Azriel slowly stood as she appraised Aela's beautiful form. The woman had lines that made her melt. A smirk spread across Azriel's face when she realized that she had no place to be and all the time in the world. There was no one here to bother them or demand their time. The Greybeards wouldn't disturb them, no matter how much noise they made.
She took in every single detail of Aela's body. Each scar was a new adventure waiting to be discovered. In Azriel's opinion, Aela was a doubly blessed woman. If the goddesses Kyne and Dibella had granted their gifts to one mortal, it was Aela.
No woman in Skyrim was like Aela, nor could any match her in either beauty or skill. Aela's pale skin held only the faintest trace of scars. Freckles dotted her skin in contrast, coupled with her scarlet red hair, the woman was remarkably beautiful. Her silver eyes had layers to them and they reflected light like the twin moons. Her eyes held such depth, Aela never had to utter a sound for anyone to understand her or know how she felt. Her eyes conveyed everything.
Aela used a bow as if she commanded the wind itself. Her archery skills were second to none in Skyrim. The way she moved soundlessly through dense brush or in ancient crypts had endeared her to Azriel as a companion in her various exploits.
Aela's speed and endurance made her formidable with her shield and dagger. The way she fought could be described as beautiful. Aela's body moved like a skilled dancer, her movement was as if it was choreographed. She was always one step ahead of her opponent, reading their body and countering them.
For every battle skill the woman possessed, it paled in comparison to her strength of heart and courage. Aela was fearless and Aela had captured her attention like no one else.
For a flicker of a moment, Azriel's thoughts trailed. Well, until recently...
"Blood running hot, Dragonborn?" Aela's smile was seductive as she watched Azriel. Her silver eyes held playfulness in them.
"I just realized, this is the first time we've been alone in a while. No one demanding our time... or trying to kill us."
"Perhaps, we should... Make use of our time?" Aela's silver eyes glimmered with mischievous temptation and Azriel couldn't help but swoon at the siren's charm.
Azriel's body moved without her permission. She stepped onto the bed, then over, to stand in front of Aela before she could stop herself.
Aela reached out, running her finger through the young woman's long hair. Aela carefully threaded her fingers into Azriel's hair. She pulled her closer by her long locks. Their lips only a breath apart.
"Tell me again why I keep telling you 'no'?" Azriel's voice barely a whisper.
"You don't want to ruin our friendship..."
"Will it?"
Aela's lips met Azriel's in an instant.
The pounding of Azriel's heart filled her ears and she wrapped her arms around Aela's naked form, pulling her close. Aela's lips were soft and demanding as they kissed heatedly. Aela's skin felt like fire, even in the chill of the room. Heat radiated between them, making Azriel's body tingle and burn. Their kiss consumed her and she lost the ability for logical thought. The world around them ceased to exist in a passionate blur.
Aela pulled her down onto the bed, it took her a moment to notice. She felt Aela slide her hand from her hair, down her back and over her shirt. Aela pulled slightly away, catching her breath. "Your clothes need to come off or I'll rip them off." She growled.
Azriel cracked open her eyes slightly and Aela's look told her she was serious. Azriel laughed quietly, pushing away from Aela, she thumbed the hem of her shirt and pulled it over her head.
Aela drew a breath "Naughty girl, no under garments?"
"Says the woman who wears zero under her armor."
Aela smiled and pulled the shirt from her hand and threw it on the floor. "Pants, Dragonborn, I'm getting impatient..."
Azriel stood with a laugh and jumped out of reach as Aela swiped for her breeches. "You missed, Huntress. I think I..."
The mountain shook with the force of an eruption, the quake of Arngeir's Thu'um shook High Hrothgar through its foundations. "YOU DARE COME HERE? BE GONE... OR YOU SHALL REGRET YOUR INTRUSION!" The walls pulsed with his fury.
Azriel dropped down to the ground, grabbing her shirt and pulled it on. Her wolf howled at the intrusion as she sprinted to the door, tearing it open and ran down the hall. In a blink, she had left Aela behind in the room as she ran down the corridor to the main hall.
Azriel slid across the smooth stone floor as if it were black ice. She grabbed the statuary as she slipped by, skidding around it and launched herself off the stairs.
The four Greybeards stood shoulder to shoulder blocking the stairs and the young apprentices from view.
"I have a right to see her as much as you do, Arngeir. I tracked her this far, I will go farther if I have to."
