The innkeep had brought up breakfast for seven to Nora's room. Eggs, sausage, freshly baked bread. Even a tray of pastries along with hot tea, the only caffeinated morning beverage Skyrim had.

 

The serving girl told Nora that the breakfast was on the house, for which the Dragonborn was grateful, if only for the gesture. The six women gathered, Valdimar exiled to the common room. Not that she had anything against the Housecarl sitting with them, most times, but this was a time for healing the injured woman. The man had accepted his exile with good grace.

 

“If only I hadn't have led them on and stolen their money,” moaned Sofia, barely touching her food.

 

The rest of the woman had lost their appetites as well. Nora couldn't afford that luxury, and she ate her fill and then some, needing fuel for the day. And tried to be there for Sofia.

 

“No matter what you did, there was no cause for what they did.”

 

“Unfortunately, my Thane,” said Lydia after taking some bites of food. “Rape is a way of life in Tamriel. If Whiterun is ever sacked by Ulfric, his men will have their way with every female in the city. From young girls up to grandmothers. If the Stormcloaks can get into their skirts, they will have them.”

 

“And not just the Stormcloaks,” said Eldawyn, a distant look on her face. “But the Imperials and the Thalmor. When a city is besieged and taken, it is a time-honored tradition to rape and pillage.”

 

“But, I've seen women in those units,” said Nora, confused. “Do they just stand by and let it happen?”

 

“Mostly they egg the men on,” said Eldawyn, shaking her head. “Sometimes they might join in.”

 

Nora stared at the elf in horror. She had never realized that this went on in Skyrim. She should have known, as well versed as she was in history. But the beauty of the land, the friendliness of the people in towns and cities, had lulled her to sleep.

 

“It has always concerned me,” said Lydia, her eyes wide. “I don't know what I would do if some man just took what I'm saving. I guess taking my own life would be an option.”

 

“Lydia,” said Nora, putting an arm around her Housecarl. “No. It may be a horrible experience, but nothing worth killing yourself over.”

 

“Lydia might be right,” said Sofia, tears flowing from her eyes. “Death may be the best way. I would think about it myself, but thieves aren't allowed into Sovngarde, and I don't want to go to Oblivion.”

 

“Well, you have a chance to reform,” said Lydia, rubbing a hand on the woman's shoulder. “Many people don't get that chance.”

 

Sofia just shook her head sadly and looked down.

 

“What do you do on your world?” asked Eldawyn, raising an eyebrow. “You have an army, yes?”

 

“Yes. Actually several of them.” She thought of the Minutemen, the Brotherhood, Institute Security, even the militia of the settlements. “And all have rules against rape. It is punished by death, quick and sudden. So it is almost unheard of in civilized forces. Only our equivalent of bandits are likely to commit such an atrocity, and they are killed on sight.”

 

“What if the supposed victim lies?” asked Eldawyn, looking troubled. “It happened to a cousin of mine. He had in no way raped the woman he was accused of molesting, and he was sentenced to decades in prison.”

 

“We have, ways, of testing the semen and matching it up to the person it came from. Doesn't make it fool proof, since a woman can lie, of course, like any of us. But we also have ways of telling when someone is telling the truth.”

 

Nora decided that she needed to get onto the day's tasks. She asked Elesia to stay with Sofia, still worried that the woman might do something rash. So she stepped out the inn, dressed in her brand new Radiant Raiment clothes, Dawnbreaker belted to her side, and headed for her first stop. It was a beautiful day outside, sun shining and birds singing. There was still a sting to the air. This part of Skyrim was cold, and she had heard that the ground was permanently covered with snow a short ride to the north of here.

 

“I need these potions,” she told the Alchemist at Angeline's Aromatics, an elderly woman that Nora took to be Angeline.

 

“This is quite an order,” said the woman. “Can you give me a day to get it together. And I assume that you want it wrapped for travel?”

 

“Yes,” said Nora, visualizing a big box filled with straw to safeguard the small, fragile bottles. “Have you ever heard of pills.” Now that would be a solution to many of the problems with potions. Smaller, lighter, break-proof.

