It was a beautiful sunny day, a rarity for the time of year. As the carriage bumped along the road, Azriel looked into the distance and sighed. The clouds were gathering and the smell of snow was in the air.

The carriage driver had been prattling on about random things and Aela had been politely conversing with him. Azriel watched the road guards as they passed them by.

The Jarl must have double the watch, since there are more than the usual people out here on patrol. The men are heavily armed and in groups…

Aela's voice interrupted her thoughts. "Azriel, did you even hear me?"

The driver was humming a tune to his horse, ignoring them.

Azriel turned her attention back to Aela. "No, sorry… I was thinking. What did you say?"

"Why are we going to High Hrothgar?" Aela asked.

Azriel cast a glance to the driver and shook her head. "You said you've never been there before. I thought it would be a good way to start our trip." Aela seemed to catch her meaning. She changed seats, moving next to Azriel.

The driver stopped humming and looked back. "Goin' to see the Greybeards are ya? You should bring an offerin', Dragonborn. I hear there's more people makin' the pilgrimage now that the war's back on. Took some people to Ivarstead a day ago. Evenin' trip that was. Strange bunch… can't complain though, made a lot of gold on that trip."

"I'll remember to do that. Thank you. When will we get to Ivarstead, Driver?" Azriel was familiar with the trip, but decided to be polite. Even if his endless chatter was driving her insane.

"Oh, I recon late this evenin', Dragonborn. Ya know, no one is gonna believe me when I tell them you was in my carriage." He said happily.

Azriel opened her ruck sack while Aela watched and pulled out a small blue bag. She opened it and took out a flawless diamond and pressed it into the man's hand. "When we get past Whiterun Hold, you never saw me. Understand?"

The man's eyes bulged from his head. "Yes, Ma'am."

He continued to chat away to his horse happily and Azriel smiled as she turned back to Aela. Aela had a smirk plastered on her face.

"What?" Azriel asked suspiciously.

Aela cocked an eyebrow at her, her smirk never leaving her face. "Resorting to bribery now are you?" she whispered.

"Don't argue. It fucking worked didn't it?" Azriel whispered back.

"Are you going to answer me now? Or do I have to resort to… other methods… to get my answer?"

Azriel look down at Aela's fingers tracing the scar on her left hand. "Depends on the methods."

Aela laughed and dug her clawed finger into Azriel's hand.

"We're going to High Hrothgar so I can speak to their… uh… leader. Sort of." Azriel answered.

Aela narrowed her eyes, she looked slightly confused. "They have a leader?"

"Sort of." Azriel leaned closer, keeping her voice low so only Aela could hear her speak. "Paarthurnax is the eldest now and claims the right to rule. His Thu'um is strong, and the rest is a little complicated." Azriel waited, she was reading Aela trying to gauge her understanding. "Paarthurnax is Thur, which means Overlord."

Aela nodded. "Alright, so the dragons have a leader."

"Like I said, sort of. A dragon's right to rule doesn't come from the fact they are the eldest, but because they are strongest. Before, it was Alduin. But, now Paarthurnax claims the right is his with his Thu'um."

Aela was in thought and it took a minute for her to answer. "Why would another dragon claim the right to rule if you defeated Alduin?"

Azriel felt something deep within her stir. Without knowing it, she was growling.

"Hey, relax. It was only a question." Aela quickly said.

Azriel tried forced her feelings aside to calm herself. She could barely keep the chaos building in her under control. "It is Paarthurnax's right to rule…"

Aela's eyes showed her concern clearly and she slipped her fingers around Azriel's clenched hand. "Azriel, it was just a question. Why are you getting angry?"

"I'm not angry..."

The horse whinnied and picked up its pace.

Aela tightened her grip. "You're growling." Aela moved forward slightly towards Azriel, and was met with a snarl.

Aela gently slid her fingers into Azriel's hair and started massaging the back of her head. "Azriel, you're losing control of yourself. Rein it in," she whispered. "It's alright."

Azriel could feel the heat of her anger rising as she gripped the seat. She closed her eyes, trying to calm herself down. She concentrated on Aela's fingers moving in her hair, trying to relax. But, she couldn't. The hatred she had felt was coursing madly through her. She could feel the animosity in the rush of thoughts that came from deep within. It made her skin burn. Paarthurnax has no right to claim what is mine!

