Chapter Forty-Three:

A Silver Problem

Loredas 12 Sun's Dawn 4E 200 3:21PM

By the time I arrived in Shor's Stone it was about mid-afternoon, and I knew that I was almost to the cave. Mostly because I could begin to smell the others on the wind. Each individual scent flitted through my mind, offering me a mental picture of who was there recently. Emelia, Mynre, Roggar, and Hel from what I was picking up. I didn't smell Taryn, Miles or Herfid. I didn't expect Herfid's scent to be strong (if existent), but I wasn't terribly surprised that Miles' and Taryn's scents were scarce.

The trip west was nothing short of boring. Very little caught my eye that would either provoke my wolf or the rather short fuse that I had (according to Aela and Farkas). All the while, I kept thinking about Fort Hraggstad. I knew that shouldn't, but I couldn't help it. Taryn was in this mess because of me. Me, someone who had been a Werewolf for most of her life and basically knew the ins and outs of it, and I let my friend snap and seriously injure her parents.

I dismounted my horse when I reached Shor's Stone, hoping to find someplace that I could either sell some of the pelts I had lying around in my room back home or trade for supplies. While I stared at the pitifully small settlement I spotted a woman with dull brown hair dragging her feet towards the mine. From my distance (and with my good eyesight) I figured she had to be a Breton. I slung my pack over my shoulder, patting Ace's neck in a silent order to stay.

"I won't be long," I assured the stallion.

Ace bobbed his head up and down.

Shaking my head while I walked, I hurried over to the Breton woman. "Excuse me?" I put a hand on her shoulder, worried that her mind was too occupied to hear me.

She turned, her eyes full of emptiness and despair. "Yes?" Even her voice was hollow.

I cleared my throat. "I'm a Companion in Whiterun and I was wondering if you heard anything about an attack in Shor's Stone a while back? My Harbinger said that the Savage of Skyrim attacked here and killed someone?"

The Breton woman stared at me, and I could see grief and anger beginning to simmer in her empty eyes.

"That monster better not come around here!" she spat. "If it does, I'll drive my silver sword through its body until it reverts to its true form or it's dead! Grjnen was a good man and a strong warrior that would protect me from anyone and anything!"

I tried not to blurt out, "I'm sorry" to this woman. "I-I'm terribly sorry for you loss, ma'am." I felt petty. The guilt came back, maybe even worse than before.

The woman scoffed. "That's what everyone around here says. 'I'm sorry, Julyn. Things will get better for you'," she said in a mocking voice. "But saying 'things will get better' doesn't help! Have you ever loved someone with all your heart that you'd just break if they were killed or taken prisoner?!"

I swallowed. I was treading in dangerous territory here. "I-I can't say that I have—."

"Of course not! You're a Companion! You have family all around you, no matter what!" Julyn rubbed her face. "I-It doesn't matter. Grjnen is gone and I know that he wouldn't want me to mourn over him for the rest of my life…"

"Do you know where he was buried?" I asked, hoping she wouldn't snap at me again.

"Riften, in the Hall of the Dead," she whispered. "I-I wish I could make the trip more often, but… I'm afraid that if I leave, I'd be attacked by another monster."

I bit my lip. "Is there someone that lives here that would be willing to take you to Riften? I'm sure they'd help…"

Julyn scoffed, "I'm considered 'Void-touched' by the other townspeople. No one will come near me!"

I opened my mouth to reply, when I heard someone call out my name.

"Skadi!" they called.

"Excuse me," I said to the woman.

Julyn shrugged, heading for the mine just outside of the town. I turned to see Ria and Athis rushing towards me, grins on their faces.

"Athis… Ria," I greeted. "What're you two doing out here?" I crossed my arms. "I thought you had a contract in Ivarstead."

Ria gave me a huge grin. "Kodlak wanted us to take care of a bear that's been stalking the edge of the settlement on our way back." Ria's eyebrow rose. "What're you doing out here? Looking for Taryn?"

Athis sighed. "Skadi, I know that Taryn's rather abrupt departure is taking its toll on you but… maybe she just needs to get away from the Companions and find her own adventure?"

