Frost

Aila woke early the next morning for no other reason than to be with Kathryn longer. Although it wasn't entirely intentional, after it happened, it seemed like a good enough reason. She had missed the feeling of Kathryn's heat so much. It was euphoric

They laid together for a long while, taking about the events that transpired while Aila was away. Kathryn told her how she worked practically day and night to earn enough money to keep her place in the Guild. She told of how she finally mastered the Muffle spell and how incredibly useful it was. She could jump up and down and not make a sound. Her exited talk of magic made Aila wish she was any good at it.

Aila told Kathryn how she had to go down under Honningbrew meadery and poison a vat of mead. As well as how a crazed man attacked her down there and she found another set of strange writing. She also told of how Aela caught her stealing and the dragon attack. She asked Kathryn if she knew what a Shout was.

"A Shout? Um... Is that some sort of trick question?"

"No," Aila said. "Aela told me that I used a shout when I was fighting, but she didn't explain what it was."

Kathryn thought for a moment. "Hmm. Well, I guess it sort of sound familiar. Something the Greybeards do, I think."

"The Greybeards? Who are they?"

"A bunch of old guys up in the Throat of the World. I don't know You'll have to ask a Nord, I don't pay attention to this stuff."

"Mmm... I'd hoped you'd know more. Oh, well. I'm just happy to be back in you arms.

Kathryn smiled and kissed Aila on the forehead. "And I'm glad you're back. Oh! That reminds me." She jumped up out of bed.

Aila watched her with interest. "What is it?" she asked.

"You'll see. But first, close your eyes."

"What? Why?"

"Just do it. It's a surprise."

"Okay, fine." She closed them.

"Good. No peeking."

"Yeah, yeah." Aila heard Kathryn looking through a drawer or a cabinet for a moment before coming back and sitting behind her on the bed. She felt a cold metal touch her chest and around her neck. Then Kathryn wrapped her arms around Aila's waist. "There. Now open them."

Aila did so and looked down at what Kathryn placed around her neck. "Oh, Kathryn... This is beautiful." She held up the necklace so she could see it better. It was made of gold, with a large emerald in the middle and alternating rubies and sapphires circling around it. "This... This is just... Where did you even get this?"

"I made it. Sort of. Actually I just found all the materials and got Madesi to make it. Flip it over."

Aila did so and saw that there was and inscription on the back. She read it aloud. "'For Aila, the love of my life.' Aww, Kat... this is just wonderful. I love it." She turned to face Kathryn. "I love you." She leaned in and gave Kathryn a kiss.

"I wanted to apologize for not being able to go to Whiterun with you," Kathryn said after they broke apart.

"You don't have to apologize. And you definitely didn't have to get me this to do so."

"I know. But still, I felt bad about it. Besides, it looks good on you."

"It's beautiful," Aila said. "Thank you."

"Always."

They talk far a while longer, and Dawn crept closer. Soon it was morning and time to get up. Aila and Kathryn both dressed in their Guild armour and went out to the Cistern. At the moment, there were only two people in the Cistern. Mercer and Brynjolf. When the two noticed their arrival, Mercer said, "Well, you're back. I'll notify Maven of your return." while Brynjolf walked up to them.

"Aila!" he said. "Such a pleasure to see you again. When did you get back?"

"Late last night," Aila answered. "I was pretty tired, so I just headed straight to bed." With Kathryn. And there was very little sleeping involved. She kept that thought to herself. "Is Delvin up yet? I have something for him."

"I believe so, aye. In the Flagon, as always."

"Alright, thanks." She waved to him and headed to the Ragged Flagon. Delvin was in his usual spot breaking his fast. "Heads up!" Aila said, tossing the ring to him.

Delvin turned just in time to see her throw it, and managed to catch it before it went sailing past him. "Aila," he said. "You're back. And you've brought the ring. Wonderful. Out of town operations are always more lucrative, you know. And that means more gold to you. Here you go." He reached into his armour and pulled out a rather large coinpurse. Aila took it and stuffed it into on of her many pockets. "You're really making a name for yourself down here," he continued. "Bringin' in a lot of money for the Guild, too."

"I'm just doing what I'm told," Aila said.

Delvin chuckled. "Well, you're doing better than anyone else has for a long time."

Kathryn stood behind Aila and clasped her shoulder. She smiled when Aila looked up at her. "I told you you're amazing. Also, Mercer wants you to be at the inn as soon as possible. Maven'll meet you there.

Aila remembered how she was late the last time she was to meet with Maven. She stood up."I'd better go now then." She grabbed Kathryn's hand and said, "Come on," and pulled her along with her. She didn't notice the puzzled look on Delvin's face when they grabbed hands.

Together they exited the Ratway and went to the inn. Just before they entered, Kathryn stopped. "You know... I think I'm going to wait for you out here," she said.

Aila looked at her. She wasn't looking any better than the night before. If anything, she looked worse. The circles under her eyes had darkened and she was very fidgety, as if she was anxious about something. "What for?"

"Oh, Keerava doesn't really like me in her inn. Plus, I can smell the food from out here and... Well, I'd just rather stay out here."

Aila knitted her eyebrows. "If you're hungry you can just go inside and eat."

