Wolf out the Bag
Draugrs were everywhere. Their skeletons just came to life and rolled right on out of the walls where they were supposed to be laid to rest. Sonin burnt most of them to a crisp while Farkas kept his attention on the rear, and occasionally, her rear. They made good time, until Sonin’s curiosity got the better of her.
“Hey what do you think this lever’s for?” She asked as she pulled it. A gate dropped from the ceiling and cut her off from Farkas, “Oops.”
Farkas shook his head and laughed, “I’ll go find the release.”
Before he made his way out, five armed people rushed the room. They called him a dog and said that they were going to skin him. Farkas barked back that they wouldn’t live to do it. Sonin was rushing to the front of the gate to cast some spells at the enemies, but stopped when she felt a wave of unnatural power fill the air. Farkas let loose an inhuman growl and his body began to change. She heard as his bones snapped and reset. His arms and legs grew, he grew fur out of every inch of his body. Sonin felt frozen as she realized what was happening. Farkas was turning into a werewolf, her mother’s biggest fear.
Farkas, or rather his wolf, tore the people in half. Blood and gore covered the hall. Sonin watched as entrails were thrown in the air. She made her way to the back of the room, pressing her body to the wall. She clutched to her silver dagger, as though she was about to fight for her life. The gate lifted up and Farkas reentered the room. He was in his human flesh now, but his eyes were still golden.
He began to walk toward her, his hands out to his sides, “I hope I didn’t scare you.”
Sonin didn’t reply, too shocked to make her lips move. All of her mother’s horror stories of werewolves came to mind. Farkas noticed how she gripped her dagger.
“I’m not going to hurt you Sonin. It’s just me, Farkas,” he stepped closer to her, slowly, “Put the knife down.” Sonin didn’t budge. “Sonin?” He took a few more measured steps. Her eyes were wide, pupils dilated. He could feel her heart racing, her breath shaking, and her body trembling. He could smell her fear, the adrenaline pumping. He feared that she would never snap out of it, or worse, she would attack him. Then, after what felt like an eternity of this standstill, a new scent came into play.
Sonin was scared, but she was also excited. Farkas looked down at himself, finally recognising that he was naked. Worse, he was hard. Her scent was overwhelming, assaulting his olfactory system. He moved to cover himself with his hands, turning to grab his fallen armor. After pulling the fitting trousers on, he turned back to face Sonin. She was sitting on the ground now, her back leaned on the wall where she slid down.
Farkas could tell that her heart rate was down now and her breathing was more normal. Her eyes were locked in on him as he approached her. He sat down beside her, patiently waiting for her to say something.
“I’m sorry,” her voice whispered.
“For what?” Farkas was confused.
Sonin had many thoughts and emotions rushing through simultaneously. Of course the first one was terror, absolute and unadulterated. She felt unsafe with the sight of the wolf, but she also knew it was Farkas. Kind, gentle Farkas. He wouldn’t hurt her. She felt sickened at watching humans being ripped apart by giant claws. There was also a part of her that was intrigued, to know how and why he was a werewolf. Deep down, there was also another emotion she felt. Something caused her loins to stir, especially after he stood in front of her in nude splendor. Sonin couldn’t tell at this point if the idea of a werewolf excited her sexually, or if it was just the adrenaline rushing.
“I froze and you looked worried,” her voice was returned to her now.
“It’s okay, I didn’t mean to scare you,” he put a hand on her arm this time and he felt as goosebumps pucker, her hair standing on edge. “I can tell you have a lot of feelings right now.”
“Ha, yeah,” she replied, “you could say that.” Farkas felt as she began to shake a bit again.
He brought her into his chest plate, embracing her. Sonin melted like butter into him. Her arms wrapped around him, her fingers spread wide. Her nerves calmed almost immediately. Farkas brought a hand up to her hair, stroking it loose from its holder. Part of him felt relieved that she knew now, he didn’t have to hide it from her.
“Are all the Companions werewolves?” Sonin asked, pulling herself from him to look at his face.
He could see that she had been crying silently, “No, just the circle.”
“Will I have to become a werewolf?” She continued.
“No. No one will force you,” he assured him, running his hands in her hair.
“Okay,” is all she replied before making herself stand up.
“Are you okay?” Farkas questioned, searching her eyes.
“I will be. There’s no point in sitting here though. We have a job to finish right?” Sonin answered while pulling her hair back into its ponytail.
“Alright,” Farkas snapped on his armor and followed her to the fragment.
