Sonin, a Skyrim Story

It had been a month since Skjor’s death. The halls were lively like before, but there was still an air of something missing. Farkas and Vilkas had to pick up more responsibility on training the whelps now that the circle was down a member. Sonin took on most of the jobs that flowed in now. She had been made an official member of the circle, even though she didn’t take the blood. The first since the Companions made the deal with the witches hundreds of years ago.

Sonin has just returned from another successful job, having rescued a woman being held captive by bandits in an old ruin. It was an unspoken truth that Sonin had become the strongest member of the Companions. Kodlak often talked about her prowess as a warrior. Aela, Farkas, and Vilkas may be better than her at hand to hand combat and specific weapons, but none of them could take her head to head. Her magic was beyond deadly and none of them wanted to be on the receiving end. Sonin did start training everyone on tactics to use against mages they may encounter, but of course no one managed to beat her. Vilkas had noticed that Sonin seemed to have relaxed finally and with that showed that she had more skill than they thought. No one knew she had been holding back anything.

Sonin placed a large pouch of coins on Kodlak’s desk, sighing heavily and taking a seat on the floor next to Vilkas. He was sitting in the chair across from the Harbinger. She leaned her head back against Vilkas’ knees.

“Something troubling you sister?” Kodlak asked.

“When is something not?” Sonin laughed, “Just tired. There were more than bandits hiding in that ruin.” Sonin looked at her ankle, which she healed but still felt sore. “I swear if I ever see a giant spider again I’m going to set myself on fire.”

Vilkas took concern with her tone. She normally joked like this, but something in her tone was off. “Did you get hurt?”

“I-,” she looked back at her leg, “Yeah. Bastard got my ankle when I tried to kick it. Fucking posion almost knocked me out.” She rubbed the area covered by her leather boots, “I healed it but...it still hurts.”

“I hadn’t heard of a wound on yourself that you couldn’t heal completely,” Vilkas replied.

“Aye,” she tilted her head to look back at him, “You’ve never seen me be poisoned. My skills there are lacking. I have a book I’ve been reading to remedy that, but for now I just have to deal with it.”

“We could bring in a healer,” Kodlak offered.

“No need, I have a potion in my room.” She smiled at his offer, “Thank you though.”

“Of course,” Kodlak turned his gaze to Vilkas, seeing how he looked at Sonin with such love in his eyes when she wasn’t looking.

“What were you two talking about before I barged in?” Sonin asked.

“We made a new discovery in our search for the cure,” Vilkas answered.

“Oh good!” Sonin turned her body to face the Nord, “One step closer to getting you better.”

“Aye,” Kodlak agreed, “There is a task I will need you to carry out, but I need to confirm some things first.”

“Just say the word Harbinger,” Sonin said as she got herself up, “I’m going to wash the cobwebs out of my hair and find something to eat.” Her eyes met Vilkas’, “Don’t wait up for me.”

Vilkas’ heart jumped at her words. He knew that meant she would be spending the night in his bed. It would be the first time in weeks. Sonin had been sleeping in Skjor’s old room, having made it her own. When Aela returned from her three day hunt, she had shared her bed with Sonin for a couple weeks. Vilkas didn’t hear or sense anything sexual between the two, it was platonic. Sonin had been the greatest comfort to Aela, helping ease the pain of her loss. It wasn’t uncommon for a werewolf to die or take their own life shortly after the death of their life-mate. Vilkas thought that Sonin’s presence is what kept her from looking for her death in battle.

“She will be my successor,” Kodlak said to Vilkas after she was out of earshot.

“What?” Vilkas nearly choked on the mead he was drinking, “Sonin?”

“I dreamt it. My time here is almost done. I would like to see her lead the Companions to their next stage,” Kodlak affirmed.

“Are you sure?” Vilkas felt a bit of jealousy, thinking that he would be chosen now that Skjor was gone, “She is the strongest of us, but she is still the newest one here.”

“I’m sure,” Kodlak leaned back into his chair.

Vilkas grunted in acceptance. He knew he was not to say anything about it to Sonin. Kodlak would tell her when it was her time. He could smell her from her room, the rush of lavender and honey filling the halls. It made him visibly smile.

“You should tell her how you feel,” Kodlak commented, “Life is fleeting, and hers is one destined for greatness. The longer you wait, the harder it may be. She has a very tough road ahead of her and she could use someone to share it with.”

“What do you know about her, master?” Vilkas leaned toward him, “Has she told you what she has been hiding from us?”

“She didn’t have to say anything,” Kodlak took a deep breath to enjoy the smell, “I knew what she was when I saw her.”

“Master, please tell me what it is,” Vilkas pleaded.

“I’m no one’s master Vilkas,” Kodlak offered no other words.

…

Sonin was on her way to the mead hall, having scrubbed herself thoroughly. She wore tan leggings and an off-white tunic top that’s neckline plunged down to expose nearly all of her cleavage. Her collarbones were visible too, the neck wide and stopping just short of her shoulders. It was an outfit she knew would drive Vilkas and Farkas mad. She had put her hair up while it was still wet in a messy bun. Feeling in better spirits now that her ankle was finally back to normal, she had placed a few flowers in the edges of the bun.

