chapter 2

Aela the huntress quietly closed the door to one of the single rooms in the living quarters under Jorrvaskr, the room Farkas had carried Ayah to and placed her on the bed. The huntress had intercepted them as they'd entered the huge wood built building and had followed, scurrying away for a moment or two to get some warm water and clean cloth to clean the younger woman's face. She'd spent a little time sat on the edge of the fur covered bed beside Ayah, cleaning her face with only the occasional mumble to Farkas or Vilkas, both having remained close by. Ayah hadn't said a word and hadn't made eye contact with anyone since Farkas carried her back to Jorrvaskr. Once all the grit had been cleaned away, she'd curled up on top of the furs and dropped off to sleep... After surrendering her weapons of course.

"Poor pup." The huntress cooed softly."She's exhausted. She must have used the last of her energy trying to get away from you two. You can be real animal's at times." she scolded the brothers.

"She just…ran!" Farkas shrugged and scratched his head. "I kinda get caught up in the hunt when I have something to chase."

"That's no excuse for terrifying the poor child." Aela scowled.

"She's an assassin. She was sat watching us then ran when we caught on to her. That's good enough for me." Vilkas snarled, his arms crossed over his chest.

"She's a child, Vilkas! She's younger then Ria for Gods sakes. She didn't deserve being scared half to death." Aela hissed back. Ria was the youngest companion and the newest. She'd proven herself in battle, but was mostly still trying to gain more experience.

They continued to bicker until a figure appeared from the near darkness of the hall, a small candle flame lighting his aged face and long, grey hair.

"What in Talos' name is going on out here? Do you realise others are trying to sleep?"

Vilkas and Aela froze mid fight and looked toward the older man. "Kodlak." Aela whispered. "I'm…We're sorry. We didn't mean to wake you."

"You did not Aela." The older, wise, Harbinger of the companions, came to a stop just short of the three, his face emotionless as he looked all three shield siblings over. "I was reading when I heard the commotion. Would one of you kindly tell me what is going on?"

Clicking her tongue and shooting the twins a glare, Aela rested her hands on her hips. "These two have been terrorising the female population once more Kodlak." She sneered. "They chased a young girl across town, scared her half to death and then near enough disfigured her face."

Vilkas rolled his eyes. "Disfigured? She grazed her face when Farkas stopped her from falling into the brook. She'd have most likely almost drowned herself and maybe broken something if he hadn't!"

"What were you chasing her for Farkas?" Kodlak asked the larger brother who stood back from his twin and Aela in silence.

"Vilkas said she was an assassin." He said truthfully. "But she didn't seem so dangerous to me. She was a shaking mess when we finally got to her." Kodlak nodded knowingly and placed the candle he was holding down on a side table.

"What makes you think she's an assassin, Vilkas?"

"She wears brotherhood armour Kodlak." Vilkas answered immediately. "Her weapon's are treated with poison and she did not deny any of it." The rant/presentation of evidence was cut short when Kodlak's hand rose to stop him, something Vilkas did without argument.

"Weapon's treated with poison mean nothing, Vilkas. Aela treats her arrows, does that make her an assassin of the dark brotherhood?" He asked coolly. The younger nord shook his head irritably and frowned.

"But the armour!"

"Aye. The armour." Kodlak said softly. "It is true, the brotherhood are on the rise again in Skyrim. But alone, tired and weapon-less…" He commented, observing the sheathed blades Aela held tightly. "She is no threat to us and I doubt highly there are many out there that would call on the dark brotherhood in order to assassinate you Vilkas."

"Paranoid." Aela hissed.

"cautious." Vilkas retorted.

"If you were that cautious, why would you bring her here?" Aela spat bitterly.

"I didn't!" He growled, his jaw clenching. "Farkas did."

"Is that true Farkas?" Kodlak directed at the older twin over his brothers head. Farkas nodded and glanced at his boots.

