Hey guys! Thanks for reading/reviewing. Enjoy Chapter 3.

She found the trail leading back to Whiterun fairly easily; Sparrow had lived here long enough that she was more than familiar with certain landmarks in this particular hold. The girl had overstuffed her bag, slowing her down a bit. She didn't mind, however. It was good to know her weight limits and it seemed like she was able to carry a bit more than she was a few weeks back. Sparrow was smugly satisfied with this, she was growing stronger everyday. Still though, she didn't like being encumbered; it would make a fast getaway impossible were she attacked and outnumbered.

Maybe I should consider buying me a horse one of these days, she thought to herself. I'd cover a lot more ground much faster that way.

It didn't occur to her that she had no real reason to travel quickly. Everything she needed was right here within reach already. Just the same, the idea wouldn't leave her.

There was a good-looking horse for sale at the stables. A mare, if she was remembering correctly; with a dark coat and a bit ornery to boot. Might be a good fit. Perhaps she'd talk to the stable master when she passed by. A thousand gold, though. So expensive. The miser in her cringed a little. It was chump change compared to what she had stored in her trunk back home but still. For the life of her, she didn't understand the compulsion to hoard her goods. What good was coin if you never wanted to spend it? Logically, she understood this but the need to keep her possessions close and safe never left.

She'd noticed it wasn't just with jewels or gold either. Sparrow hoarded a multitude of strange items; books she never got around to reading, lavender blossoms, cheese, apothecary ingredients -especially those that glowed- for potions she would never make... It was strange. Stopping short suddenly, Sparrow spied a lavender bush a short distance away. Perking up, the Breton trotted over to it and eagerly plucked the fragrant blossoms from their stems. These she would dry and stuff in her travel-pack. She swore lining her sleeping roll with lavender helped her sleep. Not to mention how great she smell upon waking. She'd done this for so long, her skin seemed to be permanently infused with the scent. The girl supposed it was cheaper than having to buy perfumed oils like the noble women, and less trouble too. It was a mystery to her; how the well-to-do women found the time to fuss over their appearance. Maybe they were bored and had nothing else to fret about. She certainly didn't see many who were willing to trudge through a dank tomb or swamp just for the sake of satisfying their curiosity.

When the trail became cobblestone, she knew she was close. Sparrow hesitated when the gates of Whiterun came into view; suddenly overwhelmed by reluctance. She didn't want to go home yet. It was becoming dreary; this day-to-day habit of going out to hunt and coming back home. Too predictable. Too boring. If she didn't know any better, she'd think it was almost time to...

I have to move on, she realized, stopping short. There's nothing for me here. It's not time for me to settle.

Any passer-by would be amused at the sight of the short Breton, standing in the middle of the road blinking and appearing shocked for no good reason. Sparrow, however, was dismayed. Why wouldn't it be time for her to settle? There wasn't any pressing matter that she had to attend to. She had no responsibilities; no children to feed, nor husband to go home to but there was no reason she couldn't have either of those things. Just like any other woman would want. Whiterun was a safe city with a decent community. Anyone should be grateful to live here.

No, she thought. I don't want those things. I never have.

Why though? Still, she stood there; a girl with a heavy-looking pack slung over her shoulder, staring at nothing. A scattering of people were out and about, a few gave her curious glances as they passed by. Sparrow ignored them, didn't even see them really, still lost in her thoughts.

I don't want to be a housewife. I want...

What did she want?

"I want more," she whispered, a chill tracing its way down her spine.

Finally, Sparrow shook her head and attempted to dispel the troubling thoughts. When she glanced around, she saw that the sun had moved. How long had she been standing in the middle of the road staring? Feeling her cheeks flush a bit, the girl finally began trudging towards the drawbridge again.

The next morning, Sparrow donned her leather armour and emptied her pack of everything except a few necessities; some preserved food, a handful of gold coins, her sleeping roll, lavender blossoms, her tension wrench, several lock picks, and a couple of changes of clothes. She gathered her bow and arrows and attached them firmly to her back. Lastly, she hung her silver sword on her left hip.

"Leaving, my Thane?" Lydia asked, coming down the stairs.

"Yes." For good, she thought.

"Any idea when you'll be back tonight? I could have dinner waiting-"

"No," Sparrow said.

Lydia blinked, puzzled, "No? No what?"

"I'm not coming back here. At least, not for a long time."

The Nord woman stared at her strange little employer, "I don't understand."

"I didn't expect you to," Sparrow replied, flipping her tangled hair over a slender shoulder.

"Have I done something to-"

"No, Lydia. It's just time for me to move on. I can't stay here anymore. I feel like I'm just... Stagnating. There's more out there for me to do. A lot more to see. And I intend to see it all," the Breton said firmly, leaving no room for argument.

Lydia was surprised at how upset she was. She'd come to grow very fond of Sparrow, quirks and all. Still, she was under obligation to obey her Thane, not argue, "I see. I'll move my things back to the barracks at once then." Disappointment colored her tone. She was not looking forward to sharing a cot in the middle of a large room again. Lydia had also grown accustomed to having her own space.

"Not necessary, " Sparrow replied, tossing something at her.

Surprised, Lydia fumbled then caught the object; an iron key ring with two keys on it. "What's this for?"

"One key opens the chest upstairs in the big bedroom and the other unlocks the front door," the girl said with a half-smile.

Lydia stared, uncomprehending.

