Asmara sat on the rocky edge beyond the courtyard of High Hrothgar, overlooking the northern part of Skyrim. The ground was cold and covered in snow, but she didn't care. Her knees were bent up against her chest, her arms wrapped around her legs and her cheek resting on the tops of her knees. She stared out, looking to the land beneath her. Whiterun was to the west, Dragonsreach towering over the rest of the town. To her right and towards the northeast she saw Windhelm snuggled against the mountainside with its tall walls surrounding the city, the White River bypassing it, expanding and emptying out into the Sea of Ghosts. She was on top of the world, and it made her feel even smaller. The icy wind blew roughly against her face, but she only took it as a sign that was not in fact dreaming. Nothing seemed real - Helgen, the dragons, the Greybeards, the Dragonborn. She would close her eyes, hoping that when she opened them that she'd be lying on her sleeping mat in the middle of The Rift somewhere, staring up at the orange and yellow colored trees. Every time, she would just reopen her eyes to the same view below her and she wanted to cry. She was no Dragonborn, she was a simple huntress, who lived alone, that nobody bothered with. Master Arngeir's voice repeated in her head, their conversation playing on a loop to remind her of what she was.

"So… a Dragonborn appears, at the turning of the age."

"Everyone keeps calling me that. What does this mean?" Asmara had been horrified from the experience at the western watch tower.

"First, let us truly see if you are Dragonborn. Let us taste of your voice." She felt like a freak show. She used her newly acquired shout in the hall, blowing away a few pots sitting beside the stairs. She winced and gave them an apologetic look. The Greybeards had all shared a knowing look before the old man continued. "Tell me Dragonborn, why have you come here?"

"What does this mean? To be Dragonborn?" She asked, worry laced in her voice.

"We are here to guide you Dragonborn, just as the Greybeards have always sought to guide those of the Dragon Blood that came before you. There have been many of the Dragon Blood since Akatosh first bestowed that gift upon mortalkind and we are honored to welcome you to High Hrothgar. We will do our best to teach you how to use your gift in fulfillment of your destiny."

"What destiny?"

"That is for you to discover. We can show you the way, but not the destination. You were given this gift from the gods for a reason. It is up to you to figure out how best to use it. "

The old man's words were wise, but also horribly cryptic. She still had no clue what any of this truly meant. They had expanded her knowledge of the first shout she had acquired, and then gave her a whole new one to test. They were astonished by the ease of which she learned, and bestowed yet another quest for her. She wanted to decline, she wanted to tell them to just screw off and find someone else to go search for some other damn ancient artifact. But she couldn't. As irresponsible as she wanted to be, as much as she needed to go back to her old life, that just wasn't an option any longer. Even if she did say no to all of this, the gods would not let her. There would still be dragons, she would still be the Dragonborn and there would still be some unknown destiny to fill.

She still had so many questions for the Greybeards, but grew tired of their half answers and uncertainties. She decided to accept that not even they knew what she was to do with this "gift". So she asked for them to leave her so she could sit by herself, and contemplate what in Talos' name she was going to do. She hadn't known how long she had been sitting there, staring out over the world, but she was shivering from the cold. She was no Nord, but she thought, maybe even they could not bear the cold that was atop the throat of the world. She curled in on herself even tighter, trying to hold some warmth in. If she left her spot at the top of Skyrim, that would mean she would have to go solve the problems occurring below her. The land looked so peaceful from her new found perch, and she could only imagine the true chaos that ensued below.

She suddenly felt a blanket being wrapped around her, and hands rubbing her arms and back trying to warm her, or maybe soothe her; she could not tell. She looked over her shoulder to see Lydia, her new housecarl gifted from Jarl Balgruuf for helping with the Dragon, crouching next to her with a sympathetic smile. She turned her head back towards the scenery and let out a shivering breath.

"My thane, you will catch a cold out here." Lydia spoke, the worry dripping from her voice.

"Can the Dragonborn catch colds?" Asmara replied with a mocking tone.