The twins were not in the hall when she arrived. Torvar and Athis eyed her thoughtfully, moving to sit on either side of her after she took a seat. Torvar poured her tankard full of mead and Athis spoke to her about his new daggers. Sonin enjoyed the attention, as much as she hated to admit it. She knew she got her fill of affection from Vilkas and Farkas, but it made her feel attractive and more confident when the others flirted.

“We should find some time to practice in private,” Athis suggested.

“I’m sure she would rather relax and have a drink after all that work she has been doing,” Torvar countered, surprisingly not drunk yet.

“There aren't any open jobs now, so I can find the time for both of you,” Sonin assured them, “but for tonight, Torvar’s right. I’m rather tired.”

Torvar wrapped an arm around her neck, “Drinking buddies!”

Sonin clanked her tankard against his, tossing it back. She hadn’t tasted alcohol in over a week now. She felt it about time to get inebriated. Athis poured her another tankard and drank one of his own. Sonin could feel her face flush, she had always been a lightweight. Her mother’s genes clearly dominated her Nord father’s.

“How about a dance?” Torvar asked Sonin, a hand extended to her.

“With what music?” Sonin laughed.

“Music? Who needs that!” Torvar stood and kept his hand extended.

“I’ll tell you what,” She pushed his hand away, “I will dance if you get a proper bard.”

Sonin didn’t actually expect him to take her up on it. Now she regretted it as he ran out the hall toward the inn. Mikael was going to be the only bard there and she did not look forward to seeing him after she brawled with him for not leaving the women of Whiterun alone.

“If you leave with me now,” Athis whispered into her ear, “We can be disappeared by the time he gets back.”

“That’s okay, I’m a woman of my word,” Sonin sighed, cursing herself for getting turned on by his breath against her neck. Sonin was generally easy to excite, but just about anyone could get her wet when she had a little alcohol in her system. It’s why she never allowed herself to drink around people until she joined the Companions. She knew, even with all their flirting, they wouldn’t do anything to hurt her if she was completely drunk.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you dance,” Ria commented as she walked up to her empty side.

“That’s because I don’t,” Sonin sighed, “I’m a terrible dancer.”

“I could show you a few things sister,” Njada came up to the table and leaned on it, still in her armor.

“I appreciate it, but I don’t think there is time to learn now,” Sonin replied as the doors to the hall swung open.

“My dear Companions!” Mikael announced as she strolled to the center of the hall, “I have arrived to fill your ears with-” He choked when he saw Sonin glaring at him, “What are you doing here?”

“I live here,” Sonin replied, arms crossed.

“Oh,” he looked at Torvar with an angry furrowed brow, “No matter. I have been paid so I will play.”

“Please do!” Ria exclaimed, clapping her hands and dragging Njada to dance with her. Sonin wondered if there was something between the two.

“Alright sister,” Torvar came up behind her and put both his hands on her shoulders, “Time to dance.”

“Fine!” Sonin threw her hands up and stood up.

She moved to where her shield sisters had started dancing. Sonin allowed Torvar to grab her hands in his, bringing them up to initiate the dance. They moved their hips opposite of each other. With each beat of the drum they brought themselves into each other, twisting their bodies away but keeping their faces and eyes locked. It was something that felt intimate and made Sonin blush. The beat began to shift, Torvar pulling her into him by her waist. She put a foot back and he pushed his forward. They switched feet and repeated the move. Torvar kept a tight grip on her slender waist, directing her to twist her body with each step.

Vilkas felt his hands tighten into balls, painfully so. Farkas was not too bothered at seeing Sonin dance with his shield brother, although he didn’t like it. Vilkas, on the other hand, was furious. It was a personal insult to him. He knew that Torvar knew Sonin was sharing a bed with him often. Farkas put a hand on his brother’s shoulder to still his beast. He hadn’t noticed his teeth had started changing.

Torvar brought Sonin into him close enough that she could feel his erection press against her. He grinned at her, dipping her in a way that made her breasts more easily available for his viewing pleasure. Vilkas felt himself snap, knowing what Torvar was doing. Farkas put out a hand to stop him but he pushed it off.

Sonin could see Vilkas storming over and knew she had to end their dance. She smiled at Torvar then told him it’s Athis’ turn. He frowned at that but let her go to him, pulling him out of the chair. Torvar got lucky that Sonin noticed one of her wolves making his way over to throttle him and saved him that pain.

Vilkas stopped cold as Sonin took the hands of the dumner man. His smile was too wide for his comfort. Vilkas could smell the desire rolling off of Athis and Torvar. It assaulted his nose. What was worse though, was he could smell it on Sonin too. Weaker than there’s by far, but still present.

Sonin and Athis danced smoother than her previous one. Sonin felt more comfortable and Athis was naturally a graceful warrior. The drum beat picked up and they moved faster, Athis pulling her close to him, his hands low on her back. When the beat slowed again, he tightened his grip and dropped his head to her ear. Vilkas couldn’t quite make out what he said, but it made Sonin blush and her loins responded.

