How to Pickpocket a Pickpocket

Chapter 11

Delphine told her everything, in her state of paranoia of course. She explained how the Blades were waiting for the next Dragonborn to serve, to slay Alduin the World Eater, how she thought the Thalmor were involved. She was convinced that the Thalmor knew something or were even responsible for the dragons' return to Skyrim. She claimed to have a plan to get Artis into the Thalmor Embassy to gain access to their secret documents, in attempt to find out more about the situation at hand. However, she needed time to make the plan foolproof and requested that Artis meet her in Riverwood in a few days' time.

"Yeah, she promised me a well-deserved break, so she'll be seeing me in two weeks, give or take." Artis told Lydia as they marched down the hill towards Kynesgrove, "Actually, make that three weeks. I need a break."

"Windhelm is the nearest city." Lydia pointed out and nodded over to the city in the far distance, "Maybe we should stay there for the night, we've been travelling quite some time now. I'm worried for your health, my Th- Artis."

"Is it that hard to address me by my actual name?" Artis questioned.

Lydia drew a deep breath, "Well, considering the way I was trained, drilled to respect the people I protect, it is a major adjustment for me."

"Oh." Was all the Dragonborn could mutter, "I didn't think I would make you feel uncomfortable. I apologize. Alright, you may address me as you like, just don't call me pet names. 'Frosty' don't sit well with me."

Lydia cracked a smile, something she didn't do often, "Thank you, my Thane."

"Well then, I think staying in the City of Kings sounds like a splendid idea." Artis spoke a little more optimistically, "My father often told me about the Candlehearth Hall. Let's check that out, shall we?"

They made their way to Windhelm slowly but surely, both women tired and fatigued from travelling two days without stopping and from battling a dragon. Luckily, and because they were both Nords (half Nord in Artis' case), the guards let them in. They were met by the large building known as the Candlehearth Hall right in front of them. Heat seemed to radiate off of it, welcoming them to head inside. The inside itself was warm and toasty. Artis and Lydia made themselves at home at the bar, their feet and legs prickling from the long walk.

"Welcome to the Candlehearth Hall." A lady, probably the owner, smiled warmly at them, "I'm Elda Early-Dawn, the owner. You need a room for the night?"

"Yes, please." Artis answered, "And two meads, two horker steaks and two sweet rolls. Oh, wait, make that two sweet rolls and two honey-nut treats."

"Long journey, I presume." Elda chuckled and leaned back to the server, "Susanna, you hear the woman. Come, come, quickly now!"

"My father's a guard in Jarl Ulfric's army." Artis stirred up a conversation, "He always tells me about this place when he returns home, though he never told me where it got its name."

"This building was originally home to a great warrior named Vundheim from the earlier years." Elda told the two travelers, "When he died, his son lit a candle above the hearth in his honor. Since that day, the candle has never gone out. That's how the inn got its name."

Artis was satisfied with the story. She told Lydia to stay at the bar and strolled around the place, keeping an eye on the few people and just enjoying the atmosphere. Who knew when she'll visit Windhelm again? Her eyes caught the bard in the center of the room and decided to make a request.

"You take requests?" she asked her.

"Luaffyn at your service, m'lady." She bowed slightly, lute still in her hands.

"Can you play The Dragonborn Comes, perhaps?"

"Heard the news too, haven't you?" she spoke, "That Skyrim has a Dragonborn in her midst? I, myself wouldn't mind meeting this hero and performing in front of them personally."