Next chapters will have more action, I promise.

Madgormley: Thank you! I will; hope you enjoy.

Remember to review! Have a nice week.

I missed that last chapter made this story 50 chapters long! That's quite a bit hahaha.
*Milestone* Yei! Lol.
Also, as of today, this story has 100,464 views… I can't almost believe it.
So thanks for everyone that has been patient with me, hope I can keep you entertained for a while longer :D


The new chairs and tables had been delivered; most of the sooth that had covered most of the hall was now gone.
A warm fire raged in the middle of the large room.
There were no blood stains, no bones, no charred mammoth hair, or anything that could give away what had happened inside this place.

Still, Aela the Huntress, had said that regardless of everything we did to clean or how hard we tried to hide the truth from Kodlak and Skjor, that they would know…
She never said why, but she was sure that they would know.
I wasn't sure they would.
Granted they had lived here for most of their lives; or at least for all the years I had been living here in Whiterun… but there was no way in Oblivion that they could know.

If I had never been inside Jorrvaskr before, I wouldn't notice that something was amiss.
But I had been inside before; and the only thing that seemed different, was that everything seemed clean for a change.
So if Kodlak Whitemane or Skjor felt something different, the other Companions could say that they had decided to clean the place before they arrived. It didn't take a scholar to know that places that looked always the same could change quite a lot if the place was cleaned or the furniture changed of place.
I was confident that the two elders wouldn't notice anything.

I uncrossed my arms and took a deep breath after convincing myself, that nothing bad would happen.
I spun on my heels and walked down the stairs towards the living quarters, where Ria, and the others, were still cleaning some of the sooth that managed to get down there...
luckily for us, the large portions of raw mammoth meat that had somehow appeared down in the twins and Aela's rooms had been cleared.
The only odd thing was that the meat had some very large chunks ripped off by what appeared to be long snouts and very sharp teeth.
The funny thing was that the Companions didn't actually have any war hounds.
Although, some guardsmen did complain that during their night patrols, a lot of howling could be heard…
I had never heard such a thing in all the years I had lived in the keep; probably because the keep is somewhat far from Jorrvaskr; and also because my room was on the back end of the keep.

I opened the door and entered the living quarters; the first thing I saw was Tilma the Haggard; the caretaker of Jorrvaskr.
Old Tilma was a sweet old lady; although she claimed that she saw, heard and knew everything that happened within the walls of Jorrvaskr… which to me was a little bit creepy to be honest.
And, although she took care of all the Companions; she seemed to be closer and fonder of the twins, Farkas and Vilkas.
I guess that coming to Jorrvaskr at a young age and growing up within these walls, made them grow close together.
Both brothers saw in Tilma the mother they didn't have while growing up.

Tilma was very old, or so the Companions said; when I was younger, I had heard them jest, that Jorrvaskr had actually been built around Tilma… that made me laugh so much as a girl.
I smiled at the memory and Tilma smiled back. I decided it was better if she didn't know what thought had made me smile so.
I bowed to her and walked along the hallway towards Kodlak's room.
Out of respect, no one had gone inside while Kodlak was gone; but now that they could arrive any day now, Vilkas suggested we checked the room to see if there were no problems inside.

Njada Stonearm, one of the youngest among the Companions, had said she had checked the door right after waking up from what she called "the worst headache on Nirn".
She said that the door had remained locked since Kodlak and Skjor had left.
But now we were about find out…

"Morning Vilkas, Aela, Ria." I said bowing my head slightly to each of them as I said their names.
They answered in the same way.
"We were just about to open the door; we have already unlocked it." Ria said taking a deep breath.
"Well, here we go." Aela said sighing and pushing open the door.
I saw that Vilkas had closed his eyes… weary of what we could find inside.

Both doors swung open and inside we saw…
"Nothing?" Ria's voice said in a whisper.
"There's really nothing wrong in here?" She said again; her shoulders dropping, while her tense face turned back to normal.
Vilkas let out a loud and heavy sigh before laughing loudly.
"Thank the gods!" Aela said taking a deep breath; "Stendarr has mercy!" she added as she closed the doors once more and locked them.
Vilkas let out a nervous laugh and walked away; Aela following close behind.

