6
As I lean against the side of the bridge, I reach into my inventory and make sure my weapons were on me and ready to be used if I need them to be. It seems last night in my drunken stupor I at least thought to put my weapons into my inventory rather than stripping them along with my clothes… Lucky me… As I wait there for Dain, I watch the river flow by until it disappears from my gaze as it drops over the waterfall. It really is a serene place to think but.. Closing my eyes I sigh as I drop my arms to my side. I don't want to think. I want to keep moving so I can't dwell on how I'm stuck or anything else that is bothering me. Sorry, Dain, I know I said I would travel with you but I just... I can't stand here anymore. Pushing away from the edge I walk towards the opposite end of the bridge as Riverwood. From the map I had been given, the path I had taken up to bleak falls and the road to WhiteRun are the only two ways on this crossing. Just as I stepped off the bridge I hear footsteps coming up behind me. Almost as if they just now slowed to a calm brisk walk. Without even glancing over my shoulder when the footfalls stop behind me I continue walking. The only person that would know where I would be was the only person that would be traveling with me. As far as Hadvir knows I left town already.
In silence, we walk as Dain moves up next to me on the road. Even though I knew he was there and I could feel his eyes every so often, I never once looked away from in front of us. I am finding I almost wish a wolf or bandit would try and attack us so I can get this frustration worked out. But I also want it to remain quiet like this. It means this journey won't take long and the quicker we get to the companions the sooner Dain and I will go our separate ways. I don't need anyone around me right now. Not when my anger is barely being contained. I can see Dain and I getting into another fight and right now I don't think I could stop myself. With that thought, my steps falter as my eyes widen. Gasping I nearly bring my hand to my mouth with the sudden image of me killing Dain. What... Am... I becoming? I just imagined killing the man next to me just to work through my anger. Instead of stopping as well. I watch as the tall muscle-bound male continues walking as if knowing I'll catch up to him in a moment. "Get to moving. Let's make it to WhiteRun before nightfall." His sudden tone had me narrowing my eyes on his back and my fingers touching the hilt to my sword. There he goes again ordering me around as if I'll obey his every word.
Shaking my head I let go of my sword. I knew he was going to end up getting on my nerves; it's almost as if he wants us to fight. The silence isn't cutting it, all it is doing is allowing me to dwell on my anger. I need a fight but since there is only one in front of me I think I know what I can do. Bending my knees I watch his receding back before I push myself forward into a sprint. I only have to follow the road right? With a smirk as I pass him I glance over my shoulder. "Last one there is a rotten egg!" I call out and if I am not mistaken I see a flash of a smirk before I hear him gaining on me. Looking ahead at where I was running I push all my energy into my legs as I kick myself faster. For the main part of the stretch, Dain and I were neck and neck in our little race. Mainly because I thought I had to go straight but he ended up turning so I had to cut across the grass back to the road, leaping over a rock as I did. Nearing the gate, I can feel a pain in my side and the sharpness of my breaths. My legs almost feel numb beyond a burning sensation pumping through them, and even though I wasn't about to let him win I found myself slowing down. No matter how hard I would fight to get my legs to pick up speed again they just wouldn't.
Dain made it to the gates just a few seconds before me and we both found ourselves leaning our hands on our knees as we bend forward to catch our breaths. "Gotta hand it to you, you're actually fast." I manage through gasping breaths causing him to grunt. "I should be saying that for a short thing like you." Standing straight nearly causes me to wince from the pain in my side so I figure fighting would actually be out. I'm too tired! I settle on pointing my finger at him causing him to smirk. "I… Am…Not…Short." I huff at him as he too stands up.
"Just keep telling yourself that." He then turns towards the guards with a smirk before motioning with his head back in my direction. "She's with me." Why'd he have to go and tell them that?! It's not like I'll be with him for long. "Alright, she can go in." What the… what's going on?! As we walk into town I notice Dain shoot my confused look a smirk. "With the dragon attacking Helgen the gates are closed to outsiders." Oh! That's why! I should have figured that.