Before Vilkas completely lost his cool, Farkas cut into the pair. Athis showed his displeasure with the move, but let Sonin out of his grasp. Farkas was not a good dancer at all, and caused Sonin to trip and stumble. She enjoyed it though, him making her laugh. Vilkas could feel his tension lessen now that she was with his brother. He could stomach sharing with Farkas, but he would not let the others have their way with her.

“Vilkas is pretty mad huh?” Sonin asked Farkas.

“Aye,” he grunted, nearly stepping on her toes.

Mikael ended the drumming and switched over to his lute, starting some song tales. Sonin sighed feeling tired from all the dancing but felt herself stirring below the waist. Between the alcohol, being touched and gripped, and Athis whispering dirty thoughts to her, she was ready to find someone to spend the night with.

Vilkas was seemingly possessive enough that it turned her off. Farkas was always available and good at what he did, but if Sonin was being honest with herself she knew that she was curious about other men now. It was something she didn’t think would happen. Torvar wasn’t someone she would want in her sheets as he was too drunk. His breath made her nauseous, but Athis looked the kind of man that would be good with his hands and hips. He was thinner than her though, so she worried she might crush him if she rode.

Her curiosity got the better of her though. She winked at Athis when she caught his eye, then headed out the hall to the courtyard with a sweet roll in her hand. Athis waited a moment to finish his mead, then followed her. Athis typically didn’t go for women like Sonin, those that were thicker than him. He was curious about her though. She was kinder than any other Nord he knew and she never made any comments on him being an elf. Athis didn’t mind the teasing from the other companions anymore, but it was refreshing to him every time he interacted with Sonin. When he asked her about it one time, she explained to him that there were many elves in the College, some of them her teachers. She respected elves and, at times, wished she had more mer in her bloodline. On their first job together, she had protected him from an arrow that would have landed in his neck and healed the stab wounds he received while fighting. She genuinely cared about him and his safety, making him want her even more.

Sonin was sitting on a table under the awning. Her legs were crossed and she licked the icing on the pastry seductively at him. The flowers in her hair glimmered in the torch light. Athis moved to stand in front of her, contemplating how he was going to approach this position. Thankfully Sonin made it easier, spreading her legs to usher him closer. He took no time to find her mouth, tasting the sweet roll on her lips. Sonin wrapped her legs around his lean waist, pulling him into her. His hands ran up her thighs and to her hips, pulling her closer to the edge of the table. She could feel his erection, not as large as the twins’ but still sizable.

Sonin leaned her head back, encouraging Athis to kiss at her neck and the exposed skin of her chest. His teeth were sharper than those of Nords, but he was careful not to break her skin. She moaned softly as he moved his hands against her back and tightened his grip. Athis slipped a hand into her leggings, Sonin not even noticing that he had unlaced them. Just like she suspected, he knew what to do with those long fingers of his. He found the spot that drove her crazy immediately, chuckling at how she bucked under him. Athis was relentless against her, forcing her to orgasm hard. She was breathless, panting. He wasn’t letting up yet though. As he looked at her face making lewd expressions, he could see the features that proved her mer heritage. Her cheekbones were high, even though they weren’t as pronounced as his. Her eyes were a bright color behind her half closed lids.

Sonin brought herself forward, feeling overwhelmed at his skill. She rested her head on his shoulder, her breath coming in hot and heavy on his skin. Athis was moving to lift up her leggings enough to insert himself in, when the hall doors slammed open. He withdrew himself from her so as to not cause her too much embarrassment at being caught outside. Athis turned his head around at the doors and Sonin glanced up. Vilkas stormed out and his face twisted when he saw them. Sonin still had her legs wrapped around Athis, whose hands were now rested on her legs.

Vilkas approached them, “So you’re letting anyone in you now?”

“Excuse me?” Sonin replied, lowering her legs from the elf.

“Not just men now, but mer?” Vilkas continued, pointing a finger to Athis.

“Did you forget I'm a Breton, Vilkas? I wouldn’t be here without the mer,” Sonin defended. Athis had moved himself to face the angry Nord, his hands resting on the hilts of his daggers.

“I’m aware of your blood,” Vilkas spat, “I want to know why you would let him have you?”

“That’s none of your business Vilkas,” Sonin countered, “You don’t own me.”

Vilkas flinched at her words, knowing she was right. He was angry though, so it didn’t matter, “But you would whore yourself out?”

Sonin jumped off the table at that, her leggings lose at the top from her undone laces. She chucked an ice shard at his head, a threat. Vilkas dodged it, his anger worsening.

“Say that again Dog,” She threatened, starting to relace her pants.

Athis kept out of the dispute, but didn’t leave. He had no interest in fighting Vilkas, but he still had a desire to get his release from Sonin. Vilkas moved toward her and she hurled another ice shard, closer to its mark this time.

“You’re trying to make me angry,” Vilkas accused her.

“You’re trying to get killed,” Sonin snipped.

Vilkas closed the distance between them and forced his lips on hers before she launched another chunk of ice. He was very forceful, his tongue in her mouth. His wolf was trying to reclaim her from Athis’ scent. Sonin didn’t just take it though, still very upset that he would call her a whore. She set her hands aflame, burning his armor and sending him jumping back.