…
Sonin and Farkas didn’t speak the whole ride back to Jorrvaskr. Once they dropped off the fragments with Kodlak, Sonin slipped out of the building. Farkas searched for her but to no avail. He hoped that she could keep the secret and that she would come back. He of course told his brother about what had happened. Vilkas then, in turn, informed the entire circle. There was a sort of unease that settled that night as everyone worried about Sonin’s whereabouts.
Much to everyone’s surprise, Sonin did arrive in the morning at the time they had planned to officially welcome her into their ranks. She was dressed in a new pair of black leather leggings and a tunic-like top lined with fur around the collar and the end of the sleeves. It was a fetching look, or at least it fetched the eyes of most of the male companions.
“Brothers and Sisters of the Circle, today we welcome a new soul into our mortal fold. This woman has endured, has challenged and has shown her valor. Who will speak for her?" Kodlak began.
Farkas spoke, “I stand witness for the courage of the soul before us.”
“Would you raise your shield in her defense?” Kodlak continued.
“I would stand at her back, that the world might never overtake us,” Farkas kept his eyes on her as he spoke.
“And would you raise your sword in her honor?” Kodlak asked.
“It stands ready to meet the blood of her foes,” he smiled at her.
“And would you raise a mug in her name?” Kodlak questioned.
“I would lead the song in triumph as our mead hall reveled in her stories,” he exclaimed.
Then this judgment of this Circle is complete. Her heart beats with fury and courage that have united the Companions since the days of the distant green summers. Let it beat with ours, so the mountains may echo and our enemies may tremble at the call,” Kodlak finished.
“It shall be so,” everyone said in unison, even Vilkas.
Kodlak was the first to approach Sonin, “Well, girl, you're one of us now. I trust you won't disappoint.”
“I’ll do my best,” She replied.
Kodlak smiled at that response and excused himself back to his quarters. Sonin had heard word that Kodlak was sick, and nearing his time. It saddened Sonin that such a soul like his would be leaving.
“Shield-sister!” Farkas called out as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder, “Glad I can finally call you that.”
Sonin felt warm under him, “I can tell.”
“Now, want to tell us where you went last night?” Vilkas cut them off as they headed toward the mead hall to celebrate.
“I don’t see how that is any of your business or concern,” Sonin replied.
“You’re a companion now, your business is our business,” Vilkas snipped.
“Well I wasn’t officially a companion last night, so back of shield-brother,” She countered.
“Alright I’ve had enough-”
“Vilkas, stop,” Farkas interrupted.
“Brother-”
Farkas put a hand out on his brother’s shoulder, “I can handle it.”
“You can, can you?” Sonin teased, letting him lead her into the hall.
Truth is, Sonin didn’t have much to hide. She had left to clear her head and think about her choice to join the companions. She took her horse to the plain area and hunted for flowers and insects. She was always looking for alchemy ingredients. That was all that she intended to do that night for a few hours then return. What kept her away longer was her dragonborn duty. As she loaded up on her steed, she caught a glimpse of a dragon flying toward Riverwood.
She knew that it was a small town without the resources to defend itself from a dragon. So Sonin did the only thing her heart would let her, tail the beast. She used a thu'um to grab the dragon’s attention, having it follow her near a mountain and away from the town. It took her about an hour to defeat the beast. Sonin was spent, even after absorbing the dragon soul. She had spent a few hours that night sleeping in a makeshift camp on that same mountain.
Still sore from her fight with marks remaining on her body, she had little time to make it back to Whiterun before she missed the event. She made a stop in Riverwood for a change of clothes and breakfast, then hightailed it to the city.
Farkas and Sonin made plates for themselves and retired to his room. Sonin knew he was going to ask her about last night and that she would have to hide certain truths, but she was prepared. She took a seat at the bar while Farkas dug up a bottle of wine.
“Wine?” Sonin questioned.
“Aye. This one has elderberries,” he replied, pouring them two tankards.
“Do you have a limitless supply of alcohol here?” She laughed as she took the drink.
“I do have a bar,” Farkas remarked.
“Fair enough,” she continued, “now I suppose this is where you ask what your brother wanted to know?”
“Aye,” he affirmed.
“I went out to the plains to collect some new alchemy ingredients and clear my head. I needed time to contemplate everything that happened. One thing led to another and I ended up camping near Riverwood for the night. Now I’m here and happy with my choice,” Sonin explained.
“Why couldn’t you tell that to my brother?” Farkas asked.
“Because he’s an asshole that needs to learn how to talk to a woman before he goes demanding anything from me,” Sonin shrugged.
“You are stubborn like him,” Farkas remarked.
Sonin choked on her wine, “Excuse me? I’m nothing like that brute.”
