Skjor
It had been a few months now. Sonin spent most of her working, taking jobs as they came in. She still had yet to take the beast blood, drawing suspicion from Aela and Skjor. They wanted their shield sister to join their ranks and aid them in the fight against the Silver hand. They also wanted to know what it was that made her think she couldn’t take the blood. There was the slight risk of her beast taking over forever, but it had only happened once to the Companions. Sonin didn’t seem the fearful type to them, so it was clearly some other force preventing her from joining.
“Any other jobs open right now?” Sonin asked Farkas, having returned recently that morning from handling some wolves that were invading a nearby farm.
“No,” he replied, “Our other shield siblings have taken the rest.”
“Oh well,” she stretched, her shirt rising enough that he could see some of her scar, “Guess I’ll have to take it easy.”
Farkas reached out and touched the damaged flesh, making Sonin tremble. She had noticed that Farkas seemed to like it, often tracing his lips over it when they made love or rested together.
“Or maybe you have something else in mind?” Sonin smirked at him.
“I need to train today,” he responded, although he did like the insinuation.
“Ugh fine,” she stood up from her chair, done with her lunch. “Maybe Aela will want to do some hunting. I could use the practice.”
“She still teaching you how to use a bow?” He asked.
“Yep. I’ve gotten pretty good too,” She smiled at him, “I don’t think I’ll ever be on her level though.”
Farkas grunted and watched her hips sway as she made her way outside to look for their shield sister. He noticed he wasn’t the only one watching, Torvar in the corner had a drunken grin on his face. The man got up and followed her, staggering a bit. It made Farkas tense up.
Sonin found Aela with Skjor, talking about some plan. She embraced her sister when they noticed her. Skjor never talked much to Sonin, but his eyes were always judging her. It was like he was constantly sizing her up for battle.
“Want to hunt?” Sonin asked her.
“Wanting to train with you bow some more? I will have time tonight if you are still interested. We need some more meat for the hall,” Aela informed her.
“Sounds good to me. What are you two up to?” She eyed Skjor.
“We are working on bringing the fight to the Silver hand. They must pay for attacking Farkas,” Aela spoke.
“Can I help?” Sonin offered.
“It is a matter for the circle only, but we would welcome you to join if you take the blood,” She replied. Sonin stiffened at the words and Aela sensed it, “Are you afraid of the blood?”
“No,” Sonin shifted her weight and clutched one hand to her opposing arm, “I just don’t think I’m comfortable with it. Not yet at least. I see the benefits, but I also see how it can torment the mind.”
“You speak of Vilkas,” she said, “He struggles because he will not hunt. If you feed the beast, then it will work with you. He chooses to fight it, so he suffers for it.”
“So you’re saying if he would transform more often then he wouldn’t be plagued like he is now?” Sonin asked.
“Aye,” Skjor confirmed.
“I guess that makes sense,” Sonin furrowed her brow thoughtfully, “Still though, I know I could be of great assistance for you. Please, let me help. I want to kill the Silver hand as much as you.”
“We will discuss it. But for now, you will be kept out of the matter,” Skjor replied.
“Consideration is enough,” Sonin responded, “Thank you brother.”
“I hear things are going well between you and Vilkas and Farkas,” Aela turned the topic.
Sonin blushed and rubbed the back of her head, “Oh, yeah. I’m surprised they aren’t at each other’s throats.”
“They will not turn on each other so long as you haven’t marked them, they both pine for your attention though,” Skjor replied. This was the most she has ever talked to him.
“This whole marking business is still so strange to me,” Sonin stated, “I would imagine it would get more complicated if I were to change?”
“Potentially,” Aela said, “Their wolves would be more drawn to you as a possible mate. They would compete for your affection.”
“It’s something to consider-”
“Hey there, my best drinking pal!” Torvar strolled up to the trio, “Why don’t you come hang out with me for a bit. Take a break from those brothers.”
“Torvar, you’re drunk,” Sonin sighed, “You should drink some water and sleep it off.”
“Only if you join me,” he put his hand on her shoulder and pulled her to him by the waist, “What do you say? Let a real man show you a good time.”
“I could burn you to ash where you stand, you do realize this?” Sonin’s tone was angry.
“Don’t be like that,” he moved his face closer to hers, he reeked of alcohol. “I could make you feel real good,” his hand moved to cup her ass.