"Well, it seems we're as prepared as we're going to be." Ria said turning around and walking towards her chambers.
I spared a last look to the closed doors before catching up to her.
"I'm sure everything's going to be alright; Kodlak and Skjor won't notice a thing." I encouraged the imperial woman.
"You sound so sure… I really wish it'll be like that." Ria said not looking too convinced.
"Kodlak is well known for his ability to sniff when someone's lying to him."

I took in her words; Uncle Balgruuf was also very good at detecting when someone was lying. Perhaps it was something that came with the years.
We entered the common room and found Torvar downing a bottle of mead.

Ria furrowed her brow.
"Torvar!" She yelled at the usually drunk Companion making him flinch.
"Gods woman you almost killed me!" Torvar answered stumbling a little.
"You should be at the wall to see if Kodlak and Skjor have arrived! Why in Kyne's name are you still here?!" Ria yelled again making her cheeks flare; "How are we supposed to know when they're coming if you're here drinking!
It's been almost three weeks since that night and you still have thirst of mead?!" Ria said disbelievingly.

"A true nord's thirst of mead is never quenched!" Torvar said raising his bottle of mead and downing what was left in one go.
He hiccupped once before falling backwards into one of the beds; he then began snoring loudly.
"Sometimes I have to agree with Njada…" Ria said groaning and shaking her head.
"What do you mean?" I asked tilting my head.
"That these days, it seems that they're letting anyone join the Companions." Ria deadpanned sighing. She then turned on her heels and walked outside the room.
"Hey, shouldn't we move Torvar to his own bed?" I asked after seeing the drunk rolling so he was facing up.
"No." Ria answered without looking back; "That's Athis' bed; Torvar is his problem now." She finished smirking a little.

I scoffed and smiled mischievously.
"He's in for quite a surprise…" I said.
"That's what he gets for not helping before. He can try waking Torvar up." Ria replied.
"Knowing Torvar, he'll punch Athis right in the face for annoying him during his sleep."
At Ria's words we both began laughing loudly.
We walked up the stairs towards the main hall when we heard Aela greeting someone. Both our faces were of surprise at Aela's words.
"Greetings Harbinger, greetings shield-brother; I trust your journey was safe and productive."

But our faces turned to shock when a gruff voice replied after the sound of a long and deep sniff.
"What. Happened. Here?"
"What do you mean shield-brother? Is something wrong?" Aela asked… but her voice trembled slightly.
I turned my face towards Ria; her mouth was hanging open slightly…
"Damn Torvar!" She said whispering… "This is why I wanted him as a lookout!"

"You know very well what I mean Aela! This… -ell…" Skjor said, lowering his voice at the last word which I didn't quite understand.
I left out a deep sigh and walked up the stairs; Ria's hand caught mine and pulled me back.
"What's wrong?" I asked tilting my head slightly.
"What are you doing?" Ria said in a hushed tone.
"I can't let Aela face them on her own… it's not even her fault; it was mine and my Thane's. There's no one else to blame." I replied.

Ria scoffed and shook her head; she then smiled lightheartedly letting go of my hand.
"Of course you'd be like this; the ever so honorable Lydia Battle-Born… Shield Maiden of Whiterun Hold, Housecarl of the Dragonborn and his secret lover…" she said the last part in a sultry voice, making me flush.
"Sh… shut up!" I replied, jabbing her in the arm, which made her smile grow even more.
"You're so cute when you get all flustered and flushed like that… I bet Laniüs would love it." Ria said in the same sultry tone; I could now feel my skin on fire.

"Well; regardless of this, I'm not about to let you go up there on your own… so shall we?" Ria said walking up a couple steps.
She then turned around and added in a serious voice while bowing in my direction; "My Lady of Stark."
My lady of Stark… her voice ringed in my ears; and for a moment it seemed as if time had stopped.
My face probably turned as red as a ruby reflecting fire.
"Ria, I swear I'm going to run you through with my Thane's blade if you don't stop." I retorted moving my hand over my right shoulder and caressing the grip of Laniüs' great sword; my mind being filled with images that would make Sanguine smile; or even blush.
Ria waved at me dismissively with a wild grin and kept walking up the stairs.