"I'm sure she can if she sits on the edge of the highest mountain in Tamriel for nearly an hour." Lydia replied, with just as much of mocking tone in her voice as her thane. Asmara smiled from her response and closed the blanket around her. Lydia continued to rub her arms, trying to keep Asmara from shaking any more than she already was. "My thane, if I may ask…" Lydia paused to gauge her reaction before continuing, "why is that you sit out here?" Asmara answered without looking at her, keeping her voice low.

"Because if I return, then I will have responsibility. I will have duty, I have never had that before. I have never had someone depend on me or need my help. I have never been important." Lydia sighed at her answer and thought on her words before speaking.

"Just because you are Dragonborn, and just because you have a new sense of responsibility, does not mean you have to carry it all alone." Lydia tilted her head, trying to see Asmara's face.

"That's just it though. I was alone, I was… content. I had none of this, no housecarl, no companions, no special powers. I was just alone and life was simple. How does one transition from that? How am I supposed to just change the only life I have ever known into something as great as this new one that has been given to me?" Lydia saw a stray tear roll down Asmara's cheek and she moved out in front of her, sitting crossed legged and lightly brushed the tear from her face.

"I do not have all the answers my thane. But I can tell you things are so much easier when you have people who care about you to help. I cannot say I know what you are feeling, or know what your life was like before this." She grabbed Asmara's hands and looked her in the eye. "What I can tell you, is that the burden is much lighter when there is more than one to carry it." Asmara turned her head down at her words and let out a sigh.

"I just feel like that is more responsibility. The more people I have to help and the more whose trust I have to gain. I have never been sociable; I have always run from society. I do not know how to love or care. My heart aches from the loneliness but it is all I know. What if I disappoint everyone? What if I do not live up to the expectations of the Dragonborn? What if I fail all those who believed in me?" Lydia caught another tear and thought she heard a small sob come from Asmara's throat. "I cannot do this." She ended with a strained voice.

"You will not fail Dragonborn. No one expects more of you than what you can bear. No one will judge you for what you are, only the things you do. How you use this power is what is important. If you choose to roam the roads of Skyrim alone, then you may do so. If you choose to stay with the Companions then they will welcome you. If you choose to fight, then I will fight with you if you wish. It is not disappointment that you will find, but support. If you do not know how to love, then we will help you learn by showing you what love is. There is always another way my thane." Asmara met Lyida's hazel eyes and Lydia softly smiled at her, and then turned her attention to the scenery behind her. "All you have to do is descend from the clouds to see the way." Asmara looked out at the scene with her and they both enjoyed the peacefulness of it all together.

"You know what I think?" Asmara asked her, not changing her expression.

"What is that my thane?" Lydia's smile grew a bit wider.

"I think you may be far wiser than your age leads on." Asmara gave her a smile in return and Lydia let out a small laugh. Asmara's bowed her head again as she sniffled. Lydia returned to rubbing her arms through the blanket as she spoke.

"Let us go, my thane. I am sure the Greybeards have some tea to help you warm up. I can request for us to remain here over night if you wish?" Asmara nodded her head as she stood with Lydia. Lydia held her arms around her as they walked back through the courtyard towards High Hrothgar.

"I really do hope the Dragonborn cannot catch colds." Asmara quickly stated. "It would make fighting Dragons much more difficult with a stuffy nose and a cough." Lydia laughed as they entered the monastery. She hoped her new thane would soon feel better and adequate enough to travel towards Ustengrav. It would be a long journey and it would be far easier if Asmara was in high spirits. She decided she would make it her first priority to make sure the Dragonborn never felt alone, and never felt outcast for what she was. She could tell Asmara had social issues beforehand, though she did not know why. She was pretty, handled herself well and was nothing but kind towards everyone she met. She almost made Lydia stay behind when Jarl Balgruuf introduced them, but he had insisted Lydia escort her up the seven thousand steps to High Hrothgar (Lydia had never made the trip before, but she was sure that the number was not quite accurate). Asmara may not have been some grand Nord warrior, but Lydia saw her heart. It was only best that the person who held such immense power within them to be pure as well. She knew Asmara would succeed in whatever fate had in store for her, she just needed guidance along the way and Lydia would do her best to provide that. She was not as wise as the Greybeards or as fierce and honorable as the Companions, but she was a good friend. And a good friend is exactly what Asmara needed.

