Slayer Scrolls

by Ellmarr

Can two children who are just learning to survive save the worlds or do the Fates have other plans for them- a Multi-Cross Over events - Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Stargate SG-1, TMNT, Gargoyles, Criminal Minds, Skyrim, Supernatural. Takes place just before the defeat of the First. Check back continually as I will be doing Chapters for better flow, fixing grammar, and other things.

24. Chapter 24

Chapter 24- Slayer Scrolls

Chapter 21- Lydia

Day 18 Morning – Killing Time

Farm off the Road to Mark Hall

Chrissy disappeared out of eyesight just as the sun was waking in the morning sky. A cool breeze swayed the branches of the trees while the moisture of the morning quenched the grasses thirst. Michael breathed it all in as he feared that his mean uncle would try to keep him in the cold stone city of Mark Hall and that he would never see his dreams come true or be able to return to visit his parents and new friends.

"We are leaving tomorrow?" Michael asks hesitantly.

"Yes. The sooner we do this the sooner we can get back." Jarlam answers as he looks down at the boy with concern.

"Will you let me become a soldier?" Michael inquires.

"If that is what you want to be when you reach the legal age, they accept then I will support your choice. In fact, I was a soldier." Jarlam heartfully replies.

"Really why aren't you one now?"

"I discovered that war and all the fighting wasn't the life for me. So, I came back to my adopted father and worked under him until he passed away last winter."

"How old do I have to be?"

"18 years old."

"That will take forever." Michael pouts.

"Until then you can come with me on trips. Plus, I'll teach you how to use that knife." Jarlam informs him.

"When you come through and I am here I can teach you how to use a bow. I am sure Chrissy will teach you how to use a sword." Lydia offers with a gentle smile.

"Really?"

"If it is alright with Jarlam." Lydia counters.

"Can I Jarlam?"

"I don't see a problem with doing it later but first I want you to pack some your things you want to take." Jarlam instructs.

"Okay."

"Do you have a bedroll?" Jarlam asks.

"No."

"There are couple of different ones strapped to the saddles of the bandit horses. He can choose one." Lydia says as she points over to the saddles sitting under the half-finished small barn.

"Thank you." Jarlam replies than says to Michael. "What do you tell her."

"Thank you."

"You are welcome."

"Go choose one then we will head back inside so you can pack whileLydia and I talk about what she'll need to pick up for this place."

"Okay." Michael yells back as he is running over to the saddles and picks out a thick dark blue roll.

"There is already a list of supplies needed or at least what his father thought they needed. I took a few things off and added a few." Jarlam is telling Lydia when Michael returns and they head inside.

"Like what?"

"He wanted to grow some black hork berries to make wine with but that won't grow very well in that soil out there. If you want to grow berries for wine, I think Milkin Berries would be better and there isn't many who produce that wine. I also added seeds and plants that would grow best here and have the highest value to when you sell."

"Milking Berry root is hard to find and get a hold of but I heard it tastes amazing." Lydia remarks. "What about supplies for a Mill the one outside looks like it has seen better days."

"True, but I don't know much about that. It is on the list of stuff."

"Do you know if we have enough supplies to finish the small barn?"

"From what I have seen around here there may just be enough and if we work together, you and I could complete it."

"Can I help?"

"Are you done packing?"

"I only have a couple of pairs of pants and shirts."

"Under garments?"

"Yes, and I have them too." Michael answers as he holds up an old burlap sack that held all of his clothing.

"What about a cloak?"

"It's at the bottom of the well."

"There was a linen one on one of the bandits. It's a little big but should work and I can show you how to alter it tonight." Lydia says as she picks a brownish grey cloak up and hands it to him.

"When we reach Mark Hall I will be sure to set him up with a warmer one."

"Boots too." Lydia remarks as she eyes the holie boots the young man was wearing then tosses him a backpack that belong to the bandits. "Put your stuff in there it will keep it drier.

"Are you sure Chrissy will be okay with this?" Jarlam asks as he hands the list over to her.

"Yes, now moving on. I am thinking I should do double about what you have on the list if I can."

"Why?"

"She has a couple of other places that need a little bit of work."

"Where?"

"A farm outside of White Run. And if it's the one I think it is, it will need a better barn, and a few other things."

"Is it the one down by the river heading north?"

"I believe so."

"That was owned by Thane Hrolleif. One of the few nice Thane's." Jarlam said with a sad smile.

"He was a good man." Lydia confirms.

"Do you know what happened to him?" Jarlam asks.

"He went on his last adventure to High Rimneer." Lydia replies.

"What! That place is supposed to be full of Werewolves." Jarlam comments.

"He believed he could free the werewolves from their curse by killing the first Werewolf."

"Then how does anyone know he is dead?"

"His House Carl Hrolf returned with what was left of Hrolleif body and placed him next to his wife in the hall of the dead. Hrolf passed away shortly afterwards and was laid to rest with his Thane." Lydia said relaying the tale.

"Why on earth did he want to free the Werewolves?" Michael asks.

"His brother had been turned and he didn't want to kill his brother. But according to Hrolf that is what happened." Lydia explains.

"I never knew." Jarlam sorrowfully remarks.

"No one did until Hrolf revealed what happened before his own death." Lydia told them then changes the subject. "I should also get a few things for her home inside of White Run too."

"You might consider hiring someone to keep it clean and stocked while she is away."

"That is a good idea. But I will have to wait and talk it over with Chrissy until then I should have someone keep an eye on the place until one of us returns and I know just the man for it." Lydia says with a bright smile of lust.

"Why don't we give the list a rest for now as we can work on it when we are done with the barn." Jarlam suggests.

"Sounds good. Hey Michael, how is your leg doing?"

"I can walk on it just not a whole lot."

"Fine you will be the one who holds things for us and hands them to us." Lydia says as she gets up and heads for the door.

The three head out the door to work on the barn. It only took them a couple of hours to finish the barn and move the horses. After fixing the pen they fed and watered the horses.

"Michael, don't you have any livestock?" Lydia asks.

"We had a couple of cows, but they died… Now that I think about it those vampires could have been the ones that killed them."

"When I come back, I'll make sure to get some livestock and see about a livestock dog." Lydia comments.

"We couldn't have a dog." Michael informs them.

"Why?" Jarlam and Lydia ask at the same time.

"Dad didn't like them." Michael explains.

"Would you like one Michael?" Jarlam asks.

"You would get me a dog." Michael beams happily.

"It will be a working dog as it will help to guard the wagon."

"But would it be mine?"

"I don't see why not as long as you don't mistreat it. That means you have to feed it regularly and make sure it has water. Then there is the training."

"I promise except I don't know how." Michael tells him.

"Well, it's a good thing that I know someone in Mark Hall who raises and trains guard dogs."

"Jarlam help me move this cart." Lydia calls out as she tries to move it on her own but realizes she can't.

"Why are you moving the cart?" Michael asks.

"I have to get supplies after you guys leave so I thought I would leave right after you and get it. Do you see anything we can use as a harness for the horses to pull it?" Lydia informs them.

"There is some rope it could work until you get a real harness." Jarlam suggest.

"Would you mind showing me how to set it tomorrow before we leave?"

"No problem. It's getting late. The roast I have cooking should be done by now."

The three headed into the house unaware that they had been observed the whole time.

"That is not the same couple who lived here last time we came through but that is the same boy. Neither one is the being we are looking for. What do you think my friend?" A male voice asks of his companion.

The only response that came was that of intense stare towards the farmhouse below.

"Let us go for we have much to hunt, and they are not what we seek." The gruff voice said to his companion then headed back to the road and continued towards Mark Hall.

While down in the farmhouse the new friends eat, drink, and relax after a hard days' work.

Day 19 Morning – Killing Time

Farm off the Road to Mark Hall

"Lydia what are you going to do with the horses you don't take with you?" Jarlam asks as they head out the door to get both the cart and wagon ready to depart.

"I am taking them with me. They will follow behind the cart and I will ride one and lead the one pulling the cart." Lydia lets him know.

"What are you going to do with them when you get there?"

"Board them at the stables outside of White Run then move them to the farm. Depending on if I can find someone to watch that farm, I may have to bring them back with me." Lydia explains as she feeds the horses that she and Chrissy had gotten from Law of Bounty.

"You could sell them. I might even be interested in them."

"You'll have to talk to my Thane about that she said she wanted to keep them."

"Okay but if you see her before me could you ask her to think of me if she wants to. I am in need of a couple of extra's." Jarlam says as he feeds and waters his own team.

"I will." Lydia answers as she finishes with the watering of the horses.

The two head in to eat and get Michael. After a quick breakfast they get their packs and head outside and harness the teams up and prepare to head in opposite directions.

"I hope to see you guys soon." Lydia says as Michael hugs her.