"Shield Sister; care to explain what Aela is try…" Skjor said but stopped, turning around to face Ria and I, before either of us made a sound or greeted them.
"Huh? Housecarl Lydia of Whiterun. What are you doing here?" Skjor asked eyeing me up and down.
Somehow I felt… scared by the second most veteran warrior from amongst the Companions. Maybe it was his large scars running down his face, or the blind, eerie, left eye that seemed to pierce through you, or just the sheer size of the warrior that was now advancing towards me.
I gulped down… a knot forming on my throat; when I spoke, my voice didn't break, which was a good thing.
Still; the mere presence of Skjor was making me doubt about saying what I was going to say in the first place.
He kept advancing, until he stopped at arm's length from me; his semblance was serious.

Before I could speak though, the elder man in the room spoke first.
"Skjor… leave her be." Kodlak Whitemane said in a voice that commanded respect; yet, the voice was also kind and warm.
"She's not one of us." Skjor stated bluntly. "And she's a Housecarl already; she's bound to serve a Thane whenever a new one is named and she is pledged to him or her; she can't join us." Skjor finished.

Kodlak sighed before speaking; "I know our rules of initiations Skjor." Kodlak said calmly; "But I know her well enough, to know that her honor and dedication to this city rivals with our own. She may be forbidden to join us, but she is welcomed in our hall; as is the Jarl and everyone that is able and willing to raise a blade in defense of this city; which is our home." The Harbinger of the Companions said flashing me a warm smile.

As I grew up in the city, uncle Balgruuf would go some times to Jorrvaskr, the Bannered Mare, or the Drunken Huntsman during to drink or just pass the evening.
He sometimes does this still… much to Irileth's despair and worry.
But the Jarl always sought the counsel of Kodlak Whitemane; his opinion on many matters has always been highly valued in the nine holds.
And he was always nice to me; as I grew without a proper family, I found in Kodlak a grandfather more or less… same as Farkas and Vilkas, since they also grew up without a family, other than their brothers and sisters in arms.
And I guess that Kodlak found in us four, the children he never had.

"I'm sorry master." Was Skjor's reply. He bowed his head and took a few steps away from me.
"I'm nobody's master Skjor… you should already know this since you are the next after me." Kodlak replied with a solemn voice.
He turned towards me and smiled warmly once more. He remembered me of a gentle and wise old man… like one of the sages from the stories that would usually counsel the heroes of old, or ancient great kings.

"Do not let my shield brother's bluntness affect you Lydia; both of us are weary from the road, and both of us notice the differences in our home…" Kodlak said looking pointedly at me; his stare, despite not being angry, made me feel as a kid caught stealing a candy.
"I… I hoped you wouldn't notice…" I managed to stammer out, averting eye contact with anyone else and feeling my cheeks burn.
"Please don't blame anyone here; none of what happened is their fault. The only ones to blame are me and my Thane…" I said, feeling stupid and ashamed.

"Your fault? How so?" Skjor asked with some anger in his voice.
I spared a glance around and saw that Skjor was glaring at me; Aela was looking at her feet and Kodlak was looking at me… a surprised look on his face.
I saw his mouth open and readied myself for his rebuke; but what he actually said caught me off guard.
"Lydia, so you finally were appointed to a Thane?" Kodlak asked smiling towards me.
"I… yeh… yeah; I am the Housecarl of Whiterun's newest Thane, Laniüs Stark…" I stammered out; then felt a surge of pride as I blurted out my next words.
"… he's also the Dragonborn."

I looked around once more and saw that Skjor's mouth was now hanging open… as was Kodlak's.
"You… you're the Dragonborn's Housecarl? And he is Thane of Whiterun?" Skjor asked with surprise.
Kodlak on the other hand looked a few years younger all of a sudden.
"My dear girl!" He said, stopping right in front of me in just a few steps.
Without warning, he wrapped me in his bear like arms, lifted me up and spun me around as if I were nothing more than a ragdoll; despite me wearing my full suit of steel armor.
"I'm so proud of you Lydia! Ever since the Jarl brought you to these halls, I knew there was something special about you… your destiny is now weaved to that of the Dragonborn, and the return of the dragons… I must ask; where is your Thane?"

