[SKYRIM]: The Name of Time - Miraak & Female Dragonborn Fanfiction - Chapter 13: Chapter 13

3 Divines essence had been collected. But what if there were not as free as Ammra thought? What if there was a price to be paid?
Ammra totally did not expect to experience such a thing with Miraak. All of the haunting pressure brought by her past faded though she remained cautious. She still believed Miraak was planning something. His power was returning and he would attack.
As soon as they arrived in Riften—after landing the dragon somewhere no human lived—the two headed to the Temple of Mara. "Only Mara and Dibella have their energy centered in the temple." She explained. When they entered the hall, a Dunmer priest greeted them.
"Welcome, Mara foretold you would come." She said while gazing at them one by one. "I know what you seek child." The priest turned to Ammra. "Follow me."
The priest took them into a hall where Ammra could do the ritual. It was done like other rituals but when she obtained the orb, she furrowed her brows. "It's not supposed to be like this." She said while observing it. "Mara did not give her full blessing. She only said I need to find her source of power somewhere else to complete this gem."
"Mara's power is in love and compassion. What else did she tell you, child?" the priest asked.
"She said the source could be nowhere and everywhere at the same time. It could be near and far." Ammra paused. "Is this some sort of riddle?"
"I believe she wanted you to understand her blessing first before attempting of using it."
Ammra left the place after she knew that was all she could get there.
"Why couldn't just she told me where!" she sulked when they stepped out of the temple. Miraak was startled when she suddenly pulled him to the corner of the street. "Stay there and let me hide behind you."
A group of what it seemed to be people of the high social class passed them. After a moment, Miraak turned his head but Ammra was not behind him. "Are they gone already?" her voice came out from the barrel. It moved as Ammra opened the cover. "Geez...Seeing Maven Black-Briar and her henchmen just made my mood worse!" she grumbled.
He couldn't imagine how she fit in there. Miraak remained silent watching another of his Dragonborn kin made her way out of the barrel.
When he noticed she still looked totally unhappy, he decided to speak. "Why don't you figure it out while trying to get another blessing?" her face suddenly brightened.
"You are right! How clever!" she exclaimed.
Miraak sighed. He never saw someone who could be brilliant but idiot at the same time until now. The more he observed her, the more he thought Ammra was annoyingly sweet as well as distracting.
"So, you really came, huh? How are you, lass?" a Nord man with red hair stopped them in the track. His way of looking her in the eyes made Miraak uneasy in an instant.
"Byrnjolf! Hi, it has been a while. Hehehe..." Ammra said with a forced smile. "You see, I'd love to chat, but I've got something important to do, we talk another time." She was about to leave.
"You don't even have a few hours just to see the guild?" the way he talked made Ammra felt guilty. Miraak watched her face became somewhat sad. His to-kill list had one more name.
"Umm...few hours won't hurt. But really, this time I really need to rush, okay?"
He just nodded his head and gestured them to follow him into a cemetery.
"Where are we going?" Miraak whispered to Ammra when they walked side to side.
"To the nest of the thieves." She replied. Before Miraak protested, Ammra quickly added, "I know, I know. It is bad to hang out with such people, but they were my first friends, before joining Companion and meeting those twins."
"And you dated all these men?!" he cursed himself after those words came out without he could stop it. Remembering the twins at that moment only fuelled his rage.
"What's with the anger?" Ammra snapped in a whisper. "And for your information, I don't date any of them. They're seeing someone else."
"How foolish of you!" was all his reply. She then left his side to walk next to Brynjolf.
Soon Ammra and Brynjolf got absorbed into the conversation. They walked together while Miraak followed behind. The first Dragonborn felt he was forgotten again and it made him extremely agitated. They were walking down a tunnel after entering a secret door
As soon as they arrived at the Cistern, all of the Thieves Guild members that knew Ammra gasped and cheered as they saw her again.
"Well, well, well, behold one of our best thieves!" Delvin cheered while giving a mug of mead to Ammra. "You left Riften and came back without telling us. What in oblivion you were doing the last few years? I even heard you went to Solsteim. Tell us kiddo!"
"Thanks, Delvin. And ...yeah...I was in a sort of... an errand from the..."
