Author's Note: Sorry for the wait. This chapter was written, but I had to redo it since I accidentally put it in the wrong document type the first time and the ffn app wouldn't let me post unless I swapped it. I had to do it when I found a (rare) spare minute. (Hence the reason I couldn't post all the chapters at once on Christmas like I originally wanted to.)

This is the last of the Christmas updates, but since it's a New Year you can call this a new years update. (Happy New Years!) After this I'll have to get back to writing more chapters and posting as I finish them. Unfortunately I'm unsure of when the next update will be since I might be a bit busy for a few weeks, but I'll find time to work on more chapters.

For now though; I hope you enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 16: Premonition

The night was dark as they left Riverwood. Thick clouds blocked the night sky; neither moon or star light could reach them. Twas only by the grace of the newly lit lanterns on their belts that allowed them to see their hands afore their faces. The edge of their vision caught sight of undisturbed trees and brush around them. In the distance behind them lay the light of the village, and the warmth that dwelled within. Still they pressed on quietly into the cold night; nary a whisper to be said. A cool breeze whipped about them; and the thicket rustled. They stilled, hands on their weapons, as they eyed the foliage around them suspiciously. A low growl could be heard; followed soon by the tell tale howl of a wolf.

"They come; ready yourself!" The Arisen cried out. With bow drawn she shot a multitude of scatter shots into the darkness. Hopefully their wide girth would hit their unseen enemies. Sounds of whimpers could be heard. A sure sign that not all her arrows had missed their marks. A smile made it's way briefly to her face afore it fell when one wolf leapt out at her from the darkness; tackling her to the ground. "Ugh, get off!" The beast snarled and snapped at her, as she did her best to keep from getting mauled. It's breath was foul, and it's saliva threatened to drip upon her face. Just as she felt she was losing the strength to hold the beast back Kriger cleaved through it with his great-sword. "Thanks, Sir." Said Silva as she got up, and back into the action.

"Don't mention it." Said Kriger. To make certain the wolf was dead; Arliss shot an ingle at it. Kriger gave the mage an annoyed look. "Can you try to leave the pelts intact?"

"Understood." He nodded once afore switching incantations.

"Don't talk. Fight!" Ralof was swinging his axes about the darkness; but the wolves were running circles around him.

"You'll ne'er hit them swinging blindly!" Said Arliss.

More wolves jumped out at them; and were promptly cut down. Still they could hear others still in hiding; just waiting for the chance to make their attack. Just then Arliss finished his incantation, and unleashed brontide. A whip of lightning formed in his hands, and as he swung it out about it's eery blue light illuminated the battlefield, and they could see the wolves. Sounds of whimpers and yelps let out as his whip hit them; and the ones that weren't soon killed were scared off; and ran tails betwixt their legs.

"Nice work; everyone." Said Silva.

Kriger pulled out his knife. "Let's collect the pelts."

Earlier that night Alvor watched as Gerdur called for her husband, son, and suspicious guest inside for supper. A sign that marked that he too should return to his own home. Leaving the forge he took one last glance at his neighbor's home afore entering his own. "They're all in her house now." Alvor said, to the others.

This caught the attention of everyone in his cramped home. While his home was a touch larger than that of his neighbors, it still wasn't meant to hold so many people. The previous night his nephew showed up gravely wounded with a number of other Imperial soldiers who bore an assortment of wounds. Those who were in the best shape had only stopped briefly, and continued on ahead; a couple had stayed a few hours at the inn afore leaving; and those who were injured to the point of needing rest were now using his home as a makeshift sanctuary. These men, and woman had made themselves comfortable and now looked to him able bodied from various lounging positions. Many of them looked eager to travel, but he doubted they would be ready for a fight any time soon.

Hearing his words and seeing the expression on his face the air became serious. Sigrid took the initiative to pull her daughter away from Hadvar, and the soldiers. "Come Dorthe; don't bother your cousin anymore."

"Aww, but mama I was telling Hadvar about the nice man who played with us today." Dorthe whined.