"I couldn't just leave her like that. She was in a bad way after Vilkas threatened her with his blade…"

"She wasn't answering me." His brother muttered.

"And she wasn't going to either, hung upside down with your blade to her throat I bet!" Aela drawled, only receiving a glare from Vilkas in reply.

"Either way, she's here now. If she is an assassin, we'll keep a close eye on her. Don't let your guard down and Aela, keep her weapons from her." Kodlak finally said, reaching for his candle again. "How is she now Aela?"

"Quiet." She replied firmly. "I cleaned her face and then she curled up to sleep. She didn't make a sound or any eye contact. I doubt she'll be much trouble."

"She said she'd walked all the way from Riften." Farkas butted in.

"Well then, she'll be asleep for a while I expect. Leave her be for now and for the love of Talos go to bed yourselves."

Waving his hand, Kodlak turned on his heel and went back the way he had come, disappearing into a side room at the other end of the hall and leaving the twins and the huntress alone in the dim light of the touches on the walls.


Ayah's eyes fluttered open slowly after the longest sleep she could remember having in a long time. It was rare for her to really rest, to be able to relax and dream, to stretch out or curl up without restriction. It was a welcome change.

Sometime during her sleep, she'd woken groggily and tossed off her armour, losing one of the gold bands from her hair in the process. Gold band and all lay in a pile on the floor beside the bed.

Ayah's head lolled to the side and her eyes finally clear of the sleepy fog, scanned over her surroundings. It took longer than usual, but when she finally realised where she was and what had happened, Ayah sat bolt upright in bed.

"Ah, you're awake. Good. I was almost worried." Ayah almost fell out of bed at the sound of Aela's voice from the doorway. How had she let her guard down so much?

Closing the door, Aela came closer, carrying a tray and wearing an almost smug smile. The younger Ayah pushed herself into the corner, her eyes fixated on the other war painted woman as she set the tray down on the furs.

"Relax." She said, pushing the tray toward her and seating herself on the edge of the bed. "I brought you something to eat. And no, it isn't poisoned. My toxins are reserved for my enemies. A title you have yet to gain." She said with an edge to her voice.

"Where….Where am I?" Ayah's voice trembled as she glanced around the room again briefly before turning to gaze back to the woman in front of her.

"You're at Jorrvaskr. Home of the companions. Farkas brought you here, don't you remember?" Aela asked with a bemused look. Ayah shook her head, raven hair flying this way and that.

"Farkas?"

"Aye. Farkas. Y'know, the big oaf that carried you here after practically assaulting you with his paranoid little brother." When Ayah paled and stiffened at the memory, Aela chucked. "Yes, you remember. But don't worry. As long as you don't try to stab anyone without being asked first, you should be fine. Besides…" Aela leant in to whisper and Ayah pressed herself further into the corner. Choosing to Ignore Ayah's reaction, Aela laughed. "Farkas is a softy really. He can be really sensitive at times. It's just his appearance that makes him foreboding. What you should really be watching for is Vilkas, his brother." Leaning back out again she sighed and got to her feet. "Anyway. Eat up. you'll need it. You've been asleep for two days."

"Two days?" Ayah's eyes widened in shock. The huntress laughed softly at her wide-eyed surprise and shrugged.

"You must have been really tired. You should rest more often. It helps heal the soul as well as the body." With that, Aela left the little assassin alone. surprisingly, there was no click of the lock as the door closed. in fact, the door didn't close properly at all. The slightest crack left purposely maybe?

Eyeing the food on the tray on the furs in front of her, Ayah felt her mouth start to water. Her sleep had left her hungry. Very hungry. Her stomach growled and she did not deny it, grabbing at the deer leg with both hands, she sunk her teeth into it gladly and smiled at the taste of the succulent meat.


She dared not explore too much. The first run in with the companions had already been enough and Ayah simply hoped they would all be out or busy so that she could slip out without having to face anyone. She felt the pang of guilt as she thought of the lady huntress Aela and the kindness she had showed her, as well as the large man, Farkas, who had been so very gentle. Then again, she knew that even kindness could turn to anger, fury and hate in the blink of an eye.