"Errand from who? Did you happen to serve a different client?", "What errand would take years?", "What errand that makes you visit Solstheim?" other members spoke almost at the same time.
Bombarded by questions, Ammra seemed to find a difficult time. She looked at Miraak with that: help-me look, but she also knew he could not do anything to help her out of that situation.
Then Brynjolf stepped in. "Have you heard the news of the Alduin slayer? Well, apparently that person is right in front of you. She was busy saving your asses. Now, no more questions. Let her drink." There was a gasp of awe amongst them. "Yes, Ammra is a Dragonborn and yes, we both keep it secret until now." He paused. "She has duties to fulfill and that was the reason why she left." He looked at Ammra deeply. Miraak noticed how she tried to remain calm while avoiding attention. She snuck and made her way back to stand next to Miraak.
"They do not know you were Dragonborn?" Miraak whispered.
"It was a long story." She replied. "I don't drink. Can you do this for me?" she handed the mead to Miraak who just frowned. "No?" she sighed. "Fine. Nevermind." Miraak would never touch something that man touched. "Well, let's get this over with." After a long sigh to ready herself, Ammra finished the mead. She bit her bottom lip with a suffering face. "I don't like the taste." Only one mug of ale but soon enough her face turned red. "My head is spinning. I am never good with drinks."
Ever since they entered that place, Miraak noticed Byrnjolf's had been staring at Ammra. He knew that man was up to something. On the other hand, the red-haired guy saw how Ammra kept herself close with Miraak who was a stranger to him.
"Yo, Brynjolf. As a guild master, why don't you take Ammra for a tour? She helped us to get on our foot and ever since she left, we had been having a great time making the guild even richer!" Delvin said while other members cheered in unison.
"Seriously! You are the guild master now?" Ammra seemed surprised. "Well, Congratz...Boss" Byrjolf smirked proudly. "A tour would be nice. But I am afraid I must leave now. I really need to go."
Ammra was startled when Brynjolf put off his glove and reach out to her. "Just a quick tour." He smiled sweetly and winked. Miraak suddenly felt sn urge to use his fire breath Thu'um. "Only you and me." He added when Ammra was about to take Miraak.
"But I need to..." she stopped talking when she saw blood flowing from his sleeve to his palm. "What happened to your hand!" she exclaimed with a worried look.
Brynjolf pulled back his hand. "It was just a wound I pick after a mission. Nothing serious, lass."
"Let me see." She demanded. "I could cast restoration spell now. It might help."
Miraak saw his victorious smile as he said, "Perhaps you can heal me during our short tour."
Ammra stood to her feet. "This will be fast, I promise." She said to Miraak. For every step away she took, Miraak felt a raging hatred and anger inside his chest.
"You once betrayed the dragons for power. What makes you think she won't do the same? When she was done with your blood, she will come to me after...killing you." He remembered what Herma told him.
"Why did all these men bother her? Even that damned Mora too!" the rage inside him turned to an inferno. He hated it when what he wanted was snatched away. Ammra was his abductor, no matter how silly it sounded, he had the right to hoard her. Miraak stood in anger. "Dovahkiin, it's time to go." His stern and cold voice echoing. "Now!" All the thieves there, including Delvin, Vex, Rune stopped what they were doing and looked at him.
"Miraak, please wait. He is injured..."
"You know that you are running out of time, aren't you?!" his growl interrupted whatever she had to say.
Byrnjolf stepped in. "Who is this guy, lass? Why is she so angry to you?"
Miraak smirk. "I am Miraak, the First Dragonborn. She is in contract with me. She is taking my blood before my power return." He glared at Brynjolf. "Your friend is running out of time. Once I regained my power, I will kill her." Suddenly the sound of unsheathed weapons heard.
"Miraak, that was not necessary to say!" Ammra yelled.
"You cannot kill me because she needs me alive for her damn-sake research!" he said, taunting those thieves. "Dovahkiin, we leave this place, now!"
"Is he telling the truth, Ammra?" Vex asked. "If he lied, I'll gladly kill him for his impudence!"