"I hope so too." Michael says as he tries to hold back the tears.

"How long do you think it maybe before you head back this way." Lydia asks Jarlam.

"That will depend on a few things. First off it may take a few days to adopt Michael then I can't really leave until I have a full load. I am pretty sure I will have one as I haven't been up there in almost two months."

"Where do they keep the stuff when you aren't there?"

"At the local stables. I have a deal with the owner."

"Is it that way at all your stops."

"Yup."

"Where do you service?"

"All over the country. I don't do much business in the wintertime as the weather is too dangerous to travel." Jarlam answers.

"So, I get to go with you all over the country?" Michael asks.

"Yes."

"Wow."

"The road is long and can be hard so I will be teaching you how to survive while traveling. I will also introduce you to many different beings but until they know you let me do the talking." Jarlam says.

"Okay."

Lydia locks the door to the Farmhouse then they head up to the road. Once there they each make for opposite directions while waving goodbye.

White Run

Day 19 Evening – Killing Time

It was almost dark when Lydia finally reached the outskirts of White Run and she had a new respect for all the hard work that it took Jarlam to drive his wagon. Lydia couldn't believe how sore her body was from having to lead the horse that was not only pulling the small cart but the horses that were behind it.

"Lydia is that you?" Skulvar the Stablemaster asks as he walks up to the horse she was riding.

"Yes."

"Where did you get these horses?" Skulvar asks as he pets the red mare she was riding.

"Law of Bounty."

"So, are they for sale?" Skulvar asks as he notices how well they were taken care of.

"My Thane wishes to keep them for now, but I would like to board them for the night." Lydia says as she gets off the horse.

"I have an almost empty stable so no problem. Millram come and stable these horses." Skulvar calls out to his son.

"Are we getting new horses?" A young man about 16 years of age says as he comes out of the stables.

"No, they are just being boarded."

"What about the stuff in the cart?" Lydia asks.

"We can lock it up in the last stall it should be safe there."

"Thanks, I need to see someone than get some rest."

"Good night young house carl."

"Good night Skulvar." Lydia says as she makes her way up to the main gate.

Lydia was quite thankful she had made it to the gate before it was locked, and she was able to enter without any problems. After checking the guard barracks by the gate for Thadmor and not finding him Lydia by passes her Thane's home and headed straight for Dragon's Keep hoping that Thadmor was there.

"Thank the Divines." Lydia mutters when she sees that not only Thadmor was there, but he was speaking to Irlieth. Lydia makes a bee line straight for Thadmor and decides that if her Thane may think that there is a traitor among the people of White Run she must play it like nothing is wrong.

"I wish.." Irlieth is saying when Lydia arrives interrupts the two's discussion by kissing Thadmor.

"Lydia what are you doing here!" Thadmor says as he pulls away in shock at her bold actions.

"I am back at the request of my Thane." Lydia says as she turns and looks at Irlieth.

"Is your Thane here?" Irlieth asks.

"No, she is heading to meet with some friends, but plans have changed, and she needed me to return and do a few things for her." Lydia answers.

"So soon?"

"Yes, she has inherited a farm about a day's travel from here."

"What happened to the owners?" Irlieth asks.

"Vampires kill the owners, but we saved their son from a well he had fallen in. The owners left their place to Chrissy asking her to hold on to it until their son was old enough to have it and she agreed.

"Of course, she did." Irlieth says with a smile.

"The place needs a lot of work and I had returned for supplies and to check on her other places. In fact, she expressly asks I should look at her place outside of town and see if we can hire someone to care for both while she is out and about." Lydia says as she made sure to look Irlieth directly in the eyes when she talked about the farm outside of town. "I should also report that we had to kill some Black Ravens that attack the wagon."

"I see. More law of bounty I take it." Irlieth says while giving her a slight head nod as if to say, "I understand there is more to what you are saying.",

"Yes, some 4 horses and armor. My Thane expressed that I should have you come over and check it out determine who would be the most trustworthy person to care for both." Lydia says but what she hopes Irlieth understood her message.

"Well, I am quite busy but because it is the Dragon born asking, I think can make some time. I do have some training going on over at the Northern Outpost that I must look in on I can possibly stop by tomorrow evening on my way there." Irlieth says as she makes sure it sounds as though she really didn't want to but looked Lydia in the eye during certain words to let her know that she understood.

"When are you off shift?" Lydia asks Thadmor.

"He's off now." Irlieth informs her while giving Thadmor a look saying, "To go with her and get more info."

"Thank you house carl." Thadmor says then leaves with Lydia.

As they are leaving Thadmor starts to ask questions but Lydia silences him by kissing him then quietly saying "Not now."

Throughout their trip to Breeze Home Lydia and Thadmor hold hands and nuzzle each other while playing the couple that is so in love. Once in Breeze home Lydia pushes him away.

"As much as I would love to ravish you right now, I am just to exhausted." Lydia says as she drops into a chair.

"You looked it back up there. Have you eaten?" Thadmor asks as he lights a few candles to see by

"Only dried beef on the way here."

"Just rest there while I'll make you something and get the fire going."

"Thanks. Haven't you been working?"

"Actually, I have had the past few days off due to helping save the jarl." Thadmor informs her while he heads for the wood box and grabs a few pieces out to start the main fire.

"That must be nice."

"I got to visit my family and see my newest Nephew. My sister is one of the best cooks around. It must be exciting traveling with the Dragon Born." Thadmor says as he places the wood in the pit and begins the process of starting the fire.

"You have no idea." Lydia says from the chair as she closes her eyes just a little.

"Why don't you tell me about it." Thadmor says after he has the main fire going, he next sets up the kitchen fire.

"We went to buy some horses to go and find her friend but found out they all had been sold. So, we took the wagon towards Mark Hall. It went quiet most of the first day until the Black Ravens killed one of their own then tried killing us for seeing it."

"How long did they last?" Thadmor asks with a smile as he starts getting out some different cheeses and bread.

"Not even five minutes." Lydia smirks back.

"I remember you said you got some horses from that. What happened next?" Thadmor asks after he gives her a plate full of sliced cheese, fruits and bread.

"Thank you." Lydia says while taking the food she was offered. "There is some black bear mead in the cupboard in the right corner. Have you eaten?"

"Thought I would eat and drink with you if that is alright." Thadmor says as he gets a couple bottles of the mead.

"I would be glad to eat with you." Lydia says as she takes the mead she was offered.

"I should warn you I am not as good as cook as my sister, but I do make a pretty good dinner." Thadmor says as he takes a drink then heads back to the kitchen and begins to make a proper dinner. "So, what happened after the little workout?"

"Jarlam got shot by one of the bandits and Chrissy killed the bandit with that shield of hers." Lydia tells him in-between bites of food and taking sips of the mead.

"No wonder many guards are referring to it as the black shield of death." Thadmor comments as he pulls out some different pots and pans to cook with.

"I know right. Well thankfully Jarlam wasn't hurt too bad, and we headed for the camp site he was planning on staying at. When we got there, we found that the well had partially collapsed in and there was a young boy trapped at the bottom." Lydia says.

"Hope he was alright."

"Yeah, he was pinned at the bottom by the main support bean. Chrissy had to climb in the well to save him."

"I thought she was afraid of heights?"

"That's what I said but she said she feared watching a child drown was worse. It was raining so hard by then, so she went in. We were able to get him out before he drowned. We then took him to his family….. Unfortunately at the time we reached his home vampires were killing his them." Lydia sadly explains.

"Damn… I wonder what we can do to stop all the attacks." Thadmor says while chopping up some onions.

"Have there been any here?"

"No but Irlieth has the guard prepping for them just in case."

"Where else have there been attacks?"

"Rumors mostly of attacks in the outer reaches and far corner of the empire but nothing confirmed in the bigger cities."

"They are keeping a low profile…I wonder why?"

"Not low enough the Dust Rider's are reforming. There has been a guy here recruiting for it the last few days."

"Thought they were just for werewolves."

"Not this group they go after any unnatural creature." Thadmor answers as he puts some spices on the meat.

"Chrissy and I got blessed silver knives that should help to deal with them." Lydia tells him with a yawn.

"I'll let Irlieth know about silver and see if the priest will have them blessed. Did you ever find her friend?"

"Actually yeah. We first had to bury young Michael's parents. We spent the night at his farm afterwards. Jarlam stayed with Michael while we left to find her friend using the horses from law of bounty. We had to get past a village of Pharcry." Lydia remarks in a little awe at what they had done.

"How did you?"

"Before we could we met up with a ghost and she asked us to save her husband who was being held by the Pharcry."

"How were they holding a ghost?"

"He wasn't a ghost just Brana."

How in the world would the even be able to be a married couple if she is dead and he is alive?"

