Yngvar managed to stabilize her Magica so Gaihla made it through the critical phase. When he saw her opening her eyes, he couldn't help but cry in joy.

"You made it. I was so worried..." he couldn't continue.

Upon awakening, the first thing that Gaihla checked was his left eye. It was totally fine as if nothing had happened. Then she sighed in relief. "Gaihla," he called when she did not utter a single word. "How do you feel?"

"I am okay. I just feel so sleepy."

"Take some rest." He promptly said.

"Yes. But you must take some rest too. Now that you have the Elder Scroll, I am sure we'll continue our journey." She convinced him. Yngvar nodded and once again ruffled her hair.

After he left her alone, Gaihla broke into tears. She knew it was time to let go of everything. Long had he suffered because of her selfishness. She was the person in prophecy and she was the one who was supposed to stop Alduin. Thus, Gaihla was determined to do whatever it takes—even if she had to turn into a dragon, even if it made Yngvar hate her.

*****

Morning time in Winterhold was gloomy as ever. Not even the slightest sunray could be seen from the sky. Yngvar woke up and immediately headed to see Gaihla.

"Where is she?" he asked Collette when she found her in Gaihla's room.

"She was in the rooftop balcony." Then she added. "Her body condition was quite stable this morning when I checked it, but you might want to talk to her. She appeared to be upset about something."

"What could it be?" he muttered.

"I am not sure. But she seemed troubled."

"Thank you, Collette. I'll go and see her."

Yngvar made his way to the Arcanaeum and headed to the door that led toward the rooftop balcony. The cold air immediately kissed his skin when he stepped out. He found Gaihla stood by the battlements while looking into the distance.

"There you are!" he exclaimed. "Fancy yourself a cold winter air, huh?" Yngvar walked closer and stood beside her. Gaihla only smiled then continued looking at the snow-covered horizon in silence. They were like that for a long until finally, she felt comfortable enough to break the silence.

"I am ready." She said without looking at him. "I'll face Alduin."

Yngvar gazed at her then turned around to lean against the brick perimeter. He crossed his arms and exhaled. "Why? Who forced you?" he knew she was upset, but he didn't want her to make a decision in her current state.

"No one." She replied. "I am just tired of running. I don't want to hide anymore."

"Is this because of me? The wound is okay, Gaihla." He stayed. "See, I regained my sight, thanks to you. You don't have..."

"You have to believe in me!" She cut him midsentence. "I know I might not appear like a warrior. But my training with the Companions was enough. I know how to fight and defend myself."

"But your sickness?"

Gaihla sighed. "I will die either because of the sickness or the dragon. Now I choose to live my remaining time doing what I want, and I want to take part in stopping Alduin."

She got the point. Yngvar knew he couldn't delay her death forever—the truth that he came to hate the most. Now that she was determined to fulfill her destiny, who was he to forbid her? He could see the flame in her eyes. Whatever caused it, it seemed that Gaihla had chosen to change.

"Tell me what the scroll will do to stop Alduin!" she said.

"We'll learn a shout that knocks down a dragon from the sky, forcing him to land. That way it will be easier to fight."

Gaihla nodded briefly. "I see. That's all?"

"We must open this scroll on the Throat of the World. I had a feeling we'll face Alduin there." Before she could ask any question, Yngvar added, "By 'we' I mean you and me. I'll help." He left no room for argument.

Gaihla turned her gaze at him and smiled. "Thanks."

He smiled in return. "Let's get inside. You don't want to catch a cold before facing the World Eater." He said jokingly to which Gaihla only giggled.

*****

The journey from Winterhold to High Hrothgar would take them toward Windhelm. Yngvar stopped in the city to equipped himself as well as Gaihla. She would need some light armor to protect herself while remaining agile because she wanted to use her magical power. As for Yngvar, he still had his sword in good condition. He was aiming to be the shield for her and equipped in heavy ebony armor.

As they two made their journey, miles away on the mountain ridge, Alduin was standing on a platform in Skuldafan. His encounter with the white dragon had caused him to desire solitude, and the temple offered just what he needed.

*****

"Ni los tiid, Alduin thuri (It is time, my King, Alduin.)" a skeletal Dragon Priest said politely as he floated down the stone stair case. Behind him, the portal to Sovngarde began to swirled open.

Alduin gazed at the portal then turned his head to the horizon. "Ven los liiv, Nahkriin. Zu'u haalvut niid, tahrodiis bo ahst vonum. (The wind is withering, Nahkriin. I feel it flows toward the unseen.)"

"Krosis, thuri. Lost kel rewahl tiid? (Has the scroll changed the course of time again)?"

"Geh, Nahkriin. I must hurry."

*****

Gaihla didn't talk much during their way to Ivarstead. It was quite pleasing that the voices were not ramming her head. But even so, as days passed by, she knew her end drew near.

"I am nervous." She muttered as soon as they climbed the fabled 7000 steps of High Hrothgar.

"Don't worry, I got your back! Show him what your magic could do."

When they passed the hall of the monastery, the Greybeards bowed slightly in silence to greet them. As the pacifists that accept whatever fate brought the dragon, Yngvar's passing with the scroll could only mean one thing: the final battle with Alduin. No words were spoken but their prayer and grim mood filled the air. Perhaps now they thought Gaihla had chosen the same path as Yngvar.

"How many shouts have you learned?" Yngvar asked when they climbed toward the peak. Beside him, Gaihla used the Clear Sky thu'um to open the way.

"All of them that you told me."

"That would be more than enough. I've told you all I know."

"You seem so calm. Aren't you scared?" she asked innocently.

He just smiled for a while, "I've been thinking of this battle for long. I am ready for my fate." Then he added, "Besides, I got you with me. I have nothing to worry about."

Gaihla snorted. "You jest. I should be the one saying that."

They both chuckled.

After knowing his past and the truth about the dragons, Yngvar had never felt so sure. He no longer worried whatever the result of this battle for he was confident they would win.

Paarthurnax greeted as soon as they reached the peak and was surprised to see Gaihla. When he noticed the elder scroll, the old dragon sighed.

"Little Kyne..." he muttered, lowering his head to see Gaihla. He turned to Yngvar and with a deep voice that echoed in the cold air, he said, "Alduin cannot miss your presence. Be warned and be prepared."

"Here, I'll let you open this." Yngvar handed the scroll to Gaihla.

The young woman accepted it. She closed her eyes while letting the silence wrap around them. "Here I come, Alduin! You saved my life and now I give you the chance to take it in a fair battle. I no longer fear my death. I'm no longer escaping my fate!"

After exhaling, she opened her eyes then opened the Elder Scroll.