She could feel Aela's claws as they dug into the back of her head. "Azriel, for Talos' sake. Stop! You're going to catch us all on fire!"

Her hoarse whisper made Azriel's eyes snap open. "What?!"

"Your butt is smoking…" Aela said as she glanced down.

Azriel jumped up so fast she almost fell out of the carriage. "Shit!"

"Do you Ladies smell smoke back there?" The driver called back.

Great fucking timing, friend. "Uh… ya… it's fine." Azriel said as she stumbled back to her seat.

"Azriel, what's wrong?"

"Aela…" Azriel thought for a second and decided not to tell her about her feelings. "I'm sorry. It's nothing."

Aela looked at her in disbelief. "You growled at me, catch the seat on fire, and it's nothing?"

Azriel pulled away and Aela caught her hands. "No… No you fucking don't. Azriel, I will not let you pull away from me. I was going to throw you from this carriage a second ago. I want to know what's wrong."

Azriel was at a loss. She looked into Aela's silver eyes and realized she wanted to talk to her about the way she felt. Yet at the same time she dreaded opening herself up so completely. "I don't know if you will understand."

"Try me."

Azriel continued to think as the carriage bounced on the cobble stone road. She looked at the sky and noticed the lower clouds racing against the backdrop. The winds pushed the feathery clouds faster than the clouds that hung around the mountain, blocking it from view.

Every bump of the wheels gave a small shock to her body as she watched a hawk circle. "It's difficult to explain. It's chaotic and…" She looked back at the silver orbs that waited patiently for her to continue. "…very obscure. I don't know where to start."

Aela's fingers found Azriel's again and she threaded them together. "What made you so angry?"

Azriel looked over the side of the cart at the passing plants. "When I said it was Paarthurnax's right to rule."

Aela's question was quite. "Why?"

"I… he… hmm" Azriel was frustrated trying to vocalize her feelings. "He claimed it as his right."

Aela nodded in understanding. "Do you feel it is your right to rule them?"

"Part of me demands that it is and that I take it from him…" Azriel looked at the sky. The cool breeze had a faint chill to it. The wispy clouds moved at impossible speeds overhead. The sky darkened as they worked their way along. She could smell snow stronger in the nippy wind.

She focused again on Aela. "My desires have grown since I defeated Alduin. He haunts my dreams... My waking hours are a continuous battle with myself. I seem to be at odds constantly. Like part of myself is… has… some kind of an affliction. A very dark affliction and one I can't identify. I feel like I need to crush everything around me. My blood boils... incessantly. So much so, that I find it impossible to separate myself from my anger. It's why I stormed out of Jorrvaskr. I couldn't be around any of you."

Azriel looked at the road in the distance, ashamed. But, she had opened the flood gates to her feelings and the words continued to tumble out of her as if it would cure the poison in her blood. "I can't settle myself in one place because of my impatience at sitting. I feel like I need to be moving. I'm not happy anywhere, for any length of time." Azriel took a breath and it out. "I'm to the point where I can't stand to be around people, but there are times I don't want to be alone. I long for quiet, yet I can't stand the silence." She took a deep breath. "Every bit of me is in turmoil. It churns inside, corroding me. I feel like exploding. I... I don't know what to do anymore..."

Aela pulled her into an embrace and held her there tightly.

She could feel herself collapse into it and wrapped her arms around Aela. Aela's scent was intoxicating, she smelled like leather and grass. It was the smell of a hunter and the plains rolled into one.

Aela stroked her hair and Azriel closed her eyes. Azriel clung onto her, feeling her heartbeat against Aela's.

There was comfort in her friend's arms that made her feel good for the first time, in longer than she could remember. Aela cared for her and she felt it. She was understanding enough to just be there and listen. It was all that Azriel could ask for.

It was late in the night when the carriage rolled across the bridge into Ivarstead. Azriel had pulled her cloak from her bag as the first snowflake had fallen down on her nose an hour ago. She smiled when Aela had pulled the soft green cloak from her satchel and pulled it over her shoulders. Aela noticed the smile and winked at her.

The carriage came to a stop in front of the Vilemyr Inn. "Aela, I need to see someone before we head out." Azriel pulled a bag of coins from her ruck sack and handed them to Aela. "Can you please buy some food to take up with us? Make sure it's nothing we have to cook. I want to give it to the Greybeards."