I narrowed my eyes at the Companion member. "I can't help but try to look for her, Athis. Kodlak and Elana are heartbroken that Taryn's missing. I'm just trying to help them cope by offering my tracking skills to find her." I sighed. "Give them some closure."

Ria's grin stayed in place. "I'm sure you'll find her. Between you and Aela, Taryn would be better off heading for Black Marsh!"

I connected my hand to my face. "That's not helping."

"Come on, Ria," Athis said, nudging the Imperial warrior's side. "Let's get going. Kodlak is probably beginning to worry about us."

Ria frowned. "We won't be back before the sun sets, Athis. We should head to Riften for the evening."

"I'm just going to head out then…" I mumbled as the two Companion members started bickering over the useless fate of where they'd spend the evening. Frankly, I'd be happy with yanking my armor off and sleeping in the nude or with fur. Either way, I'd be comfortable. Or wrapped in Brandr's arms… Focus! I screamed at myself. Now was not the time to think about that. I mounted Ace again, ordering the stallion to head west.

After riding for a few more minutes, I was following the thin trail that was left behind from the wildlife (and the fresh scents of Roggar, Miles, Mynre, and Taryn) I found the hideout fairly quickly. I'd stayed here once or twice. Once when Tralen was teaching me how to properly hunt and blend in with the humans (an evil he willingly put himself through so that his first and favorite wouldn't get killed later on), which is to say I wasn't exactly good at. I'd drawn so much attention to myself with the hungry, feral glint of the beast within me, that Tralen had to step in and lie to the guards about me being an orphan that he adopted some time ago in Chorrol. And the second time was when I had to hide out for a few days from some hunters that were getting close to me.

I shook my head sharply at the memory, trying to focus on the present. I unpacked the package that Elana and the others made up for Taryn and carried it into the cavern. I brushed my hood off my face as I walked in, the smells of something being cooked reached my nose. I couldn't hide the disgust on my face.

Gods, Taryn! At least teach them how to cook! I mentally growled to my friend.

"Come on, Emelia!" I heard Hel whine. "Teach me how you always manage to beat him! He keeps pinning me!"

I heard Emelia chuckle. "It's fairly easy. I'm smaller than he is." Emelia sighed. "But Roggar isn't one to play for long before his temper gets the better of him."

"Hm, yes. As we've noticed with the cages at that old prison in Eastmarch, Godras, and the bandit that tried to lay claim to you, Emelia," Herfid said in a soft, amused tone. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say that Roggar is rather fond of you."

I heard Hel snicker quietly. "I know I shouldn't laugh, but…"

I could picture Herfid and Emelia smirking.

"Well, you're thirteen. Tralen obviously had to have good taste in men if he was turning boys." I held in a growl. "What?" Emelia muttered, obviously Herfid glaring at the Imperial.

"Someone's here," Herfid growled.

Two synchronized snarls reached my ears, the noise causing me to react defensively. The muted footfalls of Hel and Emelia approached closer with each passing second. Hel was a little more unstable, but that was to be expected of a young Werewolf. She was in a new pack, a pack in which she felt obligated to protect with her life.

"This is how I'm greeted?" I muttered, a bit of sarcasm coating my voice once Hel and Emelia spotted me.

Hel's gold eyes dimmed to silver. "It's just Skadi!" she called back to Herfid at the same time Emelia wrapped me in a tight hug.

"Gods, it's great to see you again! Mynre said he sent a letter to you guys." Emelia released me.

Hel was next to hug me, holding onto me for a bit longer than Emelia. "It's great that you're here. Now I have someone that's really related to me!"

"Through Hreir and Barri or Tralen?" I teased.

Hel growled quietly. "Not funny."

I smirked. "All right, it's not. I came by because I wanted to drop things off for Taryn and because I wanted to escape Elana. I think that woman is going to put a leash on me come next week and take me for a walk when Masser is full." Both women snickered at the mental image. "It's true!"

While Emelia and Hel laughed quietly, I was surprised to see Herfid standing in the passageway, a grin on her face as she rested her hands on her swollen belly.