Ayah opened the door leading to the main room of the building, wincing as it let out a distressed squeal as she did so. Leaving the door open, fearing another loud outburst if she tried to close it again, the raven haired nord crept up the stairs seeing the doors leading out through the banisters.

She didn't get far when she suddenly stiffened and found herself at the top of the stairs, all of the companions sat around the long table, all watching her with intent amusement.

"Ah! Good morning lass." Kodlak called across the room to her. Ayah began to back up, forgetting about the stairs and toppled backward. There was a gasp as she fell and Aela and Farkas sprung to their feet, both rushing to go and collect her as she lay in a heap at the bottom. They picked her up, shaken and pale and carefully eased her up the stairs once more. The others were still watching but remained quiet until Aela pulled out a seat beside her and Farkas helped Ayah seat herself.

"No need to be so scared." Skjor, a grey haired nord in shiny, heavy armour chuckled darkly. "We won't bite….Well….some of us might." Aela shot him a warning glare and jabbed him in the ribs as she sat beside him again.

Daring to look up from the silver plate in front of her, Ayah caught the slight smile Farkas gave her before he seated himself next to Vilkas, who glared at her, a small dagger in hand that he was using to cut off meat from the roast in front of him.

Trying to avoid his glare, her eyes returning to her lap. She could feel the companion's eyes on her and her cheek's began to burn. She inwardly cursed herself for getting herself into such a position. Babette would roll about on the floor with laughter when she told the tale.

"You've eaten I assume?" Kodlak asked her from his spot at the head of the table. "Aela brought you food. I hope you found it agreeable." Ayah almost laughed. Why was he being so pleasant considering who and what she was? Nodding quickly she glanced over at the older man. He was looking at her intently. Warmly. It was unsettling.

Her pale eyes danced over his form and then that of Vilkas beside him. Instinctively she picked out weak points in their armour. Spots where the metal would be weaker or places where the metal showed a little of the tunic underneath. Aela beside her wore simple hide amour, as did the dark elf across the room from her. That armour was the easiest to get through. A simple dagger blade would cut through it with little effort. The wiser choice was heavy steel and iron armour, which most around the table seemed comfortable in. Though tougher, all armour had it's weakness'. Iron and steel armour usually had to be strapped together when fitted on, that meant there were gaps. Gaps meant weak points and weak points meant an easy blade to some tender points on the body. Most warrior's weren't skilful enough to think of it, choosing to swing a war hammer or blade, but an assassin had the skill required. With only a blade, Ayah would have a pretty good shot at wiping out the companions all in one go.

Ayah had just started scanning over Farkas's armour when Aela beside her nudged her arm. The older woman gave her a firm look, as if reading the assassin's mind.

"Stop thinking." She said simply, but her voice held a warning undertone.

"Or what?" Ayah spat angrily, looking back at her defiantly. The huntress was taken aback and looked over at Skjor in surprise at the shy girl's reaction. finally registering her sudden show of aggression, Ayah forced herself to look down again. The mead hall was still quietly watching her. Vilkas's frown deepened. The outburst only deepened his suspicions about the real personality that lay behind the near silent surface.

"I….I think I'd like to leave soon." Ayah stammered nervously. The company of the companions was becoming overwhelming for her.

"So soon?" Kodlak seemed surprised, his grey brushy eyebrows raising to reflect as much.

"Why stop her?" Vilkas muttered from Kodlak's right.

"Don't be such a milk drinker Vilkas. Leave her alone already." Farkas growled from next to him.

"I really need to leave….really." Ayah said with more force and stood, only to realise that Aela had taken her weapons and sat down again.

"Hey look! She's back!" The blonde nord, Torvar, laughed.

"She didn't even leave you oaf!" The dark elf Athis replied irritably as the nord beside him knocked back another bottle of mead in a couple of gulps.

