I hope everyone is enjoying how the story is progressing so far. Please feel free to review or PM. All comments are welcome.

Azriel and Odahviing spent their morning on the plains. They were West of the city and could see it in the distance. Odahviing was content with the mammoth he had downed and Azriel had long since finished her own meal in the early morning light. She was entertaining herself telling Odahviing about the last couple of days as she watched the dragon rip sections of the animal's flesh off. The dragon swallowed the bite and tore off another.

"How's the mammoth?" She kept a straight face and added, "Sahlok med kiir?"

Odahviing started choking as he laughed. "Ahziial, I have never tried eating children. I do not know what they taste like." A large piece of slobber-covered mammoth made its way out of his mouth when he answered.

Azriel was crying as she laughed. "Gods, Odahviing! You foul beast!"

They spent the rest of the early morning hours in laughter as Odahviing ate. When he had finished eating, he looked towards the Throat of the World and back to Azriel. "Do not tarry with the joor too long, Ahziial. Return to the strunmah soon. I fear the joor will attempt to bring about your dinok for your insults."

Azriel observed him for a moment. She could feel his concern no matter how much they joked together. "Odahviing, I promise. I will come soon. I've grown tired of the joor and this war. No matter whos side I'd be on, they would just use me. They don't care about me and I couldn't give a damn less about them. It bothers me that less than seven months after Alduin's defeat, they just returned to their petty ways."

Odahviing growled in approval. "The joor have short memories, briinah. They forget themselves in selfishness."

"To say the least." She smiled at him. "Tell Paarthurnax I will come soon. I need to speak to the Jarl of Whiterun. Would you like me to say hello for you?"

Odahviing growled.

"I'm kidding. Go now. Thank you for everything. I'll see you soon, I promise."

They parted ways on the plains and Azriel walked for the few hours it took to reach Whiterun. As she walked towards the outer walls of the city, she could feel the werewolves in Jorrvaskr. She sighed, knowing she would probably see them very soon. They could, in turn, feel her approaching and she knew it. It was times like these that she missed Kodlak's warm smile and understanding the most. His wisdom had guided her before she had gone to face Alduin. His loss had wounded her and the others terribly. There wouldn't have been any disagreement if the old man had lived longer.

She nodded in greeting toward a Khajiit as they busied themselves, readying for their day. They're building stalls. I guess the Jarl changed his mind.

She was wrapped up in thoughts as she walked inside, eventually arriving at the gate. "Hail Companion! The Jarl wishes to speak with you." The guard said and opened the gate.

She nodded. She already figured it was coming since she had left Solitude. As the gate swung wide, the hustle of the merchant town captured her. She could hear the vendors shouting prices over one another. She could smell the baked goods and vegetables. All the smells made her hungry again.

She walked past Warmaiden's and waved to the blacksmith out front. Adrianne smiled and waved back in return. After three months, it felt good to be home.

She stood on the steps of Breezehome and looked into her ruck sack for the key. She had barely gotten it into the lock when the door was ripped open.

"Thank the Gods! I have been worried sick about you!" Lydia exclaimed as she sprang through the door and picked Azriel up into a crushing hug.

"Lydia… need to… breathe. Killing… me."

Lydia dropped her quickly and with a worried expression, examined her. "Are you alright?"

Azriel rubbed her sides and smiled. "I think you broke bones."

Lydia punched her in the arm. "Don't scare me like that ever again, or I swear I'll feed you to a troll."

"Nice to see you too, bitch." Azriel teased.

Lydia moved back into the house and Azriel followed her in, shutting the door. "Azriel, where have you been?"

Azriel dropped her bag and looked at the brunette Nord. Lydia cared about her and through their many adventures together, they had become fast friends. Lydia had almost died protecting her once. It was because of that, Azriel had refused to allow the woman to continue to adventure with her. Instead, she had allowed Lydia to join the Companions to improve her fighting skills further and to alleviate the monotony of being trapped constantly in a house.

Regardless of their friendship and the fact Lydia was a shield-sister, Lydia couldn't understand why she wanted to stay away for so long. That was obvious to Azriel.

Azriel looked away and shook her head. "Lydia, I've just wanted to be on my own for a while. No offence. But, I'd rather not talk about it. Not even with you."