Aela nodded, picking up her shield and she walking inside. Azriel trudged off to find Klimmek. She walked the short distance down road to his house. When she arrived, she knocked on the door and could hear shuffling inside. "Klimmek, it's me, Azriel. Open the door." The door opened and the man smiled at her uncomfortably. Azriel was struck by how much he was sweating. Something doesn't feel right. "Klimmek, are you alright?"

"Uh, yes. I… I think I may be coming down with something." He said as he coughed. "Please, Azriel, come inside out of the cold."

Azriel stepped through the doorway, but something definitely didn't felt right. This place smells like shit. "I could help you if you like, I have a couple of potions and…"

"No… no, I'll be fine, Dragonborn."

He was talking loudly and Azriel took a step back. "Are you sure you're fine?" She asked, suspicious of his behavior. The hair on her neck stood and she fought the burning desire to run.

"Are you going up the mountain? I have some supplies you can take with you." The man was practically yelling.

Azriel could hear more scuffling. It smells like… Skeevers? "Yes. I'm going up the mountain, that's why I stopped by... You already know I'll take them up for you."

She looked closer at the man, he looked… nervous. "Are you sure there's nothing I can do for you? You're sweating way too much. Do you have a fever?" The noises… footsteps were getting louder. It wasn't a single set, it was multiple footsteps and they were running. She turned around to look at the side of the house, drawing her sword.

Azriel's vision went dark as the hammer struck her head from behind.

Aela was enjoying a cold mug of mead as the inn keeper busied himself getting her food. She turned on the stool to get a better view of the room. There were a number of travelers at the inn.

The Inn is full this evening. Looks like our driver was right.

Where in Hircine's name is Azriel?

Aela continued to scan the room. Her eyes landed on a family of three. They were a young couple with a small daughter. The two women were carrying on a conversation and Aela couldn't help but listen to it. She watched them with a bit of envy.

"Hey, Beautiful. Buy you a drink?" The man's breath nearly knocked Aela from her stool. Her eyes quickly began to water from the rancid smell and could barely see the man before her.

Aela choked. "Bath." It was all she could manage to say. Aela pushed off the stool and away from the man. His stench seemed to cling to her. Aela wiped her eyes and nose after her coughing bout, and looked at him.

"Take a fucking bath you filthy…" She abruptly stopped as she scanned his purple armor and recognized the outfit instantly. "...Stormcloak..." Aela whispered as her eyes went wide. Azriel!

"You fucking ungrateful, bitch…" The man's words were cut off by another.

"That's enough, Erkku! She's right, you smell like a fucking skeever."

"Fuck you, Ralof. Ever since you were promoted you've turned into real horse's ass."

Ralof punched the drunken man in the jaw without hesitation, knocking him out. "That's Captain Ralof to you, Skeever."

Ralof looked at Aela for a moment, his eyes lit up. "You're Aela the Huntress, the Companion aren't you?"

He stepped in front of her. "Azriel… is she with you?" He whispered.

Aela grabbed the man and shoved him hard into the bar. "What business is it of yours, Stormcloak?" She growled. She grabbed his wrist, twisting it, and drew her dagger. She placed the dagger between them and pushed it between his ribs.

The way they were standing, Aela knew that everyone would think they were sharing an intimate conversation. Not that she held a dagger to his ribs and was on the verge of killing him.

"Wait!" He growled quietly. "I don't mean her any harm. If she's here, she's in danger. We're under orders to arrest... or kill her on sight. I won't do that to her. Please, I want to help her."

Aela pushed the dagger point harder into the man's skin. "Why should I trust you?"

Sweat trickled down his forehead. "I was with her at Helgen. We escaped together."

Aela could feel his blood dribbling down her fingers.

The door to the inn swung wide and another Stormcloak tore through it. "Captain! Captain! We have her!"

The inn went deathly quiet.

"You… boy, come here." He called.

Quickly glancing at Aela, he whispered "Play sweet on me."

It shocked Aela. "Why the fuck would I do that instead of killing you?"

"If you want her alive... Just do it."

Aela slid the dagger into her belt and brushed off the droplets of blood onto his armor as the young Stormcloak walked over. Ralof snaked his arm around Aela's waist and sneered at the boy. "Boy, can't you see I'm busy here? You have who?"

