A/N: This was originally going to be two chapters, but I thought they were too short so I merged them into one. Also, It kind of sucks. Sorry 'bout that. The next one will be better, I promise.

Learning

Aila's eyes fluttered open. As she sat up and looked around, she saw that she was back in her room, in the Ratway under Riften. She tried to remember how she got there. She remembered being in Kathryn's arms. She was carrying her back to Riften. Aila had to admit, being carried wasn't all that bad. Kathryn was warm and soft, and the gentle swaying motion as she walked was soothing. Aila remembered beginning to feel drowsy. She must have fallen asleep, and Kathryn carried her back to her room.

Aila swung her legs over the side of the bed and winced at the sharp pain in her foot as a result of the movement. She slowly stood, gripping the bed frame for support. Little by little, she made her way across the room until she reached the door. She pulled it open and looked out into the hall. Kathryn was in a chair, just a little ways away, with a book in her hands. When she noticed Aila, she set the book down and came towards her. "Hey, what are you doing? You should be resting," she said.

"I'm not tired," Aila responded.

"Even so, you shouldn't be walking around with your foot like that. Come on." She led her back into her room and set her down on the bed. She took Aila's foot and started to unravel the bandages. "I picked up a healing spell while you were sleeping. I don't know why I didn't know one before."

"Is that what you were reading? A healing spell?" Aila asked.

"No, that was a ward spell. I bought along with the healing spell."

"Did you already learn the healing spell?"

Kathryn nodded.

"How long was I asleep?"

"Twelve hours, nearly," she told her. "And you deserve the rest. You've been through a lot."

Kathryn loosened the last of the bandages and held her hand over the wound. "This may sting a bit." A soft glow formed in her hand, and Aila's wound began to heal. It didn't sting, like Kathryn said. It itched. A lot. It took an incredible amount of willpower not to scratch. When at last Kathryn said, "There," and removed her hand, Aila's own hand went to her ankle and scratched. The relief was delightful. "How does it feel?" Kathryn asked.

Aila flexed her ankle. "Better," she said. "Much better."

"Good. Now let's do your arm." Kathryn sat next to Aila and removed the bandages on her arm. As she healed the wound, Kathryn said, "You know, you never told me how you got this cut."

When she heard those word, the memory of how she got the wound came rushing back to her. When she had fought with Aringoth… when she… she… "I killed him."

Kathryn blinked. "What?"

"I killed him. I… he… he attacked me… and… and…" Aila felt tears start to flow from her eyes.

"Aila, calm down," Kathryn said. "Just tell me what happened."

Aila took a deep breath and tried again. "I was looking for the safe and I was caught."

"Who caught you? One of the guards?"

Aila shook her head. "Aringoth. I… I tried to tell him that we just wanted to know why he stopped paying the Guild, but then he attacked me. I tried to fight back, but he was… I managed to get away, and I grabbed my bow, but he came at me again, and I panicked and… and…" She choked on her words and started to cry openly.

Kathryn put an arm around her and consoled her. "It okay, it's alright. It was an accident, you didn't mean to do it."

Aila held onto Kathryn as tightly as she could as she cried. After a long while, her grip loosened and her cries became faint sobs, and then her attitude abruptly changed. She stopped crying and released her hold on Kathryn, wiping away her tears. Her look became less of one of sadness, and more somber.

Kathryn questioned the change gently. "Aila? What is it?"

"Why am I always crying?" Aila said, more to herself than Kathryn.

"That's not true, you don't always cry."

"Yes I do. I was crying when I came to Skyrim, and I've been crying ever since. I'm just a weak, pathetic, little crybaby."

Suddenly Kathryn stood and placed herself in front of Aila, putting her hands on her hips. "Aila, I am sick and tired of you acting like this," she said almost angrily.

Aila looked at her in surprise. "W-what?"

"You're always depreciating yourself and never giving yourself any credit. You're not a crybaby, you're not pathetic, and you're most certainly not weak. You've killed a dragon, for Mara's sake!"

