"You want to take on a Companion? I'll take you on!" Njada shouted across the room to Morenwen. She was sweating and breathing heavily, but otherwise sustained little damage from the fistfight that just occurred a moment ago. The room was momentarily silent. Only the sound of the hearth in the middle of the room crackling and Athis coughing up blood on the floor could be heard. There was quite the audience in the room. A couple elders and an elderly maid were in one corner of the place watching the scene, concerned of how it will turn out. There was an obvious drunk passed out, slumped forward on the mead table. An Imperial girl was sitting next to him, looking at her fellow warriors with concern in her eyes. The Circle members Skjor, the twins Farkas and Vilkas, and Aela the Huntress were watching the spout. Their eyes switching between their whelp and the looming stranger near the front door. Jenassa was helping Athis onto his feet and lead him to a chair nearby.

"I don't care who you are, no one disrespects Njada Stonearm."

The other Companions turned their heads to the guests standing near the front doors.

Morenwen's eyebrows lifted slightly and looked towards Jenassa for an answer to the woman's challenge. Jenassa glanced at Njada. She's obviously going to lose… Jenassa turned her eyes back to Morenwen and just shrugged her shoulders. Morenwen responded by tilting her head in confusion. Do I have to make the decisions for you? Jenassa rolled her eyes and said in a low audible tone, "Just go easy on her." Morenwen stared for a second before she nodded once in understanding. Morenwen gave her attention to the Nord woman Njada.

"Njada Stonearm, I am known as Morenwen. I accept your challenge."

"Good, I like to know who the names of the people who think they can beat me in a fistfight."

"Uhh…Njada? I don't think that's a good idea," piped up the Imperial girl at the table. She could obviously see that the one named Morenwen looked dangerous, and possibly stronger than her fellow member.

"Shut it, Ria. This milk drinker thinks they can come in here and smack talk me? Us? The Companions of Skyrim? I can't allow this arrogant wench to leave here unscathed…"

"My apologies for seemingly offending you before. I only stating what came to mind out loud."

Njada grits her teeth in anger. "You have some nerve, you milk drinker. You think you're better than me?

"I can tell from here that I am better than you."

"Why you-"

"That shall be enough." The voice came from an old man in wolf armor ascending from a flight of stairs.

"H-Harbinger." Njada's worked up anger mellowed out a bit at the appearance of her elder.

"This should not be how we welcome honored guests here in our halls." The older man was getting on in his years, but still held a strong composure to himself. He strides across the hall towards Morenwen and Jenassa. He stops in front of the dark elves. "Jenassa, it's been some time since you've visited us. What brings you to Jorrvaskr?"

Jenassa stood straighter from her position next to Athis. "I am here to see how my friend Athis was doing. As you can see Kodlak, it could be better." The Harbinger, Kodlak, looked at Athis at that comment and frowned at the condition of one of his members.

"Yes, it could indeed." He glanced over at Njada, who looked a little ashamed. He then turned his attention to the tall elf Morenwen. "And you, what brings you to Jorrvaskr?"

"I came here with Jenassa."

Kodlak nodded, "I see. Tell me, what do you think of the Companions?"

After some pondering she answered, "I cannot make a sound judgement of the entirety of your order at this moment, Harbinger."

He nodded his head, accepting the answer. "I hear one of the whelps wants to teach you a lesson."

"Yes, they have."

"Well, if both of you want to fight please take it out in the yard. There's enough blood on the floor to keep Tilma up all night scrubbing out the stains." He turned around, "Athis. Njada. Apologize to Tilma, for Talos sakes she cleans up after all your messes."

"I'm sorry for bleeding on the floor, Tilma," apologized Athis, who finally felt a little better after the room stopped spinning around him.

"I'm sorry, Tilma…" muttered Njada.

