Yay! Another chapter. Moving forward and what not.

Aletheya, here's your muffin update! So glad you reviewed.

M, yeah I kind of noticed that too. Look up the Elder Scrolls timeline at some point. Looks legit and then in one year: BOOM! Everything bad happens. I blame the Septim administration.

Sharah was within miles of Chorrol when she remembered exactly what she was coming back to. It was probably beyond hope that everyone had just forgotten about Heart's Day. The trees parted to reveal the Odiil farm. Ralus was outside wielding a hoe against the ground. At the sound of a horse on the road he looked up. And, seeing her, he took a few steps toward the fence and waved a greeting.

Before Heart's Day she would have waved back and ridden up to the fence to trade gossip before continuing on to Chorrol. This time she just nodded to him and set her eyes forward. She felt horrible for acting so distant. But what was she supposed to do? How was she supposed to act the same when she knew how he felt? She actually wished her mother were still around to give her advice. This was the sort of thing daughters looked to their mothers for. That wish churned her stomach and Sharah had to mentally bite down on Umbra when the soul tried to take advantage. At least that gave her something else to focus on as she rode.

After stabling her horse, Sharah headed straight for the Fighters Guildhall, the issue of the Blackwood Company now at the front of her mind. The Leyawiin chapter would be alright for a while, but Oreyn needed to know everything she'd seen as soon as possible if he and the Guildmaster were going to come up with a proper solution.

Barely two steps inside and she came face to face with Guilbert Jemane as he was coming upstairs from the basement. They both froze and Guilbert blushed. Sharah didn't know whether to be embarrassed or angry that he was still hanging around the Guildhall. Guilbert mumbled some excuse and hurried around her and out the door.

"Sharah. What happened in Leyawiin?"

Sharah swung around from looking after Guilbert to see Oreyn who was coming out the basement as well with a thin layer of sweat around his collar. It took a few seconds to recall exactly what she was doing here. "Right. I think we should talk in your office." Better that the truth of the Blackwood situation weren't spread around the hall.

As soon as they were in the Guild tower, Sharah reported everything she'd learned regarding the Leyawiin chapter and Blackwood Company. Oreyn's scowl only got deeper as she recounted the happenings. "Those sons of…" He stood up and paced the room. Admittedly, it was only three steps for the lanky Dunmer, which made him seem all the more agitated. "I didn't realize they'd taken such a foothold. How did they seem to you? When you saw them?"

Sharah leaned forward on her knees. "Cocky. Very cocky. And why not? They're practically grinding the Leyawiin hall into the ground. No one likes them much. Even the Count's knights hate 'em. You should have seen Mazoga's face when they were in view. But Blackwood is charted through the city, people use them, and they've gold to pay for what trouble they do cause. So even with their attitude, there's nothing the guard or the knights can do about it."

Oreyn continued his pacing: 1, 2, 3, turn, 1, 2, 3, turn,— Apparently Ragar's reports hadn't really given a full impression of the situation down south. Sharah interrupted his musings, "Oreyn, the chapter's alright for now. But there has to be some kind of long-term solution for this. Hasn't the Guild had rivals before?"

"Of course. We'll come up with something." He grumbled quietly to himself, "This couldn't have happened at a worse time…" Oreyn looked back to her. "You're job's done anyhow. Payment's in the office." That was the end of their briefing.

As they took the walkway back to the Guildhall, Sharah said, "I'm sorry how I handled their…drinking binge. I could have done better on that. Not so public for one thing…"

Oreyn grunted, "You know how many tavern runs I've made in my career? You did fine. For your first, anyway. Good thing for that Orc, though. Mazoga, was it?" Sharah nodded. "Hm. Keep her close. It's good to have allies in circles beyond the Guild."

While he was riffling through drawers for coin, Sharah chanced a more tender subject. "I saw Guilbert downstairs…Oreyn, I swear, I did talk to him. And I did tell him I wasn't interested. I'm really not sure why he's still around—"

"You told him you weren't ready," Oreyn clarified. Sharah groaned inwardly. Did he have to be so well informed? But the mer didn't give her the chance to try and explain. "He wasn't here for you. At least not that he'll admit. He was here for training."

