~<>~

I stayed in my room for most of the day. I was still weak and sore and was content to use it as excuse for not having to face the other people in the Palace. I was sure rumors of my shouting match with Ralof had spread among the servants and guests. Not only had I until very recently been labeled an enemy of the Stormcloaks, but now it was well known I had lied to and broke the heart of one of their beloved heroes of Helgen. It was so much easier to hide.

Jora returned to visit me that evening. She flashed me a warm smile and curtsied respectfully.

I waved her off uncomfortably. "Please don't do that," I said.

She grinned at me as she stepped near the bed as though my discomfort amused her. "You seem to be healing well my lady," she said looking over my injuries.

I nodded, trying not to grimace as she prodded an especially sore place on my ribs. I didn't need her to realize the extent of my injuries. I needed to get back on my feet so I could do Wuunferth's little favor and get out of this city.

"Another day or so in bed and I believe you will be yourself once more," Jora sat back and appraised me for a moment. "The injuries themselves are healing although you exhaustion level is concerning. As is you nutrition..."

I cleared my throat. "Well, life on the road doesn't always guarantee a warm bed or a hot meal," my tone was a little sharper than I had intended, but I didn't appreciate the lecture. I was well aware my life was less than ideal, but I never asked to be Dragonborn and things hadn't been easy.

"I imagine so," Jora said, she dipped her chin and backed towards the door. "Try to get some sleep Milady," she said with a cutesy.

"Thank you," I called after her but she had already closed the door behind her. I flopped back on the bed. I was sick of being stuck here in this place, but I also couldn't seem to stop chasing everyone who came to see me out of the room like some kind of cave troll.

~<>~

The next morning I slipped out of bed. There was a meal sitting on the table beside the bed and I ate quickly. Jora had suggested I remain in bed for a whole day more, but she clearly didn't know me very well. I frowned as I looked down at the chair beside my bed where my knapsack was sitting. Someone had been thoughtful to go to my room at Candlehearth Hall and bring my things here. I wondered who I needed to thank for that.

My armor was also still sitting on a chair near the fire. I frowned, clearly everyone knew the Dragonborn was in the Palace of the Kings and several had seen my face but I didn't see any reason to continue to advertise who I was.

I was wearing a loose fitting shift that I sincerely hoped Jora had dressed me in. I folded it neatly and laid it over the arm of the chair. Looking down at myself my body was riddled with bruises and old scars. It was no wonder Jora was concerned. I pulled on my leggings and the blue linen shirt I usually wore beneath my armor, thankful someone had washed them.

My armor was sitting near the fire and was warm to the touch. Sitting beside it was my ebony dagger, but there was no sign of my swords. I was just pulling on the gloves of my nightingale armor when there was a soft knock at the door.

"Come in," I called turning to face the door.

An elderly man stood awkwardly in the doorway. "Beg pardon Mi'lady," he said bowing his head respectfully. "I just come for the dishes if you're finished," he said gesturing to the small table.

"I am," I said stepping out of his way. "Thank you, breakfast was wonderful," I wasn't any more comfortable being served in this manner than I had been with Jora's curtsies. "What's your name?"

The man froze, his eyebrows lifting in surprise. I got the impression not many people bothered to stop long enough to speak with him. "Sifnar Ironkettle mi'lady, but you don't need to pay me no mind, I'm the least important person here."

I smiled warmly at him and held out my hand. "I'm sure that's not true. My name is Freyja," I said.

"I know who you are Lady Dragonborn," Sifnar said sheepishly.

"Thank you for the meal...and washing my clothes?" I prompted.

He turned a little red behind his ears. "I just do the cooking and the cleaning around here milady. It's hard work but honest work."

"Well thank you again. The palace is beautiful."

The old man puffed himself up proudly. "Oldest castle in the Skyrim. It was home of Ysgramor himself."

"He was a companion," I told him.

The old man shifted his weight, pressing his lips together nervously. I could see he wanted to say something. I lifted my eyebrows encouraging him.

"Is it true?" he whispered. "That you're a companion? I've heard rumors..."

I was grateful that was the rumor he chose to ask me about. I couldn't imagine the ones about my association with the Thieves Guild.

"I have the honor of being counted as their shield sister," I responded with a respectful bow. "Do you know where my swords are?" I asked sheepishly. "They weren't among my belongings."

