Quiet mornings were often the norm for John. It came with how he lived, as he was more often than not eating alone. On the occasions that he did eat with another person, they usually had a sense of mutual respect for one another, that they would rather eat in contemplative silence.
Of course, that wasn't the case every time. There were moments where a bit of commotion was inevitable. As much as someone might say otherwise, and how much the law would turn a blind eye to their actions, they were still criminals.
And you didn't become a criminal just through small talk.
Arguments, or even a sanctioned duel, while not rare, had happened more than a handful of times when John had been staying at a Continental branch. Even discounting his own duel, he'd been witness to maybe ten of them in his lifetime.
They were bloody affairs.
That was not the case with the Companions.
"Who took my sweet roll?!" One member, a Nord named Torvar, yelled out to the slowly filling hall. It was just near daybreak, and the man already had a tankard of mead in his hand, and going by how he looked, he'd already drunk quite a bit.
He also didn't seem to notice the remains of the sugary treat on his person. A fact that amused John, though he'd never admit it.
"Why don't you look down and see for yourself?" A snorted response from Njada, one of the instigators of last night's brawl. In an instant, Torvar's head swiveled towards her.
"You have something to say?!" The tankard was thrown.
It missed entirely. By a good three feet.
A round of laughter as Torvar seemed to realize he'd also thrown out his mead. He pointed at Njada, "This is your fault! You stole my sweet roll and my beer!"
That was the start of that morning's brawl, one that John politely avoided as he continued to eat his breakfast. It was livelier, and quite a bit noisier, than he was used to, but he could tell that for all the arguments that happened here, the same sense of camaraderie still lingered.
He may not have been here long, yet he understood that whatever was happening, it happened often. The fact that several of the Companions were passing around money was an indication of that.
As such, no one so much as noticed as Kodlak came up the stairs and gave a raised eyebrow at the commotion. With a shake of his head, the older man walked up and sat down near John. A rueful smile made its way onto his face.
"Apologies for the…" He gestured to the brawl, even as a chorus of yells came from the spectators. Njada had managed a fairly decent right hook onto Torvar's liver. John grimaced. The woman was smaller, yes. That didn't hide that her muscles were still defined enough to know that the liver shot was more than painful enough for the common man.
He was right, as Torvar stumbled and fell down.
That said, he was impressed when the man shot right back up, a shout on his lips.
John knew people that were more skilled than Torvar in every way. He didn't think they'd stand up that fast from such a powerful hit like that any time soon. For that, the drunkard had John's approval.
"It's no problem." And it really wasn't. The entire thing was something that would be found in a bar, one attended by a more normal clientele than the ones that he usually found himself in. And, in that sense, it was a new experience.
John didn't think that he'd have those anymore, though finding himself here in Tamriel really was the start of a lot of new experiences, if he was honest. For Kodlak however, John could clearly see that this was just another day for him, the only indication of worry being that he did keep an eye on the two.
Kodlak's gaze followed the brawl with the practiced eye of a leader accustomed to managing strong personalities and even stronger fists. "They'll wear themselves out soon enough." he said, speaking of many similar mornings in an affectionately despondent tone.
John couldn't help but give a low chuckle, finishing his meal as he watched the spectacle.
As much as Kodlak was not seen as an official leader of the Companions, as others had told him last night of the man's role as the Harbinger of the Companions, that he was old was reason enough for everyone here to respect him.
Age here was not an indication of weakness. Just from the short time he found himself in Skyrim, he could tell that the wilds of the place were hostile. He couldn't imagine living like this his entire life, not without everything he'd already learned.
Age was not a weakness. Age was a sign that you lived through all that, and still kept fighting. Doubly so for Kodlak, who still often took field jobs, ones that even the younger ones would be leery about.
That came with the older man being essentially the main person that the younger generation could look towards for guidance. He became the constant that many people here could rely on. And Kodlak himself became pseudo-responsible for the people here.
It was clear to see that, despite his insistence that he wasn't a leader, Kodlak more or less took to the responsibility of one like a fish to water.
That only cemented John's opinion of him. After all, they say the best leaders are the ones that never try to be one.
Soon enough, the brawl was at an end, as was John's food. More or less, the entire thing ended in a draw, with neither Njada nor Torvar giving in, and only stopping after they'd broken the railing to the stairs, causing the old caretaker to reprimand the two as if they were children.
It was to this sight that Caius walked into. It said a lot when even someone who was an outsider didn't pay much attention, and headed straight to John and Kodlak's seats.
"Kodlak." He gave a respectful nod to the Harbinger, "John." He then turned his attention to John, offering a slight, acknowledging tilt of his head.
"Morning has certainly been eventful," Caius commented, his voice carrying a light note of amusement as he glanced over at the remnants of the brawl, the broken railing, and the two still catching their breath. His gaze lingered on Njada and Torvar, a spark of humor in his eyes before turning back to the others.
Kodlak responded with a nod, his expression a mix of resignation and amusement. "It appears so. But as long as they learn something from it, it's all part of life here."
Caius gave a laugh, "So long as they're learning, indeed." He turned to John, his mirth turning more serious, "Alright, I suppose it's high time we get down to business. John?"
