Kaiah awoke to someone kicking her bed. Her eyes fluttered open and she saw a woman dressed in hide armor. She had red warpaint on her face and she looked angry. "Get up," she ordered, "We're supposed to be training right now. I don't even know why they let you in in the first place."
Kaiah lifted her head and glared as she saw the angry woman leave the room. Ria came over with a concerned look on her face. "Don't worry about Njada, she's a whelp just like us."
"I didn't realize I had to be awake…"
"You don't really need to be but it is your first day of training so…"
Kaiah sighed as she sat up from her bed, "I'll be out soon."
Ria nodded and she left, probably going upstairs to meet in the courtyard for training. Kaiah got up and got dressed into her armor as fast as possible. She laced up her boots and strapped her scimitars around her waist. She rushed upstairs and out to the courtyard and saw the other whelps already standing around the Master of Arms, Vilkas. Kaiah cursed in her head. She had to train with him?
"You're late." Vilkas stared blankly. Kaiah stood next to Ria, "Didn't realize I had to be awake for this."
"I don't really care."
Kaiah rolled her eyes. Asshole…
"Alright," Vilkas started, looking at Torvar and Njada, "Torvar, Njada, start off with a simple sword and shield technique. Torvar needs some help with his stance." He then turned to Athis and Ria, "Athis, Ria needs to work on her swing, so help her with that."
Kaiah stood patiently with her arms crossed, "What about me?"
"Run some laps."
She blinked in confusion, "I'm sorry, what?"
"You heard me" he barked, "run some fucking laps."
"H-how is that going to help me train-"
"Whelps who are late run laps!"
Kaiah scoffed as she took off to run laps around the mead hall. She was no stranger to running, her thin frame made it easy to run for long periods of time, but her swords made it a little more difficult to balance. She ran and ran for what seemed like hours. Every time she passed the courtyard she saw the others training, respectively, and Vilkas watched. She didn't know when to stop, so she would wait until he told her to.
She ran and ran some more, losing count after thirty-two laps. She was exhausted. Her face was covered in sweat and her calves were on fire. She was grateful for Skyrim's cold weather, if she was back home she would've had a heat stroke. But the further she ran the drier her throat became. She needed water. Badly. She slowed her pace when she made her way back to the courtyard. She fell on her knees, trying to catch her breath.
"Are you thirsty?"
Kaiah looked up and saw Vilkas towering over her with a smug look on his face. "Y-yes," she said, panting very heavily, "very."
"Well you can have some water," Vilkas started, grabbing a steel warhammer off of a nearby weapon rack, "if you can swing this."
Kaiah grabbed the warhammer and it fell to the ground, almost crushing her fingers. She had never held a weapon so heavy in her life. She was so exhausted she couldn't even stand, let alone hold a twenty-five pound hammer.
"Is this to punish me for yesterday?"
Vilkas scoffed, "You should be able to run fifty-laps and swing a warhammer. You're weak."
"And you're an ass!" she snapped, "this is teaching me nothing!"
"I'm teaching you respect, whelp!" Vilkas yelled, "If you want to keep your place here you wake up every morning for training, not a second late! I will not waste my time on someone who doesn't care."
Kaiah bowed her head to the ground. Her vision was growing fuzzy and she started to feel dizzy. She needed water.
"I'm sorry," she admitted, much to her disgust, "It won't happen again."
Vilkas went over to the table and grabbed a tankard of water, handing it to Kaiah. She reluctantly took it and chugged the entire thing. She savored every drop of it. "Take a break," Vilkas said, "we'll start training in a bit."
Kaiah sighed in relief as she saw Vilkas walk towards the others training. She got up slowly and went over to get more water. She sat for several minutes, resting as she watched the other whelps train. She had been through tough training, sure, but that was something else. She didn't have the strength for it. The Alik'r put so much emphasis on being swift and light on their feet you didn't need brute strength. But Kaiah then remembered she was in Skyrim, and the Nords had a much different fighting style.
She had much to learn.
Vilkas approached her. "Follow me."
The Redgaurd followed and Vilkas unsheathed his greatsword, handing it to her. "You need to work on building your strength. You should be able to swing a warhammer with ease."
"I only wield swords though-"
"There may be a time when you may not have a shortsword at your side, and all there is is a warhammer," Vilkas started, "the idea is that you need to learn how to use all weapons. The only person who can protect you, is yourself."