Azriel cringed when she heard the woman's voice. "Master, wait." Azriel called from behind.
Arngeir turned, his face was white with fury. "The Blades are not welcome here, Dovahkiin. You know this."
Azriel inclined her head to him. Walking forward, she spoke to him. "Forgive me Master, I do understand. However, Delphine has been tracking me everywhere I go. Even here, there is no peace. I simply wish to put an end to her relentless pursuit."
"I wouldn't have pursued you here, Azriel, had you of come to Sky Haven Temple the multiple times I sent for you." Delphine's rely was bold and cynical.
Azriel rolled her eyes and step up to the older woman. "I thought I made my point, Delphine." Azriel sneered at her. "I will not kill Paarthurnax. I will never help you exterminate an entire species."
"It's beyond that now, Azriel... way beyond that. I know for a fact that you are offering the dragons an allegiance. This has to end! Your purpose is..."
Azriel's rage was instant. "MY PURPOSE IS MY OWN, DELPHINE. IT IS NOT FOR YOU TO CONTROL ME. ZU'U DOVAHKIIN!" Azriel roared, her Thu'um shaking High Hrothgar harder than Arngneir's had.
Delphine shook hard, but she remained undaunted. "You were born to destroy them. Why can't you see that? What will it take?"
"You are so very wrong in your beliefs, Delphine. Your hatred of the Dov has driven you to want for all of their race's destruction. That is not Ysmir's path..." Arngeir interrupted softly.
"How would you know, Arngeir? You trapped her up on this mountain and fed her shitty lies. You act like your purpose is..." Delphine raised her hands waving around the main hall "...to worship dragons because Kyne says so. It's a load of dragon shit and you know it." Delphine spit back with venom.
Delphine turned with contempt on Azriel. "And you. You cannot be stupid enough to believe them. Dragon's cannot be reasoned with. They will never serve you!"
Azriel narrowed her eyes, her voice was low and deadly. She glanced at the Greybeards as they stood there waiting. She lashed out, grabbing Delphine by the throat. "Don't. You. Ever. Call. Me. Stupid." Delphine's feet left the floor and Azriel tightened her grip. Her voice becoming a feral growl. "I don't expect them to serve me. I expect them to heed the words of their Thur."
Delphine gasped through her gargling breath. "You think you rule them? You've become a bigger fool than I thought."
Azriel flung Delphine into the wall in her rage. Her teeth extended as her clawed hand grabbed Delphine.
"STOP, Ysmir." Arngeir commanded. "We feel your rage, but you cannot spill her blood."
Azriel glared at the man, with the eyes of a predator. Behind Arngeir, a slight movement caught her eye. Aela stood, bow in hand. Her arrow aimed directly at Delphine.
"You are a traitor to your kind, Azriel. Talos have mercy on you in the coming days." Delphine said defiantly, looking up at her from the ground.
"My kind? I'm the only one of my kind. And you have broken your oath to me, Delphine. You do not have the right to call yourself a Blade. You lack honor."
"What the fuck would you know of honor, Azriel? Just because you are Dragonborn? It takes more than that, girl. You've turned your back on your destiny... I could have helped you. The Blades could have helped you! You only had to follow us... But you've thrown it all away. For what, Azriel? You don't even know who you are!"
"Enough, Delphine. Leave this place and do not return." Arngeir said wearily.
"You poisoned her mind. She followed your ridiculous notions of peace and you haven't bothered to tell her who she is. What she is meant to become... You Graybeards sicken me. Your false words of peace and your ridiculous ways."
Delphine stood, shouldering her way past Azriel. "Know this, Dragonborn. The Blades will hunt every dragon out of existence, with or without your help."
"Hunt any dragon and I will hunt you." Azriel snarled.
"We've already begun."
"Leave this mountain, Delphine. Out of respect for my Masters, I will not kill you here. But, make no mistake, your life is forfeit. If the others continue to follow you, then they will find justice at the end of my sword. I will kill you all."
"Then, it will be a fight to the death, Dragonborn." Delphine backed her way out.
Azriel pointed to one of the apprentices. "Make sure she leaves, when you return, bar the doors."
The boy looked at Arngeir and he motioned for him to go.
Azriel looked deeply into the old man's eyes. "Master, what does she mean?"
Arngeir sighed and looked at his fellow brothers. Each nodded in return, maintaining their silence.