"I know that!" Torvar slurred. "It was a joke…"

"Is there a problem lass?" Skjor asked Ayah. He leant back in his chair and crossed his arms over his chest while grinned wily at her. The younger nord watched him for a moment with narrowed eyes. The vibe he gave off was unusual. almost animal. It was him she'd probably have to watch for.

"I need my weapons back. please?"

"Ah, yes. Your weapons." Kodlak nodded and stared down at his plate and tankard for a moment as he thought, his fingers drumming the table. "Aela, give her her weaponry back".

Aela looked alarmed by the sudden request.

"But Kodlak, you said-…!"

"Yes, I did." The older man cut her off. Aela looked at him, her eyes searching his. "But if the young lass wishes to leave, she must have her weapons back. We can't have her wondering about without them, now can we? What if she's attacked."

"Oh that would be terrible…." Vilkas added sarcastically. Without a word, Farkas slammed his fist into the side of his brother's thigh under the table, causing him to cry out and retaliate by hitting him in the face.

"Boys, enough!" Kodlak yelled, slamming his fist down on the table. The twins shrunk down in their seats as the grey haired Harbinger gave them his fiercest glare. "You're both acting like children. Enough now. You're companions and more importantly, you're brothers." Each nodded.

"Shall I get our guest's weapon's then Kodlak?" Aela inquired as she stood from her seat once more. Kodlak waved his hand in agreement and Aela left the table to get Ayah's weapons.

"Where will you go from here?" Ria asked Ayah quietly from further down the table.

"I have to return to my….sanctuary. In Dawnstar."

"So you are from the brotherhood." Njada sneered. The other nord woman had been eyeing Ayah since she'd been seated but had said nothing. Ayah wasn't blind however and was well aware the shield sister was glaring and pulling faces at her. Quite frankly, Ayah was beginning to think the companions were a rather horrible lot, with the exception of a couple of individuals. Or maybe the problem was her?

"Yes. I'm a dark brotherhood member. But it's a family no less, just as you are." Ayah replied calmly.

"Good point." Kodlak nodded. "I suppose even assassins can look upon each other as such."

Aela reappeared carrying Ayah's enchanted glass sword, her blade of woe and an orcish bow and arrows. she placed them on the table in front of Ayah, who muttered a thank you before pausing, a scowl pulling at the corners of her mouth. "what's wrong?" The lady huntress saw the look on Ayah's face and inwardly sighed.

"I'm missing something…" Looking over her things, Ayah's mind sparked and dread filled her stomach. "My father's blade. I'm missing my father's blade." She looked up from her things and looked round the room, the dread becoming anger. That blade hadn't left her person in seventeen years and within a couple of days, it had disappeared.

"Now relax lass, we'll find it." Kodlak tried to reassure her. "Aela, go and check the armoury once more. Ria, go with her." The women nodded and Ria got up to follow Aela back to the armoury. Kodlak looked back at Ayah with concern. She looked genuinely upset. "If we can't find it-…!"

"If you can't find it, gods help you!" She seethed.

"Ah, ah, ah! I wouldn't start threatening people here, woman." Skjor hissed across Aela's empty space to her.

"Or what? You'll hit me?" Ayah shot back.

"He might not, but I wouldn't have as many reservations!" Vilkas shouted over to her.

"Touch her and I'll clobber you." Farkas snarled, grabbing his brother's shoulder roughly.

"Whose side are you on?" Vilkas fumed back at him, slapping his hand away.

"Er, excuse me!" Ayah snapped. "Thanks, but I'm perfectly capable of putting your brother down myself!" Sparks were flying and Vilkas turned red in the face, but before he could retort, laugher broke the tension. Kodlak roared with laughter, rocking back in his chair. Everyone stared at him in confusion, including Aela and Ria as they returned blade-less.

"Harbinger? are you well?" Athis questioned.