This time I don't stop my palm from smacking against my face. Sheesh, I really am air-headed sometimes. Dain walks faster as he leads me through town. I take in the sight of the many buildings, though were made out of similar wood to the houses in Riverwood, there was more elegance to this place. More intricate designs to the doors and buildings themselves. There are even stalls like one would find at a flea market centered around what looks like a well. I follow him up the stairs before he stops and points to a bench. "I'm going to give Farengar the Dragonstone, wait for me here."
Oh haha like I'm going to wait! "Why not just point out which building the companions are in?" He turns and looks down at me slightly glaring at my argument. "You agreed that we would see the companions together remember." Oh… so he's taking that literally. Damn it, but I don't want to just sit and wait for him! "Gah, fine but if you take too long I'll find them myself." Walking forward I sit on one of the benches around a dead-looking tree. Leaning back felt amazing even if the climate here was uncomfortably warmer than in Riverwood. After racing such a distance my legs are too tired and are now happy that I have set down. Closing my eyes I silently wish for a cold breeze to cool me down but none came. Sadly I could already feel myself overheating especially from running. The air around me smelled fresh and welcoming, with small hints of food and smoke. I also noticed the same smell that was at Hadvir's aunt and uncle's due to the forge outside.
I had noticed one at the beginning of town but this scent was clinging to the air far thicker than in Riverwood. Wouldn't that mean there are actually two of them here? If so, why would a place need two blacksmiths? The sudden rain landing on my face causes me to smile. The cool water washing over my face and rolling over the uncovered skin cooling me down. It felt wonderful. Suddenly a crack of lightning echoes and if I am not mistaken I heard voices within the rumbling. From the force of the lightning strike the ground shakes. Well, that was crazy for a light rain. I found myself wondering though, I could have sworn I heard someone say Dovahkiin or something. After the sound, I heard running all around me as passerbyers seem to talk about something called the greybeards. I would ask what they mean but the water… it feels so nice. "Are you coming or are you going to sit in the rain all day?"
"Is that an option?" I mutter opening my eyes to look at the somewhat amused male. "Only if you feel like finding the companions yourself." It's not like it would be that hard but.. "Fine." I sigh and stand up regrettably. He then suddenly turns towards the stone steps to the right of the market-leading up to a golden brown building. If I'm not mistaken it's one of the largest buildings I've seen so far in this town. In areas of the wooden roof, planks were missing, and wooden shield-like designs line the roof itself. Even though it didn't seem like too much beyond the intricate carvings on the wood compared to some of the buildings I had seen in my world. Yet compared to most of the ones I've seen here, I would have to say it is far more impressive. So why couldn't he have just pointed out to me that I was practically sitting outside of the building in question? I shoot a glare toward Dain as he reaches the top of the steps. I'm not sure I'm ever going to understand this guy. Walking into the building the heat washes over me as if I had been sucker-punched from the way it was nearly having me gasping. Just down a few steps in the center of the room were long tables set with food and mead around a long fire pit.
Well, I'm definitely not going to eat there. It would be way too hot. I watch as Dain leaves my side to walk down the steps towards the onlookers that had gathered around a sudden brawl. Hmm... I may just like it here if I can just up and start a fight when I'm in a bad mood. Smirking I watch as the two in the center throw one punch after another until the girl sends the other onto the ground ready for one last hit if he didn't concede defeat. I wonder what crawled in her shorts for her to silently beg him not to concede. Something must have been building upon her for a while now. "Come on." Dain's voice draws my attention as I see him walking to our right towards a set of stairs leading down to a door. Following behind him I couldn't help but glance back at the fight wondering if the guy had conceded, but seeing as the group was now dispersing I'm guessing he did. He gave up. As soon as Dain opens the door an old lady was standing nearly nose to throat with him. Causing him to step back with a sudden gurgling sound as if he had to fight in order to cut off his startled sounds to that degree. Laughing at the scene I curl my arm over my stomach from the forcefulness of my laughter. Leave it to a little old lady to startle Mr. Big Strong I'm better than everyone!
