Chapter 8
Kili and Lydia entered the main gate to Whiterun, laughing about their child hoods, recalling the moments that they got in trouble for the silliest things.
"So, where are your parents now?" Lydia asked as they made their way through the lower district of the city.
Kili expression changed to a sad smile as he looked down to watch her feet as she walked, "I would hope Savorengaurd…" she replied softly.
"Oh…forgive me, my lady, I didn't know."
"There is no need for apologizes my friend. I never shared that information with you. You have done nothing wrong."
Lydia smiled, "Friend? We've only known each other a week."
Kili shrugged, and smiled at her housecarl, "Yet, I feel like we've known each other longer."
"Hey, Mila look! It's the dragon slayer!"
"Huh?" Kili turned around to see two children running towards her and Lydia.
"Is it true? Did you really save us from a dragon?" the girl asked.
Kili looked at Lydia with a confused look. The housecarl shrugged and gave her smile as if saying, 'feed their curiosity.' Kili sighed and knelt down to the children's level.
"Yes, I have slain the dragon,"
The girl gasped and stared at her weighed eyed. "Was it scary?"
"Oh yes very scary," Kili said softly.
"Were you sacred?" the boy asked.
"I would be lying if is said I wasn't. It was cold, rainy, and dark. And they only thing I could hear other than the dragons roar, were my heart beat echoing in my ears." Kili said as the children move in closer to hear her story.
"Did the dragon hurt you?" the girl asked.
"Yes, he did, in fact he threw swatted me against the towers' burning wall. It's a wonder I'm even alive in fact…"
Kili continued to tell the children stories about her fight with dragon, not sparing any detail for their hungry minds. She learned that the children's names are Lars Battle-Born and Mila Valentia.
"So, born the infamous Battle-Born clan?" Kili asked.
"Yeah…but everyone calls me a milk-drinker…" Lars said as he shuttled his feet.
"That's because you won't fight back when Braith picks on you." Mila said shaking her head.
"I wish I was brave like you Kili, and then nobody would pick on me anymore. And I wouldn't be scared anymore!" Lars said with such enthusiasm.
"Lars, courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something is more important than fear. The brave may not live forever, but the cautious do not live at all. That's something my parents taught me when I was your age. And that goes the both of you." Kili said as she stood up, "Always look out for each other, and have the others back."
"Don't worry Kili, we will. Will we see you tomorrow?" Mila asked.
"I'll see what I can do," Kili said with a smile.
The children cheered and hugged each of her legs. Kili chuckled and patted them both on the head before sending them off. Lydia, who had taken a sit on a nearby seat stood up and walk towards her Thane.
"You have a way with children."
Kili snorted and shook her head. "Let's go find Runa then gets some food. My stomach wants more than bread and water for supper."
Lydia laughs out loud and leads her Thane to where Runa was working.
"Lars said that the Battle-Born' inn isn't and inn anymore, why is that?"
"His father sided with the Thalmor in the Great War, so the elves gave him riches equal to the Jarl's. He then closed the inn, and he and his family live there." Lydia said sternly. "I personally want to stab the man in the throat, along with his son. They treat everyone like a scuff on a boot."
Kili froze, "He sided with the Tholmar...?"
Lydia turned to see her Thane with a look of pure hatred on her face. "Yes, they treat the Gray-manes worse of all, for the Gray-manes side with Ulfric."
"Let me guess they go around calling them traitors?" Kili asked harshly.
"Yes, how did you-"
"I've witnessed similar behavior before...Look, I think it would best if you brought Runa to me. I have problems with those who side with the Witch-elves," Kili said trying to calm her anger.
"I understand, I shouldn't be long my lady," Lydia said, bowing her head slightly, and then heading towards the inner Cloud District.
Kili walked back to the bench under the dead tree in the middle town. She took a deep breath to calm down.
'Curse my anger...' she thought.
"So you hate the elves huh?"
Kili jolted and turned her head sharply to see an old man standing next to her.
"What of it?" she snapped.
