guest: Oh yes, the rule: "NEVER hit the chicken!" xD I'm really glad you liked it. And yes you did figure it out rather quickly. Shows that you know Skyrim pretty well. High five! And yet again thank you for your comment. I'm happy you like the story, although it was first meant as a short, not really having an ending.
Heartspath: Thank you, really. I'm not trying to make the story so mystic, but I'm glad you see it that way. Hopefully I can keep surprising and entertaining you.
alucardgal: Hey! I'm really honored you think that way, I really love your short stories of Skyrim. Hopefully I won't disappoint you in the future... Much.

This chapter is gonna be a bit slow and in place running, but hopefully I'll get back into the wagon. At least in the future it seems to have a bit... Trouble and action in the horizon.
Hopefully you'll enjoy!

The three Companions marched out of the jarl's longhouse into the daylight and straight out of the village.

After a greeting the Harbinger of Companions had assured to the jarl of Falkreath that they, members of the Circle, would do everything to hunt down the terrorizing creature.
Jarl Siddgeir hadn't seem too much concerned, however. Nor much focused with that goblet at his sluggish hand.
During the years, the once young and graceful man who had heritage, or stolen, the title from his uncle, had somewhat deteriorated. But guess that's what happens when you feast and live comfortably without any trouble.
In the end the formal things like speaking of the contract, reports of what had been discovered and how would be proceeded, had been handled between Vilkas and the steward of the jarl, Nenya.
The jarl had mainly just sat there and listened, offering his viewpoints now and then of course. It was other thing where his comments anything more than just words.

The ordeal had been a bit tedious to the Companions who were ready to do the job as fast as they could and return to home. Leave the misty, shadowy and unnaturally chilly forests of Falkreath and return back to Whiterun, home, to its open plains and skies with clear winds.
But at first they would need to track and find out where the creatures were. And how many there was of them now.
So, deciding to start from the place where the latest attack had happened, the trio walked along the main road.

"Well", Aela started. "That wasn't disappointing."
Glancing at the huntress' way Athis was a bit confused: "That wasn't?"
"No. Never have any expectations for that brat playing to be a jarl."
The Dunmer chuckled.
"Yes. Miss Nenya does make his play quiet easy with her skills to lead behind the throne."

They weren't the only ones to think like that of Falkreath's regime. The yellow skinned woman maybe was an Altmer, but she acted and ruled like a real wise ruler behind the jarl. Without her the hold surely would fail under jarl Siddgeir.
And maybe the man knew it. And didn't care as long as it was his ass on the seat and he could enjoy of all, and only, the upsides.
Vilkas also agreed to the common view of the man.
Miss Nenya was more the ruler than the man ever had been. But Siddgeir was still the official ruler of the hold, at least for now.
And as Harbinger Vilkas needed to show respect towards the man, as also everyone else, even if he didn't really recognition them by their personalities nor skills.
Because the Harbinger represents the Companions with everything they do and say inside and outside the Jorrvaskr.

Kodlak was respected through every hold in Skyrim do to his wisdom, and he was like a father to everyone in the Companions. Vilkas knows he, nor anyone else, could never be like Kodlak Whitemane, but he still wanted to do his best to honor his deceased teacher, father figure and master.
Although, many times, regularly, Vilkas doubted his skills to lead.
Aela thought it was good, as just like in the hunt too much of confidence can ruin everything. But Vilkas was hesitant for other things.
After the mistakes he did with Drust and Farkas. It wasn't like Vilkas had been chosen to be the Harbinger. He hadn't been even pointed to be one.

As Kodlak... Died, it had been very hard.
Especially as they already had lost also Skjor. It had felt like somebody had come and disturbed Jorrvaskr, their home's peace and changing things beyond of fixing and going back.
It had been scary, the two older Companions being the only once keeping the younger ones in line, guiding and offering different opinions to them. Kodlak, the calm and thoughtful one, while Skjor was more aggressive and blunt.
But despite their differences both old warriors had been someones that gave the feeling of secure and order. Losing the two men was like losing parents of their assorted family.
And, back then, it had seemed right to think that all of it had happened because of Drust.
Although the woman had made Vilkas fall in love with her, with how she was resourceful and skillful, persistent and reasonable, she was still the beginning of everything.
She had been the outsider.
If she hadn't come to them, hadn't joined Companions, hadn't taken the beast blood, hadn't made Kodlak sent her to get the witches heads, hadn't come close to the twins, things hadn't changed. And yet she had done all those things. And she had shown she was a warrior, skillful one with heart filled with determination to act and fight.
But then not being there when she had been most needed.
Filled with grief and anger, revenge, not seeing past those raw emotions, Vilkas had easily come to these conclusions. And he was suppose to be the smart one...
He hadn't seen Drust's confusion, her own grief as she understood the body on the floor being Kodlak's.
Instead he had demanded: "Where have you been?"
And after her quiet answer, still not seeing her spirit breaking down, he had just snarled to her.
"I hope it was important, because it means you weren't here to defend him."
That really hadn't been the truth. Vilkas just had acted like a whelp with raw emotions than actually used his head, that was suppose to be his best feature.

