A/N: Here is the second chapter! For an update schedule, check my profile page.

Jorrvaskr

"See, I'm not such a brute after all." Farkas smiled and tied off the bandage he had wrapped around her wound. "I always keep extra. Being a Companion is hard, messy work. But I wouldn't feel happy anywhere else." He finished the knot and gently released her, his gray eyes meeting hers. He had beautiful eyes. "You should come meet Kodlak. He'd like you."

Ilfhil was about to respond, but the target of the assassination hedged his way forward, his cheeks still rosy from his inebriation. "Miss..." He looked as if he was having trouble talking, but he forced himself to continue. "Thank you...for saving me." Ilfhil thought he was going to hurl, but he regained his composure and pulled a large coin purse out. "I would like to...repay my...debt."

"No, please, there's no debt to be paid." Ilfhil blushed, eyes from around the tavern on her. "What's your name?"

"Ignar. Ignar of Falkreath." His pride was boosted as he spoke his name, a smile turning his lips. "If I can ever repay my debt...please visit." Ilfhili stood and nodded, one of the bar maids coming to help the man back to his room.

Ilfhil sighed and Farkas laughed, standing beside her. "You have something special in you." He winked and smiled at her, making the young Nord woman blush. "So, will you come with me? To see Kodlak?"

His eyes pleaded with her and she smiled, imagining him as a puppy, looking at her with pleading eyes. "Alright. What can it hurt." He nearly burst with excitement, clapping his hands together once, before he contained himself. She laughed and retrieved her dagger from one of the bar maids who was cleaning the argonian blood off of the floor. It was a thankless job and Ilfhil promised she would give the woman a few extra coins before she left the inn.

Ilfhil had passed Jorrvaskr many times in her life, but had never given the building or the people much thought. Now, as she approached the intimidating structure, she wondered what type of person inhabited the walls. The path to the doors was well maintained, but the wood looked unlike anything the young Nord had ever seen. The wood appeared ancient and scarred, as if it had face thousands of foes and stood to defy even fate. It had character and Ilfhil felt a sharp pang in her heart. She felt as if she were home.

"Now, I must warn you, my brothers and sisters enjoy their drink after a hard days word, so don't mind a few strong...words." Farkas smiled at her and she smiled in kind, finally understanding what he had meant out in the farmer's field earlier.

"I think I can handle a few strong words." She paused as they approached the doors, the wood vibrating roughly in its frame. Farkas reached out and pulled the door open, a golden light spilling out onto the porch. She stepped in ahead of Farkas, loud singing, a roaring fire, and the sound of a brawl assailing her ears. "Wow..."

Farkas chuckled behind her and whispered softly, "Welcome to Jorrvaskr."

Aela noticed them first and elbowed a balding man beside her. Skjor, Farkas told her. "Well, icebrain, it seems you've been busy this evening." Skjor laughed and Farkas joined in, making Ilfhil frown.

"Not as busy as Ilfhil. Is Kodlak in his rooms?"

"The basement, with Vilkas." Skjor looked the young Nord over, then looked to Aela, who shook her head in response. The look they gave Ilfhil made her feel self-conscious and nervous, but she continued to follow Farkas.

The two made their way down a set of stairs and through doors which were rough, as if it had seen more bodies than could be counted in a single day. The basement level was impressive, which rich red carpets and silky tapestries. The air was warm, but well ventilated, and the common area was clean. They turned down a massive hallway, the length as long as Jorrvaskr itself, then into a short turn off where an older man and a man with the same eyes as Farkas but a much more sour face. "Kodlak, I've brought someone who I think would bring honor to our family." Ilfhil blinked at Farkas before she stepped forward, Kodlak's soft eyes relaxing her nerves.

"Would she now? Here, let me have a look at you." His eyes were as silver as his beard and as piercing as hardened steel as they examined the young Nord. She stood slightly taller, her shoulders back, and her chin high. She was in simple clothes, but the armor did not make the warrior. A small smile crossed the older man's lips and he nodded. "Hm. Yes, perhaps. A certain strength of spirit."

"Master, your not truly considering accepting her!" Ilfhil's eyes were drawn to the Farkas look alike and she frowned. He knew nothing of her, yet he wanted to prevent her from even trying? What arrogance!

Kodlak frowned at the young man. "I am nobody's master, Vilkas. And last I checked, we had some empty beds in Jorrvaskr for those with a fire burning in their hearts."

"Apologies. But perhaps this isn't the time. I've never even heard of this outsider."

Kodlak smiled and looked to Ilfhil, a gleam in his eyes. "Sometimes the famous come to us. Sometimes men and women come to us to seek their fame. It makes no difference. What matters is their heart." Ilfhil blushed softly, looking away from the piercing eyes of the Companion leader, feeling as though he could see into her soul. Who was this man?

"And their arm." Ilfhil glared at Vilkas. She disliked him and the sour mood he hung around him like a cloak. Did the man ever find beauty or hope in the world?

Kodlak smiled, but agreed with Vilkas. "Of course. How are you in battle?"

"I can hold my own, mostly. I prefer an axe and shield to anything else, and heavy armor to keep me safe." Farkas made an approving sound from behind her and Vilkas narrowed his eyes.

"That may be so. Vilkas will test your arm." He turned to Vilkas, leaving Ilfhil to clench her jaw. He would find fault in her stance, her hold, and her defense. He would not accept her. "Take her out to the yard in the morning and see what she can do."

"Aye."

"For now, Farkas, why don't you show our young friend to a bed. I'm sure she could use some rest." Ilfhil was shocked he was going to let her stay with them, but she bowed to him, grateful for his kindness. Farkas nodded, smiling, as he took hold of her arm, guiding her out of the room. Vilkas watched them go with a frown, unsure what the look on his brother's face had meant or what it could become.

"I told ya he would like you." Farkas released her arm and walked down the long corridor toward the common room. He turned right into a large room with multiple beds and nightstands. There were a few dressers and wardrobes and some tables for small meals. "Just pick a bed and fall in when you're tired. Tilma will keep the place clean. She always has." He stopped and she followed suit, looking up into his eyes and returning his soft smile. "This life can be hard, but I hope we can keep you." Ilfhil swallowed and nodded, unsure how to take his comment, or his kindness. She had only ever known a handful of people who had responded to her with tenderness.

"I'll try. I want to do well. And it seems I could learn a few things." She grinned as he chuckled, the sound warm and inviting, like a fire on the dark, cold nights of Evening Star.

"If you're looking for work, then come talk to me or Aela. Once you start making a name for yourself, Vilkas or Skjor might have something for you to do." Ilfhil nodded in understanding and shifted from foot to foot, not sure how to thank him for the beginning she had needed. "The doors are always open, so feel free to come and go as you please, but I hope you won't stay gone for long." He smiled at her, his hand moving from his hip, as if he were going to touch her, but he stopped. "Good night Ilfhil." He turned and left, retreated back down the hall to what the young Nord presumed was the direction of his room. Her cheeks were burning and she felt exposed, craving the cool steel of her armor instead of the loose thread her tunic and breeches were made of. Shaking her head, Ilfhil turned back to the large double doors leading up into Jorrvaskr, needing to collect her things from the Bannered Mare.

A/N: Comments and reviews are appreciated!