 

“I have never heard of that. What is it?”

 

“Small solid pellets that can be taken by mouth. I'm thinking that if you have a way to dry out the potions, removing the water while leaving the active ingredients intact.”

 

“Interesting,” said Angeline, nodding. “I will see what I can come up with, but don't expect miracles. Or instantaneous discovery. Now, I expect payment up front.”

 

Nora handed over a pair of flawless diamonds, some of the largess they had found in several tombs, sure that it would be enough. “Keep the change if there is any. If not, I will give you more.”

 

“Thank you, my Lady. You can pick it up tomorrow. And if I may ask my Lady a question. Have you been to Whiterun?”

 

“Actually, it’s my home in Skyrim.”

 

“Then perhaps you have heard of my daughter, Fura. She joined the Imperial army and was stationed to Whiterun, and I haven't heard from her in months. And Captain Aldis won't tell me anything.”

 

“I'll ask around,” promised Nora, feeling that the news would not be good. Another tragedy spawned from the damned war.

 

Next stop was the armorer, the one recommended to her by the guard captain she had talked to earlier when she stopped into the barracks to find out about the disposition of the rapists. She had learned that they would appear before the Jarl that afternoon, and thought it might be a good idea to be there, as a witness if nothing else. And it would give her a chance to show the Jarl the clothing she had promised Taarie she would display.

 

The armorer was in a combined house workshop near the Imperial fort, Castle Dour, The workshop was well lit, and the smith and his apprentice were hard at work making Imperial swords. Nora browsed some of the armor that was mounted on manikins, noting that they seemed to be made of some different metals than she had seen before.

 

“Can I help you, my Lady,” said the smith, leaving the forge to see what she wanted. “I'm afraid I don't have many daggers available. The women of Solitude have bought me out due to the vampire attacks.”

 

“More damned vampires,” Nora whispered, wondering if she might have to delay leaving Solitude until she had taken care of them.

 

“No, I'm looking for armor. And I'm interested in hearing about these fascinating pieces here.”

“Is my Lady sure she knows what she's looking for,” said the smith. His eyes narrowed as he saw the sword belted at her side. “May I see that sword?”

 

“Sure,” said Nora, pulling Dawnbreaker from its sheath and handing it hilt first to the smith.

 

“Is this Dawnbreaker? I've heard it described, but never thought I would see it. Who did you buy it off, and did they realize that they were being robbed?”

 

“I didn't buy it,” said Nora, laughing. “I found it in Meridia's temple, after I killed the resident necromancer and his minions.

 

The man looked at her with new respect, realizing that he wasn't dealing with some soft noble woman. “Would you be willing to sell it?”

 

“And become the fool who didn't realize I was being robbed,” said Nora, laughing again and shaking her head. “But I would like to ask you about your armor.”

 

“Sure thing. We have genuine elven mail from the Isles. Stronger and lighter than anything we can make. I can't make it myself, though I can size it if you want.”

 

“And this?” asked Nora, running her hand over the dark leather set, the studs of metal protruding from it.

 

“A set of hardened leather. Suitable for mages who don't want to be overburdened. It will stop the arrows of all but the most powerful bows. And next to it is a set of ebony chain. Also light, though not as light as the elven armor, but much stronger. I doubt there is a bow in Skyrim that can penetrate it at distance.”

 

Nora started thinking she had found some better armor for herself, Eldawyn and Sofia. Lydia had ebony plate, and there weren't too many armors out there with better protection. Recorder still insisted that she didn't need armor, and the nanoweave she wore had protected her, so far. Which left Valdimar and Annekke.

 

“What do you have that will fit a big Nord who likes to swing a hammer? And do you have any more sets of those marvelous mails.”

 

“Sounds like half the Nords in Skyrim,” said the man with a laugh. “I have a set of Glacial that should do the job. Lighter than ebony and almost as good. And yes, I have another set of elven.”

 

“So, how much?”

 

“For which one?”

