Chapter Text
'Not again', thought Ylva as she heard the roar of a dragon in the distance as she entered the little town of Riverwood. It was the second one that day and her muscles were still sore from the first one. Were they now coming in batches? She had just wanted to sell some of her potions in the Riverwood Trader and get back home. Sighing she took out her bow and joined the Guards as scared townsfolk ran past her for cover.
"Everybody calm down!", she shouted, eyes fixed on the dragon that just landed on the roof of the Alvor's house. "I will take care of it."
The dragon inhaled deeply, its gaze fixed on her: "FO KRAH DIIN!"
She barely dodged the blizzard aimed at her and answered the only way the dragon would understand: "YOL TOOR!"
The beast screeched as the flames licked at its scales and set off flying.
"Oh no, you will not get away, you bastard!", the fierce warrior aimed at its wings, ripping holes through the leathery skin. The dragon came down next to Gerdur's mill, turning to face two guards that came running towards it. She did not let the moment of distraction go to waste. Throwing her bow to the ground she grabbed her two axes hanging on either side of her hip. With a short sprint she was at its side, its flank exposed and ready for her.
"SU!", left her lips and she felt the inhuman speed with which her axes tore the scaly skin of the beast apart.
The dragon couldn't react fast enough and with a final screech, the life went out of its body. Panting heavily Ylva knelt beside it, trying to gather a few drops of its blood before its body burned away as its soul was drawn into her.
"Dragonborn." The guards and the townsfolk looked at her in awe as the last bits of golden shimmer brazed her skin. She shook herself slightly, trying to get rid of the lightheadedness she always felt after a fight. Deep inside her, she could feel the soul of the slain dragon – raw, could power as if born from a blizzard. It became her strength, joined with the souls of his brethren that had already fallen to her blade. Looking at the bony remains of the slain lizard, she bowed respectfully and breathed fire. "YOL." The bones would burn a long time, but at least none of the bandits and townsfolk would be tempted to mess with them.
It took her a moment to realize that people were still staring at her. She smiled shyly and gave them a friendly nod. 'Why do they always have to stare?', she wondered as she went looking for her bow.
She found it still laying on the ground where she had thrown it before. Picking it up her gaze wandered over to the inn. 'Screw it, Lucan can wait till morning, I need a drink.'
Just as she had reached the top of the stairs the door sprang open and two drunkards stormed outside, almost running into her.
"Where's the dragon?", the larger of the two slurred, looking around, "I wanna fight me a dragon!"
"The dragon's dead, don't waste your breath", Ylva pushed past them, wrinkling her nose at the stinky breath of the man closest to her.
"Oi, oi, what's that beauty I see?", the other drunkard whistled through his teeth.
Shaking her head, she left them standing, ignoring their further remarks. After the day she had, she didn't care for company anyway. With her mind set on some of Ognar's good mead, she nearly ran into another man. What on Nirn was wrong today? Looking up, she saw that his honey eyes were fixed on her. 'By Talos, I hope he leaves me alone', she cursed internally. But of course, he didn't.
"So, you're someone who doesn't lip wrestle", he remarked, blocking her way.
"What's that supposed to mean?", she shot at him, annoyed.
"Didn't those two shout loud enough at your back or do you carry your nose so high that you ignore everything a guy says to you."
Ylva blinked surprised. Was he talking about those two drunkards?
"If you mean the two drunk idiots that nearly ran into me, they did shout loud enough, but I didn't listen", she huffed, "Now, if you wouldn't mind, I just want to get a pint of mead and you're in my way."
He chuckled at her, bemusement sparkling in his eyes. In a theatric gesture, he moved to the side.
"After you, princess", he said. She pushed past him happy to be rid of his presence, thinking he would leave her alone. She thought wrong. When she sat at the bar and signaled Ognar for a pint he sat down next to her.
"What do you want?", she growled at him angrily. 'Doesn't he know when to leave someone alone?'
"Saving a beautiful woman from having the dullest of nights." He looked at her from the corners of his eyes. "Besides, you strike me as a strong fighter. So maybe you can help me."
'Of course,' she rolled her eyes, 'Everybody just wants my help.' But she brushed her annoyance aside and turned to him. It was her duty, after all, to help the people who needed her. Akatosh hadn't bestowed her this gift just to use it for herself. The dragon blood running through her veins bound her to Skyrim and her people.
"Out with it, what do you need help with?", she asked with a friendlier tone.
"My wolf Karnwyr. We got separated a week ago while hunting", his voice faltered at that bit, "I tracked him to a group of trappers this side of Skyrim. I heard of a group of bandits running a pit fighting ring. I would go alone, but if they're running a ring there's probably more than just a few bandits. If you would come along, I wouldn't complain about my odds, I could certainly do worse for company."
Pit fights. Her jaw clenched. He didn't have to say anything else. She took a large gulp of mead and nodded as the sweat taste ran down her throat.
"I'll help you get your wolf back," She locked her eyes with his, "Under one condition. Don't you dare think you can order me around or anything."
That earned her another chuckle. He grinned at her. "Good, and the same goes for you. I'm not some lackey you can order around. We set out now."
"We set out tomorrow", she stated in a tone that didn't allow any opposition, "I've heard of pit fights going on in the Rift. It's at least a day's trip from here and I will not cross the mountain pass at night. Especially after just having fought a dragon. I'll see you at dusk."
With that, she left him at the bar and went home to Riverside Lodge. She needed to sleep in her own comfy bed – not some tavern bed with bedbugs and what not. Besides, she didn't want any company that night. The two dragons she fought that they made her feel restless as she got accustomed to the feeling of their souls within her.
Riverside Lodge lay just around a Riverbend next to a small waterfall. From the porch, she could easily overlook the plains of Whiterun. The lights were bright and warm against the dark blue night sky. She took in the sight before entering her home. There were still some embers glowing in the hearth. She kicked off her boots, putting a log or two in the fire and watched as they were quickly set ablaze. It had been a long day.
"And tomorrow's going to be just as long", she sighed to herself, thinking of the Nord she was going to meet in the morning.