“Don’t touch me Vilkas,” She demanded.

“Would you prefer if Farkas did?” Vilkas couldn’t stop himself.

“Oh get over yourself,” Sonin exclaimed, turning her back to him and walking to Athis, “Let’s head to my room for some privacy?”

Athis nodded, following behind her closely. He never took his hands off his weapons. Vilkas stayed in the yard, looking defeated. Farkas watched Sonin and Athis descend to the living quarters, smelling the anger on Sonin. He sighed, knowing his brother fucked up again.

…

Sonin threw her head back against her pillow, her hands clutching her sheets. Athis had her lower half twisted, one leg over his shoulder and the other across the bed. He had entered her sideways, giving her the sensation of being filled entirely as though he was bigger than he was. He rolled his hips, sending pleasure shooting down her core. Sonin couldn’t stop the moans that flowed from her.

Athis felt himself getting close. He hadn’t expected her to be so tight, knowing she had been with both Vilkas and Farkas. Her feeling reminded him of the last woman he was with, a tiny wood elf in Riverwood that could barely fit him in her. He wanted to hold out and make her climax again, but he was quickly running out of control.

“It’s okay,” Sonin panted, “If you need to finish. Just pull out for me.”

That was all the permission he needed, giving her a few final pounds before releasing his load on her stomach. He fell beside her on the bed, trying to catch his breath, “You’re much tighter than I thought you’d be.”

“I do exercises for that,” She smiled, reaching on her nightstand for a cloth to wipe herself off with.

“Clearly,” Athis took in a deep breath before getting out of the bed, “Thank you. It was fun.”

“No, thank you,” Sonin replied, “We might just have to do this again.”

“Aye,” he looked back at her thoughtfully, “Just might want to give Vilkas a few days to cool off. Don’t want to wake up to his blade at my throat.” He laughed.

“Don’t worry about him, we will have a word. Goodnight Athis,” Sonin said as he headed out with a grin on his face.

She knew he would be telling Torvar all about it when he got back to the shared quarters. Sonin slid on a long tunic then curled under her furs. She had a black bear pelt that she used from the first kill she made with Aela. They were hunting elk, but the bear found them first.

…

Vilkas had spent the night awake, furious. He didn’t even think he was mad at her, more so he was mad at himself. He overstepped and insulted her. He knew he had to apologize, but he couldn’t get near her while she still smelled like the Dunmer. It was too much for him to handle. Vilkas had to drag himself out of bed, knowing that it was his turn to handle arms training today. That meant Athis would be there and he would have to face him professionally.

Vilkas washed his face and reapplied his war paint. He never felt like he was fully armored without it. Farkas and Vilkas had been wearing the paint since they were whelps. It made them feel more connected to their warrior spirits.

Farkas was already up and was breaking his fast with Sonin. They sat together in the hall, Farkas with roasted venison and Sonin with- surprise- another sweet roll. At this point, no one knew where she found all of them at. Vilkas moved past them, not able to face Sonin yet. She didn’t call out to him either, laughing with Farkas.

Just as expected, Vilkas had a hard time training Athis. The elf almost struck him as he was off his guard. Ria and Njada didn’t seem to notice, which was good. Torvar glared at Athis while they spared, seemingly jealous. Vilkas knew Torvar would get over it as soon as he got a stiff drink. Athis moved better than usual today too, but he also was getting cocky. Vilkas knocked him flat on his ass during their sparring, making him feel a little better.

“My turn,” Sonin said to Vilkas as she walked out into the courtyard. Her hands lit up and Vilkas flinched, not wanting to get hit with an ice shard. Sonin ignored his movements and spoke to the others, “Ice spells today. Here’s what matters. Shards and chunks will dent armor, cut skin, even puncture to bone. Dodge those projectiles as best you can. A shield can be your best defense against an ice mage.” She continued, all of them listening intently, “Frost on the other hand,” she made some icy mist flow from an open palm, “This isn’t meant to maim. The main purpose is to try and freeze you. The least it will do is slow you down and make your skin hurt, at worse you’ll end up encased in a block of ice.”

“So what should we do against the frost?” Ria asked.

“Glad you asked,” Sonin smirked, “You need to get them at a distance. There is a limit to how far the ice is effective. The further away you are the less its effects. Try to take out with arrows or thrown weapons, do not engage in close combat.” Sonin looked to the line of companions, “Who wants to go first?”

“I will,” Athis offered himself, the two exchanging smiles. It made Vilkas feel sick.

“Alright,” Sonin’s hands lit up blue again and she started to let loose ice shard after shard. Athis dodged almost all of them, the last catching his shoulder and starting to bleed. “Good. Come here.” She put a hand on his arm, her healing magic closing the wound. “Next up?”

They each took turns with only Torvar managing to not get hit, to everyone’s surprise. Sonin switched over to her frost spell and had them all try to charge her while she unleashed it. Athis couldn’t take the cold and was the first to give up. Njada managed to push through the mist, but she was too exhausted from the strain to lift her weapon at Sonin.