Kaiah grabbed the greatsword with one hand, realizing that it was far too heavy and she needed two. She held it out in front of her like she was holding a foreign object.
"Spread your feet shoulder-width apart," Vilkas instructed, "and hold the sword up to the right side of your body. Better?"
"Much."
"Now try swinging."
Kaiah approached the dummy and attempted her first swing. She fell over instantly, losing her balance. Vilkas let out a chuckle, probably the first time Kaiah ever heard him laugh.
"You're too stiff," Vilkas exclaimed, "you need to relax your grip. Once you do that, your body will follow the swing." Kaiah tried again, taking his advice. She was able to swing faster without falling over in the process. However, coming back around she almost fell over again.
"Much better," he admitted, "make sure your grip is soft and your feet shoulder-width apart. It will get easier."
Kaiah definitely had a long way to go.
Training went on for what felt like hours. Many of the other whelps went inside the hall for their midday meal and Kaiah and Vilkas were still training. She looked at the sun in the sky and sighed. She was very hungry.
"I think that's enough for today," Vilkas admitted. Kaiah let out an audible sigh of relief as she lowered the greatsword. Vilkas took his longsword back and sheathed it.
"Is training always this hard?"
Vilkas cocked his head and grinned, "training is always hard, but arriving on time makes it a little bit easier."
Kaiah rolled her eyes as she watched the Master of Arms walk back towards the hall. Her arms were so sore that she could barely lift them and her legs still felt like feathers after her "morning run". Made her way ever so slowly towards the hall for the midday meal. She walked inside and saw Ria, Njada, Athis and Torvar already sitting and eating. She took the empty seat next to Ria and was surprised at the full plate of food.
"I grabbed you a plate," Ria gave her a soft smile. Kaiah looked at the Imperial with surprise and gratitude. "Thank you."
"Don't worry, the first day is always the hardest," Ria assured her.
Kaiah let out a small chuckle, "I've had many trainers in my day but that…" Kaiah reflected on her first morning training with Vilkas. The man was strong, sure, and he had the wit of an arrogant mage, but there was something about him that made him different from other trainers she's had. He was the youngest, definitely, and he certainly was a looker, she couldn't deny that. But it wasn't his physical appearance or seemingly arrogant personality that made him different. It was his patience. Her repetitive failures were laughable, but he was patient and made her repeat over and over again until she perfected it.
"He's a good teacher," Ria interrupted her thoughts, "rough around the edges but he's a good teacher. You just need some time."
Kaiah rested her head on her hand as she ate her food. She had the rest of the day off, and she surely wasn't expecting a job today. Maybe she will go into Whiterun today, meet some locals. Or sleep. Sleep sounded good too.
She excused herself from the table and went out to explore the city. Whiterun was one of the most populated and diverse cities due to its central location and trading hub. Kaiah didn't feel so out of place when wandering the streets. She wandered in the market and saw a whole assortment of fruits and vegetables, meats, and jewelry. The jewelry stand caught her eye. It was being tended by an old woman.
"Bits and bobbles for sale!" she exclaimed, "all crafted by the great Eorland Gray-Mane himself!"
Kaiah heard the blacksmith's name and it piqued her interest. She had no idea that the Companion's blacksmith was also a silversmith. She walked over to the stand and was greeted by the old woman. "Interested in my jewelry today, young lady?"
"Eorland makes your jewelry?" Kaiah inquired. The old woman smiled, "Aye, that he does. You must be that new Companion he spoke of."
The Redguard gave her a surprised look. "I heard you left quite the impression in the courtyard yesterday." She gave her a soft chuckle, "I don't think it was a very good one." The woman shook her head. "We women always have to try harder than the men. Sometimes we need to knock them off their high horse." Kaiah let out a genuine laugh. She wasn't sure why this woman was being so nice to her, but she was enjoying the hospitality. A breath of fresh air compared to being in Jorrvaskr.
As she was browsing the jewelry she was bumped into by a larger body. She looked up and saw a Redguard man wearing brown fine clothes and expensive jewelry. The man scoffed at her. "Didn't realize they let in those mercenaries anymore. You don't quite belong here."
Kaiah scoffed back at the man in disbelief, "What is that supposed to mean?"