Sharah started. "Training?"

The Dunmer nodded. "He's paying good money to learn to use a war hammer. And as long as he's not just here to annoy people, I see no problem. Now take your payment and go get some rest. You barely gave yourself a break before this assignment and I want you to get some proper R&R. I'll have something else for you soon enough I think."

Sharah took the bag of coins and left Oreyn thinking intently at the desk. Where was the Guildmaster anyway? The Fighters Guild Protector realized how rarely she saw Vilena Donton in her office anymore. Or even in the Guildhall. Had something happened to her?

She headed downstairs to grab her pack from where she'd dropped it on the first floor. Doing so brought her in view of the dining hall. "Hey, Sharah. Did you see Guilbert?"

Sharah's head came up and she saw Cargas and Lashana sitting at the dining table grinning at her. She felt her face flush, but not from embarrassment. She remembered seeing her friends pass gold between them right in front of her, instead of telling her what was happening. Her jaw set, Sharah strode into the dining hall and, before anyone could do anything, she hooked a foot over the bench they were both seated on and yanked it backward. Both of her friends yelled as they fell, slamming so hard into the ground that it knocked the wind from their lungs.

Sharah looked down at them, waiting for the coughing to stop before saying, "No more betting on my love life. Got it?"

Lashana rubbed the back of her head. "Oh, come on, Sharah. It was just for fun." Sharah's glare shut the woman up. Lashana even dropped her eyes to look contritely at her twiddling fingers.

"No. More. Betting."

The women averted their eyes and mumbled agreement. Sharah left the room and went upstairs to her bed. They'd betted on her relationships instead of talking to her about it. She growled under her breath while grabbing the things from her pack and pitching them in the trunk. Her friends had let her walk around like an idiot for…how long? She didn't even know. Of course she was angry at them. Maybe Cargas was a tease, but Lashana and Ashtus had a solid relationship. She at least should have said something. Anything. Even if it was just giving Sharah her opinion on who she should pick, or asking how she felt. But no, they'd decided to keep it from her for the sake of their game. Sharah tossed herself on the bed and tried to get some rest. Better to sleep than deal with them right now.

XXX

Sharah admitted she did spend the next week avoiding people. Guilbert, her guildmates, Rallus, even Emfrid when she could. She just wanted to forget the whole situation because she had no idea how to deal with it. Sharah was mad at all of them for leaving her clueless. Mad at herself, too. And she clung to the anger. She found it easier to be frustrated than confused. Frustrated she could focus into training. Confusion…she didn't know what to do with that. It just got in the way.

She did notice that Oreyn spent the majority of his time in the Guildmaster's office. He trained occasionally, but not as often as before. Sharah only hoped it was because the man was thinking up a solution to the Blackwood's problem. But, again, she asked herself where the Guildmaster was during all this.

"Sharah!"

She dropped the book on her bed and was on her feet as quick as possible. "Yes, sir."

Oreyn stood at the third floor rail and spoke down to her. "There's a boot in the basement who's expecting training in the blade. I haven't the time. Get down there and cover the session for me."

"Sure thing," Sharah replied and turned to snatch up Umbra and Chillrend.

"By the way, it's Viranus Donton. Don't think him being the Guildmaster's son means you can slack off."

Sharah processed the development quickly, "I won't," and then hurried downstairs.

So she was to train the Guildmaster's son? Sharah wasn't sure what to think of this. Oreyn might not want her to slack off, but certainly he wouldn't want her to beat the life out of him. If she even could. The Guildmaster's son could be as tough a warrior as could be. Maybe she'd be the one asking him to slack off. She'd seen the man occasionally, but not enough to judge his ability. Well, she'd just see when the session started.

Viranus Donton was warming up on the practice mats when she arrived. His form looked fine; he favored steel armor and a silver longsword, and worked with them alright. Sharah figured she'd check his speed and strength, so she chose Chillrend for the session. Leaving Umbra set against the wall where she could see it, Sharah went to take up the warm up exercises beside him.

Viranus glanced over at her. "Are you here for the training session?"

