Companion (Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Fanfiction)

Chapter 10

"Are you sure you can leave Miraak for so long? The most you've left him before was a few days." Lydia stated as she watched the Dragonborn lead her horse to a pile of belongings. It had been a long time since she had been called upon to travel with her Thane. The housecarl knew about Miraak, of his past and his current state. When her Thane was visiting Whiterun, Miraak would stay in Breezehome so Lydia had seen him a fair number of times. The man was odd but he was generally well behaved.

"He's been pretty good. Valis is here too, and Miraak seems to like him." The Dragonborn responded as she began to fill her horse's saddlebags. Valis was another friend that the warrior had know for several years. He owed her a few favors and she was calling on one now.

"Why aren't you taking him along, by the way?" Lydia asked, a little puzzled. That man was always with her.

"I have a bad feeling about bringing him back there." The Dragonborn had felt a sense of dread since learning she would have to return to Solstheim. A damned merchant refused to tell her the location of an ancient ruin until she helped him acquire some goods. The female warrior hated dealing with merchants, finding them to be some of the most infuriating people. Most seemed unable to do something out of the kindness of their hearts and always wanted some sort of payment.

The Last Dragonborn had been tasked with going to Solstheim and gathering several hides from the rare white wolves. She didn't want Miraak there however. The woman was worried something might jog Miraak's memory, as he was now in a much better state of mind than he had been when she first found him. Maybe she was being paranoid but the revelation that she wanted him around was making her a little cautious.

The female warrior also knew that many might consider it wrong to keep Miraak in that state if there was a chance of him regaining all of his mental faculties. But the man was happy and healthy. And she would protect him from any who would try and take advantage of him while trying her best to make sure he could take care of himself in his state. The warrior believed she had succeeded, as Miraak was much more self-sufficient. And if Miraak ever returned to his former state, all she could do was kill him. Wasn't it better he stay this way then? Alive, happy and safe? At least, that was what she tried to tell herself. Tried to make herself wholeheartedly, without the flicker of guilt and shame.

"Well, this means I will finally be able to enjoy the wilds once more. It's quite dull staying in Breezehome with little to do."

"Ah, I must apologize for that Lydia." The Dragonborn said a little sheepishly.

"It is nothing, my Thane. I will serve you whenever you have need of me, even if it is not often." The woman smiled at her Thane. The sight warmed the Last Dragonborn's heart. She was glad she had friends like her.

"Thank you Lydia. I'm glad I have you at my side."

Within the hour, both woman were ready to leave. The Dragonborn said goodbye to Miraak, who was lazing about in his room. Valis assured her everything would be alright and so she departed with her housecarl.

The strange connection to Miraak slowly dissipated the farther she traveled away from her home, leaving the Dragonborn feeling a little bereft.

**********

In Solstheim, their task did not end up taking as long as anticipated. The Last Dragonborn and Lydia found that a trader was selling the white wolf hides right there at Raven Rock. Both women laughed at their fortune. Buying them was far easier than having to hunt them down themselves. They could even leave for home within an hour of arriving.

They could... But there was a tavern nearby and a quick little detour would not hurt anyone.

After the Dragonborn and Lydia ordered their drinks, they began to talk to the other patrons. Taverns were some of the best places to learn information. It was there that the women learned of some interesting rumors. It seemed as if a Dark Elf named Drullis had been looking for a feral man matching Miraak's description up until a few months ago.