Thanks again to everyone still reading this story! I really appreciate your views and reviews.
Last chapter was a little too close to game events for my liking, so I tried to mix it up a little this time. I also edited the dialog slightly at the end of Ch.1. I'm new to writing, so any feedback you guys have is much appreciated.
Vilkas sat outside at one of the benches overlooking Jorrvaskr's practice yard. It was good to be home. He had the stone porch to himself right now, since the other Companions were either on missions or eating lunch inside. Vilkas savored a moment of peace as he nursed a mug of mead and enjoyed the cool afternoon breeze. He could catch a myriad of scents on the air today, from honey and hops brewing at Honningbrew Meadery to the sharp tang of mammoth cheese drifting from a distant giant's camp. His brows creased slightly in irritation as he observed the "gap" in the ranks of training dummies against the wall. It had been three weeks since he had tested the new whelp and she had uprooted one of the damn things. His reverie was broken as the back doors of Jorrvaskr burst open, followed by a heavy footfall. Vilkas didn't even need to turn around to recognize that it was Farkas.
"Hey Brother," Farkas greeted him. He sat down across from Vilkas on the bench and took a sweetroll off his brother's plate.
"Back already I see?" Vilkas said.
"And you too. How'd your mission go?" Farkas asked between bites. "I saw Heimskr out there safe and sound by the Talos shrine, or rather I heard em."
Vilkas sighed. "He told me bandits caught him when he was on his way to preach in Riverwood. When I found him in Shimmermist Cave he was alone. I think they had enough of his sermons and fled. By Ysmir's bloody beard that man can go on. You know I'm as religious as any Nord when it comes to Talos, but gods damned." He shook his head.
Farkas grinned. "Talked your ear off the whole way, I take it?"
"One minute he tells me that Talos loves me and all mankind. Next, he says we're all a bunch of maggots crawling in the dirt. I had to listen to this shit the whole way home. I almost wish I'd left that windbag in the cave." Vilkas complained.
Farkas let out a deep chuckle.
"Anyway, enough of him. How was Markarth?" Vilkas asked.
"It went real well. A band of Forsworn kidnapped an innkeeper's daughter when she was out at a farm buying supplies. I tracked em down to Broken Rock Redoubt. Then I killed several Forsworn, including a Briarheart. The rest ran off. I brought the girl safely back home to her parents in Markarth. They were so grateful they said I can stay at their inn for free any time. And their daughter, Hroki, well she was grateful too." Farkas said with a soft smile.
"Is that so?" Vilkas asked casually. His brother looked entirely too smug for his liking.
"Yeah. That Hroki, she's a pretty little thing," Farkas said. His smile transformed into a grin.
"Hmm," Vilkas grunted. So, Farkas enjoyed a glorious battle and met a beautiful woman, while I had to endure a four-hour sermon on Talos? His sibling rivalry began to simmer.
"Did you know that the beds are made of stone in Markarth?" Farkas asked with a gleam in his eye.
"Yes, a perfect match for that hard head of yours." Vilkas said to his gloating brother.
"Well, if you hear of any new jobs out near Markarth, let me know ok?" Farkas asked.
"Aye," Vilkas agreed. His annoyance melted into sympathy when he saw the faraway look of longing in his brother's eyes. This Hroki must really be something.
The doors onto the stone patio opened again, and this time Aela emerged with bottles of mead in her hands. She joined the twins at the bench.
"So, the victors have returned home at last I see?" She smiled at them.
"Did we miss anything?" Farkas asked.
"Well, Athis got into another fist fight with Njada and lost. Torvar got arrested for drunken behavior in the marketplace. Seems he forgot his pants that night too. No, I'd say it was business as usual while you were gone," Aela said.
"How has Kodlak been?" Vilkas asked.
Aela's expression turned serious. "You know the old man hasn't been well. He's been forgetful and distracted of late. He's hasn't been taking his medicine and he forgot to settle some of our bills. Over the past few weeks I've been helping him catch up with things."
Vilkas and Farkas exchanged a quick glance. Although the old man was not well, they knew the true reason he was so distracted. He was spending every spare moment researching the cure for their lycanthropy. After Kodlak fell ill, the choice of their forebears began to haunt him. He recently admitted to the brothers that the beast blood would prevent their souls from entering Sovngarde after death. Vilkas felt betrayed. This wasn't explained to them when they joined the Circle. Still, what's done is done. The brothers agreed to join Kodlak in stopping their transformations until the cure was found. They wouldn't dare to mention this to Aela. The wolf was an integral part of her identity and they knew she would be offended by the very suggestion of taking Hircine's blessing away.