Aela, Farkas, him, Torvar, Athis... Everyone else had been at Jorrvaskr when Silver Hand attacked. They should have been enough to protect the old man. It likely wouldn't have changed anything if Drust had been there or not. And it wasn't like she had gone to have merry time.
The witches head she had taken had been the crucial thing to let Kodlak's soul have the final peace and get to Sovngarde.

And Vilkas had acted like she had been the cause of all the bad things.
Even when revenging Kodlak he had just acted cold towards the woman he was suppose to care for.
It was until the journey to Ysgramor's Tomb that the rage inside him started to fade and he started to see things more clearly. And he was sorry how he had acted. Especially ashamed when seeing Drust keeping the distance to him, Farkas offering his comfort to her and giving to his brother concern looks.
Vilkas had knew he had to make things right with Drust, ask for forgiveness and tell he still had feelings towards her.
That the kiss he had given to her before her disappearing and Kodlak's death hadn't been given in brief moment.
He had planned to fox things after their quest.
But then she was chosen to be the next Harbinger by Kodlak's spirit. It had been shocking. She was still a newcomer, compared to any of them, but Vilkas had seen why Kodlak had chosen her. Even when under grief towards Kodlak, Vilkas' anger and cold attitude, she had stayed calm and sensible. She had felt heavy in her heart and yet seen that there had been bigger things to care for.
Where Farkas was mourning, Aela reclusive and Vilkas revengeful, Drust had kept close to every one of them. Talked to them, taken action and thought things through. She was the most suitable of them to be the next Harbinger.
Vilkas had felt pride of his Shield-Sister. And he had tried to show it, even if he was nervous after knowing very well what kind of ass he had been.

He had tried to smile, show he didn't held any ill towards her. Her tensed shoulders and eyes told she was being cautious of him though. He hadn't blamed her for that.
Heck, he even went as far as to make a small joke.
"I wouldn't have expected someone like you to be the Harbinger, but Kodlak trusted your judgment. And so will I."
But things didn't get better between them.
Just like Jorrvaskr, the two of them had also changed. Like a deep and wide scar, self-inflicted, that was too painful to start sewing shut instantly.
So Vilkas had given to Drust time, as he also needed it, just like everyone in Jorrvaskr needed.
But that had been mistake, to let her be alone. Or maybe the irreversible had happened already when he had acted cold towards her. Or hadn't faced her about the kiss.

Then things with Drust and Farkas happened, and they left Jorrvaskr and Whiterun.
Nobody had said or did anything, but somehow unnoticed Vilkas was the one who acted when requests came to Companions, Jarl or someone other higher person visited, when there was trouble to be solved.
Aela didn't much care for leading. Torvar was too lazy, even if talking big. Njada didn't care either. Ria was still a whelp and Athis felt it wasn't yet his time.
So Vilkas became the new Harbinger.
Even if what he had done and had not been chosen by Kodlak.
He had been such a brat, just like jarl Siddgeir.
Nowadays Vilkas knew very well he had acted too short-tempered and aggressive, arrogantly and fiery. And after that he had been too stubborn for no good reason, balancing between shame and anger, bitter and sadness, fear, whenever he got a letter from Farkas or Drust.
What could have he wrote back?
He was sorry, deeply so, but fear and anger always dominated him whenever he tried to wrote a letter to the two.

He had done mistakes but they still had left him, left Companions and their home. Farkas was supposed to be his brother and yet he had taken Vilkas' woman and then left when Vilkas had felt betrayed.
And what if Vilkas' letter was coming too late? Just like when he had tried to fix things between him and Drust after saving Kodlak's spirit?
Despite of being warrior and said to be smart, Vilkas sure couldn't deal with relationships like with fighting or knowledge.
But now with Gyvas under his protection he wanted to try to change into a better person in every way.
Though it did seem he still had lot to do. Aela had said Gyvas was feeling he disliked the child.
Sighing heavily the Harbinger was feeling a headache coming with all this thinking.
He needed to forget those for now and concentrate on...

Just like Athis and Aela, Vilkas also suddenly petrified on his steps.
Because, when the Lord of Hunt shall make himself noticeable at our plane of mortals, all his children shall know it. Were they then mers, humans or beasts, as long as the blessings of Hircine does sing in their veins they shall feel his call.
And right now the daedric prince was in front of the three members of Circle, carriers of the beast blood.
Not even Aela, the keenest of the trio, had sensed his coming. He just suddenly was there in front of them, disguised in a form of a white fox.
The supernatural glow around the animal, its piercing yellow eyes and how its presence halted and gathered their attention to it without any attempts revealed the animal's true nature.
All their inner beasts were stagnant and alert in front of the daedric prince, their human souls timid.

