Vigilance
“Ow,” Sonin fell on the ground.
Argis, above her, felt bad for hitting her so hard with his shield, “I didn’t mean to swing that hard.” He held a hand to her.
She took it and pulled herself up, “No! Don’t be! I don’t want you holding back, I can handle it.” She winced as she took a step, feeling that at least one rib was cracked.
“Sonin!” Lydia got up to rush to her.
“Stop,” she let her healing magic flow through her, “I got it. If I can hold my own guts in my hands and survive, I can manage a few cracked ribs.” She laughed a little, but her face didn’t hide the pain. “I can’t expect my enemies to hold back, so I want no less from you two.”
They had been training in her main hall. Normally Sonin would want to train outside, but she didn’t feel like climbing the stairs yet. Sonin washed up after their sparing and changed into her tight black leather pants and a relaxed cream tunic. The neckline of the shirt was embroidered with gold and green geometric designs. It cut low in the neck line and the entire outfit emphasized her curves. She had Lydia stay home to watch their things and brought Argis out with her into the city. She was hoping to get to know him better before they went out tomorrow to bring down the forsworn for good.
He wore his armor, as expected for her housecarl. A few people offered her greetings as she made her way to the ground level. Sonin wanted to check on Ennoonan at the stables. He was a fine steed, but he gets antsy when she leaves him alone for long periods of time. When they approached the stables, a large grey dog bolted toward her. Agris barely got his sword drawn before it had knocked Sonin down and lapped at her face. She put up her hands defensively while laughing.
“I’m sorry about that!” A Breton man ran over to pull the hound off of her, “He’s never done that to someone before.”
“It’s perfectly fine,” Sonin pulled herself off the ground, “Argis you can relax, there’s no threat here.”
“The name’s Banning,” he extended a hand to shake, “Vigilance here is a fine war-hound, if you’re interested.”
“I have always wanted a dog,” Sonin put a finger to her chin, “I’ll consider it. I’m here right now to check on the horse I boarded here.”
“The blue one? Yeah he’s doing fine. Doesn’t like it when anyone touches him though,” Banning led her over to his stall.
“Yeah he’s only good with me,” Sonin explained, “He was a wild horse, I’m not sure he ever lived around people.”
“Don’t see many of those in Skyrim,” he commented.
“True. I’m not sure where he came from,” Sonin reached a hand up to rub Ennoonan’s face.
“I’ll leave you be, come to me if you want that dog,” Banning left and started shoveling a stall on the other side of the stable.
“This is a fine looking mount,” Argis commented as Sonin gave him a sweet roll.
“Isn’t he?” Sonin moved around the stall to inspect him for any signs of abuse, “Don’t know what I would do without him. I would never get anything done if I had to walk everywhere.”
“Aye,” he reached a hand out and was surprised to see the horse meet him halfway.
“Oh wow. He must like you,” she smiled at him.
“I’ve always been good with animals,” he replied.
“I believe it,” she said, “You know what? I think I will get that dog. Could never hurt to have some more company.”
Argis nodded at her decision. A war hound was a fine beast that Nords have been living and fighting alongside since they invaded Skyrim. Sonin left Ennoonan with a scratch on behind his ears before making the proper arrangements with Banning. Lydia was not expecting Sonin to bring back a four legged friend when she returned.
“You got a dog?” Lydia looked strangely at the mongrel that was jumping around her for attention.
“I like dogs,” Sonin shrugged.
“Fair,” she sighed.
“You don’t?” Sonin questioned.
“Not particularly, but I will deal with it if that is what my thane wants,” she shooed the dog away.
Sonin went to her room and began to search for things she could turn into a dog bed. She took an extra pillow off the bed and a sheet from her dresser. She piled them in a way to make a cushion. Vigilance took to it right away, turning three times before plopping down with a yawn. Sonin smiled at that, excited for what was to come next.