He shoots me a glare after nodding to the old lady and letting her pass before walking into the depths of the building. Following behind him I look around taking first note of the bookshelf and two round tables to my left and a long wooden table full of food on my right lining the hallway wall. There was a room in front of us but Dain turns and follows the hallway having caught sight of something I didn't quite see yet. As we walk I finally notice two people sitting in the end room. One is a dark-haired man wearing steel armor and an older one with white hair. Dain seems to hesitate before walking in as they are talking causing me to wonder if he was actually courteous enough to let them finish their conversation before butting in. No such luck, however, he suddenly walks into the room as if he owns the place and stops in front of the round table successfully positioning himself in between the dark-haired guy and the older one. Sighing I cross my arms and wait at the door. He may not have common courtesy but I sure am going to wait until they are free before I talk to them.
"A stranger comes to our hall." The older man says looking up towards Dain. "I'm looking to join the companions."
"hmmm yes, I see a certain strength of heart…. You can come in here as well young one." Huh? It was then the older male turns his head to look in my direction egging me forward to stand near the three of them. "I imagine you are wanting to join the companions as well?" You know, there just seems to be something creepy about this guy. Not once had he looked at me before even speaking to me so how did he know I was here? "Yes, I am looking to join your ranks."
"But Master, you can't really be serious." The dark-haired man speaks up in protest drawing the old man's attention. "Last I heard we have some empty beds to fill with those who have the fire in their hearts."
"But I have never even heard of these outsiders." Oh, yeah? That may be true but you haven't even learned our names yet so how would you know if you've never heard of me? I exhale a slow sigh, easy Twilight now is not the time to lose your cool. "Sometimes the famous come to us and sometimes men and women come to us to seek their fame." The old man sits up straight watching Dain and me. "It makes no difference, what matters is their heart."
"And their arm." The dark-haired one adds in as if the old man had forgotten that part. "Of course how are you both in a fight." I look away and puff out my cheeks. "I can handle myself. And this one I believe is the first time she's been quiet when spoken to." Dain chuckles as I shift him a glare. "I can be quiet sometimes Dain, how would you know we have not known each other long." Looking back to the old man I give him a sigh. "I can handle myself well enough in a fight but, even I am not arrogant enough to say there is nothing new I can learn."
"That may be so, this is Vilkas he will test your arms… Vilkas take them out to the yard and see what they can do."
"Alright." Vilkas says just before standing and walking from the room. Following Dain and Vilkas out, I glance over my shoulder at the older man. My arm huh, guess that's understandable they wouldn't want to accept someone with absolutely no skill. In a battle that could get more than just themselves killed. Running to keep up with the two of them I follow them up the stairs then out another set of doors. Out here I see tables setting beneath an awning with food upon the plates and a training area near the stone wall of the town. I could probably eat out here, it certainly is cooler than the heat inside. Sadly, as we step into the practice area I notice the clouds had dissipated so there was no longer the cooling rain to ease the heat from the building.
"So the old man said to have a look at you. Girl, you stand back while I test him first." Nodding to him I step back to see Dain and Vilkas face each other. "So, let's do this. Just have a few swings at me so I can see your form. Don't worry, I can take it." He adds in soothing the unsettling feeling I was getting as he said we would have to hit him with our swords. Swords are dangerous and not to be swung around at those you do not intend to hurt. This lesson I was taught when my brother's friend had begun teaching me how to swing my sword. It is how I have gotten the scar that is covered by my bracer on my right arm. He had purposefully sliced my arm open to prove his point and had told me to come at him with the same intention. Mainly I think he just wanted to upset me so I wouldn't hold back but, that's just my thoughts.
Vilkas and Dain suddenly draw their swords at the same time as they both raise shields I had not noticed before. When did Dain start using a shield? He never pulled one out when we went through bleak falls. Is that something he picked up from one of the Draugr? Probably so. Crossing my arms I watch as Vilkas raises his shield just before Dain rams his sword against it three times. Hard enough to send Vilkas staggering back with each hit. Is Dain really that strong or is Vilkas that weak? "Good you might just make it, but for now here's my sword. Take it up to Eorlund to have it sharpened while I test your friend." Handing his sword to Dain, my male companion doesn't seem to utter a single word before walking away from the area.
