UNWELCOME ARMS

The great battle in Sovngarde against Alduin was finally completed. Having fulfilled my destiny, saving the world from the tyranny of the world eater, Skyrim and all her people were once again safe. But that safety would only last for a time.

Now that the dragon menace was contained, the civil war was back on. The temporary truce ended, and once again the men and women of Skyrim were called to arms. Son's and daughter, mother's and fathers...every able bodied individual was expected to arm themselves in preparation for battle.

Upon my return back to the land of the living. I upheld my promise to Rolf-my grandfather-to bring father the Amulet of Talos. It was a gift that was once given to my own grandfather by Tiber Septum himself. A token reminder to my father of the pride grandfather had of him.

It was peaceful for a time back at Kynesgrove. I had told my mother and father of my travels so far. I told them of the dungeons I cleared, the enemies I had fought, and the greatest of battle of all in Sovngarde.

Father was more proud of me than he had ever been. He told everyone of his son-the dragonborn. Though I enjoyed the attention I got from my people, there were moments where I wondered where I would go now that my destiny had been fulfilled. When I left Kynesgrove it was to find a name for myself. But now that I have done that, I find myself stuck. Uncertain of the next stage of my life.


A NEW CHAPTER

I stayed in Kynesgrove for a couple of weeks, and so far things were pretty much normal. With the war back on, it was almost as if nothing had changed. People saying their farewells to their loved ones as they head off to fight.

"It's so sad." Mother said.

"What was that mother?" I asked.

"It's sad. So many children without their fathers, wives without their husbands. And mothers saying good-bye to their sons. A mother should be with her children, even if they are grown."

"A man is expected to fo a great deal of things if he is to protect the people he loves. It is never easy for anyone, especially with war."

"Why your father handed you and your brother a sword makes no sense to me. I have never liked either of you fighting. Look where it got you!"

"Yes, Erin is out fighting for the Empire, and I became dragonborn." I said teasing her.

"You poke fun Mikel, but mark my words...men who live and die by the sword never lead a prosperous life. Enjoy your fame while it lasts my son."

Her words were rather grim for my ears. I had thought she would be proud of her sons, but it appeared I was wrong. Father overheard mother speaking. As soon as she walked away, he came by to talk to me.

"Good morning son!" He said greeting me.

"Morning father. How are you?"

"I am well. Talos smiles this day. The sun is shining and the crops are full! Can't complain."

"Hmph! Apparently you are the only one not complaining."

"Pay no attention to your mother son. She has never approved of fighting and war. Although secretly I think she married me because I was a fighter."

"A revelation I would rather you keep to yourself father, for the sake of me keeping down my breakfast."

He bowled over with laughter at my expense. The idea of my parents having sex disturbed me greatly, but it amused my father tremendously! I got up to leave heading in the direction of the pub.

"Why are you leaving?" Father asked.

"After hearing that, I need a drink!" I said walking away.

As soon as I arrived in the pub I expected things to be quite calm and quiet. However it was the exact opposite as everyone jeered the moment I entered the place.

"Dragonborn!" They said "It's good to see you!"

I waved and said my hello's, nodding as I walked by. But secretly I wanted to be ignored. Fame has it's place...temporarily. It continued when I approached the bar to order a drink. The barkeep refused to accept my gold for payment. Not that I was really complaining. Free mead, is good mead!

All day long I stayed in the pub drinking and feasting, singing and laughing with my people. The joy of merriment was the highlight of the day! Songs of Ragnar the red, the age of Oppression, and my favorite...The dragonborn comes!

Lydia sat at the far corner of the room drinking alone. I noticed her and decided to see what was wrong.

"Something you troubling you my lady?" I asked.

"Not at all my thane. All is well."

"Come dance with me!" I said. She grinned and chuckled softly as she took a sip from her cup.

"No thank you." She replied.

"Why not? Not having fun?"

"Not my kind of fun." She said.

"And just what kind of fun are you looking for?' I asked. She looked back at me with a fire in her eyes. A desire strong to the point that at any moment I knew she would probably jump on me not caring who was looking. Admittedly I was more than eager for a release myself. being in battle with the uncertainty of living will do that to you.

