Soraya and Saidra currently found themselves within the walls of Jorrvaskr. Upon entering the building, two things greeted them. One was a great mead hall with a fire pit at the center of the room that impressed the twins. On one side of the mead hall was an area big enough for people to spar in, and on the other side were an assortment of weapons on display, including what appeared to be pieces of an axe.
The other sight that greeted them were a Nord woman and Dunmer male sparing.
Ignoring the fight, the two Nords made their way through the building to where Aela said a man by the name of Kodlak would be found, and soon found themselves at the door to the man's room. Whispers of a conversation could be heard through the door, signaling the presence of another person.
"But I still hear the call of the blood," a male voice said quietly.
"We all do," replied another older voice, also belonging to a man. "It is our burden to bear. But we can overcome."
"You have my brother and I, obviously, but I don't know if the rest will go along quite so easily," the first said again, sounding almost tired.
What were they talking about? Obviously something private, but it didn't make much sense. Of course they were taking it out of context. Soraya extended a hand and knocked on the large wooden door before her, opening when she heard one of them bid enter.
Opening the door, the sisters saw two men sitting at a table at the back of the room in a corner. One of them looked just like Farkas save for the armor he wore (which was identical to what Skjor was wearing). It was probably safe to assume that they were twin brothers. The other man was older and had long white hair and a matching beard. He to wore the same armor that the other had one. Soraya had to wonder if there was any significant meaning with that armor.
The room its self was filled with book, weapons, and various other trinkets of interest. Near the two men was another, smaller door, which probably led to a bedroom.
"Excuse me," Soraya started, a little nervous for some reason, "but my sister and I were hoping to join the Companions, and we were told to talk to Kodlak. Shall I assume that you are him?" she ask the white haired man in front of her.
"Yes, that would be me; I'm Kodlak Whitemane, the Harbinger of the Companions. You must be the two women that Aela told me of the other day. Come closer so that I can take a better look at the two of you."
The younger man seemed to figure out what the other was thinking and frowned, "Master you're not seriously considering letting her join? I've never even heard of this newcomer!"
"I am nobody's master, Vilkas," replied Kodlak calmly. "And last I checked, there are some empty beds in Jorrvaskr for those with fire in their hearts. Besides sometimes the famous seek us, sometimes people come to us to seek their fame." Turning back to the two women before him he studied them briefly. "Tell me, how well can the two of you handle yourselves in battle?"
Soraya cringed a little at the question as she felt her sister shift nervously behind her. "We are both new to the art of combat. We have just enough skill to survive a crypt with bandits and Draugr."
Vilkas had a scowl on his face, obviously not happy with the idea that complete amateurs wanted to join the Companions (or something along those lines, she wasn't exactly sure).
"So it would seem that you and your sister both have potential to become great warriors if given the proper training," Kodlak said, though it sounded like he was talking to himself at that point due to the distant look in his eyes, as though he were revisiting a memory. Soraya wondered what he was thinking of when the man came back to the present and turned to his companion. "Vilkas, take the new blood out to the training yard and see how they are with a weapon."
Wordlessly, with a frown still planted on his face, the man got up and led the two of them to the training yard.
O-o-O-o-O-o-O
The two women found themselves out side in the Jorrvaskr training yard. The yard its self was simple, with an area big enough for sparing in and a couple of manikins to train on. Soraya was curious as to what Vilkas would want them to do to test their combat abilities.
"So, Kodlak thinks you have what it takes to be a Companion?" he said. "Fine. Just have a few swings at me so I can see your form. Don't worry," he added, "I can take it."
Saidra went first, holding nothing back (since there was nothing to hold back). Her swordsmanship was a little bit awkward and sloppy, which was no surprise, but she had a good grip on the sword she had. When Soraya's turn came, she took a more strategic approach, hoping it would give a better impression of her abilities. She tried to single out any weaknesses she could identify and went for those, though she was slow and all her strikes were blocked.
"Not bad," he said when she finished, "but you're still new to us, whelp, which means the both of you do what you're told." At that point he proceeded to unbuckle the harness he had on, with his sword still in it, before passing it to Soraya. "Now, take my sword up to Eorlund at the Skyforge. It needs to be sharpened. And be careful. It's probably worth more than you are," he said before walking away.
At that point Soraya decided that she didn't like Vilkas.
O-o-O-o-O-o-O
Saidra watched her sister march off to the Skyforge, idly wondering what had just happened between the two of them.
Deciding not to dwell on it, Saidra wandered off to explore Jorrvaskr. Maybe she could find Farkas or Aela and get their stories on why they joined the companions. She didn't go very far, though, as she had the distinct feeling of someone watching her.
Looking around, she saw that same Nord woman form earlier leaning against the door frame of the back entrance. Was she…glaring at her?
"Can I help you?"
The woman walked up to her and stopped when she was only a foot or two away, before sizing her up. Saidra couldn't help but feel slightly unnerved by the other. Though now that the other was closer, she used the opportunity to quick study the other.
The other woman had a weather-worn face (which made it a little hard to guess her age without the risk of overestimating) and was dressed in hide armor that had quite obviously seen many battles. Beneath each grey eye, she had two red horizontal stripes of war paint.
"What could he possibly see in you?"
…What?
"There is no way a whelp like you and your sister could possibly become a companion. What could the possibly have been thinking accepting the two of you? They must be blind!"
Saidra bristled at that. No way was this bitch going to get away with insulting her sister! It didn't matter if she was the one being insulted (she would just ignore them and brush it off), but rudeness towards her sister was unacceptable! She was just about to say something to the other when someone cut in.
"Njada! Leave the girl alone!"
Saidra turned around to find the Dunmer from earlier behind her in his leather armor, glaring at the other woman.
"What do you want Athis?" she snapped.
"Skjor asked me to find her and show her where she will reside."
"And you got stuck with the task?" By Talos she wanted to get as far away from the obnoxious woman as possible. On that note she decided to but in and (hopefully) end the argument.
"Why are you so surprised? He is the more likable out of the two of you."
Oh, the glare that was leveled at her could have probably incinerated her on the spot if possible, "What did you say whelp!"
"He hasn't said anything too me yet and regardless I enjoy his company," yeah she was probably making an enemy right now, but she really didn't care. "I am certain though that if they wanted someone not to join then you would have been chosen. You could probably chase anyone out of Jorrvaskr in a matter of seconds."
Saidra could hear Athis chuckling behind her while Njada looked like she was going to murder her. "I hope you weren't hoping for a pleasant experience," the other hissed before storming off.
"You are aware that she will do everything in her power to make you miserable," Athis said with a small grin.
Saidra just shrugged in response, not really caring about whatever consequences there would be, before following the Dunmer to the living quarters, making small chat with the other along the way.