"Girl, it's the same with you. Have a few swings at me to show me your form." He nearly chuckles as I raise a brow at him. "Don't worry, your sword won't even scratch me." I nearly felt my jaw drop as he finally laughs this time from his own words. He just so-called me weak! Narrowing my eyes at him, I draw my sword and swing it in my grasp at my side a couple of times. "I will make you regret calling me weak. You know the saying, never judge a book by its cover." I wrinkle my nose at him as he raises his shield still chuckling. "Then do, prove me wrong." Oh, I'll make you regret those words. Even though you are wearing heavy steel armor I have already noticed the weakness within that very armor. I could kill you without much hassle, but I'll be good and do this test like I am supposed to. Raising my sword I step forward with a smirk. "Then be prepared." I utter just before swinging my sword again this time in mid-swing I catch the hilt with my other hand so I can use both and bring as much force down on this guy as I can. As he staggers back I watch his eyes widen. When I swing my sword with me as I turn on my toes, I step with my left foot using this extra momentum against him. With the sole purpose of hurting him without actually causing damage. This is payment for thinking I am weak. The flat side of my sword catches the chest plate in his armor sending him stumbling back. "Alright, alright. I get your point." He breathes as he touches his chest from the force of my last hit, having rammed the metal of his own armor against him. "Good."
"Just remember you're still a whelp to us."
"Excuse me." I speak up as he turns to walk away causing him to sigh and look at me. "What is it?" I tilt my head as I watch him stop walking. "What's a whelp? I am not familiar with that term." He shakes his head, as he raises his hand rubbing around his hair as he scoffs before finally looking at me. "A Whelp is a puppy, someone who is inexperienced and new." I seem to startle him as I smile and step up to him. "That is so cute. I'll take being called a puppy any day." I tap his chest plate lightly as I walk past him. "Thanks, Vilkas." As I walk up towards the door I heard him mutter before his steal boots follow behind me. "Women." At least now he isn't calling me a girl as if I'm little. Nearly skipping into the hall as I smirk I notice eyes on me. Some of them are even glances of approval. Making my way down the steps into what I am starting to believe is the living quarters, I find the old man still sitting in his chair as I walk in looking at him.
"From the look, you are giving young one, I believe you had managed to prove yourself to Vilkas." I nearly smile this time as he gives me a knowing look. "Yes, her arm is quite strong for her size." It was then I realize Vilkas had followed me all the way here nearly causing me to turn around and glare at him. Did he just inadvertently call me short? As he walks past me I see him touch his chest plate again forcing my irritation away as I nearly giggle. Serves you right, I hope that pain reminds you that I am not weak nor am I small. Jerk. "Good to hear. And the other one?" The old man questions as he watches Vilkas sit down across from him again. "He too has a good arm. They both could use some improvement but I can see they may possibly last in our ranks." So he disrespects then follows it up with a compliment. Probably to show that he doesn't want to outright compliment someone because it would dampen his ego. I'm guessing this is normal for a man that is trying to give praise but doesn't wish it to be taken too far to heart.
"That being said." Vilkas then turns to me and meets my gaze. "Your sword is too long for you so you need to work on your handling of such a sword. Have you ever tried a war ax? It is shorter than a sword and does lethal damage to your opponent." So now he's trying to give me advice. I give him a shrug but try to look as if I'm at least pondering the idea. "A war ax isn't really my style. I mean I've never trained with one so I wouldn't know where to begin on wielding it properly. As for my sword, as soon as I can earn enough gold I have an arrangement with a blacksmith for him to forge me a sword to my specifications." Vilkas laughs but I see the old man stand and walk past me in silence. Quieting the laughter and drawing our gazes to him as he unlocks one of the weapon cases set along the walls. He then turns, holding out a blade that couldn't be more than two feet in length. Its black metal shines in the gentle light with a slight red hue outlining its every curve. "Try this. I am sure it is stronger than the blade you are currently wielding and it would not hinder your movements." Raising my gaze from the blade I look to him with wide eyes as my mouth seems to go dry and a lump grows in the back of my throat. "Take it young one." The old man speaks gently as he takes my hand and sets the hilt of the blade in my grasp. I look down at the cool steal before spinning the blade in my hand a bit. The balance seems to be alright even if it is slightly more to the blade end, but that can be easily counteracted when in movement. "But.. Sir.."