Farkas gave a chuckle and placed a hand on her shoulder, “Calm down shield-sister.”
Sonin sighed and leaned into his hand, calming herself. She wasn’t actually mad at his words, she just didn’t like the idea of being compared to Vilkas. Farkas let his hand linger on her. He could smell her musk again, and this time it was harder for him to keep control. Now that the secret was out, he didn’t have to hide anything from her. If she was attracted to him now, he didn’t have to have any guilt about laying with her.
“Sonin?” Farkas asked.
“Mhm?” Sonin mumbled, eyes still closed.
“Do you-are you,” Farkas stumbled to find the words, not articulate like his brother, “Are you interested in me?” He already knew the answer, but he wanted to hear confirmation.
“What?” Sonin’s eyes opened wide and she moved away from his hand, “You mean, romantically?”
“Aye,” he moved his hand from her.
“I-,” her face redded deeply, “I don’t really know. You are attractive, I can’t lie.”
“I am?” Farkas was not used to receiving compliments, even though he had been with women who clearly liked his body.
“Of course. What’s not to like?” Sonin kept her eyes from his, “I’m just, less sure of myself.”
“You think you aren’t attractive?” Farkas was in disbelief.
“I know I’m not ugly, but I’m rather plain,” she rested her head in one hand and moved the bread on her plate with one finger, “I’ve had men show interest but they were all sleazy and much older than me. Do you…?” She didn’t have to finish the question.
“I do,” he affirmed.
“It’s something to think about huh?” Sonin awkwardly laughed, finally looking him in the eyes. He looked so intensely at her.
Farkas brought a hand up to her cheek. He felt as her nerves stood on edge and her heart raced. Her face was a nice hue of red now and she trembled slightly under his touch. Farkas couldn’t quite tell if she was scared of him, or just nervous about the idea of being with him. Either way, he wanted to see where this may go.
Sonin didn’t push him away. She had never been with a man, so she was a bundle of raw nerves. Farkas wouldn't be a bad first in her mind, but he was so much bigger than her. He towered over a foot and a head over her. Would he crush her?
“Are you scared of me? Of my wolf?” Farkas asked as he leaned over the counter toward her, hand still on cheek.
“Not anymore,” she admitted.
“Do you think I would hurt you?” He continued.
“No,” she answered, her legs quivering as his breath reached her neck.
“Do you want me?” he whispered in her ear.
That was it, that’s what pushed her over the edge. She could already feel her core tighten and nethers soak. If he so much as touched a leg or kissed her she was going to climax. Sonin was already someone that was very sensitive and she knew her body well, but she hadn’t felt a reaction like this before. Sonin could smell his musk, like mead and steel. It turned her on more than she thought it could. She couldn’t hold back an audible whimper.
Farkas gave a short laugh and removed himself from her, “Don’t mean to tease you.”
Sonin felt the heat of embarrassment flush through her, “It’s okay. I’m fine,” she lied.
Her body craved more, and ached at the loss of his touch. Farkas turned his attention to his meal, trying to fight his animalistic urges to take her. He knew that if he did this now, he might lose control and hurt her. Her reactions to his every movement fed his wolf’s desire.
“You didn’t have to stop,” Sonin stated, surprising herself.
“If I didn’t this might go somewhere you would regret in the morning,” he replied as he bit into his meal.
“Regret?” She questioned, not getting clarification.
They continued their meals in silence and the sexual tension felt like it was choking Sonin. She hadn’t felt this aroused by someone in a long time, not since her first girlfriend back at the College. She fiddled with the fur trim at the end of her sleeves.
“You seem uncomfortable,” Farkas broke the silence, “You can leave if you want.”
“And if I don’t want to?” She questioned.
“Your choice. I’m going to be preparing for training though,” he responded.
“Would you like me to leave?” She asked.
“No,” he answered. It was true, he wanted her to stay forever.
“Then I guess it’s settled,” Sonin replied, to Farkas’ surprise.
“I guess so,” Farkas said as he moved to the chest by his bed and started to remove his armor.
Sonin watched in silence as the bulky man stripped down to his small clothes. Her insides ached as she witnessed every movement of the muscles lining his back, arms, and legs. He was a walking piece of art, a sculpture come to life. She suddenly understood why her mom liked Nord men.
“Like what you see?” Farkas turned his head over his shoulder as he pulled on a pair of trousers.
“I wouldn’t look if I didn’t,” she flirted.
She caught the edge of a wide grin that spread across his face. Farkas slipped on an offwhite top that, although stained and dingy, still looked great on him. Sonin could feel herself swallow hard and Farkas heard it.