At his question I tensed; Kodlak felt this and gently set me down.
He didn't say anything else; he just stood there… waiting; expectant at whatever answer I were to give.
"It's… it's a long story; perhaps we should sit." I said turning my eyes towards the long table at the center of the large hall.
"Indeed." Kodlak replied walking towards the table.
Once everyone was sitting, I began explaining what had happened three, almost four weeks ago, since Laniüs had that drinking contest with that mage, up until I came back from my failed quest and helped the Companions in cleaning the mess my Thane had left at Jorrvaskr.

By the end of my tale, Skjor seemed angry; but I couldn't' really blame him.
I mean, if someone told me that a bunch of drunken louts, had come and completely ruined my home, I would have the same face Skjor had.
Regardless of the fact, that all the damage had been repaired… still, it wasn't as if Jorrvaskr was now in ruins; everything was clean and the furniture was new.
Kodlak on the other hand, seemed pensive; his face showed no emotions.
After a few seconds, Kodlak sighed.
"Well; I guess that at least no harm was done…" The Harbinger of the Companions said with a deep voice.

"But Kodlak… our hall was…" Skjor said with surprise on his voice but was cut off by the older man.
"Completely repaired." Kodlak finished for him.
"I know that you might argue that much of this place has changed; the smell of new wood and ash from the previous still lingers in this place… but we need not worry for it." Kodak said as he stood up from the chair, prompting all of us to do the same out of respect.
"There is no permanent damage, and what was done, has been paid for. Let us forget this happened and continue our paths." Kodlak said smiling briefly.
"As you wish." Skjor replied with a slight bow, before striding away and outside; Aela following right behind.

Ria bowed in the same way and walked back to the living quarters after whispering a "thank you" to me with a bright smile.
I replied with a smile of my own and turned to face Kodlak once more.
"Lydia I must ask; what's the appearance of your Thane, Laniüs Stark?" Kodlak asked crossing his arms.
I thought for a few seconds… wondering why would Kodlak ask such a thing.
I leaned back on the table, using my hands for support before answering.
"Well… he is Nord, with some Imperial and Akaviri blood running through his veins; he has a pale skin, not as pale as mine I remembered.
Raven black hair, braided beard, bright emerald eyes… I closed my eyes while describing him; and for a moment, felt as if he was standing right in front of me. I could see him as clear as the day.
"And he has a blood red war painting over his left eye…" Kodlak's voice smacked me out of my thoughts.

I shot open my eyes, and realized I had been smiling while describing my Thane.
Kodlak seemed entertained by my antics if his wide grin was something to judge by.
"H… how did you know that?" I blurted out.
Kodlak's smile wavered for a second before he replied; "It was just a wild guess…" he answered. But I could see there was something more behind his guess; there was something he wasn't telling me…

"But it matters not; I guess I'll meet him in due time." Kodlak added averting my gaze.
"Still… it seems like you are quite fond of your new Thane Lydia…" Kodlak said suddenly out of nowhere.
I felt my cheeks flaring; am I really this easy to read? I thought with embarrassment.
Kodlak suddenly began to laugh loudly, making me jump a little.
"Ohh my dear child; I haven't seen you feel so strongly about a man, and just by remembering his face! Not since that lad Thorald Grey-Mane, was vying for your attentions. " Kodlak said still laughing.

As I felt my face redden more and more a single thought crossed my mind…
If people keep finding out about my feelings so easily, Laniüs will probably hear about them before I even get a chance to tell him myself…
I sighed deeply; the echoes of Kodlak's laughter still filling Jorrvaskr.

I left Jorrvaskr as the sun was hiding under the horizon; I decided I needed to clear my mind and walked down towards the Plains District and to the market.
If I was lucky, I might still find Carlota's stall open; perhaps I would by a few apples… or even better, and apple pie.
I could almost taste the flavor of the pie just by thinking of it.
I turned left when I reached the Gildergreen and saw Carlota leaned over the stall watching Mila play tag with Lars.
I smiled at the sight, and wondered what it would be like to have children of my own… but quickly dismissed that idea; I was a Housecarl… having children was something that would clash with my duties.
My priority was to protect my Thane with my own life and until my last breath; hardly a job fit for a mother.