I grabbed her by the hand and brought her to one of the rooms in the back. The door locked behind us, we were completely alone. Both of us kneading at each other, eager to enjoy one another. She reached for my shirt unbuttoning each button hastily. At the same time I helped her remove the breast plate of her armor. Her bountiful mounds coming into view as they hung from her chest. So soft and full. I couldn't help but to take one of them into my mouth.

She gasped as my mouth claimed her nipple, swirling my tongue around the stiffened bud while massaging the other breast with my other hand. The sound of her moaning filling my ears excited me. It was pleasurable to know that I made her feel good. She grabbed my head, pulling me up to her, kissing me passionately. She reached for the fastener to my trousers, unbuttoning them and then slowly shoving her hands deep into my pants to grasp my manhood. The touch of her hand stroking my cock felt amazing! I was more than ready to have my way with her, right then and there but she stopped me when she asked me my true intentions with her.

"What do you mean?" I asked her. Lydia had never seemed to care before about us being together. In truth it was never an expectation of most nords, especially warriors. We fight, drink, feast, and fuck. That is our way!

"Lydia?" I said, realizing she had not answered me.

She paused a moment as if to decide whether she would answer me or not and then began walking away from me. I was confused, didn't understand why she reacted that way. Had I done something wrong? Did I upset her or say something wrong? I followed her of course to find out why. I found her outside walking down the road towards my parents house.

"Lydia!" I said calling after her.

"What?"

"Don't what me woman. What's the matter with you?"

"Nothing my thane. I just am not in the mood."

"Ha! That's a laugh."

"Hard to believe eh? What, a woman rejects you so it must be the woman with something wrong with her?"

"That's not what I mean and you know it Lydia." I said. I grew tired of walking after her and grabbed her by the arm, demanding she explain herself. What would come next took me completely off guard.

"You know, when things went down between us the first time 'round, I understood what it was. I didn't get mad or jealous of other women because I knew we were not together. Casual sex is common for us nords. It's how we are. We fight, drink, feast, and fuck. IN that order!"

"So what's the problem then?"

"I developed feelings for you. That's the problem." She said.

I froze. My mind drew a blank in an instant the moment I heard those words and there was no going back. 'Fallen for me?' I thought to myself. How could this be possible? We had only known each other for all of a month since the day she was given to me at Whiterun. Granted she and I revealed so much to each other about our past. I knew so much about her life and vice versa. Perhaps she developed a connection to me because of it.

"Lydia, I don't know what to say, I-"

"There's nothing for you to say Mikel. I'm not expecting you to."

"Okay. So where does that leave us then?"

"I think it is best that we part ways. I cannot be there for you like this. I don't think I could face seeing you with someone else or even losing you. I guess I'd rather the latter compared to the former."

"You're not making sense."

"What I'm saying is that I...I need to get away from you before I get in deeper than I am emotionally prepared for."

It hurt to hear such words. Here I thought that everything was going well. Life in Skyrim had improved but it appears that since I returned, my own personal life was changing and it was not for the better. First my mother disagreed with my being dragonborn, and now Lydia was leaving because of it!

"Is there anything I can do to make this work? Anything I can do if it'll make you stay."

"No my thane. I'm sorry. It's for the best."

"Very well. I cannot make you stay if you don't want to. Though I will miss you terribly."

She smiled, playfully punching me in the arm. Her smile was always the most pleasant sight to see. I hugged her tightly and said my good-bye's.

"Fight well dragonborn."

"Same to you my friend. Talos be with you!"


LATER THAT EVENING...

Later on I returned home. I joined mother and father for supper. It was all but quiet most of the time until father broke the silence by asking about my day.

"I noticed Lydia was not with you." He said.

"You both make a handsome pair son." Mother added.

"Lydia left this afternoon." I said despondently.

"She left? How could she leave you? You're her thane!" Exclaimed mother/

"She has no ties to me mother. If she wishes to leave she has the right to do so. I cannot make her stay."

"You sound down son. You will be fine. There are plenty of eligible women in Skyrim looking to wed the dragonborn!"

"Of course." I replied quietly.