 

“All of them, of course?”

 

The smith whistled, then started doing figures while he spoke. “Ten thousand gold for the Glacial, eight thousand for the ebony mail, seven thousand each for the elven, and six thousand for the leather. So, let's say, thirty-eight thousand gold, including sizing. And how do you want to pay for that?”

 

Nora opened her belt pouch and started counting out gems. She placed six diamonds, four emeralds, along with some garnets and opals, on the counter, all of finest quality,

 

“Are these real?”

 

“As real as the sword,” said Nora. “And from the same source.”

 

“You don't mind if I have them appraised?”

 

“Not at all.”

 

The smith picked up one of the diamonds and one emerald and handed them back to Nora. “Don't want anyone to say I cheated you. And I will need to see your people here to size them. Give me a couple of minutes here and I will get your measurements.”

 

“Do you have any good helms to go with the armor?”

 

“Full face or open.”

 

After being measured, head and body, Nora left the shop with an agreement to bring her people back that afternoon. The smith thought he could have the armor ready in two days, more delay, but it would give Nora time to ask about the vampires. And her people would be much better protected when they left the capital. She had given him the gems he had returned and he promised six helmets of good quality steel hardened to an almost unreal degree. She thought she might be able to talk Recorder into wearing one. Her nanoarmor was well and good, but anything hitting her hard in the head would kill her, and Nora couldn't stand for that. So either a helm, or she could go her own way. The glacial armor, of course, came with an open-faced helm, and she couldn't wait to see the expression on Vladimir’s face when he came in for his fitting.

 

Nora stopped by a stand selling spiced wine, tasted a sample, and ordered five cases of the beverage, vowing to herself that Eldawyn wouldn't be allowed to drink it all up. Spiced wine was good on a cold night, something which Skyrim had more than its fair share of. The woman at the stand, Evette San, complained that she was now sold out, since the East Empire Company was holding her spices until she paid a tariff she couldn't afford.

 

“No promises, but let me see what I can do,” said Nora, resolving to talk to the people of the East Empire Company when she visited the docks the next day.

 

“Dragon,” came a loud shout as Nora was walking through the large residential district fronting the palace.

 

“Shit,” said Nora, looking up and trying to spot the beast. She had on her enchanted jewelry, but the armor had been enchanted as well, and she was lacking that protection. But the dragon had chosen this time to attack a city, so there was nothing to it but to fight.

 

The blue dragon flew over with a roar. People ran, heading into buildings or just taking off in a panic. The guard started sending arrows up and into the beast, most bouncing off, a few sinking in through the spaces between the scales. Nora waited for a moment, wanting to see what kind of breath this creature had so she could throw the appropriate spell. Frost or shock, and she didn't want to resort to flames in the city lest she start a fire that would spread.

 

I wish I had the others with me, she thought, but she had cut them loose to shop on their own.

 

A lightning bolt left the mouth of the dragon, striking the ground and arching through the bodies of a couple of guards, dropping them dead and smoking to the ground. Nora called up a spell, sending the ice spikes flying into the dragon. Not every one hit, but those that did penetrated.

 

The dragon went into a hover, mouth opening, and Nora knew she was in trouble. Except she had an ace up her sleeve. With a shout she turned Ethereal, and the lightning passed harmless through her. Of course she couldn't hurt the dragon in this state either, but as soon as she was solid again she would start flinging ice spikes at it. The dragon roared and flapped higher, and Nora sent a few spells into it.

 

The dragon turned its head while moving away and shot another bolt Nora's way. This time she wasn't able to turn immaterial in time. The bolt struck the ground ten feet away and the electricity flowed into Nora through the ground. All the hair on her body stood on end and she shook from the shock. She could smell something burning, and realized that her clothes had caught. She beat out the sleeve as she ran to cover, then raised a hand and cast healing on herself.

 

The dragon came back down, hovering in the air, and a pair of children broke cover and ran for it, holding on to each other. The dragon opened its mouth, preparing to fry them.