Vilkas saw the drunkard approach her from the other side of the courtyard. He was on his way to force the man off of his Sonin, until he saw what she delivered. A solid punch to the nose, sending blood on the ground. The man grew angry at that, but backed down when she lit her hands on fire.
“Torvar we can share a drink once you sober up, but I swear to Akatosh I will burn your dick off if you grope me again,” Vilkas felt a sense of pride at her defending herself. He was curious, however, that she would choose a dragon god to swear to.
“Alright, alright,” Torvar threw his hands up, “I’m sorry.”
“You better be,” Sonin turned back to face Aela, noticing Vilkas make his way over.
“Never knew you were religious,” Aela commented.
“I’m not, not really at least,” Sonin shrugged.
“He will not be messing with you anytime soon,” Vilkas commented from behind her.
Sonin smiled at his words, “I’d imagine no man wants his manhood on fire.”
The three circle members laughed. Sonin and Vilkas excused themselves and headed out into the city together. She had told him that she wanted to collect some ingredients to work on new potions. Vilkas, not wanting her to leave the city alone, followed her.
They were just a few minutes outside of the city gates, Sonin picking at flowers as they walked. Vilkas rather enjoyed seeing her do something so feminine. She also snagged a few bugs out of the air and pulled out a few roots from the ground.
“How did you learn what works to make a potion?” Vilkas asked her as she took a seat on a rook by a creek.
“Books mostly. They had plenty of recipes at the College. Some things I learned on my own though, just experimenting. Had a few blow up in my face though,” She laughed, “It was a simpler time then.”
Vilkas saw the far away look return to her face, “Aye. I’m glad you left and threw your lot in with us.” He placed a hand on hers, sitting next to her.
Sonin enjoyed these tender moments between them, when Vilkas’ stern face relaxed. He always looked older than he was, but his youth showed at the moment. “I’m glad too.”
Vilkas took her face in his hands and kissed her lips. They parted to allow him in, deepening their embrace. Sonin brought her hands to his sides, pulling herself closer to him. Vilkas moaned softly against her, his hands starting to roam her body. She felt hot to the touch.
They kept up their lip lock until Sonin pushed him back, “I think we should head back.”
“Aye,” Vilkas nodded, feeling himself grow cold as she parted from him.
Vilkas had expected her to crawl onto his bed and beckon him over, but Sonin had other plans. He watched her sort her findings and begin grinding them up. He was disappointed, thinking their embrace had her worked up. Deep down, a part of him worried she was losing interest in him. It had been a week since their last tumble. She would still curl up to him some nights, but never taking it a step further. He knew she had spent a few nights recently with Farkas and they had sex when she was there.
“And we’re done,” Sonin announced, drawing Vilkas back from his thoughts. “I went ahead and ground them so I could keep better track. Now when I need to make a potion it will be done quickly.”
Vilkas nodded but remained silent. It was bothering him. Had she decided to choose his brother? He saw no marks on him, but maybe it was just a matter of time.
“Vilkas?” He looked at her, “What’s the matter?”
He knew he couldn’t keep his emotions hidden from her, “I just noticed that you haven’t had any...interest in me as of late.”
“I guess I didn’t notice,” Sonin scratched her head, “Sorry if I made you feel hurt. I still desire you, my mind has just been elsewhere.”
“But you have laid with my brother recently,” Vilkas regretted letting that slip. She didn’t need to know that he could hear them.
“Farkas has been leading,” Sonin admitted, “I haven’t initiated anything with him, same as I haven’t with you.”
“So if I were to bring you to my bed now?” Vilkas asked, hopeful.
“I wouldn’t stop you, but if I’m being honest,” she paused then looked to the ground, “I’m not really in the mood.”
“I see,” Vilkas felt like he had been punched in the gut.
“I’m sorry,” she said.
“No need,” he replied, “You don’t owe me your body whenever I crave it.”
“I don’t like to be a disappointment,” Sonin kept her gaze low.
Vilkas came to her and pulled her into a hug, “You have never disappointed me Sonin.”
She smiled, still liking when he said her name. After being called whelp for so long, she had thought he didn’t know it. Sonin hugged him back for a moment before standing and breaking the embrace. Vilkas wanted to reach out and bring her back, but he didn’t want to smother her.
“I have heard some of the others talking about me,” she started, “about my relationship to you and Farkas.”
“Idle gossip,” Vilkas brushed it off.
“Doesn’t make the sting hurt less,” She countered.
“Have they been calling you names?” he asked. She averted her eyes, telling him the answer. “Who is doing this? I would have a word with them.”
