A couple days had passed blissfully for the Companions. After the incident settled down, everyone seemed to return to business as normal. Some of the other Companions thought Kaiah's attack was suspicious. The Circle would insist it was a wolf attack gone horribly, but some of them, especially Ria, thought it was more than just a mere wolf. Kaiah believed it to be a werewolf, regardless of what the others thought. Although why they were so insistent otherwise, baffled the Redguard.

Kaiah made her way out of the living quarters of Jorrvaskr, slowly. She had only started walking around the day prior, but her leg was still very tender and weak, and made standing for long periods of time difficult. The priestess of Kynareth, who paid her a visit only days ago, evaluated her, and determined that the wounds on her leg tore her muscles, so recovery would take a very long time. She was devastated, to say the least. She had been injured many times in her life, but never to this extent.

Kaiah wandered to the training yard, hoping to sit outside for the first time since the attack. Staying inside was growing dreary for her, and she needed some much needed sunlight. She took a seat in a chair closest to the yard, leaning her body weight against the table. She looked out and saw Athis, Njada, Torvar, and Ria training. Athis and Torvar were practicing their hand-to-hand combat, and Njada was swinging her sword at a dummy. Ria was practicing her swing on a dummy as well, with Vilkas nearby observing.

The Nord saw Kaiah in the corner of his eye. When he looked over his previously stern glare softened. He was surprised to see her out and about so soon. When she noticed his gaze he quickly averted it, focusing his attention on Ria again.

"Good to see you outside again."

Kaiah looked up and saw Kodlak standing next to her. "Well, I wish I was training." Kodlak pulled out a nearby chair and sat next to Kaiah. "Recovery is long and painful. But with patience, you will be back to swinging a blade again in no time."

The Redgaurd gave him a defeated look, "You seem more enthusiastic than I." Kodlak let out a laugh, "Well someone has to be. It's hope that keeps some of us moving forward. And I have enough for the both of us." Kaiah gave the old warrior a soft smile. She always liked Kodlak. He reminded her of her father. And with that sudden thought in mind, she would ask for Kodlak a favor.

"Do you have a quill and paper?"

"In my study," he admitted, "why?"

"I'd like to write a letter."

Kodlak brought her a quill and inkwell with some paper. She set up her writing area on the table and dipped her quill in the inkwell, glancing over at the Companions as she began writing.

Father,

I wanted to take the ample time I have now to write a letter. I know you requested I send a letter upon my arrival in Skyrim but I simply hadn't the time until now. As I write this I am in the company of the Companions in Whiterun. You might be curious as to how I came to be with such a rambunctious bunch, and the answer is quite simple. I left the Alik'r. This may come as a shock to you but I had been unhappy with their ideologies for a very long time. I took the assignment to Skyrim as a way to slip away from the organization, and so far I have not been snuffed. As I was wandering, looking for work, I stumbled upon the company of the Companions. While I have not been fully inducted in their ranks, I am currently awaiting the time where I can test my mettle and become a part of them officially. I really like it here. The Nords are quite curious and, while some arrogant, see me as a fellow warrior as opposed to an outsider. I suppose only time will tell if I will choose to stay within their ranks.

I hope to hear from you soon. And please wish mother well. I love you both.

Kaiah

As she finished writing her letter a figure approached her. It was Ria. "Writing letters now?" Kaiah took the paper and blew on it, "To my family." Ria cocked her head in surprise. "You have family?" Kaiah chuckled softly. "In Hammerfell. I haven't seen them in some years though. But I've taken to writing to them."

"Ria!" The two women looked up and saw Vilkas yelling from the training yard. "Training isn't over yet!" Ria looked at Kaiah and rolled her eyes, "Guess my break is over." Kaiah watched Ria walk back to her trainer. She was jealous that the others got to train and she was stuck on bedrest. Her back and abdomen felt better, truly, but her leg gave her the most trouble. Every morning she drinks a lingering health potion to offset the pain but she still feels it ache.

The next two weeks flew by quickly. Kaiah made an effort to watch the Companions train every chance she got. She thought she could learn a few things from observing the others. She also made an effort to walk around the city. She did so with Ria, of course, after evening meals, but everyday it got easier. Kaiah also tried to run, but quickly realized she was far from being able to do that. She knew her skills were going to suffer greatly because of her recovery. Having not lifted a sword in three weeks, she knew coming back to training would be difficult for her.

Against the wishes of her superiors, Kaiah opted to train on her own in the early hours of the morning. She knew no one was awake during these times, and she knew no one could watch her fail at swinging a simple dagger. Kaiah grabbed a dagger from the weapons rack and started swinging. She felt a sharp pain in her leg but decided to power through it. Unbeknownst to Kaiah, however, a man wandered into the courtyard as well. Much to his surprise he saw the Redguard training, and took it upon himself to lean against a nearby wooden post to watch.

Even when she was recovering from an injury, she was still stunning and deadly as she fought. She moved with such ease and it would seem to some with the untrained eye that she was merely dancing with a blade in her hand. However, her frenzy was short lived when she took a wrong step and fell over, clutching her wounded leg in pain.