"Do you have the time to help the old man along with your other work? I could take over some of your jobs," Vilkas offered.
"No need," Aela said. "Since the newblood joined us, I've had her take over my smaller jobs so I could stay in the den and help Kodlak."
"By newblood you mean that girl?" Vilkas asked with a frown. "I don't know what Kodlak was thinking when he let her in," He said.
"Ha! You just have something against archers because we don't use "real weapons" like that big knitting needle you carry on your back," Aela said wryly.
"It's not that," Vilkas countered. "If an enemy were unlucky enough to trap you, you're strong enough to hold your own with those puny daggers of yours, or your beastform. That girl's no warrior and she's too small. Mark my words. In close combat she will be useless to us. Also, her scent seems…anxious to me. I think she's hiding something."
"Of course she's anxious. The girl is still trying to figure out how she fits into the pack. We were all in her place once." Aela said.
Vilkas just shook his head. He couldn't help the feeling that she was up to something.
Lily approached the boilery building of Honningbrew Meadery. Her timing was good. The workers should be finishing up and leaving for the night. When she saw Mallus Maccius emerge from the door, she waved him down. They stepped over to the side of the building to talk.
Mallus was a pinch-faced man with stringy dark hair and shadowy eyes. He was one of the Thieves Guild's many contacts throughout the Holds. The guild had its eyes and ears everywhere.
She nodded to him. "Mallus, I was wondering if you had any news for me from Riften."
"I might have news for you, if I could be persuaded to part with it," He answered, leaning casually against the wall.
"You're charging me for it? What in Oblivion is this?" Lily's eyebrows rose up in outrage.
Mallus shrugged. "Word I hear is that Mercer kicked you out. You got to pay up now like the rest of the civilians." He smirked.
With a foul oath, Lily paid out 5 septims. She snatched the proffered letter from Mallus' greasy hand in exchange.
Lily wandered over to the stone bridge that crossed the White River. She hopped up onto the ledge of the bridge and sat down to read her letter.
Lily,
Hey, how's the job going? Any luck yet?
I may as well break the worst of the news first. Bryn and I tried talking sense into Mercer. We asked him to give that axe job to someone else and let you back in. Mercer's being a stubborn ass about it. He even forbade any guild members from helping you with your mission.
I always worried that one day you'd push him too far with your attitude. The man has an ego the size of Nirn and it doesn't take much to get on his bad side. We are not giving up on you yet. Still, the way things are now, you might get back here faster if you finish that axe job.
It's going to be a while before I can write again. This evening, Mercer came to me and said he needs me for a mission. We've learned that Karliah is still alive and has been causing trouble for the guild. She's the one who killed our last guild master over 20 years ago. I told Mercer he'd be better of hiring the Dark Brotherhood for this kind of thing, but I guess he wants us to wash our own dirty laundry. We're headed out to Snow Veil Sanctum tomorrow to track her down. If this job goes well, Mercer is going to owe me big and I may convince him to let you come home.
I'll write you again as soon as I'm back. Be careful and let me know how things are going, ok?
Shadow Hide You,
Vex
Lily stared at the rushing water of the White River for a moment and let the news sink in.
She felt a stab of worry at the thought of Vex taking on Karliah in this new mission, but pushed it aside. Vex knew what she was doing. She was one of the most talented members the guild had. Why else would Mercer choose her for such a dangerous job?
Damn Mercer. Lily thought he would have cooled off by now, but the letter dashed all hopes of a quick return to Riften. She was stuck for now, until the shards of Wuuthrad were whole again and the axe could be taken. Her heart sank a little. It wasn't that being with the Companions was unpleasant. On the contrary, the longer she stayed with them the more she grew to like them. It would not do for her to become attached to her targets. The sooner this job is over and done with the better, Lily thought.
Lily folded the letter and tucked it away in one of the many pockets of her leathers. She made her way back down the road towards the city gate in the twilight.
There was a chill in the air this evening. Lily welcomed the warmth that hit her as she opened the carved wooden doors of Jorrvaskr and entered its cozy dining hall.
In the glow of the firepit, she could see that most of the Companions were gathered at the long table to enjoy their dinner.
Aela's silver gaze met Lily as she walked through the door. "So, have you vanquished the beasts?"
"The skeevers won't be eating Farmer Owin's leeks any longer," Lily replied. "He also gave me a sack of potatoes for Tilma."
Aela grinned. "Good work! Now come sit down and eat with us."