The boy answered nervously. "The Dragonborn, Sir."

Aela tighten her grip on his side, causing Ralof to wince. "Boy, that is supposed to be kept quiet. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Where is she?" Ralof growled at him.

"She's at camp, Sir."

Aela dug her fingers in deeper. "How did you catch her?" He scowled.

"We got her at the old man's house. He hit her with a hammer and knocked her out. Valto put her in shackles. She's still out, but we've got her, Sir! The men were dividing up her stuff when I came to find you."

Ralof looked back at Aela. "Well my dear, duty calls." He smiled when he saw her glare at him. "Maybe you'd like to come with me? I have my own tent... privileges of being a Captain."

Aela withdrew her fingers from the man's injured side. "Oh, I'd love that." She mocked.

He looked back at the young soldier. "You… boy."

"Illar, Sir."

"Right, Illar, good job. Now get back to camp and stay next to her and make sure she doesn't leave your sight. No one touches her. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, Sir!" The boy quickly saluted and ran out.

"Gods woman, you are strong…"

Aela pressed him hard into the bar a second time. "Get to the part where you help Azriel. My patience is wearing thin."

Ralof swallowed. "The men will be drunk shortly, celebrating. You come back with me and take her when they pass out."

Aela narrowed her eyes. "If you fuck me over, I swear, I will kill you."

"I will not be responsible for her blood being spilled! The Gods put us together at Helgen so I could lead her to safety when the World-Eater attacked. There's no honor in killing the Dragonborn. I'd think Shor himself would bar the entry into Sovngarde for it."

The man sounded genuine and she searched his eyes looking for any doubt. "Let's go." Aela growled.

They made to leave when the tavern when the inn keeper called Aela back. "Miss, your supplies." He said simply, handing her the bag.

The night air was chilly as they exited the inn. "We set up camp across the bridge leading to Riften. That's where we're heading." He looked over at Aela walking next to him. "When we get to the camp, I'll check on Azriel, you wait in my tent. I'll make sure she remains safe. When the last man passes out, you'll have to knock me unconscious and take her."

Aela sneered. "No problem. I'll be happy too."

Ralof stopped walking. "By Talos woman, I am trying to help. I consider the Dragonborn a friend! Why can't you understand that?"

Aela snarl made him back away. "Because your men follow your orders."

Ralof sighed and shook his head. "I follow the High King's orders. I didn't have a choice but to issue them."

Aela stared at the man. "High King? The High King is dead. Ulfric killed him. And that's exactly what he wants to do to Azriel."

"You supporters of the Empire are all the same…"

Aela contemplated shoving the man off the bridge. "I don't support the Empire. I support Azriel…"

Before she could finish a scream distracted her. Aela turned around on the bridge and heard a splash. She sprinted in the direction of the noise, but there wasn't anyone there. Ralof quickly caught up to her.

"What the fuck was that?" He asked panting. His heavy armor made the sprint difficult, she guessed.

"Did you hear the scream and then a splash?" Aela shot back.

"Yes, but where are they?" He looked at her worried.

Aela walked past the rock wall on her right and past the tavern on her left. She looked to the lumber mill and at the river as it rapidly flowed by. She turned and walked back to the head of the bridge. Ralof was next to her when she stopped. This feels bad.

Aela walked to the bridge sidewalls and jumped up onto it. She looked into the river where the water deepened before the bridge. The water's flow was placid, yet irregular.

What is moving down there…? What the fuck is that?

Out of the center of the river she saw them rise out of the water as one. A troop of vampires marched forward and the group branched, quickly splitting in two directions. One group of vampires walked towards the Stormcloak camp and the other made for the town. Between the two splinter groups, shadows darted around rapidly in a blur.

Aela broke into a run towards the Stormcloak camp.

Oh Gods. Azriel tried to move, but couldn't.

My fucking skull… She tried opening her eyes.

The world around her spun as the light seared her eyes. Too bright…

She felt sick and vomited. She laid there for a little while in her own bile. Her own thoughts made her feel ill. She laid there motionless, trying to figure out what to do.

She attempted to heal herself.

At first the magic felt painful as she willed it into being. But, she maintained it. The pain in her skull was mind shattering as the magic forced her to focus there. Gradually, her intense pain began to subside. She kept her eyes closed as she worked. She could feel the oozing blood stop its flow. The pain dwindled to a throb as tissue and skin began to mend.