His eyes widened in concern. "I-I'm afraid I didn't see no swords among your effects," he stammered. "I gathered everything from the room as instructed."

I bit my lip. "You did nothing wrong," I assured him. "The swords were with me..." I bit back an exhaustive sigh. If they weren't here it meant they were at the bottom of the river. I pulled my cowl over my head and headed towards the door. "Thank you again," I told him.

"Mi'lady aren't you supposed to be resting?" He called after me.

"I've rested enough," I assured him and stepped out into the hall. I paused a moment to orient myself. Wuunferth's room was to my left. I turned right and strode through the hall. Now that I was on my feet my body felt heavy and like it belonged to someone else, my muscles were stiff from lack of use. But I wasn't going to get back on my feet any faster by laying around any longer.

I pushed open the door into the main hall of the Palace of the King's. I could hear others moving around but I turned to the main doors and slipped out as quickly as possible hoping I hadn't been noticed. It was almost surprising when no one tried to stop me.

I walked purposefully down the steps towards the main gate feeling like every eye was on me. Once I was through the gates and on the bridge I breathed the crisp cool air and some of the tension left me. Just being outside the walls was freeing. I squinted up at the sky. The sun was warm on my upturned face and I basked in the warm winter morning.

I moved to the side of the bridge, stepping to the edge. It was a long way down. I was shocked by how far it was. I leaned further out over the edge and spotted a small path that led down to the bank, the snow was recently trampled. The guards were all watching me, but I didn't let that deter me as I half-slid half-climbed down the steep hill. It was the only access to the river bank I could spot this close to the gates. It meant someone had carried me all the way up the same steep embankment.

Turning my attention to the river I frowned down at the dark waters. Ice rimmed the cold waters that was thick enough for me to stand on, but I needed to get closer to the middle so I could look down into the waters. I focused on the shout, bringing it to the forefront of my mind and turned to face the water.

"FO KRAH DIIN!"

This close the water froze into a hardened path immediately. I stepped out onto it until I was closer to the center. I wasn't sure how long the ice would last given the current and despite the cold water the sun was shining bright overhead. Knowing my luck the ice would break and I would be right back in the river.

My thoughts scattered as the sun glinted off of something in the water. I knelt on the ice. Trying to get a closer look but it was no good. I blew out a frustrated sigh and stepped back onto the bank. I stripped off my armor shivering as the cold air bit through my thin cotton shirt. As much as I hated the thought I stripped out of my leggings and shirt as well, leaving me in only my undergarments. Walking back up to the palace in wet clothes didn't sound very appealing.

Taking a deep breath I walked back out onto the ice and dove in. I felt the ice break beneath my feet as I pushed off. I water took my breath away it was so cold. I was only going to be able to be in the water for so long.

I dove down towards where I had seen the glint. But it was just rocks at the bottom of the river. I was shocked to realize the river at it's deepest was only mid-chest on me. If I had hit the water even a foot to the right or left I would have broken my neck or been smashed to pieces on the rocks.

I surfaced and shuffled my feet around trying to feel for my swords while hoping I didn't find the sharp edge of the blades with my bare feet. I stilled as my instincts tingled telling me I was no longer alone. I whirled back toward the bank and froze when I saw Ulfric Stormcloak staring at me with a mildly amused look on his face.

"What are you doing here?" I grumbled at him. I was freezing cold and felt like an idiot for being caught doing something foolish by Ulfric. I should have waited and done this at night when there were fewer gawkers. I glanced up towards the bridge and sure enough I could see the shiny helmets of a handful of guards turned my way.

"I told the guards they were to inform me if you did anything suspicious. The young man on duty seemed to think this fit the description. He came to me and said the Dragonborn was shouting at the river. He seemed quite convinced you had lost your wits."

"Well as you can see I'm fine," I growled back through gritted teeth swinging my foot in a another arc.

"Yes, jumping into the icy river that nearly killed you two days ago in your underwear seems perfectly sensible," Ulfric countered sardonically. "The guards I'm sure are enjoying the view," he added meaningfully as his eyes dipped below my face for the first time.

A blush heated my cheeks but I refused to let him see how embarrassed I was. "I lost my blades when I went into the river," I said defensively.

"You are risking your health to find a couple of lost swords?" He asked incredulously.