"Herfid," I greeted, my wolf and instincts submitting to the woman. Even though I wasn't one to be subordinate to anyone, Herfid was, in every way, superior to me. She'd been a wolf longer, was now with child, and had the temper of a wolf in heat. Even my wolf knew that it was second to this woman. "I see that you're up and about."

Herfid cracked a smile. "As much as Mynre is letting me. I knew he was a great choice for the leader, but… he's so overprotective."

I shrugged. "Instincts take over sometimes." I offered a grin. "I should know. I live by them."

"Explains your lovely personality," Emelia quipped, earning her a glare from me. "Especially when Godras would speak with you and I'd only hear the occasional snarl from you."

"Who's Godras?" Hel asked. "I've heard him mentioned a few times..."

I clenched my teeth. "Godras was a monster, Hel. Worse than Tralen—and yes, it's possible to be worse than Tralen." I stared at the ground for a moment—my arms and legs burning from the torture that Godras' lackeys put me through. I could hear the cries of everyone else, pleading with them to stop as another silver contraption sliced at my—I shuddered, forcing Hel to catch the package that slipped from my hands. It was all I could do to keep standing.

"Skadi?!" Emelia whispered, concerned. "... Skadi?!"

I panted for a moment. "W-Where am I?" I muttered. I needed someone to tell me.

"Boulderfall Cave," Herfid answered, coming over to me and standing next to me. "What was that?"

"An episode," I confessed. "I-I haven't had one in weeks."

Herfid and Emelia patted my back in complete understanding.

"The reason why Skadi knows us, Hel," Emelia began, "is because we were all captured by Silver Hands back in Sun's Dusk or Evening Star—none of us truly remember because of all the things that went on. All we remember is the mental hell we endured."

Herfid held her belly tightly. "He threatened to kill my baby…" she admitted.

"He starved me, tortured me for names, my life, my affiliations…" I added.

Emelia bit her lip. "He killed my best friend and mate."

I remembered Silian. I wished he could have escaped, too.

"So now, being taken from your parents doesn't seem that heinous now, does it?" I muttered. Hel nodded slowly. "Sorry, Hel. None of us like talking about that time. We just want to forget about it."

Hel nodded. "Sorry if I brought up bad memories, guys. I'm just curious. Now I know why... why you're all so close."

I sighed. "Now that the mood has been darkened, let's talk about something else that doesn't involve a sadistic Bosmer that didn't deserve to live, period."


Loredas 12 Sun's Dawn 4E 200 6:14PM

I was sitting in front of the fire, my stomach rumbling quietly at me for food, when I heard someone approaching swiftly from the entrance. I didn't have to look up to know who it was. I could smell her easily. However, I wasn't expecting Taryn to tackle me, causing the two of us to roll until we hit the frame of Herfid's makeshift bed, the Nord Werewolf rolling her eyes at the display.

"Gods, when I saw Ace, I thought you let him roam free!" Taryn exclaimed.

"Hey," Roggar greeted, dropping a small doe near the fire. "Missed a good hunt. A few stray bandits, a couple bears…"

I grinned. "That sounds like a great hunt. I hope you saved the Khajiit for me."

Mynre shook his head. "No cats out there. Just the usual Nords, Bretons, Dark Elves…"

Taryn sat up. "I'm glad you're here! How long're you staying?!"

"A couple of days. Your mother is babying me and I need space."

Taryn smirked. "Sounds like her. How is she? How's dad? How're the Companions?"

"Ria and Athis were nearby heading to Riften for the night. Elana is doing well and recovering quickly with visits from Danica and my constant healing." I rubbed my eyes. "Kodlak is doing well, too. That old man is as stubborn as an ox."

"I'm glad. I really miss home."

"And we miss you." I hoped Taryn could hear my own words under that. I mean, I wasn't exactly one to just up and say "I miss you" to your face. "We told the non-wolf members some bullshit about how you ran off to get some space."

"Nice," Taryn remarked.

Hel frowned a little. "The sad part is how they've appeared to buy it."

Taryn laughed. "Um…"

I smirked. "So how's it going here then?" I asked.

Taryn paused for a bit. "… Fine, I suppose. I'm not as moody anymore."

