{"id":2564,"date":"2018-12-01T07:28:28","date_gmt":"2018-12-01T13:28:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=2564"},"modified":"2018-12-09T07:22:23","modified_gmt":"2018-12-09T13:22:23","slug":"dovahkins-flight-part-8","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=2564","title":{"rendered":"Dovahkin’s Flight – Part 8"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dovakhin’s Flight<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

by AJ Marks<\/span><\/p>\n

Part 8<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Zoe woke to an empty bed, not that it surprised her.\u00a0 It had been a week since her defeat of Alduin and returning back to the Suite.\u00a0 She had relaxed a bit the first couple of days, and allowing herself to heal up after all her travels.\u00a0 Leah had already gotten up, she said the previous night there were some things she needed to do.<\/p>\n

Running the suite was a challenge, one which Zoe was learning about.\u00a0 A lot of things, from cleaning to keeping things stocked and that wasn\u2019t even including keep customers happy.\u00a0 She felt grateful to the girls and OMB who worked hard to keep the suite running.\u00a0 Farquar was more than capable of handling the locals, and if anyone really got out of hand, they learned real quick the girls were also warriors.<\/p>\n

Down below she thought she heard Aela\u2019s voice, along with either Farkas or Valkas, or both.\u00a0 She also heard some other voices and figured some of the guests were awake.\u00a0 Getting up and putting on some simple clothes, no need for armor, made her way down the stairs.<\/p>\n

She spotted Leah working the bar and using her skills snuck up on her, before enveloping her in a hug.<\/p>\n

\u201cAwk, Zoe, stop that,\u201d Leah stated, but didn\u2019t make a move to get away and turned around to face her.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow else would I surprise you?\u201d Zoe asked, leaning in for a good morning kiss.<\/p>\n

Zoe then turned to see Aela and both Farkas and Vilkas sitting at the bar and Wyla relaxing in the bath.\u00a0 Everyone else must be either outside or downstairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, what\u2019s the latest with the Companions?\u201d Zoe asked looking at Aaela.<\/p>\n

\u201cGot some new contracts coming in,\u201d she replied taking a sip of her drink.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s good news,\u201d Zoe said, moving to grab a tea for her morning drink.\u00a0 It was too early for anything stronger than that.<\/p>\n

\u201cA couple appear to pay very well, was just going over who we should send,\u201d Aela said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, you\u2019ve done a good job with such decisions,\u201d Zoe replied, taking a moment to watch Leah work in her short dress which showed off a lot of leg.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe even got a couple of new welps,\u201d Aela stated, that got Zoe\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s hope they live up to the expectations,\u201d Zoe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have a good feeling about them, they are eager, yet seemed a bit tempered with caution, just the right mix,\u201d Aela said.\u00a0 Zoe understood, being eager could get you in over your head before you were ready, but be too cautious and you\u2019d never get anywhere.\u00a0 A hard balance to find.<\/p>\n

She was about to say more when the door opened allowing a person to enter, by the body under the robes Zoe guessed a woman.\u00a0 The robes looked to indicate a mage of some sort, not unusual and she waited to see who the person was.<\/p>\n

The woman pulled back the hood revealing a Drunmer.\u00a0 It took a second before Zoe recognized her.<\/p>\n

\u201cBrelyna,\u201d she said, walking over to greet the young woman, and another member of the College of Winderhold.\u00a0 The two had joined at the same times and been though a few missions together.<\/p>\n

\u201cZoe,\u201d Brelyna replied, returning the greeting.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat brings you here?\u201d Zoe asked, as they walked to the bar.<\/p>\n

\u201cOut on a mission gathering some ingredients for a new potion,\u201d Brelyna replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cMore testing,\u201d Zoe said.\u00a0 \u201cI hope you\u2019re better at that then, well, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n

She watched as the Drunmer blushed recalling their first real interaction where Brelyna had \u2018tested\u2019 a new spell out on her.\u00a0 It didn\u2019t go quite as she had hoped and Zoe slightly concerned if she\u2019d ever return to her normal form.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh\u201d Brelyna said, twisting her fingers before replying.\u00a0 \u201cThis time its not to be used on people, but a potion for helping plants grow.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShould be safer,\u201d Zoe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, we\u2019re hoping to be able to market it to farmers to help increase crops,\u201d Brelyna said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be something,\u201d Aela said.\u00a0 \u201cI know a lot of farmers who would buy such a potion.\u00a0 Any luck with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot yet, we had one which seemed promising, until it turned on us,\u201d Brelyna said.\u00a0 \u201cThough its nice to not have to duck dragons all the time.\u201d\u00a0 Here she turned to Zoe.\u00a0 \u201cIs it true, Alduin was killed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes,\u201d Leah replied, handing Brelyna a drink.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought he was almost immortal?\u201d Brelyna said.\u00a0 \u201cOr so that was what we were able to figure out from legends.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems Zoe here went off to Sovngarde to fight him,\u201d Aela said.<\/p>\n