"Ysmir... Ahziial. Gather your things and meet me in the courtyard." He sounded exhausted.
Azriel and Aela stepped out into the courtyard of High Hrothgar. The breeze was mild, but bitterly cold. It had stopped snowing, but the sky was threatening. The sky was milk white and gray at the same time. Clouds clung to the mountain side like wool on a sheep.
The snow crushed silently under their feet as they approached Arngeir at the gateway to the summit. He was facing away from them, looking at the barrier when the pair walked up alongside him. He spoke in a whisper and the barrier fell.
"You are the youngest Dragonborn to have ever climbed our mountain. Now you are also the last. We have waited so long for you." He turned his head, looking at her. Azriel saw sadness in him, at the tears that threatened to fall from his eyes.
"The prophesy of the world eater is complete. But, there are... other things..." He shook his head and started to walk. "How well do you know of the other Dragonborns? Their lives?"
"Only what you have told me and what I have read in books." She kept her answer simple hoping he'd speak more.
"And you, Lady Aela? What do you know of the others that have come before?" He asked gently.
"They were rulers of Tamriel. The Septim line came from Tiber Septim, and he became the god Talos."
He nodded as Aela spoke. "Come then, our walk is long and so is your history, Ahziial."
They were shy of the crest, Aela had stopped in awe of the sheer number of dragons circling the mountain. Their voices boomed like thunder, echoing in the clouded skies overhead. The rumble was constant as they flew. Individual voices were in discernible over another's.
Azriel smiled as she pulled Aela along by the hand. They courted the top of the crest and Aela gasped. There were dragons everywhere, in the sky and on the ground.
"If Delphine only knew, she'd flip her shit." Aela looked at Azriel's smirk.
The dragons fell silent as the three passed by. The ones in the sky began to land. Each dragon lowered its head as Azriel passed and Azriel responded by touching each on top of their snout gently.
Arngeir placed his hand on Aela's arm gently, allowing Azriel to take the lead. They followed her as she approached the only pale gold dragon sitting on a wall. Azriel was silent when she bowed in front of the dragon.
"Drem Yol Lok, Ahziial." The dragon's voice sounded more like a coo.
"Drem Yol Lok..." Azriel bit back the sudden wave of anger that had sprung forth at his movement. "...Paarthurnax."
The dragon flittered down to the ground in front of her. He looked at Arngeir and Aela behind her. "Drem Yol Lok, young ones."
"Drem Yol Lok, Paarthurnax." Arngeir replied with a bow.
Paarthurnax turned and regarded Aela for a moment. "Lady Aela, step forward."
Arngeir smiled encouragingly at her and Azriel held out her hand. Aela walked forward, taking Azriel's outstretched hand and Paarthurnax moved his head towards her. He inhaled deeply. "Hrmmm, Kyne's blessing is great on you."
Azriel and Aela exchanged glances.
"What do you mean?" Aela asked, confused.
Azriel looked around, noticing all of the dragons had landed and were watching.
"Krosis, youngling. Once, long ago, the goddess Kyne blessed the joor with the ability to learn the Thu'um. You know this as the Storm Voice. The joor, Tongues, are now few. But, this is from ignorance of their gift… No matter, you are here now."
He looked to Azriel. "Dovahkiin, I sense many things from you. But first, the reason you have come. The joor have renewed their chaos and frenzy now to war." His golden eye fixed on hers. "You suspicions may be correct, but what matters is the now."
Azriel bowed her head towards Paarthurnax when he had finished. "With respect elder, the civil war is once again on the rise. Ulfric Stormcloak wishes to throw the Empire and the Thalmor from Skyrim. He misuses the name of Talos to inspire his legions to fight their brothers and pillage the land."
Azriel paused as the sound of rustling came from all around her. "I have wished to stay out of this fight. I do not care who rules Skyrim, so long as they are just to the people. But, I am afraid I am being drug further into it. Ulfric Stormcloak wants me as decoration for his castle and has threatened to invade Whiterun." The rustling quieted down as Azriel continued. "The joor Jarl, Balgruuf the Greater, wishes for aid. He offers allegiance with Whiterun Hold. He will swear it to you."
Azriel waited as the old dragon thought. She gazed from Arngeir to Aela, who seemed lost in thoughts of her own.
"It has been a long time since the joor have lived in peace with the Dov. Zu'u tiin se un grahhe. But, the word of one man is not enough for drem."
