Wanderer

Chapter Twelve

~~~~~~~Asdis P.O.V.~~~~~~~

There was something about this particular day that made me hate the moon and stars. More than usual. But not sleeping for days really does a number on your mood. I was currently standing in the shadows just outside the gates of Windhelm, waiting impatiently for Galmar and Ulfric to arrive. The events that occurred in Ulfric's room pissed me off to no end, so I paced the hall until early morning to ensure his safety. I heard heavy boots crunch against the snow, being obnoxiously loud.

" You two need lessons in sneaking." I commented, greeting Galmar and Ulfric with a fright. It was clear neither of them had seen me, and were caught completely off guard. " And maybe a detection spell or two."

Galmar glared at me as Ulfric shook his head.

" We are not thieves or assassins. Why would we need to sneak?" He quipped following me to the stables.

" To save your lives. You never know when light feet could save you." I replied, attaching my satchel to the saddle of the horse. " Must we argue about everything?" I said, exasperated.

" Not a word, Ulfric." Galmar threatened, glaring at me again. " And nothing else from you."

It was clear now that Galmar was not a morning person.

We mounted our horses and I silently cast a spell on them that hid their tracks. We followed the path for hours, letting the sun hit the highest point of the sky before steering off course into the woods.

" Where are we going?" Ulfric asked behind me, as I led the small group.

" To my manor. Following the path is risky, we could be recognized." I stated, looking up at the tall mountain above us. " We are going to the peak, we will rest there for the night, then continue to Falkreath. We should arrive midday tomorrow."

" Midday? But Falkreath is more than a weeks journey from Windhelm and we've just left." Galmar said, confused.

I looked at him over my shoulder and smirked, " Dragonborn's secret. You'll see."

" Speaking of being the Dragonborn-" Ulfric started, urging his horse even with mine, " What's it like?"

" I'm not sure what you mean." I said, avoiding his gaze.

" How does it feel? Is it any different than before you found out?" he asked.

" Well, yes and no. I mean, I still feel the same, but I've always been the Dragonborn, I just didn't know it." I explained. " I've always been able to feel things more than others. Not sensory, but emotions. When I'm angry, I'm furious. If I'm happy, I'm elated." I continued, the path getting rockier as we began to ascend the mountain. " That is no different, even as a child I was like that. But ever since I consumed a dragon soul, I've felt different. I feel stronger, faster, smarter. All of the obvious things that come with absorbing a powerful source of magic. When I'm the Dragonborn, I'm untouchable. Invincible, if you will." I said, remembering some of the things I had done that wouldn't have been possible if I wasn't Dragonborn.

" Must be nice." Ulfric murmured.

" I hate it." I said, glancing at him. He had a look of confusion pass his face as I continued. " I wouldn't feel invincible if people didn't treat me as so. They put me up on a pedestal of honor and glory, which is nice and I am grateful for their admiration. But they act as if I am a god that walks among them." I commented, urging my horse over the steep mountain side. " I'm not. I'm just me. I prefer to be Asdis because no one expects anything of me. I'm just a woman." I finished.

Ulfric nodded, seeming to understand. " Yes, I can see how it would be tiring to be the most powerful and influential person in all of Tamriel." he joked, smirking.