Sparrow let out an exasperated sigh, "The house is yours, fool. As well as whatever I've left behind. The deed to this stead is also in the trunk, just in case anyone gives you trouble. You've been a good housecarl, Lydia, and I know you like living here."

The woman was almost unbelieving of what she'd just heard, "I- Are you serious? There's a small fortune up there! You surely can't be leaving it all behind and-"

"No," Sparrow held up one small hand. "There's more where that came from, I'm sure of it. The whole of Skyrim is at my fingertips and I will find all that it has to offer. Besides, you're going to need it to keep the house up and buy food and whatever else."

"But the weapons you've found! And your books! And what about-"

"Shut-up, Lydia," the girl interrupted, smiling kindly. Sparrow turned to leave, pausing only once to glance back over her shoulder at her former housecarl and home, "Remember this though, when I come back to visit, I still get the big bed. Take care of the place while I'm gone."

Overwhelmed, Lydia could only stare as the door shut behind her.

The open road was freedom. The sun was warm and a soft breeze curled gently around her skin. It was the perfect day for traveling. Ultimately, Sparrow had decided against purchasing a horse and was confident that she'd made the correct decision. So much would have gone unnoticed had she'd galloped right by. In fact, the outer pocket of her pack was already bursting with fresh lavender she'd found growing on the side of the road. She really hadn't needed to take any along with her at all. Oh well. The girl shrugged and smiled vaguely. Off to her left, a swarm of butterflies fluttered contentedly over a patch of multi-colored mountain flowers.

At a fork in the road, she paused. A weathered wooden post boasted several signs all pointing in various directions; Riften was that way. Should she head back? Had the guild missed her at all? She stood there, indecision stabbing at her. It occurred to her that she could go anywhere she pleased and she had never been to Markarth. The girl had heard about it, though. It was an ancient city carved out of stone. The former inhabitants were Dwemer, but they had disappeared long ago. Sparrow had never seen a Dwemer ruin, but the stories of their steam machines and automatons had fascinated her ever since she'd been a tiny girl.

Markarth it was then. It was a long ways off, though. It would take her days of traveling at the very least, and that wasn't including any stops she might have to make. Or any other happenings that may occur along the way. Sparrow reached over her shoulder and fingered her bow. The familiar feel of the smooth carved wood under her fingertips both calmed and reassured her.

There's no hurry, she thought. I can take just as long as I want to. I have no one else to please except myself.

These thoughts further calmed her and brought a rush of elation to her chest. Sparrow felt much happier than she had in weeks and a wide grin stretched itself across her lips. It transformed her face from merely pretty to beautiful, thought no one was around to witness it. The girl likely wouldn't have cared even if there had been. Humming, she began the trek towards Markarth.

She hadn't gotten terribly far when she was startled by a voice calling to her, "Hail, friend! It's good to see another merry soul enjoying this fine day. Ah, but you look tired. Come, share a bottle of Honningbrew Mead with me!"

Glancing over, Sparrow saw three happily intoxicated men standing off to the side of the path, half-hidden in the tall brush, "Sorry, what?"

The man who'd called out to her grinned and waved her over, "You've never had a taste of sweet Honningbrew? Why, it's only the finest mead outside of Sovngarde! Its sweetness is like a fair maiden's kiss on a starry night. And it's got enough kick to put a frost troll on his hind quarters! Ha! But enough talk. Come! Won't you share a drink with me and my companions?"

His good cheer was contagious and the girl only had to consider briefly. Why not? It'd been awhile since she'd partaken in a drink. In fact, didn't she have a bottle of Honningbrew tucked away somewhere? She dug around in her bag momentarily. Hah! Yes! There it was, "Why not have two drinks on this beautiful day, good sir?" That said, she tossed him the bottle with a wink.

The man clumsily caught the bottle and laughed uproariously, "Ysmir's beard! You're one after my own heart. I would love another bottle. This good deed should not go unrewarded. Here, take this!" After taking a long drink, he busily undid the clasp of his necklace and offered it to her.

Sparrow was intrigued, "What is it?"

"Well girl! It's a charmed pendant. I find it allows me to carry a bit more weight than I should be able to otherwise. Handy little trinket to have on hand, you know! You look like a traveler and you probably need it more than I."

Astonished, she accepted it with a bright smile, "Thank you! It's so shiny and pretty. I love it. If only all were as kind as you, good sir."

"One good deed deserves another, girl. Now, let us all drink and be merry!"

So she did. Well into the afternoon, the group drank and told jokes and stories. Sparrow was having a grand time. The sun grew low in the sky as she listened to them, "Ah, is there any way you'd rather spend the day than drinking Honningbrew Mead?"

Another replied, "Drink Honningbrew Mead with a wench on each arm? Ha ha!"

Sparrow scoffed at this, "I'd rather have two bottles of mead than two wenches, friend."

"Why's that?" he asked.

She grinned and swayed a bit, "Well for one, the mead won't argue your ear off about which one should go first! And secondly, I'm not overly fond of the wenches, you know."

"Ha! Too true, my friend. Too true..."

When they finally parted ways, Sparrow was well beyond drunk and decided to make camp for the evening. She hadn't really come across too many predators in the area, and figured it was a safe enough place to sleep it off. All in all, it had been a good day on the road. And she had a lovely new necklaces to show for it. Curling up into her bed roll, Sparrow quickly fell asleep with a lingering smile on her face.