They walked out back to the yard together, catching a few curious glances from some members in the hall still eating. Sonin took her tome with her, not interested in training today after her fight yesterday. She found an open table and chair to rest at and dived into her book. She was getting so close to getting this spell under her.
“First day as a Companion and you’re skipping training?” Vilkas asked from behind her.
“Look, I had a long night. I’ll be ready for training my arm tomorrow, I want to focus on my mind right now. You know, something you should do more of,” Sonin said, not moving her eyes from the pages.
“You need to learn your place, whelp,” Vilkas hissed and walked in front of her, “You have to train like everyone else. Go prepare yourself.”
“Um, no,” Sonin looked up at him, “I was specifically informed that no one was in charge here so I don’t have to take orders from you.”
“Why must you be so stubborn?” Vilkas snapped at her.
“Why must you be such an ass?” She countered.
At this point they drew Farkas’ attention away from the dummy he was swinging his greatsword at.
“Listen here, whelp,” Vilkas started, “you-”
“No you listen here, Dog,” Sonin interjected, “You can back the fuck up or we can fight without me holding back.”
“Let’s just calm down-” Farkas started.
“Okay bitch,” Vilkas replied, “Outside of the city. Right now.”
“Your funeral,” Sonin smirked.
“Wait!” Farkas exclaimed, unable to make the pair stop.
“Come with us brother,” Vilkas commented, “someone will need to carry her back.”
“Vilkas that’s-”
“Actually Farkas,” Sonin said, “You should come, he’ll need back up.”
Farkas ran back inside to get Aela and Skjor’s attention on the matter before chasing after the angry pair. They made sure they were out of range from the watchtowers and a distance off the road. Farkas was tense, nervous for this fight. He knew his brother was too angry to keep himself in check. Vilkas was confident he could maintain control of his wolf, but Farkas wasn’t.
“Prepare yourself,” Vilkas announced as they came to a stop.
“Oh I plan to,” Sonins said as she began to remove her top.
She didn’t want to get it dirty, it was too nice and expensive for that. Clad in just her black leggings and some wrappings around her breasts, she drew the attention of both of the twins. They weren’t focused on the exposure of her flesh, but the giant scar on her body. It was three very deep gashes starting at her left side and tracing around toward her right. They looked like they were caused by something bigger than a bear, even bigger than a werewolf. Farkas wondered if that was why she was so scared to see him transform.
Vilkas couldn’t draw his attention away from the marks. They were almost purple against her light skin. He felt remorseful about his earlier comments to Kodlak that she didn’t appear to have fought before. She clearly survived something very serious.
“What did that?” Vilkas asked, pointing the tip of his sword to her stomach.
“Best me and I’ll tell you,” she replied, her hands beginning to glow deep shades of purple and blue.
Vilkas charged her, but his body began to seize. Every inch of his nervous system felt on fire. His body shook against his control and he was beginning to feel loss of control of his bladder. Sonin was pumping him full of electricity. Through sheer will power, he forced his body toward her, slowly. He knew she would run out of mana soon and he would have ample opportunity to knock her out from there.
“I hope you don’t think I’m going to be running out of steam anytime soon,” Sonin announced to him.
Vilkas’ jaw was clenched too tight to speak, but he was managing to adjust his legs to the sensations. He was only a few meters away now. Suddenly the lightning stopped and Sonin switched to a different spell. Vilkas managed to close the distance to just a meter before a large blast of fire admitted from her palms, sending him back.
“Come on puppy,” she teased, “let’s play.”
Vilkas let out a roar and charged her again. This time she took the hit with the help of a ward cast up. His unyielding swings did not touch her. Either she was going to run out of mana or him stamina. Vilkas tried jumping while swinging to get around her ward, but she materialized a blade with her free hand and blocked his blade.
Farkas was impressed at what he was witnessing. He had fought bandits and the occasional silver hand that threw a spell or two, but never a real battle-mage like this. Vilkas was sweating, tired, and more angry than when he started. His attacks were nearly worthless. He tried a new tactic, swiping low with his leg to try and trip her on her back. Sonin was no idiot, saw the move, and jumped over his leg. She let her ward down in that moment and unleashed frost down on him. It slowed him down enough that she was able to avoid the raising of his shield to bash her.
“She is impressive,” Aela commented.
“Aye,” Farkas replied.
“I think our shield brother is about to lose this one,” Skjor said, “We should invite our new blood to the circle.”
Farkas felt his heart drop. No, she wouldn’t do that. She may be able to accept them being werewolves, but there was no way she would want to be one. He could recall that expression of terror on her face when he transformed.