Well, I suppose we'll have to talk about that more privately, then. "Good to hear," I stated.

Taryn's eyes seemed to be focusing on something, then me. "Where're you going to sleep? We don't have enough bedrolls."

"I'll just change into something more comfortable," I offered, a sly grin on my face. "It won't be an issue."

"Are you sure?" Taryn pressed.

Roggar rolled his eyes. "Taryn, Skadi was hinting at transforming and sleeping like that! Gods, woman!"

Taryn stuck her tongue out at the Nord. "Well, it's not like you sleep as a wolf every night! I bet you snore louder as a wolf than you do as a human!"

Emelia leaned in, a grin on her face. "He does."

"HA!" Taryn exclaimed.

Hel came over to me. "Are you going for a hunt before bed, Skadi? I wouldn't mind joining…"

"If you guys want to, you can. Herfid and I went yesterday," Mynre explained.

My eyebrow rose. "Herfid went hunting?"

Herfid growled at me. "Just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean I still can't hunt."

I put my hands up. "I was shocked. I mean… doesn't that hurt the baby?"

Mynre cleared his throat. "We're not entirely sure. But we don't want to chance a worse strain on the baby if Herfid keeps herself from her nature."

I stared at the fire. "Probably early in the morning, Hel," I answer, a yawn distorting my words. "I had a pretty decent lunch today and I nibbled on some venison on the way here."

Hel's face fell, but the promise of a hunt was enough to keep her happy.

Taryn grinned. "Well, as much as I like it out here, I'm looking forward to getting home to my own bed. It's funny, of all the objects there, I miss my pillow the most. There's nothing like a warm pillow after a long day."

Roggar grunted, "I prefer rocks."

"Of course you do!" Emelia grumbled. "You're a Nord!"

Herfid, Hel, and I gave Emelia glares. However, I couldn't help but feel the guilt about Taryn not being home and in her own bed. How much further will I have to demean myself? I asked no one.

"… I'll transform and you can use me as a pillow…" I couldn't hide the embarrassment. "I-I mean… you probably have neck issues from the ground."

Taryn's eyes were wide. "H-Huh?!"

"Just say nothing to the Jarl about it, all right? And next time, maybe I'll remember to bring your pillow."

Taryn seemed utterly shocked at that, but offered a nod of sorts. Miles and everyone else had amused smiles on their faces for a moment, until Herfid gasped, holding her belly.

"What is it?" Emelia asked, being the first at the Nord's side.

Herfid offered a small grin. "Just a strong kick. I think the baby will take a liking to Skadi and Taryn a little bit when they come along."

"Because Taryn acts like a baby?" I commented, openly removing my armor and weapons as the transformation bubbled under my skin.

Taryn stuck her tongue out at me. "You're evil."

"I'm an evil being, Taryn," I remarked. "Remember?"

Taryn seemed to remember something rather specific, because she didn't reply to me. Everyone else gave me somber stares, but otherwise remained quiet. Emelia took my belongings and placed them by the cave wall. The transformation was quick, as it usually was. I rested on my front, my head up and eyes moving around to take in the conversation going on around me. Taryn sat next to me, leaning her right side against me.

"Gods… you're soft," she muttered quietly.

Regular baths does that to fur, I mentally quipped, and glad Taryn couldn't understand me.

"At least there's still enough room to walk around," Mynre mentioned, stirring the… stew, I assumed. "Dinner's done."

Roggar, Hel, and Miles gagged quietly as they took their portion of stew. Taryn didn't seem too eager either, but was polite enough not to show it so openly. Mynre put a bowl in front of me, but I shook my head, nudging it away from me. Dinner wasn't that entertaining, aside from Roggar pretending to die from Mynre's cooking.


Sundas 13 Sun's Dawn 4E 200 1:21AM

The sound of footsteps approaching reached my ears, yanking me out of a peaceful sleep. Taryn was curled up along my side, her breaths even as she slept. Not to disturb her, I slowly lifted my head, my ears flitting back and forth to catch the noise better.

"Aye… I know they're in there."

My eyes narrowed for a split second, until I felt my skin tingle in a frighteningly familiar way.