Lily took the seat next to Aela and helped herself to some nut treats. She saw Skjor seated on Aela's other side. Skjor was a warrior in his middle years with a bald head and distinctive scar across his clouded left eye. From what Lily heard, it was a wound from a Thalmor blademaster, taken during the Great War. He had a fierce and intimidating look to him, except when he gazed upon Aela.
Many other Companions were sharing a meal together this night. There was old Vignar Gray-Mane and his manservant, Brill. They listened as Ria cheerfully told them of the bear she'd killed that morning.
At the other end of the table, she saw Farkas and Vilkas sitting next to each other and deep in conversation. Today they were both clad in the Companion's distinctive wolf-themed steel armor. She couldn't help but appreciate the handsome sight of them together. It was as though the gods crated one man so well that they couldn't resist making two. Since the day Vilkas sent her off to sharpen his sword, he'd barely said a word to Lily and only glared at her in passing. She could tell he didn't trust her. Well, the man clearly had good instincts.
Tilma, the sweet old woman who was the Companion's housekeeper, came around the tables and dispensed a stew that smelled wonderful.
Lily watched as Skjor fished around in his bowl with a spoon. He frowned and then glared at the stew with his good eye, "Where's the meat?" he demanded.
"Hush," Aela said. "You don't want to hurt Tilma's feelings. Since Kodlak forgot to pay our bill last month, Anoriath's been putting off filling our orders. I think he's trying to teach us a lesson. Don't worry. I'm going to have Vilkas handle this one."
Skjor put his spoon down and said, "If there's no meat to be had, then we're going hunting tonight."
"Of course," Aela replied. "But let's be discrete about it. You know the old man doesn't like it."
By "old man" Lily guessed they meant Kodlak. But what would he have against hunting?
Lily looked up and saw that Kodlak himself had come into the dining hall to spend time with the Companions. He circulated around the table, personally speaking with everyone. He asked Ria how her sword practice was going and congratulated Farkas and Vilkas on their most recent missions. Lily could tell that he cared deeply for his people. If only Mercer could have been a leader like this. He came over to Lily next.
"Lily. How goes your first few weeks with the Companions?" Kodlak asked.
"Things have been going well," Lily replied. "Although, it's surprising how many skeevers you have in this town."
Kodlak just smiled and said, "Keep up the good work and soon more interesting jobs will come your way, I promise you."
After dinner, Lily reluctantly made her way downstairs to the common sleeping quarters where all but the Circle members slept. Damn but that place was as cramped. She was not looking forward to hearing Athis snore or smelling Torvar's stinky boots.
In the morning, Lily sought out Aela to ask for her next task. She found the huntress in Kodlak's quarters, sitting across the table from the old man with a large stack of papers scattered between them.
"Good morning, Kodlak, Aela," Lily said. "I was wondering if you had any other work for me today?"
Aela spoke, "No, I have nothing else at the moment. I think Vilkas may have some extra jobs. You should check in with him."
Shit. "Alright." Lily said warily. "Where can I find him?"
"He tends to sleep in late, so he's probably in his quarters." Aela frowned that the stack of papers in front of her. "It's far too busy around here for any of us to rest our haunches. Feel free to wake him up," Aela insisted.
Lily walked down the hall and wondered what menial task the broody Companion would have in store for her. More sword sharpening? Maybe his boots needed polishing too?
Lily stood in front of Vilkas' room and pounded on his door.
"What!" an irritated voice called from within.
She took that as permission to enter.
Lily stepped inside and looked around the room. It was built of gray stone, just like the rest of this level and had an arched roof. Although small, it was a vast improvement over the cramped quarters shared by the "whelps." Circle members like Vilkas had the luxury of privacy. The room was decorated with comfortable wooden furniture including a table and chairs, bookshelf and dresser. A few rugs on the floor and some bright candles gave the space warmth. In the right corner, there was a wooden screen with a bed behind it.
Aela had been right that Vilkas slept late. From behind the wooden screen, he threw off his fur covers, planted his bare feet on the rug and rose from his bed.
Vilkas was still groggy from slumber and his hair was slightly askew. He wore a pair of tundra-cotton sleeping trousers. Lily could not help but admire the rippling muscles of his arms and the hard planes of his bare chest and abdomen. Scars both faded and new marked his warrior's body. A scattering of black hairs over his arms and torso only added to the masculine view.
Lily pulled her eyes back to his face with some difficulty, but had no remorse for her wandering gaze. I'd have to be blind or dead not to look, she thought.
Vilkas stood in the middle of his room and glared at this unwelcome intruder. He rubbed his forehead. A trip to the Bannered Mare last night with Farkas had left him with a slight hangover. "What do you want, whelp?" he asked curtly.