"Azriel… my thane… everyone imaginable has come looking for you. The Jarl has sent a guard here every day for the last week looking for you. I can't even count the number of times Aela has been here looking for you. Everyone has been worried about you."

Azriel was touched by her concern, but at the same time no one seemed to understand her desire for peace and quiet. "Lydia, I'm fine. I just wanted to go do my own thing." She thought about it more. "I still do."

She could tell Lydia wasn't happy with her answer. Azriel tried changing subject's with a bit of lightheartedness. "So. Anything new going on?"

Lydia rolled her blue eyes. "Well yes, come to think of it. It seems you pissed off most of Skyrim and then you disappeared."

Azriel crossed her arms, "Who told you that?"

"Aela, when we went drinking at the Bannered Mare."

Azriel sighed. She quietly thought as she peeled off her armor. "I guess I should go talk to her, huh?"

The question was rhetorical, but Lydia took is as a chance to answer. "Probably not a bad idea. I think you owe her an apology."

The fire in the pit rose up higher as Azriel turned on her. Her reply was as heated as the flames. "I owe her an apology? I think she owes me an apology, Lydia!"

Lydia threw up her hands. "Azriel, you obviously hurt her feeling by leaving. She's been coming here every night just to see if you were back."

Azriel threw her boots to the floor. "Forget it. You're a Nord. You will never understand no matter how I try to explain it." She stormed to the cellar door and ripped it open. She was fuming as she climbed the stairs down.

She looked around at the darkened chamber to a small hearth. Flames instantly rose in the fireplace, casting the area in shadows. Dotted around the stone walls were small candle sconces that roared to life at her will. The room took on a less ominous look with the light and she sat down on the rock and opened the small gate, allowing warm water to fill the pool. The natural hot spring that ran under the city was pleasant. It made for a quiet place to calm herself.

She could hear Lydia's boots as she walked across the wooden floor overhead and out the door. Good, maybe I'll get left alone long enough to calm down. Azriel finished undressing and climbed into the warm waters to relax.

Azriel laid in the hot water with a towel over her face for a while, before she heard the door to the house open. She wondered where Lydia had gone, but had her answer with the footfalls above. She dunked her head under the water as the footsteps made their way to the cellar door. Azriel took the soap and started washing her hair as the footsteps came down the short stairs. But, the feeling of the werewolf's proximity intruded her thoughts. Azriel stuck her head back under the water.

Azriel was under the water as Aela walked over and sat down of the edge of the black, rocky pool. Her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts as she sat waiting for Azriel to reappear. Her walk from Jorrvaskr and brief conversation with Lydia had only made her anxiety rise. She slipped off her boots and put her feet in the water.

Bubbles broke the surface just before Azriel emerged, breaking the waterline to her shoulders with her eyes closed. She wiped her face with her hands and opened her eyes, looking at Aela.

Aela opened her mouth to speak, but closed it again. Azriel's face was blank. Aela couldn't read anything in her eyes. They sat there for a few seconds looking at each other in silence. For everything in her mind, Aela couldn't figure out what to say. Nothing seemed appropriate.

Aela moved her hands to undo the buckles on her armor. Azriel watched silently as her as she stood and stepped back up on the dry rock, allowing her armor to fall to the floor. Azriel was quietly appraising her, and Aela couldn't help the blush working its way over her face as she stepped down into the warm waters.

Breaking her silence, Azriel was the first to speak. "What brings you to my bath, Huntress?"

"You wouldn't come to mine?"

"You must forgive me. I've been... rather busy." Azriel said as she reclined against the tub wall.

Aela couldn't help the smirk that settled on her face. The constant influx of warm water kept the water clear, giving her a nice view of the woman in front of her.

Aela didn't know how to say everything she wanted to. "I went to Windhelm…"

Azriel's tolerant silence and intense gaze prodded her to continue. Uninterrupted, she continued her thought. "You were right."

Azriel raised an eyebrow at her. "Was I? About what?"

"About a lot of things. Things I didn't realize, without seeing for myself. Azriel, what happened with Ulfric Stormcloak?"

"First, tell me what you lot decided. Then, I'll tell you what happened."

