Chapter 40

Halbjorn II

It felt like it had been an eternity since Halbjorn had seen his Pack leader after the dangerous mer pulled her away. Halbjorn does not like that one-his scent sharp, metallic. The sharp one is a threat to his pack leader and now he has her. Halbjorn fought with all of his might to escape the office, but to no avail. He was trapped.

After nearly destroying the whole place, he decided to rest, nuzzling his nose into the fabric Aurelia had been curled up in. Pack Leader's scent still lingered on the Pack Eye's cloth, a reminder of the warmth and comfort his family is to him.

The door creaked open, Halbjorn's ears perked up, he let out a soft whimper.

"Gods, you've made a mess," Halbjorn heard. 'Pack Leader?' Her scent was near but faint. He stood up, growling-ready to defend his leader, but stopped when he recognized Ondolemar. Pack Eye scent, leather and pine, woven with Aurelia's warm scent of honey and lavender. Then he slumped down, disappointed.

Pack leader's mate knelt down to him, cautiously he placed his hands onto the side of the cat's body. Warm hand. Halbjorn whined, looking up at him for answers. Warm hand spoke softly, "she's safe." He traced his finger behind Halbjorn's ears. The Sabre cat leaned into his touch, dipping his head and pressing against Ondolemar's chest. Trust sinking in. "I'll get you to her," he said.

The Sabre cat purred, inhaling both the scents of lavender and leather. His pack. His family close again.

"Come with me beast," Ondolemar said as he stood. He led Halbjorn out of the embassy and through the streets of Solitude. The city's dense quietness a stark contrast to the chaos of the day. The Sabre cat limped behind him, his fur matted, paws raw from clawing at the door. His yellow eyes were dim, but were intensely focused on Ondolemar as he followed the mer.

Ondolemar ducked into a guard post quickly. He swiped a slab of raw venison sitting beside the hearth. On his way out he grabbed a bucket. Together, he and Halbjorn made their way to the Marketplace well. Ondolemar tossed the beast the venison, filled the bucket with water placing it down next to him.

He crossed his arms as he watched the Sabre cat tore through the meat then lap up water from the bucket. She'd never forgive me if I let you starve, he thought to himself.

After Halbjorn finished his water Ondolemar stood straight. "Come," he said as he walked away, Halbjorn loyally following from behind without hesitation. Together they walked back to the Thalmor Headquarters.

Once in his private quarters, Ondolemar removed his cloak, draping it over a chair. Halbjorn sniffed it and let out a whine. He pawed at the cloak knocking it down, then he curled up at the foot of the bed nuzzling the cloak. The faint scent of his Pack Leader comforting him.

Ondolemar sank down onto the bed staring at the ceiling. What am I doing, really? He asked himself. He reached into his pocket, his fingers traced the amulet of Talos. This is madness-but it's for her, for his Aurelia. He thought of what she might be doing right now. He tells himself, she should be in the more luxurious rooms of the embassy, a warm hearth. The room with a beautiful view of the mountains. His heart aches for her as his thoughts shift. Was she tossed in the room, without so much as a glance? Does she even know her father is dead? Does she know he's coming to be with her soon? The thought of her locked in and alone made him worry more for her.

He let out a shaky breath. "Gods, will she ever forgive me?" He say aloud, running his hand through his hair. Halbjorn let out a rumble.

After a while Halbjorn's steady breathing and snores filled the room as he tossed and turned. As much as he wanted to ride straight to the embassy that night, he needed rest. Soon exhaustion caught up to him and he fell into a restless slumber.

The early morning light began to creep in from the small window of his quarters. Ondolemar felt Halbjorn's wet nose press onto the side of his face. The cat let out a low growl like he was scolding him for not waking sooner. Ondolemar jolted awake, as he shoved Halbjorn's face away. He opened his eyes fully and saw the impatient Sabre cat sitting before him, he looked in better spirits compared to yesterday. The yellow in his eyes looking impatient and excited, clearly expecting to be reunited with his Pack Leader. Ondolemar noticed the mats in his fur. "You look rough." He murmured, sitting up on the bed.

After fetching Halbjorn some more meat and himself a quick breakfast, Ondolemar carefully bandaged Halbjorn's injured paw. Can't have you looking so rough, Aurelia's got enough to worry about.

Ondolemar sat on the floor beside the beast, comb in hand. This is unbecoming for a Mer of my status, he griped, but did it anyway. He tossed the beast a sweet roll as he began combing through his matted fur. When he accidentally snagged some of his fur, Halbjorn let out low growl, like a warning. "Calm down boy." Ondolemar tells him in his attempt to mimic Aurelia. He'd watched her do this a thousand times, though he never realized how difficult it was to comb a Sabre cat.

After meticulously combing through most of the mats in Halbjorn's fur, Ondolemar looked him over. "Good enough." He grumbled.

With the beast at his side, Ondolemar made his way to the stables. He mounted his horse with a practiced ease. Before moving his horse forward he stuck his hand in his pocket. His fingers grazed over the amulet of Talos still safely tucked away. Then guiding his horse to the road, he and Halbjorn began the trip to the Embassy.

The sabre cat sprinted along side him, occassionaly halbjorn needed to slow down. His injured paw making the journey more difficult. Ondolemar was vigilent, constantly keeping track of the best. Watching to see of he needed rest. The trip taking longer than usual, but he couldn't let the beast injure himself further.

It was late in the evening by tge time they arrived at tgr embassy. The guards stiffened at the sight of their Commander with a sabre cat following close behind him. Ondolemar waved them off, dismissing their concerns and acting as if it was the most natural thing in the world. Then he dismounted his horse with ease as Halbjorn restlessly paced nearby.

"Come on beast." He called to him.

Halbjorn's ears perked up as he trotted over to him. The elf put a hand on Halbjorn's head, scratching behind his ears. "You'll see her soon."

Together they walked through the Embassy doors.