"They have extreme sentimental value," I snarled back. The cold water was making me cranky. I just wanted him to leave so I could finish my search before my body went completely numb. I was also trying to remember if slaughterfish went this far north. I had left my dagger on the bank leaving me defenseless.

Ulfric's expression turned serious. "I have swords, Dragonborn."

I scowled at him as I bounced from one foot to the other in the water, still searching the sandy bottom. "Enchanted Daedric blades?" I asked pointedly.

I could see by his expression that he didn't. Not many blacksmiths could make them and even fewer people had the funds to purchase the rare blades. I had found mine on my many adventures and I wasn't willing to let them go so easily.

I dove once more. When I surfaced Ulfric was standing at the edge of the ice. "You fell further north than that," he said.

"No," I argued pointing up to the bridge. "I fell off those stairs."

"It was the north stairs," he countered. "I know where my men were stationed."

"And I know where I fought a dragon!" I snapped

"I fought the dragon." Ulfric said lifting a maddening eyebrow. "And it was near the north stairs."

I scowled at him and he had the gall to laugh at me. "Are you just going to sit there and watch me or are you going to help?" I demanded petulantly.

"I can't be seen jumping in the river, I'm Jarl here," he puffed himself up importantly but his eyes were glittering with mischief.

I was shocked to realize Ulfric was being playful. Well, I wasn't willing to be made a joke. I lifted an eyebrow challengingly.

"That water is freezing," he argued petulantly.

I smirked at my small victory and dove again so I wouldn't have to hear his reply. The man was infuriating.

When I came back up there was a splash. I whirled in the water. All that was left on the river bank was a pile of Ulfric's armor and clothing. Ulfric surfaced about ten feet further north of me. He shuffled around in the water that barely reached his waist.

I stood in the icy water staring dumbfounded at Ulfric. I hadn't actually expected him to jump in. I always thought of Ulfric as being cold and stone faced, the stress of his position making him appear older than his thirty-some years. With his hair smoothed away from his face and his blue eyes twinkling with challenge and amusement he looked younger. His chest was toned, the muscles perfectly defined, interspersed only with the occasion silver slash of an old scar. Though his position as Jarl required him to remain in his palace, his body told another story. Ulfric Stormcloak was every bit a powerful nord warrior.

"Are you just going to stare? Or are you going to help me search?" He goaded.

I snapped out of my thoughts, a blush heating it's way up my neck. It was the only part of me that was warm. If he noticed my blush he didn't mention it.

"Ah," he said suddenly and he dove beneath the water. He came back up holding one of my swords. "Told you," he said smugly.

I swam to him and took the offered blade. Our fingers grazed and the rush of heat from the enchantments made me flinch in surprise. I flung the blade away where it landed on the bank near our discarded armor with a soft thud. Ulfric had already dived beneath the water once more.

I wasn't about to be outdone by him. I immediately started moving, dragging my freezing toes through the soft sand. Ulfric resurfaced, shaking his wet hair out of his face. He held up an old, rusted dagger. He flipped it off towards the bank with a huff and resumed his search.

I moved closer to him, not willing to admit that he might be right about where I lost my swords, but caught the current. I cursed as I was pulled off my feet. Ulfric's hand snapped out and he grabbed my wrist jerking me towards him.

"Careful Dragonborn," he warned. "The warm currents from the south cut through this river like a knife." His fingers still curled around my wrist and I looked up at him in surprise. My instinct was to rip my hand away but I was caught like a bird in a snare by his startling blue eyes. I nodded wordlessly and he uncurled his fingers once he was sure I had my feet beneath me.

I stood beside him and shivered as the cold caught up to me. The two of us turned away at the same moment to resume our search. I began edging back out towards the deeper water. The current pulled at me, but now that I knew what to expect I was able to keep my feet under me.

Ulfric exhaled after a few minutes. "We need to get out of the water," he called to me.

I turned back towards him. I was shivering and my teeth were chattering but I wasn't willing to admit defeat. For his part Ulfric's lips were blue and though he was shaking, his jaw was clenched so his teeth wouldn't chatter.

"I-" I started to say and my foot caught the edge of something metal. "Got something," I called and I dove.

The water was murky but I saw the glint of metal. I closed my hand around the grip of my second sword and the enchantments flowed up my arm and banished the cold for a fleeting second. I kicked towards the surface and came up.

"Got it!" I called triumphantly forgetting for a moment it was Ulfric waiting for me, not a friend.