"Oh, trust me they manage, quite well and loud." Lydia laughs seductively.

"I'll take your word for it but between you and me I prefer the living." Thadmor says with a wink at her. "So how was she still around?"

"She swore to her Goddess, she would serve her in death as in life. They built their home upon her goddess sacred land and the tombs of her ancestors."

"How did you get past the Pharcry?"

"Chrissy mixed some powder and bat shit. She meant for it to just blow up a cave entrance so they couldn't sneak up behind us." Lydia starts to laugh at what happen.

"What happened?"

"It caused an avalanche that took out almost the whole village." Lydia explains to which Thadmor spits out his drink in disbelief.

"Damn who didn't she kill?" Thadmor asks as he wipes his mouth.

"A couple of Hag Ravens. But we did kill them. Freed Halvar. Halvar, Chrissy and I then went on to rescue Sexy. We found the main part of his body outside of the entrance to the home of the Dark Ones. We thought he was dead, but it turns out we needed to get the rest of his parts to save him. And yeah, you guessed it the parts were in the home of the Dark ones."

"How could he still be alive and in parts?"

"It turns out he is a type of metal horse."

"How is that?"

"Not quite sure myself but he looks similar to that of the machines built by the old ones. He has a personality and good sense of humor." Lydia goes on to inform him.

"Why doesn't that surprise me with Chrissy." Thadmor shakes his head as he grills up some meat with the onions.

"Well, before we got all of his parts, we faced off with one of the Olds giant metal guards. We barely defeated it. Almost lost Halvar in the process. Afterwards we got Sexy back together and spent the night at Brana and Halvar house. Oh, wow was that place great! Halvar is a great cook too. In the morning we headed back to the farm but a different way. It took longer but I think it was for the better." Lydia relates then gives off a slight shiver at her next statement. "We stayed the night at Ronick Stead.

"I heard that's a quiet place."

"For now."

"Why do you say that?"

"It's protected by Stockers."

"That's not good."

"No kidding. It seems that they are limited by the boundaries of the land. Or else they would have killed the vampires. Just obey the rules of not harming anyone who lives there or bothering the stocker and you should be fine according to the Ronick family."

"That is good to know. Here try this." Thadmor says as he hands her a plate of food.

"This looks good." Lydia says as she starts to dig in and he sits down next to her with his own plate of food.

As the night continued Thadmor tried to ask as to why she needed to speak with Irlieth but Lydia would shake her head no and move the subject to something else. Later in the evening Lydia fell asleep in her chair and Thadmor picks her up and takes her upstairs. He was about to put her to bed in her room when she woke up and said that she wanted to sleep in Chrissy's, and he could sleep in hers as she wanted him to stay but no sex. Thadmor agrees and places her in Chrissy's bed while he went to sleep in hers. Neither one was aware that they had a small visitor in the back bedroom that had heard everything. When this little being was sure the adults were sleeping it snuck out to the kitchen area and grabbed up a little bit of the extra food Thadmor had made then made it's way back to the room on quiet feet.

Day 20 Morning – Killing Time

Breeze Home White Run

Lydia wakes to the blacksmith banging away and she shakes her head as she does her eyes see a plate of food and a note waiting for her.

Lydia,

I had guard duty this morning. Enjoy the meal and I'll see you this evening at the farm with my house carl.

Thadmor

Lydia smiles at the jester while eating the still warm food. After her normal routine of cleaning herself with a wash rag then she gets dressed for the day. She felt it was best to keep her armor on as her plans would take her to tent city and from what Thadmor had told her last night it wasn't very safe even though the guards were doing their best to patrol the area. There just weren't enough guards to prevent all the stuff that was happening as the city kept getting bigger and there wasn't enough work, food, and decent living space. It didn't help that there was a criminal element trying to control the persons who were residing there. Lydia's first stop was to Battle Maiden Blacksmith shop and Adrianne.

"Lydia you are back quite soon." Adrianne says as she greets her friend.

"Yes, more law of bounty and a new place for my Thane." Lydia replies with a smile.

"Where is your Thane?"

"Off to see a friend. I have the armor and weapons in a cart at the stable if you have the time to look."

"Ulfberth would you mind watching the outside shop."

"What for?"

"Lydia is back with more."

"I am thinking with all the business we are doing you should hire an apprentice." Ulfberth remarks as he comes outside.

"I have told you now is not a good time." Adrianne remarks.

"Yeah, I will but I have to close the inside as I can't watch both." Ulfberth grumbles as he comes outside.

The two women chat while on their way to the stable but stop short of it as they hear a ruckus coming from there and don't want to disturb them.

"As I said before these horses are not for sale." Skulvar loudly tells a short, bald man.

"Skeevers." Adrianne cusses unlike herself.

"What is it my friend?" Lydia asks in concern.

"Thane Valdrin." Adrianne hissed under her breath in disgust.

"Maybe we should…" Lydia starts to say.

"Then who do they belong to? I want them." Thane Valdrin demands.

"They belong to Thane Chrissy." Skulvar says as he sees Lydia coming down and Valdrin sees Lydia.

"There is no Thane Chrissy. These horses look stolen." Valdrin snaps.

"They are from law of bounty." Skulvar says as he points to Lydia. "Yes, there is and there is her house carl."

"That's no house Carl that's just a servant." Thane Valdrin sneers as he barely glances at Lydia.

"This is the House Carl of Thane Chrissy the Dragon Born. I suggest you treat her with the respect she is due." Skulvar sieves through his teeth as he tries to keep his composure.

"A woman is the Dragon Born what nonsense is this. What have you been drinking?" Thane Valdrin disgustingly laughs.

"He speaks the truth Thane Chrissy took the head of a dragon just a couple of days ago." Adrianne spoke up as her hand tightened on the morning star she was carrying.

"Really where is the body?" Thane Valdrin snaps back as though that in itself was proof that they were fools.

"The jarl has had it taken to the keep. As not to scare anyone." A guard says as he and several other guards approach the group then gets up into Thane Valdrin face and dangerously warns, "Do not ever doubt that Thane Chrissy is the Dragon born for we are alive today because she killed that dragon with her shield."

The guards look to Lydia and as if to ask "We can stay if you wish?" To which she just shakes her head as if to say. "No, I am fine you may go." And they roughly push past the Thane on their way up to the gate. Each one of the four guards giving him the stink eye as they go by.

"Well, where is this so-called Dragon Born? I want those horses." Valdrin demands as he steps back away from the guard.

"They are not for Sale." Lydia informs him.

"Then why are they here if they aren't for sale?"

"I am stabling them for few days then they will leave with me." Lydia coldly states as her hand aches to grip her sword.

"Where is your Thane. I'll speak to her about it." Valdrin arrogantly demands.

"She is not here and has left them in my care until she returns." Lydia flatly states.

"When will she return?" Valdrin smugly requires.

"When she is ready." Lydia frigidly retorts.

"Why do you even want them you have your own and your carriage?" Adrianne questions as she looks over to where his expensive carriage stood.

"I need a fresh set." Valdrins answers.

"Why?" Lydia inquires.

"That is none of your business. Skulvar get my carriage ready I will just have to use mine."

"No." Skulvar coldly replies.

"What did you say to me?" Valdrins indignantly demands.

"I said No." Skulvar retorts.

"How dare you!" Thane Valrins screams out.

"Those horses are under fed and in no condition to travel while pulling a large heavy carriage like that." Skulvar coldly explains as he points to some very skinny horses in a pen who look like they were on their last legs of life.

"They are my horses I can do what I want with them." Thane Valrins indignantly informs the stablemaster.

"I don't care I will not partake in the harming of animals like that." Skulvar replies.

"Milfred!" Valdrin barks.

"Yes, my Thane." An older warrior with an eye patch over his right eye and in dark leather armor, toting a short sword walks from around the corner of the stalls.

"Go get the horses ready to leave." Valdrin orders.

"We cannot leave yet."

"I gave you an order."

"I am a skilled warrior not a carpenter or blacksmith and the carriage wheel was damaged..." House Carl Milfred informs his Thane.

"What? I don't remember the wheel being damaged."

"You were a pit drunk."

"Oh right,. Why isn't that fixed?"

"I have been busy getting your home more suitable for you to live in." Milfred answers. "Which do you wish for me to do first?"

"Both." Valdrin huffs as if the answer was obvious.

"Why are you in such a hurry to leave didn't you just arrive from Winter Helm?" Skulvar remarks which only causes the Thane to stomp off back to his home inside White Run.

"Take your time on the wheel." Milfred quietly tells Skulvar which both men giving a knowing look in agreement as Milfred hands Skulvar a hammer and chisel with an impish grin, then begrudgingly follows his thane.

"Don't think I'll be able to get to it for a couple of weeks." Skulvar says with a mischievous smile.

