Disclaimer: I do not own The Elder Scrolls Series, Skyrim, or any characters I've used except Greta and this version of the Dragonborn.

Previously:

Gazing up into his eyes, she was surprised by the tenderness she saw in his gaze. Swooning, she leaned into his touch as he traced his finger over her mouth faintly. He removed his finger and captured her lips in one last kiss, before lying back against the pillows.

Chapter 10: Jorrvaskkr and the Shield Sisters Pt. 1

The first morning's light peeked over the wall behind Jorrvaskkr and illuminated the city in a sea of pink and gold. The residents of Whiterun were early risers, but not a soul was stirring. Aela lay quietly wrapped in the warm furs on the large wooden bed. She was alone, although two other souls lay slumbering in the nearby beds. Farkas had introduced her to the two other female recruits, Ria and Njada, last night.

Ria, with her short black hair that enveloped an elegant, tanned, face - she was nearly perfection. Her lips were full and rosy. She had light brown eyes, the color of honey. Her skin smooth and bronze, if it weren't for the bruises and cuts marring her flesh Sylgja never would have guessed she was a warrior. She was calm and wise, and as gentle as she appeared, it made Njada seem all the more ferocious. Njada had an icy gaze, her blue eyes, clear as frost. She had a blunt cut, her short blonde hair almost brushing her shoulders. The strands were delicate and straight, but the jagged style gave the appearance of being mildly wavy.

The women had peered at her curiously last night, but had asked no questions. She was thankful for the privacy, but certain that the women had experienced a great deal of pain as well. Their thoughtful, quiet speculation, hinted at a sort of understanding. Although grateful for their presence, she still felt lonely.

As much as Aela had dismissed Filnjar out of bitterness she had still cared deeply for him. His warm eyes and his quiet stoicism, was as comforting as it was overbearing. Ever since his injury she had taken a lead role, and only done so to spite him. Now, she regretted it. Wishing that she allowed herself to be softer, more vulnerable - that he might have known that she was only strong because of him. She needed him as much as he needed her. Without that motivation of someone needing her, she was afraid. She was afraid of the dark. She was afraid of the silence in the dark. She was afraid of the silence. She was afraid of being alone.

These women didn't need her. Vilkas and Farkas didn't need her. And now that Sylgja had the warrior here, she surely wouldn't need her either. Aela turned, sobbing bitterly into the sheets, her red hair pooled around her body, caressing her like warm furs. Her ankle was killing her, her body sore and stiff from the cold. She felt lost.

She wept until she could cry no more. Her face felt hot, her cheeks stung from wiping at them relentlessly, and her body shuddered with achy breaths. She sat up slowly, glancing out the small window, at the sun now high in the air. Brushing her hair out of her face, she noticed the other two had left the room at some point.

While traveling to Whiterun she had told Vilkas that she just needed some time to heal and some formal training then she planned to go with the men to rescue Greta. Farkas had glanced over at her and promised her that they would work on it. She didn't trust his cautious smiles or his brother's keen eyes. Those faint smiles didn't quite meet their eyes.

The pair reminded her too much of Filnjar. Vilkas had his mannerisms, and that same quiet awareness. Farkas, had his graciousness, and proved that with an abundance of unrequited attention. They were strong, loyal, men. And her heart ached as much as it warmed to know that Filnjar would have been right at home here with the Companions. Where he had always wanted to be.

Standing to her feet slowly, she gently pushed the furs off her lap and onto the small cot she had slept on. The other two women had made their beds nicely, but Aela wasn't sure she would spend much time out of the room, so she didn't bother.

Walking slowly, the muted pain in her ankle was startling until she allowed herself to limp slightly and remove the excess pressure. She passed through the common area that they had entered through and nobody was in there. She could hear Farkas and Vilkas arguing in an adjoining room, but she needed to be alone for a moment and continued towards the large entrance doors. Shoving gently she opened them and moved out into the brisk morning air.

There was a fountain in front of Jorrvaskkr and she quickly sat down and stared at her pale reflection in the clear, cold, water. The red headed nymph staring back at her, danced almost tauntingly in the soft ripples. Scooping a handful of the cool water, she splashed it against her face and wiped her red eyes one last time. She would cry no more.

Turning, when she heard the door's to Jorrvaskkr slamming shut again, she briefly made eye contact with Vilkas. He nodded politely at her and walked over to her, watching her thoughtfully.

"How are you feeling?" He asked. She shook her head gently then smiled ruefully.

"Better." He grunted softly, but said nothing.

Brushing a piece of hair behind her ear, she looked up into his face. She hadn't gotten the chance to really look at him without the others around. He watched her studying him quietly, but said nothing. He was as self-assured and confident as usual, but there was a battle in his eyes. It had been there when she first met the men, and she could see it burning behind his quiet composure now. Vilkas was a wolf underneath that armor and he lived for the battle just as Filnjar had at one time. It would kill his spirit to suffer an injury like Filnjar's. Regular life was simply too mundane. Would she ever become like that?