"Next time. Papa has something important he needs to say to the soldiers. Why don't you come help me make a nice quilt?"

Dorthe looked ready to protest, but Hadvar spoke up. "It's okay Dorthe; I won't be going anywhere anytime soon." He sat up in bed, offered a smile and pat her head. There was a slight strain to his expression. The pain of his wounds were still fresh. "And I'm sure this conversation will be boring. You don't wanna be around for that right?"

"Alright." She looked a bit upset, but nevertheless relented. She gave him a hug afore leaving which Hadvar graciously accepted; pained as he was.

No sooner than Sigrid, and Dorthe were out of earshot did they start speaking in hushed whispers. They spoke of what transpired, and they spoke of the strangers. They didn't know what caused the Dragon attack; and they also wondered about the foreigners. They didn't have any concrete answers, but they did have theories; none of which bode well for them.

The dragon was the most unsettling. The massive beast that had attacked Helgen and completely ravaged it in time for Ulfric Stormcloak to escape. That couldn't have been a coincidence. Ulfric was someone capable of using the ancient power of the voice; and they wondered if somehow he was also capable of using that power to summon a dragon. The idea of it being used to wipe out the Legion was a possibility that couldn't be ignored. Just recalling the thing made them shiver. Regardless of whether it was on the Stormcloak side or not it was an ill omen; a premonition of evil to come.

Then there was the three strangers who didn't belong at the scene to consider. The man called Kriger claimed that he had been a citizen of Cyrodiil. Nothing was known of the man yet, but considering he had been captured with the Stormcloaks that had to change even if they didn't think it was as important as Ulfric's escape, or the presence of a dragon. Word had to be sent to Cyrodiil authorities. If he was an escaped criminal then it was best not to let them run amok to join their enemies. Unfortunately it wasn't so easy to travel between the two provinces, and with Helgen destroyed they no longer controlled the traffic between them. They'd have to focus on fortifying Falkreath, but there was a big problem.

The current Jarl of Falkreath was Dengeir of Stuhn; a man who supported succession from the Empire. There was no way he'd allow Imperial presence within his hold. If they were going to be able to use Falkreath as an important strategic location then Dengeir would have to go. Luckily his nephew Siddgeir didn't share his views. If they supported him; they could have Dengeir removed from his position; and replaced with a younger; more willing Jarl. From then they'd easily be able to pass and gain whatever information from the Imperial Capital that they needed.

Finally there was the presence of complete foreigners from a far off land that they'd never heard of. The woman calling herself 'Arisen' and the man claiming to be a 'pawn' whatever it meant were certainly more outlandish than anyone they'd seen before. If what they said about being from this Gransys place was true then that would mean that somewhere out there was another country on Nirn that wasn't under Imperial rule. Their clothing and weapons also appeared to be of high quality so whoever that dynamic duo was had to be at least somewhat important; or skilled enough to be able to afford such things at least. If those two return to their homeland then the first impression that land will have of the Empire will likely not be good considering how the first interaction went. The prospect of another nation deciding to show up and attack the Empire would be a huge problem. The Empire was already fighting a civil war; and if they had to fight on another front they'd be weakened, and easy prey for their so called "allies" the Thalmor who were pushing their way into power on their end.

They knew they had a lot to do with very little time. Before all else spreading awareness of these things was top priority. Those who left first should be well on their way to Solitude to report to their superiors by now. Hopefully Tullius would start to focus on the Falkreath situation. In the meanwhile getting to Whiterun and convincing Jarl Balgruuf of the importance of joining the Imperials in the war was the next step. As of now he's been perfectly content to stay out of it, but with this information maybe they could convince him to finally get involved. Whiterun was the center hold of Skyrim; it would be a huge asset to have that kind of control.