It bothered me a great deal to lose Lydia. Though I was not in love with her, apart of me cared for her very much. I became used to her being at my side especially in battle. She was a very good warrior. Later that night while I lay in bed I look up at my ceiling unable to fall asleep. Wondering where she was and what she was doing. If she was alright. I prayed to the God's to protect her, hoping that maybe one day our paths would cross. Hours I spent awake that night until the wee hours of the morning I eventually fell asleep.

The next day when I had awakened I decided to leave once again. Only this time I had a heading. I decided to return to Whiterun. To see what work I could find under the Jarl. Father and mother were not happy of course having only had me back home for a few weeks. I suppose they were hoping I would remain home permanently. But the funny this is that I grew accustomed to being on my own. I was interested to see what adventures I could embark on this time.


The travel from Kynesgrove to Whiterun would take all of two days ride. When I left it was morning. By the time I arrived in Whiterun's hold it was dusk, and the air was thick with battle. Across the field at Palagia far stood a massive Giant! He was pillaging the poultry and cattle grazing in the field when suddenly six men and women surrounding the beast, fighting him all at once.

As the battle ensued, I noticed something familiar about this lot. Almost as if I had seen them before! One of them was a beautiful red haired woman with a large dark green tattoo across her face. She wore ancient Nordic iron clad armor, and her arm was strong as she swung it at the giant. She charged it with unflinching courage! I was extremely impressed. The men fighting beside her were much bigger than her, stronger too. Their battle cries echoed in the air as they fought hard against the Giant. A seemingly difficult task as it nearly stomped them to death.

I was able to reach them just in the nick of time, and when I arrived, I blew the Giant out of the way using unrelenting shout.

FUS...RO, DAH!

The blast from my shout forced the Giant against the tree, he impaled himself on a thick limb dying instantly. Now that the Giant was dealt with, and everyone was safe, all eyes were turned to me. Jaws dropped, mouths agape with amazement at what I had done. I could tell a few of them knew who I was as they whispered my name dovahkiin. The red haired girl was not keen on me inter intervening.

"Just what did you call yourself doing? We could have handled that Giant on our own!"

"Clearly." I replied talking back to her.

She snarled at me and began to lunge in my direction. One of her comrades stopped her, holding her back telling her to calm down.

"Feisty!" I said teasing her.

"I wouldn't egg her on if I were you friend. She's not as weak as you think she is."

"Farkas you idiot! Shut your gob before I shut it for you!"

"Is something wrong? I was only trying to help." I said.

"Not to worry out lander. We know what you were trying to do. Many thanks for your act of bravery."

The red haired woman scoffed, snatching her hand away from her comrade. She looked into me staring daggers with sheer hatred. If my presence was not enough, my playful banter was even worse agitation to her.

"You just stay out of my...dragon boy!" She said, walking off.

"What the hell is her problem?" I asked.

"Don't mind Aela. She's always angry." Said the warrior. He reached his hand out me to introduce himself. Vilkas is what he called himself. He seemed a decent nord.

"Name's Mikel. Mikel Bjorn, thane to Whiterun." I said.

"I know who you are friend. Your name is known all throughout the land. We sing the tale of the dragonborn and drink in your honor. You are most welcome in the presence of the Companions."

Well...most, of the companions anyway.

"I'd be more honored if I could join you and your lot. How would one get recruited into the Companions?"

"We are not exactly looking to recruit anyone. But if you think you've got what it takes, you'll need to speak to Kodlak-our leader. He's at Jorrvaskr."

Jorrvaskr! The headquarters of the Companions! I was eager to get there, to stand in the very place built and forged by my grandfather and Ysgramor himself. Taking Vilkas' advice I sought out Kodlak to speak with him about joining the Companions. I thought that because of my title I would be welcome. I quickly found out that I was wrong.


JOORVASKR

"So Vilkas tells me you assisted him and his men with the Giant at Palagia farm."

"Yes sir!"

"That was very noble of you son. Not every man would be willing to risk his life for others as you did. Good to see you are."

"I was wondering if perhaps I could be of service to you and your organization. I'm sure you are aware of my reputation."