"Good." Kodlak addressed himself to his Companions. "Now, how about we all get some fresh air." Everyone one in the room, with the exception of the Tilma, Torvar, and a couple of the other elders made their way to a set of doors on the opposite side of the hall, leading to the Companions training yard. Kodlak was making small talk with Jenassa, Athis, and Morenwen as they were making their way to the yard. "Still getting into fights with Njada, Athis?"

Athis took a quick gulp of a health potion that Jenassa provided to him before answering, "Aye, she's a fierce one let me tell you. Make one negative comment about her shield stance, and she starts swingin'." Jenassa chuckled at that comment, since that's how Morenwen's encounter with Njada also played out. "Thanks fer the potion again, Jenassa. I'll make it up to you when I can."

"Don't mention it. I ought to bring a spare one whenever I come visit if this keeps up."

"Heh, yeah well hope you have another one for yer friend here."

"I highly doubt she will need one at all, right Morenwen."

"Yes," Morenwen responded, "I have far more experience when it comes to unarmed combat."

"Oh, where did you learn it?" Morenwen didn't respond right away. "….Morenwen?"

"….in the arena."

"Oh. What arena was it?"

"It does not exist anymore."

"I see…." Jenassa thought she touched on something that Morenwen didn't want to bring up. She switched the subject a bit, "How well do you handle a blade?"

"Well enough to inflict injury."

"I've seen you throw a great sword through a man's skull, Morenwen." Athis was shocked to hear feat of strength like that so casually come from Jenassa. Kodlak's sideways glance showed hidden interest. "A barbaric, but effective method of dispatching a foe from a distance. Although, you could always use a bow and arrow."

"They do not suit me. I am a terrible shot."

"Then we should practice. I'm a decent shot."

"That's an understatement," said Athis, "You're just a good a shot as Aela, maybe even better."

Kodlak seemed to agree. "Yes, you would make quite the Companion, Jenassa."

"You honor me Kodlak, but I simply wouldn't fit in with your group," replied Jenassa.

"Yes, of course."

Jenassa went back to her previous line of questions towards Morenwen. "So, you're not a good shot with arrows, but from what I saw and what you said, you are well versed in warfare. Do you think you could handle one of the twins in swordplay?"

"The smaller one surely, the larger one as well with a little bit more effort," replied Morenwen.

"Do you think you could best me?"

"Are you challenging me as well?"

"No no…but a friendly spar wouldn't hurt."

"Oi, I'd pay money to see that," interjected Athis, "Jenassa is the best goddamn swordswoman you'll ever meet. I may be an expert, but she's a master of her craft."

"Yes, I could tell when I first saw her," replied Morenwen.

"Really?" exclaimed Jenassa as the group and her made it into the training yard. "How could you tell something like that?"

"It's hard to say."

"Please, say it. I would like to know."

"Well, you could say that I saw you as a threat."

"A threat?"

"Yes, a threat. It's something that I've learned to sense way back when."

"How can you tell?"

"It's hard to explain. One would say that it's akin to how a rabbit perceives a fox as a threat. It's something in their eyes, the feeling you have, the intent they have that emanates from them that makes you aware of how much of a threat they are to your well-being."

"I see."

"Sadly, Njada does not have this sense you speak of. Please go easy on the whelp," piped Kodlak.

Morenwen nodded. That's two people who have told her to hold her strength back against Njada. She's going to really have to hold herself back.

Everyone called to the yard was assembled. "Alright everyone. Everyone take a seat besides our Njada and our guest Morenwen. They shall settle this now." Everyone was mumbling about the upcoming fight. There were questions exchanging between them. How strong was Morenwen? Why is Kodlak letting them fight it out? Who would win? Jenassa, Athis, and Ria sat at one table while Vilkas, Farkas, Aela, and Skjor sat at a different table, Farkas munching on a leg of goat roast. "Okay you two, I shall preside over this. Fists only, no hits below the waist, holds, trips, kicks, headbutts, wrestling, biting, spitting, or pushing your opponent. Refrain from aiming for behind the head or vital organs if you can. The fight ends when one of you cannot continue fighting," Kodlak was announcing as he was between Morenwen and Njada. Both staring at each other from the both ends of the yard. Njada had to look slightly up to look into Morenwen eyes."