"That... I just got lucky," Aila said.

"It takes a lot more than luck to kill a dragon."

Aila looked down at her lap, feeling too ashamed to speak.

Kathryn seemed to relax a bit, letting her hands drop from her hips with a sigh. "I just... I just wish you would have a little more faith in yourself."

"I'm sorry."

Kathryn looked at her softly. She placed her thumb and forefinger on Aila's chin and lifted up her head, so that she was looking directly into her pearly eyes. "You don't need to apologize."

Aila stared her at for a long while. Kathryn was so good to her. She didn't ever think she could ever express how grateful she was for her. But that wouldn't stop her from trying. She grabbed ahold of Kathryn and pulled her into a deep kiss.

Kathryn followed her example eagerly. She sat on Aila's lap and wrapped her legs around her waist. They broke the kiss only for a moment, so that Kathryn could slip off Aila's tunic. Kathryn's lips grazed along Aila's neck, causing her to gasp softly. "Kat," Aila whispered. "I want you."

"You have me," Kathryn said, before climbing off Aila's lap and standing in front of her once again. She started to strip down seductively while Aila watched. As her clothing disappeared piece by piece, Aila felt her cheek reddening. An act that seemed to amuse Kathryn. "You blush so easily," she said as the last of her clothing was thrown to the side. "How may times have you seen me naked?"

"I can't help it," Aila said. "Your just so..."

"Sexy?"

"I was going to say beautiful, but sexy works too."

Kathryn laughed and held out her hand. "Come here, you."

Aila grabbed it and Kathryn pulled her to her feet and up against her body. Once again, Aila was reminded of just how warm Kathryn was. When she wore clothes, her heat was dulled a bit, but still noticeable if anyone cared to pay enough attention. But when Aila felt her bare skin, it sent her heart racing. It didn't seem to matter how many times Aila had seen her like this; she still got nervous every time.

Aila stared up at Kathryn's silver eyes and marveled at them. The space between their lips dissolved and they were locked into a kiss once more. Aila's hand glided along Kathryn's body, starting from her shoulder, down her back, around her hips, eventually finding its way to her private areas. Aila felt her shiver at her touch. She smiled inwardly, happy that she could make her feel as wonderful as Kathryn made her.

Suddenly, Kathryn pushed Aila away from her and on to the bed. Aila briefly wondered why, until she saw the roguish smile on her face. "Now, this isn't much fair, is it?" Kathryn said.

"What isn't?" Aila asked her.

"I'm standing here, naked as a newborn, while you're still almost fully clothed."

"You're right," Aila said, filling her voice with feigned guilt. "I've been so unfair to you. How can I ever make it up to you?"

"Oh, I can think of a few things." Kathryn walked toward Aila and knelt down in front of her. "You can start by taking off these." She took ahold of Aila's trousers and pulled them down over her legs. "That's a bit better. But we're still not quite there." Her arms went behind Aila's back, tugging at her breast-band.

As Kathryn pulled the rest of her smallclothes off, Aila decided she'd had enough. "This is taking too long," she said and pulled Kathryn up on the bed with her. She would make it up to Kathryn in her own way.

"There's something I think you should know," said Kathryn.

"What is it?" Brynjolf asked.

"The owner of Goldenglow, Aringoth? He's... well, he's dead."

Brynjolf blinked in surprise. "Oh? May I ask how?"

"There's not really much to tell. He attacked Aila, she fought back and... well, you get the idea."

Aila looked down at the ground, half hiding behind Kathryn, not wanting to see his reaction.

"Hmm. Well luckily for you, this won't affect your job performance."

"It won't?" Kathryn asked. "Why not?"

"Maven would've preferred Aringoth alive, but if it came down to it, she could've easily found a replacement for him. I would've told you before, but I didn't think it would be necessary. But now that we know that he sold Goldenglow, it doesn't matter either way."

"Aringoth sold Goldenglow?" Aila asked. This was news to her.