Sharah nodded, swinging the glass blade in time with his movements. "Yeah. Oreyn sent me down here. Is that alright?"

The man nodded. "Of course. I'm just glad to be doing something."

They continued the motions, side by side, until they'd both properly warmed up for the match. Then Sharah took one swift movement and their blades met unexpectedly, at least for Viranus. The man started and then looked pleased at her sudden instigation of a match. "I hope you don't mind," Sharah said, "But my blade has a frost enchantment on it. Your hands might get a little cold until it runs out."

Viranus spared a glance at her blade before returning to her face. "I think I can handle it."

The two of them circled, both taking in the other's stance and style of movement, as well as their opponents in general. Viranus Donton was older than Sharah by a few years. Late twenties, perhaps. Brown hair, handsome face. Although he was rather devoid of scars. Then again, she made a point of avoiding scars herself. From what Sharah remembered of the Guildmaster, she did see the family resemblance. Although, this man had an innocent quality about him. That didn't mean he didn't carry the steel armor like he'd trained in it, or wield the sword with any less experience. But she did notice that his motions were developed from training and practice, while her's were derived from actual combat against bandits and monsters. So he was homeschooled in the work rather than hardened in the field.

Sharah just about smacked herself when the thought was coupled with a derogatory inclination. Of course the son of the Guildmaster wouldn't be out battling monsters on the roadside. The Dontons had led the Fighters Guild for generations. What good would there be in risking the heir to the Guild on a bandit raid? Still, this was an opportunity to teach him something beyond swinging endless repetition against a wooden dummy.

A false start toward the right and she struck to the left. Viranus blocked quick enough but didn't see the foot fly out of nowhere and trip him up. That sent the man stumbling off to the side, not quite losing his feet. But if she'd been a proper enemy, it would have meant a blade in the back. He rounded on her. "What was that?"

She shrugged. "Did you think this was going to be a duel? It's combat practice. And combat is messy and dirty. You do whatever you can to best your opponent. So, in truth, anything goes."

Viranus attempted to reprimand her. "But this is not dirty combat."

"Which is why you aren't dead. But that's about it. So, are you going to keep whining or are you going to start taking this seriously?"

He took a tighter grip on his sword and came at her deliberately. Sharah saw the makings of a left strike and thrust, and made to counter with a trick she'd gathered from a bandit on the Red Road right before she struck him down: she hit the blade head on, then let the thrust carry the blades along each other's lengths. Just before the hilts connected, Sharah twirled and stepped under Viranus's arm and let the energy of the thrust carry him right past her. The man was fast enough to turn and block her counter strike, which was surprising given the weight of his armor and weapon. "Another dirty combat trick?" he asked.

Sharah grinned. "If it makes you feel any better, I killed the one who used it on me anyway." And their blades met again.

Back and forth they went. Viranus wasn't a master, but whatever training, private or otherwise, showed in his technique. While Sharah's technique was…well, she never dueled. She used what won her the battle and killed her opponent. In this particular match, she used her speed, wearing light leather and wielding a short blade to match Viranus's heavy armor and training. Still, he was keeping up with her, if by the nature of his size and strength. Later Sharah might entertain the idea of her with another foot of height and large muscles, traipsing around in Daedric armor with a Dwarven claymore. But later. Right now she had to impart some real battle experience on this homeschooled kid.

He was picking up some things. Viranus let his technique slip a little for the sake of gaining an edge by shoving or using his weight. Sharah actually grinned when he grabbed for her arm at one point. Certainly it would get you in trouble in a duel. But in real combat? Her grin widened. He was learning. Maybe Sharah'd do some teaching after she'd exhausted her Ra Gada Urge.

They fought until both of them were out of breath. It came down to the dull ache in their muscles really. Sharah's rapid movements and the weight of his armor wore them out at about the same time. They stood gasping at each other, neither really wanting to stop but neither really able to continue at full speed. Anything done after this point would have been out of sheer pride.

Viranus leaned on his knees. "I don't know what Oreyn's worried about. You seem contract ready to me."