“Icebrain,” Aela continued, “Do you think our shield sister has what it takes to rise to our ranks?”
“She has the skill,” Farkas looked to her, “I don’t think-”
“Perfect,” Alea interrupted, “we’ll take her to the underforge tonight. She shall be a fine beast.”
“I have a mission for her,” Skjor added as his way to affirm the decision.
Farkas snapped his attention back when he heard Vilkas’ growl. He was losing control in broad daylight. The three circle members that had been spectating from a distance were rushing over to stop him. Sonin took a few measured steps back at the man she had just knocked over with her bound sword. His armor was snapping off and his limbs elongating. A blood curdling howl was let loose.
Sonin froze again like she did the first time she witnessed the transformation. Her whole body screamed to run or prepare to fight, but she couldn’t move a muscle. The human in Vilkas was fighting hard to turn back, but his wolf was in charge. He had been losing and he needed the blood to best her magic. He could smell her fear. It pleased the wolf, but made Vilkas’ blood run cold. This was wrong, he knew it, but he couldn’t stop it. Farkas was the one that had better control of his beast, ever since they were younglings. Vilkas thought it was because his brother was denser and could relate to the beast more than him. That didn’t stop him from being jealous of his brother though.
“Sonin!” Farkas called out to her, they were still far enough away that Vilkas would be able to strike before they could reach them.
Sonin watched as Vilkas’ mouth opened and the rows of dagger-like teeth appeared. He raised a paw up at her, stepping in ready to swing. She knew she had a split second to react. If this was a random encounter she would just shout him away and be done, but there were others watching. She couldn’t blow her cover yet. Sonin threw up a ward as fast as she could. It kept his claws from ripping through her flesh, but did not prevent the force of his attack from sending her flying like a ragdoll tossed to the side by a bored child.
Farkas transformed as he was running toward them. His wolf form was larger than Vilkas’ and he knocked him down, pinning him while howling and growling. Farkas kept his teeth exposed to his brother. Aela rushed to Sonin, who managed to prop herself up. On her landing she struck a rock on the ground that was causing an absurd amount of bleeding from such a small cut. The blood rolled down her face and made her shut an eye.
“We’re not done,” Sonin said as she wobbled up to her feet.
“Vilkas is out of control,”Aela replied.
“I don’t care,” She hissed and started heading toward the fighting brothers.
“You’re going to get yourself killed,” Aela warned.
Sonin responded by turning her head to the side and smiling, while maintaining her walk toward the beasts. Skjor looked at her with a judging expression, but did not offer words or try to stop her. Skjor wanted to see what she would do. He wanted to judge if she would be able to handle the mission he had planned.
“Stay…away,” Farkas’ beast managed to say as he held his brother down.
“Farkas, it’s okay. Let him go,” Sonin replied.
“No...danger,” he responded, losing his control of the beast under him.
“Trust me,” she ran a hand on the fur on his shoulder, “I know what to do now.”
He tilted his head toward her, but any decision he was about to make on the matter was taken from him as Vilkas managed to get his legs under him. He pushed his brother off and swung at him. He turned his sight on the petite woman before him, who was still bleeding from her head. She had no weapons, but he didn’t forget what she whispered to him. She was not unarmed. His wolf lunged at her, then was surrounded by a veil. Sonin used the strongest draining spell she knew. It wasn’t just absorbing his stamina, but more importantly, his mana. It was a magical power to be able to transform, so if she could take away enough of it he would have to revert back to his flesh.
Everyone watched as Vilkas was forced down onto a knee and gripping the ground, fighting against the spell. Slowly his fur began to regress and his form grew smaller. This was taking up all the power that Sonin had left and it would be a few days before she would be able to recuperate fully.
Finally Vilkas was himself again, naked and bleeding from multiple punctures that Farkas made while restraining him. He looked up at Sonin, his eyes changing back from gold to steel. He felt his heart sink. Not only did he lose control, but he hurt her. It made him feel worse than the defeat itself. He told himself silently that this had to be the last time, last time he ever gives in to the beast blood.
Sonin reached a hand out to Vilkas, “That’s three now.”
His face broke into a big smile, “You got me.”
“Of course I did, now put on some clothes. The cold is doing you no justice,” she glanced down at his member.
Vilkas quickly covered himself with his hands and Sonin could make out a blush under all that war paint. Farkas came beside them, wearing a ripped pair of trousers. Vilkas could feel something stir, something that felt close to happiness. He wondered if it was because of her, there was no other explanation. Farkas thought about how his brother was going on about Sonin needing to learn her place, but clearly he was the one who needed a lesson. Even Farkas knew that you should never engage a mage solo, they were too unpredictable.