With a plan set the men nodded. Three Imperial men got up; and readied themselves. They were headed to Whiterun, and soon after; Solitude. Two of the men went down the basement to collect another; though this one wasn't wearing the Imperial garb, but the Stormcloak blues. They dragged him rather roughly, and were his mouth not gagged, or his hands unbound he'd threaten to kill every one of them. His long grey hair fell ragged over his face, and made the glare in his reddened eyes look a tad more menacing, but he was a captive. Most of Ulfric's boy's escaped at Helgen, but this one they had managed to recapture. With luck he had information that would be useful to them. He hadn't talked yet, but they had more effective means of getting what they wanted in the Solitude dungeons. Another readied herself to join them, but Hadvar stopped her.

"Wait, Leylia." As he attempted to get up he let out a groan of pain. His wounds were still painful. Back at Helgen; debris collapsed on him and he nearly died. He thought he was dead, but Leylia helped save him. Before he could hurt himself more Leylia gently pushed him back on the bed.

"Don't try to get up." She ordered. "You're still in no condition to be moving." As she turned to go he grasped her hand. "What is it?" She asked. He didn't speak so she leaned in. Her deep brown eyes searched his for an answer, and her long brown hair cascaded down near his face.

"I see, you're still wearing that Amulet of Mara." Hadvar said as he brushed her hair behind her ears.

Leylia turned beet red. "Yes!" She practically leapt backwards. "What of it‽" She crossed her arms, and looked away in an attempt to regain her composure.

Hadvar scratched his cheek in embarrassment. "I was wondering... When the war is over... If you don't find anyone else by then- maybe you'll consider me?" He looked at her face full of shock and sighed. "Ah, sorry. Forget I said anything."

"No!" She jumped forward; grasping his hands with sparkles in her eyes. "You've said it, and I won't let you take it back!" She stood up. "When we win the war we'll finally get to live our lives." She looked forward as if into a bright future over the horizon. A strong smile on her face. She turned to him. "Get well soon; Hadvar, I'll be waiting for you in Solitude."

He laughed. "You have to get to Whiterun first."

"I know. Don't worry." She held up a fist and grinned. "I promise we'll convince ol' Balgruuf to join our cause!" Without so much as another word she took off out the door as if getting to Solitude quicker would hasten their next meeting.

Hadvar sighed. "Be safe," he called after her weakly. Somehow he had a bad feeling. He prayed to the Gods that it was wrong.

The other soldiers had to drag their prisoner to catch up with Leylia. Along the way they wondered aloud about when those two had gotten so close. They whispered rumors of her mixing in an aphrodisiac or love potion into Hadvar's food as she nursed him back to health.

"Seriously‽" Said one of the Legionnaires.

Another nodded. "Yup. Women'll do anything to get the one they want wrapped around their little finger."

"Yeah; they're all secretly witches," said the third. "Every single one of em'."

"Scary," said the first with high levels of disappointment and disillusion.

Just then they were interrupted by Leylia; who they hadn't seen approach in the darkness. "Are you idiots done gossiping?"

The first of them jumped. "Sheesh! Warn a guy next time will ya‽"

Leylia put her hands on her hips, and smirked. "Ha ha, serves you right!"

After this the three lit some torches and continued along the road to Whiterun.

Shortly after collecting the pelts, and continuing on the road; Arliss stopped them again. "Look up there. I can see lights in the distance. What do you think it is?"

Further up the road were indeed the flickering glow of torches. Silva squinted; trying to focus her eyesight. "Looks like Imperials."

"And they've got a prisoner," Kriger pointed out.

Ralof grit his teeth; and was about to jump in. "Let's get em'!" He rushed forward with his axe, but Silva stopped him.

"Hold it, Sir!" She hissed.

Ralof looked angry. "Don't try to tell me to sit this one out!" He growled. "I'm not about to just let one of my brothers be taken to the slaughter if I can help it!" His blue eyes sparked with fury. "I'll fight by myself if I have to."

"I wouldn't dream of it Sir." She crossed her arms. "Tis' a dark night; and we've the advantage."

Arliss nodded. "Lucky thing we saw them afore they saw us."

Kriger furrowed his brow. "I'm not fond of using surprise attacks, but if we get this right we can save him."

Seeing what they were getting at Ralof calmed down. "Alright, I get it." He lowered his weapon and fixed them with a steely gaze. "So, what's the plan?"