Sharah propped Chillrend's point onto the stone at the edge of the mat and put her weight on it. "Excuse me? I am contract ready. I've been contract ready. Oreyn wouldn't have me sent me after fugitives if I weren't. You, on the other hand, could use more field experience. Or at least more of these lessons. Goblins don't use the Aldmeri pass."

"Excuse me?" Viranus repeated her tone and words. "Who's training who here?"

Sharah gave him a look. "I would think that's obvious. Oreyn sent me down to cover your session. He said he didn't have the time."

Viranus paused, blinked, then said, "Oreyn told me he was sending a boot down for me to train."

They stared at each other. Then grinned. Then burst out laughing. Sharah breathed through her cackles and whipped away a tear. "I can't believe he did this. If it were anyone else I would say this was a practical joke. But with Oreyn…?"

Viranus walked over to the step and sat down heavily, still chuckling. "He's been training me since I was a boy. I didn't think him capable of guile. But he's not one for subtle. Maybe it's his way of introducing us."

Sharah rubbed her arm, which was sore from taking so many strikes. "He could have picked a better way. Like in public with a handshake." Still… Sharah walked over and extended a hand, "Sharah the Wolf. Nice to meet you."

Viranus took the offered hand and shook it, "Viranus Donton. Glad to meet you, too." She grabbed Umbra from where it leaned and sat down beside him. "Wait…the Wolf of Cyrodiil?"

"Yeah. That's me. Unless you know any other Sharahs." Viranus looked at her a little closer and Sharah glared at him under the scrutiny. "What!?"

He backed off, actually scooting away on the step and waving his hands in accession. "No, no. I just… I know I've seen you around the hall, and you work under Oreyn but…I didn't really connect you and the Wolf. I guess I just sort of expected the Wolf to be…"

"Bigger? Older? More frightening?" Sharah inquired. Viranus nodded dumbly. Sharah sighed. "Just between us…so do I." They sat in silence, catching their breath before she broke the quiet again. "So…Viranus Donton. You learned to fight here in the hall?"

He nodded. "Modryn Oreyn taught me and…and my brother. But I haven't had a lot of opportunities to try my skills in the field, though." Viranus was momentarily preoccupied by some unpleasant thoughts, but pulled himself out to ask, "Where did you learn? You don't seem to pick any particular style."

Sharah shrugged. "Whatever gets me the victory. It sounds a little crude. But once you've been sniped by someone hiding with a bow, or had a spell cast at you over a mace, you learn to adjust to the situation. Even if it seems dishonest in the full light of day. Whatever keeps you alive."

Viranus looked over at her. "It sounds like you've been through a lot."

She shrugged again. "Contracts mostly. Adventuring too. Oh, and some time in the Arena. You want to see 'anything goes', take in a couple matches there. I made the mistake of ticking off the Champion for the other team in my early days. I never got a break after that. So, yeah, I learned to win however I could."

Viranus's eyes were wide. "Your life sounds so exciting."

Sharah chuckled. "Exciting and dangerous. I've wondered more than once if there's someone watching out for me, considering all the close calls I've been through. Then again, I was born under the Thief. What else do you expect than reckless and lucky?"

Viranus looked away. "Still, you work out in the field. I guess I'm a little jealous. Most of my time is spent here, polishing or training the new boots."

"Like me?" Sharah grinned at him.

The man grinned back, sharing their joke. "Should we ask Oreyn about that? It's possible he just mixed us up with someone else."

Sharah shook her head. "No way. He knew exactly what he was doing. But Divines forbid that he proceed with introductions out in the open like normal people. The crazy Dunmer had to do it over a couple of blades." They laughed a little over their superior before falling again into quiet thought. And again, it was Sharah to break the silence with a question that had followed her for a while. "Viranus…can I ask you about your brother?"

Viranus's rigid expression was enough to warn her how delicate this subject was. "What about him?"

She kept her tone gentle. "Just, in general. I never met him. And whenever he comes up it's always…vague. I don't want to go delving where it's not wanted. But I sort of figured you'd be the one to ask. Unless you don't want to talk about it. Which is fine." People in the Guild talked about Vitellus Donton with a mixture of pride and sorrow. But it was never much before the topic was put aside. She knew he was Vilena's first born and that he had died.

