The stars are beautiful at night. This I know.
Leaving Jorrvaskr without armor was a bad idea. Terrible idea. I saw one wolf, but I didn't notice the pack behind it. This I know.
I need to stay awake. I need to believe someone will find me. This I know.
Of course, it was still daytime when I left. A simple stroll to clear my head, not intended to be more than an hour. Everyone knows you don't walk by yourself at night. Not in these times of danger. But I got lost in my daydreams. Couldn't find the path I'd taken. None of the trees looked the same. The darker it got, the more they seemed to be laughing at my confusion.
"Stay awake," I mumble. "Look at the stars. How far away they must be. Not even the Dragonborn could shout them away." The last part makes me laugh. Dragonborn. What a concept. I've never met the Dragonborn, but I know she lives in Riften.
Bright red blood runs in rivulets down my arms; a deep scratch on my chest sends shockwaves of pain from my head to my toes. I wish I knew more about healing spells-
"Skaya!" A male voice comes from somewhere behind me. That sounds like Vilkas. He usually goes hunting with Farkas. I hear him again: "Skaya! Where are you?" So they're searching for me. "I'm h-here," I croak. No way they can hear me. I need to be louder. It will take all I've got left, but if I want to live, it's my only option.
"Skaya!"
"I'm here! Please help me!" Good. I don't know if I could do it again, though. I hear Vilkas speaking in a hushed voice, then two more male voices. They're getting closer. They have to see me.
"Help," I squeak. That's it. I can't move anymore.
"Skaya!" Vilkas says. Footsteps barrel in my direction. "By the Gods," Farkas whispers. Vilkas, Farkas, and Kodlak materialize above me. Maybe I'll be okay.
"What happened to you?" Kodlak asks as Vilkas examines my wounds. I open my mouth, but nothing comes out. Farkas just watches, knowing there's nothing he can do. But no, there is something, he could tell me it's okay, he could say anything-
The forest and the three Companions fade to darkness.
Snap. A twig splinters somewhere beneath me.
I slowly open my eyes. The sky is still spotted with stars. Blinding bright stars. My head pounds. I squeeze my eyes shut again. But there was something else, a familiar face, and dark shoulder-length hair. His amber eyes stared straight ahead. His strong arms wrapped around me, carrying me as he walks. Farkas.
Against the wishes of my throbbing head, I sneak another glance at him. At the same time, he looks down, a small but warm smile forming on his face. I can't keep my eyes open anymore. It hurts too much.
It's okay. I'm safe now. This I know.
"I want to join the Companions," I declare.
The two men at the table give me a once-over. They whisper to each other as if I'm not there. Suddenly, the older one with the white beard bellows, "I am no one's master!" The younger one just shakes his head. He won't make eye contact with me. Whatever. I'm not trying to impress him. I turn my attention to the older one.
"My name is Kodlak White-Mane," he tells me. "This is Vilkas. You will train with him. Welcome to the Companions." Vilkas gets up and stalks away. I smile at Kodlak, then follow him out.
In the courtyard, dummies with targets painted on their chests are lined up against the gray stone wall. A patio with a few tables boasts a tantalizing lunch spread. I haven't eaten yet today. My eyes take in the food. "This way," Vilkas says gruffly. He leads me past the food and draws his sword. "Let's see what you can do."
He's a good fighter, but he's no match for my dwarven sword. "Alright. You've proven your skill," he concedes after he's taken a few well-placed swipes. Inwardly, I rejoice, but all Vilkas gets from me is an unsmiling nod. Two can play the game of silence. I follow him back towards Jorrvaskr, and as we pass the lunch spread, I notice a man sitting at the table who wasn't there when we came outside. Vilkas nods at him, then disappears inside. "You have a good sword arm," the man, who bears a shocking resemblance to Vilkas, tells me.
"Thanks," I mutter.
"Care to join me for lunch?" My mind hesitates, but my stomach takes precedence.
"Um. Sure, why not." I plunk down across from him. "I'm Skaya."
"I'm Farkas. Vilkas is my brother," he says, and offers me a white plate with a sweetroll perched on it.