Silva smiled. "We start by turning off our lanterns."

Lylia and the other legionnaires felt surprisingly at ease despite the dark night. The torchlight extended not far about them, but they felt assured that it would scare off any dangerous animals that might otherwise attack them like wolves and bears. Most animals feared fire after all. The winds rustled the leaves, but they marched on. An owl hooted, but they payed it no mind. Crickets chirped in the woods around them, and Leylia enjoyed their song.

The wind stilled, but they did not stop with it. The owl hushed itself, but it's disappearance was hardly noted. The cricket's song was silenced; and Lylia missed their tiny chirps. It was quiet. Too quiet. An eery stillness had enveloped them; and they stopped. Something in the air felt wrong; foul. The hair at the back of their necks stood up; and they glanced about warily. They waved their torches about in the hopes that whatever was causing this feeling would soon go away.

Lylia strained her ears for a sound. Any sound would do; the silence was maddening. Faintly she heard something. An odd sound she couldn't place; from deep within the shadows of the woods. It was like nothing she's heard before. A hiss? No, this wasn't a snake. A hum? No that wasn't right either. Even more faintly was a whisper.

"With magic's boon; with darkest blight. Strike the foe with unholy magic."

'What‽' Lylia wondered. Then she heard the sound again. That strange noise appeared as she caught a flicker of something in the darkness. A purple glow that dispersed; for a moment she could swear she saw that same purple glow form the shape of a blade. It was only for a moment before it disappeared into the shadows, but she knew what the danger was. "We're under attack!" She dropped her torch, and readied her sword, but her warning came too late. Beside her; one of her fellow Legionnaires was struck with an arrow. He fell dead, and her other two teammates readied themselves, but were stabbed and sliced by a sword and axe before they could register the enemies that were upon them.

Angry, Lylia retaliated, but she didn't aim for one of the attackers. Her sword cut right through the hostage, and he fell dead.

"No!" Ralof grit his teeth, and charged with a battle cry. She lifted her sword in time to block the attack, but the force behind his swing knocked her back. Tripping over her torch she fell to the ground, and Ralof cut her in half. As she lay dying he could hear her choked sobs.

"I'm sorry, Hadvar."

Hearing the name Ralof's eyes widened. "What?" His voice was a shaky whisper.

"My love-" She coughed, blood dripping down her mouth. "I couldn't even-" She was dead before she could finish.

"I believe we've won," said Arliss as he came out of the brush, and turned his lantern back on.

But Ralof didn't agree. "Did we?" He looked deathly pale, wide eyed, and shaky. Not only did they fail to save the hostage, but somehow he had an immense feeling of guilt over the woman he had just killed. Hadvar had been his best friend once, and now he'd just killed his woman. Murdered her in cold blood. It was war, and so death was inevitable, but somehow knowing that did nothing to calm him. It wasn't as if he knew; the woman was a complete stranger and he didn't target her on purpose. Had he known; would it have changed anything? Probably not, but now that he knew he couldn't shake the feelings that overwhelmed him. He wished that he had cut off her head instead; at least then he'd never have heard her dying words. He'd have been able to live with the ignorance of what he'd done.

Seeing his state the other's shares a worried glance. "Ralof, are you alright?" Asked Silva.

Kriger put a hand on his shoulder. "C'mon. Let's get moving."

Ralof neither responded or moved. It was only when Arliss began to loot the bodies; or specifically Her body that Ralof responded. He grabbed his arm tightly, and said in a broken voice. "Just leave it."

"You getting ahold of yourself now?" Asked Kriger.

Ralof gave a solemn nod. "Yeah, I'll be fine."

They began to move again, but Ralof was lagging quite a bit. Seeing the pitiful state of her friend Silva spoke up. "Why don't we stop and make camp? Sir.Ralof you've been hard at work all day I'm sure you must be tired. A fire and some mead would probably do you a world of good."

Ralof gave a weak smile. "Aye, I could go for a drink."