"Ah, Lydia! It's been so long since I've seen you here; how are you doing?" Carlota said turning to face me smiling broadly.
"Well, I can't complain; though these are dark times ahead of us." I replied tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.
"Ain't that the truth…" Carlota said with a melancholic sigh, glancing at her daughter as she giggled about something Lars said to her.
"So how's Mila doing?" I asked taking a step closer to the Imperial woman and looking at Mila.
"She's okay… but she wishes that I could close the stall earlier to spend more time with her." Carlota said shaking her head; "But I can't… we need every septim we can get; the war and this past winters haven't been kind for the city. And now on top of that, dragons have returned… if trading was difficult before, it will only get worse now."
Carlota's previous smile had disappeared; a look of longing now on her face as she looked at her daughter.

"Anyways, what can I help you with Lydia?" Carlota asked; her smile once more present on her lips; although her smile seemed somewhat forced.
"Do you have any apple pies left?" I inquired, turning my attention to the food displayed at her stall.
"Yes of course; I still have two left, baked them today; thirty septims a piece." The merchant replied.
"Did you raise your prices again?" I asked; since the last time I had bought one of Carlota's apple pies, they were twenty-five septims each.
"Yes… It's just that getting a steady flow of supplies has become harder; I'm pretty sure that almost everyone has raised their prices." The merchant answered with an apologetic look on her face.

"I'll take both of them." I said flashing Carlota a smile.
She seemed both confused and surprised at the same time. She nodded and pulled out some linen cloths to wrap the pies with.
While she wrapped the pies, I pulled a small coin purse from my belt.
"Here they are." Carlota said handing me the two neatly wrapped pies. "That would be sixty septims."
I gave her the coin purse; thanked her and waved Mila goodbye, before walking down towards the main gate.
"Lydia!" I turned after hearing my name; knowing full well who it had been.
"There's at least a hundred septims in this pouch… I…" Carlota began saying, but I cut her off before she could finish.
"Take it; close the stall for today and go home with your daughter." I said smiling broadly.
"Gods… I … I don't know what to say…" Carlota mumbled with glassy eyes.
"Don't say anything; just go home." I replied still with a smile. I turned around and kept walking as a single tear ran down the Imperial's face; a smile creeping its way towards her lips.

Perhaps some of Laniüs' attitude is rubbing off on me… always willing to do everything to help others; even if it meant giving his own money away.
Although at this pace, Zenithar knows when we'll be able to afford a couple horses for our journeys…
I thought shaking my head but with a smile on my lips.

Fast footsteps drew my attention to the front; I lifted my gaze in time to see a single man, garbed in Whiterun's light mail, running towards me.
"Housecarl Lydia! Gods have mercy; it's good that I found you here." The guardsman said between ragged breaths.
The guard was clearly an army courier that had been running for quite some time, judging by how he struggled to breathe.
"Take a deep breath soldier, and tell me what's the matter." I commanded with a gentle voice.
The courier took a few seconds to steady his breathing before speaking once more.
"My lady, a Stormcloak envoy has arrived at the Whitewatch Tower; he should be arriving soon." The guardsman said finally.

A Stormcloak envoy… more pressure from Ulfric for my uncle to support him I bet… damn that man! We have enough troubles without him bringing more.
"Has the man said what business he has in our city?" I asked the guard.
"He only said that a Thane of our city had insulted him… and that he came to speak of that matter with Jarl Balgruuf." The soldier replied and I felt my blood go cold…
Laniüs… what have you done now…?

"My lady, are you alright? You've turned as white as the snow." The guard asked me; his helmet preventing me from seeing his expression.
"Inform Proventus Avenicci immediately; I shall inform the Jarl personally." I replied running up the stairs beside the guard's barracks; the courier, close on my heels.
My uncle is going to kill me… and Irileth too.