Ammra sighed. "Guys, calm down. Sorry for the scene." He turned to Brynjolf. "Sorry." She said while casting Grand Healing spells to heal Brynjolf. She walked quietly to Miraak. "Thanks for the welcome party. I must go now."
"Wait!" Brynjolf exclaimed. "Will you return? Can't we do anything to help?"
"I do not know if I will return." She paused. "My path is dangerous, that's why I never take someone with me. And that is why I left the guild. Till we meet again."
She left the place quietly. Even if she was a bit tipsy but she could think and she was alerted. What he said encouraged her suspicion and finally fuelled her caution. Ammra tried to prepare herself mentally for another set of battle even though she screamed internally because nothing sat right inside her head and heart.
Ammra was quiet. She did not utter any single word except telling the carriage driver they would stop in Markath. Her mind was at war. His warning this time hit her hard. Miraak was totally right! She was running out of time. If her project failed and she was doomed to death. He would kill her! "No... I beat him once. I can still beat him in a duel!" she tried to muster her courage. But his battle with Miraak was so dangerous and Ammra really wished she would not have to go through it again.
Miraak fell to her trap in the first battle. He did not know Ammra's invisible blade. Now that he might know it, her chance of winning might be zero. The First Dragonborn with much more experience would not fall to the same hole twice. "I can do this...I can do this..." she enchanted that mantra to help herself from the anxiety. "I will not die before I find the truth!"
Being busy encouraging her heart, Ammra did not realize it made her quiet. And her being quiet made Miraak even more furious. He was annoyed because she did not yell him back. It wouldn't make him happy but at least it would mean Ammra acknowledged the priority, the importance, and the urgency of what they are doing. But he did not realize soon enough that all he wanted was her attention—all of her attention. The silent treatment made him feel even more neglected, yet the First Dragonborn was too proud to admit this.
The sun almost set when they arrived at the Makrath City's gate. Horses' neigh and bark from the dogs occasionally filled the air. They were about to enter the city when a sound of someone calling out to Ammra was heard, followed by some barks and whines.
As Ammra turned around, she saw Barbas coming. "Ammra, wait!" he shouted.
"Barbas!" she cheered. "Did you have an argument again with your master? Why are you here?" she asked as soon as the dog sat in front of her. Barbas barked once.
"No," he said. "I ask for permission from my master to see you. I came to you with a warning." Ammra frowned. "You made yourself stand out in our realm. Be careful. Other Daedric princes might want to lure you."
"Why?"
"You carry some source of power," he answered and barked. Ammra instantly remembered the orbs she gathered. If she recalled correctly, Sheogoraht mentioned the same thing as well. "What you carry enable Daedric Prince to step into your realm. Those who want to reign here will have you as their prey."
Miraak was more than enough of a threat to handle for now, and yet she got another discouraging news. Moreover, Ammra came to a realization that suddenly her little project put Tamriel in danger. Divines power destroyed Daedric but with it contained within an orb, it became safe to use.
After Barbas left them, Miraak turned to see the horses, wondering if they could talk. A talking dragon was normal. Lizards and Cats that walked with two feet were also nothing special. But a talking dog was quite peculiar for him to see.
Ammra remained silent as she continued walking through the city's gate. She made her way toward her manor—Vindrell Hall. Now Ammra felt as if death itself was shadowing her from all directions.
"Honored to see you, my Thane. Welcome." A man of tall build greeted them.
"Thanks, Argis. I am glad I can see you." She forced a smile. "Please take our guest to his room. We will leave for the Temple of Dibella and leave the city after. Do you mind also help with the preparation?"
"Leaving so soon again, my thane?" Argis asked politely. "I will be glad to help you."
Having someone to help with even the simplest task really lifted her mood. This time she sincerely smiled while saying, "Thanks again Argis." Ammra walked to her room.
Miraak watched as she left him with the housecarl. Argis did what he was told and treated his thane's guest with respect as well as politeness. In return, Miraak just gave him the cold and stoic face. "I need to see your thane." He demanded
"I am afraid it is not possible. Usually, my thane does not accept visitors when she entered her bedchamber."
Before Miraak could reply, there was a loud bang on the entrance door. Argis left him to see who was coming. Not long after, some guards as well as an Altmer in dark robe entered the main hall.