“Alright. Aela will be coming in to work on your archery soon. I want you to think of your targets as ice mages. Try moving around while shooting to simulate having to dodge ice while firing on your target,” She left them taking a break, all of them recovering from the frost with shivers.

Vilkas had to admit she was becoming a better teacher than anyone else here. That might be one more trait that makes Kodlak think her his best choice of successor. Her training was showing real results too, recently no one had sustained any serious injury from magic users.

Just as Sonin said, Aela was out for target practice. She had spoken with Sonin and made the whelps run back and forth while firing. Vilkas had returned to the hall in time to see Sonin, dressed for battle, about to leave. She was wearing medium armor made from a leather base and pieces of steel covering her vital points. It had fur trim and etchings of wolves on the plates. This was the armor she worked with Eorlund on to signify her place in the circle. She couldn’t make heavy armor work for her, but with training from Farkas she managed the medium weight.

Vilkas knew he had to stop her before she left and apologise. He stood in front of the path she was headed on, making her look at him. She put a hand on her hip, her face making it clear she wasn’t interested in speaking to him.

“I’m sorry Sonin,” he reached out to touch her arm and she stepped back. It felt like a stab to the gut, “I shouldn’t have said those things to you. I am very sorry.”

“Thank you,” Sonin replied with her chin up, “You can step out of my way now.”

“Where are you headed?” He eyed her armor.

“Back to Dustman’s Cairn, Silver hand has been spotted there again,” Sonin sighed, “I’m going to clear them out. Don’t like them staying this close to Whiterun.”

“Let me come with yo-”

“No,” Sonin interrupted, “Thank you, but no. I don’t want any circle members coming.”

“You can’t go into a group of silverhand without a shield sibling,” Vilkas countered.

“I can, and I will,” Sonin moved around Vilkas to keep walking toward the door.

“Did you not learn from our loss of Skjor?” Vilkas turned to her.

“I did, Vilkas. I am not Skjor. I have advantages he couldn’t even aspire to. I spent most of my life training to fight alone. If anyone comes along with me, it will hinder my ability to use my full skill set. You wolves need a pack. Don’t group my abilities with his or yours. We are very different beasts,” Sonin said in a low grumble.

“You are a Companion and we hunt together,” Vilkas double-downed.

“Then maybe I shouldn’t be a Companion any longer,” Sonin stated, leaving Vilkas in shock as she waltzed out the doors.

“Is she-is she going to come back?” Farkas asked from behind Vilkas, who had no idea he was there.

“I do not know,” Vilkas replied, his eyes locked on the closed door.

…

Screams and the smell of burnt flesh filled the ruins. Sonin didn’t need to be a werewolf to smell it. She had already completely incinerated six people in this one room. There were two others in the hall and she knew there would be more ahead. There was only one real reason Sonin wanted to go alone, she wanted to shout. It had been too long since she could use her thu’um. It made her throat sore after a few times, but she was adjusting.

She opened another wooden door. An arrow flew past her head and she threw up a ward. They knew she was there long before she touched the door handle. There were two archers on the second floor. Only one staircase leading up. Three men charged her. One with a greatsword and the others with sword and shield.

Sonin smirked, they really thought this would be enough. They looked so confident, charging her with smiles and laughter. Sonin let her ward down at the last possible moment, knowing the archers would have to hold once their companions got near her. With a big breath, she let out Yol Toor. The three men at her flew back with their bodies inflamed. One died on impact with the other two running to try and put themselves out. Sonin grinned knowing that it was impossible to do before their skin melted off. She rolled quickly and threw up a lesser ward, archers firing at will. She sent an ice shard out through one woman’s skull, her brains blown out on the wall behind her. The last archer was a wood elf man, who promptly screamed and began to run away.

Sonin wasn’t going to let any of those bastards live. They threatened her family, already killing a circle member since she joined. She could feel her dragon’s soul light up as she ran after the mer. Mul Qah Diiv. Her body was coated in a magic force, pulled from her very soul for protection. Wuld. She was in the room with the elf. The door behind her shut and locked automatically. Looking around she could see that she stepped on a trap that made the door close. Ahead of her the elf had his bow raised, his arm shaking. A large orc man in the heaviest armor she’s ever seen walked toward her, his silver battle axe in his hands.

“This is where it ends for you dog,” he said through his massive overbite.

“That’s where you’re wrong,” Sonin shouted again, sending his weapon across the room, “I’m no werewolf.”

“What are you?” He asked, his eyes wide in fear.

Sonin smirked having never seen an orc scared before, “I’m a fucking dragon.” Fus Ro Dah.

The leader’s body broke as he hit the stone wall behind him. The archer was so scared he pissed himself but was unable to move. Two other silver hand who were there, one dual wielding daggers and the other a woman with a war axe and shield, charged. Sonin unleashed fire on one and ice on the other. They were both dead by the time they reached her.

Sonin stalked up to the wood elf, “Do you pray to any divine?”

“Stendarr,” he croaked.

“May he grant you the mercy you seek,” Sonin grabbed him by the neck, lifting him up and shoving a dagger through his heart.

