The Soul of a Companion

by Chocobocolina

Living within Jorrvaskr since a young age, Serah is determined to fight like a Companion. But when she is attacked by an assassin from the Dark Brotherhood, everything in her world changes once she becomes the target of a deadly fate she never wanted. Now more than ever, she'll need the protection from the man she's loved all her life, hoping he'll give her the same love in return.

1. Chapter 1

Chapter 1:

For Your Protection

A/N: Hey everybody! So I was recently given Skyrim for my birthday a few months back and have seriously become addicted to this game. And because of that addiction, here is my first ever Skyrim fanfic! I tried my best to keep characters the way they are in the game but sometimes that can be hard so here we go. Please read and enjoy The Soul of a Companion!

Disclaimer: Sadly, I do not own Skyrim. If I did well, my life would be most interesting :) I only own the OC's I created – Farkas and Vilkas do not belong to me…

~ oOo ~

If someone were to ask me what my first day at Jorrvaskrwas like, I would tell them that it was one of the saddest and happiest days of my life.

It had been a normal, cloudy day upon the grand city of Whiterun; the bleak, gray sky had stayed dark for the last several days and as the citizens glanced up, most questioned when it would rain, while others were expecting snow. But for those who were seated higher up upon the hills of Whiterun, the Companions, glanced up at the sky and only questioned when their next mission would take place. As the citizens down below scattered within the market or within their shops, several of the Companions were training out among the front of the building, some using axes, others using blades.

Two young boys, twins in fact, were sparing against each other, both using great swords against the other. Even though both were twins, both were of different stature; the slightly shorter one was well built with rippling muscles protruding from underneath his tunic while the taller twin was of a stronger built, more so than his brother. Both brothers swung their swords with all the strength they could, wanting to attack the other to gain strength to defend what they believed in, without wanting to kill each other.

The shorter brother took a step back to gain the stamina to lunge at his brother and when he finally did so, the taller one blocked the attacked and used the handle of his sword to push the attack right back. Falling on his rear, the shorter brother dropped his sword onto the ground with a CLANK and rubbed his arm where he was hit with the block. A hand outreached towards his face and, looking up towards his brother, took his hand and stood up. Brushing the dirt off of his leather trouser, the shorter one said, "You pack quite a punch, don't you, Farkas?"

Farkas merely replied with a hearty laugh, which echoed across the front of Jorrvaskr. "That's what you get for trying to use that move against me, Vilkas."

Walking towards the building, both brothers took a seat at one of the tables and had their fill of bread and cheese before continuing their training against. They talked of their training with each other and what their mentor, Kodlak Whitemane, had been teaching them individually. Both were training in two-handed weapons with Farkas also beginning to master Heavy Armor. But as they continued to sit and talk, they were averted when the doors to Jorrvaskr opened and Kodlak walked out and headed straight towards the twin boys.

Kodlak, with his greying beard blowing in the breeze, gazed upon the youngest members of the Companions. Being the Harbinger of the Companions, Kodlak could remember the exact day the boys were rescued from Necromancers by Jergen, a former member of the Companions. They were only small pups, possibly at the age of two or three when they were rescued, and raised all their lives within the halls of Jorrvaskr. And now, at the age of nine – at least the age they have agreed upon – Kodlak was impressed with the growth and development of the twins, knowing that Jergen would be pleased with their growth, may he rest in Sovngarde. Watching the two, Kodlak smiled at something Jergen once told him before he left to volunteer for the Great War.

"Kodlak, these two are special; they are the representation of Ysgramor. Vilkas has his mind, whereas Farkas has his strength; this will be their greatest asset one day."

Walking up towards the twins, Kodlak asked, "Training early today, eh, boys?"

Farkas nodded, his mouth still full of bread so Vilkas answered with, "Yes, Kodlak. We're practicing everything that we have learned so we don't forget it."

"Smart lad," Kodlak replied.

"Smo…" Farkas tried to speak, bread crumbs falling from his mouth, but eventually he swallowed in order to speak somewhat clearly. "What brings you out here, Harbinger? Usually you're down in the living quarters."

People may not see it, but Farkas is a smart lad in his own right too. "We're expecting company today, so I am here awaiting their arrival."