The warmth of the restoration magic surrounded her, in a soft healing radiance. Now that the pain in her head was gone she could refocus her energies to healing the rest. She probed her being with magic, letting it work for her. She slowly followed the trail through her body, becoming aware of the injuries to her broken ribs and multiple bruises.

She used the magic to mend the bones, feeling them reach out and touch their missing pieces. She healed the breaks methodically and the bones adjusted themselves into back into position.

Once her blood began to flow through the bones again she moved to the muscles. She mended the contusions and the muscles grew together at their tears. She stopped to conserve her energy, knowing her wolf aspect could heal the rest.

She heard a scream in the distance, but didn't try moving again. She was baffled as to where she was and how she came to be so injured. The last thing she could remember was being in Ivarstead. I was with Aela. I left her and walked to… Klimmek…

The realization of what happened suddenly dawned on her. She opened her eyelids unhurriedly in case she was being watched. At first, she saw only fuzzy boots. She lifted her gaze slowly from the ground.

Fuck me.

A Stormcloak stood with his back to her. She tried to noiselessly take in her surroundings. There were tents and fires marking the rocky landscape. A group of very drunk soldiers were singing around one of the fires.

She glanced at the Stormcloak guard again who was watching the rabble rousers.

He's definitely not paying attention.

She tried moving, but couldn't. Carefully, she took herself in. Her wrists were shackled and so were her feet. A chain connected the shackles together in the middle without slack. The shackles were fitted tightly and were biting into her skin. Her armor and belongings were gone. She was wearing only rough spun cloth rags.

The Stormcloak moved closer towards the fire where everyone was gathered, his back still to her.

A smirk appeared on her face. Dumbass…

Within seconds the camp was full of shouts and yells. A shadow appeared, leaping over the fire and onto one of the soldiers. It seemed to land on the man, knocking him to the ground screaming. In a blink of her eye the shadow was gone and so was the man's face.

What the fuck was that?

The Stormcloak in front of her drew his sword, but seemed lost in the chaos that had instantly consumed his camp. High pitched shrieking filled the air above the screams of the mortals of the camp. The guttural sounds made Azriel's blood run cold.

Vampires! It's now or never... "Free me! And I'll help you save your comrades." She called to him.

The man turned, startled by her voice.

He just a fucking little kid.

"By Talos, you're awake?!" His voice was full of panic.

The screams from the camp filled the air around them.

"Free me! They're vampires, you idiot!"

The boy started shaking. "No! How… How do I know you didn't do this?"

"Akatosh damn you boy! Because they're fucking vampires! Can't you see how they move?" She screamed at him. His panic stricken face made her angry.

The sounds of sword clashes and fighting assaulted her ears.

"I can't! They'll kill me." He was practically crying. A bloodied Stormcloak stumbled past them missing part of her arm and the boy pissed himself out of sheer freight.

Azriel wriggled around trying to move herself. It was useless. "So will the vampires. Now free me!"

A shadow suddenly appeared behind the boy and he vanished.

A shadow with teeth? "Fuck me!" She cried out. There was nothing in the tent around her and the boy was gone. Azriel looked down at the chains again. Iron…

She willed them to grow cold. Frost appeared rapidly on the shackles as they froze. The sounds around her dimmed as she focused. She willed her magic to get the metal as cold as it possibly could. The chains grew ice and she could feel the cold burn against her skin. She could see the metal getting brittle as minuscule fissures formed.

She switched from ice to heat and forced the heat not to burn, but instead compelling it to expand the metal. Cracks formed on the shackles and chains. She pulled against them, causing them to shatter.

She wasted no time and conjured a bound sword. She willed flames to surround her and rushed out the tent.

Aela swung her shield into the vampire's jaw and spun to gain momentum, her dagger slicing through his throat and partially severing its head. She wasted no time and charged forward towards another, a woman with glowing orange eyes fighting a Stormcloak.

The vampire sprung at the man as his battle axe crashed into the ground. Leaping onto him, she knocked him down on his back and ripped out his throat with her fangs.

She glared towards Aela and wrinkled her nose. "Foul beast!" The vampire stood with a sneer, the blood of the Stormcloak still dripping from her chin.

