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Diana Dragonborn - Part 6

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Fredas 23 Heartfire 201 4E 12:00 PM

"For the last time, Farengar, I don't know anything else about dragons!" I yelled as I stomped down the hill towards the Plains District. I had gone up to Dragonsreach to turn in another bounty and had unfortunately run into the court wizard while I was there. "For Mara's sake, leave me alone!"

"Are you sure there isn't anything else?" Farengar Secret-Fire whined. "Maybe we could go over the encounter again?"

It had been a little more than a month since I came to Skyrim. As far as I knew, there had been no further dragon attacks since Helgen. I could only hope it was an isolated incident, but that didn't stop me from keeping a bow and quiver of arrows always ready by the door of Breezehome.

Nothing had stopped that black dragon. Not blade, arrow, or magic had put a single dent in that ebony black hide. I had seen him fly away with my own eyes; going gods know where. He would show up again someday, maybe in Whiterun or maybe in another Hold, but when he did, I wanted to be ready.

I still had disoriented dreams of that day. The dragon Shouting and speaking his unknown language as he searched for something. In my dream, it felt like I almost understood his words. A thrum of power had run through me like an electrical current making me feel alive in a way I never had before. The ground shook as fire consumed everything around me, and all I wanted to do was listen to the dragon's words. If I could understand him, then I would finally understand the world.

"Zu'u Alduin, zok sahrot do naan ko Lein!"

What did it mean?

"I swear, Farengar, if you don't leave me alone, I'm going to tell Arcadia about your little Breton girlfriend," I threatened.

"What?" Farengar stammered as he blushed. "I have no idea what you're talking about!"

"That blonde woman?" I said with a leer. "The one who always comes in wearing a hood before promptly going to your work area? Don't think I haven't noticed how you always close the doors when she's around."

I had been spending a fair amount of time up at Dragonsreach the last couple of weeks. Lydia and I had been taking as many bounties as there were available, and as a result, our reputation had grown tremendously. Jarl Balgruuf invited us to stay for dinner more often than not, and neither Lydia nor I were the type to turn down free food.

"Do you know who that is?" I had asked Lydia one night when I noticed the mysterious woman scurry into Farengar's quarters.

"No," Lydia had shaken her head as she tore off a mouthful of meat from a goat's leg. Say what you will about Skyrim's food; it might not be tasty, but it's plentiful, especially if you like meat and potatoes. "Never seen her before."

"She must be Farengar's secret lover," I had joked. "Why else would she hide her face in shame?" The two of us had laughed about it, and thought no more about the matter until now.

I shook my finger under the wizard's nose. "I tell you what," I said sarcastically, "you tell me about your girlfriend, and I'll try to dreg up a memory if the dragon was attracted to Ulfric Stormcloak."

"I'll have you know that she is helping me with a secret project!" Farengar huffed, his face turning red. "A very important, secret project!"

"If figuring out all of your private kinks is a secret project," I said with my hands on my hips, "then try to be a little more discrete in the future. I assure you that no one else wants to know."

"Stupid Imperial!" Farengar muttered as he turned tail and retreated back to Dragonsreach. "I should have known you were like the rest of the 'mighty' warriors."

"Maybe you should try asking her to dress up like a dragon!" I offered as I called after Farengar's retreating back. I laughed, feeling a bit bad for teasing Farengar. He was pushy and overly sensitive about how the other Nords looked down on him for using magic instead of fists, but I couldn't take any more of the same questions about that dragon.

"Diana!" Adrianne waved to me from Warmaiden's just as I was about to enter Breezehome. "I was wondering if I could ask a favor."

"What's up?" I asked as I came over to Adrianne's work bench.

"You remember that shipment of blades that you helped me craft?" Adrianne asked. After I nodded, she continued, "Ulfberth was supposed to deliver the shipment, but he threw his back out a few days ago. I sent a letter to Solitude asking if they could come get the swords, but I just got a courier saying that they weren't able to send anyone down to pick up the weapons for several weeks, and I don't get paid until then. Would you mind terribly to deliver the blades for me? I would gladly pay you for your time."

"You don't have to pay me," I said as I flipped my braid over my shoulder. "I have wanted to go to Solitude for some time now. This is the perfect opportunity."

"Well, I insist," Adrianne said. "You helped me get those blades done in a fourth of the time I could have on my own, so part of the payment should go to you anyway."

I shrugged. Honestly, my money problems were long over. Lydia and I had earned more than enough septims to completely furbish Breezehome, I had bought a mount for each of us, and I even had a secret stash buried in the backyard, just in case. "Cannot say I'd turn down coin. As long as you know that you're exempt."

"I do appreciate it," Adrianne smiled. "I guess some Nordic pride has rubbed off on me. I don't like feeling in debt, and I believe in fair coin for fair trade."

I nodded. It was common Imperial attitude, and the reason our race was known as shrewd traders. We knew how to earn a coin, fairly and well. "If your shipment is ready, I can head out right now."

"I didn't mean to rush you," Adrianne apologized.

"Don't worry. I needed a good reason to get out of town. Farengar has been getting on my nerves lately."

"It's all packed up, so whenever you're ready." Adrianne smiled. "To be honest, I'll be glad to have the space back."



Sundas 25 Heartfire 201 4E 2:00 PM

If I could fall in love with a city, it would be Solitude.

Our trip to the capital of Skyrim was blissfully uneventful. Maybe we had created enough of a reputation that bandits didn't want to challenge us, or maybe we had been lucky, and no troublemaker wanted to risk the open trade routes. The Legion's resources might have been spread to the limit with the Stormcloak Rebellion, but that didn't mean they couldn't have some presence on the larger trade roads.

It was a hot, beautiful day with no clouds in sight of the blue, blue sky. Sunlight glittered off the buildings that lined the stony perch of Solitude as it hung out over the sea. The waves of the ocean lapped lazily on the shore as Lydia and I rode up on our horses. I patted the neck of my new stallion, a dappled gray steed, whom I had named Frostbite.

Local guards called out, "Good day, citizens," as we rode past. I waved in return, but Lydia studiously ignored them.  She had been less than pleased to hear that we were traveling to Solitude.

"It will be harder for me to protect you in such a large city," Lydia complained. "Solitude has been on edge ever since Ulfric walked in and killed High King Torygg in the middle of his own court. All that security, all the promises of the Empire, and no one could keep him safe from the thu'um! Did you know they executed the man who was operating the gates that day? They said that he claimed that Ulfric was in the right, and he did what any good Nord would do for Skyrim. Solitude cannot even agree on the politics of this war, and it is the Hold that has the most support for and from the Empire!"

"Lydia, what are you worrying about?" I asked a little annoyed. "From what I understand, Solitude is an Imperial controlled city. I'm one ordinary Imperial. Why would anyone target me out of an entire city full of actual delegates and courtiers?"

"It's my job to worry," Lydia snapped. "A housecarl must be ready for any situation."

"Meh," I shrugged, knowing the action would drive Lydia crazy. I personally hated when someone did that to me, but it was the only reaction I would give the situation. "I trust you."

The two of us stationed our horses and wagon at the stables before walking up the hill to Solitude. I breathed deeply of the salty, sea air and enjoyed the faint sound of the crash of the waves and the cries of the seagulls. "I honestly don't understand why you're getting so uptight over nothing. We might have a reputation in Whiterun, but no one knows us here. We're going into the Legion headquarters, sign over the shipment, do some shopping and leave. Simple and boring."

The market was placed next to the city gates. The streets were busy with throngs of people hurrying back and forth as they completed their shopping for the day. I felt a bit out of place in my dust covered traveling clothes as I looked at the well-dressed patrons. Jewelry glittered from necks and hands as ladies handed purchases to handmaidens. Circlets sparkled as lords nodded to each other. Even the servants were dressed in well-cut suits made of fine cloth. The rest of Skyrim might be suffering from the effects of the war, but for Solitude, it was only a rumor whispered in the wind.

Getting directions to Castle Dour was simple enough and quickly Lydia and I found ourselves at the fortress that doubled as the headquarters of the Legion. I was a little worried that I would somehow run into General Tullius here. Would the man remember me? He had left before my scheduled execution, and then he'd had his hands full with a dragon attack immediately afterwards, but there hadn't been many people at Helgen and fewer survivors, so maybe he would recall my face.

"How may I help you, citizen?" a soldier asked.

"We're here to deliver a shipment from Adrianne Avenicci of Warmaiden's," I said as I presented the slip with the Imperial seal on it that confirmed my statement. The soldier carefully looked over the statement before nodding and pointing down a hall.

"Go down that way and speak with Lieutenant Hadvar," he told me. I gulped in surprise.

"I don't like that look on your face," Lydia said lowly as we went down the hall.

"Eh, well you see, remember how I said I didn't know anyone here?" I smiled weakly.

The door to the barracks opened and standing there was the young Nord who escaped Helgen with me. "By the Eight, Diana, you came to join the Legion?" Hadvar smiled. He gave me a great bear hug which left me breathless.

"Why am I not surprised?" Lydia asked sarcastically.

"Who's this?" Hadvar asked. He grinned as he looked Lydia over, taking in her armor and huge axe.

"Hadvar, this is Lydia, my housecarl," I said gesturing to each person. "Lydia, this is Hadvar. We met at Helgen. He helped me escaped and if not for him, I might not have gone to Whiterun."

"Housecarl?" Hadvar whistled. "By Shor, you're doing well for yourself."

"I got named thane of Whiterun," I admitted, blushing.

"And only a month here? Wow, maybe I should have dragged you here to Solitude with me instead of splitting up," Hadvar said. "It would be nice to get Legate Rikke's attention."

"We're only here to transport a shipment of weapons that Idolaf Battle-Born ordered from Warmaiden's in Whiterun," I said abruptly. "Sorry, but I still have no interest in joining the war."

"As long as it's not about holding a grudge over a clerical error," Hadvar chuckled. I laughed weakly when Lydia shot me a curious look. "Hey, if you're in town for a while, how would you feel about joining me for dinner? I have the evening off, and I would love to hear how you've found Skyrim since we parted ways."

"Sure," I nodded. "It will mostly be about Whiterun. This is my first trip outside of Whiterun Hold."

"Great!" Hadvar replied. "Let's just go over this paperwork together. Then, while I have some men unload your shipment, I can escort you down to the Blue Palace to talk to the steward, Falk Firebeard. He'll be the one to actually pay you."

When Hadvar turned away to get his personal seal, Lydia leaned close, "Try to not sleep with this one too," she whispered. I had already worked my way through the younger Companions' beds, except for Aela, and that was only because she was with Lydia.

"Ha, ha," I said dryly while trying to not look at Hadvar's butt as he bent over to pull a quill out of a drawer. Those short Legionnaire leather skirts left nothing to the imagination. Why did Lydia have to say something like that?



Sundas 25 Heartfire 201 4E 3:00 PM

"I think you'll love the Blue Palace," Hadvar said as he offered his arm to me. I took it, but not without noting Lydia's smirk. "It's the castle of the High King and has the most amazing view of the ocean, especially during the sunset. If you like, I could get permission for us to use one of the balconies that look right out over the Cliffside."

"Oh, would you?" I asked gleefully. I thought of the scene Hadvar described and couldn't wait to see the ocean from so high above, especially with the sun painting it a dozen different colors as it descended into the horizon.

"The balconies are a bit small," Hadvar hedged as he wrapped his arm around my waist. "I'm afraid Lydia would have to wait in the hall while we were outside. We wouldn't want to risk the three of us falling into the ocean if the ledge gave out."

"Divines forbid," Lydia muttered.

"Lydia, you wouldn't have to wait," I offered. "You could explore a bit if you like, unless you really wanted to see the view too." Lydia hadn't seemed as fascinated by the ocean as I had on our trip up, but maybe she would be more interested in the Cliffside view. "I am sure I'll be perfectly safe with a Legionnaire as my escort in the royal palace."

"I'm sure High King Torygg felt the same way," Lydia said. Her eyes flew open as she realized what she said. Hadvar frowned as his hand hovered over his short sword.

"Your housecarl is a bit rude," he said shortly.

In typical Nord fashion, Lydia didn't just apologize and back down. Instead, she just instigated the matter by continuing, "It's true, isn't it? Wasn't King Torygg killed in his own court surrounded by all of his most loyal soldiers and courtiers?"

"A bit unfair considering that everyone thought that Ulfric Stormcloak was a friend of the king's," Hadvar snapped back. "Why would we expect an attack from an ally? The Legion is prepared for armies and assassins, not backstabbing two face bastards who claimed friendship."

"Guys, don't fight!" I said holding up my hands trying to keep the two Nords as far apart as possible. "I just want a chance to visit the Blue Palace and get paid. We don't have to watch the sunset, okay?"

"The Blue Palace? Did you say you were going to the Blue Palace?" a feminine, cultured voice asked. I turned and saw an Altmer wearing exotic looking clothes with her golden hair pulled up in twin pigtails tightly wrapped on each side of head into buns. "Oh gods, I should hope not in those clothes!"

The Altmer grabbed my hand and dragged me away from my companions and back towards the market square. "Darling, if you're going to go to the Blue Palace, you simply cannot wear those rags. It would be criminal, and I assure you that Skyrim cannot afford another international scandal."

"Who are you, and where are you taking me?" I screamed, shocked by this sudden turn of events. Lydia and Hadvar, their argument forgotten, followed in the High Elf's wake as she pushed aside shoppers while continuing her long strides.

"My name is Taarie," the elf stated with the same emotion most people stated that the sky was blue. "I am the owner of the Radiant Raiment, Skyrim's one and only true clothier. My sister, Endarie, and I are campaigning to bring fashion to this little, backwater hovel the Nords call home."

Altmer are a tall race. Even the women average about seven feet tall which makes them about a hand's breadth taller than most male Nords. I felt like a small child being pulled along by her mother while out shopping in comparison to Taarie.

Taarie pulled open the door of a store that sported a sign with the picture of a spool of thread and needle. A bell pleasantly tinkled somewhere above my head as we entered. "Endarie, sister dear, pull out your scissors and cloth. I found a customer!" Taarie called.

Another Altmer emerged from the back room with what could only generously be called a bored expression. More accurately would probably be to say that Endarie looked disdainful. "Gods, sister, really? Her?"

"She has an appointment at the Blue Palace," Taarie explained as she untied my dress and started to pull it off me.

"Excuse you!" I yelled as I alternately tried to slap away the elf's hands while covering my exposed body. I looked up as the store door tinkled again, revealing Hadvar and Lydia. The man blushed furiously before doing an about face and stumbling back outside while muttering something about waiting.

"I suppose we can work with her," Endarie said languidly. She looked like someone who would fall asleep at any moment from sheer disinterest. She pushed back her shorter brown hair as she knelt and took my measurements. "I really wish you would find a better model."

"Unfortunately, there aren't any Altmer around," Taarie sniffed as she pulled my bow and quiver away. "Although we're accepted here well enough, you must admit that the natives would accept a Nord better."

"I'm an Imperial!" I yelled.

"Close enough," Taarie shrugged. "Goodness, whatever will we do with her hair?"

"Cut it?" Endarie suggested.

"You try that, and you won't be able to count to ten with your hands anymore!" I snarled.

"Oooh, tough gal," Endarie responded, clearly unimpressed. She stood up from having measured me despite my flailing about to try to protect my person. "I think we have something back that works. I'll be right back." The other elf wandered off to the back room.

"What is wrong with you people?" I asked. I looked over at Lydia, clearly wondering when my housecarl was going to step in and defend me, but the Nord was too busy trying to stifle her laughter as she bent over holding her sides. "You assault me and insult my clothes all in one breath!"

"Darling, I am just trying to help you," Taarie said calmly. "If I was bleeding from a terrible cut, and you were a doctor, then I would expect you to say something and help me. I am just doing that, except with fashion. I promise after we're done with you that you'll be the topic on everyone's lips. The court will buzz thinking of what a beauty they saw."

"Beauty?" I paused. There was some appeal there. I don't think of myself as terribly vain, but everyone likes to feel attractive.

"It would help our store out tremendously if you were to model some clothes for the jarl," Taarie admitted. "We've been trying to months to get Jarl Elisif's attention, but her man keeps saying that she is far too busy for such trivial matters. As if looking one's best isn't the most important thing you can do! People judge others by their appearance. If you dress in rags, then people will treat you like a beggar. Dress in only the finest money can buy, and people will treat you like royalty!"

I was a little stunned by Taarie's sincerity. She seemed to really care about looking good. Maybe it was a shallow reason, but it really meant something to her. And it would mean helping someone out. It wouldn't even cost me anything since I was going to the palace anyway. Plus, I would get free clothes.

"Okay, okay," I sighed, holding up my hands in surrender. "I'll give you a try. And I'll be sure to mention your name if anyone asks. Does that sound fair?"

"Oh, very!" Taarie's grin was short lived. "Now what are we going to do about your hair and makeup?"

The next hour was spent with various hairstyles and trying on clothes.

First, they tried twin braids. "Too cute," Taarie sneered.

Second, they tried leaving my hair loose. "Too likely to simply become disheveled," Endarie sniped.

Third try was two huge buns on each side of my head. "Too sweetroll," Lydia offered. The two elves looked at her as if she had sprung from the ground naked and singing the ballad of Ragnar the Red badly. "Well, it is," the Nord shrugged.

After what seemed forever, Taarie finally settled on a hairstyle that involved multiple, smaller braids of my long hair all interwoven so it looked like three distinct braids that looped around my head in almost a crown shape. "Hm, I like it. Distinctive and practical. The Nords go crazy for practical. You can fight or ride and not lose the shape."

"I still think we could have done better if we had cut it," Endarie suggested. She clicked her scissors meaningfully.

"We must work with what we have, sister, not lament what could have been," Taarie said superiorly. "You may look in the mirror now."

The elves turned me so I could look into the full length mirror they had set up. I was wearing a new brown dress with embroidery along the hem, some jewelry, makeup, and the new hairstyle. I gasped in surprise when I saw myself. I did feel like I had been transformed.  The style of the dress was completely different from what I had seen in Skyrim. There was a bit of a low neck line and tighter cut to help show my natural curves instead of the heavy, thick straight lines of typical fine Nordic fashion, but the material was still thick enough to help keep me warm. The skirt billowed out nicely as I turned. The embroidered flowers made the dress look like the dark earth right after it had rained in the spring and wild blooms had grown overnight. "Ladies, you did an amazing job," I complimented them.

"Eh," Endarie grunted before going back to behind the counter. "Still feels like putting a crown on a pig."
I growled at the comment, but before I could do anything else, Taarie was taking my hand. "Thank you for your help," she said almost smiling. I got the impression Altmer don't mar their faces with expressions, especially happiness or sorrow. "Please be sure to let me know what Elisif thinks."

And with that, she threw Lydia and me out of her store.

"Altmer are insane," Lydia muttered as she stared at the door as it literally hit her in the behind when we were ejected. "No wonder the White Gold Concordat was so poorly received."

"By the Eight, you do look lovely," Hadvar spoke up. We had been so busy with clothes, I had actually forgotten about the soldier.

"I'm so sorry you were left out here for so long," I said blushing. "I really didn't have much say in the matter, but is there any way I can make it up to you?"

"Just dinner and watch the sunset with me, my lady," Hadvar said as he bowed and kissed my hand.

Oh gods, he was being romantic! Dammit! All of my instincts screamed, "Run, run, run!" but I pushed them down as I stammered, "As you wish."



Sundas 25 Heartfire 201 4E 7:00 PM

"You know you can dismiss your housecarl at any time," Hadvar whispered into my ear. We were standing on the promised balcony watching the sunset which was just as amazing as I imagined. Unfortunately, I was unable to enjoy it with how close Hadvar was pressed against me.

The evening had been terribly awkward once I realized Hadvar's intentions. I had insisted that Lydia accompany us everywhere, making her a very pleased third wheel to Hadvar's dismay. It had taken the balcony to give us any semblance of privacy since Lydia had to wait in the hall.

"Oh, I couldn't possibly," I laughed weakly. "Lydia is very clingy. She absolutely hates to be alone. It's tragic really. I think she might have had some traumatic experience when she was a young child."

"Diana," Hadvar sighed, "I know I'm not the smartest man in the Legion, but I'd like to think I'm not the dumbest either. Do you not want to spend some time alone with me?"

I blushed furiously as I leaned against the rail that surrounded the balcony. I looked down to the shore far below as the waves crashed against it. Would I survive if I tossed myself over? It felt easier than trying to explain my feelings. I always feel like an idiot if this topic came up.

"You are very sweet," I said slowly. I managed to look up and saw the crest fallen expression on Hadvar's face. I suppose being told that he was sweet was not what he had wanted to hear. "And you're handsome, and kind, and generally pretty amazing. The problem is you strike me as the type to fall in love and be a forever sort of guy. And that's not what I'm looking for. I would love someone to have a casual tumble, but that's all."

Hadvar laughed which startled me, but also made me feel more comfortable. "Diana, I'm a little flattered that you think of me that way, but I'm a soldier. You know what it's like on the field, I'm sure, since you served too. We're always surrounded by people, but they're usually just strangers that we call brothers-in-arms. It's hard to get emotionally close to someone when you know either of you could die during a war.

"You really impressed me back at Helgen. You didn't cry or beg for your life. You didn't run like a fool like that thief, either. Instead you fought because you hadn't done anything wrong. I think if you had a chance, then you would have taken that dragon on by yourself. You survived when many didn't. Add in the fact that you're incredibly smart, funny, and beautiful, I would be a fool to not want to get to know you better." Hadvar leaned forward and kissed me deeply as he wrapped his arms around me pulling me close.

"Of course, if you would be interested in a night together, I wouldn't object to that either."

"I think Lydia just remembered that she had several chores she has to take care of right now," I said a little breathlessly. "She'll probably be busy all night. I hope you don't mind if I ask you to stay with me. A woman all alone in a strange city is just asking for trouble."

"I think I could be persuaded," Hadvar said as he pulled me close again.



Tirdas 27 Heartfire 201 4E 6:00 PM

"Honestly, are we going to talk about this, or are you going to keep avoiding me?" Lydia complained. We had left Solitude early Morndas morning, and most of the trip back to Whiterun had been in silence.

"There's nothing to talk about!" I replied. I looked over my shoulder to Lydia who was riding slightly behind me. "I don't feel comfortable talking about my personal life."

"You say your personal life, but you really mean your sex life," Lydia retorted, "although, in all fairness, you haven't told me one thing about your life before Skyrim. I don't know anything about you when you lived in Cyrodiil."

"There's nothing to know," I said trying to sound casual.

"I'm not trying to be a mother hen, here," Lydia huffed, "and believe it or not, I do respect that you're a full grown woman who can make whatever choices about who she wants for a bed partner. We Nords believe that life is too harsh and short to worry about long courting and generally get right to the point. However, I find it concerning how many partners you've already been through since I've met you. You've gone through at least half a dozen and it's been barely a month."

"Well, that means I've had sex about six times," I said stiffly. I did not want to have this conversation, I really didn't. "That's much less than the number of times you've done it with Aela."

"That's because I am with someone I know and respect and am able to find comfort when I need it," Lydia responded. "You could have that too if you didn't hop from bed to bed."

"Look, I don't want to make any long term attachments, but I like sex!" I snapped. "Gods, this is embarrassing. Why do you even care?"

"Because it's my job," Lydia said softly. I turned and looked at her. Her eyes were worried. "I am sworn to protect you, my thane, and sometimes that protection is more than simply whether someone is going to hurt you by attacking you."

"I'm fine," I promised. "I've lived this way all my adult life. If you're worried about my feelings getting hurt, then don't. It's one of the benefits of living casually. You don't get close enough to someone to feel betrayed by them."

Lydia rode so she was next to me. The housecarl extended her hand and took mine. "I've got your back," she reminded me. It's what she said whenever we were about to enter a bandit lair or some strange cave.

"Thanks, I…" I started to say, but a loud roar interrupted me. The ground shook causing our horses to rear up and neigh in terror.

I looked up and saw in the distance the Western Watchtower for Whiterun Hold. The building was on fire, and I could barely make out several silhouettes running around with weapons drawn. Another roar shook our ears before a gout of flame erupted from behind the tower killing several guards.

"Gods, what is that?" Lydia asked in shock. It was impossible to see what had caused the fire, but I knew nonetheless.

"Dragon!" I whispered. I started shaking all over. It was time. The dragon had come back. For whatever reason, the black dragon had come to Whiterun. I drew in a deep breath and repeated louder. "Dragon!"

Without waiting for Lydia, I spurred forward towards the tower. "Where are you going?" she called after me.

"To help them!" I called back. I pulled my bow which was awkward while riding full speed on a horse. Some of my arrows fell out of the quiver and were lost somewhere on the road as I galloped on. I could hear loud clanking as Lydia spurred her own mount to action. She quickly passed me, but not without shooting a dark glare at me first.

Before we could reach the tower, the dragon took flight. Claws and scales rushed past us as the beast ascended. I had both of my hands on my bow, so the sudden force of wind from the back draft of the dragon's wings threw me off my mount.

Frostbite neighed in terror from the sight of the dragon. I knew how he felt. The stallion reared on his hind legs and rotated around to turn back the way we came. I barely escaped from being trampled by the horse as he fled.  

The dragon saw the motion and turned in midflight to come back. I was astonished something that big could move that quickly and smoothly. As the dragon landed on Frostbite's back, snapping the spine with his weight, I realized that this was a different dragon than the one that had attacked Helgen.  His coloration was different.

The dragon that attacked Helgen had been as black as the Void. He had dark scales that could have been made of ebony, while this dragon's color was more of a dark red color. The hide had been dark enough that when in flight, he had looked black like the first dragon, but now on the ground I could tell the difference.

I scrambled to my feet trying to get my bow untangled from my clothes from when I had fallen. I couldn't spare time to think about what was; I had to focus on the now. At least Frostbite's screams of terror had ended, even if it had been abruptly in the middle of one particularly painful yowl.

Lydia had dismounted from her horse and slapped its flank so it would run away from the dragon. She ran towards the dragon, pulling her axe, and screamed, "For Skyrim!" at the top of her lungs.  Arrows flew in the air towards the dragon and pelted off the creature's tough hide. I turned and saw Irileth leading the guards who had been stationed at the tower.

The Dark Elf gestured and the men let lose another volley of arrows. Most missed the dragon despite his large size, but even the ones that hit kept bouncing off his scales. Gods, how tough must the dragon's skin be if nothing pierced it?

Lydia finished her charge against the dragon and sank her axe in his back. The dragon looked up from his feasting and rotated his long, serpentine neck around so he was facing my housecarl. He snorted disdainfully; the force of his breath strong enough to send Lydia skidding back a few feet.

As the dragon repositioned himself so he was facing Lydia, she darted back towards the creature swinging her axe rapidly. The steel head bounced off the dragon barely scratching him in the slightest. I knew that blade was recently sharpened and had split mammoth bone before. Couldn't anything hurt these damn dragons?

It's not like there was any part of the dragon that wasn't covered in scales.

The dragon snapped his jaw open, ready to bite Lydia in half. I could see halfway down his throat past rows of sharp fangs longer than my arm. Without thinking, I pulled up my bow and shot at the dragon's eye.

Breathe in.

The arrow flew.

Breathe out.

Start moving. Don't stay still. Don't think about where you're moving. Don't run. Running would draw his attention like with the horse, but if you stay still then he'll come and eat you. Fire an arrow. Pull another. Fire again.

The first arrow landed directly in the dragon's eye. The monster reared back roaring in pain. "YOL!" he screamed and a jet of fire shot from his mouth. He jerked his head back down as Lydia pelted his chest with attacks. One wing tip slammed against her, throwing her to the ground. Drool dripped from his jaw and landed next to Lydia as she struggled to back to her feet.

Oh gods, Lydia!

As the dragon opened his jaw, I shot several arrows down his throat. The look of surprise on his face was so comical that I would have laughed if I hadn't been so terrified. He rolled his head towards me and managed to utter, "Dovahkiin, no!" before falling to the ground dead.

I ran to Lydia and helped her to her feet. Next to us, the dragon's skin began to crumble as some sort of inner fire ripped through the hide. It felt like a hot, dry wind blasted out of the creature and into me as I watched the dragon's form disintegrate.  In my vision, there was nothing but golden fire pouring out of the dragon into me.

As the light entered me, I felt like I couldn't breathe. My lungs were full of fire, my ears full of thunder, and my skin covered in burning ice. I felt like I was dying, but at the same time I had never felt more alive. It was as if everything that had ever made me feel good, happy, or real was relived in that one perfect moment, filling me completely in a way that I had not known I was missing.

When it ended, I found myself standing on my very tip toes with my arms outstretched. Lydia was standing with her hand supporting my back in case I fell backwards. "What happened? What was that?" she asked.

"I don't know," I murmured. I wanted it to happen again.

"Dragonborn," one of the guards whispered.

"What was that, soldier?" Irileth snapped.

"Dragonborn, housecarl," the soldier replied. "The legends say Tiber Septim was one. A mortal who could eat a dragon's soul and gain its power."

"Nonsense," Irileth scoffed.

"How do you explain what just happened?" another guard asked.

"You don't understand, Dark Elf," a third interjected, "you're  not a Nord."

"And I cannot express to you how relieved I am for that fact," Irileth said. She turned to us saying, "I am grateful for your help, but maybe we should get you back to Farengar. I have no idea if this is some last trick of that dragon, and if there is anyone who would have some answers, it would be that dragon obsessed fool."

"I feel fine," I said, and I meant it. I had never felt better in my life.

"Trying using the thu'um," the first guard suggested. At least, I think it was the first guard. It was hard to tell with those face concealing helms they wore. "Say something in dragon."

"How would she know dragon, you idiot?" another guard jeered.

"Because she's the Dragonborn?" he replied, doubtfully.

"This is ridiculous, superstitious nonsense," Irileth said, shaking her head.

I felt a need to prove the Dunmer wrong. Ever since I had arrived at Whiterun, she had treated me with nothing but suspicion and disdain. I don't think she treated anyone else any better, except Jarl Balgruuf, but it still galled me how much Irileth looked down her nose at the rest of us.

I thought about that Shout Ulfric had done. What were the words? The ones that made the world shake from thunder from a mortal man's lips?

"FUS RO DAH!" I Shouted. I had been facing one of the guards and when the words erupted from my lips, they sent the man flying away.  I had a brief moment of panic when it happened. Had I killed him like Ulfric had killed Torygg?

Thankfully, the man got groggily to his feet seconds later, but in some ways it was too late. The guards went crazy reacting to my Shout. "Dragonborn, she's Dragonborn!" one or another was screaming. Their voices varied from fear to astonishment.

I looked over at Lydia, whose mouth was hanging open and her eyes looked like they were going to pop out of their sockets. One hand covered the lower half of her mouth. "Divines preserve us," she whispered.

Irileth still looked completely unimpressed by my exhibition, but she did grab my arm. Not too roughly, she wasn't treating me like a criminal or prisoner, but as a way to get my attention. "I'm not exactly sure what that was, but Jarl Balgruuf will want to see that immediately. Come, we'll take some of the men's horses. They can walk back."

I nodded mutely as Irileth, Lydia and I ran to find fresh mounts. I had a moment of sadness when I looked over at Frostbite. I had barely had that horse for a week and now he was dead. In the heat of battle, I had not been able to register that my horse was gone and now it just felt incredibly sad.

I looked over at Lydia and relief flooded my chest. I thanked the Eight that she hadn't been the one rent apart in front of me. I reached out and grabbed her hand, squeezing for comfort. She smiled and squeezed back.

At least the worst was over. A dragon had attacked, confirming my report from last month, and we managed to defeat it. It wasn't easy, but we had proven it possible and now we knew that dragons have some weak points just like any other living thing on Nirn.

What could possibly go wrong now?
Copyright Bethesda
Comments appreciated!

Man, I've been waiting to write this chapter! Diana finally realizes that she is the Dragonborn is awesome, but going to the Radiant Raiment was even better! XD

I love writing Altmer. They're so superior acting, but fun to write because I feel most of the time they don't realize that their attitude is obnoxious.

Combat is always a bit rough for me to write, but I'm pretty happy with how the fight with the dragon went.

Part 7: fav.me/d593xx9
© 2012 - 2024 heiwako
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"You could have that too if you didn't hope from bed to bed."
Spelling error. Unless that was a Star Wars reference as someone said below. ;)