"And what makes you think you would be a good fit here? Do you think that because you are the dragonborn you have rights to be a member?"

"My rights are not the question sir. My kin have forged this place. The very blood and sweat of my ancestor is ingrained in the very fiber of this great hall."

"And just who might that be dear boy?"

"Rolf Bjorn sir."I replied.

"HAHAHA! I see. So because your grandfather was a Companion, you feel you are meant to join as well? My dear boy, the title of being a member of the Companions is earned, not given like some birthright."

"I can assure you sir, I am more than up to the task. Allow me to prove my abilities and honor to you."

"Very well. Vilkas!" He called.

"Aye master?"

"Take the whelp out into the courtyard. Spar with him a bit. See what he can do."

"Aye master."

"Thank you sir!" I said.

"Don't thank me just yet. It's up to Vilkas to decide if you truly have the strength to join our lot or not. Do well and we will recruit you."

"I will not fail you sir." I replied.

"Good. Now go!"


"Alright whelp. The old man wants me to test your arm a bit. So let's see what you can do! And no magic. I despise wizards."

"Very well." I replied.

Both of stood across from each other in a defensive stance, our weapons poised above our heads as we anticipated the first move. The first rule in fencing. Never break eye contact with your opponent. Looking in the eyes of your enemy, allows you to articulate their next move. What did I see when I looked into Vilkas' eyes? I saw a man with something to prove, and wanted more than anything to make me look like an outsider. Though I was not one of them quite yet, I had no intentions of failing on this day.

However, despite my determination, I would not make the first move. Second rule in a fight, let your enemy make the first move then counter with an even stronger attack. It seemed as though neither of us were willing to engage the second rule as we slowly circled each other. The other members standing by observing the fight were becoming restless, urging one of us to make the first move.

"Come on Vilkas! Show him what you got!"

"Show that milk drinker who's boss!"

I smiled noticing my surroundings. I was used to people having mixed reactions to me. "Tough crowd." I said.

"In case you haven't realized it dragonborn, you don't exactly belong here."

"That's a matter of opinion in my book lad."

"Be that as it may, I intend to beat you either way. HRRRYYYAAAAA!"

He lunged his sword towards me, swinging it towards my left side. I ducked out of the way and pivoted to the right, blocking the blow and then countering his attack with my own, but with twice the amount of force. Vilkas was substantially smaller than me in both height and size. I was far stronger than he was as well. But I have come to learn that in a fight, strength and height is insurmountable compared to those who are smaller than you. Smaller people move faster.

"HRRYYAAAA! You're fast Companion, but I can move faster."

"RRRYYAAAA! (SWORDS CLASH) No matter, I'll defeat you either way."

Eventually our weapons clashed to the point of crossing, both of us relying on sheer strength to be able to push the other off and land the finally devastating blow. Arms and swords interlocked in a frozen decision as to who would be the victor in this portion of the battle. Once again our eyes met in a pivotal moment to determine who would make what move.

"Why are you here?" Vilkas asked.

"(Grunts with difficulty) I. want to be, RYAAA!... A Companion! HRYAAAA!" I pushed him off of me gaining the advantage. Now he lost his footing, off balance he was unable to quickly defend himself as I began doling out punch after punch. A blow to the gut, then another, and another, and then one to the face until he was down! He fell to his back, his weapon knocked from his hands scattered across the ground a few feet away from him. He tried to grab it but was too late. I was already standing over him with my weapon drawn and aimed directly for his face.

"Aht! I would not do that if I were you." I warned him.

(Distant, slow approaching applause in the background begins)

Approaching us was a senior member of the Companions. Skjor was his name. He had been with the companions for many years, suffered through many battles with Kodlak over the years. Losing his right eye was the result of those battles. He addressed Vilkas and me congratulating me on my victory against him. I never once looked away from Vilkas even when Skjor spoke to me. Rule three in a fight, never break eye contact with your opponent. Get distracted and you're dead!

"Do you hear me talking to you boy?" He asked.

"Aye." I replied.

"Then turn, around."

"No, sir." I replied.