“Your head,” Farkas commented, putting a hand to her face to examine the wound.
“It’s okay,” She placed her hand on his.
Vilkas felt a ping of jealousy. He had been bested for the third time by the same woman and she was going to drive him mad. Vilkas was always the dominant in his relationships, with friends and with lovers. Getting beaten into submission by anyone but his brother was new for him and it made him discover a few new things about himself. All the time that he felt upset at her and couldn’t stop thinking about her wasn’t because there was something wrong with her, he was just attracted to her. Vilkas can’t remember the last time he was attracted to a woman beyond appearances. Now he was looking at his brother touching her and it pissed him off. His wolf decided that this woman was worthy to be a mate and didn’t want anyone else near her.
Farkas picked up on a shift in his brother’s energy, but not the reason for it. Sonin gathered her shirt and slipped it back on, not wanting to expose her scar to any other people. She didn’t have the energy to cast a restoration spell for herself yet, so she would have to make a potion when they returned to the hall.
“Sonin,” Aela said to her as they reached the steps of Jorrvask, “I want you to meet us in the underforge tomorrow at midnight.”
“Sure,” Sonin replied, “Something important?”
“Yes,” Aela replied, making her way in with Skjor.
Vilkas stopped Sonin at the door, “Sonin.”
“Yes?” She looked at him. It was the first time he uttered her name, and she rather liked the sound on his lips.
“I’m sorry,” the Nord muttered. Farkas raised a brow.
“Don’t worry about it,” She replied, continuing inside.
Vilkas was not expecting a reaction like that. He deserved her wrath, not her forgiveness. They entered the living quarters, most people out of the hall and outside now. Vilkas watched as Sonin made a stop to grab one of her bags then followed Farkas to his room. He wanted to join them, but he was too ashamed. Instead, he headed for his room to rest. He would consult Kodlak in the morning once his mind was clear.
Sonin grinded a few ingredients out of her bag into a paste in her small pedestal. Farkas watched her work, amazed. She poured some of the juniper wine into the concoction and made it into a solution.
“The wine makes it easier to take,” she poured it into three bottles, “take this one.” She handed him one.
“I don’t need it,” he said, but she pushed the bottle into his hands.
“Then save it for when you do,” She drank hers down and the cut on her head sealed, “now, let me take this one to Vilkas.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me to take it?” He offered.
“No it’s okay,” she whipped the blood off her face with a rag and took her things across the hall.
Sonin took a deep breath before knocking on his door. He simply grunted loudly in response instead of opening the door, so she took it as a sign to let herself in. The door was unlocked. His room was plain compared to Farkas’ bar, but there were more weapons and miscellaneous items. He had a small bookshelf filled with volumes, most unfamiliar to Sonin. Vilkas was laying face down on his bed, wearing just a pair of trousers. His hair was spilled out over the pillow and he had put makeshift bandages on the punctures on his arm.
“I guess it’s a good thing I left myself in,” Sonin spoke, causing Vilkas to jump up and out of the bed.
“What are you-”
“Relax wolf-boy,” She teased, “I made you a health potion”
“Thank you,” he took the bottle, taking a sniff then tossing it back.
“You want me to get you properly bandaged?” She made it a point to tilt her head at the cloth wrappings that were saturated with blood.
“They won’t be needed after this potion right?” He asked.
“It’s a weak one. It’ll stop the bleeding but it won’t fully close punctures like that. It shouldn’t need stitches, but you’ll want a proper bandage to keep it from getting infected,” Sonin moved closer to the man, “Go. Sit.” Vilkas took a moment to look at her, ensuring that she was being serious before he did as he was told. “Good boy,” she continued, “you might even earn yourself a bone.”
“Is getting insulted part of the healing process?” Vilkas asked, his tone not as serious as normal.
“Nothing is free,” she replied, “Amusement is my price.”
Vilkas gave her a short choke of a laugh. Her eyes grew wide and she pressed the back of his hand to his forehead.
“What are you doing?” He questioned.
“Oh well, I thought I just heard you laugh. I had to make sure you weren’t running a fever, that’s the only logical explanation,” Sonin chuckled.
“Very funny,” he looked at her with an expression that was softer than what she had seen before.
Sonin carefully unwrapped his arms and inspected each wound. They were closed, but still fresh. She went to the other side of the room to the bucket of water Vilkas kept and dipped a cloth into it. Vilkas watched her intensely as she washed each affected area before applying a floral scented paste and fresh wrappings.