"Tell me what it will take." Azriel was sincere. She wanted peace with the Dov for so long. To end the the dragon attacks and have peace between those willing, she had made it her purpose.
Paarthurnax moved slightly closer. "Does he have kiir?"
Azriel understood his intent. "Yes, he has three children."
"So be it. I shall meet this joor and his kiir. I shall hear the promise of his generations."
Azriel was satisfied with his answer. Letting go of Aela's hand, she stepped closer to him. But, her anger made her stop going farther. She felt it boiling again beneath the surface of her heart. The longing to destroy him where he stood reared in her mind. She tried in vain to push it back down.
Paarthurnax stretched his wings out, his claw reaching to Azriel. He pulled her into his wing like he had done so many times before. "I still feel your rahgol, Ahziial. It hides within, waiting to lash out. Vahr dreh hi hjier ful pogaas stru'un ahst zey?"
Azriel nodded and swallowed hard. She knew if she spoke, her rage would be directed at him. She couldn't bring herself to answer him. How could she explain the anger she felt towards him after everything he had helped her with? His acceptance, his understanding, all of it meant so much to her. He was the closest thing to a father she had since Marduk gro-Essek had died.
"Do you still hahnu se ved dov?" His question was gentle, like a father asking a child of their nightmares. She felt embarrassed to even answer, instead she nodded. The dreams of the black dragon, Alduin haunted her nightly.
Paarthurnax let out a long, warm breath. "Your blood burns, Ahziial. It is your nature and will always be so. You are Dovah. Daar los fos mu kend pah kron. You must meditate more to do this."
Azriel sighed, yet her fury did not ease. This is what we all must must conquer...
His words echoed in her mind. her wolf paced, its inpatients with her dragon soul was evident.
She had let her meditations slip away over time. Her excuses for lack of time had taken their toll on her. She knew he was right and her self justifications had made things more difficult in the long run.
"Foral zey. Zu drey ni koraav dii tozein." Her words were a sincere whisper.
"It is the mistake of one so young, dii mon. We shall meditate together."
Paarthurnax looked back at Arngeir and Aela. He fixed his gaze Arngeir. "I sense you have something to say, young one."
Arngeir bowed to Paarthurnax. "I do. The Blades leader, Delphine came to High Hrothgar earlier..."
Odahviing roared.
"...she came seeking Ahziial. She knows that Ahziial seeks to make pacts with the Dov. She does not understand the reasons. She has made her assumptions, and moves to have the Blades form hunting parties."
The dragons behind the four, began rustling again. Azriel could hear their mumblings from inside Paarthurnax's wing.
She moved to step out and Paarthurnax removed his protective claws from in front of her. The bright milky white sky greeted her as she stepped forward.
"The time is now to go to the joor. I fear that the Blades in their zahreik feel they are honor bound to fight. They demand justice for ages long since passed." Paarthurnax said so that all the dragons could hear.
Arngeir bowed a third time. "She would be foolish to return. We have made it clear she is not welcome." He paused, looking at Azriel. "We have also felt it is time to speak with Ahziial about the others before her..."
Paarthurnax looked at him carefully. "Yes... I feel now is the time to explain things further... but first we must deal with the things at present."
Paarthurnax turned to face Aela. "I have said that you bear Kyne's blessing. Do you mindoraan dii seikvon, understand my meaning young one?"
"Not really." Azriel could see Aela's confusion.
"The gift I speak of, was a gift to the joor. The ability to learn the way of the Voice, like the Dovahkiin. If you are willing, I will teach you." Paarthurnax leveled his gaze at her, his golden eye fixed on her silver ones.
"Doesn't it take years to learn?" Aela asked curiously.
Paarthurnax chuckled. "Krosis, I forget time's importance to the joor. Yes, it can take years to learn for joor to learn... Ni waan hin, not if your teacher, mindopah ofuun ok mindah, shares his knowledge. I shall personally teach you if you are willing."
Aela didn't hesitate a breath to answer. "I am willing."
"Return here in the morning with Ahziial, we shall begin your lessons. For now, return below with Arngeir." Paarthurnax's statement was simple, but conveyed his meaning. He wished to speak alone to Azriel.
Arngeir bowed a last time and wordlessly guided Aela off the bluff. The dragons and Azriel watched them go.
Paarthurnax turned his attention back to Azriel. "Shall we see this joor together?"