Vilkas looked up in question. "We are expecting company, Harbinger?"

Kodlak nodded; reaching into the pouch connected to his armor, he pulled out a folded letter and handed it to Vilkas, Farkas immediately scooting his chair closer to his brother to read the note.

Kodlak,

I hope all has been well with you, my Harbinger. I am hoping this letter reaches you quickly for am I in need of your help, my old friend. I cannot explain in further detail what has happened, just know that something very precious too my heart needs protection within the halls of Jorrvaskr. My friend, please, you know what has happened in the past and I would only seek your help unless I was in dire need of immediate protection. I cannot state our current location but by the time this letter reaches your hands, I believe we will be about a few day's travel from Whiterun. I look forward to seeing you, it has…truly been awhile. Soon, all will be explained, I promise.

F

Vilkas read the letter three more times, trying to understand the meaning behind the words. But when no understanding came to mind, he finally looked up to his Harbinger, a questioning look in his eyes. Kodlak chuckled as went to grab the letter but retracted his hand when he noticed Farkas was still reading its contents. "Vilkas, you seem confused."

"I'm not too sure about this letter. For all we know, it could be someone claiming you know them just to get your help. I wouldn't trust this – especially since the sender couldn't even use their full name. That's suspicious, if you ask me."

"Vilkas, I think you're overlooking something." Both Kodlak and Vilkas glanced at Farkas, his fingers tracing over the lettering on the parchment. "Obviously Kodlak sees something in this letter that we're not." Handing the parchment back towards their Harbinger, Farkas reached forward for another slice of cheese.

"And what do you know, Farkas?"

"Hey now, you two knock it off. Whatever does happen, respect the new individual that is brought here."

"Yes Kodlak," both the twins replied at the same time, their heads bowed slightly in embarrassment. As the Harbinger walked off into the distance, the twins looked at one another, each wanting to question what was really going on. But since Kodlak was their Harbinger, they didn't want to question his leadership, but there was something off that could be felt in the air.

After a while, the twins once more began their training, focusing their strength on the straw dummies lining the wall instead of battling against each other. The hours seemed to pass by but neither twin decided to quit; they were always improving their skills, wanting to become stronger, always wanting to prove their worth within the sacred halls of Jorrvaskr. But as night began to crawl upon the city of Whiterun, finally did the boys cease their training, taking a seat once more before going inside to have their dinner meal. Tilma walked out of the building, questioning whether the boys would want her to draw their baths before or after they ate. Turning towards the aging lady, Vilkas was about to answer for him and his brother, when two figures turned the corner of Jorrvaskr and headed straight in their direction. One figure was taller than Kodlak while the other was roughly the size of the smaller children within the city; both wore dark cloaks, the hoods of each pulled over their heads.

The twins immediately reached for their weapons and stood, ready to counter the strangers if they were trying to attack. The taller figure held up his hands, demonstrating he held no weapons, not wanting to attack the people in front. "Please," the figure said, his voice deep enough to indicate he was a male. "I am here to see Kodlak. Please tell him it is F." He placed a firm grip on the shoulder of the smaller figure next to him, who wrapped their arms around the man's leg. Farkas' eyes slightly widened, but shook his head as he turned to Tilma and instructed her to find the Harbinger.

Being the kindhearted young boy that he was, Farkas gently walked towards the figures and asked if they needed anything, any water or food. But the man gently declined but thanked him for his offer, stating that he desperately needed to see the Harbinger. A few minutes passed, but finally Tilma returned, following the heels of Kodlak from Skyforge. Once Kodlak was close enough towards the man, both wrapped their arms around the other, obviously saying words that none behind them could hear. Once they pulled back, the conversation was clear enough to hear.

"Harbinger, it truly is good to see you, my old friend."

"Please, that's Kodlak to you, my boy."

The figure lifted his hood, allowing Farkas to finally see the man's face; it was slender, and there was a jagged scar that ran across his nose down towards his chin, his eyes were a piercing blue color. But Kodlak was looking between his friend and the little one attached to his side. The man noticed where Kodlak's attention was and smiled, his hand placed against the back of the smaller figure. "You can take off your hood off now, sweetie." The smaller figure looked up at the man who only smiled. "I promise, it's safe now."