Everyone standing around who heard me, gasped and whispered amongst themselves in protest and confusion over my response to him. I just knew Skjor would be angry with me. But to my surprise he was not. She grinned with a confirming look in his eye. Not one word said further from him, he patted me on the back and said...

"That's enough you two. I think you've proven enough son."

I extended my hand to Vilkas to help him up. He refused my help and instead pulled himself off the ground. Seemingly he was angry with me that he had lost. I on the other hand reveled in my victory, and as promised I was brought before Kodlak to be accepted into the Companions as a member. Or at least, that was what I thought was happening.


Over the last several weeks I remained at Jorrvaskr not working as a Companion dedicating my service to those in need as I would have liked. But instead being the token errand boy for the senior members. Skjor, Aela, Vilkas, even the old man...would send me on various errands around Whitreun back and forth between dragonsreach and the Skyforge to fetch them things. Occasionally I would be reduced to even going as far as emptying the slop pots out back. A degrading role indeed for a hero like myself.

So far my joining the Companions was not exactly what I had hoped it would be. Especially getting snarky remarks and comments by Aela, who seemed to disagree with my being there int the first place. It was becoming a bit much. Finally I decided that perhaps it was high time I do something. I finally approached Kodlak with my demands to either be given a proper mission, or threaten I would leave.

"So, I hear you do not agree with the jobs you have been given. Is something wrong son?"

"I think you know as well as the other why I am angry Kodlak. Why are you giving me fools errands when I could be doing much more? I'm a warrior for Talos sakes, not some slop boy!"

"Just because you are a warrior, doe not mean you are owed the title of being Companion. Your kindred ties to this place have no meaning in my eyes. Even if you re the dragonborn, you are still a man. No different from every other man who lives a breathes, and has died for our cause."

"I am not saying I should be given special treatment. My title as thane, or dragonborn, or even the fact that my grandfather was a Companion...it means nothing to me! All that I ask is to be given fairness in battle. Give me a task, a real task worth performing and I will due it. But I warn you, if this continues I will leave."

"Very well then. Skjor, what do you make of all of this?"

I had no inclination at all that would tell me Skjor's true thoughts of me. He never really took the time to get to know me, only spoke to me when he wanted something from me. To sharpen his sword or bring him a meal. No doubt I just knew he would advise Kodlak to keep me the token whelp of the group. To my surprise he did not!

"I think the dragonborn here is right. Give him a mission. Send him with Farkas. Let us see if he is truly worthy to be a member of the Companions."

"Very well." Kodlak replied. "It is decided. Mikel will partner with Farkas. He will act as your shield brother on his missions."

"Where are we going if I might ask."

"Wherever you must. Farkas will tell you when it is time to head out."

"Thank you sir." I replied.

Farkas eventually joined me after Kodlak and the others cleared out. Tall individual, taller than me. According to the others he wasn't exactly the smartest man in the group, but he could handle himself in a fight.

"Come with me whelp." He said.

"Pfft..." I scoffed at the remark. Loathed being referred to ask a whelp.

"Do any of you even know my name?" I said fussing.

"Don't think I care." Farkas replied.

"Look, if we are to be working together, we need to set some ground rules."

"Ugh..."

"I don't care if you grunt or growl at me. But what I will not do is allow anyone to treat me any old kind of way."

"Or else what dragon boy, are you gonna huff and puff and blow me down? HAHAHA! Hey, that was actually funny! I should write that down."

"Are you finished?"

"I suppose."

"Good! Now, where are we going first?"

"Riften. Got a problem with that?"

"Not at all." I replied.

"Good. Now go pack your things and let's get a move on. Meet me at the stables. We leave in an hour."

As Farkas left for the stables, Aela entered the room. Having overheard the conversation between me and Farkas, she took it upon herself to add to my frustration.

"Hope you have fun...milk drinker."

"Is putting people down all you people are really known for? Is there no honor among any of you?"

"Don't get your trousers in a bunch whelp. It's just playful banter."

"Sure it is." I replied sarcastically.

"Alright, how about we start from scratch." She said. "I am Aela the huntress. One of the leaders here."

"Mikel Bjorn of Kynesgrove." I said.