"This is for Godras and everyone else that was slaughtered by those monsters," a second voice seethed.

I got to my feet, forgetting about Taryn as I nudged Roggar, Emelia, and Miles awake. They were slow to fully wake up, but once they got over their initial annoyance of being roused, they heard the Silver Hands approaching. Roggar shifted from man to wolf, Miles grabbed the steel sword near Herfid's bed, and Emelia partially transformed her teeth and hands into deadly claws and fangs.

"They're sleeping yet. Best time to take them out."

Roggar and I fell behind Emelia and Miles, since we were going to be the next line of defense for the two alphas of the pack. The two Imperials readied themselves, waiting for the moment to strike, when one Dark Elf clad in steel armor appeared from the walkway.

"Well, well, well… Looks like the beasts have come to us."

Emelia snarled, which was echoed by Roggar and myself.

"Leave, now," Miles hissed. "Or our friends won't mind tearing you apart."

The Silver Hand duo laughed at the Imperial for a moment, effectively waking up Hel, Herfid, Mynre, and Taryn. Hel and Taryn were quick to join us when they felt the prick of silver so close, while I assumed Mynre transformed and stayed next to Herfid for protection.

"Out of the way, traitor. We're here for the whore with the abomination and the Savage of Skyrim," the other Silver Hand, a Breton, sneered.

"Over my dead body," Miles replied evenly.

The Silver Hands drew their weapons. "Have it your way."

_/-\_

"Ow…" Roggar moaned as Mynre applied a bandage to his arm.

Emelia snickered. "I've never heard you say that before."

Roggar offered a smirk to the Imperial. "It's the last time you'll ever hear me say it, too."

I hissed in pain as Taryn applied healing magicka to my left leg. The Breton had gotten in a good swipe with his sword. Hel and Emelia were mostly unscathed (because Roggar and I couldn't hold our feral nature in long enough). Miles was helping Herfid calm down from the whole thing. The scent of the Silver Hands was enough to send her into hysterics. Odd, considering Miles had been one of them, but I knew Herfid trusted Miles. He sacrificed his humanity trying to get us out of there, after all.

"At least we know now they're actively searching for us," Miles muttered. "Faldar's Tooth was known as a research base."

I growled. "But they mentioned Godras by name. Someone else must've known something… or there was a survivor."

Miles shook his head. "I didn't recognize them. I would've known right away if they were from Faldar's Tooth."

"There," Taryn muttered, securing the bandage to my leg. "Don't walk on it for a few… well, hours, I guess."

I snickered. "Ah well. Sorry that the pillow thing didn't work out."

"Actually, it was nice." Taryn gave a goofy grin. "And warm."

I slowly moved my injured leg. "I'm surprised you didn't go after that package yet. It's a gift from all the Circle members... and your mom."

Taryn was quick to abandon me for the package, tearing into it like a hungry skeever, and grabbed the clothes out of it.

"Clothes! Not fur armor! Thank you!" Taryn exclaimed.

I chuckled. "Everyone thought that you might go crazy if you were naked or dressed in fur armor all the time."

Miles didn't seem to get the fact that we were done talking about the Silver Hand attack. I supposed he just wanted to push the pack to be careful.

"I think it's safe to assume that they're searching each hold meticulously for us." He sighed. "Perhaps for the Companions, too."

Roggar snorted. "I bet that little piece of Bosmer shit left a journal somewhere hoping someone would find it and complete what he left unfinished."

Taryn set her new clothes down. "I grabbed his journal and gave it to my dad. It had everything in it from weeks before Skadi got there to Miles'… transition."

Miles smirked. "That's putting it kindly. But thank-you." Miles turned to me. "I'm willing to bet he had a journal with all his research notes compiled together. He would often have two with him. He may have sent out a letter to someone he trusted with its location, unless he sent the journal as well if he feared the worst."

Roggar growled. "That bastard probably shouted all he knew from the rooftops…"

Miles shook his head. "He wouldn't of. He was a fool, but not as idiotic as that. Our best chance is to lay low and keep moving holds."

Emelia shook her head. "We can't move every week. Not with Herfid pregnant."

"I'm not deaf!" Herfid called.