Glancing between both figures in front of her, the smaller figure, with its tiny hands, reached up towards the hood and pulled it back. Once the hood was pulled away, the face was revealed, the eyes looking around at the faces within her eyesight, but finally landing on a certain twin. Farkas' eyes once again widened. It is a child. She's a small child. But there was something about the little girl that enforced Farkas' heart to skip not one, not two, but several beats. She had the blackest hair of all the females in Whiterun but the sharpest, greenest eyes he had ever seen; they glowed like flawless emeralds. A sudden want to protect this young girl overcame Farkas and he had to run a hand through his growing hair to steady his feet.

Kodlak looked down at the little girl and smiled at his friend. "She's beautiful," he said, already knowing that she was his friend's daughter.

The man smiled again and brushed a few strands of her hair out of the way. "She takes after her mother."

"Her mother…and where is…?" But Kodlak didn't finish his sentence. As he looked up at the face of his friend, his answer was revealed to him in that instant. "Tell me she didn't…"

The man shook his head. "We need to speak privately – I'll explain everything inside."

Nodding his head, Kodlak asked, "Are you wanting her with you…?"

Whispering, the man stated, "No, I don't want her to hear what I have to say. Will she be safe out here?" Nodding, Kodlak mumbled yes and looked at the people behind him; Vilkas, Farkas and Tilma remained where they stood, but he noticed where one of the twin's eyes were focused.

From where he stood, Farkas could hear every word the men were exchanging and from what they said, the man and Kodlak needed to speak alone – but they did not want the little girl to be with them, for some unknown reason. Something within Farkas triggered as he starred into the eyes of the little girl who was equally starring right back at him. Placing the weapon upon his back, he sheathed the weapon. Taking a step forward, he carefully watched her eyes; he saw no fear, just curiosity at the male starring at her. As he walked closer, he could hear Vilkas behind him saying his name, but Kodlak and the man watched in curiosity as well as he knelt before the girl, his eyes never leaving hers.

"Hello there," he said gently, wanting her to be able to trust him. "What's your name?"

The little girl turned her head and placed a foot backwards, wanting to step away from Farkas, but as she looked into his smiling face, something told her otherwise, that she could trust this person. "S-Serah…" she said softly but smiled. "My name is Serah."

Farkas grinned at her reaction. "Serah, huh? My, that's one pretty name. You want to know what my name is?" She quickly nodded her head and the twin he could see her shoulders visibly relax. "My name is Farkas. Can you say 'Farkas'?"

"F…Far..kas? Farkas." The little girl smiled when she realized she had said his name correctly. "Farkas!"

"See? There you go. So Serah, by any chance, are you hungry?" The girl instantly nodded her head enthusiastically, which made Farkas chuckle. "Well, how about I take you to go get something real tasty to eat, does that sound ok?" Looking up at the man he presumed was her father, Farkas regarded his approval before doing anything, especially since he had no idea why they were here in the first place. The man nodded, a small smile played on his lips, so Farkas reached out his hand for her to take. What he wasn't expecting, nor those around him, was for Serah to jump from her spot and wrap her tiny arms around Farkas' neck. A chuckle escaped his lips and he slowly stood, ensuring that one arm was wrapped underneath her body to keep her steady.

As the two walked back towards the tables, Kodlak couldn't believe what he had just witnessed. He knew Farkas had the kindest heart in all of Jorrvaskr, but for him to do something like that to a child he had never seen before left the aging Harbinger surprised. Even at his age, the boy was still slightly shy, only able to open up to those within Jorrvaskr or anyone he had interactions with over time; never in a moment like this had Kodlak seen Farkas so open upon another. It was a sight that lifted his heart. Turning his attention towards the man, Kodlak beckoned the man to follow him into Jorrvaskr where they disappeared into his private living quarters.

As they took their time speaking privately, Farkas continued to keep Serah occupied, in which he discovered she was quite the talker once she became comfortable to those around her. Tilma immediately went to go fetch her some water and a sweet role while Vilkas sat across from his brother, studying the young child. At first, Serah didn't utter a single word towards the other twin, but after a few minutes, she was offering some of her sweet roll to him.