Azriel smiled. "Are we going alone?"
Paarthurnax pondered the question for a moment. Turning he looked at Odahviing and Odahviing lowered his head wordlessly.
Paarthurnax scanned the eyes of the dragons watching until they rested on an ancient white and blue dragon. "Tekarseinsum, fen hi kiibok zey?"
The old dragon bowed its head and Azriel noticed its broken horn. Smoke puffed from the dragon's nose as he answered slowly. "I will follow, my Thurri." The dragon wheezed as it continued. "It has been a long time since I have been near the joor."
The dragon unfurled its wings and Azriel wondered how wings so tattered could hold him in the air. Gods, he's an old fucker.
Paarthurnax lowered his head and Azriel climbed onto his neck. She looked back at Odahviing and saw the hurt look in his eyes. She stuck out her tongue at him and he responded in kind.
Traveling to Whiterun would take very little time by flight. Once they were in the air, Azriel decided to ask Paarthurnax what things needed explaining.
"Paarthurnax, Master Arngeir has said that you would explain Delphine's rant about my future. He had only explained the history of the Dovahkiin from Saint Alessia to Martin Septim..."
"Patience, youngling. We must focus on the present."
Azriel looked over to Odahviing and rolled her eyes in her impatience. To her right she saw the white-blue dragon puff more smoke as he flew along. She looked closer at the dragon, his breathing was labored as he flew. He made little, by dragon standards, wheezing noises as he flew. Occasionally, she'd hear a small popping noise as his wings beat downward. It made her giggle, a wheezing dragon.
"Doing alright over there... Wheezy?" She couldn't help herself. She wasn't sure if it was her comment or the dragon's cursing that made Odahviing almost fall out of the sky laughing. Paarthurnax rumbled out a deep sighed.
"You should respect your elders, Dovahkiin!" Odahviing could barely get the words out.
"Krosis... But, he is rather wheezy." She called back to him.
Odahviing didn't stop chucking until they arrived at Whiterun. They circled Dragonreach and Azriel looked down at the guards. All had their bows out pointing at the sky.
"Hold!" Her Thu'um echoing out into the plains. She could see the men look at each other then put down their bows. One man ran from the balcony out of sight into the bowels of the castle.
Paarthurnax landed first and Azriel jumped off of him. The other two dragons landed behind him. Tekarseinsum's breath was labored as he tucked his wings in and for the first time, Azriel noticed the long scar near his heart.
The double doors burst open as the Jarl entered the Great Porch surrounded by a company of heavily armed guards, Vilkas, Farengar Secret-Fire, and Irileth. Balgruuf stopped short of Azriel and Paarthurnax and bowed. The rest of the company followed suit. Azriel inclined her head at the Jarl and remained silent as Paarthurnax lowered his head to be at Balgruuf's eye level.
"Dovahkiin has fun zey, told me, you seek mirahjor. An alliegence with the Dov."
Balgruuf looked into the dragon's golden eye. "I do, and I do so for the sake of the people in my Hold."
"This is zinaal stig. An honorable act. Yet, it cannot be the act of one joor, mortal, alone."
Balgruuf wrung his hands together, searching for his words. "I wish for peace," he finally said. He took a moment to continue. "The Dragonborn has made her home here, in Whiterun Hold. I have seen her with the red dragon behind you. We helped her capture him in order to stop the World Eater..."
Odahviing snorted indignantly and Azriel stifled a giggle. Balgruuf knows how to win them over.
Balgruuf continued briskly, "Now I wish for peace between our two... races. Azriel has said it can be done, and I pray to the Gods she is right. Dragon attacks within the Hold, vampires, and war are taking a toll on my People. I wish to do right by them and I am willing to do whatever it takes to end this madness."
Paarthurnax considered him silently. "Zu hind fah drem. I wish for peace as well. The Dov are... golah, stubborn. We must overcome this within ourselves." Paarthurnax paused for a moment. "Yet, I believe tol daar vis kos, that this can be conquered."
Balgruuf ran his fingers nervously through his beard. He glanced at Azriel and she made the slightest motion for him to speak.
"I wish to form an allegiance with you. I offer freedom to the dragons to roam Whiterun Hold without fear of being hunted, if they do not attack my people. Further, if you are willing, I am asking for help against the attack of the Stormcloak army..."
"Young one, you mistake my meaning." Paarthurnax interrupted.