"We're just thinking of your well-being," Hel murmured softly.

"Wait… I remember Godras telling his lackeys to stay away from Whiterun Hold." I paused. "Maybe when Herfid is closer to giving birth, head towards Whiterun. We can meet and set up security around wherever you guys want to hide out." I sighed. "Whiterun is the safest place for a Werewolf—mostly because of the Companions."

"We shouldn't leave Herfid out of this," Taryn said. "She has a say in this, too."

We collectively turned our heads to Herfid.

"I-I think that's a good idea," the Nord woman muttered. "So long as we don't draw attention to ourselves."

I rubbed my eyes. "I doubt any of us are going to get some sleep now."

"Hunting is a no go. Not with the Silver Hands scouring the area." Mynre sighed. "Our best bet is to move north to Eastmarch and up to Winterhold. Stay there for a bit, then move to the Pale."

"Stay close to a hold near Whiterun," Taryn said. "It'll be easier to move south when we need to." She glanced at me. "Anything interesting happen while I'm gone?"

I blushed, remembering Brandr. "Um…"

"Are you, blushing?" Taryn asked. "Oh, yes you are! Spill, wolfy. Right now."

I buried my face in my hands. "It's nothing…"

"Bullshit," Taryn grumbled. "Talk."

I sighed. "Brandr came by Whiterun a few days ago," I began. "He wanted a tour of Whiterun so I gave him one."

Taryn glared at me. "There's more. Talk."

I frowned. "Then he said something about the inn having a sale because it was their anniversary and we had a few drinks... danced…"

Taryn gawked at me. "You danced?! By the Nine! Someone needs to invent a contraption that can record things for others to see!"

I growled at her, but that died down when I realized I had to tell her about the kiss. Of all the things I shared with Taryn…

"Well, during the dance," I continued, albeit a bit more hesitantly, "Brandr and I… kissed."

Taryn's eyes grew to the size of plates. "You kissed Brandr?"

I offered a weak laugh. "Well… technically, we kissed twice."

"Aw!" Emelia exclaimed. "Our little Savage of Skyrim is growing up!"

I snarled at the Imperial. "Shut up!"

"Did you like it?" Herfid asked suddenly.

I stared at the Nord. "W-What?!"

"Did you like kissing him?" Herfid repeated.

I noticed that all the men were smirking at the new development, but wisely pretended to be doing something else, like making (what appeared to be) breakfast or going through the supplies that they had.

"… Yes," I whispered. "I liked kissing him."

Emelia grinned. "It's a shame Taryn wasn't there to see it," she stated.

Herfid rolled her eyes. "As much as tormenting Skadi about kissing this 'Brandr' man is fun, I think we should leave her alone—or leave the mocking to Taryn."

Taryn grinned. "I'll gladly mock her with every chance I get."

I offered a smirk of my own. "Then I hope you don't mind me mocking you back. I mean, you were taking your sweet time checking Miles out back in Faldar's Tooth…"

Taryn blushed and I sensed Miles blushing as well. "S-Shut up! I wasn't checking him out!"

I raised an eyebrow. "I beg to differ. Do you get a nice view after your hunts?"

Taryn roared and lunged at me. We wrestled in the cave until Roggar and Mynre pulled us apart. Both men were smirking.

"Easy, girls," Mynre chuckled, releasing Taryn. "It's obvious you two missed each other—even if Skadi won't openly admit it."

Roggar released me. "Well, we have a few hours to kill. Who wants to go hunt?"

I flipped Taryn the bird. "I do."

Herfid scowled. "I thought we agreed that we wouldn't go hunting, at least not in the Rift."

"We'll be careful," Hel assured Herfid. "Besides, Skadi has the best nose out of everyone right now. She'd smell the Silver Hands before they attacked us. And Roggar has a good sense of hearing so he'd hear them before they attacked."

I noted the dark circles under Herfid's eyes. How often did she hunt now? I mentally questioned.

Roggar nodded and (against Mynre's suggestions) Herfid joined me, Hel, and Roggar for a hunt. If only Taryn joined us, then I'd show her what the real Savage of Skyrim was capable of.