\u201cA tale for the bards to tell for sure,\u201d Farkas said while Brelyna looked impressed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, its quieted down, people aren\u2019t coming to us for guard duty anymore as they travel,\u201d Vilkas said.\u00a0 \u201cThat was easy money.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI also thought I\u2019d check in with our arch-mage,\u201d Breylna said.\u00a0 \u201cIts been a while since we heard anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh,\u201d Zoe said, thinking she probably should name someone else to be in charge as she was rarely there.\u00a0 \u201cI can\u2019t think of anything, unless something\u2019s happened which I don\u2019t know about.\u201d<\/p>\n

Brelyna\u2019s face suddenly became very excited.\u00a0 \u201cOh, that\u2019s right, you probably don\u2019t know, we keep forgetting to write you about it, but Mirabelle returned.\u201d<\/p>\n

That got Zoe\u2019s attention rather quickly, as she recalled the mage.\u00a0 \u201cI was under the impression she disappeared, sacrificed herself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what we all thought, she even thought that,\u201d Brelyna said.\u00a0 \u201cSo imagine our surprise when she suddenly shows up in front of a group of new students being taught.\u00a0 Shocked us all.\u00a0 We theorize the magic displaced her in time instead of killing her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen I\u2019ll have to visit,\u201d Zoe said, and a plan came up, make Mirabelle the Arch-Mage.\u00a0 She had been running things anyways.<\/p>\n

\u201cTolfdir told her everything which happened, including you becoming Arch-Mage,\u201d Brelyna said.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did she react?\u201d Zoe asked, knowing how much the Breton had done.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe was impressed, but is concerned that you are not there.\u201d<\/p>\n

That comment sounded so much like her and her decision even easier.\u00a0 Zoe already had too many duties across Skyrim and passing one off was a good idea.\u00a0 Besides, she didn\u2019t see herself going up to Winterhold very often.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess then I\u2019ll have to sort out some order up there, maybe make her acting Arch-Mage,\u201d Zoe said, seeing how Brelyna reacted.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re used to her, she\u2019d do well, and we know she\u2019d put herself above the rest of us,\u201d Brelyna said.<\/p>\n

\u201cA noble quality in a leader,\u201d Aela said, speaking up.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have something written up you can take back so she can act as the Arch-Mage for me.\u00a0 Guess I\u2019ll have to go up and make a visit,\u201d Zoe said.\u00a0 Aside from the college she really had nothing up there.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, what\u2019s your plan today?\u201d Leah asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, probably some sparring with Farquar, maybe go down to the forge and work on some armor,\u201d Zoe replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cDoesn\u2019t sound like much fun,\u201d Leah replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cTraining, sounds fun, mind if we join in?\u201d Farkas asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cNope, the more the merrier,\u201d Zoe replied back to him.\u00a0 It would be fun having more than just Farquar to spar with and she could see how much she had improved.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Zoe made her way down into the basement, she looked at the forge before heading off though a door seldom used by anyone but her.\u00a0 Walking through the door she entered the unique room which housed what was called the Bridge of Migal.\u00a0 A unique magical being which gave the bath house such a unique feel.<\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome Dovahkin,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n

\u201cBride of Migal, how are you,\u201d Zoe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, feeling stronger,\u201d she replied, or at least Zoe assumed it was a she as Zoe offered her to drink.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ve gotten stronger since our first meeting.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHuh, yeah, I guess so,\u201d Zoe stated.\u00a0 \u201cHaven\u2019t really thought about it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI can tell, you have more magical ability than before,\u201d she answered.\u00a0 \u201cSo, Alduin has been defeated.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou knew?\u201d Zoe half asked, half stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can feel the currents of magic,\u201d she replied.\u00a0 \u201cIts how I traced you down, though the magical currents of time and space.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zoe merely nodded, knowing that she had been sent a message, and only a dragonborn could make the contract with the Bride of Migal.\u00a0 She was a large part of the suite, her power influenced the atmosphere around her, and when she was happy things inside the suite were better.<\/p>\n

\u201cWas it worth your effort?\u201d she asked Zoe breaking her out of her thoughts.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, it was,\u201d Zoe said as she considered the question.\u00a0 She could walk around anywhere in Skyrim and almost be recognized by someone who she had helped, or know of something she had done.\u00a0 She had made some enemies, groups in the shadows which were whispered about.\u00a0 The largest was a group of organized bandits who lived off robbing people.\u00a0 She had devastated their numbers, or the Falmar, she had fought many of them so far.<\/p>\n

\u201cBe sure to come back soon, I\u2019m always thirsty,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d Zoe replied, then moved away and closed the door behind her and headed over to the forge to check on some armor she hoped would be done soon.\u00a0 Then she\u2019d head off to do some sparring.<\/p>\n