"Why did he come back?" Lydia asks.

"I have no idea I just wish he had stayed gone." Skulvar says. "It's a shame Milfred is stuck with him. What can I help you ladies with?"

"Lydia wants me to take a look at the stuff she got from law of bounty."

"Last stall and here is the key. I need to tend to those horses."

"Skulvar, I can fix that will and tend to the horses for you." A young man asks hopefully.

"There is no hurry on that wheel, and I can take care of the horses myself." Skulvar sadly tells the boy.

"Are you sure. I just need a little work." The young man almost begs but he looks back at a child not too far from him and stops.

"I am sorry Turkon but I don't have any work for you right now."

"Hey, aren't you the blacksmith I was an apprentice under Hilldren. If you need one, I am a fast learner." Turkon asks.

"Not at this time." Adrianne answers which cause Lydia to look at her as if asking "Why not?" Adrianne runs a look that says . "I don't want to talk about it right now."

"Okay, if you need anything just let me know."

"Do you know how to do stonework?" Lydia asks.

"My father used to do it."

"Is he with you?"

"Yes, but his leg is broke."

"Can you show me any of your work?"

"I have some Hinges and nails I made." Turkon says as he pulls a couple of nails and hinges from the box that was next to him.

"Not too bad." Adrianne remarks as she glances at the quality of the work.

"Do you know how to use them?" Lydia asks at hearing her friend's remark.

"Of course. House Carl." Turkon answers.

"I am in need of some extra hands for the next day or so. Depending how well you work it will start at 50 gold a day per person I work. Are you interested?" Lydia inquires as she looks him over carefully taking note of the burn and calluses that all blacksmiths had.

"Yes ma'am. My wife can clean if you are in need of a maid. And I have two strong young boys who can help." Turkon quickly informs her.

"I will start with just you and your boys right now we will see about the rest later." Lydia says and is about to order him to come with her when she hears his stomach growl loudly. "When was the last time you and your family ate?"

"My family ate last night." Turkon honestly answers.

"But you did not?" Lydia states.

"My family first." Turkon confirms.

"No one can do a decent day's work if they aren't fed take this 20 gold and get you and your family a decent meal then be back here in an hour ready to work and bring the boys as they might be useful." Lydia orders.

"Thank you, House Carl. My sons and I will be back in one hour." Turkon smiles as he walks over to a young boy who looks like him.

"Do you think you will see him again?" Adrianne asks.

"If I don't than I am only out 20 gold and you will know he is a thief for sure but if I see him again, I will have a good worker and maybe even a whole family of workers for my Thane." Lydia answers with a smirk. "Now about the stuff from the law of bounty."

"I could always offer him more money if he proves as good as you think he maybe." Adrianne teases then goes to look at the stuff Lydia had brought.

True to his word Turkon returned in the hour to find the women in the stall just finishing their transaction. When Lydia saw him, she became concerned as she saw one of his eyes was swelling and had a fresh cut on it.

"What happened?" Lydia demanded as she saw too that one of the boys too had a fresh red mark on his face.

"I have returned like you requested." Turkon replies while not looking at her.

"You and your boy were not hurt when you left. I repeat what happened?" Lydia clarified.

"Ma'am I am here to work the days you offered. That is all I can say." Turkon replied as he tried to hold his tongue.

"Fine but why is your stomach still growling?" Lydia asks.

"I said I can work." Turkon firmly states.

"Answer the question or there won't be any work." Lydia warns.

"I can't. I am sorry. Just please put us to work." Turkon this time begs.

"Tell her daddy." The little boy urges.

"Shh Marus." Turkon hushed the boy.

"Close the stall doors." Lydia commands in a tone of voice that left no room for argument and Turkon does.

When the door was close Lydia's hard expression becomes soft when she next speaks. "Marus is it?" The boy nods. "Why can't your father tell me?" Lydia gently asks.

"Because he was made to promise not to." Marus quietly mutters.

"Did you make that promise?

"No."

"Then you can tell me."

"Jarden and his men threaten to hurt us if daddy told." Marus answers.

"I'll inform the guards." Adrianne growls out as her expression screamed that she wanted to beat the men herself.

"You can't it's his word against ours and he works for a Thane." Turkon warns.

"A Thane allows that." Adrianne remarks to which Turkon just slightly nods his head. "Damn."

"Tell us everything." Lydia orders.

"Why?" Turkon asks.

"So, we might know how best to deal with what is happening." Lydia replies.

"You can't." Turkon warns.

"Just tell us." Adrianne urges.

"Fine. I purchased some food with the money you gave me and went back to my family. Jarden was there for his protection money and was bothering my wife. I tried to stop him and that's when he saw the fresh food and demanded it and to know where I got it. I am sorry I had to tell him." Turkon says as looks at the mark on his son's face.

"Go on." Lydia encourages.

"So, I told him that I am working for you for a couple of days. He wants to know everything you do and what there is." Turkon relays. "I think he is going to try and steal from you."

"When are you supposed to meet him?" Lydia asks.

"Tomorrow evening. But if I don't show he'll hurt my family." Turkon replies in haste.

"Who all is in your family?" Lydia inquires as she leans against the stall wall.

"Myself, my wife Kara, my oldest son Marus, second son Solonm and my only daughter Jennro , and my father Tohmas." Turkon answers.

"Damn that would be too many to try and get out all at once with Jarden running a protection gig." Lydia remarks.

"What is a protection gig?" Adrianne asks.

"You pay them or something bad happens and they call it Protection." Lydia spits out.

"That can't be legal." Adrianne remarks.

"It's not. To stop them we need proof and witnesses. I am betting they are threatening people to keep quiet." Lydia interjects.

"How do you know that?" Adrianne asks in disbelief.

"One of my former owners was like that." Lydia sadly says.

"It is worse than that Jarden is Thane Valdrin house call." Turkon informs them.

"I thought Milfred was his house carl." Lydia comments.

"Milfred is his White Run house carl. Jarden is his Winter Helm house carl." Turkon explains.

"Crap." Adrianne grumbles.

"How is he a Thane in both places?" Lydia asks.

"How didn't you know?" Adrianne asks in disbelief.

"I thought it was just a rumor. I didn't know you could be a Thane in a multitude of Holds."

"In most holds all that is needed is for you have just done something grand for the people and a few other tasks." Adrianne explains.

"What did Valdrin do to become a Thane?" Lydia asks and wonders how many more things were true that she believed where just rumors.

"He fought in the war and helped with the deal to end the war." Adrianne answers.

"That's it?" Lydia says as she shakes her head.

"He did give a lot of money to help restore the House of Healing." Adrianne states.

"Have you been to the House of Healing?" Lydia asks.

"No?"

"Just go and see for yourself." Lydia insists.

"Okay. I think he has family in Winter Helm and Jarl there made him a Thane to try and convince our Jarl to join in the Storm Cloaks rebellion." Adrianne explains.

"How do you know that?" Lydia asks.

"Thane Valdrin has been trying to get my father to sway the Jarl to join the Storm Cloaks." Adrianne answers.

"Why would he think that your father would do that?" Lydia suspiciously asks.

"They are old war buddies." Adrianne sheepishly admits.

"You see there is nothing that can be done as they have a Thane and Jarl steward protecting them." Turkon sorrowfully admits. "And now my family is as good as dead with you being his daughter."

"No, I would never tell him." Adrianne vows.

"So, we have a Thane who is the Dragon Born and I trust Adrianne."

"Is she here?" Turkon hopefully asks.

"No but her allies are." Lydia answers with an evil smile.

"What have you got in mind?" Adrianne wearily inquires as the look on her old friend's face unnerves her.

"An idea but I need to talk to some people this evening. Do you think your family will be safe until tomorrow.?

"Yeah, one of his lackies reminded him about them not getting their cut from someone he hadn't heard from in a while." Turkon tells them.

"Did you hear where?" Lydia asks.

"Towards the Old Towers out east." Turkon remarks while pointing in the direction he believed them to be going..

"If it's those bandits they are dead." Lydia laughs.

"How do you know." Turkon demands.

"My Thane killed them a while ago." Lydia just continues to laugh along with Adrianne remembering hearing about it.

"Turkon why don't you and your sons take the items Adrianne bought to her shop you can use the cart and one horse." Lydia instructs.

"That shouldn't take too long." Turkon remarks as he glances over at the piles of items.

"Draw it out. About in hour I want you Marus to go and get your family. All of them and have them meet me at the house next to the blacksmith shop. Be loud that I need your whole family okay.

"Okay. But what if I am ask what you want them for?"

"Just say grown up stuff." Lydia says with a smile.

"Okay."

As the group leaves the stall Skulvar calls for Lydia.