“No!” Sonin exclaimed, “Don’t do that. I’m an adult, I can handle it.”
“It is unbecoming of a Companion to speak negatively of a shield sibling,” Vilkas defended.
“Please, forget I mentioned it,” Sonin pleaded, “I’m going to get some food. Want anything?”
…
“Did you hear?” Njada said in a low voice, “They asked her to join the circle.” Sonin could hear them speak, even with them trying to mutter.
“But she’s the youngest member,” Ria was offended, “I should have a shot before her.”
“I bet it’s because she’s sleeping with them,” Njada sneered, “easy to move up when your legs are spread.”
“Enough!” Sonin yelled at them, making their eyes grow wide. “I have been asked because they see my skill in battle. If you spent more time working and less gossiping then maybe they would have asked you before I even arrived.”
“What did you say?” Njada stood up, “You think you’re better than me? Is that it?”
They had begun to draw an audience. Torvar was finally sobered up, Athis watched from the table, Farkas and Aela had walked in on it, and Skjor had paused from his way to the living quarters.
“I know better than to speak ill on a shield sister,” Sonin didn’t back down, “If you think they made a mistake, then prove it.”
“I’ll have you on your ass in less than a minute,” Njada walked to her.
Sonin had to look up at the woman who was about eight inches taller than her, “Then we can settle this outside, since you want to call out my honor.”
They went to the courtyard. Someone had brought this to Vilkas’ and Kodlak’s attention, for they both showed up outside. All the Companions were there, a challenge on honor was a serious one.
“You’re probably going to need those little spells of yours to have a chance against me. We all know you can’t fight well without them,” Njada taunted.
Vilkas and Farkas both grew angry at the suggestion. The circle members had seen her worth and skill, Njada had not.
“Big talk for a jealous bitch,” Sonin countered.
Njada charged at that, bashing her shield. Sonin jumped out of the way and rolled behind her, bouncing up to kick the woman in the back. She stumbled before turning around, her face red.
“That was cheap,” she said as she rushed her again.
Sonin wielded two glass daggers, using speed as her advantage. Unfortunately, Sonin carried too much weight on her frame to be as nimble as someone like Athis. Njada swung her iron sword at Sonin, aiming for her torso. Sonin blocked it with one dagger swung at her with the other. She dodged it by jumping back, but brought her shield down on Sonin. She flung herself back to keep from getting knocked out cold.
“Stop this you two!” Ria called out.
“You are just as guilty Ria!” Sonin yelled to her as she kept dodging Njada’s assaults, “You might as well get out here too.”
Ria quieted down and looked away from the Circle members who glared at her. Farkas wanted to give Ria a good thrashing at insulting Sonin’s honor as a warrior. Vilkas had the same thoughts. They turned their attention back to the women fighting. Vilkas cringed as he heard a bone popping crunch as Njada’s shield finally made contact with Sonin. He knew that she was running out of stamina. Sonin stumbled but refused to let herself fall.
“Looks like I got first blood,” Njada grinned as Sonin spit some from her mouth, “This isn’t going to take long.”
“Only a whelp would assume victory after one hit,” Sonin countered, Vilkas smiled at that.
Sonin may not be built for hand to hand combat, but that didn’t mean she was going to lay down and take it. This time she rushed Njada. As the shield came bashing out, Sonin dropped herself to the floor to dodge it and caught the back of Njada’s heel with her dagger, pulling with enough force to knock the woman down.
Without giving a chance to catch her breath, Sonin swung a foot out and planted it square in her chest. The wind knocked out of Njada as she fell on her back. Sonin used the last of her stamina to jump on the woman, pinning her arms down with her powerful legs. She tossed her dagger to the side and punched Njada in the face, sending blood pouring from her now broken nose.
No one had seen Sonin use her bare hands in a fight before, proving to everyone just how angry she was. Njada tried to ground her feet to force Sonin off of her, but Sonin had the advantage of being heavier than her. She punched her again, this time bloodying her own knuckles. Njada tried to pull her arms up and overtake Sonin, who delivered one more fist.
Right as Sonin raised her hand for another, Njada called out, “I yield! I yield!”
Sonin stopped her assault but stayed on top of the woman, leaning down to speak in her ear, “If I ever hear you speak about me like that again, I won’t give you the chance to yield. You understand me?”