Balgruuf fell quiet and the people surrounding him started to shuffle warily. Azriel shot Vilkas a look and he stepped forward out of the pack and walked to Azriel. He stood next her and waited in silence for her next move.
"I know of this war, young one. We will always answer the Dovahkiin's call for help when she is in need. But, zu dreh ni imaar. I do not control all of the Dov. I cannot make that kind of promise."
Balgruuf nodded at Paarthurnax in understanding. It was obvious he was disappointed by the answer. The dragon attacks over the last three years had plagued Skyrim. "I understand."
"Nor can you hold to yours. It takes more than one joor to make that kind of promise."
Balgruuf looked confused. "What do you mean?"
"Your promise must be upheld by your kiir, children."
Seconds passed, then Azriel saw the understanding dawn on him. "Irileth, would you wake the children and bring them here?"
Irileth looked as though she had just been slapped. "My Jarl, I don't think that is wise..."
"Damn it, Woman! This is important. Please, just go!"
Irileth disappeared into the castle and Paarthurnax waited for her to go before speaking. "Your aar, servant, is rightfully apprehensive."
Balgruuf looked intently at the pale gold dragon. "How so?"
"You seek mirahjor, allegiance, but do you understand what you are asking for? Zu lorot ni. I think not." Paarthurnax paused while he settled in closer to the ground. The company of men waited patiently for the dragon to continue.
"Long ago, the joor made pacts with the Dov, some Dov. It was the Dov which sought out the joor for such pacts. They fought against Alduin and made pacts with the joor out of the belief that joor were blessed by our Father Akatosh and Kyne. Such dovahhe as Tekarseinsum," The white-blue dragon let out a puff of smoke as he stretched himself out with pride. "Nafaalilargus and Nahfahlaar, zeininne dov, twins. Though the joor mistaken them as one. Tiber Septim never dispatched them at the same time. In time, long after Talos, Nafaalilargus was killed in grah, battle, with the joor."
Balgruuf looked deep in thought and Azriel took the chance to ask her question. "If they made pacts with men, then why do you wish to see his children?"
"Their pacts only lasted the life of the joor. Drem, peace, must be longer than the one life of a joor, Dovahkiin."
Balgruuf nodded in understanding. "But if you do not control all of the dragons, how will I know it is not you who are staging the attacks."
"A wise question, youngling. Hi fen ni, you will not. The Dov are proud and stubborn, each feels they must kron uv ald, conquer or destroy. It is that which we must overcome to have drem, peace. From this struggle comes true strength and understanding. The Dov who have conquered this within themselves will not attack the joor."
The porch went silent as Irileth pushed open the doors and led the children towards their father. Each of the children's' eyes grew at the sight before them and Azriel watched the Jarl smile at his children as he knelt down to greet them.
"Ancient one, these are my children. My brother Hrongar stands next to me."
"Drem Yol Lok, young ones. I am Paarthurnax, Overlord of the Dragons."
"You… you can talk?" Nelkir instantly asked. His eyes were so big Azriel thought they'd pop from his head. His brother Frothar elbowed him gently in the ribs as Paarthurnax chuckled softly.
Azriel watched Nelkir with interest. The boy had come a long way from the small, insulting, pain in the ass he had been. He had plotted his father's murder when he was under Mephala's influence. It had taken the boy a good while to start becoming himself again. But, she could see he still had a ways to go. The child had been scarred by the Daedric Prince, and it would take years for the boy to heal.
"Boys please. This is important. I need you to hear me." The Jarl took a moment to gather his thoughts. "We, as a family, are here to make a pact with the dragons. They will help us with this war and help stop the attacks if we promise not to hunt them within the hold. We will treat them as guests here in Dragonsreach and in the hold they will be allowed to hunt freely." He paused to gauge their understanding.
"Do we get to hunt with them?" Frothar quickly asked.
A black puff of smoke curled from Tekarseinsum nostrils as he chuckled. "Perhaps in time, young one." He rasped.
Frothar smile hugely.
Balgruuf looked at each of his children. "This is very important. Do you each understand?"
Dagny rolled her eyes. "Yes, we understand. I don't see how this is important."
Before anyone could answer, Irileth answered. "Child, you are spoiled to the core. We'd be better off feeding you to the dragon…"
Azriel winked at Odahviing. "Nu los hin grozein…"
Odahviing laughed loudly.