The man in question nodded as he stood up. Walking towards Kodlak, he extended his arm and spoke, "Thank you for letting me stay here."
"With a story like that?" Kodlak smiled in good humor, "It was our pleasure. And please, do think about joining, I have a feeling that you'd enjoy your time here."
"I'll think about it." With one last chuckle, John headed out with Caius.
…
If there was one thing that John really took for granted, it was light. New York was known as the city that never sleeps for a reason, and as such, he'd grown used to the nightlife being lit with countless lights. When they'd entered Whiterun the previous night, there was none of that, and despite the liveliness that had permeated the city even in the dark, it had nothing on witnessing all of it in broad daylight.
Where he'd only seen the shadowed, looming presence of Dragonsreach, he could now see it in all its glory.
Not as an imposing figure it cut, but the architectural marvel that it truly was. Tall, proud, and a symbol for human ingenuity.
The morning sun cast long shadows across the cobblestone paths of Whiterun, making the city come alive in a way that felt almost enchanting to John.
The light, unfettered by the tall buildings and endless concrete of New York, bathed everything in a golden hue, turning ordinary objects into sights worth marveling at. John, used to the harsh, artificial lights of his world, found the natural light of Skyrim not just refreshing but revelatory. It was as if the world was painted with a different palette, one that emphasized the vibrancy of life over the cold efficiency of technology.
As he and Caius made their way through the bustling streets, John couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder. The marketplace was alive with activity. Vendors shouted their wares with a vigor that matched the vibrancy of their goods, while shoppers haggled with a passion he'd only seen in the most fervent of New York's bargain hunters. The comparison, however, ended there.
There was just no way you could compare the sheer humanity that exploded here to the coldness that his world gave out.
Sadly, he couldn't stay and feel the difference.
Not when Caius was leading them further and further towards Dragonsreach.
Passing by a large, withered tree, and a man that John could only describe as a religious zealot, they climbed the stairs towards the fortification.
The moment they did, they were stopped by a couple of guards. Or rather, he was stopped. The guards had immediately started talking with Caius, shooting glances that went unhidden by their helmets. When they finished, they had immediately stood to attention, giving a salute and opening the doors.
John narrowed his eyes.
As they entered Dragonsreach, the grandeur of its hall struck John. The ceiling soared high above, supported by massive wooden beams, each carved with intricate patterns and ancient symbols that spoke of a rich history and culture far removed from his own. The air was filled with the scent of pine and the low murmur of conversation, as various individuals, from warriors in heavy armor to scholars engrossed in thick tomes, populated the hall.
Caius led him straight to the Jarl's throne, a pathway familiar to him yet entirely new to John. The Jarl, suffice it to say, left much to desire. The former assassin only had himself to blame - Kdolak had given him a standard that had maybe left him with more expectations.
Where Kodlak stood as an imposing figure, Jarl Balgruuf appeared more as a man burdened by the weight of his crown. His eyes, sharp and assessing, flicked over John with an interest that was both wary and curious.
"Halt!" A female Dunmer stopped their approach, a hand on her sword, "Commander Caius, who is this?"
"Calm yourself, Irelith." The Jarl spoke with a firm tone, "If Caius is bringing him here, then he must have a good reason."
"Yes, my Jarl." With a nod, Caius directed for John to walk forward.
Doing so with a moment's hesitation, Johns spoke, "I've received your summons, Jarl Balgruuf. I am John of Riverwood."
"Ah!" Balgruuf's voice echoed in recognition, "Let him pass Irelith, I've been expecting him."
With one last glare at John, Irelith stepped to the side. John had the distinct feeling that the woman didn't trust anything or anyone easily. An aspect he was more than familiar with, if he was honest. Still, he approached the Jarl with confidence - no matter what the man wanted, it likely wasn't some elaborate plan to kill him.
At this point, that was more than enough to hear him out.
"First off, I would like to thank you." With a nod towards a balding man next to him, motioning for him to get something, Balgruuf continued, "You have done Whiterun and her people justice, one that I sadly failed at upholding. Rest assured, your acts will not go unrewarded."
The balding man, who John assumed to be an attendant of sorts, came back, holding a roll of parchment. Nodding, the Jarl gestured for John to take it.
John did so, and the blonde man continued the moment he did so, "Your official documentation as a resident of Whiterun. I was told by the men you saved and their families, and they were adamant in giving you a place to call home. And while I cannot do much, I do hope that this will ease your stay here."
Gripping the parchment, John gave a nod.
"Thank you, Jarl Balgruuf. This is more than I expected." John's voice carried a note of genuine gratitude. That being said, he didn't think that he would have been summoned if that was the end of it. Sure enough, Balgruuf continued to speak.
"Now, I'm sure you're curious as to why I've called you here. I will be frank, John of Riverwood, I am officially asking you to join as my personal guard."
…
Commissioned by: brutalcrab
A/N: If you like what I do and want to support me, check out my P-atreon at P-atreon•com(slash)Almistyor.
And a special thanks to: FireRogueWolf25, brutalcrab and Tassimo.