He turned to her, "I'm just saying you make the rest of us Redguards look like those shady Alik'r mercenaries."
Kaiah could not believe what she was hearing. Sure she looked a little roughed up from her training this morning but she was no shady mercenary. At least, not anymore. The nerve of this man! Who does he think he is? As she was about to clap back another Redguard man approached them, although he was wearing hide armor and had an iron sword strapped to his side. He looked like a mercenary.
Kaiah could not believe what she was hearing. Sure she looked a little roughed up from her training this morning but she was no shady mercenary. At least, not anymore. The nerve of this man! Who does he think he is? As she was about to clap back another Redguard man approached them, although he was wearing hide armor and had an iron sword strapped to his side. He looked like a mercenary.
"Leave her be Nazeem," the man stated, "if anyone makes us look bad it's you."
Nazeem put a hand on his chest in offense, "well at least I don't walk around dressed like commoner filth!" And with that he walked away, leaving Kaiah and the other stranger alone.
"Ignore him, he's rude to everyone," the man exclaimed, holding his hand out, "I'm Amren." Kaiah extended her hand, accepting the shake, "Kaiah. Quite a ways from home, huh?"
Amren laughed, "So are you! Good to see another Redguard! I like to think we bring a little heat to this frozen wasteland."
Kaiah let out another laugh. It was so pleasant to meet another Redguard, and know that she wasn't the only one around. "Some of the Nords here don't like the heat, apparently." Of course, she was referring to Vilkas. But he didn't seem to know that. Amren gave her a familiar look, "that was you I saw this morning running around Jorrvaskr?" Kaiah scratched the back of her head, embarrassed. She didn't think anyone else saw her. "Yeah… pissed off one of the Companions. Like I said, they don't like the heat."
Amren laughed. "You know," he started, "if you're looking for some work. My father's sword was stolen not too long ago. I tracked it down to a bandit encampment nearby but my wife would kill me if I set foot outside the wall. I'd pay you if you'd fetch it for me?"
Kaiah crossed her arms and grinned, "do I look like a mercenary to you?"
"C'mon, I know you didn't come to Whiterun to run errands for the Companions."
Kaiah grinned and nodded her head, "fine, I could use the work anyways. Not like the Companions are sending me on anything." Amren gave her a large smile, "here, I'll mark it on your map."
Kaiah went back to Jorrvaskr later that evening. She was far too tired to fetch Amren's sword, and she figured she had nothing to do tomorrow so it would be a perfect way to spend her day. Upon walking in she saw Athis and Njada brawling again in the corridor. Whatever they were fighting about, she didn't know, but it was sure entertaining to watch. She took a seat at a nearby table, keeping a safe distance, and watched the ensuing fight. Athis seemed to have the upper hand but it wouldn't be too long until Njada came swinging with an uppercut, nearly knocking the Dunmer to the ground. Torvar was cheering for the poor elf, swinging his tankard full of mead. Meanwhile Ria seemed to be cheering for the both of them. She was so sweet, Kaiah thought.
Kaiah saw a figure coming over in the distance. She looked up and saw Farkas, who took a seat on the other side of the table next to her. "How was your first day?" He asked innocently. Kaiah chuckled, "I really pissed off Vilkas this morning. Made me run fucking laps." Farkas laughed as grabbed a nearby bottle of ale and uncorked it. "He can be a grouch but he has a huge heart." Kaiah thought it was laughable. Vilkas, a heart? She surely hadn't felt it. "He cares about you guys and wants you to succeed. That's why he's so hard on ya'." Kaiah gave him a soft smile, Farkas sure had more good things to say about him than she did.
Tilma came out from the kitchens and rang the tiny bell. It was supper time. Athis and Njada finished their final swings before grabbing some nearby rags and wiping the blood off their faces. Ria and Kaiah sat next to each other at the table in their usual spots. As Tilma brought out the platters of food, the Companions started taking little by little for themselves and putting it on their plates. Kaiah Looked over to her friend.
"So, any plans tomorrow?"
"I have a job tomorrow!" the Imperial responded with excitement, "it's with Vilkas and Skjor. Apparently there's a den of necromancers in Eastmarch, so we get to clear them out."
Kaiah grinned, "sounds fun." Ria sighed, "honestly, I'm a little nervous. I've never fought necromancers before, but Skjor said the experience would be good for me."