They went off the road a small ways; and set up their tents in a secluded spot. Once Kriger got a fire going they gathered around in the hopes of cheering up their forlorn friend. Oddly it seemed that even the weather wanted to join in. The once thick clouds opened up; allowing for a bright starry sky to illuminate the night. The two moons was an unexpected surprise.

"Oh, the night sky is quite lovely. Wouldn't you agree?" Silva asked.

Ralof only glanced up once afore shrugging. "Yeah, It's okay." His gaze was transfixed on the fire before them; but his mind was elsewhere.

Kriger took out a few bottles of mead he grabbed from the house; and handed them around. Ralof took a couple, and Silva just offered hers to Ralof, and started drinking wine instead.

"Have you got aught of interest to share?" Silva whispered to Kriger.

"Have you?" He returned.

"Today I befriended a wood elf named Faendal." Arliss said helpfully with a hint of pride. "I also lost a race against the village children."

"That's nice." Said Ralof; clearly he wasn't paying attention.

"Frodnar said that next time we visit he'll teach me how to play tag and seek. Mayhaps you should join us?"

"Yeah, sure."

Kriger raised a brow. "You mean tag, and hide and seek?"

"Ah? Yes. I believe that's it." Arliss looked at Kriger with a tilt of his head. "How did you know?"

As much as Silva would love to hear more; she held out her bottle of wine to hopefully prevent any questions about Arliss' strangeness. "Oh, this is good wine! Tis' very nice! Yes!" Her overtly jovial mood made Kriger wonder momentarily if she had somehow gotten drunk with the paltry amount of alcohol she consumed. "Uh, you know Sir.Ralof that I know how to make wine myself? Even better than this! Tis' the truth!" He didn't answer, but she continued. "I plan on making delicious white wine with the apples I have. I just need to give them time to ferment, but when they do I promise I'll turn them into the best white wine you've ere tasted." He wasn't listening, but she kept up hoping that maybe she'd get through to him. "I promise you'll like it. Tis' a sweet liquor with a soft flavor that soothes the senses."

Arliss nodded. "It also has good healing properties!"

Kriger stroked his chin. "Sounds pretty good. I hope you're planning to share it with me too."

"Yes, of course I will. Tis' the plan from the start."

"Looking forward to it." Ralof spoke, but his voice held no enthusiasm.

At this point Silva couldn't help the exasperated sigh that escaped her. "Oh, with such joy you wound me."

"I'm sorry."

"Did you know that woman?" Asked Kriger.

It was quiet a moment afore Ralof spoke with a sigh. "No, but before she died.. She spoke of Hadvar."

"That name sounds familiar." Said Silva.

Arliss raised his hand to his chin. "In Helgen. That soldier with the list. He was Hadvar."

"You knew him?" Asked Kriger.

Ralof gazed into the fire; slowly raising a bottle to his lips. "We were like brothers once."

The quiet stretched on. "I'm sorry." Silva let a hand rest on his shoulder.

"I lost a brother too once." Said Kriger; taking a swig of his own bottle. "You're not alone there."

"And I lost a sister." Silva added.

Wanting to join in Arliss spoke up. "I lost-" He stopped. He couldn't exactly say he lost his Arisen when she was right there. "I too; lost once." His brows furrowed, and fists clenched. "I never wish to experience such a thing again."

"Damn straight." Ralof let out a huff that could almost be interpreted as a laugh. He stood up then. "I think I'm gonna get a little shut eye. Don't do anything crazy while I'm out aye?" Without another word he went into his tent.

The other's sat still, an awkward silence about them.

"I'm sorry about your brother," said Silva.

"Don't worry about it," said Kriger. "It was a long time ago." He took another drink afore adding,"I'm sorry about your sister. And your Chief Adaro. And anyone else you lost."

She smiled; eyes looking sadly to the flickering flame. "Don't worry about it. Tis' a long time ago." She hugged her knees. "I'm sorry about your teacher. Whoever he was. And anyone else you lost."

Kriger laughed. "That guy? You can just call him a bastard you know."

"I prefer a name."

He looked at her for a good minute. "Astor."

"I'm sorry about Astor."

"Thanks."