"I finished up my jobs for Aela. She told me to find you and ask if you had other work."
"Oh," He said. "Wait a moment." He turned his back to her to rifle through some papers on his table. Lily was confronted with the distracting view of his broad shoulders and muscular back. Her eyes dropped lower of their own accord. She tried to divert her gaze from his tight, cotton-clad bottom by looking around his room.
Her eyes fell on stacks of books jammed together in the bookshelf and scattered on the floor. She frowned. Now that's just unfair. Strong, handsome and intelligent too? She did a quick inventory, impressed by the variety of books on Tamriel's history and lore. She smirked when she saw "The Fallen," a book about the Thieves Guild by an ambitious writer who had secretly infiltrated their ranks.
She picked up the book and flipped through it. She looked up at Vilkas and said, "I guess us Riften low-lifes make for a good read, eh?"
He turned around and gave her an icy stare, grabbed the book from her hand and tossed it back on the pile on the floor.
"You read?" He asked, skeptical.
She nodded. "Taught by the Thieves Guild. I'll always be in their debt for that one."
Vilkas made a disdainful expression when she mentioned the guild. "Now that I think of it, there is a job that Aela gave me that may be better suited to you."
Lily started to feel uneasy at the smooth, calculating tone of his voice.
"It seems we had a disagreement with Anoriath, the meat seller at the market. We've since paid him what he was owed, but he is delaying our orders to teach us a lesson. We need to show him that you don't trifle with the Companions. Flex your muscle, rough him up a little and convince him to take us seriously. Don't kill him or use weapons. That will get you into trouble with the guards."
Lily's eyes widened. "Flex my muscle? Are you losing your eyesight? You're asking me to fistfight this guy?" This was definitely a case where her small size would work against her.
She detected a slight twitch at the corner of his mouth. It was the closest thing to a smile she'd seen on his broody, handsome face.
Vilkas shrugged. "If you aren't capable of doing such a simple job…"
If I can't do such a simple job, he could argue to Kodlak that I have no place in the Companions, Lily thought.
"No, I'll do it," Lily protested. Shit, how am I going to do it? She'd been in a fistfight once, with Saphire, a Nord woman almost as small as she was. Lily had lost that one.
The colorful fabric awnings of the merchant's stalls flapped in the breeze. A few shoppers meandered around the marketplace with their baskets, haggling for the best prices. An old woman filled a bucket of water at the central well.
Lily cautiously circled the marketplace, watching her mark as he hawked his goods from behind his colorful stall.
"The finest cuts of meat, fresh from the wilds!" He called out.
Anoriath was a Bosmer elf with tan skin, dark amber eyes and long auburn hair tied up with a leather cord. Although he was slender, Lily saw that the muscles of his arms bulged under the short sleeves of his leather tunic. She cursed her luck. He looked strong and would probably wipe up the marketplace with her. Maybe if I try reasoning with him I can persuade him to give us what we want? Lily strode up to his stall, prepared to apply the full power of her speechcraft skill on the man.
Anoriath smiled at her approach, thinking she was a customer. "Greetings, can I interest you in a fine cut of mammoth snout?"
"Uh, I don't have much taste for mammoth right now. I need to speak you about the Companion's meat order," Lily said.
Anoriath's expression hardened and he folded his arms. "I see, well it's just like I told Aela. You Companions made me wait nearly a month to get paid. Now, it's your turn to wait."
Lily continued, "It was an honest mistake. Our Harbinger hasn't been well and we fell behind on the bills. Aela took care of that and I understand she already paid for our new order. So please, couldn't you forgive what happened last month and deliver our meat?"
"Sorry, I won't. I've got another order for the City Guard and I'm going to take care of them first. Now you'll understand what it's like to have to wait for what you need," Anoriath insisted.
Ok, so diplomacy had utterly failed. Maybe a bluff would work? Lily thought.
Lily fixed her expression into a hard scowl and threatened, "If you don't deliver the orders we've paid for, I'll kick your Bosmer ass from one side of the marketplace to the other!"
He looked her up and down and said, "Seriously?" He looked at her like she was a few arrows short of a full quiver. Then he laughed at her.
Lily had to take more drastic measures. She seized a mammoth snout from his stall and threw it on the ground.
He stopped laughing. "Hey, stop that! What do you think you're doing!"
She stomped on the snout for good measure.
Lily smiled as Anoriath came out from behind his stall with fists raised.
"Alright shrimp, if it's a fight you want you're going to get it!" He shouted.