"What do you think brother, will Njada be okay?" Farkas asked his brother.

"Maybe. Never seen this woman before, so I can't tell how well they fight," replied Vilkas

"I'm bettin' on the tall one," stated Skjor, "Something about her that screams she's a true Nord warrior."

"Really, Skjor," said Aela, "No confidence on a fellow Companion?"

"Hah, she's still has a few, if not a lot more, things to learn before I can even think of allowing her into the Circle."

"You know," piped Farkas, "I don't really see a warrior in that tall elf, Morenwen."

"What makes you say that?"

"Well, warriors such us slays for honor and glory, right?"

They all agreed to that. "Right, and?"

"Well," Farkas continued, "In her, I see…"

"See…?"

"…A cold-blooded killer."

Ria finished wrapping Athis's torso so his ribs would set in place correctly. Njada broke his lower ribs with that last punch so it would take several days to mend. Athis drank the last drop of the health potion before setting it on the table. Jenassa snuck the bottle back in her satchel to later have it refilled at Arcadia's Cauldron. Ria seemed to have a worried look directed at Njada across the yard. "I hope Njada will be okay, your friend looks scary."

"Quite, but don't worry. We've told her to go easy on your fellow Companion."

"She's that strong?"

"From what I've seen, yes."

"I'm goin' to enjoy the show. Seeing Njada knocked down a couple notches is good for healin'," chuckled Athis. Ria seemed to disapprove of Athis wanting one of her friends to be beaten up for his amusement.

"Alright," yelled Kodlak, "You two please pace yourself back a few paces." Morenwen and Njada took a couple steps back from each other, all the while look at each other's eyes. They now stood several feet away. Morenwen removed her tattered cloak and took off her gauntlets. Everyone could get a better view of her scarred face. Only seasoned survivors gained that many scars. She wore fingerless gloves underneath her gauntlets. They hung loose relaxed by her sides. Njada made a move to remove her hide helmet.

"I would suggest you leave that on. It wouldn't be well if you sustained any head injuries," said Morenwen across the yard. How dare she think I can't handle a punch to the face thought Njada. She continued with taking off her helmet and threw it on the ground forcefully in pent up frustration. "I'll do what I want," she yelled. Morenwen seemed unfazed at the action.

After a momentary stall Kodlak announced, "Begin."

Njada got into a fighting stance, ready to smack the shit out of that almighty elf bitch. Morenwen merely stood there, looking her. Hmph, thinks she doesn't have to put up her guard against me? I'll show her. With a roar Njada charged at her foe. As she got into range she wound back her fist to deliver hook to her lower ribs, aiming to break something right away. She swung her fist forward, only to hit empty air where her opponent was. Morenwen casually sidestepped her punch.

"Stand still!" Njada swung again, but still missed. Again and again Morenwen would dodge each punch with relative ease, using her long legs and quick reactions to seemingly dance around Njada.

"C'mon Njada, hit her!" "Watch her footwork!" "Swing harder." Everyone at the Circle's table watching Njada miss were seriously surprised that someone so tall would be that quick and agile. They could tell though that Njada's punches were too slow and swung wide to connect. She was still exhausted from beating up Athis and it was showing already in the first couple minutes of the fight. It couldn't even be called a fight really. There was no fighting between the two at all. Each time Njada attacked Morenwen would get out the way. This went on for several minutes. The initial hype of the match lost steam fairly quickly. The Companions looked visibly bored as they stopped yelling. What should've been a fistfight, turned into a waltz of some kind. A very disappointing dance. Kodlak simply kept watching the fight, not once changing expression.

Jenassa was disappointed in the fight as well. No one has sustained a scratch at all yet. Njada was tiring out already and Morenwen hasn't retaliated at the assault.