"Hey!"

Kaiah looked behind her and saw Vilkas, who was leaning against a wooden post, call out to her. She immediately felt her cheeks grow hot from embarrassment. She didn't want anyone to see her like this. "I thought I was alone…"

The Nord let out a sigh as he walked over to her. He admittedly was avoiding her the last three weeks. Taking on more jobs and focusing on training his other students, he couldn't bear the thought of looking at her while she was in a state that he caused. And seeing her out here training today gave him hope that she finally recovered. Though her falling over only made him feel worse.

"Let me help you." He muttered, grabbing her by the arms and helping her on her feet. Kaiah bent down on her good leg and picked up the dagger on the ground. "Thank you." Vilkas put his hands on his side. "You're not ready to be training yet." Kaiah, who was about to prepare herself to swing at the dummy, gave him a glare. "How would you know? You've been avoiding me like the plague the last two weeks."

Vilkas winced at her comment. He hadn't realized she noticed. "Don't be ridiculous. I've been busy." Kaiah ignored him and started swinging at the dummy. She was doing better although made a conscious effort to keep off her injured leg. She suddenly lost her footing and inadvertently fell into Vilkas, who caught her in his arms. "I'm still your trainer," Vilkas scolded her, "and you're clearly not well enough to be training. You can barely keep your stance." Kaiah, now incredibly flustered, scoffed as she pulled herself away from him. "I know what I'm doing."

Vilkas was getting frustrated with the stubborn Redguard. "Can't you see we're just trying to help you?" Kaiah clenched her jaw as she turned around to face him, "I don't need your help!" The sudden outburst made Vilkas take a step back. "I am sick of you nagging in my ear all the time! Lecturing me on what I should and shouldn't do!"

Vilkas was getting angry now, "You are acting like a child!"

Kaiah scoffed, "I'm the child? What about you? Always losing your temper and lashing out at everyone else!"

Vilkas felt his blood boiling. He took a step forward and stared down at the Redguard. "You better watch your tongue, whelp!" Kaiah took a step as well, meeting his piercing gaze with her own, "Or what?"

He could nearly feel the steam coming out of his own ears. She always had a way of pushing his buttons, in an insufferable kind of way. His hands were clenched in fists and his knuckles were turning white. His jaw was clenched so tight he thought his teeth might shatter. He could feel the beast inside him trying to claw its way out to strangle the woman. Kaiah noticed his silver eyes starting to turn gold around the iris. But before she knew it, Vilkas turned away abruptly before storming back into the hall, slamming the doors behind him.

Kaiah stood there in shock. She didn't feel proud of herself for making Vilkas leave the way he did. But she was frustrated. She didn't understand why Vilkas had been avoiding her, when he could have been training her. She looked at the dagger in her hand, wondering why she was out here. Maybe Vilkas was right. She couldn't even hold her stance with a dagger, and perhaps she needed to slow down a bit.

A couple more days passed and Kaiah felt she was nearly ready to work again. She began with working on her balance with Aela before moving on to fighting with the sword again. Ever since her altercation with Vilkas she had been reluctant to try and speak with him. She had been sparring with Ria but had no one-on-one training with Vilkas. Ria thought it was suspicious and tried to pry some answers out of Kaiah, but she was dismissive. She loved Ria but she was awfully nosy.

Kaiah and Ria sat at the tables outside for their midday meal, enjoying the beautiful weather. Ria went on about her progress with her stance and how she was better with her swing. Kaiah listened to her friend boast, but she couldn't stop thinking about all the training she missed out on with her fellow Companions. Their conversation was interrupted when Skjor approached them.

"Skjor." Kaiah greeted him. She never recalled having a conversation with the man and she was curious as to why he was bothering the two whelps. "I've been looking for you," he admitted to her, "it seems your time has come."

Kaiah cocked her head curiously. Skjor continued, "A scholar came to us recently, saying he had found another fragment of Wuuthrad in a nearby ancient Nord burial mound. You're going to retrieve it. And this will be your Trial, to decide if you are worthy of officially joining our ranks."

"How exciting Kaiah!" Ria exclaimed. Kaiah stood there, dumbfounded. He didn't really think she was ready for her trial? So soon after she started training again?

"Am I… am I doing this alone?" she asked solemnly. Skjor crossed his arms, "No. You will have a shield-brother. And Farkas has volunteered to observe you. Failure is not an option. Do not disappoint." Before Kaiah could get a word in, Skjor turned around and went back inside Jorrvaskr. Ria nearly jumped out of her seat with excitement. "I can't believe you're about to go on your Trial! This is so exciting! You'll officially become a Companion!"

Kaiah wanted to be as excited as her Imperial friend, truly, but she felt anxious. She didn't feel ready to delve into a dangerous ruin quite yet, let alone with someone looming over her shoulder. She felt a lot of pressure on her shoulders. And with Skjor putting so much emphasis on succeeding without fail, it made her only more nervous. She tried not to think about it while she finished her meal with Ria.