"Hey Lydia, I need to show you something about your horse." Skulvar says as he is over at one of her horses lifting it's leg.

"What is it?"

"Come here and look at her foot." Skulvar remarks.

"I am not seeing anything." Lydia says after a few moments of looking at it.

"There is nothing wrong just pretend that I am telling you there is. That low life has been trying to get me to pay too and he has ears everywhere so if you are going after him count me in. Don't worry I made sure no one else overheard you talking." Skulvar informs her to which Lydia plays along.

"What about your friend Milfred?" Lydia quietly asks.

"He knows and doesn't like it, but he can't disobey his Thane you should know that." Skulvar retorts which causes Lydia to nod her head in agreement.

"Do what you must for all of the horses I trust your judgement. I will pay for the arrangements when I get the horses later tonight." Lydia loudly says then heads over to the group after reaching them they make their way up to White Run.

"You are lucky you made it to White Run with this rope tack." Turkon remarks as he moves the horse up the walkway.

"Jarlam is the one who set it up."

"Well, he did a good job for a day it won't last much longer you should invest in some good tack."

"That is on my list anything else?"

"This cart really is too small for this horse. You could either get a bigger cart, or a smaller animal to pull it. If you have the coin, you could do both."

"That is something to think about." Lydia remarks as they unload the cart.

"Marus would you please stay with the horse and cart while we take these in." Lydia instructs.

"Yes, ma'am."

Lydia and Turkon take the items to the Battle Maiden shop and drop them off.

"Hey Adrianne, would you by chance have any harnesses?"

"No but the Leather smith should."

"Know of anyone who might have a cart for sale?"

"Yeah, but you're not going to like it." Adrianne says with a shiver of repulsion which clearly tells Lydia who it is.

"Oh great… I guess it won't be that bad."

"How can you say that?"

"I won't have to stop my Thane from killing him." Lydia dead pans causing Adrianne to laugh.

"Do you know of anyone who is selling some farm animals?"

"Not really you could try the farms on the way there."

"Thanks." Lydia says as she takes her coin from Adrianne and heads for the Leather smith first. Once she made her purchase, she sends Turkon out with it to put it on and has one of his sons fetch the rest of the family while she deals with the sleaze bag. As she is about to go into his shop Adrianne shows up.

"What are you doing here?"

"Someone has to keep you from killing him." Adrianne smiles back to which Lydia doesn't argue.

Both women almost killed him when they learned that he had gotten the wagons for dirt cheap from different families in the tent city when they had to sell them to feed themselves. He was lucky that there were too many witnesses, or they would have. Lydia agreed to meet him down at the stable to look at a wagon later that day. Lydia than leaves to meet with Turkon and his family at Breeze home.

"Smart group." Lydia thinks while watching from a distance the group waiting for her outside of Breeze home. "They have lookouts if I hadn't been used as one as a kid too, I wouldn't have noticed. The only thing that is giving them away is they are too still and to alert a little more practice and no one would know." Lydia is a little impressed at how the boys had placed themselves on the opposite sides of the group like they were keeping an eye out for trouble. She takes special note that the woman even though she is carrying a child on her hip started pulling the weeds out of the small garden outside of the home although her husband seems to tell her to stop but she didn't. Lydia smiles while walking towards the group until "Damn I didn't even see him" berates herself as had missed seeing the old man in the shaded corner of the porch and the only reason she saw him was that she heard a light snap of fingers from one of the boys and the man stood up.

"We came like you asked." Turkon says as he sees her approaching.

"Not out here." Lydia says as she goes up to the door and unlocks it. Remembering the warning about verbal invites from her Thane, Lydia just opens the door allows for them to go first. She does note the old man's look of approval at her action. Lydia did notice that something was slightly off as there were more children inside the building then he said he had but she would wait and see.

"What did you do with the horse and cart?" Lydia asks when the door was closed.

"They are back at the stable and the new tack is locked up with the items you didn't sell." Turkon answers.

"Good. And whom do we have here?"

"This is my family that consist of my wife Kara, my oldest son Marus, second son Solonm and my only daughter Jennro, and my father Tohmas." Turkon points to each member of the group except for a little girl in the corner by the kitchen with a panicked look on her face.

"And who is she?" Lydia asks which causes the little blonde girl to run for the back bedroom but is tripped by the tip of Tohmas's walking crutch that he sent sailing just as she started to move.

"Not one of mine. I thought she was yours or your Thanes." Turkon remarks as he silently instructs his sons to grab the girl.

The blonde girl tries to get up but is held down by both of Turkon's boys. They only lessen their grip when she starts crying. That move allows her to run for the back room again but instead of the room she runs into Lydia who grabs her by the shoulders and demands. "Who are you and how did you get in here?"

The little girl just pours on the tears until Lydia calls her out on it by saying. "I could do better than that by the time I was seven winters. So, unless you want to go and visit the guards, I suggest you answer my questions. Now."

That immediately causes the girl's fake crying to stop and her to look Lydia directly in the eyes and clamp her mouth shut.

"A nice ass whooping usually works well." Tohmas's off handily remarks as he hops over and picks up his walking crutch.

The little girl just gives him the evil eye until Lydia starts to marcher out the door while saying "Guards it is then."

"My name is Lucy, and I am an orphan." The girl says as she pulls against Lydia but doesn't get free.

Lydia just gives her a look to continue to which she does. "I have been hiding in this place because it was the safest as it had been empty for so long." Lucy explains.

"What happened to your parents?" Kara asks after she looks at her own daughter.

"Killed by bandits on our way here. I only got away because my mom told me to run, and I did."

"How long ago?" Kara inquires as her motherly instincts kick in.

"About a year."

"You have been living here for a year and no one knew?" Lydia remarks.

"How did you eat?" Kara asks.

"People don't usually notice a kid when they are with other kids. So, during the day I would hang out with other kids. Sometimes they would invite me to eat at their house. But most times I would have to sneak food out of gardens or other places that people won't miss it that much."

"True."

"Were you here when my Thane was here?"

Lucy just nods her head.

"What about when the people of White run cleaned up this place."

"I helped and made sure they didn't find my way in." Lucy answers it was at this point her stomach growls and Lydia notices that she had been cooking some food.

Lydia tried not to look impressed at the girl's cleverness, but failed just a little as did Tohmas. "What were you cooking?"

"Just warming up what was left from what your boyfriend made. You should keep him he is a good cook. But you two are a bit loud." Lucy remarks causing Lydia to blush a little. Kara heads over to the kitchen area and prevents the food from burning. She then proceeds to cook lunch for everyone by adding more of the food and taking note of what was needed in the house.

Lydia decides not to say a word about the woman's action just yet. She thinks that this would be a good test of her cooking skills.

"Why didn't you go to the Jarl?" One of the boys asks.

"We used to live in Riften. I had been friends with some kids at the orphanage until they went missing." Lucy answers with a look of horror.

"You mean got adopted?" Kara asks.

"No went missing for arguing with the lady who ran it. Micah was one of the kids that went missing but his body was found in the canal. They say he drowned but if he did it was because of all the broken bones he had." Lucy sadly says.

"You are not saying that…" Kara shock fully asks.

"She is mean, and do I think she is mean enough to do that. YES! That jarl won't listen to anyone who complained about it. So, I figure the jarl here is the same and I am not going into some orphanage."

"He is not the same. Him and his men saved me from slavers."

"What are you going to do with me."

"I'll wait and see what my Thane says as this is her home you broke into. Until then you will stay with me. If you try to run, I'll send the guards and have them take you to Riften. Do you understand?"

"Yes ma'am." Lucy answers as she drops to the floor and Kara gives her some food.

"My Thane has given me permission to hire some people to restore a farm a day's travel west of here. Jarlam says you are persistent. So, I am willing to hire you on a trial bases, but I cannot hire you fully for a few reasons." Lydia says pauses for a few moments to gage his reaction. She takes note he appears happy for a moment but concerned them and that is when she continues. "One is the criminal will follow you so I will talk to a few people I know to deal with it. Second My Thane has final say on if you can stay. Prove your worth and I am sure she will have you stay."

"What kind of work are you talking about?" The old man asks.

"What are you good at?"

"I can build things if some criminals don't break my leg."

"He did that?" Lydia asks.

The old man just nods.

"Would you be willing to be a witness against him?"

"It would just be my word against his and he has powerful friends."

"Think about it for now. The farms need building and black smith work done on them along with cleaning and maintenance."

"So, none of that funny adult stuff my grandson said?"

"No sir that was just for others to hear." Lydia answers.

"Smart lady." The old man smiles while he mutters under his breath "Too bad." As he gives Lydia the once over.

"Turkon I am to meet the merchant in a little while to look over a better wagon I would like your opinion on it." Lydia says.

"Of course."