"When will I meet the Harbinger?" She asked quietly, suddenly feeling uncertain.

"Aye, I was coming to see if you were ready." He stated.

She stood unsteadily and Vilkas quickly grasped her elbow. She pulled away gently once on her feet and together they moved towards the Hall.

Aela wasn't sure what she had been expecting in a Harbinger, but Kodlak most certainly was not it. His bright blue eyes twinkled merrily at her with a youth that didn't match his gray hair or beard. His body was weak, he didn't look well, but he was very pleasant towards her despite his condition. Vilkas and Farkas stood off to the side watching the two converse. Vilkas watched her, but he still seemed upset. Farkas smiled when their eyes met, but she could see it in his face. He was worried too.

The two talked for what felt like hours. He was a gentle man and Aela had quickly grown very fond of him and his presence. He had a sadness about his eyes, he didn't have that hardness about him like most warriors she had known. Like Filnjar, although injured he was never bitter.

When the conversation came to an end, she learned that there would be no quest to test her abilities before joining. Vilkas and Farkas had vouched for her. She had successfully aided in getting herself and Sylgja to Whiterun safely, they had even battled a dragon. She could surely hold her own. He had deemed her worthy. She was dismissed and Farkas had left along with her. Vilkas stayed and gently closed the door after they left. She could hear their muffled voices faintly as the pair walked away from the room.

She glanced over at Farkas, who for once seemingly had nothing to say. His eyebrows were furrowed in worry, but when he noticed her looking at him he smiled brightly.

"Is something wrong?" She asked. "You and your brother have been acting weird since we got back."

He chuckled lightly, but the humor didn't meet his eyes.

"We're leaving on a quest for Kodlak." He stated, "But my dear woman, it's nothing for you to be concerned over."

"I'm not concerned over your safety. I'm concerned because of the way you're acting!" She hissed. He shook his head and chuckled again.

"It's been duly noted." He murmured. Aela huffed, her green eyes flashing in annoyance as she glared at him.

"When will you leave?"

"Tomorrow, but you'll have Kodlak and the others if you need something while we're gone."

"How long will you be gone?" She questioned, turning to head towards the resting quarters.

"I thought you weren't concerned." He murmured, halting his steps. She whirled around and he peered down into her small face.

"I won't be then." She grumbled and stormed away. Faintly she could hear him chuckling softly behind her as she departed.

She spent only a few minutes in the room before becoming restless and leaving. Nobody was in the dining hall, so she went out back and there Njada and Ria were scuffling, while a tall, burly man, with a mohawk sat watching them.

"Hi, I'm Aela." She stated, glancing down at him.

He peered up at her and his blue eyes were startling. He grunted, and nodded in greeting.

"Name's Skjor. The blonde over there is Njada, she's got a strong arm on her. The pretty one is Ria."

"I heard that, Skjor!" Njada growled, as she bashed Ria with her shield and the other girl tumbled to the ground.

"Yield, you've been bested." She cried as she pointed the sharp point of her sword down at the darker girl.

Ria, smacked sword out of her face with as quick swing of her shield. Njada reached down and helped her to her feet.

"You're weak to her power moves, Ria." Skjor called.

"If you can't beat them, then you'll have to be quicker on your feet and evade them."

She nodded resolutely before walking over to the practice dummies and unleashing a series of quick swings and graceful maneuvers.

Njada walked over to Aela and Skjor.

"Well, welp. Are you done feeling sorry for yourself?" Njada taunted as she peered down at Aela. The red-head whirled towards her, feeling her face grow hot.

"What did you say?" She snarled.

"I heard you last night. I said are you ready to be a warrior?"

"I wouldn't be here if I wasn't."

"Good!" Njada jeered. "Now pick your sword, show me what you know."

"I'm afraid it's not much," she admitted, "I'm a fair shot with a bow though."

Ria grabbed a bow from the weapons rack and walked over to the red-head.

"Show us." The brunette said.

Vilkas and Kodlak walked onto the veranda, just as Aela launched three consecutive arrows, one into each of the dummies across the courtyard.

"Impressive." Kodlak stated.

All three of the women whirled around. Aela beamed proudly before meeting eyes with Njada. None of them said anything.

"Now let's work on your swordsmanship skills." She promptly frowned, flushing mildly as she regarded the old man.

"Vilkas will guide you. He's the best we have."

Aela glanced into his cool gaze. Staring into his bright eyes, she smiled gently. She noticed the corners of his eyes crinkled slightly, but his lips were set in a firm straight line. Uncomfortable, and uncertain, but still she was committed to learning this time. She regretfully had dismissed Filnjar when he attempted to teach her how to wield a sword, but she wouldn't make that mistake again.

**Alright here it is. Lemme know what you think. Next chapter should be done soon.