"I have heard of you before. The Jarl named you thane to Whiterun. An honorable title net to being dragonborn."

"I suppose it could be. Although the only advantage it has is keeping me from getting thrown in the dungeon if I break a law."

"Perhaps. But there are far better honors to have than being a thane or dragon. I ear you are a hero to the people of Skyrim. Risked your life to defeat Alduin. That's quite impressive!"

"Wouldn't you risk your life to save the world?"

"I have risked my life saving others more times than you could count I am sure. Been a warrior since I was a young girl. That's how I got this scar across my face."

"You sure covered it well." I said referring to the tattoo she had across her face. It cleverly cloaked the massive scar that went from the top of her right brow, to the left of her jaw.

"You'll find that being a Companion can be a lot more than legendary battles and tales to tell in pubs. There are some who have lost their lives doing even the most minor of tasks. Luckily we have each other. We look out for one another."

"A shield brother is it?"

"Yes. Comes in handy in a battle if you get surrounded. Do me a favor Bjorn. Look out for Farkas. I know he's not the smartest dagger in the arsenal, but he's still a brother none the less."

"You have my word." I replied.

She smiled at me before leaving my presence. A reassuring smile on her face that lit up the room. Tried as I might to hide my feelings about her, but I could not deny myself the truth. She was an infatuating creature! How anyone could be so beautiful and so rude at the same time I will never know.


Eventually I joined Farkas outside to leave. He seemed impatient with me claiming I was taking too long.

"Keep your shirt on, I'm here ain't I?"

He didn't reply, instead growled to himself. We set off for Riften that day. It would be a fortnight before we would reach the rift. No telling what kind of creatures we might encounter on the road ahead. If we were lucky we might encounter the occasionally bandit or two. Riften was known for having that kind of activity.

"Keep your wits about you while we're there. Damn shysters are all over the place. Guards are in on it too."

"What for? What would they have to gain in doing such a thing?"

"Gold. Why else would they do it? The thieves guild is in their pocket, and so anyone visiting is a clear target. Just keep that in mind"

"Aye." I replied.

We rode all through the day until night fall. We reached the forests of Ivarstead and decided to make camp. Farkas tasked me with the job of fetching firewood and game for our campfire and dinner. Not that I was all that excited about doing it. Still, it gave me a moment to gather myself, my thoughts. Hunting has it's perks at times. Out in the wilderness it's just you and nature. Sometimes it can be rather beautiful. However to the unsuspecting hunter, it can prove fatal if you're not paying attention.

In the middle of me hunting a buck I found grazing in the meadow, I was unaware that I was being watched by a far more superior being. This creature, served as the matron of the forest. Keeper to the animals that lived there. Armored with the responsibility to maintain order in and stability to all life, and hoard off anyone deemed an enemy. With me being there aiming an arrow at the deer, I was clearly a threat.

(SPRIGGON LEAPS FOR MIKEL) Thump, went our bodies as she jumped on top of me. Her fingertips-or what looked like fingertips-were extended several feet long as she clawed at my face, straddling the upper half of my body. I struggled to protect myself against her, tussling with the creature, trying to push her off. I suddenly noticed her doing something strange. Her mouth opened wide, and a large ball of light radiated from her mouth. She screamed a strange surreal noise bellowing out of her body, and the light intensified until I was completely blinded!

I fought to break free from her grasp, struggling as she was far stronger than I realized. When I did break free of her she charged for me. Quickly I reached for my dagger, and just seconds before she reached me she was halted in her steps, seemingly distracted. It took me a second to realize that something else had happened. Something was sticking out of her chest. It was an arrowhead!

"By the nine!" I gasped.

There, standing behind the spriggon stood Farkas who just in the nick of time killed her.

"You alright milk drinker?" He asked.

I shook my head with frustration thinking to myself even when they save my life they insult me!.

"Yeah, I'm good. You sure took your sweet time helping me! Some shield brother you are."

"I'm here ain't I?"

"Is that you being a smart ass?"

"Heh! Got you back for earlier. Come on, let's get back to camp. We're gonna need all the rest we can get before the morning."

"So much for supper I suppose."