Aela let out the breath she didn't realize she was holding. "When I got back to Whiterun I called a meeting for the Circle. You, Athis, and Ria were gone. I talked to Vilkas and Farkas about everything I observed in Windhelm." Aela paused. "Vilkas can be a stubborn ass when he wants to be. But… this time he found it within himself to listen. We talked for a long while. Azriel, the right to worship Talos is every Nord's right. But, not like this. Not with Ulfric as High King."

"Why did Vilkas listen?" Azriel asked curiously.

Aela smiled coyly. "Might have been because I punched him a few times."

Azriel snickered, but her tone reflected a more serious note. "What changed your mind Aela?"

Aela adjusted slightly in the tub, stretching out her legs. She looked up from the water to Azriel, thinking about how to continue. "There were several things. But, it was how the Nords talked about you and how the other races talk about you. It made me feel ashamed for the first time in my life to be a Nord."

"Why?"

Aela couldn't detect any malice in the simple question, only curiosity. "Azriel, I'm proud of being a Nord. Nords are a strong and hearty people. But, to hear the way that Nords speak of you, it was appalling. It's like they forget everything you have sacrificed and given, not just for Skyrim, but all of Tamriel."

It was obvious to Aela from the look on Azriel's face she was deep in thought. Aela moved her foot under the water and ran it up the side of Azriel's smooth calf. "What are you thinking about so hard over there?"

Azriel looked at her and mumbled, "It's because they don't realize it was their fault."

Aela was confused. "What was?"

"When the Snow Tower lies sundered, kingless, bleeding…. The World-Eater wakes, and the Wheel turns upon the last Dragonborn." It was clear that Azriel was looking for recognition in Aela's eyes. Azriel continued. "Aela, this war was the last step to waking Alduin… er… bringing him forward in time. The Elder Scroll showed things all at once. It was difficult to understand. Look, no one cares about sacrifice and loss if it doesn't happen to them. They never had to lift a finger to help me. I did it all myself. They don't care what I had to do to save the world from Alduin. All they care about is the fact there's one less thing getting in the way of their desires. The Empire want's Skyrim to submit to pacify the Dominion and prevent another war. Ulfric wants to be High King and uses Talos as an excuse. They brought the prophecy to completion, and they don't even realize it. They don't care what is lost or destroyed in the process."

Aela knew she was staring, but it was a lot to process. She couldn't help but shake her head. "You figured out all that… in a bath?" She slid her foot farther up to Azriel's thigh. Azriel reached into the water grasping it. Her fingers gently tracing the contours of Aela's foot, making Aela sigh at her touch.

"Baths are the best place to relax and think." Azriel smiled at her and turned to the shelves in the corner. A bottle of wine flew from the shelf to her extended hand. Two goblets quickly followed. Azriel pulled the waxed top from the bottle and poured wine for each of them.

"You didn't answer my question." Aela said a moment later, taking the wine.

Azriel chuckled. "I stopped in Windhelm on my way back to Whiterun. While I was in the Gray Quarter, I heard a woman scream. I found a Nord man beating a nearly unconscious Dunmer woman to death. She was new in town, and apparently didn't know the man like to get drunk and start trouble. She had tried to use magic and it had infuriated him. Needless to say, I had to instruct him on the error of his ways." Azriel paused to take a drink. "I healed the woman enough to take her to the Palace of Kings. When we arrived, Ulfric was less than receptive about the man's punishment. Turns out he was Galmar Stone-Fist's brother."

Azriel took another drink and Aela finished for her. "So what you're really saying is, after you beat his teeth out of his head, you drug him back to Ulfric. He refused to do anything about it because she was an elf. So you threatened him…"

"Pretty much. Except, Ulfric didn't like the fact I demanded a jail sentence for the man while stepping on his bloody face." Azriel finished.

Aela laughed, because it sounded like something only Azriel would brazenly do. "For the love of Talos, Azriel! Then what happened?"

Azriel grinned as she resumed stroking Aela's foot. "Patience, shield-sister! Anyways, the woman was with me. It was obvious she'd have no satisfaction from Ulfric. So I offered the man … um … Rolff… a choice. If he entered the Gray Quarter again I'd kill him, or if he swore in front of Ulfric to leave the Dunmer alone, he could live. Ulfric was a tad miffed I threated the man's life in front of him. So I told his High and Mightyness to kiss my brown Imperial ass."