After her meal she went to find Farkas in the mead hall, sitting on a bench watching Athis and Torvar spar. "I was told you would be with me for my trial?" Farkas looked up and smiled widely. "Yup, and I hope you've readied yourself." Kaiah laughed nervously, "Ready as I'll ever be."

The large Nord stood up, towering over her. "Well, we can leave now if you want. It's not terribly far from here." The Redguard gave him a nervous smile. He was much nicer than his brutish brother, she thought. "S-sure. No time like the present."

With that Kaiah and Farkas were on their way to Dustman's Cairn. Kaiah was quiet throughout the journey, and Farkas was never comfortable with silence. He tried his best to make small talk, but the Redguard had far too much on her mind to engage. She realized that Farkas was not as verbally eloquent as his twin. He was much more simplistic and said what was on his mind bluntly. She preferred that over Vilkas' overcomplicated speaking habits.

When they arrived at the burial mound it appeared that people had already been through it. There were empty potion bottles and looted chests. But what really got Kaiah was the stench. It reeked of death. She had never been in an ancient Nordic tomb before but she heard stories that they were haunted by the souls of the fallen Nord warriors buried within them. She could think of a million places she would rather be.

"Careful," Farkas warned, "looks like someone's been diggin' here, and recently."

Kaiah nodded and pushed on with Farkas. As they wandered through the maze of sarcophagi they heard a guttural moaning sound. Kaiah turned around and saw a tall decomposing corpse welding a rusted ancient war axe. Kaiah drew her scimitars and quickly took down the draugr. The commotion alerted other nearby corpses and within seconds there were three others just like it. Farkas drew his greatsword and cut down one of the draugr. Kaiah kicked one down and stabbed it in the chest, letting it fall to the ground. As the remaining draugr crept up behind the Redguard, Farkas took his longsword and impaled it from behind, narrowly missing her.

Kaiah turned around and stared at her companion, "These things fucking walk?"

Farkas let out a laugh, "Yeah. Didn't realize you weren't familiar with them. They're called draugr, and they don't like it when people come poking around their tombs. There'll probably be more ahead, so be on your guard."

Kaiah shuddered as she pressed on with Farkas. They hadn't seen any more of the draugr but they also hadn't run into whoever was there before them. As they wandered through the quiet tomb they came across an open room with a ritual circle in the center. It was highlighted by the sunlight that beamed through a small opening in the ceiling and the area was covered with moss and leaves. The only way past the room was through an iron gate that closed shut. Farkas walked over to the gate, "It's closed pretty tight. Try to find some kind of lever or something."

The Redguard nodded as she looked around the room for a lever or pull chain. She was relieved when she found a small room with a lever inside. Perhaps it would open the gate, she thought. She ran over and eagerly pulled the level. Though her stomach dropped when she heard a loud clang of metal behind her. There had been another iron gate to the room she was in and the lever activated it. She was trapped.

Farkas walked over and chuckled, "Alright, look what you got yourself into." Kaiah gave him a glare and he grinned. "Lemme see if I can get you out." Farkas took a step back to look around when he suddenly heard footsteps from down the hall. He lifted his nose and sniffed the air. Silver. Farkas drew his greatsword when he saw six people rush in with their weapons drawn. They didn't appear to look like normal bandits. They wore shining silver plated armor and wielded silver swords and axes. Kaiah certainly had never seen any bandits dressed like that before.

"Well, well, well…" one of the men exclaimed pridefully, "looks like we caught a big one."

"Which one is he?" one of the women asked. "Doesn't matter," one of the men shot back, "he wears that armor. He dies." One of the other women smirked, "Killing you will make for an excellent story."

'Who are these people?' Kaiah thought worriedly. Whoever they were, they seemed to know Farkas, and there were six of them and only one of him. Kaiah tried to lift the gate in an effort to help him, but it wouldn't budge. Farkas took a step back and sheathed his sword. 'What is he doing?'

"Too bad none of you will be alive to tell it."

Kaiah watched in shock as she saw her companion kneel on the ground. His body appeared to be shifting and getting larger, fur was coming out of the openings of his steel armor. Kaiah's shock soon turned to horror as she saw him shift into a large wolf-like beast. So similar to one that attacked her that terrible night not so long ago. The beast launched itself at one of the men, ripping its armor off and tearing at the flesh. It did the same to the others, biting into their necks and ripping their throats apart. Kaiah leaned against the wall inside the small room, watching in horror as the man she once knew tore through the people before her.

When he was finished he looked at Kaiah, who was now sitting on the floor, trembling in fear. He remembered what happened to her, how traumatized she was after it. This was a last resort, and he hoped that the rest of Circle would understand. On all fours he walked through the now opened gate and pulled the lever on the other side, ultimately releasing Kaiah from the trap. Once he shifted back he was now naked, and realized that his armor was still in the other room.

"F-Farkas?" Kaiah cried out, her voice trembling.

"Uh…" she heard him from down the hall, "can you bring me my armor? I'm naked."