"Easy now girl, I support you in your thoughts on the Witch-elves as you called them, Couldn't have said it better myself," he said as she sat next to her. "Names Vignar Gray-Mane, I saw your actions at the mention of the Tholmar."
"I have a personal reason to hate them. Not just for their disrespect for our culture."
"Kill your family?" he asked.
Kili's body jolted as chill bumps run up and down her body. "H-how?"
Vignar gave out as dark chuckle, "I've seen what comes of the Tholmar's actions. You eyes burn with such hatred, yet you hold it back. You have great strength in you,"
"How does controlling my anger make me strong?"
"Not just strong girl, it makes you smart, and that's something that your enemies will fear, that and you killed a dragon," the old man chuckled.
Kili laughs then, "I suppose it does,"
"My lady!" Lydia shouted as she came down the stairs with a young g Imperial walking behind her.
Vignar smirked and stood up with a small groan. "Cursed my old age..." he mumbled.
"Leaving so soon, friend?" Kili asked raising an eyebrow at him as he stretches his back.
"Ah, I was through talking anyway, come by Jorrvaskr when your ever you like girl, we could use someone of your talents," Vognar said.
"Jorrvaskr, you're a Companion?"
"More like old drunk who used to be a Companion, but once you're a Companion, no matter what, you just seem to always be one."
"Are my talents the only reason you want me to join?"
"Nah, it would be nice to have a new face around, lucky for you, you're a cute one," Vignar said with a wink.
Kili giggled, "I'll give it some more thought old man,"
"Take your time girl," he muttered as he made his way towards the old building.
Kili just shook her head and turned her housecarl.
"My lady, this is Runa," Lydia said as the Imperial stepped forward.
The young woman bowed, "It's an honor my Thane,"
"Just Kili, Runa, I'm here on a promise for a friend," Kili said softly.
Runa looked up confused, "I-I don't understand..."
Kili pulled out at least ten letters out of her sack, "My friend, Ralof asked me to bring these to you, fearing that he would in danger your life if he gave them to a currier."
Runa gasped and shockingly took to stack of letters from Kili's hands, "I thought he had been killed...or forgot about me..." tears formed in her eyes as she held the letters to her chest."Thank you..."
Kili only nodded as the Runa ran off home.
"That was...romantic..." Lydia said trying to find the words.
Kili chuckled and shook her head, "Come on Lydia, I need a drink..."
~*~*~*88~*~*~
It took a few days before Kili was fully healed from her dragon fight. Lydia then presented her with a new set of armor. The armor was simple leather armor, not much but it would do the job of protecting Kili.
"Thanks Lydia, mean a lot," Kili said as they both finished putting the armor on her, in her room at the Bannered Mare.
"It was nothing, my lady," Lydia said, "Oh, I have price for you on the house,"
"How much?" Kili asked as she started to take a sip if her water.
"Five thousand coin..."
Kili chocked and spit the water out all over the bed, "What?" she choked out.
"I know..." Lydia muttered. "I asked if the price could be lowered any, but that was as low as they could go..."
"Its fine Lydia, I'll just have to find work..." Kili said as she flopped down on the bed of furs.
"The Companions are still looking for new comers to join. I'm sure you are more than capable to join," the housecarl said as she sat next to her Thane.
"I was planning on them anyway...Father had spoken highly of them."
Lydia smiled, "I'll be waiting at Dragonsreach when you return."
Kili stood before the ancient doors of Jorrvaskr. She was nervous, no doubt about that. At least three of the Companions' she has met had offered her an opportunity to join. She pushed the wooden doors open and stepped inside the warmer building.
As she stepped into the building she was greeted by loud, random shouts. She looked to her left to see the so called Companions were gathered around a male, dark elf, and female Nord who were courtly having a fist fight. Kili couldn't help but shake her head, there was defiantly going to be some humor in her days ahead.
Kili ignored the fist fight and started looking around the room. The room could be described as one big Mead Hall. Kili's eyes finally landed on a familiar face, Farkas.
He stood up from his chair that was far away from the fight, and made his way over to her. "So finally decided to join, huh?"He asked as she stepped farther into the room to meet him.