His body hit the ground with a lifeless thud. Sonin took a moment to search around for anyone hiding. Satisfied, she looted the bodies of gold and valuables. Dragon Aspect had worn off now, but she had no need for it now. She did, however, hear two feet racing toward her. She turned and prepared herself for another fight. Sonin blessed herself for her restraint, as the two bodies entering the room were Vilkas and Farkas.

“By Ysgramor’s beard,” Vilkas gasped at the sight and smell of the bodies throughout the ruins.

“You did this?” Farkas asked her, dumbfounded.

“Aye,” She smirked at her work, “Told you I didn’t need help.”

“I’ve never seen something like this,” Vilkas inspected the body of the orc whose back was broken, “It looked like a dragon ripped through here. Did you get hurt?” He rushed to her and lifted her arms, scanning her for wounds.

“Not a scratch,” Sonin assured him.

“This-this wasn’t honorable,” Farkas commented at the burnt skeleton.

“No? Dead is dead and they had it coming,” Sonin replied coldly.

“Sonin-”

“What Vilkas?” Sonin cut him off, “First I’m a whore to you, now I’m dishonorable to your brother? The hell do you two want from me.” She turned and started to march away from them.

“Wait,” Vilkas grabbed her by the wrist, “Please, just wait.” Sonin turned but stayed, her arms crossed over her chest. “It was clear this was revenge to you, I understand. We should not let vengeance guide us. Please come home with me, let me help you heal.”

Sonin looked at him, searching his face for any signs of anger or distrust. She could tell he was being sincere, “Alright.” She let Vilkas lead her out.

…

Two months later

Sonin woke up with her arm draped across Vilkas’ chest. Her head was rested against the hair covering his pecks. Her hand wandered, drug down his abs to the thicker patch of hair above his cock. Vilkas stirred under her, but wasn’t fully awake yet. He was responding to her finger through, fully erect. She slid herself onto him and pressed her entrance on his member, moaning as she slid all the way down. Vilkas woke up at that, his breath hitched as she grinded.

“By Ysgramor,” he whispered, “You are perfect.”

“Don’t say that,” Sonin hung her head down and twirled her hips against him.

Vilkas wanted to take over and rut into her, but he also enjoyed watching her ride him. He moved his hands on her ass, squeezing the supple flesh while she gyrated. Her breath was heavy and uneven. Vilkas knew she was about to go over the edge and decided to take over. He flung her over onto her back, managing to stay in her while he topped her. He knew what Sonin needed and he loved giving it to her, pounding into her with all the might he could muster first thing in the morning. She cried out his name as he drove her home, her orgasm crashing over her like waves against the shore. Vilkas couldn’t stop his own release, unable to pull out in time.

He panicked for a moment, not wanting to get her pregnant without her permission. He did want her to carry his child, but he felt marriage should happen first. Sonin didn’t seem bothered by it, simply waving a glowing hand over her womb.

“Don’t fret,” Sonin assured him, “There are spells for these things.”

“Of course there are,” Vilkas laughed, his head crashing down to her neck. He took in her scent. It was so uniquely her and he still, after all this time, couldn’t place what that undertone was.

“Just don’t make a habit of it,” Sonin stroked his hair.

“I won’t, love,” he said to her skin.

He sensed how her skin puckered at those words. She didn’t like it the first time he told her he loved her, shortly after they returned from Dustman’s Cairn. Now though, she seemed more comfortable with the thought. She hadn’t returned the sentiment yet, but he was okay with that. He knew she cared about him in a way she wouldn’t say. He assumed she was scared of her own emotions. She still spent nights with his brother, although she had been favoring his room as of recent.

“We should get up,” Sonin replied.

“Must we?” He pulled her tighter into him.

Sonin laughed, pushing his arm off of her. She wanted to stay in bed too, but something was nagging at her to get up. There were no jobs at the moment and training was paused for rest today, but something told her to get up. A sense of unease flooding her. Vilkas noticed, asking her about it.

“Not sure,” She shrugged.

They made their way to the mead hall lazily. Vilkas started sipping some mead, feeling his body release aches with each drop that hit his tongue. Sonin ate on a piece of bread, not feeling too hungry. Farkas joined them some time later, stacking a plate with deer. It was rather peaceful, which Sonin knew was too good to be true.

“A dragon!” Torvar yelled, busting into the halls.

“Drunk already?” Vilkas asked.

“No! I mean it. There is a dragon! The guards are rushed to the gate,” he exclaimed.

“Fuck,” Sonin was the first to jump up and run to put on her armor.

She didn’t wait on Vilkas or Farkas, rushing out the door like her life personally depended on it. Several guards shouted to her that it was attacking the watchtower. The twins caught up to her by the time she jumped on her horse. The stable boy leant them two more for the sake of getting to that dragon quicker.

“Sonin we need a plan-” Vilkas started, Sonin jumping off her mount and nearly tripping over her own feet running.

Vilkas had never seen her run so much before. He knew she hated running. The tower was partially crumbled and on fire. Bodies laid on the ground, charred and ripped apart. Some partially eaten.

“Wait!” A guard yelled, “He’s still here.”

“What is happening?” Irileth, the jarl’s housecarl asked. She brought with her a squad of city guards.

“Dragon,” Sonin answered her, “I want you all to back away from the tower!”