Kodlak sat in his quarters, writing in his new journal. He had never been much of a writer before, but his dreams as of late drove him to record his thoughts. Now, it seems, his dreams were coming to fruition as he looked upon the face of his savior. He had dreamt many time of this savior, with her unnatural eyes, her small frame but strong heart. She was out of place in the land of Sovngarde, but it felt as if she belonged there. Like she was meant to be there.

Her declination to join our folds was a shock however. He was sure she would be made a Companion, it was his only hope. Yet she had already impressed some of the Circle with her mettle. Kodlak still kept his own counsel on Asmara's place in his dream, for he wanted to see what kind of destiny she carved for herself before revealing his thoughts to her.

In the meantime, he looked for ways of cleansing the beastblood. The writing and legends he looked for were sparse on the subject and many even contradictory. He was sure the mages up at the college could aid him in his search, but he did not wish to engage in any wizadry – even with his fears that they may be the only one who best know how to navigate the worlds of knowledge and curses.

Through his studies, it became apparent that Terrfyg's choice to turn the Companions to the wolf blood was indeed a mistake. Magics and their like are not in keeping the spirit of the Companions and trickery is still common for many of them. It was time to face the problems directly, without the need of said trickery. Kodlak's only hope was to guide his Companions back to the true path of Ysgramor. Kodlak knew he did not have much time for the rot had made its way into his chest.

He kept this secret of course, along with his dreams. The Companions did not need to know such things. Vilkas would take it too hard, knowing Kodlak's time was close to ending. His only wish was that Asmara's place in their family would become permanent, and that she truly was the strange savior in his dreams.

A knock on the door brought him from his thoughts and writing. He invited the person in and he held in his elation when he saw those familiar yet strange golden eyes.

"You return to us once more." He said turning to face her.

"I have yet again." She said, closing the door behind her as she leaned her back against it. "You asked I return in hopes of hearing about what the Greybeards had to say." He nodded at her. Kodlak was more than happy to find that this stranger also appeared to be the Dragonborn. The odds were amazing and it only furthered his belief that she was their savior. It was the reason she belonged in Sovngarde.

"And what news do you bring us?" He asked her, completely intrigued about her trip up the seven thousand steps.

"They seem to believe I am the last Dragonborn. I'm still unsure of what to think about it all, but they're having me travel to Ustengrav to retrieve the horn of Jurgen Windcaller."

"I thought that artifact was lost long ago." He said to her.

"Apparently not. I guess they just never had an errand boy to go get for them. I don't think any of them have left that mountain in fifty years." Asmara explained.

"I see. Will you be traveling there alone?" He asked, concern laced in his voice.

"No I don't think so. Lydia has insisted accompanying me everywhere, but…" She paused as she tilted her head to the side in a thoughtful manner, "I honestly do not mind. She… she reminds of me someone important in my life."

"And who would that be?" Asmara hesitated before answering.

"My mother." She didn't elaborate further, and Kodlak didn't press for more information.

"I am glad to see someone has broken down pieces of those walls you have built around you. She has accomplished more than I." He said, giving her a sincere look. Asmara was quiet for a few moments, not meeting his eyes but when she did he saw a plethora of emotions cross her sunny orbs.

"I wish I could offer you all more. The family you have here welcomed me, and I didn't know how to accept the gesture. I believe I have been alone for far too long." Kodlak contemplated what her words meant for moment before responding.

"Does this mean you have considered rethinking my offer to join the Companions?" He asked her. She took a deep breath before answering.