As the sun gently set, the three continued to sit outside and talk; at first, Serah was the one leading the conversation, never once leaving the comfort of Farkas' lap, but gradually she grew tired, her head falling against Farkas' shoulder. Eventually, it was the twins engaging in conversation, questioning what was going to happen and why Serah was even here in the first place. Vilkas eventually concluded that Kodlak would ultimately tell them only what they should know, and now the whole truth. As Farkas looked down at the girl who was falling asleep on his shoulder, he didn't care. Something about her was calling to him and although he didn't know what it was, he wouldn't let anything hurt her.

When Tilma brought the twins their dinner, she acknowledged that Serah had taken an interesting liking to Farkas, in which he only replied with a blush as he shoved a mouthful of venison into his mouth.

When the sun had finally set and the stars established their appearance in the sky, finally Kodlak and the man emerged from the depths of Jorrvaskr. Turning in their seats, the twins acknowledged both men as Serah's father walked towards Farkas. "I thank you for taking care of her, young Farkas, but it is time I go." Taking Serah into his arms, Farkas felt a sudden emptiness within his heart and once again, he couldn't place the feeling into words. But as he watched the expression on the man's face change, he knew something grave was about to happen. Serah was still fast asleep as the man kissed the top of her head but held her close. Looking back at Kodlak then finally landing on the twins he said, "Farkas, Vilkas, I know this might sound strange to you, but please protect my daughter."

Vilkas raised his eyebrows and asked, "Protect her? Won't you be here to do so, sir?"

The man shook his head. "Kodlak will in time explain everything I have told him, but please, as my parting wish I am entrusting her safety to everyone here within Jorrvaskr, but…" Turning his attention directly to Farkas, he specifically said, "She immediately became attached to you, young Farkas, that hasn't happened in quite some time. Little Serah is usually shy and afraid of those around her. So again I'll ask: watch over her and make sure she lives to enjoy the rest of her life."

Looking into the eyes of the man who claimed to be Serah's father, Farkas could see a truth beneath them, and so he nodded his head in agreement. Looking at Vilkas, then back at her father, both twins said unanimously, "We'll watch over her, sir."

The man sighed as he squeezed his daughter in a fatherly hug – one last time. Looking at Farkas again, he motioned for the young boy to take his daughter, in which he did. Turning towards Kodlak, he said, "Well, my old friend, I must be off. I will send letters only when I feel it is safe enough. Please…promise you'll take care of her."

Kodlak rest a hand on the man's shoulder. "I already promised you, my friend, I will look after my goddaughter." The twins immediately looked at one another in shock, the same thought running through both their minds: this little girl is the Harbinger's goddaughter?! "And please, visit whenever it is possible, I know little Serah will want to see her father whenever he can spare."

"Yes, I know…" he replied sadly. But the man turned off into the distance and as he was about to step from underneath the roofing of the training area, the expected rain finally began to fall and within minutes it was pouring. But before he could step away, Farkas stopped him by saying, "At least you could tell us your name." Turning his head, he noticed Farkas was right behind him, Serah curled gently into his arms. Sighing, the man only smiled. "Yeah, that does seem fair, huh?" Caressing his hand against his little girl's face one last time, the man finally stated, "Fenrir. My name is Fenrir."

"Thank you," Farkas said softly. "And please, remember what Kodlak has said to visit your little girl. All she spoke about was you when you were gone."

"Of course she did, my little girl is smart beyond her four years." Brushing her hair one last time, Fenrir turned towards the rain and walked off into an unknown destiny, without the loving comfort of his daughter, the last remembrance he had of his beloved wife.

The three men watched from the confines of the roofed area as Fenrir swiftly walked towards the city gates. But with each step he took, Serah stirred within Farkas' arms, eventually waking herself up enough to know that something was wrong. Rubbing her eyes, she quietly asked, "Where's…where's daddy?" Farkas swallowed, unsure of what to say. Should he lie and take her inside or should he show the back of her father who was ultimately leaving her behind? But Serah could tell and looked off towards the side, catching the last glimpse of her father before he vanished from the side of Jorrvaskr. "Daddy, no!"

Squirming within the arms of Farkas, she released her arms around his neck and pushed against her chest, falling towards the ground. Before the three men could grab her, she also ran off into the rain, searching for her beloved father. As she turned the corner of the building, she saw him walk past the stone wall towards the big tree and ran as fast as her little legs would allow. "DADDY!" she screamed with all her might. Luckily, Fenrir could hear the sound of his little girl's voice over the pounding of the rain and the blasts of thunder.