“What?” Vilkas exclaimed, “We’re not leaving you to fight the dragon yourself.”

“I’m serious! Don’t fight me on this, I know what I’m doing. I want you all to spread out as far from the tower as you can while still being in range with a bow,” Sonin commanded.

“Who put you in charge?” Irileth demanded, “I’m leading these men.”

Sonin lit her hands on fire, “I’m not asking. I can’t protect all of you this close to it. I’ve taken on dragons before, I know what I’m doing.”

“You have?” Vilkas asked, “You knew about this Farkas?” Farkas downturned his eyes.

“You dare threaten me, girl?” The dark elf asked.

“I’m trying to protect you. Let me-” Sonin was cut off by the roar of a dragon overhead. “Leave it to me!” She shot ice shards at the beast to drag its attention to her.

It landed on top of the tower, breathing fire at her and the guards. She cast up a ward on herself and the men, who were now following her lead.

The dragon spoke to Sonin directly, “Dovahkiin. hi fen dir Naal dii yol”

“Ni Naal hi dovah, Neh Naal hi,” Sonin shouted back at the beast.

Everyone stared at her, unsure what to make of the small woman conversing with the giant dragon. Vilkas paused, the name Dovahkiin sounding familiar.

“You do speak our tongue!” The dragon exclaimed, “Impressive for a human. No matter, you will die today.”

“Yes I speak your foul language. You’ve done too much here to allow you to escape your death. I shall enjoy feasting on your soul,” Sonin replied.

Soul? Vilkas started putting it together but doubted himself. No way would she hide something as big as being dragonborn from him. He tightened his grip on his blade, fighting hard not to rush to her side.

“My sil, soul, shall never be yours! YOL!” A fire column burned at Sonin, who protected herself with a ward again.

“luft zu'u Nau fin gol dovah!” Sonin screamed at him, throwing ice shards at his head.

The dragon complied, landing nearly on top of her. It began to say the word of power again, fire visibly rising from its throat to its mouth. Before it could finish, Sonin shouted a Fus Ro Dah. The force made the dragon’s head snap back, Sonin using the opportunity to blast it with electricity and ice.

“hin thu'um los Mul,” the dragon stated before slashing its claws at her.

She threw herself down to miss the attack, popping back up and throwing up another ward as it tried to bite her, “I know it is you scaly bastard,” she replied. Sonin shouted again, causing ice to cluster and form around its head. The dragon shook vigorously to shatter the ice. Sonin brought forth her bound blade, rushing under the dragon to slash at its chest.

It roared, swinging its tail out to bash the men that let arrows loose at it and bringing its head underneath himself to try and crush her between its teeth. Vilkas hollered for her, imagining the dragon ripping her in half. Farkas held him back as he stepped forward.

“Let go of me! She needs help,” Vilkas shouted at him.

“No brother,” he replied stoically, “she doesn’t.”

Vilkas looked back at her, seeing that she was out from under the dragon’s stomach and unleashing her strongest ice and lighting spells at it. He had never seen her look so intense before, her concentration unbroken. In that moment, she looked like a true warrior. This was the power of the dragonborn.

Sonin shouted again, her ice breath negating his fire. She rushed the dragon again, letting loose an unrelenting shout. The dragon dug its nails into the ground to prevent himself from moving. Sonin summoned a familiar, a wolf, and used it as a launching pad to jump on the beast’s neck. She used bound daggers to puncture his scales and hang on for dear life.

Vilkas looked on in fear for his lover, the dragon violently shaking from side to side. Arrows still fired at its body, careful to miss Sonin’s body swinging around. Sonin managed to pull herself up behind its head, using her legs as her main support. The dragon leaned back, preparing to take off in flight. Sonin jumped, bringing down her spirit blade through the center of its skull. It roared again, letting out another burst of fire as it came crashing to the ground.

Sonin jumped off of it, rolling on the ground to break her fall. She stood herself up to brace preparing herself for the rush of power that was going to hit her. The dragon’s body lit up, its soul streaming blue and orange into her. Sonin’s head fell back as it rushed her body, meeting her very soul. When it finished she fell backward on her ass, breathing heavy. Sweat poured from her face and other regions of her body. Her mana was nearly spent and her stamina had run out a while back. She didn’t want anyone to see what happened. At this point, the entirety of the Companions had shown up along with more guards. They had respected her wishes to stay back and provide fire support.

Vilkas wanted to walk over to her and help her up, but he couldn’t make himself move. She had hidden this from him, from her family. Kodlak had a proud smile on his face. Farkas and Irileth, along with a few guards, rushed over to her. Several guards began discussing that she was the dragonborn, having absorbed the dragon’s soul. Farkas helped her to her feet, telling her how great she did.

“The jarl will want to see you,” Irileth commented, directing the guard back to the city for full reports.

“Dragonborn,” Farkas commented as they headed to Dragonreach to speak to the jarl.

“That’s me,” Sonin awkwardly smiled, very uncomfortable with all the attention she was getting.

“Why did you not tell us this sister?” Aela asked, Torvar and Ria shaking their heads in solidarity.