The two were silent, but that silence was quickly interrupted by Arliss. "Quiet night."

Kriger looked at him, and immediately felt a bit guilty for forgetting about him. "Hey, Arliss... I'm sorry."

Arliss gave him a perplexed look. "Hm? What for?"

Kriger was taken back, but he continued. "For your loss?"

"What loss?"

Now he was starting to get irate. "You said you lost someone once."

"Oh, that..." He idled a bit; and glanced at Silva a few times. He could feel his cheeks heat up. "I thought I lost my Arisen. Twas only a short while, when I thought she was dead, but even so... I swore I'd never let it happen again."

Kriger didn't know what to think of that. Before he could really mull it over; Silva was up, and rummaging through one of the bags. "Ah! That reminds me-" Her voice had gone a pitch higher, and her cheeks seemed flushed. "We have these spell tomes that should teach you something new right Arliss?" She pulled out the two books. "You explained something interesting happened with the last one? I'd like to see you try it now!"

Arliss and Kriger walked over, no sooner than they did Silva shoved the fire tome into Arliss' hands. He opened the book and the others watched on in fascination as it disintegrated in his hands. His eyes opened with newfound knowledge, and Silva was giddy to see him use it. He demonstrated the basic spell with ease.

"Oh? Is that all?" She seemed disappointed. While it was good that he didn't need to chant an incantation to cast it; it was naught more than a simple fire. Even his basic ingle was more impressive to her.

"At least you won't have trouble starting a fire when you need one." Said Kriger, arms crossed. "What about that one?"

"Clairvoyance," she said; eying the book that had been found in the mine.

"Ohoh, so like visions into the future?" Kriger raised a brow, but definitely seemed interested to see what would happen.

Arliss eagerly opened the book as soon as it was handed to him. "Eh‽"

When Arliss looked up he found himself floating in an unfamiliar place. No, it was a lot like the Rift, but more colorful. Hues blended and weaved about before his eyes. He could see stars, and felt strangely as though he could look through them. The aroma of flowery perfumes hit his nose, and in the distance below was the largest city he'd ere laid his eyes on; made entirely of silver. He shook his head and whirled around looking for the others but found himself alone. "What‽ Why's this happening‽ Where am I‽ Where is Master‽"

"Mortal." A disembodied voice echoed about him. Not human, and certainly not pawn. It sounded feminine.

"Mortal? Me?" Arliss asked confused. "More importantly; who are you?"

"I am Azura, and thou art mortal. This realm; Moonshadow is mine. I govern the sphere of transition and change. That which mortals call time. If I wish it I can grant prophetic visions and dreams to those I deem worthy. The spell Clairvoyance hearkens to me. Mortal from another realm; if thou seekest me out I can teach thee how to control it."

Arliss could only gaze at the swirling torrent of colors afore his eyes. "How will I find-" Before he could finish his question he felt himself falling as Azura interrupted him.

"If thou desires it; thou shall find a way. But for now I offer a demonstration of my power. Consider it a gift."

"Wait! I have much to ask!" Arliss tried his best to stay. This information would probably be important to his Arisen.

The colors faded to hues of grey, and suddenly he felt as if he were back in the rift. He could hear more disembodied voices, but where Azura's had been soothing; these ones boomed. Their reverberations were powerful and he could feel it in his whole being. He felt as if he should not be here, and yet he tried his best to listen on to the conversation that was happening between the otherworldly beings. It was a hard thing to concentrate on what they were saying when their words painfully pounded in his head. In the end all he got was; "Failed Seneschal; Missing Seneschal."

Once more the colors swirled afore his eyes, and he was somewhere else. Based on the snow he guessed it was Skyrim, but the lay of the land was unfamiliar, and the sky looked wrong. Twas like cursed twilight; the sky had an eery almost green hue; and black ash fell like snow. It was just like Gransys after the death of Grigori. He didn't have long to contemplate the meaning of it before he registered the chaos. He was in the midst of a battlefield.