"Do not call me Sir young one. I am Kodlak." Looking up from the blade I meet his gentle eyes and warm smile. "I.. I wouldn't be able to pay you…" I manage causing him to chuckle as he sets down in his chair. "Consider it on loan. You can always return it to me once your sword is forged if you so desire." Putting it that way means he is still giving it to me but if I want to make myself feel better then I can always give it back. Either way, it's still mine. I puff out my cheeks before looking down at the blade again. "The black to it... Is this an ebony?" I question absentmindedly causing them both to laugh. "Yes, yes it is."
"Then do all ebony weapons have this faint red glow to it?"
"Huh?" Kodlak questions drawing my eyes to him before he chuckles once again. "Sharp eye you have there. No, this one is enchanted to cause extra fire damage against your opponent. You will need to recharge it, however." huh? Enchanted… recharge it? "Um, S. I mean Kodlak. How do I do that?"
He laughs again at my question before holding up a purple crystal much like the ones I already have in my inventory. "With soul gems of course." So those aren't actually crystals but soul gems? What is a soul gem anyway? "You seem confused. These gems can hold someone's soul, they are filled by casting a spell called soul trap. Not all soul gems are alike as well. There are petty like…" He pulls out a smaller purple crystal from his inventory and holds it up. "This one then the one I just showed you is a common. Grand and greater soul gems are larger than both of these."
"So.. Let's say I have a soul gem how do I recharge the blade?" He chuckles again as Vilkas stands saying he was leaving us to talk. "Take a seat young one I have much to tell you on this subject." Nodding to him I set down in the chair that Vilkas had just vacated. "Now before I tell you how to recharge that weapon you need to know the difference between soul gems themselves." He then stands and walks about the room before opening the doors behind him showing a nice green and white bed. I watch as he disappears into the room before returning a few moments afterward. He sets down lining up ten soul gems side by side. Every other one is a darker color than its counterparts on either side as I notice they vary in size going from smallest to the largest. Two gems at a time are the same size but they are smaller than the next two.
"Now I have here the different sizes and types of soul gems. They go petty, lesser, common, greater, and grand." I nod watching him point to each kind as I subconsciously lean forward. "I see, but there are two of the same type but different color." I point out causing him to smile. "Yes." He picks up the smallest two, one a darker purple as the other was a vibrant light purple. "The darker one is empty so it doesn't have a soul inside it anymore. You can as I had said fill the soul gems using soul trap but if you do not use magic or know the spell to use, you can just keep an eye out in the shops for the soul gems that are full." I nod, his explanations are really easy to understand. It makes me wonder how many times he's had to explain this same thing over the years in order to perfect it to this degree. So the one he is teaching understands what he is saying the first time around. "Alright so... What is a petty soul?" I watch as he grins before setting them down on his table. "That young one is a good question but one I will be more than happy to explain to you if you ever have the ability to fill one. Right now what you need to know is that it's not just the names and sizes of these stones that make them different. Like you had asked, a petty soul is the weakest one so it fills the petty soul gem."
"Oh I see, since the soul is so weak it doesn't need much of the gem itself to fill it." He furrows his brows a moment before he nods to me. "Yes, the weaker the soul the less power it has, and the size of gem shows you the difference in its power. For example to recharge your weapon it may take one common soul gem for that level or two lesser soul gems."
"Oh, then it would take four petty soul gems." I point out and he gives me another nod. "Now to recharge your weapon is a much different task. You must send the soul into the enchantment itself but... You will probably understand better if I can show you how to do it." I furrow my brows then nod to him. It would make it much easier to figure out if I could be shown. "Then when your weapon needs recharged bring it to me and I will show you how." Smiling I look down at the blade still in my hand. I can't wait to try this out, the enchantment sounds so cool. "But right now, if you are looking for something to do. While you wait for your true test I hear Carlotta could use some muscle. She has asked us for help several times in dealing with Mikael at the bannered mare. Don't kill him but make sure he gets the message to leave her alone."