Njada’s eyes grew wide as she shook her head up and down repeatedly. Sonin stood off of her, offering a hand to help her up. Njada flinched at the movement, then accepted it. She grabbed her sword and shield, scampering off to Ria with her head down in shame. Sonin picked up her daggers and cast a healing spell on her scrapped hands.
“Does anyone else question my honor?” Sonin asked the other Companions.
No one spoke up, but Kodlak approached her. He put a hand on her shoulder and told her that he wished to speak with her in private. Sonin began to worry that she did something wrong, but he assured her she did a good job today. Vilkas and Farkas followed behind them, keeping a respectful distance. Sonin took a seat on the chair opposite of Kodlak, where Vilkas had sat when they first met.
“You seem troubled,” Kodlak started, “There is something clouding your mind, and your heart.”
“Aye,” Sonin sighed, “I doubt anything will fix that.”
“What is the matter Sonin?” He asked her, his eyes kind and caring.
“I-I can’t say. It is a burden I must keep to myself,” she looked away from him.
“We are your family here, let us help you carry your burdens,” Kodlak reassured her, “We will not turn away from you, whatever they are.”
“You are wise Kodlak, but wrong. Things would change, no one would look at me the same,” a tear fell down her cheek.
“Before you walked in these halls, I had a dream about your appearance. You are meant to have an important role here,” he stated.
“I don’t understand what you mean,” Sonin looked back at him.
He offered her a smile, “I know you are meant for great things. Be kind to yourself and trust in your family.”
Sonin nodded, standing up from her seat and taking her leave. Vilkas and Farkas were outside, waiting for her.
“Are you alright?” Vilkas was the first to step to her, a hand lifting her face so he could inspect her.
“I’m fine,” she said, not realizing that she was still crying.
“You are crying,” Farkas so eloquently pointed out.
“I guess I am,” Sonin wiped her eyes, “Silly of me.”
“Do you need to talk about it? We are here for you,” Vilkas replied.
“You fought well,” Farkas stated.
“No that’s okay. I’m going to lay down for a bit,” she moved away from the brothers, who exchanged worried glances.
Kodlak watched the exchange with a smile.
…
The air was thick with blood. Around Sonin laid bodies, some charred and others ripped in half. Aela had turned the moment they entered the building, something pulling at her from Skjor. It was known that she and Skjor were together, but only the circle knew that they were life-mates. Whatever she felt to cause her to transform could only be a bad sign. Aela rushed through each room and hall, shredding the Silver hand members before they could even lift their weapons. Sonin kept back, casting wards up to prevent her from any serious injury. One good stab from a silver weapon could have her bleed out, her wolf unable to heal a silver wound.
There he was, Skjor dead at the end of the final room of the fort. Aela let out a fierce roar that would send all but the bravest fleeing. None of them budged. Aela went straight for the leader, who hovered over her mate’s body. Sonin cast up another ward to reflex the arrows released at her. She sent fireballs blasting to the members moving toward her.
Aela was too caught up in her emotions, her attacks sloppy. Sonin cleared out the room so it was just Aela and the leader. She wanted to help, but it felt like Aela wanted to do this herself. So Sonin just readied herself to jump in should she need it. The fight didn’t last too long, and Aela ripped into the man’s chest, eating his heart. She didn’t shift back, her muzzle pressed against Skjor’s body. Sonin felt herself weeping, for the loss of Skjor and for the pain for her sister. Sonin sat beside them, her hand on Aela’s shoulder until she turned back human.
“He should have not gone in alone. He should have waited for us,” Aela didn’t cry, even now.
“I’m sorry Aela,” Sonin wrapped her arms around the woman’s neck.
“We will make them pay,” Aela hissed.
“Yes sister,” Sonin replied, “and I will be there for you.”
She nodded her head, “Go and get the others. I will stay with his body.”
Sonin stood and started running for Whiterun. Vilkas and Farkas were in disbelief. They knew Aela and Skjor were up to something, but didn’t expect anything to happen. Especially with Sonin involved. She didn’t take the blood, yet Aela led her into Silverhand territory. She could have been killed too. What hurt worse was Sonin didn’t tell either of them. She swore to Aela it would be a secret. If Kodlak had found out about the plan, he would have stopped it.
“I cannot believe you didn’t tell me- us,” Vilkas scolded as they brought a horse drawn wagon to the fort.
“Aela made me swear to keep it from anyone,” Sonin said, “Skjor told me if I did this, they would have me in the circle without taking the blood.”