"Ma'am I see that there are a few things that need to be done around here if you won't mind, I could clean the privy cloths, change the bedding and see about stocking your food." Turkon wife speaks up.

"Start with the cleaning I want someone to escort you to purchase the food. So, wait until we return." Lydia says as she finishes the food she had been offered. "I have a list of items that may be needed for the farms. I want you to look at and see if there is anything it might be missing?"

"As I don't know what is there, I will do my best." Turkon says as he takes the list from Lydia.

"This is a good list… Is there a forge there?"

"No."

"If would be best to have one that way we won't have to wait for supplies I could just make them."

"Put the items you need on the bottom, and I will think about it."

"A few bags of lime would be a good idea." The father suggests to which Lydia looks at him as if to ask why.

"It's good building material for stonework." Tohmas's answers.

"I have to head out to the farm in a little bit. Why do we go to the market first and get the food items you think we will need." Lydia remarks to Kara. "Tohmas would you mind fixing the window in the back bedroom?"

"How?" Lucy asks, looking up at her in surprise.

"You ran straight for that room, which makes it the most likely way you got in. If you got in that way someone else can too and I don't want any uninvited guests anymore."

"Double lock from the inside that can only be opened from the door should do it." Tohmas's remarks.

"Do you have everything you need for it?"

"I could use a few items from the blacksmith."

Lydia tosses him a few smaller items from the law of bounty at him. "Trade for what you need. And if you can get any of the items on the list with it, do it."

"Yes ma'am."

"You boys are to resume your other duties."

"Huh?" The family asks.

"Keep an eye and ear out but take a hint from Lucy." Lydia says as she reveals to them she could tell.

"You want us to break into places?"

"No act more like kids not lookouts." Lydia explains.

"Okay."

"So, you want me to teach them?" Lucy asks.

"No, you are expected to always be at myside." Lydia firmly states.

"Yes, ma'am."

The women head to the market while the males do their job. A few hours later Lydia and the women returned with arm loads of baskets full of food and find that the males just didn't fix the one window but every window.

"I only ask for the one." Lydia tells him.

"You would have been shorted if I used those items just to do one. As it is I have an order of planks coming to make some shudders with."

"Those are easy to break through."

"Not with my design and the way I put them in."

"Real, how are they designed differently than others and how are they put in?"

"Most people put wooden shutters on the outside to protect the glass. My shutter design is wood on the outside while you have wood back with metal on the inside. So that when close the inside shutters metal locked into place."

"Wow, are you expecting an invasion?" Lydia asks but then regrets it as she realized that's exactly what happened at their home. "I am sorry."

"Do you want the farms set up the same way?" Tohmas asks as a way of avoiding the uncomfortableness of her question.

"That is an excellent idea."

"Honey this is a lot of stuff."

"You don't know the half of what your wife got." Lydia laughs.

"Honey, you didn't?"

"I just made sure that each place is set up with food and items to grow their own food." Kara explains.

"Oh no."

"It's okay that is exactly what my Thane was wanting." Lydia calms the worried man. "I have to go and meet the Merchant at the stable. When I have chosen a wagon, I want you to bring what will be needed at the farm outside of White Run and we will load it up into the wagon. While I am gone, I want you and your family to stay here. Do you think your things will be safe if you do."

"I'll just need to get our bed rolls, so we have a place to sleep."

"Fine leave the tent and wagon. But you can use the beds here."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah. Just no sex in the big bed. That is my Thane's rule."

"You mean we get to sleep in a real bed?"

"What about me?" Lucy says as she felt she was losing her bed.

"What did I say?"

"I am to be at your side at all times."

"I'll be right back." Lydia says as she heads out with Lucy following on her heals.

Lydia headed over to the Battle Maiden shop to speak with Adrianne. Luckily, she found Adrianne working outside at the forge.

"Adrianne."

"Lydia, what can I do for you and who is that with you?"

"Adrianne this is Lucy who has been staying at Breeze home for over a year now."

"WHAT?!

"Yup. So, until my Thane returns, she will be staying with me and doing everything I till her to do or I'll have the guards take her to the orphanage back at Riften where she is from. I am having Turkon and his family stay at Breeze home while I am away."

"You want me to keep an eye on things?"

"Yes."

"Anything I should be on the lookout for?"

"I trust your judgement."

"It will cost you."

"What?"

"Depending on how long you are gone I want to hire them to fit my windows like the man wants to do to yours."

"How do you know about that?"

"I saw the designs when he was trying to explain them to my husband. He thought because my husband was a man, he would be the blacksmith." Adrianne laughs.

"I bet you set him straight." Lydia laughs back.

"What they do on their own time is up to them. But I might be having them move to the other farm."

"What about the one here?"

"Thadmor is going to look after it. He likes the idea of sleeping in a quiet house instead of the barracks. His sister has the farm next to it so I might see if they will help keep an eye on it when he cannot."

"Good plan."

"Thanks. See you in a day or two." Lydia says as she and Lucy head back to Breeze home to get Turkon.

With Turkons knowledge and Lydia threating to remove certain body parts from the sleaze they got not just one wagon but two, all the tack and a goat at a very reasonable price.

"What are we to do with two wagons?" Turkon laughs as he watches the sleaze slink back to White Run.

"We use the smaller one for the farm here while the larger and the cart and goat will be used for the other farm and maybe more. Hook the red mare up to the smaller cart."

"Why do say maybe more?" Turkon asks as he gets the mare ready.

"My Thane manage to procure 3 residences in a matter of weeks and only these two where on purpose." Lydia explains while she saddles the grey that Chrissy had rode.

"You think she'll get more?"

"I believe she has plans of traveling and it would be best to have a place to rest in each hold so I won't be surprised. I'll try and be back midday tomorrow try and have as much as of both the cart and wagon ready to go."

"What about my wagon?"

"Do you have horses to pull it?"

"I had some Oxain but…" Turkon explains but stops as he finished hooking up the horse and got in the wagon to steer.

"He took them for payment. Are they still alive?" Lydia answers for him as she got on the horse.

"Yeah, has them on a farm not far from us but if we try and see them…"

"I get it. Let's get this one packed and ready to go." Lydia says.

Small Farm outside of White Run

Day 20 Evening

The group spent the next hour packing the cart. When that job was done Lucy rode with Lydia as she didn't know how to ride or steer a wagon. They arrived just before the sun was setting to a waiting Irlieth and Thadmor.

"It's about time." Irlieth rebuted.

"And when I tell you why it will be worth the wait. Would you two help us take this stuff inside?" Lydia tells her.

"Who's this?" Thadmor asks as he sees Lucy clinging to Lydia.

"This is Lucy, and she is my shadow until my Thane decide what to do with her." Lydia says as she unlocks the door.

Lydia goes in first and stumbles around for a few moments while she lights a couple of candles. Everyone is quite surprised at how nice the place is on the inside.

"I am surprised no one tried to rob this place?" Lydia comments as she sees all the belongings of the previous owner still there.

"He had a ward put on it." Irlieth answers.

"That must have been pricy." Thadmor let out with a whistle.

"The door won't open without the key." Irlieth answers.

"That's good to know."

"Where do you want these?" Thadmor asks.

"Let's put them in there for now. That is unless it's food that can go in the kitchen area." Lydia says as she takes a quick look around the first room that consists of a large open living room which merged into the kitchen. She notices a large bedroom to the left and a storage room to the right. "Lucy you are to start the fire in both the living room and the stove in the kitchen."

"Yes ma'am."

It didn't take them long before the wagon was unloaded, and animals were tended too. They all sat down close to the fire and was served a platter of sliced bread, cheese, and dried meats. Lucy also made sure there was mugs and a pitcher of water for them.

"Was that all you needed, or did you have a real reason to meet me away from the court?" Irlieth asks after she polished off her water and poured another.

"Chrissy and I discover this." Lydia says as she pulls out the knife with the mark of the Dark Hood. "Chrissy didn't know what she took off the bandit at the lair of the guy who tried to kill the jarl until just the other day."

"Is this what I think it is?" Irlieth remarks as she looks at the knife.

"The Dark Hood." Thadmor confirms as he too sees the mark.

"You think that they were the ones hired to kill the Jarl?"

"Don't know the bandit could have gotten it another way but we both thought you should be aware."

"This was very important as it could mean that there still could be a contract on the Jarl."

"There is something else."

"What?"

"I hired a family who is being forced into paying protection money. The thing is the one they have to pay protection to is a certain house Carl from Winter Helm. The house Carl will be coming tomorrow evening to collect the money and information on what I have purchased and anything else they can tell them. I believe he is going to try and rob my thane."

"Can you prove this, and do you have witnesses?"

"We have been hearing similar rumors, but no one is willing to come forward and anyone who talks to us ends up either getting hurt or dead." Thadmor reports.