Aela spit out her wine. "You fucking did what?"

"I told him to kiss my brown Imperial ass." Azriel repeated with a mischievous smirk.

"For fuck sakes, Azriel get on with it! Then what happened?"

"I'm getting to it, Spitty! We argued and it ended when his Loundess shouted at me. Well, almost…" Azriel said with an evil smile.

Aela rolled her eyes then splashed Azriel lightly. "Gods, you are ornery."

"I don't think he was happy that, after destroying his banquet hall, I stood there laughing at him. I told him the Draugr had better command of the Thu'um and they're brainless. I might have cracked his floor a little bit when I told him he was a dead man walking. When it was over he threatened to kill me. I left and took the woman with me. I stopped long enough to tell my housecarl, Calder to pack and leave Windhelm."

"Where's the woman?" Aela asked.

"I sent her to Riften to stay with friends. She'll be safe there until this stupid war ends." Azriel said with a slightly annoyed note to her voice.

"So where have you been this whole time?" Aela asked before she could stop herself. The curiosity was too much.

"Around… Look, I just wanted some time to do things on my own." Azriel's answer was too aloof for Aela.

"With the woman?" She cursed herself silently for letting her jealousy get the better of her.

Azriel laughed softly. "No, Jealous. Not with the woman. I checked on her to see how she was doing was all." Then, narrowing her eyes at Aela. "Why would you ask me about the woman?"

"Curiosity. I … Azriel there's something you need to know. Jarl Ulfric has imprisoned your friend Niranye."

The flames in the room grew brighter. "Are you sure? Where did you learn this?"

"A little girl, Sophie, told me and a grouchy Dark Elf bar keeper confirmed it."

From the look on Azriel's face, Aela could tell she was plotting something. "Aela, was Sophie alright?"

"I let her back into her house, Azriel." Aela wasn't sure how to finish. She knew if she said anything further about the girl, Azriel would walk into Windhelm and fight an entire legion of Stormcloak soldier to rescue the little girl.

Aela thought about her next question and decided to ask since Azriel had been forthcoming so far. "Azriel, do you… Are you in a relationship with Niranye?"

Azriel's attention snapped back to Aela instantly. "We're friends, nothing more. Niranye would like it to be more, but I have… other interests."

Aela ran her fingers across the tops of Azriel's calves as her toe brushed her thigh. "Which are?"

Azriel grasped Aela's ankles and pulled her close. Wrapping her legs around Azriel, Aela wove her fingers through her hair. Azriel encircled Aela's waist with her arms, pulling Aela onto her lap. Their lips met fervently and Azriel's kiss consumed Aela's whole. Azriel's skin felt like fire against hers. Aela was lost in the moment. Azriel's hands lightly traveled Aela's back and Aela pulled her further into their passionate kiss.

They ignored the sounds of the door above them, opening. Aela pushed Azriel's head back kissing down her neck. The footsteps above echoed on the floor as the person walked the length of the house. Azriel's claws dug into her sides as Aela kissed her throat. The door to the cellar opened, and Lydia called down to Azriel. "Azriel, the Jarl wishes to see you."

Aela groaned as Azriel pulled away. Azriel leaned forward quickly kissing her one last time. "Lydia, please tell the Jarl, I'll be there within the hour." She answered.

"Alright, but don't make a liar out of me. I know Aela is down there." Lydia retorted.

"Gods, she is really annoying sometimes." Azriel whispered to Aela who giggled at the comment.

"I heard that!" Lydia slammed the cellar door and walked away scoffing.

They heard the woman's footsteps head back to the door and leave.

"I suppose you need to go?" Aela asked quietly.

Azriel moved her hand through Aela's hair and pulled her close once again. Aela felt the burning sensation as Azriel's lips met hers once more. Their bodies were so close that Aela thought she would go up in flames because of the heat radiating off the younger woman's body.

Azriel pulled away with a soft moan. "I need to finish my bath." Pulling a cloth from the edge of the tub, she handed it to Aela with a grin. "Would you do my back?"

"Is that all you want me to do?" Aela asked shamelessly.

"For now, yes. Later on… no." Azriel smirk wickedly as she turned, moving her hair.