“Of course,” Vilkas sighed, “Now he’s dead for it. If you had told us-”
“Calm yourself brother,” Farkas put a hand on his shoulder, “This is not Sonin’s fault.”
Sonin looked down at her horse, her eyes swelling with tears. Vilkas turned away, not having meant to take his anger out on her. Farkas looked between them, wanting to comfort them both without knowing how to.
“I know this is my fault,” Sonin said in a near whisper, perking up the men’s ears. “I should have not kept it a secret. Kodlak should have at least known so he could have talked some sense into them. They were just so angry. Now Skjor is dead and Aela is hurt from it.”
“Not your fault,” Farkas said, reaching up to touch her leg as he walked beside her. He was leading the horse with the wagon.
“Maybe not, but I could have stopped it. I was just so happy to help them, feeling wanted. I-” her voice choked off and she wept silently.
Once they arrived Aela was at the front door, Skjor’s head in her lap. She was bent over him, hands running over his body as though he was just sleeping. Aela’s eyes were red, she finally cried once Sonin left.
“There is one more thing we need to handle,” Sonin spoke as they loaded his body.
“Speak,” Aela addressed her.
“There was a werewolf trapped in a cage inside. He looked half starved. We should help it,” Sonin explained.
“Aye, that wolf took over its man. There will be no changing it back now,” Aela replied.
“We can’t just leave it though,” Sonin countered. “Surely we can free it.”
“It would turn on you and eat your heart,” Vilkas said coldly.
“Then we should at least put it out of its misery. Better to die now than starve,” Sonin responded.
“I’ll do it,” Farkas said as he went inside, returning a few minutes later with blood on his armor.
…
The funeral was short, as was the way of the Companions. Eyes on the prey, not the horizon. Sonin met Vilkas and Farkas at the tables outside. Aela was still at Skjor’s side while his body burned. Eorlund has said that skyforge would burn hotter now. She didn't understand how it worked, but she believed him.
“Aela is going to go hunting for the next few days,” Sonin informed the men, “As her way of mourning.”
“Aye,” Vilkas replied, “That sounds like her.”
“Are you and Farkas planning anything?” Sonin asked.
“No,” Vilkas sighed, “We aren’t much of the mourning type. Were you planning something?”
“There is one thing I want to do. Aela said it would be okay, but I wanted to give her a while alone before I went back up,” Sonin looked down at her hands, twirling her thumbs.
“Would you like me to be with you?” Vilkas asked.
Sonin shook her head, “Farkas too, if you don’t mind.”
“Sure,” Farkas grunted.
Sonin left them to grab her wooden flute. She wasn’t the best musician, but she could carry a pleasant tune. Vilkas and Farkas were already back up at the fire, looking down on their friend. Sonin went behind them and perched herself on the rocky edge of the hill. Her legs crossed, she took a deep breath and began to play.
Vilkas and Farkas didn’t recognize the song, but it brought tears to Aela’s eyes. No one there had seen Aela cry before, and now she was weeping. Her war paint smeared with her tears. She left her spot by the fire and sat beside her sister, laying her head against her shoulder with her eyes closed.
Vilkas hadn’t realized how close they had gotten over the past few months. They really were like sisters. It wasn’t just Aela though, she found a place in everyone’s heart. Even Njada became her friend, respecting the hell out of her after she was bested. Sonin had gone with everyone on at least one job now. If something were to happen to her, the whole hall would be in mourning. Not that the other Companions didn’t miss Skjor, just that Skjor kept everyone at an arm’s length. That’s what going through a war will do to a man. Never wanting to get too close because you could be dead the next moment.
Sonin was the opposite. Even though she was very shy at first, once she felt comfortable she opened up with everyone. Vilkas noticed how she spent some time with all her shield siblings, she even would help Tilma cook and clean. Kodlak was fond of her too, and would speak highly of her in his presence.
Vilkas looked at her and Aela, his heart aching. He knew he loved her, but he didn’t know how to tell her. She seemed to have favored his brother as of late and Vilkas didn’t want to fight his brother, if Farkas wanted to marry the woman. He hadn’t spoken to his brother about the matter either. It was regretful because Farkas would have backed off it Vilkas told him to at the beginning. Now it was too late, they had both marked her. They were just waiting on her choice, assuming she didn’t find another. The idea made Vilkas sick. If she picked his brother, he could understand because he was a kind heart and honorable warrior. Some stranger though? He could never accept that.
The melody ended and Sonin brought her hands around her shield sister. Farkas and Vilkas averted their eyes to give them privacy.