"I have been pondering it. But I will not offer you any false hope. I just have to ask…" She paused, waiting for his signal to continue. "Why the persistence?" Kodlak knew this question would be asked and he prepared an answer for her as to not reveal any details of his dream.

"Because I know a lost soul when I see one. As I told you before, we were all lost when we came to Jorrvaskr. We all needed a family, people to care for us. I found that here in these halls, and I only hope to save the lives of those whose hearts are searching for the same. You may have been content with your life before, but that does not mean you were truly happy." She had no response to his words, but he knew they hit her as a storm of emotions clouded her eyes. "I plead you to return to us once more after you have completed your errand for the Greybeards. Your heart will always guide you to where you are meant to be."

"Thank you." Asmara nearly choked on the words before she hastily left. Kodlak watched her leave his quarters and hoped his words meant enough to her that she would return to them. He needed her to come back, they all did. Their lives and souls were in her hands.

Asmara yanked on the chain the large chain, opening the gate that finally led to the room they had been looking for. Ustengrav was just as she had expected a tomb to be, dark, smelly and full of Draugr. Though unlike her trip to Bleak Falls Barrow she had expected the undead skeletons to appear and she also had her trusted housecarl with her. Ever since their conversation at High Hrothgar, Lydia had not pushed or pressured Asmara in any way. As they traveled, Lydia did not wait on her hand and foot, making Asmara feel useful. They hunted together, Asmara taught her how to blend in with their surroundings and remain undetected. Lydia's shining armor did not help matters as they were spotted by their prey multiple times. They would often settle for rabbit or the occasional mountain goat, which was a last resort seeing as Asmara personally could not stomach the meat.

Asmara had never seen the western parts of Skyrim and she made sure to take in as much of the area as possible. Asmara made sure to purchase a more dependable set of armor before they left Whiterun. She had always stuck to her furs but she found she rather liked the studded armor she helped craft. Adriane Avenicci was overflowing with orders from the Battle-Borns, who insisted on her crafting Imperial weapons for them. Asmara knew nothing about the craft, but was decent with mending together the hides and fur that she had used before, so Adriane tutored her in the rest. She had paid Adriane generously for the provided supplies and lessons, not knowing what else she would spend her accumulated wealth on.

With her new armor, they set out for Hjaalmarch where Jurgen Windcaller's tomb was located. Their journey had been uneventful until they reached the actual tomb, running into a slew of bandits that inhabited the area. When they had entered they found more, along with a few necromancers fighting off the Draugr. Asmara let them take each other out before finishing them off herself. Having Lydia this time did actually make things easier. She had someone to watch her back when Draugr snuck up from behind and Lydia was exceptional with a sword and shield. She may not have been as quiet traveling through the tomb, but it had not mattered when there were two of them to fight off their enemies.

About halfway through the tomb, they had come across a word wall. Before they left High Hrothgar, Asmara had made sure to discuss her experience with Master Arngeir and he had assured her it was due to her new abilities. There were word walls spread out across all of Skyrim, each containing part of a new shout for her to learn. However, in order for her to associate the word with its meaning, she would have to absorb more dragon souls to understand how to use them. Until then, the word would swirl around in the back of her mind, like it was lost and waiting for her to grasp it.

When she had approached this word wall, it was different from her first experience. She had expected what was to happen and prepared herself. It seemed she absorbed the word easier than before. She did not feel as suffocated and she thought that maybe it was because she was slowly accepting who she was with the help of Lydia. She still found she could not breathe for a few moments and had to brace herself against the wall as her vision blurred to darkness. Once the word was absorbed, Feim hovered in the back of her mind as the word Fus had done before. She continued to ponder what the word meant as they continued through the tomb. It almost aggravated her that she could not place its meaning until she defeated another dragon, which terrified her. Luckily they had not encountered any on their journey and Asmara wondered how many there actually were. Would there be enough for her to slay? Or at some point would she have a jumble of words floating around her head that had no meaning? She had hoped it was the former, as only one word was beginning to drive her mad.