"I'm fine!" Kodlak chuckled and slammed his hand down on the table. "I like your fire lass! I didn't see it at first, but now I do. I see it clearly." Ayah crossed her arms over her chest and continued to look angrily at him.

"I just want my blade." She murmured.

"And you'll have it. We just need to find it first. You're welcome to stay here until we do."

"Good, because I have every intention of doing so." She told Kodlak curtly.

"You could even come to like someone us. We're not a bad bunch really." The Harbinger smiled. "You could even become one of us." He old man grinned, leaning his elbow on the table. "You've got the fire any companion needs."

"No, thank you." Ayah answered coldly. " I have no intention of becoming a companion." There was an audible sigh of relief from Vilkas.

"Give it time lass." Kodlak chuckled. Aela edged closer to him and leant in, whispering something. Kodlak frowned and nodded before waving her away. "It appears you will be staying then. The blade wasn't in the armoury, sadly." He informed the assassin. "I'll have Farkas take you back to your room."

"Can I make a suggestion Harbinger?" Skjor interrupted. "After that little…outburst….maybe she should surrender her weapons again. She did threaten us."

"There's no way I'll give any of you my weaponry again after this. I might as well throw it into the river. At least I'd know where it was." She growled.

"Maybe it is for the best, but I won't push you lass." Kodlak sighed, glancing over at her.

"Good, because I'm not giving them up." She told him.

"Very well. Farkas? If you would?" Kodlak asked the older twin who was up out of his seat almost immediately. Farkas began to make his way round the table when Kodlak stopped him and beaconed him closer. "Just keep an eye on her, will you? So far, she hasn't threatened you." With a nod, the other nord continued toward Ayah, who stood and turned to walk back down the stairs, unaided that time.


Farkas had escorted her back to her room the night before without much trouble. They'd hardly spoken apart from the thanks she'd wished him when he'd opened her door for her. After he'd gone, she'd quickly undressed and collapsed back onto the bed she'd slept in for two days.

Sleep hadn't come to her that night and she'd gotten up in the early hours to look over her weapons and armour and go through her pack. She noted how she was running low on health potions and she needed to sell off some stuff. She also needed to see a blacksmith about a break in her brotherhood armour. Huffing, she returned to bed feeling low and curled up in the furs.

The next morning, Farkas delivered breakfast. Once more, they said very little apart from usual pleasantries and Farkas left her to eat.

While nibbling at some bread, her mind wondered. She longed to be back at the sanctuary, but she refused to leave until her blade was returned. It wasn't particularly special. It was a simple silver dagger. When she'd first been given it, it had been blunted already so she wouldn't injure herself and it had remained that way. The weapon wasn't an important tool. It was mainly the sentimental value.

From there, her mind wondered to possible thieves among the companions who wouldn't think twice about taking it.

Aela came to mind at first, she had been the one to take Ayah's weapons, but then again, she didn't seem to be cruel enough. That didn't rule her out though.

Then there was Vilkas and that fetcher, Njada. The girl seemed quick and nimble enough. Maybe she could pick a lock and take it. Vilkas on the other hand, didn't seem like he would be able to pull it off. Ayah knew a lot of thieves. There was always a certain body type, certain way they held themselves and certain nimbleness in the walk and hand movements. Vilkas lacked those things. So even if he could access the armoury, it simply didn't add up to her.

It seemed Vilkas and Farkas were far too burly for such things. They had an air about them that was simple enough to understand. You upset them, they smash your face in. Them taking your stuff instead to upset you, just didn't fit.

Farkas.

Ayah paused chewing, seeing the strongly built nord in her mind and groaned softly. despite pretty much ignoring him since arguing with his brother the day before, She couldn't think anything bad about the older, fiercer looking twin. Aela had been right. He wasn't all he appeared and despite his insisting on being the dumber of the twins, he seemed perfectly normal to Ayah. No smarter or dumber than any average nord male she'd come across. Sure, they could be a little slower on the uptake than say, a Breton, or even the elves, but they got it in the end and they were hardier and had a fierce loyalty at times. It was what made them loveable Ayah supposed.