"Greetings, hunters", the raspy voice echoed in their minds as the fox stared at them.
And it was only because he allowed it, that they were able to react back, bowing their heads deep in front of their lord. Even if some didn't feel like it.
"I see you are tracking down some of my strayed children", the voice continued. "Good. The hunt shall surely be glories!"
Hands turning into fists Vilkas' head slightly trembled as he fully raise his gaze to the aspect of Hircine.
The Nord's feelings towards the daedric prince were somewhat disagreeable. Even if he did carry the blood of the beast, though not by pure choice.
"...Then we shall not fail you then", the Harbinger spoke while staring to the eyes from Oblivion, his whole soul shaking under the gaze.
And like knowing what the Nord really felt and wanted to say, it seemed like the fox smiled proudly while getting up to its paws.
"Of course not, other wise you would die." the fox let out high sounds that distantly reminded of laughter. "And the cubs at home sure seem to need you."
The remark left a bit worried feeling into the trio.
"You all have my blessing, I shall watch the hunt with interest."
The animal looked at everyone, its gaze lingering on the red headed huntress a bit longer than at others.
"Good hunt, for all of you."

And so as the fox had appeared, it also vanished the same way. And the three Companions could breath freely again.
"...Don't know was that a good thing", the Dunmer said cautiously, looking around them as if the daedric prince would be around hiding and observing them.
"I am that was a good omen", Aela said, taking a deep breath with small smile. "With Hircine's blessing we may not welch at this hunt."
Vilkas didn't comment anything, looking at Aela. She had always been the child of Hircine even before getting the beast blood. And sharing its blessing with others she saw fit to carry it. Like with Drust.
The Harbinger made a mental note to talk to the huntress of what would be her intentions when Gyvas would become official member of Companions.
The child and the woman already spend time together like Drust and Aela once.

Yawning Gyvas looked around the large manor, but didn't see anyone anywhere.
Looking at the clear summer sky through window it seemed to be almost midday. Maybe they were outside?
Just awakened child, dressed in simple tunic and pants, pulled some hanging dark strands from front of her face. Had to ask mom to cut it short again... Maybe this time she would let Gyvas have a mohawk?
Taking an apple from kitchen the little girl decided to climb up the tower. She could see everything around the Lakeview Manor and so where mom, dad and Gregor were exactly.
Holding the fruit in her mouth she climbed the ladder and opened the hatch.
Sounds of wildlife immediately surrounded her as she stood up and leaned against the railing. And familiar sound of sword practicing, metal hitting wood.
Peering down she could see that dad was practicing.
Chewing a piece from the apple the child observed as her father swung the large two-handed sword. Making twirls, lunges, swipes and stabs to the worn practice doll with grace and precision. Gyvas had not seen dad and mom in a real fight yet, but she always still looked with admiration when they practiced.
She too wanted to learn how to fight!
But not one handed sword like Greg and mom but two-handed like dad. Seeing once him decapitating the practice doll with one swipe had left indelible impact on the small child.

Putting the apple back into her mouth the girl hurried to get down and see more closely her father practice the girl started climbing over the rail.
She was almost over it, one leg hanging outside when her other lifting foot accidentally kicked an empty bottle standing on the railing.
The bottle drop first on the roof and rolled from there down to the earth. It shattered to pieces.
And made Farkas jump from surprise, the Nord turning around and seeing the shards.
Then looking up his heart jumped to his throat.
"Gyvas!"
Hunching the girl still laid on the railing, both legs now hanging as she kept herself up with her arms.
"Get down now", Farkas first called, then corrected himself immediately: "By through inside the house!"
The little girl pouted, this not being the first time to her climbing down and up the house. But the tone on worried dad's voice made the girl huff and obey.
"Okay dad!" she called back while lifting herself back to the balcony.
Farkas let out a shaky breath, staring at the broken bottle on the ground and trying to fight away of images of- A shutter went through the man as he sheathed his sword and walked to take a broom from leaning against a wall.
He managed to swipe the shards into one pile when his daughter finally came outside, through a door, on ground. Good.