“You seem to know what you’re doing,” Vilkas commented.
“Thank you, I do. I never specialised in one field of magic, so to keep an edge I worked hard on all of them. I think I prefer healing more than hurting,” Sonin admired her work for a moment, “weird thing for a warrior to say, huh?”
I don’t think so,” Vilkas’ hand reached out to her’s that was resting on the furs of his bed. She had sat beside him there to clean him up. Sonin jumped a bit at his touch, “Does this offend you?”
“No,” she stammered, “Just took me off guard. You don’t seem the handsy type.”
“I guess that’s true,” he removed his hand from her.
“I didn’t say you had to stop,” she protested, “It’s okay. I am the handsy type.”
“Oh,” Vilkas’ eye gave away a slight excitement as he returned his touch, “You...want me to touch you?”
Sonin shrugged, “I like being touched.”
“Do you now?” Vilkas felt a little bolder from her response, pushing a stray lock of her hair behind her ears to get a better view of her face.
He felt his pants tighten at her blushing and the smell that rose off of her. It was similar to the odor he caught whiff of when she walked past him out of Farkas’ room. She was attracted to him like she was his brother. It almost made him feel proud, in a weird sibling-rivalry kind of way.
Sonin had been looking down while he touched her, but she made his breath hitch when she looked up at him through her lids. Her light brown eyes like warm amber in the candlelight. Her lashes long and dark, her lips plumper than the average Nord’s, and her cheekbones high. He wanted to push her down onto the furs and explore more of her.
“Is there something on my face?” She asked, self conscious.
“No,” Vilkas moved in closer to her face, his lips dangerously close to hers.
Sonin didn’t stop him as he closed the gap between them. Her breathing almost stopped as she anticipated his next move. Hesitantly, Vilkas pressed a hand to her jaw to angle her head toward him. He could hear that she was holding her breath as her heart began to race. If he hadn’t just transformed today, then he would not have been able to hold the wolf back in this moment. He pressed his lips to hers, careful to be as gentle as possible. Sonin felt a spark run down the back of her spine through to her feet. Vilkas felt the lack of her reciperation and began to pull away thinking that it wasn’t a welcomed move, but just as he did Sonin leaned in. It was all the permission he needed to lock lips again. He ran a hand to her hair, pulling her into a deeper kiss. This time she kissed him back, her hands tentatively running up his bare chest.
Sonin was having a lot of mixed emotions right now. This man had pissed her off and offended her repeatedly. He was a thorn in her side that didn’t welcome her presence or even her existence, but now she was enjoying kissing him. She was expecting that, if she were to get involved with anyone here, then it would be Farkas. Sweet, loving Farkas. Not broody Vilkas. It was confusing, but her body seemed sure of it. Her hands explored the muscles and hair on his chest, his skin puckering under her fingertips.
The Nord man slipped a little tongue to her lips, causing her to involuntarily dig her fingertips into his flesh. He took it as the good sign it was and proceeded to guide her down onto the bed. She followed his lead, but she felt very unsure of herself. Sonin didn’t feel forced, no, she knew he would stop if she told him to. She just felt no confidence in herself. Having only been with women, she wasn’t sure how she would perform with a man. Sonin was attracted to men more than women, but everything sexual just seemed easier and less intimidating with women.
Her head reached his pillow, the rabbit fur pelt tickling her ears. She whimpered as he moved his attention to her neck, kissing and nibbling down to her collarbone. He moved a hand up her torso, running it down from her neck to her breasts. He was rough with her body. A moan escaped her lips and Vilkas’ body instinctively pressed down on hers, his erection needing friction.
“Is this good?” Vilkas asked.
“Mh-” Sonin was never good at articulation when she was experiencing any intense emotions, “Ye-Yes.” She shuddered as he bit into her collar.
“You smell so amazing,” he said to her as he positioned himself centered over her, “You’re beautiful,” He began to unlace her leggings quickly, “I’m going to leave you sore.”
Sonin’s eyes grew wide and panic began to set in. She feels like she wants this, but it’s so sudden and soon. Vilkas felt the shift from excitement to fear.
“Sonin,” he looked in her eyes, searching for the truth, “Are you scared of me?”
“No,” she said, that’s not what has her scared.
“You like what I’m doing?” He continued.
“Yes,” she answered.
“Then why do you look so fearful?” He pushed.
“I-,” the embarrassment of her inexperience flushed her again, “I’ve never-”
“You’re a maiden?” Vilkas’ face grew pale, “Why-why didn’t you say something?” He rushed off of her and stood a few feet away from the bed, “I wouldn’t have-,” he ran a hand down his face, “I just assumed-”
“It’s okay Vilkas,” Sonin got out of the bed, “I-I didn’t know what to say.”