 

“No,” yelled Nora. “Fus Ro,” she shouted, the adrenaline fueled rage of her enhanced body powering the shout. It hit the dragon in the side and actually pushed it into the nearby building. The children turned a corner and were safe, and Nora charged forward, throwing ice magic as she drew her sword. Arrows struck the dragon, and it was starting to look really hurt, blood flowing over the scales. Nora sent another spike into the dragon, hitting it in the neck.

 

The head dipped low, the mouth opened, and the dragon threatened to electrocute her as its last act. Nora leapt into the air, landing on the top of its head, driving Dawnbreaker through the skull with all her strength. It might not have been a dragon slayer, but it cut through the dragon bone easily enough. The dragon's head hit the ground and Nora flung herself away, rolling to her feet and turning to make sure that the dragon wasn't about to attack her. It was obviously dead, and Nora prepared herself for what was about to come next. She really didn't want to go through this in front of the people of Solitude, but she had no choice.

 

The dragon started to burn, and the wave of energy flowed out of it to engulf Nora. She felt herself rising into the air, the energy infusing every cell of her body, as the most intense orgasm she had ever felt, just like from every other dragon soul, took her. The power burst forth, knocking back everyone who had come running up.

 

“You're, Dragonborn,” shouted out one of the guards, echoed by many others.

 

No shit, thought Nora, looking at her ruined clothes. She sheathed Dawnbreaker and started to walk away, not wanting the attention.

 

“Stop, in the name of the Jarl,” yelled out a guard, and Nora turned to see a dozen of the soldiers coming at her.

 

“She's Dragonborn,” called out one of the guards she had fought beside.

 

“Jarl Elisif wants to see you. You are to surrender your weapon and come with us.”

 

Surrender Dawnbreaker? Nora didn't think so, and she pulled the weapon from its sheath. She knew it was crazy, but she wasn't about the surrender the blade to anyone.

 

“Drop the weapon, or die,” said one of the guards.

 

“No, you fool,” said the guard captain. “The Jarl ordered her brought before her. And I think she wanted to talk to her. Kind of hard to do that with a dead woman.”

 

The captain looked her up and down. “Look, I know that you helped to kill that dragon, and the men here think you ate its soul. But Jarl Elisif is understandably leery about having anyone with the voice coming into her presence.”

 

“And if I wanted to harm the Jarl, I wouldn't need this sword.”

 

“True,” said one of the guards. “I saw what she did to the people who raped her friend, and unless we tie her hand and foot she will remain dangerous.”

 

“Very well,” said the guard captain, giving Nora a frank look. “Dragonborn. You are going before the Jarl. To talk, as far as I know. You may keep your sword, but keep it sheathed at all times. If you draw, or attempt to use your voice against the Jarl, we will attack, and continue attacking, until you kill us all. Understood.”

 

“Understood, Captain. And I must say that I find your devotion to your Jarl heartening.”

 

*     *     *

 

The Blue Palace was huge, making Balgruuf's Dragonreach look like a farmer's hut in comparison. Four stories of stonework, stained glass windows, and towering blue domes over both wings and the central palace. They entered through a walkway between the wings, forty yards of courtyard filled with flowers. On entering the main hall Nora was led through an entry with a number of chairs, people waiting for an audience, nobles and paupers. They went up a double flight of stairs and walked across the carpeted floor to the throne, upon which Elisif the fair sat.

 

Elisif was called the fair, and Nora had really expected someone who didn't quite meet the description. Not only was the woman as pretty as anyone she had ever seen, but she bore a shocking resemblance to Toccata, down to the blue eyes and red hair. There were some differences in the face, they weren't exact twins, but they could have been very close sisters.

 

“We have the woman you wanted to see, my Jarl. The guardsmen who watched her fight say she ate the soul of the dragon she killed.”

 

“So, you are the Dragonborn we have heard of?” asked Elisif in a voice that was almost a complete match for Toccata's.

 

Nora could only stare at her, not able to speak.

 

“Was she struck in the head by the dragon?” asked a heavy set man in fine clothing.