"Well, I think I can speak for everyone that I expected more from this," said Athis.

"Quite, I feel she took our requests a bit too far." Morenwen dodged another swing from Njada. Oh, for Azura's sake. "THROW A PUNCH ALREADY!"

Njada swung again, but recoiled after something hit her and feeling a sharp pain on her temple, stumbling back stunned. Wh-What? Did I get punched? She looked up and saw that her opponent finally put her arms up.

"What happened? Did she punch back," asked Ria. She was following the fight with more focus than most, but she still missed what hit Njada.

"That was quite the solid jab with her left she threw," commented Jenassa.

"Wait, she only threw a left jab?"

"Yes, it was fairly quick, but I could tell she pulled it back a bit to not do too much damage. She's taking really doing her best to not outright beat down Njada." As that was being said Njada stepped forward to get into pummeling range, but Morenwen threw another quick left jab that she couldn't dodge right away that knocked her right back. It was solid enough of a jab that it could've been a straight. Every goddamn time she got close, she'd get punch with the same left jab. It was infuriating! "Raaaaargh!" Njada charged, but go punched.

Again. Again. Again. And yet again, each time she got into range. She sustained a cut on her temple where she has been repeatedly hit, and now it was bleeding on her face, pooling in and near her eyes. How. Smack. How dare she. Smack. Toy with me. Smack. Like this. "RAAAAAAAARGH!" She saw red. Adrenaline coursed through her being as she stampeded towards her opponent as an unstoppable force. Morenwen narrowed her eyes to the sudden change in her opponent and threw a left jab anyway that hit Njada squarely in the same spot she's been hitting. Only this time Njada kept coming, seemingly ignoring everything around her to get to Morenwen. A wild swing connected with the side of her face that stunned her in surprise, it was then followed up by a shot to her gut, knocking the wind out of her.

"Ooooh, she's angry now. That punch looked like it hurt. I would know," Athis said, holding his gut as he was reminded of taking a similar punch not moments ago.

"Go Njada go!" "Her guards down, keep it up!" "Fight like a true Nord!" All the Companions were cheering on Njada after the sudden shift in momentum of the fight. Morenwen sidestepped a straight, but Njada didn't lose her this time and followed her with solid hit to her side. Morenwen backed away until something her back hit the brick wall that was part of the city wall. Njada wasted no time and trapped her in the pocket and unleashed a barrage of lefts and rights. Left and right, left and right. Njada using every drop of adrenaline unbridle rage against Morenwen to knock out her foe. Most of the missed or were blocked, but she didn't care. She just wanted to see her bleeding and bruised. You. Will. Go. Down! She didn't pay attention to anything, only watching how her opponent was getting knocked around by her fueling her onslaught. Then something broke through that barrier. She heard voices shouting from somewhere.

"She's getting hurt!"

Take that you bitch. I'm doing it.

"She's tiring out."

Think you're fucking better than me. You can't beat a true Nord.

"That's a lot of blood…"

Finally got you to bleed like a stuck boar.

"Oi, she's stopped moving."

Yeah, you better be not g-get back u-up…wait-I can't move.

The voices she heard were echoing now. Her vision was spiraling around her. They weren't talking about Morenwen. They were talking about her. The red cleared from her eyes and was replaced by fuzziness. Somewhere during her rampage she didn't notice that her bare fists were bleeding from scrapes and bruising from her wild swings. With her adrenaline surge gone, she felt everything. The dizziness, the tiring sluggishness, but most importantly the pain. She felt worse than after that tussle with five troll with Ria and Torvar. She was staring at the ground. Her arms limp down in front of her, blood dripping down from the fingertips to on top of the cobblestone. She couldn't do anything she thought. She used up all her energy. Exhausted. Defenseless. Vulnerable. Dead.

"Finish her," declared a voice from behind her.

Njada shakily raised her eyes up to face Morenwen. The last thing she saw was an ever growing fist that turned everything pitch black.