"Serah!" Scooping the little girl into his arms, he squeezed her as tightly as he could without causing her any pain. She cried onto his shoulder, begging him not to leave her behind. Fenrir just gently smoothed her hair as Kodlak came into view. As he came closer, Fenrir passed his daughter towards the Harbinger, Serah all the while kicking and screaming to her hearts content. "No, don't leave me here!"

Through the rain, no one could tell that Fenrir had tears falling from his face as he saw the fear and pain sketched across his daughters face. But deep down, Fenrir knew he was doing the right thing by leaving her here with people he could trust. With these people, she'll finally be able to have a family she deserves, something I was…something I cannot provide for her.

"I love you, my little Serah, please…never forget that." And with that, Fenrir pulled up his dark hood to conceal his face and disappeared into the night. Serah continued to scream but Kodlak wrapped his arms around her and forced her arms around his neck. Her tears were colder than the rain that pelted his armor, a true sign that this little girl was heartbroken. Swiftly walking back towards the safety of Jorrvaskr, he asked Tilma to run a hot bath for the young girl. Farkas and Vilkas wanted to ask their Harbinger many questions, but before they could utter a single word, he gently asked them to help Tilma with the bath, or anything she might need to get Serah ready for bed that evening.

Once the bath was drawn, Tilma became responsible for the care of Serah, who had quite screaming, but her crying was endless, and Kodlak knew her heart would remain broken for the time being. The servant quietly took the crying child into her arms, whispering words of comfort and softly rubbing her back as she took her to the private room with a bath awaiting for her. Kodlak instructed the twins to follow him in which they walked towards his private chambers, all pulling chairs and sitting at the round table in the corner.

Not really knowing what to say, Kodlak first began with, "I'm assuming you both know that from now on, Serah will remain here; this will be her new home." Both the twins nodded; Kodlak sighed. Folding his hands on the table, he finally began to speak. "Fenrir was…an old friend, a Companion, and a member of the Circle years ago."

"He was a member of the Circle?!" The twins proclaimed together. They were talking of the small, elite group of Companion warriors who had proved their bravery a strength. It was an honor both Vilkas and Farkas hoped they could obtain in the future.

"Yes, my boys, he was. Eventually, a female joined our ranks and the two fell in love, eventually leaving when she discovered she was pregnant. I haven't seen either one since the day they left."

"Why did they leave?" Farkas asked innocently.

"That's…that's a complicated matter, and another story altogether; something I will not repeat at the present time. Fenrir came here today because there is a matter he needs to…take care of, but he didn't want his daughter with him. That is why she will remain here."

Kodlak, how long will she be staying her?"

The aging man scratched his growing beard. "She is to remain here until she is a grown woman. If she decides in the future that she wants to leave, she has her freewill to do so, but until then, we will protect her within the walls of Jorrvaskr. And if, in the end, she decides to stay, then Jorrvaskr will welcome her with open arms; this is to be her home from now on."

"But…" Farkas knitted his eyebrows together. "What are we protecting her from?"

The Harbinger smiled at the concern the young lad held for the little girl. "Don't worry, my boy, leave that kind of worrying to me. But I do need the two of you to keep your promises to Fenrir: protect Serah with your life. I hope, in due time, the three of you will become shield-siblings and you care for one another instead of simply keeping a promise."

"I don't think that'll be too hard, Harbinger," Farkas admitted.

"That's only because she's already attached to your hip," Vilkas replied with a laugh, amused at the circumstances from earlier that night. Farkas replied by casting a nasty glare next to his brother.

Kodlak sighed and pondered how two brothers, twins at that, could love each other so much and still treat the other in this manner. "All right, you two, I think it's time you head to bed. But listen," both twins leaned forwards so they could hear the advice from the Harbinger. "Don't go around speaking of what's happened. For her safety, if anyone asks where she came from, she was found, just like you two were when you were little. We don't want any suspicions to leak within the city that could potentially affect her safety."

"Understood, Kodlak," Farkas replied for him and his brother who simply nodded.

"Good. Now, go get some rest."