 

“Can you hear me?” asked Elisif.

 

“I'm, sorry, Jarl Elisif. You just look so much like a dear friend of mine.”

 

“And is she pretty?” asked another of the people Nora took to be one of the court Thanes, an older but still attractive woman.

 

“Toccata was beautiful,” said Nora, a tear rolling down her cheek. “Just as is Jarl Elisif.”

 

“Was?” asked Elisif in a quiet voice.

 

“She's in Sovngarde now. Fallen in battle against my foes.”

 

“Then you have our sympathy,” said Elisif, bowing her head.

 

“Thank you, my Jarl. And I must say, I really didn't believe the stories of your beauty, and find that they lied in their inadequacy.”

 

“You are most gracious, Thane Nora Jane Adams,” said Elisif, smiling at the shock on Nora's face.

 

“You've heard of me?” asked Nora, surprised yet again.

 

“Balgruuf is like an uncle to me,” said Elisif, those sad and beautiful eyes looking into Nora's own. “He sent a missive to me, asking that I look out for you if you enter my Hold. Balgruuf holds much hope for you in this dragon crisis, but worries that you might, as he said, try to take on too much before you are ready.”

 

“That sounds like him,” said Nora with a smile.

 

“And I must say that I am very cross with you,” said the Jarl, crossing her legs. “You are a visiting noble, and a hero, and you spent the night in an inn. An inn where one of your followers was attacked by vermin who sit now in my jail.”

 

“I really didn't want the attention,” said Nora, grimacing. “I wanted to visit your city incognito, not wanting anyone to fuss over me. And I guess I failed miserably.”

 

“You did,” said the Jarl with a laugh. “And I am grateful to you for killing that beast before it could kill more people. And may I ask you where you stand on the war?”

 

“I, uh, really don't have a stance yet. I am still gathering information. But I must say, Ulfric does not sound like a man I would follow of my own will. Whether I will end up fighting him or not, I cannot say, yet.”

 

“And honest answer,” said a red-haired man sitting on the side with the other Thanes. “I think we can trust this woman. And Balgruuf likes her.”

 

“I will be sending my men to gather up your followers and their belongings and bring them to the palace,” said Elisif in a voice that Nora knew brooked no argument. “You will be staying in the palace, in accommodations befitting your station.”

 

“I have been sleeping in tents most of the time, Jarl Elisif.”

 

“Elisif. You don't need to use my title when we speak.”

 

“Elisif, then.”

 

“And just because you have been, roughing it, doesn't mean you can't take advantage of luxury when it is offered. So no arguments.”

 

“Me and my people need to meet with the smith by the castle. I bought some new armor, and I need to have it fitted.”

 

“Very well. But I expect you at dinner tonight. Eight o'clock, and don't be late. I would talk with you at length when I don't have court business to attend.”

 

“And what do you think of my clothes?” asked Nora, wanting to get that business out of the way.

 

“It looks to be of good cut and fine fabric,” said Elisif, studying Nora. “A little worse for wear.”

 

“Facing a dragon tends to make for wear,” said Nora to the laughs of the court. “But I promised the owner of Radiant Raiment that I would mention it to you.”

 

“And you can tell them that I will be ordering some new dresses from them,” said Elisif with a smile. “They seemed to have survived a dragon attack, and that is quite the recommendation.”

 

“If I might have a moment of the Thane's time;” said a pretty woman in the robes of a mage.

 

“Sybilel Stentor, my court mage,” said Elisif, bowing her head at the woman. “And don't take up too much of her time, Sybille. She has business to attend to.”

 

“Please come with me to my chambers, Dragonborn.” said the mage, walking to the other side of the room and into an entryway.

 

Nora followed her, curious. She was determined to ask the woman about magic, since Eldawyn had recommended that she gather all the knowledge she could about the craft.

 

Stentor took a seat as a small table in her large bedroom. Nora took the other chair and inclined her head, waiting for the other woman to talk.

 

“I see you have Dawnbreaker. Is Meridia a patron?”