Kaiah had never fought necromancers either, if she was being honest, and Ria's nerves were justified. "You'll be with Skjor and Vilkas. You'll be fine. Try not to think too much about it." In truth, Kaiah was envious. She wished she was going on a job that involved killing necromancers. However, she was so new, and she wasn't even a Companion yet, she knew it would be a while before she was offered any jobs.
The Companions spoke their usual drunken banter. Kaiah took her time eating and drinking, enjoying the conversations with her fellow friends. Torvar was throwing drunken compliments at Kaiah, however she was far from interested. Athis was a wise soul. Sharing his sword techniques that he learned over the years, and Kaiah seemed really interested. Njada was being her typical aloof self, not engaging much unless it was to insult someone. She didn't scare Kaiah though, and she knew they might get into a brawl one of these days. Ria, of course, was being her usual bubbly self. Kaiah really enjoyed her company, and she was probably the only person here she felt the closest to.
Kaiaha decided to stay behind everyone else and help Tilma wash the dishes. While Tilma appreciated the help, she insisted it wasn't necessary. But Kaiah was stubborn and helped the old woman anyways. As they carried the remainder of the dishes in the kitchen, the women started washing.
"You know," Tilma started, "I know everything that happens in these walls."
Kaiah smiled softly, "you know the latest gossip?"
"No dear," Tilma laughed, "I mean, I know everything that happens here. And I figured I should tell you that you need to be careful here. Not everything is as it seems."
Kaiah gave Tilma a confused look. Tilma sighed, "I have been tending to the warriors of this hall for sixty years, and I have seen many young warriors like you come and go. You do your best to watch yourself here. It's not safe for the curious minds."
Kaiah didn't say anything. She sounded so cryptic in what she said, like she knew the others were hiding something. And whatever it was, she didn't want Kaiah to find out. The Redguard knew to trust her elders, as they were the wisest and knew what was best. Clearly there was something here, and Kaiah knew Tilma was trying to warn her.
Kaiah went to bed that night thinking about what Tilma said. She didn't want it to keep her up but she couldn't stop thinking about it. She tried to shut her eyes and let the sleep overtake her, no matter how long it took.
Down the hall in Kodlak's quarters, Vilkas was sitting with the harbinger. Vilkas couldn't sleep, and he needed advice from his mentor. "This… I can't take this anymore…"
Kodlak sighed, "what's wrong?"
Vilkas looked away in shame, "I can't keep suppressing the blood. It's too strong… and every day it seems more difficult to control. I'm losing sleep over it."
The old warrior leaned forward in his chair, "I'm struggling too. It's our burden to bear, but we need to overcome it. We are strong enough."
Vilkas shook his head, "I don't understand why it's so hard…" Kodlak gave him a reassuring look, "You have a strong heart, Vilkas, and the wolf feeds from it. It can't be helped, but you can focus and overcome it. I know you can. Just be patient, and breathe."
Vilkas took in his mentor's advice. Whenever he was struggling with anything he always felt comfortable confiding with Kodlak. He was the only other person besides his brother who he trusted with his entire being. Even Aela and Skjor… he couldn't trust them anymore. He knew that they were still embracing the beast blood, despite Kodlak's wishes.
Vilkas' thoughts were interrupted when Kodlak spoke, "I saw you training with the new blood this morning." Vilkas rolled his eyes and scoffed, "oh right, the Redgaurd."
Kodlak let out a chuckle, "you have to admit, she has a fire in her."
"If you want to call it that."
"I've never seen you so flustered over a new recruit before," the old warrior admitted, "if I had known any better I'd thought you were smitten with her."
Vilkas let out an audible scoff of disgust, "As if! She threw my sword on the ground and was late to training this morning. On top of that, she has been nothing but disrespectful towards me-"
"Reminds me of someone I know," Kodlak grinned, "she challenges you. And I think it's a good thing. May help keep your mind occupied."
Vilkas bit his tongue. As if he would ever be interested in Kaiah. She was disrespectful, inconsiderate, stubborn… He could never be interested in such a woman. She was also smart, witty and beautiful, he had to admit. He would be lying to himself if he didn't think so. But she gets him so riled up he doesn't know what to say half the time. It stirs his beast blood and he knew best to stay away from her. He was her trainer though, much to his demise.
He needed to keep his distance. He had to, before he did something regrettable.