Kathryn shook her head. "No, I just... I'd rather wait out here. Go on in, I'll be here when you get back.

Aila looked at her with concern. She stepped closer and cupped her cheek. "Kat... Why don't you go back to bed? You look... tired. To say the least."

Kathryn smiled and held Aila's hand. "I'll be alright. Besides, I always have trouble sleeping when you're not around."

"Like the last couple of weeks?"

She nodded.

Aila sighed. "You're so stubborn. Just don't overexert yourself or anything."

Kathryn kissed Aila's hand. "I promise. Now go on, Maven may already be inside."

As it turned out, she wasn't. Maven didn't turn up for at least another half hour. Aila found that incredibly annoying. Sure, Aila was late for their first meeting, but she had made up for that when Maven made her sit in silence for an hour. Besides, Kathryn had said as soon as possible.

When Maven did show up, Aila muttered, "Finally."

Maven didn't seem to hear. "Ah, you're here," she said. "I was afraid would have to wait for you like last..."

"Look," Aila interrupted. "I did what you asked." She pulled a letter out of her armour and presented it to Maven. "Just pay me or whatever so I can go."

Maven glowered at her dangerously, but Aila didn't care. After sitting in boredom, she wasn't exactly in a good mood, and she wanted to spend as much time as possible with Kathryn.

"Very well, then," Maven said, taking the note. She unfolded it and read. "Hold on... There is nothing here that indicates who the supplier is. Just this odd symbol."

"Yes, that symbol. I've seen it before. " Aila struggled to remember for a moment. "Oh, right! It was on the Bill of Sale for Goldenglow."

"Was it? Interesting. And yet I still have no clue as to who is trying so hard to hurt my business."

"Hey, It's not my fault that's all there was. And I put Sabjorn out of commission like you asked."

"Yes, I suppose you did. Here, take this." She handed Aila a piece of paper.

"What's this?" Aila asked.

"Your reward. Your job requires you travel occasionally, does it not? Then I think you'll find this useful."

When Aila read the paper her eyes widened and she turned and dashed out of the inn. Kathryn was waiting for her outside. "Oh, Aila. How's it go-ahh!"

Aila grabbed Kathryn's hand and dragged her along behind her. "Where are we going?" Kathryn asked."

"To the stables!"

"The stables? Why?"

"Just come on, you'll see."

They were just past the gate when Kathryn stopped suddenly. "Aila, maybe I shouldn't..."

"Shouldn't what? Oh, come on, you have to see what Maven gave me," Aila said excitedly.

"But..." She was silenced again by Aila pulling her along.

Then something strange happened. As they neared the stables, the horses there went wild. They whinnied and reared on their hind legs. They tried to run but the stables kept them in place. The Stablemaster tried to keep them calm with very little success.

Aila heard Kathryn silently curse to herself. "You see, Aila," she said. "I can't go near the stables or else this happens."

Aila looked to the stables and back to Kathryn. "But Why?"

Kathryn glanced away, suddenly looking sullen. "Because, they can smell me, and I smell like a wolf."

"Oh... But... What about the horses we came to Riften on? They weren't scared of you."

"Those belonged the the Companions. They were trained not to fear wolves."

"But..."

"But nothing, Aila. Most don't like wolves. I'm a wolf. That's are there is to it."

The way she said it made her sad, but Aila knew it was true. She looked into her silvery eyes "Okay, then... wait here... I guess."

"Yeah... okay." Kathryn backed a bit further away from the stables.

Aila sighed and headed towards them. When the Stablemaster saw her approaching he greeted her. "Well, hello! Sorry about the horses, they're not usually like this. Probably just some wolves nearby in the wood. Gave them a fright. Don't worry, they never come this close tho the city."

Aila glanced back at Kathryn. "Wolves don't frighten me."

The Stablemaster smiled at her. "Nor should they. Now, is there something I can help you with?"

"Yes." Aila showed him the paper Maven had given her. "I came to see him."

"Frost, eh?" So you're his new owner. I must say, I was surprised when I was asked to hold him for you. I didn't think the Black-Briars would ever give him up."

"Why not?" Aila asked.

"He's quite a horse." He pointed to a white stallion. "That's him over there. One of the finest I've ever seen."

Aila moved closer. She reached out and tentatively pet his head. "Hey there, boy." The horse whinnied and pushed its head into her hand.

"Hm. He must like you. He's not always this friendly. But, then again, Bosmer do usually have a way with animals.:

"You thing I'm a Bosmer?"

The Stablemaster raised an eyebrow. "Are you not?"

"I didn't say that." She certainly wasn't an Altmer. And definitely not a Dunmer.

"Um... Right. Anyway, there's a small fee for holding your horse here. Unless of course you'd like to care for him yourself, in which case, you'll have to buy supplies on your own."

"I think I'll let you handle that for now."

"Right then. I'll bill you every month."

Aila nodded and glanced back at Kathryn. She was watching patiently from a distance. It won't do to have Frost afraid of her. I'll have to train him to not fear wolves somehow.

She realized the Stablemaster was still talking. "Don't expect him to be completely obedient just yet," he was saying. "It may be some time before he gets used to you."

"Oh, don't worry," Aila said. "I have a feeling we'll be great friends. Won't we, boy?"

Frost neighed in response.