 

“Well, I consider her such, though Kynareth is my God of choice. I don't know much about Meridia, but anyone who stands against darkness is a friend of mine.”

 

“Open minded,” said the mage with approval. She cast a quick spell, and Nora felt the familiar energy wash over her. “As so much magicka. Abnormally high for one so young.”

 

“I think you know more about me than you let on, Sybille,” said Nora, eyes narrowing “And I would like to know what a vampire is doing in the service of the Jarl of Solitude.

 

Stentor bared her fangs and hissed, and Nora was wondering if she might have a fight on her hands.

 

“How did you know?”

 

“The glint in your eyes, a certain scent. I don't think anyone else would have discerned your secret, but I have certain, abilities.”

 

“Yes, you do. And what are you going to do with the knowledge?”

 

“Nothing, unless you give me reason. Then I will take your head myself.”

 

Stentor laughed. “I believe you would, and I'm not that easy to take. But I believe you would.”

 

“So, what did you want to talk to me about?” asked Nora.

 

“To the point. And to let you know, I don't stalk the night looking for victims. Not when there are more, civilized, ways of surviving.”

 

“Well?”

“I have knowledge of a coven of Vampires in the Hold, preying on the citizens I am sworn to protect. Unfortunately, with the war on, and dragons reappearing, I don't have the manpower to root them out. I assume that you are going back to Whiterun from here.”

 

“Yes, by way of Dragonsbridge.”

“Perfect. Then that is where I want you to go and root out this coven. You don't even need to come back and report. Just tell some of the Hold guards and the information will come back to me.”

 

“Do you know where they are?”

 

“No. But that marvelous blade can lead you to them. It will shine brighter when you are near undead.”

 

Nora looked down at the blade and noticed that the cross-guard gem was glowing brighter than ever.

 

“So I see. And yes, I guess I can do that. But I have a favor to ask you as well. Can you teach me some spells I don't know when I am here? Eldawyn is about at the end of her knowledge, as far as novice and apprentice spells go, and I'm still kind of limited on my ability to cast adept level spells.”

 

“Eldawyn, huh?” said Sybille, laying her head in her hands. “Altmer, with tattoos on her face, just lighter than her skin?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Be careful of that one, for she's more than she seems.”

 

“Elda has already told me all about her possession, and I have come to terms with it. I plan to find a way to drive the spirit out.”

 

“Good luck with that. But that's how you are. People need help, and there you are. Was it the same way on your world?”

 

“Who told you that?” asked Nora, a chill running up her spine.

 

“I have my ways. Arcane ways. Now, go on your shopping trip and I will see you here after dinner. And I will make sure you get some spell tomes you have never read.”

 

*     *     *

 

Nora thought it best to get her people over to the smith as soon as possible so that they could be sized. She found Sofia, Elesia and Annekke were at the inn, so that was half her team. Sofia seemed to be in better spirits, though nowhere near her old wise cracking self. She sent Sofia and Elesia to the smithy, and asked Annekke to go out and find the other three. She then repaired to the smith. She wanted to see the expressions on her followers' faces when they saw what she had gotten them.

 

Sofia perked up even more when she saw the elven chain. The woman might be a tease and a cheat, but deep down she was a competent spellsword, and this was the perfect armor for her style of fighting. The smith started measuring Sofia, who flinched at his touch at first, but soon came to accept that the craftsman meant her no harm.

 

Nora, meantime, stripped out of her ruined clothes and tried on her ebony chain. It fit perfectly, not loose enough to get in her way, almost form fitting. She tried moving in the chain, finding that it was as light as advertised, more than her old chain. And it didn't clink like most armors of its kind. She couldn't wait to try it in combat.

 

“Your friend here doesn't want armor?” asked the smith, looking at Elesia.

 

“It weighs me down,” said the observer, frowning.

 

“He has a helmet for you, Elesia,” said Nora, waiting for the protests that weren't long in coming.

 

“No. No helmet.”

 

“Elesia. I worry about you. One blow to the head and you will be gone, and I can't stand for that. So it's either the helmet or you can leave my service.”