Gyvas, holding the apple now on her right hand, looked at her dad like a guilty pup, glancing from the pile of shards to him.
"I'm sorry dad", she said as he put the broom away and walked towards her, crouching.
"Don't do that", Farkas said and putted one palm on top of the girl's messy hair. "You could have... Fell."
Understanding he was not mad about the bottle the girl relaxed.
"But I won't fall, I promise dad", she said with child's innocent and confidence, which faltered though as Farkas kept giving her concerned look.
"Still", he muttered, petting the half curly hair. "Don't climb on things unless me or mom are present."
The girl tilted her head.
"But you were present."
Huffing, but with half-smile this time, Farkas shuffled her hair, making the child to giggle.
"Smartbutt."
"Blaah", Gyvas answered while showing her tongue playfully, grabbing on her father's arm and dropping the apple to the ground. Standing up Farkas lifted the little one with ease, the girl laughing while hanging there.
"And where is your hide?" he asked while putting her back to her feet.
"In bed", the girl explained. "Wolf was tired so I left her there."
"Gyvas..."
"She makes me drip", the child whined and crossed her arms. Farkas did the same, looking down at his daughter and answering to the challenging stare.
"I know, but you will quickly grow and won't drip over again. We did tell you: you need always keep it with you."
Digging her bare toes into the grassy ground the girl glanced up to him.
"...It's just a hide. And it's summer."
"It will protect you", Farkas continued. "If you get in trouble, Wolf will keep you safe if me or mom or Gregor are not around."
"But you are right now with me", the girl pointed out.
Farkas blinked. Then laughed.
Gyvas sure could be a little smartass when in that mood. So closely reminding of-
"Show me the sword dad", the girl demanded then, jumping up and down.
Smirking Farkas pulled the weapon out, holding it with one hand and enjoying of how Gyvas admired him. Then holding with both hands he showed the two-handed sword to the girl. This maybe was hundred time she admired the weapon, but she always managed to look at it with adoration. Moving her little fingers on the carvings and the blade, Farkas making sure she didn't touch the sharp edges.
"...Can I have Skyforge long sword too?" she asked, for also the hundred time, while looking up to him.

Drust always said that Gyvas should pick one-handed sword, it would be better to Gyvas' lean built. And Farkas agreed. Somewhat.
Vilkas wasn't as wide and strong as he, but the twin still was master of two-handed sword.
They could let Gyvas try the weapon if she so much wanted it.
"Hmmmm", Farkas hummed in thinking manner, having to think more about this. And observing with smile as Gyvas tried to take the sword from his hands, the weapon too heavy for her to hold.
"...Maybe", he finally said. The girl's eyes beamed. "If you someday can use two-handed without problem, we can make a trip to Whiterun to get you Skyforge steel. If Eorlund will make one for you."
The excitement on the girl made every dark cloud in the large Nord's mind to go away.
"Yes, yes! Promise dad? You promise with your honor? We will get me a Skyrfore sword?"
"If you manage to handle two-handed", Farkas pointed out, standing up and holding the sword by its hilt, making couple of swipes to side with it. The little girl already was acting like she had Skyforge weapon.
Drust maybe wouldn't be so happy when she will come back with Gregor... But she would come along, surely.
"Well then", the man started, putting the sword back to sheath and walked to take the broom back to his hands. Turning towards curious Gyvas he handed the object to her.
"If you want to learn to handle two-handed, you need to learn how to hold it."

At the present Gyvas was sitting on the worksurface, next to Skyforge's fire pit while watching with Uliina how Eorlund fixed an armor at workbench.
"So you know the cave under us?" Uliina asked, pulling Gyvas back from the memories.
Huffing the old man looked the dent at the armor's front.
"Don't ask stupid question girl", he answered. "Of course I know, Skyforge is my own small kingdom."
"What was dad and uncle like when they were kids?" Gyvas suddenly asked.
This time the old man glanced over his shoulder. Observing the girl's curious gaze.
Then taking a hammer he answered: "Small little ankle biters. Causing trouble. Like all kids."
"What about towards each other?"
The man sighed. Although he usually didn't get bothered of Gyvas watching his working, she sometimes asked too much of things.
"Like brothers", he asked shortly again. "Now quiet, both of you."
...The silence didn't continue for long.
"Do you know where Skjor could have hided the wolf dolls?"
The girls leaned backwards for the look the blacksmith gave. They had looked for the dolls for couple of days now, the girls going around Whiterun to find the wolf dolls. Although they had to learn not to get inside peoples' houses...
Uliina had tried to make this spell of finding things, but it hadn't worked at all.
"Burned probably", Eorlund answered after a moment, continuing his work.
The children looked at each other with concerned look. Both of them didn't know Skjor, the deceased Companion, but surely he wasn't that mean?
Maybe Ria would know.
Or... The voice? Which reminded Gyvas that she actually didn't know who the voice did belong to. Now as she wasn't influenced by the voice and she wasn't tired, the girl could see that the voice was a bit... Suspicious.
But it also was wanting to help her.
But she wasn't suppose to talk to strangers and that surely meant also of strange voices in her head.
"Come on", Uliina pulled from Gyvas' sleeve. "Let's go ask from Ria. And wasn't Lucia going to bake today some treats?"
Scrambling off from the stone worksurface Gyvas dragged Uliina towards the stairs.
"Let's go before Friss eats all!"