Irileth, Balgruuf, and Dagny looked at her. "Private joke." She answered clearing her throat as Paarthurnax sighed.
"It's important because this is a responsibility for our family to bear. We… all of us… must swear an oath. We must not only protect the People of Whiterun, but also honor our commitment to the dragons. Now, is that clear?"
The children nodded and Balgruuf turned back to Paarthurnax fully. "Ancient one, I, Jarl Balgruuf the Greater swear by oath, that the Dragons shall be honored here in Whiterun for aid in this war. Further, in exchange for peace between our kinds, allow the dragons to hunt the plains and the Hold freely. I swear it, and my children will also swear it." He looked pointedly at the three children.
Frothar smiled. "I swear it too. So long as I get to hunt with you!"
"Me too!" Nelkir added excitedly.
"I swear it." Dagny said in a bored tone, not bothering to stifle the yawn that quickly followed.
Hrongar step forward next to his brother. "I, Hrongar, swear it as well."
"Then it is done." Paarthurnax's voice rumbled out, the walls of Dragonsreach shook as he spoke. He turned to Tekarseinsum. "Tekarseinsum, dreh hi hind wah fey voth joor?"
Tekarseinsum considered the group. "It has been too long since I have been amongst men. I wish remain here. They are a refreshing change from the emptiness of the mountains." He panted out slowly.
Azriel stepped forward. "Hang on a minute, Wheezy…"
"You call the dragon Wheezy?" Frothar asked.
Azriel smirked at the dragons angry eyes. "Yep, I sure do." Odahviing chuckled behind her. She smiled when the white-blue dragon cursed at her. "Tekarseinsum, the joor cannot know you are here. If and when you leave here, do so only at night. This way the element of surprise is on our side when we need it."
"We have made the guards aware that they are not to speak of what they see here in town." Irileth added.
Paarthurnax turned to the porch entry. "We will go now. Fod hi los ko praag, when you are in need, send Tekarseinsum to us for aid if the Dovahkiin is not here."
Azriel turned finally to Vilkas. "Aela and I are at High Hrothgar. We'll return soon. But for now, aid the Jarl however he needs it. And tell the others to do the same."
Vilkas remained silent, but nodded in acknowledgment.
Azriel climbed back on Paarthurnax's neck after he bent down. Paarthurnax and Odahviing wasted no time getting in the air, the morning light was creeping its way into the sky. They flew in silence for a short while and Azriel thought about the dragons that had pledged themselves to men.
"Why didn't you tell me before?" She yelled into the chilled air.
"Nii lost ni riid, Ahziial." Paarthurnax answered simply.
"But, if some of the Dov sided with men where did they go?"
"The Dovahnor wished to hunt all Dov to extinction. Those that remained fled north." Odahviing answered into the wind.
"You said Nafaalilargus and Nahfahlaar were twins and served Talos…"
Odahviing looked over to her. "Nafaalilargus died in battle, Ahziial. Nahfahlaar left Tamriel shortly after."
"Did a Dragonborn kill him?"
Paarthurnax answered this time. "Nid, Ahziial."
"If his soul is intact, he could be raised?" She asked to both dragons.
"Geh. But, this has only been Alduin's right." Odahviing answered.
"Alduin is gone, Odahviing. Paarthurnax, can you raise a dovah like Alduin?"
Paarthurnax remained silent.
Azriel's curiosity was getting the best of her. She knew his silence meant she had asked a question he wished to meditate on, but she chose to continue anyways.
"Alright, can I raise a dragon?"
The look Odahviing gave her was slightly chilling. "You already know this answer, Dovahkiin."
She had heard those words before, the first time she didn't understand them. But, the second time she had known what was coming. She had watch Alduin raise the dragons from their graves and knew it could be done.
"Ahziial, why do you ask such questions?" Paarthurnax voice was so low in the cold air she barely heard him.
Azriel wasn't sure why she asked. Her curiosity was there, but so was something else.
"Where exactly did Nahfahlaar go?"
"Ok traas lost lot fah ok zeymah. Nahfahlaar flew to the north for a time. I only know this." Paarthurnax answered.
Azriel raised her eyebrow as the wind blew through her hair. "For a time?"
"I have felt him close once again."
"Where?" She wasn't sure why she felt so excited knowing a dragon was close. But, she needed an answer.