No matter how many times Aela saw the scars, it always shocked her. She'd never asked, instead she had ignored the burning question of how she had gotten them. She didn't want Azriel to withdraw from her again, like she had so many times before. But, this was the first time Azriel had ever asked her to touch her back. As Aela touched the towel to her, Azriel pulled away as if it pained her. The question sprang from her lips. "Azriel, how did you get these scars?"

Aela heard her swallow then exhaled. "The Thalmor were kind enough to give them to me when I lived in Cyrodiil."

"How?"

"With a devilish piece of combined magic they call a fire whip. It's designed to burn though skin then heal it coarsely. It's an excruciating punishment because it leaves an agonizing wound that never heals correctly. My skin has some resilience to heat and cold. It's the dragon blood, I guess. But, continuous magical heat or cold will eventually get to me. I think it pissed them off more when the first few strikes hurt, but didn't leave deep wounds they intended."

Aela growled. "Your back is nothing but scars, Azriel. How long did they beat you for?"

Azriel snorted, "I honestly don't know. I passed out after a while. Each time I woke it was to another strike of the whip. Time meant nothing where I was and had no means to gauge it. So I have no idea how long it lasted."

Aela growled louder, she couldn't stop herself. "What did you do?"

"Well I laid there for a bit at the bottom of the pit they threw me into. I prayed to die, but that went unanswered…"

"No I mean to deserve that kind of punishment. How old were you?" Aela interrupted.

"I didn't die how they planned. Because the punishment they came up with for me backfired, they came up with a new form of torture. I was fourteen when I was whipped." Azriel voice was quiet, but held a cold edge to it.

Aela finished quietly thinking about what Azriel had said. "So you left after that and came to Skyrim?"

"Sort of. It took me a while to get out of Cyrodiil. When I got to the border I was captured and taken to Helgen." Azriel laughed softly. "They asked me my name and where I was from. So I made up a name thinking they would know who I was. I chose Azriel, since it was close to my real name."

Aela pulled her around and looked deep into her golden eyes. "You chose your own name? Then what's your true name?"

Azriel smiled. "Names have power, Aela. They are rich in meaning, even beyond the knowledge I've gathered these last few years." Azriel paused. "My real name is, Ahziial."

Aela was stunned. She'd know Azriel for over two years, and didn't even know her real name. Somehow though, the name sounded familiar to her. She had heard it somewhere before.

"It was interesting that my true name has its own meaning" Azriel continued.

"What do you mean, it has its own meaning?"

"In the dragons' language the words Ah Zii Al mean, Hunter Spirit Destroyer. Someone took the time to name me 'Destroyer of Dragon Spirit' before dumping me off at the orphanage."

"You're kidding." Aela waited, forming her words carefully. "Why didn't you tell me any of this before?"

"You never asked before." Azriel eye's held something akin to sadness.

Aela wouldn't pretend to understand Azriel's life before she met her. She knew it was full of hardships and still was. "Azriel, do you remember your parents?"

Azriel shook her head slightly. "No… Aela, I need to go see Jarl Balgruuf. Do you want to come with me?" Azriel was gently running her fingers up and down her arm.

How can a girl say no to those eyes? "Yes, I do." Aela responded.

"Thank you for coming, Dragonborn." Balgruuf looked between Azriel and Aela. "I trust you had time to finish your bath…" His smile was a little too knowledgeable as he laughed at her. Azriel looked at Lydia seated in the corner and glared at her.

"Yes, my Jarl. And thank you for blabbing to the world, Lydia." Azriel said still glaring.

Lydia waved at her dismissively. Damn Housecarl.

The Jarl stood, walking over to the stairs. "Both of you, please, follow me. I want to show you something." He walked up the steps and both Azriel and Aela followed. Irileth and Lydia rose from the bench and joined them up the stairs.

They walked up the stairs to the planning room and Balgruuf stood in front of the table containing a map. "Dragonborn… Azriel… You have made a grave enemy in Ulfric. He sent a lieutenant here to Whiterun with his axe and demanded I turn you over to him. I sent his axe back with the boy."

Azriel didn't understand his meaning. "Why did he send his axe?"

