4E 182, 10th of First Seed...

Gwen and Thadis were nearing the Outlook and could hear the bandits conversing ahead of them.

"Stay close, don't act alone." Gwen said.

Thadis huffed as though to agree and stuck close to her side as she drew an arrow, notching it on the bowstring.

Gwen sneaked through the brush, grateful the sun hadn't yet risen over the mountains. She aimed her bow, loosing the arrow and watching it soar into the neck of one of the bandits who held a bow. She quickly notched another arrow, loosing it into the back of another bandit with a bow. Firing one final arrow at the last bandit with a bow, she sheathed her bow and drew her sword- waiting in the shadows and ready to strike as the close-quarter combat ready bandits began to spread out.

"I count six." She whispered to Thadis. "We need to be careful not to get cornered. Ready?"

Thadis huffed again and followed after her as she lunged at the nearest bandit from their place in the shadows.

Gwen and Thadis weaved through the bandits, Gwen slicing their hands or arms off before driving her sword through their chest or guts while Thadis lunged for their throats- tearing them clean out. It didn't take long for them to dispatch of the bandits and they stood amidst the bloodied camp, stained as much as the ground beneath their feet.

Gwen smiled and sheathed her sword, reaching down to scratch Thadis' ears. "Good job, boy. Come on, let's see if we can find any provisions to spare and head back."

Gwen and Thadis made their way back towards Markarth, stopping by the Stormcloak camp to deliver the provisions they found stashed away in the chests at the bandits' camp.

"You're Gwen, right?"

Gwen looked up and smiled, recognizing the one who spoke. "You're Ralof. I've seen you in Windhelm from time to time. How are you?"

Ralof smiled. "I'm good. And yourself? What're you doing out here in the Reach? I thought you helped mind Hollyfrost Farm."

"I came to help with the bandit problem. Ulfric didn't want to risk the wrath of Igmund, so I offered to gain favor with the jarl and came instead."

"I bet Ulfric wasn't too happy about that."

Gwen chuckled. "Not really, but I won't directly effect the outcome of the rebellion, so I was the perfect fit." She looked at the other Stormcloak soldiers as they went through the provisions she brought. "It's not much, just food, medicines, and such. The weapons it looked like they had already pawned off."

"Thanks, Gwen." Ralof looked at her. "Would you like to wash up before you return to the city? Might be in poor taste to appear before the jarl covered in blood."

Gwen shrugged. "Honestly, it'd be more like a badge of proof, a trophy if you will, that I succeeded."

Ralof shook his head, chuckling. "It'd give those Thalmor a good bout of queasiness."

Gwen smiled. "This is true." She looked down as Thadis nudged her hand. "We should get back before dark."

"Be careful going back, Gwen. I'll send word to Windhelm that the bandits have been dealt with."

Gwen nodded. "Thanks. It was good to see you again, Ralof. Next time you're in Windhelm, be sure to stop by and say hi."

Ralof smiled. "I will." He stood and watched as Gwen and Thadis made their way back to the bridge to the road that would take them back to Markarth. His smile faded as a sense of danger rose and he wondered what it could mean.

"You've returned."

"I have, my lord. Please forgive my appearance, I have thought it be more prudent to come see you first with the news."

"I understand. Don't worry, Companion, it's not the first time any of us have seen blood." Igmund chuckled. "Now, as for your payment."

"If you could send the payment straight to Jorrvaskr, it'd be much appreciated."

"Of course, as you wish."

"Will there be anything more, my lord?"

"Actually, yes." Igmund leaned forward a bit. "I have need of skilled warriors such as yourself. There is room in my court for a Thane, if you should so wish."

Gwen's eyes widened with surprise. "I'd be honored, my lord. Though, I've hardly done enough to deserve such an honor."

"You have helped not just my hold, but Haafingar and Hjaalmarch holds as well. You have secured one of the most important roads in the province, alone if I might add."

"Again, I'd be honored, my lord. But surely there is something more I can do?"

"Indeed there is. Help the people of Markarth and I will allow you to purchase property here in the city, as well as assign you a personal housecarl to accompany your new title."

"It will be done, my lord." Gwen bowed. "Thank you, my lord. I will take my leave."

Gwen sat in the bath as she muddled things over. Thadis, who she had washed before slipping into the bath herself, lay on the floor next to her.

"Thane of Markarth..."

Thadis looked up at her, tilting his head.

Gwen smiled, reaching over to rub his ears. "I've only ever know farm life, but now it would seem that the Divines have other plans for me." She tilted her head back and sighed, closing her eyes. 'Ulfric might not be happy about it, though. Especially with the history he has with Igmund.'

"Dear Mum, Da, Fjotli, and Tulvur:

I made it to Markarth, safe and sound. We had no troubles along the road.

Jarl Igmund accepted my assistance with the bandits and I'm leaving in the morning to deal with them.

Once I return to the city after that, I may stay longer if the jarl has further need of me. I will send word again once I know.

Hope all is well and best regards, Gwen"

"Dear Ulfric,

I know that you did not want me to come to Markarth and I understand that you only wanted to protect me.

But you need to understand that I am not some exotic bird to be kept in a gilded cage.

Jarl Igmund has accepted my assistance with the bandits and I'm leaving in the morning to deal with them.

Once I return to to the city after that, I may stay longer if the jarl has further need of me. I will send word again once I know.

Please don't be angry, Ulfric. I'm doing this not just for you, but for all of the holds.

If the bandits are allowed to continue attacking caravans, then it affects the province as a whole.

Hope all is well and best regards, Gwen."