"Oh right, I forgot to tell you," Kathryn said. "That piece of paper we found in the safe was a bill of sale. It said that Aringoth agreed to sell Goldenglow."

"To who?"

"We don't know," Brynjolf said. "There was no clear recipient. Just an odd symbol."

"What did it look like?"

"See for yourself." He reached into his armour and pulled out the paper. At the bottom of the page, Aila saw a symbol with the depiction of a dagger. "I don't suppose you know what it is?" Brynjolf asked.

"Nope," Aila said. "Never seen it before."

Brynjolf sighed. "I didn't think so. Well, I've got to get back to work. Good to see you're well, Aila."

He started to leave, but then Aila called out to him. "Brynjolf, wait!" He stopped and turned. "Would... would you consider yourself to be the best swordsman in the Guild?"

"Me?" Brynjolf laughed. "No. That would be Mercer."

Aila would never ask Mercer what she was about to ask Brynjolf. And she doubted he would ever agree. "Besides Mercer, would you say you're the best?"

"Hmm... well, I don't like to boast, but I suppose I am."

"Can you train me?"

"I'm sorry?"

"Can you train me?" Aila said again. "I want to get stronger."

"Aila, I don't think I can..."

"I've already had some lessons. When I was in Whiterun I learned a little about swordplay, but I want to know more. Please? I'm tired of being so... weak."

Brynjolf looked at her blankly for a moment before letting out a sigh. "Meet me in the training room tomorrow afternoon."

"Oh, thank you Brynjolf, I promise you won't regret it!"

"I'm sure." And with that, he took his leave.

"So," Kathryn said after he left. "Training."

"What?" Aila asked. "What's wrong with wanting to get stronger?"

Kathryn smiled and put an arm around her. "Absolutely nothing. You're taking more control of your life. I'm glad."

Aila smiled back. "Well, if you're happy, I'm happy."

"Then in that case, I'll try to be as jubilant as possible." Aila laughed, and Kathryn laughed along with her. "Come on," Kathryn said. "Let's go get some jobs. I'm trying to save up for an invisibility spell."

"An invisibility spell?" Aila said as they made their way out of the Cistern and to the Ragged Flagon.

"Yep. You can see how useful that could be. Unfortunately, it's very expensive. Probably uses up a lot of magicka too."

"I'm sure you won't have a problem learning it."

"We'll see. Vex!" Kathryn ran over to Vex, asking if she had any jobs, while Aila went to Delvin.

He was sitting down at a table with a flagon in his hand. Aila took the seat across from him.

"Now there's a lovely sight," Delvin said as she sat down. "Here for work, I assume."

"That I am. And don't call me lovely."

"Why not?"

"Because you're old enough to be my grandfather. It's weird."

Delvin chuckled. He reached into his armour and pulled out a scroll. "Let's see. I got a number of jobs here in Riften. I also got a few up in Shor's Stone, if you're interested."

"Shor's Stone? Where's that?"

"About a day's ride north of here."

"Let's just stick to Riften for now."

"As you wish." He scanned through the scroll a moment before speaking again. "So what would you like? Fishing? Numbers?"

"Just give me whatever. Anything to fill out the rest of my day."

"The whole day? That's quite a bit of work."

"I just need something to take my mind off... something."

"You mean Aringoth?"

Aila stared at him for a moment. "I literally just told Brynjolf minutes ago, how did you find out already?"

Delvin shrugged. "Word travels fast."

"A little too fast, I think."

"Yes... Listen Aila, I know killing isn't exactly in your nature, but it's something you're going to have to get used to. Like it or not, we're thieves. These things happen."

Aila let out a sigh. "I understand."

"I mean, take the Dragonborn for example. He has to kill to survive."

Aila's ears perked up at the word dragon. "Who?"

"The Dragonborn. You haven't heard? The news has been spreading across Skyrim like wildfire."

"Heard what?"

