The sun was setting by the time they reached the outskirts of Winterhold, and the air had only gotten colder as the wind picked up. Dorian's moaning and groaning had continued, wishing he had never come to this world. Dawn had to agree as she sniffled and shivered powerfully along with the others. Several envious glares were given to the Strong-Steel siblings, who acted as though the weather was only somewhat unpleasant.

Tanya glanced back at the group behind them, going slower thanks to the cold. Rolling her eyes, she lifted a hand and surrounded the party in a dulled fire spell. Sera yelped in fear at the sudden spark and flare of magic, which permeated the air. It settled over them, and they began to shiver less powerfully.

"What was that?" Cassandra asked, still shuddering slightly. Tanya shrugged.

"It's a warming spell. Hopefully it'll keep you from losing your toes before we reach the college. I..." A dragon-shaped shadow and the sound of whooshing overhead fell upon them. Looking up and readying herself for a fight, as did the others, who grumbled in frustration, save for Bull, whose eyes twinkled with glee. The Dragonborn squinted at the dragon carefully. The dragon was a colorful creature, purple-scaled with red tinges in his wings. He made no attempt to roar or Shout at the party, and he swirled around, eyeing the Dragonborn. She gasped and waved her hand down at the party.

"Sheath your weapons! This one means no harm!" she ordered. Vivienne glared at the creature.

"Then why is it here? It can't be here for a friendly chat, darling!"

Ignoring Vivienne, Tanya waved a hand at the dragon, who circled and found a safe landing spot by the group. Everyone jumped back as it suddenly made its landing, kicking the snow up by the impact of hitting the ground. All the snow flew up in the air and crashed down on the people, effectively rendering whatever good Tanya's spell did useless.

Tanya quickly brushed the snow off and beamed at the dragon. "Briidremaaz! Drem yol lok!" she greeted cheerfully. The dragon laughed.

"Drem yol lok, Dovahkiin!" He looked at the group, who backed away. Again, save for Bull, who stared at the dragon in awe. "Ahem. I take it they don't speak the tongue."

"He can talk?!" Cassandra gasped, stunned, eyes widened. The dragon laughed again.

"We have always been able to talk, Kinzonjul. Most jul just don't know how to listen." He turned to the Inquisitor. "Drem yol lok, Qolaas."

Dawn blinked, not certain for a moment if he meant her. She nodded. "Drem yol lok, er..."

"Ah, Briidremaaz. It is a pleasure." He looked fondly at the Dragonborn. "I was a dragon that the Dovahkiin almost managed to kill when I attacked her. When I did not want death and submitted, she spared me and healed me. She introduced me to Paarthunax, and we've been friends ever since." the dragon introduced himself, turning back to her. "And you are Qolaas."

"What does that mean?" the herald asked, cocking her head to the side.

"Herald. It means Herald." Tanya clarified. "Your title in Dov is Qolaas."

"Oh!" Dawn hesitated, unsure of how to conduct herself. She cleared her throat and bowed to the dragon politely. "It is a pleasure to meet you. What was that thing you called Cassandra?"

Cassandra nodded. "Yes, I'd like to know that as well." she agreed.

"It means Sharp Human. You look as though you are one." the dragon clarified. Cassandra made a disgusted noise while several of the others laughed. Dawn giggled and only did so more when the seeker shot her a dirty look. The dragon turned his head to the Dragonborn, looking amused. "I came because I wanted to see these friends you made in another world before they leave."

Bull came closer, looking like a child in a candy shop. The dragon noticed and looked at the qunari, gently swinging his tail back and forth. "Yes?" he asked patiently. Bull bit back a squeal.

"I...can I touch you?" He paused and groaned. "That...sounded weird. Sorry."

The dragon would raise an eyebrow if he had one. He looked back at the Dragonborn for explanation. Tanya giggled. "This is Iron Bull. He's got a thing for dragons. A very big thing."

Sera snorted a laugh and high-fived the Dragonborn. Bull grumbled, embarrassed. "You're making it sound weird, Tanya." he protested. The dragon looked slightly uncomfortable, but he sighed and nodded his head.

"You can touch my scales briefly. On the arm. Gently. Ugh, Joorre..." he groaned. Bull ran a hand over the scales in absolute reverence, though pulled away quickly to respect the dragon.

"This is the greatest day of my life." Bull whispered. Solas admired the dragon and bowed to it politely before he spoke.

"I confess, I...well. You were not what I was expecting."

The dragon snorted. "What were you expecting, fahliil? The dragons here are no doubt much more intelligent than whatever you have there. We are not mindless beasts, and we are not above peace."

Solas shook his head. "I beg your pardon, but that was not what I meant. I didn't know that dragons could learn the common tongue at all. This is absolutely fascinating." He looked at Tanya, smiling proudly. She rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly as he did so. "The Dragonborn, a destined dragonslayer, defying her destiny. It is well you have befriended him. You are proving to be a respectable woman, Tanya."

Briidremaaz shook his head. "Being a genocidal monster is not her destiny. Her destiny is to slay Alduin; what she does with her Akatosh-given abilities is up to her, past that. She has chosen the way of wisdom and peace." At this, Tanya's face had gone a bright red.

"I...er, thank you." she murmured. "I'm doing what is decent. Saying an entire race needs to die on behalf of the ill-considered actions of a few is wrong. It's that simple."

"Is it?" Solas asked curiously. Tanya raised an eyebrow, but nonetheless nodded in agreement.

"Yes, yes it is. And no one will tell me otherwise. Not ever."