"Very well, let's get out of this freezing river," Ulfric said impatiently and he swam towards the shore. He pulled himself up on the ridge of ice and turned to offer me a hand. I hesitated for only a moment before accepting his help.

A smile crinkled Ulfric's eyes as though he knew what I was thinking. He easily pulled me out of the water. The cold air knocked the breath from my lungs. Somehow the water had felt warmer than air. The sun had disappeared behind the mountains, robbing us of its warmth's.

I scrambled over to my things and pulled on my clothes with trembling hands. My wet skin made my leggings and shirt difficult to pull on and my cold fingers were clumsy as they worked the straps on my armor.

"Let's get back to the palace and warm up," Ulfric said shrugging on his wolf skin cloak.

I pulled my cowl over my wet hair and stooped to pick up my other sword, sliding both of them away in their sheaths. I exhaled a sigh of relief finally feeling more like myself with their familiar weight on my hips.

We were both shivering as we slipped through the darkening streets. Ulfric stalked his way through the city with a confidence that only a Jarl could have walking through the ice and snow looking like a drowned rat.

By the time he shoved open the door to the Palace of the Kings his hair had frozen into ice crystals. I moved towards the door to the south rooms but Ulfric caught my gaze and jerked his chin for me to follow him. I half expected to see the evening meal laid out, but the palace was quiet.

I trailed behind Ulfric as he led the way down a back hallway into the kitchen. A fire was burning in the large hearth warming the small room. I moved towards the fire and held my frozen hands out in front of it.

Ulfric poured two mugs of cider and set them near the fireplace to warm. He pulled a crate over to the fire place and sat down to warm up.

"I don't bite Dragonborn," he said after a long moment.

I moved to sit on the crate beside him with a confused frown. These were hardly the actions I expected of the abrasive Jarl I had avoided for over a year. He reached out and lifted the two mugs. He dipped his finger in the first and, seeming satisfied, handed me the second.

"When I was a boy the cook here used to heat up cider for me in this way," he said by way of explanation. "It'll warm your bones."

I took a sip of the warmed cider and made a noise of approval in my throat. I had never had cider warm before and it was good. I wrapped my chilled hands around the mug and glanced at Ulfric out of the corner of my eye.

"I didn't say thank you," I said after an awkward moment. Well awkward for me. Ulfric somehow looked entirely comfortable, reclining on the crate as comfortably as he had his throne.

"For which part?" He asked, teasingly.

I scowled at him but instead of looking apologetic he flashed me a smirk. "The cider? Finding your swords? Saving your life? Or allowing you into my city?"

I took another sip of warm cider. "All of it," I said after a moment. I wondered briefly how far I could push Ulfric. There was one question that had been nagging at me since I woke. "Why are you helping me?" I asked him, staring down into my mug.

Ulfric sighed beside me, leaning forward to warm his hands near the fire. "It is as I said Dragonborn, we are all desperate now and the longer this conflict continues the more everyone suffers," he dragged off with a tired sigh. "None of us can fight everyone. We must help each other when we can."

I took another sip of the cider as I considered his words. I had spent the last two years being a presumed enemy of the Stormcloaks and the Imperials alike. Before I made it clear I wouldn't choose a side in the war both sides had sought to woo me to their cause. Was that Ulfric's goal?

"I won't choose a side Jarl, I can't," I said stiffly, wondering if the ax would drop now that I had uttered those words.

When Ulfric didn't immediately respond I allowed myself to peak up at him. He was staring steadily into the flames. "I have heard stories," he began. "From my soldiers on the roads. Stories of the Dragonborn fighting to free captive Stormcloaks from Thalmor justice carls..."

I stilled. I had done what he spoke of on more than one occasion. Mjoll had warned me about the dangers of doing so, but I couldn't bear to let them pass knowing a soldier was being taken for interrogation by the Thalmor.

Ulfric swirled his cider around in his mug. "The way I see it, sometimes the duty of one's station prevents one from following the inclination of our heart...If the stories I have heard are true, then you have proven your loyalty to the people of Skyrim," Ulfric said and he pushed himself to his feet with a tired groan. He set the mug of cider down on the counter. "The afternoon grows late," he said and he hesitated at the door. "And Dragonborn-"

I turned to him, lifting my eyebrows.

One corner of his lips pulled up in a smirk. "Stay out of the river."

~<>~