As the twins stood and walked out of the door, Tilma walked passed the two straight towards Kodlak. "Harbinger, where should we place Serah for the time being?"

"Other than the twins, the rest of the Companions are currently out on tasks of their own, so I think if we placed her in the spare beds, for the time being, that should be fine. But please, keep watch over her tonight."

"Yes, Harbinger." Tilma gave a slight bow then went back to continue helping Serah. Briskly walking back towards the bathing room, she grabbed a clean, dry cloth and a fresh tunic from one of the drawers, something the little girl could use until she had clothes of her own. Stepping into the room, Serah was still in the tub, all dirt scrubbed clean from her tiny body, but tears were still slowly leaking from her emerald eyes. Kneeling down, Tilma ran her fingers through the child's hair, before deciding to use a special liquid she acquired only when the caravan of Khajiit strolled through every few days. Uncapping the bottle and pouring some of the liquid over the child's head, Tilma once again delicately ran her fingers through Serah's hair and was happier that the tangles were loosening. She poured a bucket of water over Serah's head, washing away the cleansing liquid before telling her it was time to dry off. The whole time, Serah never uttered a single world, her tears being the only expression she had. But once she was dry and Tilma placed the large, clean tunic over her head did she mumble, "Farkas…"

But Tilma wasn't sure if she had heard the little girl correctly. "Did you say something, dear?"

Looking up into the eyes of the lady who was helping her did she finally say clearly. "Farkas. I want Farkas, where is he?"

"Oh dear, young Farkas is probably asleep by now, you can play with him in the morning, alright?"

"No! I…I want Farkas now, please!" Running through the door, Serah stumbled across the living quarters of Jorrvaskr, searching for a friendly face she had just met earlier that evening. In the lower level, there were only a few doors and the two she had already opened were clearly empty. "Farkas!" She tried to yell, but her voice was weak and hoarse from crying. Her tiny legs tried to carry her on her mission, but she stumbled over a bump in one of the rugs and tripped over her own feet, falling on the stone floor with a crash. Her crying only increased as she heard several doors open around her, she closed her eyes and curled her body into a ball wanting all the sudden pain to disappear. What she wasn't aware of was the arms of someone warm wrapping around her and lifting her up.

"And why would such a pretty girl such as yourself be doing on the floor crying?"

"F-Far…kas?" She mumbled, her tears falling harder.

"I'm here, little one. Now tell me, why're you crying?"

It took a few moments for her to speak, but when she finally did so, she was screaming. "My daddy left me! And then I couldn't find you! I…I just…w-want s-someone…to h-hold me…" She was sobbing, so Farkas pulled her closer to his chest where she grabbed a fistful of his shirt while sobs racked her tiny body. Tilma, Kodlak and even Vilkas walked towards him as he held the crying girl in the middle of the hallway. "Young Farkas, I am so sorry, I can take care of this one if you want to go back to bed."

"No need," he replied instantly, walking right back into his room. "That will not be necessary. This one is scared out of her mind and simply wants someone to comfort her. I can provide that."

"Farkas, are you sure that's a good idea?" His brother asked.

Turning towards Vilkas, Farkas stated, "Remember how you were, brother, when we were first brought here? You may not remember it, but I do. All you wanted was for someone to hold you when you were scared. That is all she wants too." And with that, Farkas walked away from the others straight into his room and gently closed the door behind him. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he rubbed Serah's back, moving his hand in small circles until he could hear her breathing calm down and the tears stop. When exhaustion finally took hold of her body, Farkas gently laid her down on the bed, wrapping her frail body in furs, wanting her to be warm throughout the night. He watched as her chest gently rose up and down, her breathing slowed as she fell deeper into a desperate need of sleep. Brushing a few strands of hair away from her face, Farkas leaned forward and whispered, "I'll always be here for you, my little Serah."

If someone were to ask me what my first day at Jorrvaskrwas like, I would tell them it was the day my father abandoned me…but it was also the day I gained the person I would love with all my heart. This is a tale of loss, betrayal and love – a story in which I fulfill a destiny I carved for myself. Watch me, father.

I'll make you proud.

~ oOo ~

And there you have it! What did ya'll think? If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. See everyone in the next chapter!

Chocobolina :3