"The Dragonborn's returned! The nordic hero of legend. I'm not a Nord myself, so I don't know much about it, but supposedly, he can absorb a dragon's soul and harness their power and use it for himself. Though, I heard he's not much of a hero. More of a mercenary. Some Redguard, I think."

"Dragonborn," Aila muttered under her breath. Her mind was racing. Absorbing a dragon's soul. That was exactly was she had done. Or at least it was what the strange man in her dream had said she had done. Aila stood abruptly. She left Delvin and made her way to Kathryn.

"Aila," Delvin called out to her. "What about your job?"

Aila ignored him and pulled Kathryn, who was still busy talking with Vex, away from the Ragged Flagon and to the other side of the room, where they could talk more privately. Nearly everyone in the Flagon was looking at them, but that didn't matter. As long as they couldn't hear.

"Aila, what on Nirn is it?" Kathryn asked with a slight look of worry on her face.

"What do you know about the Dragonborn?"

"The Dragonborn? Some Nord hero, I think. And I think it has something to do with the Empire too. I don't know, I'm not a Nord, I don't pay attention to their legends. Why do you ask?"

"Delvin just said he's returned. He said that the Dragonborn can absorb a dragon's soul use their own power."

"Really? That's amazing. But I still don't understand why you pulled me back here."

"Don't you see? That's what happened. When I..." Aila stopped herself and looked back toward the Flagon. She didn't want anyone but Kathryn to hear this. She opened up the door and pulled Kathryn into the small room that was just before the Flagon. She hadn't been in this room in a while. There was a secret entrance to the Cistern hidden in Riften's graveyard. Since the joined the Guild, they rarely entered the conventional way.

Aila shut the door behind them. "When I killed that dragon. That... thing that happened with the lights and me healing."

"So you're telling me... that you think you're the Dragonborn?"

"Kat, I have no idea what I am. I don't even know for sure what race I am."

Kathryn exhaled. "How do you know that's what happened? How do you know that you... absorbed it's soul?"

Aila took a deep breath and let it out. "During Goldenglow, when I was unconscious, I had a dream... or... or a vision, I don't know. But, I saw that man again. The one I told you I saw after I killed the dragon. He... he told me had power. And that I needed dragon souls to unlock that power."

Kathryn massaged her temples as she thought. "To be honest, I didn't believe you when you told about the man. I thought you were just hallucinating, or something."

"Well, do you believe me now?"

Kathryn was silent a moment before speaking. "I think so. As crazy as it sounds, it makes sense."

Aila looked at her. "It does?"

She laughed slightly. "If your really are the Dragonborn... or a dragonborn at least, then yes it does. But I still don't understand something."

"And what's that?"

"Who is the man you keep seeing? How does he fit into everything?"

Aila thought about it. "I don't know. Whenever I think about him, I get all confused. He looks young, but my mind tells me he's ancient. I don't even know how that's possible."

"What, is he a vampire?"

Aila shook her head. "No, I don't think so. That doesn't seem right." Aila went silent, lost in thought.

After moment or two Kathryn broke the silence. " We're going to have to talk more about this. But for now, we have work to do. You pulled me away just as Vex was giving me details on my job."

"Yeah, I guess now really isn't a good time. The next time you see the Court Wizard, could you ask her if she has any books about the Dragonborn?"

"Of course."

Aila smiled at her. "Thanks. Oh, and one more thing?"

"Anything."

"Could you not tell anyone about this?"

"I thought you would say that. I don't really know why you don't want anyone to know, but I won't tell." Then she pulled Aila close and cupped her cheek with one hand, while the other rested on her waist. "I promise." She planted a kiss on Aila's lips.

Aila's eyes involuntarily fluttered close, and a soft moan escaped her. "What was that for?" she asked after the kiss broke.

Kathryn smirked at her. "Aila, you pulled me into a secluded room where we'd be all by ourselves. You can't expect me not to take advantage of that."

"But I thought you said we had work to do."

"Work can wait a bit."

And wait it did.