The morning sun filtered through the window of their room at the Bannered Mare. I woke up to Meridia's arm draped possessively across my chest. She was already awake, watching me with those golden eyes.
"You snore," she declared immediately.
I groaned. "Good morning to you too, Princess."
She huffed but didn't move away. "It is undignified. Yet I tolerated it. Be grateful."
We got up and went downstairs for breakfast. The inn was lively with conversation, but the topic made me pause.
"…dragon was spotted near the western watchtower," a merchant was saying. "Burned two farms. The Jarl's sending men to investigate."
"Dragons?" I muttered, frowning. "I thought they were mostly gone."
Meridia glanced at me but stayed quiet while we ate.
After breakfast, we walked through the city. The tension in Whiterun was noticeable — more guards on the walls, worried murmurs among the people.
As we passed the training yard, Vilkas of the Companions approached us.
"You two look capable," he said, eyeing me and then Meridia. "We're always looking for strong fighters. Interested in joining the Companions?"
Meridia lifted her chin. "My champion has greater purposes than common sellsword work."
Vilkas chuckled. "Champion? Bold claim. Well, if you change your mind, come to Jorrvaskr."
Once he left, Meridia crossed her arms. "He looked at you like livestock. Annoying."
I took her hand as we continued walking. "Relax. I'm not interested."
Later that afternoon, we went outside the city walls. A group of farmers were gathered around the remains of a goat, burned and slashed with massive claw marks.
"Another one," an old farmer sighed. "Thought the dragons were finished after Alduin fell ten years ago…"
That caught my attention.
I turned to Meridia as we walked away from the crowd. "That's what I don't understand. Alduin was defeated ten years ago by that group of heroes. Most dragons went into hiding or were hunted down. So why are they still appearing? Shouldn't they be gone by now?"
Meridia's expression grew serious. She looked toward the distant mountains.
"Not all dragons followed Alduin willingly," she explained. "Many were enslaved or bound by his will. When he fell, some regained their freedom… but others grew bold. A few ancient ones never truly submitted. They have been waiting, gathering strength in the high peaks."
She placed a hand on my arm. "This world does not stay peaceful for long, champion. Just because one World-Eater is slain does not mean the skies are safe forever."
I nodded slowly. "So we might have to deal with dragons after all."
"Possibly." Meridia's voice carried a hint of excitement. "But you are stronger now. And you have me."
We returned to the city as evening approached. Back in our room at the Bannered Mare, Meridia lounged on the bed while I cleaned my armor.
Meridia suddenly sat up. "I sense one. Not yet close, but a young dragon is circling the plains. It will grow bolder soon."
I sat beside her. "Then we'll be ready."
She shifted closer until she was leaning against my side. "You questioned the dragons' return so naturally. You are adjusting well to this world."
I wrapped an arm around her. "Still feels weird sometimes. Ten years after Alduin's defeat, and here we are… dealing with dragons again."
Meridia rested her head on my shoulder. "Such is Skyrim. Eternal conflict." Her voice softened. "But you will not face it alone. I will not allow some oversized lizard to take my champion from me."
I smiled and kissed the top of her head. "Possessive as always."
She pinched my side. "Correct. You are mine, fisherman. Do not forget it."
That night, as we lay together, Meridia curled up against me, her warmth chasing away the chill of the coming threat.
"Whatever comes," she whispered, "we will burn it together."
"Together," I agreed.