It was what her mother loved about her father anyway. Leaning back on the furs, she relaxed and allowed her mind to poke and prod at her thoughts of Farkas. A slow smile began to spread across her face as she dreamt on.

Day dreaming of a near total stranger felt pretty weird at first, but smiled as she remembered the soft touch he placed upon her the night he and Vilkas had cornered her. The spine tingling feel of his callus fingers against her skin, Ayah began to allow herself the luxury of day dreaming, her eyes fluttering shut.

"Kodlak wants to see you." Farkas said and Ayah frowned. Why was he telling her that in her own day dream? It felt so real too…

When he coughed, her eyes flew open to see the man himself stood at the end of the bed. She'd only really dressed in her armoured trousers, boots and gloves, her chest plate lay on the table top across the room and she lay on the bed in her brown under corset instead. Farkas's eyes held a dark, lustful stare as he hovered at the foot of her bed, looking her over and it didn't just make his blood boil. Ayah's cheeks bloomed with colour, but she maintained her blank look.

"I'm sorry, what did you say?" She ask politely.

"Kodlak wants to see you." He repeated, the darkness in his eyes creeping into his voice, making her shiver.

"Right….do you….know what for?" She swung her legs off the bed and gazed up at him. To her surprise, he managed to shake off whatever had come over him and look at her straight.

"He wants you to go to the courtyard. He wants to speak with you."

"Has he found my blade?" She pushed him for details, a slight glimmer of hope rising in her heart.

"No." And like that, the hope was gone. "He has us all looking for it though. I think he might want to talk to you about joining us."

A sigh escaped her and Ayah rolled her eyes. "I won't do it. I'm not interested."

"That's a shame." Farkas muttered as she turned to leave.

"For you? or for me?" She called after him, grabbing her blade of woe and chasing after him.

"For both of us." He told her as she came up next to him. "The companions could maybe benefit you."

"And what about you? What would my being here do for you?" She smirked up at him shyly. With a grin, Farkas glanced down at her and reached to open the door leading to the stairs.

"I'd get to be your new shield brother." He chuckled.

"And that means you get to spend more time with me?" Ayah fluttered her eyelashes playfully and slipped passed him when he opened the door.

"Not so shy now, huh?"

Ayah shrugged coyly at his question.

"What's there to be shy about now? I'm angry at you all for losing something of mine. You can't be shy and angry at the same time. You have to be one or the other. I choose to be angry now." She made her way up the steps and stood at the top waiting for him with her hands on her hips. As expected, Farkas's eyes went straight to her hips and she only just restrained a laugh.

"You're mad at me?" He cocked an eyebrow and managed to pull his eyes away from her hips when she stood back from the stairs. Once he was level with her again, he lead the way to the back of Jorrvaskr.

"I'm mad at all of you, mainly because I don't know if one of you took it and if you did, I don't know which one."

"Well it wasn't me." He said bluntly. "I'm not in the habit of taking other peoples things. Unless it's Vilkas's. And even then it's just to tease him. And it's usually a woman."

"You take your brother's women for fun?" Ayah laughed. "Oh you're such a kind person."

"Hey, he take's mine too!" Farkas argued. The pair stepped out the back door and Kodlak and Vilkas came into view. Farkas went in front and stood beside his brother as Ayah lazily made her way down the steps, passed Skjor and Aela sat on at the long table and came to a stop in front of Kodlak.

"Yes? Farkas said you wanted to see me?"

"Aye." He smiled. "I want to know if you're still reluctant to join us."

"Aye I am." she told him firmly.

"Even if I let you beat on Vilkas?" Kodlak grinned.

Cocking an eyebrow and looking over at the man in question, Ayah thought long and hard. "What's the catch?" She asked out of curiosity while continuing to eye Vilkas. He didn't look to pleased and had probably had his arm twisted to make him agree to such a thing.