Aela snarled as the vampire circled her. The vampire was keeping her distance. The hair on Aela's neck stood as the cold breeze came rushing behind her. For a moment, Aela became distracted and the vampire sprinted forward. Aela was hit from the Vampire in front and a shadow from behind knocking the wind from her.

Aela shoved her shield against the vampire's chest, pushing her away. The vampire crashed through a large tent and disappeared from sight. Aela stabbed savagely with her dagger at the weight on her back. The thing on her back drooled ice and snapped ferociously at her head.

Aela dropped to the ground and rolled as knife-like teeth came snapping down at her face. She managed to shake the thing from her back, but the two were still entangled. Aela kicked at the icy creature instinctively, sending it flying.

Aela saw the black misty creature smash through a large boulder. As she watched, the animal seemed to vanish and reappear through the back of the rock. Aela could feel her eyes growing wider at the sight.

What the fuck kind of red-eyed demon is that?

The shadowy creature moved through the rock as though it didn't exist. It stepped fully in front of the outcropping of rock, providing the first real view of what it was.

The fucking thing is some kind of dog!

It growled at Aela and Aela snarled back.

The dog advanced once again, this time Aela noticed it became more solid in form and less like shadow. The coldness intensified as it approached and the dog charged once again. It jumped at Aela's face and she swung her blade, connecting with its head. The dagger's thrust slowed as it went through the dog. Aela watched for the split second it took for the dog to melt into a black pool.

From the sounds of the battle around her, Aela could tell the mortals were losing. The vampires shrieked and moved so quickly it was difficult for her to keep up with their movements. The vampires moved differently than others she had fought before.

From behind she heard the vampire rise as she freed herself from the confines of the tent she had become ensnared in.

Aela twisted herself out of the way as ice shards hurled towards her. She hit the ground rolling and sprung back to her feet. Aela flexed her fingers around her shield grip, watching the vampire intensely.

Aela charged the vampire as she sent another volley of ice shards at Aela's raised shield. Aela slammed into the vampire shield first, pinning the woman to the ground. She twirled her dagger in her hand and brought it crashing down point first into the vampire's eye. The vampire disintegrated into dust.

Aela could hear the screams of men and women all around her. The ear splitting sounds of swords clashing and ice exploding were all around. She could hear the distance screams in the village from across the river.

Twice she ducked out of the way of a rouge ice spear. She looked up the hill to the largest of tents and saw a massive fire on the hill. Through the fire she could see Ralof fighting two vampires at once. The blaze danced along the trees, forcing the vampires back away from Ralof.

Azriel!

Ralof fought from the front, driving the vampires down the hillside. Azriel surrounded them both with an inferno, protecting both Ralof and herself from the vampires. She used the flames to herd the vampires towards a small clearing downhill.

As the vampires stepped back on the rock she forced the furnace to consume them. The vampires' shrill shrieks drowned out the sounds of the battle in the distance.

Hurried footsteps came up the hillside and Aela appeared at the crest. "Thank Talos you're safe, Azriel."

The words barely left Aela's lips as Azriel collapsed. Ralof stepped forward to grab Azriel with his sword still in hand and Aela shoved him aside. "I don't fucking think so, asshole."

"Aela, it's alright. Ralof is a friend." Azriel said catching herself on the ground. Healing herself had been more taxing than she thought.

A battle was raging in the village as Azriel looked between the two of them. "How many Stormcloaks are left?" Azriel was surprised at the weak sound of her voice as she tried to rise.

Aela pushed her gently back to the ground. "Rest. That's not for you to worry about."

Ralof had been looking around and decided to answer. "None. Those leeches killed everyone."

Aela shot him a filthy look. The sounds of the battle in the village drew their attention back. Azriel took Aela's hand from her shoulder and stood.

"Aela we need to get down there. They won't last against these vampires. They're… different. Stronger somehow. Their leaders, anyways." Azriel looked at the piles of ash around her.

Aela nodded, "Agreed."

Azriel could see Ralof's exhaustion by his slouched shoulders and the sweat that poured off of him.

"Ralof, stay here. We'll be back." Azriel said firmly. The man slumped to the ground with a grumble of thanks.

"Azriel, you should stay with him. You're exhausted." Aela eyed her hair, noting the blood that clung to it and her tattered clothes.

"The fuck I will. Those people need us. Now, let's go!" Azriel said grabbing Aela.