"It's an old tradition. By returning his axe, I have refused to take his side." Balgruuf ran his fingers though his beard. "Azriel, whatever you have done to Ulfric Stormcloak has consequences... deep consequences. I have refused his axe, and I fear I may have doomed Whiterun." He sighed. "I won't lie. I have been torn for some time now as what to do. The Empire refuses to allow us to worship Talos as is our custom. Ulfric's desires to rule Skyrim as High King are under a ruse. This 'war of ideas' does not escape me but I know what his true motives are." He looked at Azriel. "I only wish to do what is right for Whiterun. But, I couldn't deliver you to your death. You are the Dragonborn and you defeated the World-Eater. You've done so many things for Whiterun and her People. To send you to your death, Gods preserve us, would be unjust."

Azriel felt Aela's fingers brush her hand. "My Jarl, how do you know he will attack?"

His eyes reflected his bleakness. "It is inevitable. I have refused both of his requests. In choosing to protect you, I have sealed Whiterun's fate. I will meet Ulfric on the field of battle and I fear the attack will come soon. I have insulted him, and he will not take kindly to it." He took a deep breath and continued. "I know you will not fight for Ulfric, and I'm guessing not for the Empire. I won't ask you too…"

"Whiterun is my home, Jarl Balgruuf. I will protect Whiterun and her people with my life." Azriel said simply. Aela nodded in agreement and Azriel added "The Companions will stand by you as well."

He smiled sadly and nodded. "I fear that may not be enough. Though, I will take all the help I can get."

Azriel put her hand on his shoulder. "You'll just have to trust me, my Jarl."

"Whiterun is still growing since we've rid ourselves of the bandit raids. I doubt it will be enough to hold off his Legions. He has sent word to the other Holds. Many are rallying to his side." He looked down at the map pointing. "The Stormcloaks have marshaled their Army to start taking forts around Skyrim in areas friendly to their cause. The word through the caravans is Ulfric has started seizing merchant vessels and arming them. He's using both merchants and pirates to take water routes."

"I saw the Khajiit out front of the gates building stalls. I take it you are allowing to set up permanent trading posts?"

"Yes. They're bringing quite a bit of gold, as well as information, to the hold. They've been good for business and the other merchants… well Ysolda was very outspoken as to get them a permanent status. They will remain outside the gates. And for now, things seem to be working out well. Ri'saad is a rather shrewd business man."

Tonilia will be happy about that… Azriel watched the Jarl for a moment before speaking, pulling him from his thoughts. "How long do you think it will be before the Stormcloaks march against Whiterun?"

"The Gods willing, maybe a month or two… I hope longer. Ulfric seems focused on establishment, before conquest. I've sent word to General Tullius in Solitude. I have invited him to garrison a division here. I pray he answers soon."

"I just came from Solitude. Jarl Elisif told me you wished to see me. It's why I returned…"

Irileth broke her silence, "Did you hear whether or not the General would send troops here?"

Azriel looked at the Dunmer woman. "Uh… I… um… well… I sort of pissed him off."

"Azura help you, child. You need to learn to shut up." She snapped tartly.

Both Aela and Lydia busted up laughing as Azriel blushed. "Irileth, if she ever learns how to do that, I think half of Skyrim would fall over dead in disbelief." Lydia chuckled causing Aela to laugh harder.

The Jarl rubbed his temples and sat in the chair next to the table.

Focusing her attention on Balgruuf, Azriel continued as if she had not been interrupted. "Jarl Balgruuf, there are other means of fighting the Stormcloaks as well." Azriel said watching him carefully.

"I'm listening."

Azriel observed the man as she answered. "Dragons."

Irileth looked at her skeptically. "What do you mean?"

"Which part of 'dragons' was unclear?" Azriel asked.

"The part where you intend to tell us how you plan to get a dragon to help." Irileth said annoyed.

"I said dragons not dragon." The wolfish grin spread across her face. Everyone in the room looked at her in shock.

"Azriel, what exactly are you saying? How can you get dragons to fight for you?" Aela asked.

Azriel looked at the Jarl. "If the Stormcloaks do attack, I can ask a few dragons to help us."

Balgruuf's mouth fell open. He sat there speechless for a few seconds but recovered quickly. "How?"

"Well, I can ask them."

Lydia was watching her as she spoke, understanding her meaning. "So the dragons would fight for you? What do they get in return?"

"Yes..." She stopped, realizing where Lydia was going with it. "Before I do ask them, I want to ask you for something Jarl Balgruuf."