"Depends, still looking?" she asked.
"Always, come on, you need to speak to Kodlak, he'll see if you have the fire to join us," Farkas said as he motioned with his head to the stairs to the right.
Kili followed the taller Nord to the living quarters. As they walked Kili took in her surroundings. Farkas stopped as the hall veered to the right.
"Kodlaks' room is at the end, can't miss it."
"Thanks, Farkas," Kili said with smile.
"No problem," he said then walked back out to finish his meal.
Kili made her way down the very spacious hall way to the door on the end. The door was ajar, and hush voices were coming from behind the partly closed door. So, Kili stood back not wanting to intrude.
"But I still hear the call of the blood..."
"We all do, it is our burden to bear. But we can overcome."
"You have my brother and me, obviously. But I don't know if the rest will go along quite so easily."
"Leave that to me..."
After a long pause Kili stepped through the door with a slight knock. Two men were sitting at a table in the corner of the room. One who looked old enough to be her grandfather, the other, the man she had bumped into a few weeks prior, looked only a few winters older than her.
'What was his name again...? Vilkas, that was it...' Kili recalled to herself.
"A stranger comes to our hall," the older man said, as she stepped closer to the men.
Kili noticed the younger man kept his shoulders hunched over a bit, and his gaze to the ground. Kili thought nothing more of his actions, no need to make enemies so soon.
"Kodlak, I presume?" she asked, he nodded, and she continued, "I would like to join the Companions."
"Would you now? Here, let me have a look at you," he said as he stood up.
He walked towards her and looked deep into her eyes. Kili noticed by the way this man was looking at her, that he had known her before. But that wasn't possible, she had fled Skyrim years ago. Dismissing the strange thoughts she continued standing still as Kodlak seem to stare into her soul, as it were.
"Hm. Yes, perhaps. A certain strength of spirit."
"Master, you're not truly considering accepting her?" the younger man asked as he sat up in his chair.
Kili looked over at the man as he questioned her. A sudden feeling of rejections washed over her. He didn't know her, aside from bumping into him like a drunk, but that wasn't her fault. Surely the Companions would give her a fair chance and not judge her beforehand.
"I am nobody's master, Vilkas." Kodlak said sternly, as he took his seat again. "And last I checked, we had some empty beds in Jorrvaskr for thoughts with fire burning in their hearts."
"Apologies. But perhaps this isn't the time. I've never even heard of this outsider," Vilkas said as he crossed his arms over his armored chest.
'Why are you being so hard on me...you don't even know me you over sized horse ass...' Kili thought. 'If there was one thing other then the Thalmor, it was those who judge others before knowing them. 'All right Kili calm down, no need for anger,' she took in a steady deep breath, and mustered out a grim smile.
"Sometimes the famous come to us. Sometimes men and women come to us to seek their fame. It makes no difference." Kodlak countered Vilkas so called logic."What matters is their heart."
"And their arm..."
Kili fought back the urge to glare at Vilkas, but now wasn't the time for childish acts. If he wanted her to prove herself, then she would.
"Of course. How are you and battle, girl?"
"I would say I can handle myself, but that simply isn't true, and I'm not known for being cocky." Kili said truthfully, "I have much to learn Kodlak, and I am more than willing to learn."
"That's the spirit! Villkas, here, will get started on that." Kodlak said proudly. "Vilkas, take her out the yard and see what she can do."
"Aya..." Vilkas said out, and rolled his shoulders out.
Vilkas stood up and brushed past Kili and out into the hall. Kili took one last look at Kodlak before following Vilkas out. She almost missed the wink Kodlak gave her as she turned to leave. She followed Vilkas quietly, not wanting to up set him more than he all ready seemed to be at the moment.
Vilkas was proud the new blood didn't talk as they walked up stairs. He wasn't in the mood to deal with stupid questions. As far as he was concerned this new blood would be dead with in the week. Of course his thought that about Roxanne as well...and she and his brother were talking about marriage. Needless to say Vilkas was stressed, and he was planning on taking it out on this new comer.
