Sorry it took forever to update! Senior year is very busy tho. Thank you again to my dear reviewers. It means a lot to hear from you guys! Even if it's only a few words. I don't think this chapter is my best, but here you go! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own or profit off anything I'm writing. However Koudelka is mine and you may not use or take her for your leisure. Thank you!
(1)- The feather is the hair by a horse's hoof.
Chapter Rating: K.
It was for once a clear morning in Windhelm. The past few weeks had been a constant snow storm, which only stopped for a few hours at a time before picking up again. Now that they had a clear day, the Stormcloaks took advantage of the clear weather and chose to head to a nearby cave that housed a bandit gang. They had recently been trying to steal from travelers going to and from Windhelm. The group of Stormcloaks consisted of Koudelka, Ulfric, Galmar, Ralof, and two other soldiers named Lilia and Jorlle.
"— and well, I'm not quite sure where the cave is, but if you sense it let me know please, alright?" Koudelka stroked her horse's snout fondly for a second before smiling. "Thank you, Shadow." Once the assassin pulled away from the horse, she practically bounced over to Ulfric, who was currently tacking up his own horse. A beautiful blonde mare with a white tail, mane, and feather(1).
"Ohh Ulfric!" The corners of his lips twitched, but he managed to hold a straight face.
"Your lack of formality is not the most surprising thing you've done so far today for once." She tilted her head curiously at his statement, confused. "Do tell," he continued, "were you just speaking with your horse?" The smaller Nord simply blinked at him as if he just questioned how to wield a blade.
"Um... Of course?" She shook her head like he was a fool before continuing. "Shadow is a very intelligent and special horse. Truly a gift to mankind. I was lucky to obtain him." She explained.
Ulfric absentmindedly stroked his mare's neck. It was something the assassin loved about him. He was kind to animals without thinking about it. "So... Ah, you can speak to him?"
The Dragonborn nodded a few times. "Well, anyone can speak to him really. He opens a mental pathway to reply. Look—," Koudelka called Shadowmere over. He gracefully walked to stand next to his rider, "Shadow, talk to Ulfric a little bit." The horse seemed to turn its attention to the High King.
"The fox you've grown fond of has been missing you, Ulfric. He comes to the stables to speak with me at night. However the stable hand chases him off during the day." Ulfric smiled softly.
"Well, I'll be damned. Is that where he's been?"
"Yes, he does appreciate the meals of spare meat you leave hidden in the hay bales for him." Ulfric shook his head and took a few wide strides to the stable hand, leaving Koudelka to blink and look at the Deadric horse.
"What'd you say to him?"
"Oh nothing, dear rider." The dark horse swiftly yet softly nuzzled her cheek with his muzzle. She pouted. "Oh no you don't!" The assassin huffed as the horse turned and trotted away.
"That little trick won't work this time!" She yelled, drawing almost everyone's attention. Koudelka went to chase after the escapee horse, but Ulfric's voice stopped her.
"Stormblade! Perhaps—" she whirled on her heel to face him.
"No! You! You be quiet!" She turned back to the path Shadowmere was trotting down. "And you! Get back here!"
Everyone was left gaping at her and fearfully eyeing their High King and his General. Both had painfully icy eyes and grim faces. The General turned to address them. "Get back to work loading, fools! This is no play." Galmar roared. Once the three soldiers and stable hand scattered to busy themselves, he turned to Ulfric and clapped him on the shoulder. His long time friend pinched the bridge of his nose and both let their facades crack, smiling. The pair watched as Koudelka scolded her horse down the hill.
"I cannot even begin to comprehend how we won this war because of her."
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