"No catch. Well, other than you become a shield sister at the end of it."

Ayah continued to look over at Vilkas. It was actually very tempting. "What if I don't just want to beat him up?"

"Why do you think myself, Farkas, Aela and Skjor are here? We want to make sure you play by the rules and don't stick a dagger blade where one shouldn't go." Kodlak explained and crossed his arms over his barrelled chest.

"So you're all going to jump me if I play too rough with Vilkas? Aww." She teased. Vilkas's face turned a nice shade of red and Ayah smirked. Turning back to Kodlak, Ayah bit her lip and gazed up at him as she wondered.

"You realise that if I become a companion, you guys won't be my first priority, right? I have a sanctuary to run you know."

"That's fine." The Harbinger nodded. "We'll just give you work if you need it. How's that?"

Vilkas looked disgusted and finally snapped. "This isn't a mercenary group! This is a family, why would you let her call the shots like that master?"

"I'm no one's master, Vilkas. And hold your tongue. We welcome all and I know an opportunity when I see one. Our young lass here could be something special if we can bring her around." The wiser nord told his younger companion coolly.

"Shall we get on with this then?" Ayah interrupted them. She stepped back from Kodlak and rolled her shoulders, drawing her blade of woe. Kodlak and the twins looked at her in surprise, probably not expecting her to agree so easily.

"Ok then." Vilkas moved forward, drawing his short sword and shield, just in case. Farkas and Kodlak moved back towards the steps where Aela and Skjor now stood, watching closely.

Bouncing from one foot to the other, Ayah thought back to the night before and the evaluation she'd made of his armour. The pair circled each other, Vilkas holding his shield close to his body. He wasn't sure what the enchantment on the blade that she was using was, but he didn't want it to catch him either way. Suddenly, Ayah lunged and with some ease, Vilkas blocked her and stepped back.

Returning to her position, Ayah switched hands, much to his surprise. With her left, she lunged again, and Vilkas became convinced she was testing him, so he pulled the shield closer to his body.

Ayah mentally shrugged. He was as smart as they all said. But that meant nothing. Ayah wanted to see if he could think on his feet. switching back to her right hand, she charged him, purposely slamming her shoulder into his shield. Pain shot through her and she winced, but it was all worth it, as in shock, Vilkas's arm and shield flailed outward, unsure of what to do, the action leaving him wide open. Rolling off his shield, she ducked as she spun getting to the right hight in order to get between his breast plate and leg and groin guards where there was the slightest gap where they had been strapped together.

Vilkas gasped and the four companions on the steps all scrambled to see whether she'd sunken her blade into his stomach or not. However, to their relief, Vilkas fell backward and gasped for air. As it turned out, Ayah had simply winded him with an elbow to the abdomen.

"There. I've proven myself and Vilkas continues to breath and will still be able to father children. Am I a companion yet?" Ayah called out to Kodlak as she stood to her full height and sheathed her weapon.

"Aye!" Kodlak all but cheered as he descended the steps with Farkas in toe."You didn't injure him too badly either so congratulations. You're now part if the companion family."

"Well done shield sister" Vilkas's twin congratulated her. For someone who'd just witnessed his brother get knocked off his feet, Farkas seemed more pleased Ayah had come out of the other side on top.

"Thank you…shield brother." She smirked in reply. Farkas passed her with a smile and collected up his brother who continued wheeze and groan.

"That was some skill you showed there. The brotherhood teach you that?" Aela appeared behind Kodlak along with Skjor. Both looked on the new blood fondly.

"My father actually. He was a solider." Ayah explained. "He taught me how to fight because he saw it as the only thing he could really pass on to me, being a female and an only child."

"Some solider." Skjor snorted. "you sure he wasn't an assassin too?"

"She's still the whelp." Vilkas suddenly snapped from behind them all. He was standing by then, even if it was with the help of Farkas. Ayah shot him a glare over her shoulder. Even when winded and beaten, his pride wouldn't let him leave the feud alone.