“Divines,” he muttered, “You could have told me to stop. I can’t just treat you like some tavern whore.”
“You caught me off guard,” Sonin explained, “I’ve never had someone be so forward with me.”
“Does Farkas know?” He asked.
“What? No, why would I have told him?” Sonin questioned.
“He is also-,” he put a hand up, “Nevermind. Just, go.”
“You kiss me and now you’re going to kick me out?” Sonin felt rage boil behind her embarrassment.
“Yes, I made a mistake. Go,” he opened the door for her.
“Why did I think, for just a moment, that you were anything other than a complete ass?” She exclaimed as she walked out, shooting him daggers.
Vilkas closed the door behind her, not wanting to see his brother step out of his room. He threw himself back on the bed, thinking of what he had done. Her scent was on his furs, the only comfort he got that night as he fell in and out of a restless sleep.
Farkas heard the commotion across the hall and stuck his head out when he heard Vilkas’ door slam shut. He caught wind of Sonin, hearing feet storm to the mead hall. He wasn’t sure what was going on, or who he should see first. He decided that it would be better to keep an eye on Sonin since Vilkas was staying inside. He rushed to meet up with her at the courtyard.
He stood back, watching her as she struck the strawman targets with her bound blade. She hacked away with little form or grace. Anyone would be able to see that she was angry. Farkas decided it best to wait, let her tire herself out.
After some time, Sonin’s stamina was depleted. She turned to head back in, startled that Farkas was watching her. He offered her a smile and embraced her.
“Farkas? What are you doing out here?” She asked.
“Heard a fight, wanted to check on you,” he answered.
“Thank you. You’re so kind, you know that?” She said to him.
He just offered her a smile, leading her back inside, “Do you want to talk about it?”
“Yes, but I think this is something that I should just keep to myself. Just know your brother is a real piece of work,” Sonin replied.
“Aye,” Farkas responded, “He’s got the smarts, but he’s not good with people.”
Sonin snorted, “True that,” she looked at the ground as they walked.
“Something else bothering you sister?” He questioned her uncharastically serious expression.
“I just,” she clung a hand to her arm to comfort herself, “I don’t want to be alone tonight. I think I may just stay with my horse at the stable.”
“You can stay with me,” He offered, liking the idea of her in his bed.
“That’s...okay? There aren’t any unspoken rules about it are there?” She questioned.
He laughed, “No, it’s fine. Come on.”
Sonin was all too happy to curl up on the Sabre pelt on his extra large bed. He was an extra large man, so she expected no less. She didn’t want to sleep in her fine clothes though, rubbing her head contemplating how to stay modest.
“Something the matter? I promise not to try anything,” Farkas said.
“Oh, I just realized that I normally sleep without a top. It would be a little inappropriate for me to do that if we’re sharing a bed,” she answered.
“Take one of my shirts then,” he offered her a top that would swallow her.
“Thank you,” she took it.
Farkas watched her as she turned her back to him and slid out of her fur lined top. His eyes fell to her giant scar, wondering what caused it and how she managed to survive. He was a man that had many wounds and the scars to prove it, but nothing that looked that grave.
“Sonin,” he got her attention as she finished removing her leggings, “What caused that mark?”
She turned to face him, “Can you keep a secret?”
“Aye,” he admired how his shirt fit her like a tunic, the v of the neckline plunging down to her cleavage and the hem stopping at her knees.
“Good, I’d rather not have everyone here know. It was from a dragon,” she replied.
“Dragon?” His eyes widened.
“Yeah,” Sonin rubbed the back of her neck, “if I didn’t have some healing potions on me, I would have died. My restoration magic, at that time, wasn’t quick enough to keep me from bleeding out.” Farkas let her keep talking uninterrupted. “Have you ever seen your insides out of your body?” He shook his head no. “Good, I hope you never do. It’s an unimaginable pain.”
“What happened to the dragon?” He asked.
“It’s dead now,” She told him, hiding the fact she was the one who killed it. That’s how she discovered she was Dragonborn.
“You’re stronger than you look,” Farkas commented.
“Not really,” she blushed, crawling into his bed.
Farkas let her get settled before he followed behind her. Sonin faced away from him, happy to be there but nervous at the same time. She had never shared a bed with anyone but her closest friends. He sensed her discomfort and wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. She could feel herself melting again, a sense of comfort and safety washing over her. Farkas felt her muscles relax under his touch. It made him feel proud of himself. The little woman in his arms deserved to be able to relax.