They walked through the final room where the horn was set to be. There were large pools of water on each side of the room, with a flat bridge leading to the shrine where the horn was placed. Random pillars stuck out from the water, holding the cave-like ceiling above them. She walked down the stairs leading to the bridge and as she approached, the ground began to rumble and the water was disturbed. As they were crossing the bridge, four black statues raised from the water. They had details carved into them to resemble feathers and the tops were shaped into the form of an eagle head with its mouth open. They were rather magnificent and both Lydia and Asmara looked upon them in awe as they finished their ascent out of the water. They approached the shrine only to find a note sitting atop of it.

"I'm unsure of what the horn is supposed to look like, but I don't think that is it." Lydia stated and Asmara looked back at her with a sarcastic look upon her face, her mouth pulled to one side. Lydia shrugged her shoulders and motioned for her to take the note. It was simply folded in half and Asmara read it quietly, confusion knitted in her face. "What does it say?" Lydia pressed.

"Someone has taken the horn. They addressed the note to the Dragonborn, but did not use my name." Asmara stared at the note a moment longer before handing it to Lydia, who read it out loud.

Dragonborn,

I need to speak to you. Urgently.

Rent the attic room at the Sleeping Giant Inn in Riverwood, and I'll meet you.

-A Friend

"Some friend that is." Asmara stated flatly. "I have been to that inn before, I do not know many people in Riverwood who would make their way out here for something such as this, especially none I would call a friend." Lydia handed her the note back and Asmara placed it in her pack. She moved to the stairs leading to the shrine and she sat down, placing her elbows on her knees with her chin in her hands. "I must say I am tired of running around all of Skyrim, fetching artifacts for everyone. I may be unsure of what my supposed 'Destiny' is but it sure as hell is not being an errand girl." She emphasized the word destiny with air quotations with her fingers. Lydia joined her on the steps to Asmara's left and sat in a similar fashion.

"Well, what do you plan on doing?" Lydia asked, shifting her eyes towards Asmara.

"I suppose we go meet this… friend and retrieve the horn. The note says they would like to speak with me but I really do not feel I have time for idle chatter." She let out a huff as they both sat there in silence for a few moments.

"I think it is a woman." Lydia said, breaking the silence. Asmara looked at her, and raised an eyebrow.

"What makes you believe that?" She said with a curious tone.

"The handwriting was rather feminine. The tails of the letters were a bit longer and many of the letters connected smoothly." Asmara looked out towards the rest of the tomb, looking as if she was imagining the note in her head, slightly squinting her left eye.

"Interesting you could tell from that. Though, I am not one for good penmanship so it would only make sense that I bypass those facts." She said, not changing the expression on her face.

"See? I told you I could help." Asmara turned her head with a smirk on her face and then laughed at the housecarl who joined her.

"Yes, I suppose you did. Not sure I would have gotten far without knowing a woman wrote that note." Her smirk turned devious as she spoke in a sarcastic tone and Lydia's jaw dropped at her comment, and she smacked Asmara's arm lightly with the back of her hand. "Hey! I may not know much about being a thane but I'm pretty sure my housecarl is not supposed to hit their thane!" She said rubbing her arm, but still had a smile on her face. Lydia laughed as she continued. "Did they not teach you that when you go to learn to be a housecarl? That seems like it would be your first lesson."

"Well you deserved it." Lydia said with a playful tone.

"That should be rule number one: Do not hit your thane, not matter how pompous and horridly annoying they are." Asmara stated in a mocking tone as she straightened her back and stuck her chin in the air, attempting to appear more proper. Lydia's laugh grew and Asmara smiled at her. They had grown rather close during their trip to Ustengrav and for once in her life, Asmara had truly considered someone her friend. Though Lydia was bound by her honor to stay at her side, she had a feeling she would remain there anyways just because they had begun that was the kind hearted person she was. It had made Asmara feel differently about her situation and she grew more optimistic about her future. If she could surround herself with people like Lydia, maybe life would not be so difficult as the Dragonborn after all.