“I knew you would all do this,” she gestured to them up and down, “Act different. Look at me the way you are now.”

“If you are the only one that can kill the dragons permanently, why have you been spending your time here with us? While dragons rampage towns and cities across Skyrim,” Vilkas hissed.

Sonin stopped and turned to face him, just outside the city gates now, “Vilkas-”

“You were the one the Greybeards called over a year ago, yes?” Vilkas asked, his brows furrowed. Kodlak looked at him with a worried look in his eyes. Vilkas was the only one of them that was angry.

“Yes. I climbed the seven thousand steps to High Hrothgar. They taught me new shouts and helped me gain control of the thu’um,” Sonin answered.

“It’s your duty to save Skyrim from the dragons, why have you been ignoring it? Letting people die while you spent your days in Jorrvaskr? You’re the only one that can end these beasts, and you have been wasting time here,” Vilkas accused her.

“I didn’t want to be dragonborn!” Sonin shouted at him, a tear streaming down her cheek at his tone with her, “I never asked for this. Akatosh forced this on me.”

“It doesn’t matter how it came to be. You owe Skyrim your gift!” Vilkas scolded her.

“I don’t owe anyone anything! It was forced on me, my own soul taken and traded out for that of a beast. You don’t know what it’s like, to be forced under the service of a god! You had a choice,” she pointed a finger at him, careful not to expose him to the non-circle members.

Kodlak ushered the other members back to the hall, leaving Farkas behind with the bickering pair.

“You are so selfish!” Vilkas spat, “You hid this from us- from me.”

“Because I knew this,” she gestured the length of his body, “Would happen. Everyone always treats me differently when they find out. I just wanted to feel normal for once. I wanted to be seen as Sonin, not Dovahkiin.”

“Well you should be seen differently!” Vilkas exclaimed, “Skyrim is depending on you!”

“Well Skyrim needs to save itself! I want no part in it!” Sonin yelled back.

“You don’t have a choice!” Vilkas stepped up to her.

“Why do you look at me with such hate in your eyes?” Sonin took a step back.

“I do not hate you,” he sighed, “I am angry. If I had known-”

“If you had known you would have never given me a chance,” Sonin interrupted.

“Aye,” Vilkas admitted.

“You also would have never let yourself love me,” She looked away from him.

“Aye,” Sonin winced at his words.

“Then I guess it’s settled. I will pack my bags after I speak to the Jarl,” Sonin turned and walked to the gate.

“Wait Sonin!” Farkas rushed up beside her, “I don’t want you to leave.”

“I’m glad, truly Farkas,” Sonin offered him a weak smile, “But I can’t stay. Word will spread quickly.”

“Why can’t you stay?” Farkas frowned.

“Just look at your brother’s reaction. He will not be the only one like that. I cannot handle it,” Sonin sighed.

…

The jarl made Sonin Thane, giving her some of his personal armor and a housecarl, Lydia. Lydia was kind and excited for her new life protecting the dragonborn, but Sonin felt uneasy. She had Lydia wait for her outside of Jorrvaskr as she began to pack her things. Sonin had snuck into her room, careful not to draw attention to herself once she reached the living quarters. She wrote a note to everyone, asking for forgiveness for leaving. She left a few things that weren’t important enough to drag with her. Kodlak knocked at her door just as she finished packing.

“You don’t need to leave Sonin,” Kodlak assured her, “Your home is still here with us.”

“I’m sorry Kodlak,” Sonin sighed, “This is why I hid it. I didn’t want this to happen. Everyone looks at me differently, judging me for things beyond my control. I can’t stay where I am made to stand out for my blood. I stayed traveling, never staying in one place long to avoid this. You saw Vilkas’ reaction.”

“Vilkas is just hurt that you kept it from him,” Kodlak replied, “He will come around in time.”

“No,” Sonin looked down at the floor, “I don’t think he will. He feels betrayed and I don’t blame him. I will tell you where I’m going when I get there, but I beg you to keep it to yourself. I don’t want anyone looking for me. Vilkas is right, I am selfish. I should be out there, helping people. I jus-” Sonin began to cry, Kodlak pulling her into him, “I just didn’t want to face this. I didn’t want this life. I just wanted to travel and see the world, I never wanted to throw myself in harm's way every day. Everyone’s eyes on me, wanting something from me.”

“It’s overwhelming,” Kodlak said, “I understand. I saw something like this in you when you first walked into these halls. I will not try to force your hand as you are free to come and go as you please. There is still a task I had for you, but it can wait until you return to us.”

“Thank you Kodlak,” Sonin wrapped her arms around him, “You remind me a lot of my father.”

“I’m sure he would be proud of the woman you have become,” he assured her, “Please be careful, wherever you go. I will await your first letter.”

He let her go, moving aside for her to walk out of her room. She rushed past Farkas and Vilkas’ rooms, unable to face them. She left a personal letter for the both of them along with a gift. She left Farkas an updated amulet, with a stronger enchantment to help protect him. For Vilkas, she left a wrap for his hilt, one that fortifies the power of his weapon. To Aela she left her a ring that would give her more protection from silver weapons. Her pack on her back, she slid out the hall doors, headed out of the city with Lydia.