When they entered the town it looked like a massacre. There were bodies everywhere, most of them guards. Two vampires remained and were herding the residence into the tavern.

"Tell us where the Dragonborn is… or you will all burn."

"Hey, Fuckface! Turn around." Azriel called.

One vampire shoved the last man into the tavern and barred the door as the Master vampire set it alight.

With no one on the street, Azriel cast a sideways glance at Aela who understood her. Running forward, Aela transformed. She bounded towards the vampires. The lesser of the two let out a terrified wail as Aela jumped over him. She used the force of her movement to tear off his head with her clawed hands.

Azriel stepped close to the raging fire and willed the fire to leave the timbers. The twirling flames rose of the roof and sides of the building and swirled into a fiery whirlwind.

Aela and the master vampire were locked in a heated battle. Azriel willed the flames to flow like a river towards them and encircle the two. The vampire's sword clipped Aela across her chest and she let out a howl.

The vampire kept up his attack, driving Aela back and caught her with his foot knocking her off balance. His sword wounding her in the thigh, the vampire readied his sword to strike again.

Azriel moved faster to command the flames to form a wall between them.

The vampire turned to face Azriel. "My Lord commands your death, Fool! Do you think you can defeat us all? He demands it, so it must be done!" He hissed.

Azriel snarled back at him. "Who is your Master?"

The vampire laughed as the flames licked at him. He pointed his sword at Azriel. "Lord Harkon commands..."

Aela dove through the wall of fire. Grabbing the vampire from behind, she bit down on his sword arm and plunged her clawed hand into his back, ripping out his spine. Azriel watched the vampire disintegrate into ash and blow away gently in the breeze.

Azriel looked back at Aela as she transformed back to her human form. Her leg was still bleeding. The fire dwindled out of existence as Azriel walked up to Aela.

Azriel knelt down and healed her leg slowly. When the wound closed she moved to the gash in Aela's chest. The sword swipe wasn't deep, but she healed it anyway.

Aela ran her fingers softly down Azriel's scarred cheek. When Azriel had finished, Aela tipped her head back and kissed her.

Azriel smiled. "What was that for?"

"Not getting yourself killed." Aela said, returning the smile.

"I'll have to remember to do that more often."

Aela chuckled softly. "We should probably let the people out of the tavern, huh?"

"By Talos, Azriel those vampires killed twenty brave men and women." Ralof said handing back her belongings.

Aela scoffed, but Azriel silenced her with a gentle touch. "Ralof, why were you and your troops here?"

The blonde man sighed. He looked at her with a sorrow filled gaze. "We were sent to establish connections throughout the Rift. Jarl Ulfric wants to position troops in the Holds sympathetic to our cause. We're under orders to arrest… or kill you..." He took a breath, looking away he whispered. "Mostly, kill."

Azriel flinched at his words.

"Azriel, whatever you've done, you can make this right. Go back to him and join our cause…" he added.

"You know I won't do that. He's hateful, Ralof, and it shows everywhere he's been. He's put Nords to the sword in before. Why wouldn't he do that again? Think about it Ralof, you're too good of a man to fight for him."

Ralof shook his head in disbelief. "You've become jaded, Azriel. I wish you could know the good things he's done for us."

"Name something." Azriel said impatiently.

Ralof stared at her in silence. "He's the Bear of Markarth! He threw out the Forsworn. And He'll do the same to those damn elves and the Empire!"

"That's what I thought you'd say." She had expected that answer. Even sweet Ralof was a Stormcloak sheep. Then again, he always was. "He's only brought war to Skyrim, Ralof. He killed the Nords that tried to live in peace with the Forsworn at Markarth. He condemned the Dunmer to squalor in Windhelm. He makes the Khajiit skirt his Hold. And the Argonians live in filth outside of the city. The man murdered the High King. He'll kill anyone that gets in his way. He damned the name of Talos by misusing it for his cause."

Ralof sighed. "You're an outsider. You don't see it."

"You're too close to see what's right in your face. The man is using you and everyone loyal to him to wage a war against their own brothers. Ralof, go home for a while. Go see Gerdur and Hod..."

"I can't Azriel. I need to continue on and send word back of the attack." He looked at the night sky and sighed again. "I will not say anything about you being here."

Aela, who had been silent the entire time, finally spoke. "If you did, he'd have you killed."