"No," Viranus assured her, "His memory deserves to be preserved. But mother dislikes talking about him. That's all." Sharah sat quietly and waited for him to continue. Viranus took a deep breath before saying, "Vitellus was…a great man. Even when we were growing up he was…always focused on the right things. He never minded having his little brother along, or keeping the older kids from bullying me. I owe a lot to him. He was the man of our house very early on, and took the role seriously. Everyone loved him. Especially in the Guild. He trained for it even as a kid. I still remember him chopping at his bedposts when we were young. It kept me up at nights." Sharah laughed with him. "He joined the Guild the very day he was old enough. Everyone knew he was going to lead one day. Even mother. Spared no expense to give him the best. Both of us. But..." Viranus's face turned sad, "…I was never on Vitellus's level. I was always his little brother, just along for the ride."

Sharah gave him a moment to dwell before asking, "What happened?"

"A contract," he answered. "I don't know the details. Mother never talks about it. Even Oreyn won't tell me. But, I know he died valiantly, as we all knew he would. I…I'm sure Mother is very proud."

Sharah reached out and gripped his shoulder. "If he was anything like you, I'm sure she is. And exceedingly." In truth, Sharah had no idea. But it was what Viranus needed to hear. "So, I guess now, Guild leadership will fall to you, right?"

Viranus shrugged. "I guess so."

Sharah gave him a good natured glared and kicked at his greave covered shin. "Don't let anyone else hear you talk like that. They'll think you're not confident." She stood up quickly and pulled Chillrend from its sheath. "Come on, Guild-boy. We've rested long enough. Come show me your Donton spirit."

Sharah's goading prompted the man to shake off his heavy family history in favor of the match. It didn't last as long as the first, given they'd already exhausted themselves once, but it was an opportunity to study the man that would one day lead them. Guild leadership passed through the Dontons' family line. And with Vitellus dead some two or three years, Viranus Donton was all they had. He was a little skittish. He's already told her that his life had been spent as little brother to the great Vitellus. Hopefully all he needed was an opportunity to step out and shine.

She still couldn't get over how typical his style was. So little concept of battle beyond the arranged sequences. Even with what he picked up from her, a Guildmaster-to-be needed to know more than training series. Sharah was surprised that Vilena hadn't seen to this. Certainly she must want her son to be well rounded and experienced. Especially given her…age. Viranus was going to inherit the Guild, hopefully in the next decade. He was definitely going to need more experience before that day.

After the two fighters had exhausted themselves fully, Sharah climbed the stair cases up to the Guildmaster's office. Oreyn was still bent over the papers when she got there. "So," he asked, "How did it go?"

"Fine. Although there was some confusion as to who was there to train who." She couldn't help but call him out a little in regards to his sleight-of-instruction trick.

Oreyn didn't even bat an eye. "Then you should pay more attention. What did you think?"

Sharah fell back on her usual reporting style. "He's got training, but not a lot of experience. I think he needs more field work. An opportunity to use what he knows and learn to adjust to real world conflicts that don't fit inside a regimen. Although, given his ultimate destination in the Guild, he probably should do it under…supervision."

Oreyn nodded as though he'd expected every word. "My thoughts exactly. Glad to know someone agrees. What about him?"

"What about him?" she asked.

"How did he seem with you? Problems? Conflicts?"

Sharah blanched. "Sir, I have had quite enough of men in that regard already." Oh, Gods. Had he been trying to set her up with the Guildmaster's son?

Oreyn scowled at her. "Not what I meant." Relieved was an understatement for Sharah's response to that. "I meant: can you work with him? Under him?"

She replied, "Well, yes. Of course. I mean…I'm not one to just roll over. The things I noticed downstairs—I called him on them. But…yeah, I'd trust him to lead the Guild. Why?"

"For future reference. Now, get out. You're affecting my concentration." Sharah knew a dismissal from Oreyn when she heard it and went to wash up. She was beat and Chillrend would need some minor repairs after that bout.

Please review. I love reading them every one. And sorry about the mixup on the Ch 9 reposting. Hope that didn't catch too many of you offguard.