-Ch. 5-

Oz let out a long satisfied yawn as he gently woke up. He stretched his arms, careful not to disturb Lydia, who laid next to him, still asleep. He rubbed his eyes and got out of bed as gingerly as he could.

He wobbled a bit as he walked, the room rudely spinning as he tried to walk though Breezehome, his latest gift from Jarl Balgruuf. After he returned from the Western Watchtower, and supposedly being named Dragonborn by the Greybeards, Balgruuf named Ozgar thane.

Even in his current, sickly state, Oz stood a little taller. It was all he'd ever wanted. Ozgar Gro-Shugurz, Thane of Whiterun. He was a bit far from home, but he had quickly achieved his long-term goal here.

The rest of the night was more or less a blur. Jarl Balgruuf introduced Oz to Lydia, his personal housecarl. Balgruuf also called for a feast, with the who's-who of Whiterun eating, drinking, and flirting in Dragonsreach.

–

After descending the stairs and sitting by the hearth, Oz slowly chewed a piece of bread to help quell his nausea. He then prepared the writing desk next to him.

He first prepared a letter to Mulush. It took him a few tries to get it right. At first, Oz explained his entire journey. But he was embarrassed by the lack of details he remembered from the initial Imperial ambush. He also didn't want his father to think he shirked the responsibility he and his father promised to Chief Yamarz. After much contemplation, he finally drafted a letter to his father.

Father,

I've been detoured from Largashbur, but I bring glory to the Shurugrz name and Malakath himself.

I'm sure news of the dragon attacks have reached Markarth by now. I was caught up in the initial attack, and found myself in Riverwood. Since then, I've found favor with the Jarl.

I even slayed a dragon.

Jarl Balgruuf the Greater named me Thane of Whiterun Hold. The Blade of Whiterun now hangs in Breezehome, property granted to me by the Jarl. Though I have been called to High Hrothgar by the Greybeards. The Jarl assures me this is a wise group of Nords.

I am told I may be something called the Dragonborn.

I hope troubles in the city have subsided. Thankfully the Dragons should have a difficult time burning our stone walls. I hope to return and see you soon, though it seems I may have found my new place in the world.

Ozgar

Oz heard Lydia stir in the loft as he folded up the letter to his father. He then sat and pondered his letter to Muiri even longer. How to explain how he disappeared without a trace? He wasn't even sure what was happening back in Markarth with the Forsworn. Muiri could be thrown in Cidnah mine, or even worse.

Oz shuddered at the thought, his anxiety upsetting his stomach once again. As Oz wrote to Muiri, assuming only the best, he was happy to explain all his recent accolades and accomplishments. Though, he decided to leave out most of the debaucherous details from his inauguration feast.

Dear Muiri,

I'm sorry I haven't seen you for a few days. My father was concerned since the attack in the market. He sent me away from the city for my protection, and yours. He believes there is trouble brewing with the Forsworn.

I hope you're safe Muiri. I've been thinking of you, but haven't had a moment to think the last few days. It's been a real whirlwind. I'm in Whiterun now.

I'm Thane now. The Jarl named me Thane after I slayed a dragon. I have a home in the Plains district of Whiterun, with my own housecarl.

I hope you're safe Muiri. Whether you are or not, you should come to Whiterun. You can stay here with me. I have space for an alchemy lab. There's an alchemist in town who can continue your training.

You'll be safe and happy here. You'll be with me.

Oz