! Would you mind taking a note to Gerdur?"

"Gerdur?" She nods empathetically. "Yes – you came from that way, right? I need to go to Whiterun, but…" I grin. It must look feral on my face, but I turn to Faendal, asking, "Would you mind?" He nods, taking the note. As we watch him go I comment to Rory, "So… Can I follow you?" She looks at me in confusion. I explain, "Well, you see, I'm on my way to Whiterun too."

Rory shrugs. "I'm making my way to… oh, several places on the way. Sure you want to come?" I nod firmly. She chuckles before asking me sheepishly, "Do you have a map?" I refrain from rolling my eyes. Some Nord. Reluctantly I hold out my map. She pores over it, seemingly eager.

Then she looks up at me. "This map is incomplete." I laugh. "It's hand-drawn," I point out, "by me. These are all the places I've been so far." Rory whistles, impressed.

It takes a while, but I convince her to finally start walking. When she tries to follow the road though, I gesture over the rocky terrain, informing her, "This'll be quicker." Rory frowns, asking, "But the road…" I laugh. "It may be safer, but it winds all over the place. Trust me."

She sighs, following my lead as I leap agilely down the slope. I laugh as the fey mood takes me, singing loudly,

As the wind buffets my wings

I soar from stone, to cold, hard stone

As the sky howls down at me, I escape

Through the air I freely fall

Once I was

An earth-bound thing

No longer, for my heart may sing

Heaven hear me as I fly

With wings you will never have

"Wow! That's so pretty!" I start as Rory calls out. As my attention slips so does my footing. I cry out, falling.