They pair continued up stair and outside to the training court yard. Kili noticed the training dummies around the stone wall. Vilkas walked off the porch and grabbed a shield and pulled out his sword.
"The old man said to have a look at you, so let's do this." Vilkas said, as Kili pulled out her long-sword. "Just have a few swings at me so I can see your form. Don't worry, I can take it."
Kili nodded and took a swing at Vilkas' shield...
A few of the other Companions had followed Vilkas and Kili to the yard to watch. Of course the pair didn't even know they were there the others. To busy blocking and banging weapons together. Kili had finally had enough and pulled a spin move on Vilkas, hitting his shield with most of her body weight, causing him to lose balance and leave him open. Stunned form the woman's attack he didn't notice her stepping up to him until he felt her cold steal against his throat.
"Not bad. Next time won't be so easy. "He huffed out as he stepped away from her.
Kili just huffed out a breath and put her sword on her back once more.
"You might just make it." Vilkas continued, "But for now, you're still a whelp to us, new blood. So you do what we tell you. Here's my sword. Go take it up to Eorlund to have it sharpened. And be careful, it's probably worth more than you are."
Kili bite the inside of her cheek as Vilkas handed her his sword. Her anger was trying to get the best of her. 'I'm sure he has a reason for being an ass...just calm down,' she told herself and headed towards the Skyforge.
Vilkas smirked as the new comer headed towards the forge. He couldn't put his finger on it but there was something about this new girl that he liked. Not that he would tell anyone else that.
Kili made her way to the smith, he turned and looked at her.
"What brings you here?" Eorlund asked.
"Vilkas sent me with his sword..." Kili muttered out in response, still pretty mad at him for how he treated her.
"I'm guessing you're the new comer then?"
"That's me...Does Vilkas always send new comers on errands?" Kili asked sourly.
"Oh, don't worry too much about it. They were all whelps once. They just might not like to talk about. And don't always do as you're told. Nobody rules anybody in the Companions," the smith said with a smile.
"Really...how is that possible?"
"Not sure how they managed it, but no leaders since Ysgramor. Kodlak is the Harbinger, and he's more of an advisor of the whole group. Every man and woman is their own." Eorlund stated proudly. "But I'm just their honored blacksmith, nothing special."
Kili smiled and turned to leave, "I need to get going...maybe Vilkas wants his boots shined..."
"Wait, I have a favor to ask."
She turned back to him, "What is it?"
"I've been working on a shield for Aela. My wife is in mourning and I need to get back to her soon. I'd be much obliged if you could take this to Aela for me."
"Of course," Kili said, "happy to help."
Kili made her way through Jarravskr without running into Vilkas. Aela wasn't a hard girl to find. Being the only woman in ancient armor isn't hard to notice. She found Aela's bedroom and saw that she was talking with an older man. Something about being lucky if he killed some younglings.
"I have your shield." Kili said as the older woman walk towards her.
"Ah, good. I've been waiting on this. Wait...I remember you, well at least from the description Roxanne gave me. So the old man thinks you've got some heart, I guess." Aela said as she took her shield from Kili.
"You know this one? I saw her training out in the yard with Vilkas." the man said trying to get more information on this new comer.
"Yes, I heard you gave him quite the thrashing," Aela said with some pride.
"Don't let Vilkas hear you say that..."
"Do you think you can handle Vilkas in a real fight girl?" Aela asked.
"I don't care for boasting." Kili said softly.
"AH, a woman who lets her actions speak for her. I knew there was something I liked about out. Here lets have Farkas show you where you'll be resting your head." Aele said with a wolfy grin.
"Farkas!"
Kili turned when she heard footsteps stomping towards room.
"You call me?" Farkas asked as he stopped in front of the door.
"Of course we did Ice-brain, show this new blood where the other whelps sleep." Aela ordered.
Farkas looked down at Kili, "So you made it huh?"
Kili nodded.
"Good, we could use a new face around here. And besides Roxanne is always looking for new friends, come on I'll show you around."
'Looks like I found a new family...'
To Be Continued...