"Kodlak, you said she has asked several times. Why hasn't someone taken care of Mikael already?" I slip my blade into the sheath that had seemingly just appeared at my side where my sword had been. "That is because the others here find this below them. I am sure you will help her out won't you?" He's asking? But just a second ago it sounded like an order. "I am asking this because I am known as the Harbinger of the companions. We have no leaders here, every warrior is their own."
"But, if that's true then what is a harbinger?" He chuckles again as he sets back in his chair. Well, as relaxed as his armor will allow him to be. "I am like an advisor for the companions. If you have any questions you can ask me." Oh, I get it. He is like a guide. He helps those who need it and leads them in the right direction. "I understand." I respond as I stand from the chair watching him. "I take it you want me to try and fistfight with the guy." He nods. "Just beat him up a bit. He is a bard for the bannered mare." Oh, so he wouldn't send me to try and stave off an experienced warrior with my bare hands yet. I get it. This is sort of like another test for me. "Will do." As I walk to the door I find myself pausing before looking over my shoulder to him. "Kodlak?" I ask turning back around. "Yes, young one?" I smile before I feel my cheeks heat up causing me to divert my gaze from him. "um... Where is the bannered mare?" He laughs as he hears my words. "New to WhiteRun then. Do you remember the shopping district you passed on your way here?" I nod remembering the stalls and well. "Instead of turning up the steps if you would have went straight, you would have found it. It is the large building next to Eorlund's wife. She sells weapons and jewelry in her stall." Oh, I see. I give him another nod before smiling and turning to run out of the room. "Thanks, Kodlak!" I shout behind me before leaving the living quarters and making my way out of Jorrvaskr. Not missing a beat I run down the steps to the shopping district, passing an old lady's stall with a mace setting right out in view. I find myself slowing down to a walk as I step up the steps to the large building and pushing my way in.
I can do this. He is just a bard. Bards sing, tell stories, and play music, they aren't the warrior type so this shouldn't be hard at all. It's not like I'm looking to get into a fistfight with a muscle-bound guy like Dain. Nodding I take in a breath as the doors close behind me. Taking in the scent of mead and burning wood mixed with delicious smelling food. The aroma isn't too bad. Mead smells like honey so it adds a sweet scent to the air. Glancing around, at first I don't see anyone who would resemble who I am looking for. As if trying to dare me to fight him I heard sudden music drawing my attention back to the fire. On the other side of which, was a man wearing a tan shirt and a brown over vest. His blond hair falls into his face as he focuses on the music he is playing. I bet his eyes will be blue, I think it would make his looks almost perfect. Stop stop stop Twilight. You don't need to think about how he looks. Just go over there and get this done.
Taking in a breath I straighten my shoulders before walking around the chairs to the other side of the fire. His face was filled with complete concentration as the etches of his features give off his serious demeanor. He takes more than just pride in his music. It's his life, his passion… Well, I cant damage his hands but it's just a fight, after a few days he will heal. Tapping on his shoulder causes him to stop playing in order to look over his shoulder. I watch as his eyes move down to me causing him to turn just so he can see me better. Guess I'm not as tall as everyone else here but still… I'm not short. "What can I do for you? Would you like to hear a tale or a particular tune on my lute?" I tilt my head as I listen to him and nearly find myself smiling again. His voice was perfect for a bard, smooth and gentle. I bet he can really bring a story alive. Twilight, he's bullying Carlotta. He needs to be dealt with so stop admiring him! "Neither, you need to leave Carlotta alone."
"Heh, did Carlotta put you up to this?! I'm sorry but that fiery widow will be mine, she just doesn't know it yet." I shake my head before pinning him with a glare. "She isn't yours. Women are not property that you own. Leave her alone or I'll make you."