At first he guessed it was due to the civil war, but these were neither the reds of the Imperials, or the blues of the Stormcloaks. Unfamiliar faces fought on all sides, and he couldn't tell friend from foe. "Who are they? Why are they fighting?"

As if in answer one side started chanting. "Arisen! Arisen! Get the Arisen! The Failed Seneschal!"

He paled. "Why are they after you?"

He heard a cry that could only be her; and rushed to find her.

'Where is she‽' He rushed through the chaos in a blind fit; mad with worry.

"Ugh! Let go Fiend! Unhand me!" He focused on her voice. "No! Noo!" Her screams were chilling.

"Master!"

"Arliss! Help me!"

He made it through the horde of bodies in time to see her falling; an open portal beneath her. It was simultaneously all too fast, and all too slow. It was as if time was slowing down, but still too fast for him to reach her. Still he pushed himself to his limits running as fast as he could, and leaping off the cliff after her. She reached for him as he did for her. He watched helplessly as she was taken by the rift, but before he could follow her he felt himself grabbed hard. Someone had stopped him. "Let go!" He cried, but he felt himself hauled against his wishes. Turning to see the one responsible he was met with... Arisen?

Silva and Kriger were looking at him eyes filled with worry. Looking around he found himself back at camp.

"M-Master?"

A feeling of weakness overtook him, and he fell to his knees. His whole body was trembling uncontrollably.

"Arliss what happened?" She gripped him gently. "Can you tell us what happened?"

"What did you see?" Asked Kriger. "When you opened the book and it vanished you just..." He paused. "Got this look, and-." Noticing the state Arliss was in, he stopped; letting the words die in his throat.

He didn't respond. His eyes remained wide, his body pallid and wan, and body visible shaking.

Silva just pulled him into a tight hug. "Shh. Tis' okay. Tis' alright." She frowned. Clearly whatever Arliss saw gave him quite the fright.

Kriger didn't know what to think of the two, but as he watched over them he thought that at times like this he felt that he wanted to trust the two. Regardless of who they were or what they'd done, their purpose here. He felt that somehow they couldn't be that bad, and whatever was to come... He wanted to believe them. He wanted to help them.

Chapter 16: Premonition End

Author's Note: Ahh! There's quite a bit to unpack this chapter! First we get to see what Hadvar and the Imperials are getting up to; followed shortly by an inevitable encounter that goes awry, Ralof having to come to grips with the guilt, finally getting Kriger to start trusting the others enough to share tiny details of his past, and then ending with that one premonition! I so want to talk about all of it!

I had a bit of fun with those 3 unnamed imperials and Leylia. I took the name from Record of Lodoss war since I really liked it and wanted an ode or reference to it. I even almost had Ralof recognize their prisoner by calling out Ghim. I ended up not doing it, but who knows maybe I'll do something like that next time. (In the end I decided against it because Ghim deserves better.) Oh, but Leylia's name was almost something else. I was this close to calling her Petra so I could joke about her and the other 3 imperials being dead 1, dead 2, dead 3, and Petra. Just another day in the survey corp! (Anyone who's watched Attack on Titan in 9 minutes should get this.)

Ralof would normally be fine mentally when killing Imperials, but when it comes to Hadvar it's a bit different. If they had come in combat they would both have mixed feelings but would nevertheless fight to the death. However Ralof sees Leylia's death as something low. He's a proud nord who values honor, but he feels like he did something very dishonorable. Killing someones loved ones to hurt them would be seen as very low blow; and as much as he's enemies with Hadvar he still never would have wanted to hurt him in this way. As for how this will effect them going forward? We'll just have to see.

Now we get to know a little bit about Kriger here. I've got a whole backstory and stuff planned for him that I can't wait to get into! I hope you're looking forward to it.

And last, but certainly not least we have Arliss' premonition. I've had that scene in my head for a long time. Feels good to finally get it out! Now normally I'd talk about what that was, and stuff but... this is already a long Author's Note... also I don't wanna give away too much... Sorry, I hope you can understand.

Now unfortunately that's all for now, and I've gotta get started on the next chapter. Here's hoping that I don't keep you waiting long. Thanks so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed!