-

Elle nodded slowly, looking away again at the fire. She was aware the path she had chosen was extremely dangerous, and she was going to have to be very careful. That made her all the more grateful for Nil's companionship. She wouldn't be able to do this without him. "Ivarstead," she said, "I read a recount of someone's pilgrimage up the steps. The bottom is in Ivarstead," she explained. She wasn't sure how far it was from Whiterun or even how to get there or what to expect along the way. There was so much that she didn't know, for all the reading she did, and that frightened her. But the only way to shed some light on the chaos and murk of everything she had just been presented with, she knew she would have to approach the Greybeards first. She was glad to have Nil as a voice of reason, that was for sure.

She stood up once again and looked over at him. "We can ask for directions and what to watch out for tomorrow. For now, we should probably get some rest," she said, doing her best to stifle a yawn. As exhausted as she was and as much as she wanted to do nothing but sleep, there was a part of her that was worried that she would be plagued by nightmares throughout the night. If they had been bad before, now she had a dragon inside her head. Or, something like that. She wasn't sure how the whole 'absorbing' a soul thing really worked. Trapping one in a soul gem, sure, but inside of a person? It was unheard of.

-

Elle began to follow behind him, but stopped and stared up at him blankly for a moment as she considered his proposition. They would need provisions for the journey and a map so that they didn't get lost in the wilderness. She wasn't familiar with Skyrim in the least and it seemed that it was up to her to lead this little expedition. That made sense, since it was her identity in the balance, but up until now, she had kind of been following Nilovas's lead. She had never been much of a leader, but how hard could it be to follow a map and then walk up some stairs?

She realized her thoughts were running away with her and she was still staring at Nilovas with a vacant expression. "Uh," she said, blinking a few times with a shake of her head, "I might need a few odds and ends. Besides, we'll need a map and some information about the route," she replied.

She felt silly for how poorly she felt that she was handling all of this and how difficult it was for her to wrap her head around the whole thing. On one hand, she was Dragonborn. So what? She could absorb a dragon's soul and speak a few fancy words. Big deal. But on the other hand, what kind of things came attached to that title and that kind of power? What would that mean for those close to her? What was expected of her now? Was she even up to the task? That's why she had to see the Greybeards, she needed her questions answered or else it would drive her over the edge, not knowing.

-

"Goodnight," Elle bid him as he agreed with her statement and turned away. She hesitated for a moment, looking back at the fire for a second, inhaling deeply and closing her eyes for a moment. She could do this, she just had to keep her head. Especially with the help of her new friend, she would be okay, right? She was used to entering the unknown, she had grown up never resting her head in the same place twice. But this was different. As flexible as she could be and as much as she tried to roll with he punches, this had caught her completely off guard. Still, she was about to go and get guidance from people who knew what they were doing, and that was comforting at least.

She opened her eyes and exhaled softly, looking away from the flames flickering in the hearth. She wasn't sure how long she had been standing there, but Nil was long gone, and when she went out into the main hall, saw no sign of him. She approached the innkeeper and paid for her room, shuffling up the stairs and shutting the door behind her, immediately depositing her few belongings on a chair tucked in the corner. Her armor was dirty, but she was far too tired to do anything about it at the moment, and settled for discarding it on the floor and crawling directly into the bed. Her eyelids shut of her own accord, her heavy limbs pulling the covers up over her shoulder as she curled into a ball on her side. She was asleep before she could comprehend just how exhausted she was.

However, that didn't spare her from the dreams.

Though she didn't wake until morning, her sleep was plagued with strange and vivid dreams, all involving dragons in some way, shape, or form. The only one she would end up remembering had her standing atop a snow covered mountain int he middle of a raging storm, and before her, was the massive black dragon from Helgen. Whereas she had been terrified then, at that moment she felt no fear, staring back at its crimson, hate filled eyes. "Zu'u los sarsan, Dovahkiin," he hissed, the sound of his voice filling the air without having to even try to speak over the sound of howling wind, driving snow, and booming thunder. She couldn't comprehend what he had said, but there was something inside her that understood. He was waiting for her. Why, or what particular significance this dragon possessed, hopefully the Greybeards would be able to answer, but she understood that she was going to have to face him eventually.

-

Elle's eyes snapped open abruptly, her dream startling her awake. She lay still for a moment, blinking groggily and slowly sitting up to survey her surroundings. Sunlight filtered through the small window, and she watched dust floating in the rays before disappearing in the air beyond the beams. She yawned and stretched as she forced her sore limbs to get her out of the bed to the wash basin, where she rinsed off as best she could before putting her leather armor back on. After gathering her belongings, the breton left her room as she braided her red hair in a half up half down fashion to keep it out of her face while still keeping her ears and neck warm. She had a hood, but the extra layer helped protect her fro the chill, she wasn't yet accustomed to the harsh cold of Skyrim.

She descended the stairs to find her half-mer companion already awake and seated at the bar with a mug of something in hand. "Good morning," she greeted, trying to keep the sleep and apprehension from her voice as she sat down next to him, "Sorry to keep you waiting." Honestly, if she didn't have Nil to think of, she would have just laid in bed the entire bed to avoid her problems. But, though he may not have intended to, he was holding her accountable in a way, and that ultimately was probably better for her and her decision making.

She wasn't particularly hungry, so she politely declined when the innkeeper offered her breakfast as she turned in her key. With her stomach in knots over what the day might hold, she had no appetite at the moment. Though, she wasn't even sure if they could even reach the Greybeards today or how long it would take to even get there. She wanted to save her coin for supplies anyway. They still needed a map and food for the journey, plus she wanted to stock up on an first aid they might need. With their past experiences int he injury department, they were going to need it.

-

Elle stifled a yawn as she nodded at his response, using the heel of her palm to rub her eye. She couldn't remember too much of her dreams, save for the one about the black dragon. She wasn't sure if these dreams were a result of her overactive imagination, or a manifestation of her fear via her experiences. If she didn't chicken out, she would try and talk to the Greybeards about it. At this point, she was just afraid that they wouldn't have all the answers she wanted, no, needed. Hopefully they hadn't called her to answer their questions. That would be terribly awkward.

She watched as Nil stood, and at his invitation, hopped down from the stool herself. It was a lot farther to the ground for her than it was for her absurdly tall companion. "Sure, I'm not particularly fond of this sword. And as much as I appreciate the battle axe, It's as tall as I am and there's no way I'll be able to use it without injuring myself in the process," she replied, only half joking. She did better with potstickers and magic, which, she would probably have to work on if she was going to be fighting dragons. There was no way she would get so lucky next time. Thank divines she had Nilovas.

After thanking the innkeeper, she headed for the door, scrunching her nose slightly when the cold morning air hit her face. As it seemed that she might be staying in Skyrim for a while, she might want to think about investing in furs or a coat. She descended the steps of the Bannered Mare to the market place, which was just starting to come to life with the sleepy townsfolk setting up their stalls. The sun was rising, casting a light that held the barest traces of warmth within its rays over the frost covered land, the sounds of daily life at a soft volume around her as she headed down the cobbled road toward the town gate where the smith was located. If she didn't have important things to do, she would have liked to sit and enjoy the peace of the morning, but there was no time.

-

Elle followed after Nil, although she was practically trotting to keep up with his long stride. Being about as familiar with Whiterun as he was, she was content to let him lead the way and keep an eye out for the blacksmith. She was about to comment on the fact she remembered seeing it at the entrance to the city, but it seemed that he had already spotted it and picked up the pace. She would have to remind him to walk a little slower later, seeing as they had reached the forge. The young women hard at work hammering out a sword on the anvil paused her labor to reply to Nil when he addressed her. She stood at Nil's side and listened to the exchange quietly, furrowing her brow when the blacksmith mentioned the price then went on to say that the armor would not be available for quite some time. She looked up at Nil only to find him already staring back at her with- was that hope?

It then occurred to her that he may want to persuade the blacksmith to hurry the order on account of her status. This was very new to her, as she had never had much to her name and hardly any skill for persuasion anyway. The fact she now had a degree of power and importance to her station was very strange, and she didn't know how she felt about using it to get what she wanted. But, they were on an important mission that could affect all of Skyrim, so it wasn't like she was lying. She recalled when she had first met Nilovas when they had been captured by the Imperials and how he didn't have much problem at least trying to use an air of self importance against their captors. While it hadn't exactly worked, she had taken a few notes. Although, he had changed quite a bit since then, despite the fact the Helgen had only been days ago. Who knew that they'd be here now.

She sighed and gave Nil a slight nod. "Um, if I may," she began, stepping forward with an apologetic smile and pushing loose hair behind her ear, "It's of the utmost importance that he has suitable armor, because the jarl has charged us with the protection of Whiterun against the dragons," she explained. Which wasn't wrong, he had made her thane, so she would ultimately be defending Whiterun from dragons.

"I know there's a civil war and you must be very busy, but the dragons aren't going to pick a side, and we can't do our job until my friend has been properly outfitted for the task," she added, gaining more confidence as she spoke. She didn't want to pull the dragonborn card, since she wasn't sure whether or not such a claim would be taken seriously. Plus, she didn't want to have to prove it. The shouting still scared her.

She cast a glance back at Nil, whether for input, approval, or support, she wasn't sure. She just hoped that the woman would consider her words and cut them a better deal. Elle's request seemed reasonable to herself, but she wasn't sure how her little argument would be received. She still needed to purchase a sword, which she was fairly sure that the smith would already have on hand, but maybe she could use the extra business as persuasion should she still refuse.

Nil frowned slightly at Elle’s downplaying of her own importance - she was the Dragonborn of all things, why would she withhold that from the woman? That was hardly like being daedric spawn; in fact, she was well set up to be revered rather than reviled by the inhabitants of the city. Not using that to her advantage massively perplexed him, and it was a bit irksome seeing as he felt it held less urgency and punch than what she actually went with. But maybe it would be enough. He doubted it, but he supposed she had tried, in a way.

The woman’s response started just like he expected, with her giving Elle a bemused smile. “Is that so? I hope you know what you’re fixing to get yourselves into - that’d be a task better suited for the Dragonborn.”

Nil would’ve grinned at her oblivious statement had he not also been annoyed with how they were being dismissed, but she continued, “Nevertheless, I’ll see what I can do about getting it done in the next few days. Again, I have other clients I need to fill orders for first, but if you’re that determined to fight dragons, I’ll try to get you decent armor so you’re not as good as lizard food.”

While he wasn’t surprised to hear this response, he had to actively fight the urge to physically threaten the woman with immolation if she didn’t get to it now, because damn it, he was important and his companion was now as well, and the baubles and potstickers these other customers had ordered could wait. He wouldn’t get refused like this back where he had an actual presence - in fact, he’d never even had to ask for armor, as his old suit had been near impenetrable and fitted precisely to him. But, instead of causing a scene, he held his tongue, not particularly wanting to bring down the entire whiterun guard on his head as he was definitely not equipped to do so. That didn’t mean he was happy about the result of this outing, though.

“Very well,” he ground out, practically exuding vexation as he spoke, “I trust it will be of exceptionally good quality when I return to retrieve it.”

“Yeah, yeah,” the blacksmith returned, seeming quite finished with the conversation herself.

Turning away from the store, Nil stalked back off into the marketplace, muttering some very unkind things about the blacksmith and where she could put her other customers as he walked.

Elle bit the inside of her cheek and her eyes darted toward her tall mer companion briefly when the blacksmith mentioned the dragonborn. She had just discovered this about herself the day before, she didn't feel ready to swing that title around. Sure, maybe it would have gotten her better treatment, but it could be dangerous too. She felt it wiser to remain as anonymous as possible at this time.

She smiled when the blacksmith relented, and although it wasn't immediate, it was better than waiting for weeks. "Thank you," she said before Nil's clipped reply followed.

It had to be very odd for a stranger to look at the pair from the outside, considering how opposite they were. She was a human girl nearly half his size and he had horns curling from the top of his head, she had noticed some raised eyebrows but hadn't paid it any mind. They were an unconventional duo, but she was grateful to have him at her side. He certainly wasn't coy, but his confidence made her feel safer than she would have otherwise. She couldn't imagine trying to do this alone.

In the mean time, she did end up purchasing a steel sword with the coin she had found in the barrows and trading in the iron sword she had been carrying around since Helgen. It wasn't anything fancy, but it would do the job.

As Nil turned and stalked away, Elle gave the blacksmith an apologetic shrug before turning and trotting after Nil. "We could check the General Goods store for more suitable armor? Anything is better than that cuirass," she suggested as she fell into step beside him, nearly running to keep up with his long stride, "I'm sure she'll have it done by the time we return from High Hrothgar, and I'm assuming we won't be fighting dragons between now and then," she said, although she wasn't so sure about that last bit. With her luck, there would be a hoard led by the black dragon from Helgen waiting for them at the top of the mountain.

As the approached the center of town, she cast a look over at him. "Besides," she added, her tone taking on a lighter more jesting sound "Yellow isn't really your color." between his storm grey skin and the dandelion of the cloth, he looked like a depressed bumblebee.

-

Elle flashed him a smile, a small laugh escaping her at his final comment as they walked inside the trader. The place looked pretty standard to her as she took a moment to survey the room before her eyes landed on the merchant behind the counter. She didn't notice anything particularly off, other than the way he examined the pair and the beady glint in his dark eyes. She exchanged a quick glance with Nilovas, her eye catching his as she noted his uneasy expression. Whatever reason for the tension, they still needed supplies and she didn't believe them to be in any immediate danger. Oddly enough, she felt more comfortable trying to barter with this man rather than the blacksmith, although she had a feeling swinging title or purpose around wouldn't get them a better price, not with this guy.

She turned her attention to the self proclaimed Belethor, who seemed more intent on addressing her than her mer companion. That was really starting to tick her off, as she was beginning to notice a pattern, but she didn't comment, instead replying, "We're interested in armor that might fit my friend here, a map, and some supplies for a few day's journey." She didn't think they would be traveling that long, but it was better to work on the side of caution, especially with her current streak of luck.

Now that she had moved closer to the counter, she was starting to feel the apprehension that had been written on Nil's face. She didn't like the way this Belethor was looking at her, but she couldn't decide why. She crossed her arms, expression still fairly neutral as she shifted from one foot to the other, casting another glance back at Nil. After this, they could set off for High Hrothgar and maybe she could get some much needed answers.

-

Elle's face dropped when she heard the price for the map. They could just ask for directions. Before Helgen, she had had one of her own, but the Imperials had confiscated it when she was arrested. Her eyes looked over at the questionable state of the produce uncertainly. There were vendors outside with what looked like much better fare. She trying very hard not to scowl and seem rude, but she was not enjoying her shopping experience. Nil didn't seem to be either, judging by his comment once the shopkeep had disappeared to the back room.

"I hate to assume the worst, but we're probably better off elsewhere," she looked up at him and replied quietly, furrowing her brow and uncrossing her arms to plant her fists on her hips as Belethor returned.

She watched quietly as Nil sifted through the meager selection of apparel and found something that would work. Good. They could get whatever else the needed from the market outside. But before Nil could hand over the money for the surcoat, Belethor directed his attention to her as if her companion wasn't even in the room. At first, she cocked her head and wrinkled her nose in confusion, but it dawned on her that he was referring to Nilovas, that he had assumed the half-prince was a summon. Needless to say, she horrified by the inquiry, and she had just about enough of people treating him poorly over the past few days.

Nil had barely finished his retort when she spoke. "How dare you," Elle hissed, her expression morphing from shock and disbelief to a hateful glare, jabbing an accusatory finger in Belethor's direction and stepping closer to the counter in between the two men "He's not a summon, he's my friend, and it's extremely rude to assume that of him and to ask that of me. So here," she aggressively slammed the appropriate amount of septims onto the wooden counter, the force creating a resounding thud and causing the coins to bounce, "We'll be taking the rest of our business elsewhere," she snarled, turning on her heel and grabbing Nil by the hand on her way out as she headed for the door and slammed it behind them once they were back out in the morning air.

Of all the nerve! To flat out ask to purchase someone! She wasn't very familiar with the spells used to summon daedra, or how they latter even felt about it, but it didn't seem right to her. "I'm so sorry about that," she said to Nil as she released her grip on him and turned to face him, "I don't know why everyone has been so rude to you since we got here, it's not right."

-

Elle didn't realize that in yelling at the merchant she had also prevented his murder. Honestly she had done it without thinking; it didn't seem fair that he was the reason that dragon hadn't burned Whiterun to the ground yesterday, and yet they had the audacity to treat him as anything less than a hero. If he hadn't saved her life, she wouldn't have been able to slay the beast in the first place. She still wasn't sure about the whole soul business, but hopefully that would be revealed soon.

She frowned at his comment, "I hadn't even thought of that," she said, more to herself than him. They would have to be careful whilst traveling. She knew the Vigilants of Stendarr were not at all relenting when it came to matters concerning the Princes.

At his second statement, she shrugged with a smile, "He deserved it. What an ass," she shook her head and shot one last scowl at the trader before continuing, "Anyway, why don't you ditch that godawful yellow thing and I'll get the rest of the supplies. We'd best go while the day is still young, I don't want to be caught in the forests after dark." There were all manner of creatures prowling the woods of Skyrim and she'd rather not go camping with them.

She turned and walked over to one of the market stalls, a friendly looking woman with a young girl at her side manning the booth. Carlotta Valentia was her name, and she proved to be much more agreeable than Belethor, in terms of the quality of the provisions and their prices. She purchased fresh produce, bread, and cheese, deciding that would be substantial enough. The wilderness was teeming with wild game should they decide they needed heavier fare.

. . .

After asking for directions to Ivarstead on the way out of town, the trek there was virtually uneventful. They filled the time with the occasional conversation, small talk mostly, Elle sometimes spouting off random facts she knew about Skyrim when she spotted something that brought them to mind. There were signs at every fork directing them further east into the mountains, and the roads were clear. Aside from a brief run in with an angry frost mage and a couple of wolves, nothing was seemed keen on opposing the pair. At one point, as they ascended the mountain toward evening, Elle swore she could hear a dragon, and sure enough, looking down at the hot springs in the valley below, one circled a large cluster of boulders, though there didn't seem to be anything in its immediate vicinity for it to attack. They decided to ignore it and press on. It was too far away for them to do anything about it anyway. She wasn't ready to fight another dragon, not before talking to the Greybeards.

Twilight crept up quickly after that, and the further they pressed up into the mountains and the darker it got, the more predatory animals they noticed lurking off the path. Thankfully, the most trouble they ran into were two vampire fledglings disguised as Vigilants, interestingly enough. Dispatching them wasn't terribly difficult, especially with Nil there. Night had fully set on by the time they reached the settlement at the foot of the mountain towering against the star filled sky, a large orange moon rising behind it amidst the clouds. The Vilemyr Inn was the first building on their left, conveniently enough, and when they entered, the place was empty save for a man behind the counter a woman tending the the fire pit in the center of the establishment. He raised his eyebrows in surprise at the duo as they approached.

"Well now, we don't get too many visitors for High Hrothgar these days," he stated, looking the two up and down briefly, "If you're headed to the monastery, watch your step, it's a long way down."

Elle thanked him for the advice and purchased a room, bidding Nil goodnight before retiring herself. Compared to the last few days, this one had been rather lax in comparison, despite the trek and its less than favorable beginnings. Plus, it had given her plenty of time to think and really wrap her head around her situation. It didn't take long for her to fall asleep this time, and unlike the past few nights, her slumber was void of dragons.