Balgruuf response was quick. "Name it."

"Any dragon that swears or has sworn allegiance to me will never be harmed within the Hold. I am specifically asking you to swear they will never be hunted or attacked by the people of Whiterun."

She could see him weighing the request in his mind. "How can I be sure they will not attack us?" He asked.

"Their oath to me forbids it. Whether you believe it or not, dragons do have a sense of honor. By swearing to me not to attack men, they will not harm you. Unless you seek them out for a fight, then they are able to defend themselves."

Irileth wasn't convinced. "How do we know that they will honor their oath to you?"

Azriel regarded the woman. She understood her doubt. "You don't. I'm asking for your trust. If they disregard their oath, I will kill them."

The Dunmer turned to face the Jarl. "I don't like it. She's asking we trust her without proof the dragons will not turn on us, my Lord. It's too risky."

"Irileth, let's not disregard the idea so hastily." He looked at Azriel. "Do you honestly think you could convince them to fight?" His voice held a bit of hope to it.

Azriel nodded. "Yes. I don't have a doubt of it. However, are you willing to swear to them?"

"If the dragons will fight for Whiterun and not attack our homes, I will swear it to them." It was obvious the man was being honest in his desire for solutions.

"Then I'll leave at once. But, I suggest that you tell no one of this, Jarl Balgruuf. It will ruin the surprise. And I fear it may jeopardize anything you may want from the Empire." Azriel replied.

The Jarl nodded to her. "Don't take too long, Dragonborn. I fear we may not have much time."

"I'll return shortly. Give me a couple of days."

Azriel walked down the stairs, Aela and Lydia walking down with her.

"Azriel, where are planning to find these dragons?" Aela asked as they reached the bottom of the stairs.

Azriel smiled at her. "Come with me and find out."

Aela smiled back delighted. "I wouldn't miss this for the world."

Lydia rolled her eyes. "For the love of Talos! You two need some serious alone time."

Azriel snorted. "If I remember correctly… we tried, you interrupted."

"I think our shield-sister is jealous. Perhaps you'd like to join us, Lydia." Aela remarked dubiously.

Lydia blushed furiously at the comment.

Azriel couldn't help herself. "Is that a yes, Lydia?"

Lydia's blushed deepened. "No, you assholes. I would not care to join you."

"That's a yes!" Aela and Azriel said in unison.

Lydia threw up her hand in surrender as they walked out the doors.

They walked down the stairs to Jorrvaskr together and agreed to meet at Breezehome. Lydia and Azriel walked through the market towards Breezehome. When they arrived Lydia opened the door, Azriel following close behind.

"Lydia, don't get offended, but I need you to wait here. Calder should be arriving soon. See that he is comfortable and makes himself at home."

Lydia sighed as she spoke, and Azriel realized she was disappointed being left behind again. "Lydia…"

"There's no need to explain, Azriel. You need me to stay here and I will. I won't lie. I am disappointed, but it will pass." Lydia said simply.

Azriel walked to the back of the house and searched through a cabinet looking for soul gems. She opened the doors to the alchemy laboratory, and everything had been changed. "Uh… Lydia? Where did this enchanting table come from?"

Lydia walked to the back room. "Well, honestly I got tired of smelling smoke every time you walked in here when you were bored. I figured this suited you better."

Azriel stood in the doorway, gaping. "I liked burning things!"

Lydia smiled. "Azriel, you suck at alchemy. So, consider it me saving myself from choking to death on your disasters."

Azriel smiled and hugged her. "Thanks."

Lydia returned the smile. "Is there anything else I can do in the mean time?"

"Can you hire a carriage to Ivarstead for us?" Azriel asked.

"Sure. Anything else?"

Azriel thought for a few seconds. "No. I think that's everything." Azriel finished her preparations and waited for Aela. It wasn't long before she arrived and the two set off to the coach-house to find their carriage.

Aela was eager to get going and it showed. "Where are we going?"

Azriel was pleased Aela agreed to go. She considered Aela for a moment, her smile reflected in her silver eyes. Even through the older woman's war paint, her beauty was evident. Azriel was glad to have her company after the last three months. "High Hrothgar." Maybe we'll get a chance to…

"You two ladies ready to go? Climb in back and we'll be off." The carriage driver called.