"There is not much we can do without evidence or witnesses. But I do have an idea that might be able to provide both that is if the family is willing to help." Irlieth remarks with an evil smile.

"Tell me what your plan is and I will let him know. I plan on moving him and his family out to the other farm so he will be safe."

"Good but he will not need to be a witness with what I have planned. Thadmor tomorrow morning I want you to gather at least twenty of the most trusted guards and have them dress as peasants."

"You want to set them up." Lydia says with a smile.

"No, they will just be made to feel safe to reveal their true nature." Irlieth smirks.

The group discuss into the evening their plans and eat until Thadmor and Irlieth go to leave for the night. Before they do Thadmor takes Lucy who had fallen asleep on a small chair and places her in a guest bed in the large bedroom.

"Sorry you can't stay here or at Breeze home, tonight." Lydia says as Thadmor goes to leave.

"It's okay. I can handle a night or two at the barracks. Though I do miss our time together." Thadmor says as he kisses her deeply before leaving.

"Lucy is right he is a keeper." Lydia mutters to herself as she locks the door and heads for bed.

Day 20 Evening- Killing Time

White Run Stewards Chambers

"Thane Valdrin to see you sir." A male servant says as he enters the stewards' chambers then Thane Valdrin dramatically enters by flipping his long unsightly fur covered cloak with Milfred in tow.

"Thane Valdrin I am surprised to see you." Steward Avenicci Proventus schools himself to greet the Thane and reluctantly embraces the man.

"Avenicci my friend." Thane Valdrin boldly remarks as he embraces the steward then poured himself some of the steward's wine. "The stablemaster refused to ready my horses then there was something of a bad wheel on the wagon." The last comment made the steward look at Milfred who just gave him a look as to say, "Don't ask." While Valdrin droned on. "You know he Jarl of Winter Helm would never allow such a disrespect of his Thanes by such lowly rifraft. Thane's are permitted to deal with them however we see fit."

"So, a broken wheel is what I owe the pressure… I mean pleasure of your company to." Avenicci remarks as though someone was running nails down a chalk board.

"Actually, I was hoping you could tell me more about this new Thane. As she has somehow acquired horses when no one else can." Valdrin says after he finishes his goblet of wine then pours himself another.

"I was unaware that she had returned."

"She hasn't but her tart of a housecarl has." Valdrin says as he wipes his mouth from the wine then proceeds to drink some more.

"What did she say about the horses?" Avenicci asks first of Valdrin who was too busy drinking his wine to answer so he looks to Milfred.

"The stablemaster said they were from Law of Bounty." Milfred informs him.

"I heard that from the Jarl Balgruuf housecarl that Thane Chrissy and her Housecarl had killed some Black Crows. That must be where she got them from." Avenicci remarks as he puts away his paperwork.

"Really you are telling me that a couple of women killed some bandits?" Valdrin retorts. "I think they may have stolen themselves and said it was from Law of Bounty."

"I would be careful what you say as these Nords consider her a Dragon Born. And I do know that even before she became a Thane. Thane Chrissy killed the bandits at Bleak Falls Barrow. She brought me the paperwork from the Town. Those people there don't take kindly to liars." Avenicci warned then went on to reveal. "It was her and her housecarl that also took out the bandits and slaver at the Silent Moon Camp. They also freed all the slaves."

"What?!" Valdrin spit out his drink as fear covered his face for a moment then he demanded. "When? Why wasn't I told!"

"Just before someone tried to assassinate the Jarl. Which Thane Chrissy killed the first assassin while a former slave killed another." Avenicci answered while studying the man's reaction without him noticing then quietly asks. "Why would you care about slavers and bandits being killed?"

"Well,,. Umm…" Valdrin studders then corrects himself. "I like to hear when bad things happen to bandits. "They deserve it. So do tell me more about this killing spree that this newest Thane has been on."

"Thane Chrissy has killed bandits, a dragon but I also found out through the companions that she killed a Giant that she didn't take any payment for killing." Avenicci says as he pours more wine in Valdrin goblet then turns and pours water into his own. "Is that why you seek to leave so soon after your arrival. Considering when you came you told me you would be staying for some time."

"I came to check on my holdings here and there were….in okay shape I thought it best to get back to Winter Helm as the court there just doesn't do well without me." Valdrin began to ramble on about how wonderful Winter Helm is which only caused Milfred who was standing behind him to roll his eyes while Avenicci schooled his annoyance.

For the next several hours Valdrin dulled on about how wonderful Winter Helm was while also not so slyly inferring how White Run would be better un someone's like his rule.

"Ifff …I… was…" Valdrin slurs then drops his head to the table to which Milfred checks him.

"Is he?" Avenicci asks.

"Just passed out like usual." Milfred answers.

"Finally." Avenicci mutters with relief.

Milfred directs Avenicci to the other room and away from the now snoring Thane.

"I am glad to hear that the attempt was stopped." Milfred says all the while watching the man in the other room making sure he wasn't faking being drunk as he knew how sneaky the man was.

"I understand what it took for you to warn me of his possible plans. But do you have any solid proof of it."

"No just what I heard."

"What is his actual hurry to leave?"

"Not sure but he really got upset when he found out that the assassination failed. He has been pushing his men rousting and upsetting the refugees even more lately. They are making the refugees believe it's Jarl Balgruuf fault for not doing anything. I even think they have a man down amongst the refugees enticing them with wine while inciting them to do stupid things. And something big is going to happen in the next day or two." Milfred relays.

"You think he?"

"No proof but I don't want to bet the jarls life on it."

"I think it's time I informed the Jarl."

"This late?"

"Yes."

"What about." Milfred says as he points to the drunk Thane.

"Take him back to his house then come right back here. I don't want you to be blamed for what he and his other house carl has done. You have been keeping notes on it haven't you?"

"Yes. He as almost taken everything from the Refugees and he's trying to take from the local shops too." Mildred answers as he walks back into the room with passed-out Thane and lifts him up and over his shoulder.

"Good night." Avenicci says as he heads for the Jarl's bedchamber.

"Night." Mildred says as he walks out with a passed-out thane on his shoulders.

Day 20 Evening- Killing Time

The Jarl of White Run Bedchamber

"That man has the worse.." Balgruuf mutters under his breath as he hastens back to his chambers when he sees Thane Valdrin coming up the stairs that he had been using to sneak out to the local Tavern. "If Thane Valdrin shows up, I am not to be disturbed." Balgruuf orders his guard as he closes the door to his chambers.

"Damn I wanted to have a little fun tonight." Balguuf mutters but stops as a knife comes around his throat.

"I can think of some fun things to do to you." A quiet female voice caresses his ear.

"You won't get away."

"And who is going to stop me?" The female voice taunts only to have the knife taken from her while she is thrown to across the room. The female lands quietly on the bed with a sultry smile of lust.

"Why you." Balguuf says as he throws himself on top of her.

"Oh, it has been too long sense we were tog." The female purred.

"I was surprised to see you." Balguuf smiles down at Olivia who was now pinned beneath him.

"Almost as surprised as I." Olivia says as she flips on top of him and starts to nuzzle his neck while undoing his pants.

"I thought that you were going to try and kill me when I saw you but instead you saved me." Balguuf says as he pulls her body closer to his member.

"It is against the Black Hood's rules to kill a Jarl for war isn't good for us." Olivia purrs as his fingers slide down her back to her tail.

"And here I thought it was because we fought in the war together." Balguuf smiles at her while stroking her favorite spot.

"That too." Olivia purrs in delight as she shoves down his pants to reveal his arousal.

"Are you here just for this or more?" Balguuf says as he pushes his manhood up against her.

"That and more…" Olivia says as she meets his thrust. "So much more."

"Such as." Balguuf says as he slightly pulls out making her whine at the loss.

"I have to kill someone." Olivia tells him as she tries to push him back in her.

"Who?" Balguuf says as pulls out even more.

"The one who tried to hire us to kill you." Olivia informs him and is rewarded with a hard thrust deep into her causing her to moan in pleasure.

It was a few hours later and Olivia was getting dressed to leave when there was a banging on the door. Olivia hides in the shadows of the door with knife in hand.

"What is it?" Balguuf calls out.

"Your Steward wishes to speak with you." The guard announces.

"Enter. This better be important."

"I have grave news my Jarl I am afraid that one of your Thane's may have been the one behind the assassination attempt. And that same Thane maybe trying to replace you in another way within the next day or two?" Avenicci says after the door is closed behind him.

"I think I may know who, but do you have any proof?" Balguuf asks as he sits in his bed.

"No."

"Do you know how?"

"Only that he plans on using the Refugees to cause an uproar."

"How we have given them a place to stay away from the war." The Jarl demands.