*****<\/p>\n

Zoe ran though some drills along with Farkas, Vilkas and Farquar.\u00a0 It proved interesting with all three as they provided some challenge to her.\u00a0 She also realized how far her abilities had come since arriving in Skyrim.<\/p>\n

She backed off grabbing some water watching as Farquar and Vilkas squared off running through a few moves.\u00a0 They were about equally matched in skill, not surprising at all considering their backgrounds.\u00a0 She looked around seeing a few people walking along the trail, she figured as word that the dragons were gone people would travel more.\u00a0 She noticed the steel armor which was so typically worn by housecarls.<\/p>\n

The figure then seemed to spot her and turned heading in her direction.\u00a0 It took her a few moments until the person took off their helmet revealing Jordis, her housecarl from Solitude.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy Thane,\u201d Jordis said, giving a slight bow her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cJordis, what brings you here?\u201d Zoe asked, confused about why her housecaarl would come all this way.\u00a0 True, she hadn\u2019t been in Solitude in a while so the political nature could have changed.\u00a0 Still, she thought she would have heard something if it changed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI bring a message from Earl Elsif the Fair,\u201d Jordis said, as Zoe recalled the Jarl of Solitude.<\/p>\n

\u201cCome inside,\u201d Zoe said, nodding to the others that she was leaving before following Jordis inside the suite.\u00a0 Inside was a bit crowded as people were relaxing and eating.\u00a0 Zoe led Jordis upstairs to her room and a couple of table where things wouldn\u2019t be so noisy.\u00a0 \u201cSo, how are things in Solitude?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOverall, peaceful my Thane,\u201d Jordis said as Leah brought up some drinks.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut?\u201d Zoe asked, as Leah waited.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere might be some trouble,\u201d Jordis stated, something Zoe figured considering Elsif was sending for her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI figured, what\u2019s the problem?\u201d Zoe asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the Thalmor,\u201d Jordis said.<\/p>\n

Zoe rolled her eyes at that considering the Thalmor were a bigger pain than the Stormcloaks were.\u00a0 In fact, she would have sided with them if not for Ralouf who had saved her life upon reaching Skyrim.\u00a0 But General Tillius had shown to be a very intelligent man, and one who wasn\u2019t that fond of the Thalmor either.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, what is the situation, she can\u2019t expect me to take on the Thalmor army by myself,\u201d Zoe stated.\u00a0 \u201cI mean, I might be the Dragonborn but not an army.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe wishes for you to be there when meeting a delegation as backup, and as the Dragonborn and a Thane you have some weight and power in the discussion,\u201d Jordis replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see,\u201d Zoe said, basically muscle backup for the Jarl.\u00a0 \u201cWhen do they arrive?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA week,\u201d Jordis said.<\/p>\n

I guess we can make it there,\u201d Zoe said.\u00a0 \u201cI think they can handle things without me for a few days while I head over to Solitude.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think so, perhaps I\u2019ll go with you, been a while since I\u2019ve been out of the Suite,\u201d Leah said to her surprising her a bit.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess,\u201d Zoe said, unsure what to say to her lover.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, this is your hoursecarl from Solitude?\u201d Leah asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, Jordis, this is Leah, my lover,\u201d Zoe said, introducing the two of them.<\/p>\n

\u201cI wasn\u2019t aware you had another female housecarl other than Lydia,\u201d Leah said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, there is also Iona from Riften,\u201d Zoe said seeing the look Leah was giving her.\u00a0 \u201cBut only one of you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI should hope so,\u201d Leah said, then gave her a smile.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll have to be diplomatic, no bashing in their heads cause they don\u2019t agree with you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSpoil-sport,\u201d Zoe replied back to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, but the Thalmor wouldn\u2019t like this place,\u201d Leah said looking around.<\/p>\n

Zoe nodded, knowing they had Talos shrines which the Thalmor had decided were banned.\u00a0 It would be an interesting trip to see what they wanted.<\/p>\n

\u201cGuess I need to pack and get ready for the trip then.\u00a0 You can stay here, rest up and we\u2019ll head out tomorrow,\u201d Zoe said.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course my Thane,\u201d Jordis said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I can let the others know,\u201d Leah said.<\/p>\n

End part 8<\/p>\n

Continued in part 9<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Dovakhin’s Flight by AJ Marks Part 8 Zoe woke to an empty bed, not that it surprised her.\u00a0 It had been a week since her defeat of Alduin and returning back to the Suite.\u00a0 She had relaxed a bit the first couple of days, and allowing herself to heal up after all her travels.\u00a0 Leah […]
Continue reading…<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[3,10,6,85,12],"class_list":["post-2564","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-fanfiction","tag-aj-marks","tag-fanfiction","tag-fantasy","tag-skyrim","tag-story"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2564","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2564"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2564\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2572,"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2564\/revisions\/2572"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2564"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2564"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2564"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}