"You're fiery too aren't you. How about this, I'll leave the widow alone if I can have… you." Now he was just sounding smug. As if I would let a jerk like him even touch me! Raising my fists as my glare hardens I find my face heating with my building anger. He thinks he can own women or barter one woman for another as if they are property, inanimate objects with no feelings or desires! That's just… GRRR. Before I knew it my temper boils over, and I feel my right fist connect with his jaw as hard as I can nearly causing him to fall into the fire behind him. "Why you little…"
"I am not little! I am not short! I am a fighter who can kick your ASS!" I yell at him as he scrambles back trying to get enough distance to be able to hit me. Leaping over the chair, I jump bringing my fist down against his face sending him back again. As my feet touch the ground I swing my right in an uppercut so my fist digs into his stomach. Watching his feet he steps forward with his right as he goes to hit me with a left hook. Ducking I spin on my toes and swing my left leg out, kicking his legs off of under him. Standing I push forward and kick him as hard as I can in his side forcing the air out of his lungs. "Alright! Alright! I give! On my Honor, I'll leave Carlotta alone!" He practically cries and flinches as I hold my hand out for him to take with a smile. "Thank you, that's all I wanted." At first, he seems unsure if I was tricking him or not. But he gets up without even taking my offered hand. Humph, these men, and their pride. Turning around I make my way for the door even though I feel multiple eyes on my back. For some reason, I have a feeling I just caused myself future trouble. Plus side though, I completed my first task! I wonder how much money I'll get.
Walking into Jorrvaskr I smile seeing companions sitting at the table eating. My eyes fall on Kodlak and I find myself skipping up to his chair with a giggle. "From the look of it, you taught Mikael a lesson, young one." He speaks before even turning a bit in his chair to look at me. Putting my hands on my hips I smirk. "Yup, He swears to leave Carlotta alone."
"Good work, here you've earned this." He hands me a money bag and I slip it into my inventory. "250 gold for your hard work. Here let's have Farkas show you where you will be sleeping." He smiles before looking across the table. I notice a guy that looks a lot like Vilkas standing up. I wait for him to walk up to us, taking note of his broad sword while I wait. "Follow me, I'll show you where the rest of the whelps sleep."
"Hey, he called me a puppy just like Vilkas." I giggle glancing at Kodlak as he laughs. Walking behind Farkas I next take note of the difference in his armor then Vilkas. As we walk down the stairs to the living quarters I fold my hands behind my back. "You look a lot like Vilkas, is he your brother?"
"He's my twin brother." Really? "That's so cool! My brother and I were as thick as thieves growing up so I bet you're relationship with each other is like so much better!"
"Kind of." I smile following him through the door and stopping in front of the first room. "It's nice to have new faces around, it gets boring here sometimes. I hope we keep you, this can be a rough life. These are the quarters, just pick a bed and fall in it when you're tired. Telma will keep the place clean, she always has." He turns around in the doorway and I notice the whiteness of his eyes. Nothing like Dain's pale blues, but these were an eerie white as if he has no pupils or irises even. His face was dirty and he had a good two days of unshaved growth on his face. "Looks like the others are eager to meet you, if you are looking for work come to me or Aela. Once you've made a bit of a name for yourself Skjor and Vilkas might have things for you to do. Good luck and welcome to the companions." I smile to him and step out of his way so he can move from the doorway. "By the way, if you are looking for something to do. We've got trouble right here in WhiteRun hold, nothing we can't handle."
"What kind of trouble?" I ask him almost eagerly. "Rogue wizards, I've never trusted magic types, the college is bad enough. Destroy them."
"Like kill them right? The last business I had to handle was just beating someone up so I just want to clarify."
"Do what must be done." So that's saying I can kill them. "Alright, where can I find them?"
"Smart, you don't want to go out there blind. You'll find them in Ronmveig's Frost west of town. You'll find it near the foot of the mountains." Well, that gives me a direction at least. "Do you have a map? You seem confused." My eyes widen as I snap the fingers on my right hand before reaching into my inventory and pulling out my map. I completely forgot about this! "Hand it here and I'll mark its location for you. I can forget that not everyone is familiar with WhiteRun hold's lands as I am."
"It's okay and thank you, Farkas." I hand him my map letting him unfold it and mark the location on the map for me. "This helps a lot."
"Not a problem, kill them all, and don't forget the leader." I nod as I fold my map once he hands it back to me. That's a no-duh comment. "I'll take the head from the snake." He just seems to laugh at my comment before patting my shoulder. "That one I haven't heard before. You'll fit in nicely."