She could see the mountain looming close. They plunged into the clouds and she shivered uncontrollably. Even with her dragon blood and wolf spirit blessing, it was cold. Paarthurnax had never allowed her to stay on the mountain summit at night and the clouds engulfing High Hrothgar reminded her how frigid it truly was.
The snow slicked across her face and her teeth started to chatter. She pulled her cloak tighter against her body. She felt her body stiffening up in the icy air.
They broke the cloud line into a full blizzard at High Hrothgar. Paarthurnax and Odahviing landed in the court yard. Azriel hopped off of Paarthurnax and looked at him waiting for an answer.
"I do not know where, but I suspect he returned to the Jerall Mountains." He moved his head closer to her. Paarthurnax's eye was close to hers. "Zu mindok fos los ko hin zahreik, dii mon. Wait to seek him out. Return to me after the sun rises with your companion."
Aela sat next to Azriel on the bed, gently shaking her awake. "Come on sleepy head…"
Azriel groaned and rolled over, pulling a pillow over her face . Aela chuckled and slowly tugged the pillow from her head. Bending down, Aela kissed her softly on the cheek and down her scars to her lips.
"Wake… its late we need to go." Aela said softly.
Azriel moaned, reaching for the pillow trying to pry it from Aela's grasp. "Five more minutes…"
Aela smacked her with the pillow.
Azriel's eyes sprang open as she protected herself from another assault. "Come on, Azriel. We need to go."
Azriel sat up and looked at her. "Gods, you are really enjoying this aren't you?"
"Which part? Smacking you or learning the Thu'um from an ancient dragon?" Aela said with a smile.
"Um… both."
Aela laughed. "Would you please get dressed?"
Azriel sighed and rubbed her eyes. "Fine, give me a few minutes." She looked over at her gear and thought for a moment. For the last three days she had been thinking long and hard about what she wanted to do. Each evening had ended late and they were dead tired by the time they had returned to High Hrothgar.
"I'll meet you in the court yard in ten minutes." Azriel said getting up.
Aela furrowed her brow and then shrugged. "Alright. But if you aren't out there in ten minutes…" She held up the pillow menacingly. Aela pitched the pillow aside and walked out of the room.
Azriel got dressed and packed her belongings. She walked into the main chamber down the hallway to find Arngeir.
She spotted him speaking to two of the students and called to him. "Good morning, Master."
"Ah, good morning, Ysmir." He looked at her closely for a moment before continuing. "I take it this means you are leaving?"
Azriel nodded. "Paarthurnax spoke of a dovah named Nahfahlaar. I wish to find him."
"For what purpose?" Arngeir asked with quiet curiosity.
"He knew Tiber Septim. I want to know what he was like... I want to know what another Dragonborn was like." She paused, thinking. "Master, I am leaving from the summit, would you mind walking Aela back in the evening from her lessons?"
Arngeir smile. "Of course not, Ysmir. It is our honor."
Azriel returned his smile. "Thank you."
She walked out into the courtyard and made her way up the mountain side with Aela.
Paarthurnax looked down from his wall as they approached. He spread his wings and in two beats, lifted into the air. He flittered down onto the ground waiting to greet them.
"Drem Yol Lok, younglings."
"Drem Yol Lok, Paarthurnax." Aela and Azriel answered in unison.
Paarthurnax leveled his gaze on Azriel. "I see the time has come to part ways, Ahziial."
Azriel smiled sadly. It was never easy to leave and with Aela here, it made it harder to go. But, she was resolute in her desire to find this dragon. "I haven't stopped thinking about what you told the Jarl about Nahfahlaar. I wish to find him…" her words trailed off. She didn't know how to explain what she was feeling, even to Paarthurnax. Aela had spent the walk up listen to her talk about it and had told her to go do what she needed too.
"…Nahfahlaar. I want to know… somehow… what another Dragonborn was like. I…" She thought about how to proceed and decided to just be open. "I feel lost sometimes. Alone. I have feelings, questions, and desires… things I don't understand. Things I don't talk about with anyone. I want to know if the others felt the same. I don't know. It's hard to explain because it's directionless. It doesn't make sense. But, at the same time it's important to me."
"Ahziial, hi kend siiv hin zuko drem. Seek out Nahfahlaar if you must." Paarthurnax pushed his snout forward into her hand.
She rubbed his nose affectionately and looked over to Odahviing. She needed his help once again. "Feel like hunting with me?"
"Always." Odahviing rumbled.
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