"Call me whelp again and Farkas will become an only child." There was a bark of laughter from Skjor and Vilkas's face flushed red again. Ayah and the younger twin glared at each other for a long moment, fury burning in their eyes.

"Take my weapon to Eorlund to be sharpened whelp." Vilkas growled, pulling away from his brother's steadying arm. Ayah's face contorted with anger.

"Excuse me?"

"Now now." Kodlak intervened. The older man reached and took Ayah's hand, making her jump. "Here, you are your own person. But we're also a family too." His voice was soft and kind and Ayah found herself compelled to listen. "Take Vilkas's sword to the Skyforge and get it sharpened as a mark of respect. If not for him, for me?"

Whatever magic the old man had going, it was working. Ayah felt the wall she'd built up start to melt at his kindness. The warmth of his hand was comforting and fatherly. The dragon born and dark brotherhood assassin cracked a smile. Kodlak was truly a honourable and genuine man.

"Alright." The words left her mouth before she realised. "For you. and maybe Farkas." Farkas grinned, only for it to disappear when he saw the angry look on Vilkas's face beside him.

"What?"

Vilkas shook his head and picked his sword up from the ground. He handed it to Kodlak who in turn handed it to Ayah who took it and looked it over.

"I have to take this…where?" She inquired.

"The Skyforge. Up there." Aela pointed over Ayah's head to the giant eagle carved out of rock. Ayah gasped as the pure sight of it. It was magnificent and summed up the companions and Jorrvaskr perfectly.

"O-ok." Edging away from them, Ayah began to make her way round to the stone steps. She had to admit, it was all very impressive. She'd seen the Skyforge from a distance, but never up close. The first time was breathtaking.

A lone man worked the Skyforge. Eorlund Gray-Mane. He was meant to be the greatest blacksmith in all of Tamriel or so Ayah had been told. Climbing to the top of the forge, she looked over the flames to see a grey nord sat at a grinding wheel with his back to her.

"er…excuse me?" When he didn't react, Ayah moved closer. Eorlund's face was stern and focused as he rolled the blade against the stone wheel.

"Something I can do for you?" When he spoke, the assassin stiffened. He still didn't look up at her, but he knew she was there.

"The almighty lord and master Vilkas wants his sword sharpening."

The grinding wheel stopped spinning and Eorlund looked up from his task. "What?" He scowled in confusion.

"I'm the new companion. I've been sent to give you Vilkas's sword."

"Ah." Gray-Mane haled himself up, wiping his hands on his leather apron and took the sword as Ayah handed it to him. "You're the new blood then?" Ayah nodded.

"Yes sir. reluctant none the less."

The blacksmith's eyebrows rose in question. "Reluctant? Well that's a first." Taking the sword from Ayah, Eorlund straddled the seat of the grinding wheel again and began the task of sharpening Vilkas's weapon. "Why so reluctant? I know many that would give their right arm to join the companion's ranks."

"Like you?" Ayah asked, leaning against the rock.

Laughing, Eorlund shook his head. "Oh no. I'm not a member. I'm here because none of the companion's know how to work a forge."

"Until now." Ayah shrugged. "I have a little experience."

"Yet another first then." He chuckled and lifted the blade to examine it. "I suppose you'll be the new breath of fresh air then."

"I doubt it." Ayah sighed and pushed herself off the rock. "I won't be here much. I have other commitments."

The smith quickly finished with the blade and stood to wipe it down. "Don't we all." He murmured. The sword exchanged hands once more and Ayah looked over the exceptional job he'd done on it.

"I'll get this back to Vilkas." The nord woman whispered in awe.

"Oh, wait." Eorlund touched her arm before she could leave. "Could you do me a favour?" Ayah nodded. "My wife is in mourning, I need to get back to her. Will you take this shield to Aela for me?"

"Of course."

"Thank you." The two shared a parting nod and Ayah returned to the mead hall of Jorrvaskr.