"Yes, but it seems that the Thane has had his men taking the stuff from them and blaming you. I am afraid with your Housecarl and most of her men gone there is not enough guards to stop a riot if it breaks out." Aveniccie warns.

"I will think on this you may go."

As Aveniccie turns to leave Balguuf remarks. "Be sure to thank Milferd for his help." The steward is slightly surprised at his remark but leaves closing the door behind him.

Olivia slinks over to Balguuf and quietly says. "Your Thane is the one I must kill."

"I ask that you wait until he is out of my hold as it might start a war."

"For you I can do that. But from what I have heard from the slaves he plans having the Refugees to attack the gates."

"Why? I have not done anything to them?"

"His people have been shaking them down then there is someone amongst the refugees blaming you."

"If I am to remove him as Thane I must have proof."

"I have an idea and it requires you being very dirty." Olivia purrs into his ear.

"Tell me."

Day 21 Morning -Killing Time

Farm outside of White Run

"Wake up we have work to do." Lydia says as she kicks the bed Lucy had slept in.

"What? Huh?"

"Eat this. Then we have a house to take inventory of and items to put away." Lydia orders as she shoves some food into Lucy's hand.

After eating they set off to work on the chores that needed to be done. By the time mid-day had come the house was cleaned, inventoried, stocked on food and firewood. They ate the mid-day meal while getting ready to leave. Lydia wanted to be back long before dusk as that is when the fun was to begin if Turkon agreed. The two were on the road to White Run, by no later than an hour after they had finished eating. Lydia made sure to have the Stable Master take care of her thane's animals then headed up to Breeze home. She found a very nervous family waiting for her with a smiling Thadmor in peasant clothes.

"It's okay this is Thadmor."

"Her boyfriend." Lucy says which makes them relax.

"I' thought you said he was a guard?

"I am."

"Then why?" Turkon asks as he points to Thadmor's appearance.

"Nice to know my extra work on looking like everyone else done there works." Thadmor smiles.

"Irlieth the Jarl's house carl has a plan to catch Jarden in the act if you are willing to help. You won't have to be a witness." Lydia explains.

"If I do it him or is men might come after my family."

"You and they will be moving to the farm I told you about if you want the job."

"If my family is safe, I'll do it."

"Okay here is the plan. You go to your tent and pretend everything is normal but try and get him to expose what he is doing and planning on doing."

"What will that do?"

"My self and 10 other guards will be hiding among the other refugees, and we will just happen to overhear. If he tries anything say the word "Refuge" and I and the other guards will step in. We also have 10 more guards on standby ready to move at a moment's notice. Irlieth will also be bringing several guards from the North Tower."

"Do all those guards know what's going on?" Tohmas asks.

"The ten with me know as they fought alongside The Dragon Born when we against the dragon. Irlieth has been trying new training methods and trying new tactics. Tonight, is supposed to be night training."

"Smart." Tohmas remarks.

"Where will my family be?" Turkon worriedly asks.

"They will be staying here." Lydia says.

"What if he asks where they are?" Turkon wonders.

"Tell who ever asks that they are staying here at my request." Lydia answers.

"What if they ask other questions?"

"Until we nail these guys if anyone asks stick with the truth but stay vague." Thadmor tells him.

"That's a good plan. Except what about his Thane?" Tohmas remarks from his chair.

"With 10 guards' word and the Jarl's house carl and the Dragon Born's house carl as witnesses against him I think we'll be able to at the very least have Jarden and his men removed permanently." Thadmor answers with a big grin.

"Wish you could go after the Thane." Tohmas remarks.

"You think he is involved?" Lydia asks.

"Think… I know. I have seen him collecting protection money from his house Carl right after he got it." Tohmas states. "But I can't be a witness."

"We would have to catch him in the act and then that may not even be enough." Thadmor explains.

"What would it take?"

"In the very least several Thane's catching him in the act but he would need proof before he would even consider arresting him." Thadmor answers.

"As long as he doesn't come after my family I don't care."

"He tries and he is as good as dead." Lydia retorts.

"You can't kill a Thane."

"Not me. My Thane. She doesn't put up with that kind of shit." Lydia says causing everyone to look at her strangely. "Her words not mine but I agree."

"When are you supposed to be there to meet him?"

"This evening but I better get there before."

"Then let's go." Thadmor says as he directs him out.

"Be safe." Kara tells her husband with a kiss goodbye.

"You too."

"I have a couple of guards watching this place so if they try anything." Thadmor informs him.

"You thought of everything." Tohmas says with a smile.

"No, it was a team effort." Thadmor replies as they leave.

Lydia stops and turns to Lucy. "You are staying here too."

"What? I thought I was to be by your side at all times."

"I am giving you an assignment here."

"What?"

"Keep an eye out for trouble and get a guard if there is any." Lydia instructs her.

"Okay."

Tent City outside of White Run

Day 21 early evening -Killing Time

The group head down to tent city and get into place. Lydia hides inside Turkon's family tent behind a large box they were using as a crib for the child, while Thadmor takes an old blanket and lays under an abandoned broken cart not too far away. Thadmor makes sure he can see the area, but no one can tell who he is or that his weapon is ready just in case. Thadmor is pleasantly surprised that even he has a hard time spotting them. If they hadn't gone over the plan in their attire, he may not have spotted them. Each was dressed differently, and none were wearing any visible guard clothing. Some of his men even muddied up their robes to look old and used. Others went the extra mile and applied dirt and mud to their faces. Some were like him hidden in the shadows under blankets while others were closer huddling around fires pretending to pass around a bottle of wine but was a bottle of warm cider. He didn't like how many people were out here that could get hurt. He was glad that his men for the most part had kept most of the people away from this area. Unfortunately, they hadn't been able to move some of the older couples or the Cat Merchants who had arrived that day but there was little he could do know as it could happen tonight, he just have to do his best to keep it contained.

Turkon keeps busy by placing items into his wagon. When a hand on his shoulder startles him and he drops the box with it almost landing on his foot.

"Hey sorry man. Didn't mean to scare you." A man says.

"It's okay Jonna. I was just focused on my work." Turkon replies as he picks up the box and starts to put it in the wagon.

"Looks like you have a big job without your boys.. Say where are they? I haven't seen that beautiful wife of yours around for bit either." Jonna asks as looks towards the tent.

"She is up at our new employer's home."

"Really you found work? Where? Think you can get me on?" Jonna suspiciously asks.

"I found work for a Housecarl for the next couple of days, but I don't think I can get you on as it is temporary." Turkon answers. "Anyways I thought you found a job."

"No I haven't.. Why do you think I did?" Jonna hesitantly replies.

"Not me my dad said he thought you had a job because you never seem to be without. Unlike the rest of us." Turkon points out.

"What are you saying?" Jonna defensively questions.

"You know I've been looking for work, but you won't tell anyone about the job you have."

"I don't have a job." Jonna snaps back.

"Really then where do you keep getting all that wine you been handing out from? Or are you stealing it?" Turkon harshly questions.

"I am not stealing." Jonna profusely denies.

"Then where is all the wine coming from?" Turkon asks as he puts himself between the tent and Jonna.

"Why do you care you have a job and by the looks of it you are packing to leave even though you don't have way of moving your wagon." Jonna argues defensively.

"I am leaving unless you know of a job here, I can do." Turkon rebutes.

"How are you leaving you don't have horses?" Jonna demands.

"The Housecarl has agreed to help us leave that is unless you know of work I can get here?" Turkon counters as he starts to pull boxes out like he hopes there is work.

"I thought I heard that you were supposed to report to Jarden about what that new thane has." Jonna comments.

"How do you know about that?" Turkon harshly retorts.

"I just heard is all." Jonna replies with is hands up.

"Yeah right. Not like I haven't seen you hanging around Jarden and his men." Turkon snaps.

"What are you saying."

"What I am saying is that you are giving people wine and complaining about the Jarl all the while hanging around with Jarden and his men." Turkon says as he puts the stuff he had taken out back in. "You sound like you are trying to start trouble for the Jarl I don't want any part of. In fact, I don't care if you know of work, I am leaving in a couple of days. So just leave me be." Turkon loudly reasons.

"It won't be soon enough." Jonna scoffs as he walks off.

When Jonna was out of ear shot Turkon quietly asks. "You heard?" To which Lydia response with a soft knock on the box and Thadmor by putting his hand out in a fist and makes a knocking sign as if it was a human head nodding yes.

It was a short while later when Turkon sees Jonna return but with Jarden his men he drops the box he was lifting and mutters "This isn't good."

"What's not good?" Lydia quietly asks.

"There are double the number of men with him plus his Thane." Turkon hushly tells her.

"Just stick with the plan." Lydia says as she silently wished her own Thane was there.