 

Recorder stared at Nora with wide eyes that started to tear up. “I thought you were my friend. After, well, that night, I thought you would never hurt me.”

 

“It's not to hurt you, Elesia. It's to keep me from being hurt. Any of us could die, at any time. But I refuse to see you go down because you are too stubborn to protect yourself.”

 

“But, my nanoarmor?”

 

“Is very good, but I still see you taking wounds in exposed areas. I wore nanoarmor myself in the Commonwealth, but I knew enough to get in a suit of power armor when I was facing something really horrible.”

 

“Okay,” said Elesia, wiping a tear from her face. A smile soon graced her face. “So, can I get something light to go over my nano?”

 

The smith had been listening, sometimes with confusion when they discussed nanoarmor. But he walked over and pulled some armor hanging from a rack and bought it over.

 

“Hardened leather,” he said, holding up the black flexible armor. “Fifteen pounds, and better than ordinary chain. Four thousand.”

 

“Sold,” said Nora, looking at Elesia. “If this is okay with you, my Dear.”

 

“I guess I can give it a try,” said Recorder with a laugh.

 

Annekke showed up with Eldawyn and Valdimar, Lydia tagging along. Annekke squealed when she saw the armor that Nora had gotten for her. Eldawyn looked like she wasn't sure, then weighed the armor in her hands, tested the flexibility, and nodded. Valdimar was more of a problem than Nora thought he would be.

 

“This is too much, my Thane,” said the big man. “I do not deserve such fine armor.”

 

“Listen, you big lug,” hissed Nora, poking a finger into the man's chest. “You deserve what I say you deserve.”

 

Valdimar shook his head as he dug in his heels.

 

She softened her voice and switched her approach. “Look, Valdimar. You are a mighty warrior, good with your hammer. But because you use a hammer you have no shield. I want you to remain effective in combat, without going down to a damned arrow. And, if you agree to the armor,” she said in a seductive voice, “you can come with us into tombs.”

 

That got the man, just like she thought it would. She knew he was getting tired of being the designated horse guard.

 

That settled, Nora went over to Radiant Raiment, still in her fine but ruined clothes.

 

“Oh no,” said Taarie in horror as she saw the clothes in their ruined condition. “Don't tell me that Elisif saw the garment in that condition.”

 

“Dragons tend to be hard on clothes,” said Nora, frowning.

 

“You,” said Taarie, looking back at her obnoxious sister, Endarie. “You're the one who killed the dragon and ate its soul?”

 

“Guilty,” said Nora with the sinking feeling that everyone in the city would know about her by the next day. “And the Jarl said she would be ordering several new sets from you. Something about clothes that held up under a dragon attack.”

 

“Yippee,” cried the Altmer, clapping her hands. “And what can I do for you today, besides your payment of course?”

 

“I need clothes for myself, five other women and a big man. We are having dinner with the Jarl tonight, and I need for us to look presentable. You can apply what you owe me to the bill.”

 

“You have their sizes? And shoe sizes as well?”

 

Nora did. She had gotten the notes from the smith.

 

“Three hundred each for the women, five hundred for the man,” said Endarie after her sister gave her the specifications.”

 

“Minus what we owe you, comes to two thousand,” said the elder sister.

 

“This,” said Nora, handing over a flawless emerald.

 

“More than enough. Wait while I get some septims.”

 

“Keep the change,” said Nora, to the disbelieving looks of the elves. She had come to the conclusion that people paid the asking price in Tamriel and no more. Well, if it got her better service, and she had the funds, she wasn't against giving a tip. "And from now on I consider you my clothiers of choice. You can use that in your advertising if you want."

 

Nora arranged to have the clothing delivered to her room at the inn, and went back to the smith. She needed to talk to Eldawyn about enchanting the armor. The next time they faced enemies she wanted them all to be as well protected as possible. Her people might have been resolved to the prospect that the Dragonborn was the only one important in the party, but she was having none of that. They were all important to her.