Ralof gave her a fearsome glare.

"Aela's right, Ralof. He'll kill you for letting me walk away."

Ralof looked at the ground and back at her. "Go. I won't have you getting caught here again. I'll figure something out."

Azriel pushed open the large stone doors and walked inside with Aela following. The cold black stone of High Hrothgar glowed by light of torchères. The sight was always awe inspiring to Azriel.

"This place is beautiful." Aela said softly from behind as they walked.

Azriel smiled back over her shoulder at her. "It's also very peaceful. I love it here."

A man dressed in gray monk's attire walked forward and greeted them. "Ysmir, welcome." He said quietly with a bow.

Aela looked sharply from the old man to Azriel.

"Master Arngeir, It's good to see you again." Azriel said, returning the bow. Then she stepped forward and hugged the man quickly.

"Lady Aela of the Companions, I bid you welcome to High Hrothgar." He said softly after Azriel stepped back.

"Forgive me, but why did you address Azriel as 'Ysmir'?" Aela asked.

"Dovahkiin has been recognized like the others before her. Thus, we have named her Ysmir, Dragon of the North. Just as we have for a young Tiber Septim before her."

He continued to speak, this time directly to Azriel. "Ysmir, we know why you have come. It is not for us to become involved with the affairs of men…"

Azriel sighed. "I know Master. I wouldn't ask it of you." She took a breath, she was exhausted. "Master, I do not wish to be involved with this ridiculous war. I am trying to follow Kyne's way..."

"And we also know that Ulfric Stormcloak has issued a death warrant for you." He shook his head and sighed. "Forgive us, Dovahkiin. If we had only known... We would never have taken him in as a pupil."

Azriel clasped his hand in hers. "I'm use to death threats."

He looked up at her again, his face held a sad smile. Withdrawing his hand, he motioned for them to follow him through the main hall.

"Lady Aela, you are the companion of Ysmir. You are by right welcome to stay as long as you'd like." His smile held something Azriel couldn't understand.

Aela nodded in thanks, but remained quiet.

They walked past a group of young Nords and Azriel broke the silence.

"Who are they?" She asked pointing to the group in meditation.

"Students." He answered softly as he climbed the stairs. "They have come seeking to learn Kyne's way. They have been found worthy and have been accepted into our order for guidance."

He stopped again at the top of the stairs. "Ysmir, Paarthurnax wishes to see you. But, first you should rest. Once you have gathered your strength, you can go to him."

Azriel opened her mouth to argue, but Aela stopped her. "He's right, Azriel..."

Azriel closed her mouth again.

"Dovahkiin, your chambers are waiting for you. I shall see you before you depart." Arngeir bowed and walked back to his students.

Azriel tuned on her heel and headed for the chamber. Aela followed her down the long corridor to her chamber.

"By the Gods, how old are all of these things?" Aela asked when she entered the room. Her eyes landing on an old sword first, then moved to a battle horn next to it.

Azriel looked to where Aela had walked. "They're relics. Items once carried by Dragonborns throughout time. The horn is Jurgen Windcaller's. The sword was an Emperor's, um... Uriel something. This use to be their room at some point... I think."

Azriel undressed, placing her armor and equipment in her ruck sack as Aela continued to look at the items in the room. Azriel kicked back on the bed when she was finished and watched Aela look at the antiques.

Aela turned when she heard Azriel yawn. "Have all the Dragonborns been here?"

"Not that I know of. Tiber Septim and a few others. Jurgen Windcaller established High Hrothgar, later he became Jurgen the Calm." Azriel stretched across the bed.

Aela walked over and smacked her feet. "Oh no you don't! Scoot over, bed thief!"

Azriel laughed and moved over. "And you're not coming to bed in your armor. So take it off."

Aela stuck out her tongue. "You just want to see me naked."

"Maybe."

Aela rolled her eyes. "Maybe?"

"Maybe." Azriel smiled.

Aela laughed and pushed her off the bed.

"What was that for?" Azriel choked out the words, laughing hysterically.

Aela stood and unbuckled her armor, letting it drop to the floor. "For saying 'maybe'."

I hope you enjoyed this installment. The chapters will be taking a bit more time to write now since they are a bit longer. But, I hope it's worth the wait!

Please feel free to leave a review. I'm curious to see how you think the story is progressing along.