"What brings the Thalmor Justiciars to my humble house? How can I help you, Ondolemar?" Ammra asked as she stepped out of her room. She was only putting on a nightrobe, making her looked more like a normal woman than a thane. Having his room near the living quarter, Miraak could hear their conversation.
"The Jarl heard your visit and thus sent me with some matters. We need your aid." They talked about some urgent issues that required immediate assistance. Forsworn, Stormcloak's attack, Bandit raid, and children kidnapping by some foul mages. Miraak stood to his feet and open the door to see Ammra from his place. He suddenly had the urge to speak to her after hours of silence. "It would be best if you can help us with all of these issues, but I understand that it is impossible." The Altmer said. He stood next to Ammra as they observed the map that laid open on the table.
"I need to know the details of each issue before I can choose which to assist," Ammra said. She looked so calm and well reserved. Ondolemar explained everything that she needed to know. "Argis, are you ready for a sudden mission tonight? I think I will need your hand?" she asked.
"It will be my honor." He replied.
It was just a normal discussion yet Miraak felt it was an unpleasant view for Ammra was surrounded by men whose attention fell on her. He saw how she managed to smile for them which he hadn't seen in a day.
"I will choose to help with the children kidnapping issue." She turned to Argis. "Make sure you bring some magic resistance potion. You may prepare yourself now." He said to him. Argis nodded then left the hall.
"Interesting. I thought it would be the last choice you will make." The Altmer said.
"Forsworn, Stormcloack, and Bandit are human. The night is getting late and they need rest too. So, they can wait. But a mage who kidnapped children, without expecting payment or anything, leads to only one conclusion: magic ritual. It might need sacrifice and most of it happened midnight...which is in several hours." She explained. "And if I were you, I would tell the Jarl to muster his men tonight to take care of the bandit. They just robbed some gold, and I bet they are partying now. Easy prey. For Forsworn and Stormcloak, I believe you are smart enough to decide."
"Impressive." He looked at her in the eyes. "I am glad I was wrong about the new thane the Jarl chose. You are as capable as what they said."
"Thanks." Ammra smiled. "Now if you excuse me. I will do some quick preparation." she politely told him to leave her house.
After the Alter left, Ammra immediately went to the armory to get herself ready within several minutes. She knew what type of magic ritual those mages were trying to conduct. Ammra was terrified and she was glad this feeling made her forget her own issue.
"You are going out?" Miraak spoke when he noticed Ammra entered his room. She was cladded in a set of light armor.
Ammra looked at him in the eyes. She regretted ever thought Miraak was becoming more human. He might have saved Aleesan and spared her life at some point but she was a fool to forget who Miraak was when they first met. She had been too soft and not careful enough. In fact, she thanked him for what happened in The Cistern. It alarmed her and reminded her that it was best to never really believe in anyone.
The woman sighed. "He still needs the Mask, Ammra. You still had the chance to take control." She gathered up confidence. "You stayed here." Finally, she talked. "I will be back before midnight and visit the temple before dawn."
Miraak glared. He did not expect to be left alone again. "So, you are quite sure you won't be killed?" she did not answer. "I bet that pathetic housecarl of yours would run back here when he finds out his thane was dead."
"Of course. I told him to do that. My demise does not mean to be his demise too. I always told him to save himself if I ever trapped in a battle I cannot win." She said calmly with genuine care to Argis. "And watch your tongue. He is an honorable man."
He glared at her after hearing what she said. "Don't get killed because I will kill you." That was all he could say. In fact, he did not want something bad to happen to her and he just was not sure if Argis could protect her as he could.
"If you are trying to threaten me, let me tell you: You are successful!" she said in a sharp but calm tone. "I feel your threat. I am scared. Are you happy now?" she added. "But remember this: I don't give up that easily. I'm maybe scared a bit but those children are in danger. So, for now, we do things my way." She turned to her heels and walked out of Vindrell Hall.
What she said explained all. He finally understood the reason for her silence. Being the man of power, his words used to inspire fear and obedience to his devotee. It was true too that he once wanted her to fear him. But now, after he got what he desired—or what he thought he desired—he hated it. Miraak did not expect that kind of response from her. He didn't want her to fear him.