Legends of Skyrim: The Wood Orc (BOOK ONE)

II - Take Up Arms

Whiterun was one of the nine major cities in Skyrim; it was the capital of the Whiterun Hold region. The city was well-known throughout the Empire for being the trading capital of Skyrim, due to its convenient location, surrounding the Hold capitals. Located in the central tundra of the province, along the White River, the area around the city was very open, stretching far to the Sundered Hills of the Reach. The area was very versatile, filled with all sorts of game, ranging from Deers to Mammoths. Farms and other settlements riddled the area such as the township of Rorisktead and the fortress of Greymoor, although they were more prevalent around the Whiterun outskirts. The roads connected to most of the hold capitals, Dawnstar was a mostly straight path north, and south-southwest lead directly to Falkreath. The hill known as Skyforge was the foundation of Whiterun's construction, the city grew around the landmark. Throughout the area, there were several defense towers, safeguarding the roads. The city was well-fortified all along the border. The western gate was the only entrance, which was heavily fortified, with a drawbridge connecting the city. Whiterun itself was divided into three districts. The Plains District was the lower level of the city; it was where the common-folk resided and traded amongst each other. The Bannered Mare was the most popular inn in the city, located on the eastern end of the Plains District, adjacent to the market square in the centre. The Wind District was the second level of Whiterun, and was home to the nobility, as well as other notable groups. The Temple of Kynareth was in the centre of the district, parallel to the Gildergreen Tree, an ancient tree that grew from the Eldergleam Tree of Eastmarch. The eastern side was Durag's destination: home of the Companions and the Skyforge.

According to local legend, the mead hall Jorrvaskr was the oldest building in Whiterun. It once existed by itself on the mountain, with the rest of the city springing up around it over the centuries. Jorrvaskr itself was originally a longboat made for the Return of the Five Hundred Companions of Ysgramor. Its captain was Jeek of the River, and its crew consisted of twenty-two men. Upon arrival in Skyrim, Ysgramor commanded that his men go forth and settle in this new land. Jeek of the River and his crew splut from the Circle of Captains and travelled southwards towards the area that was later named Whiterun Hold. It was there that they discovered a strange monument that later became known as the Skyforge. Jeek and his crew decided that the mysterious discovery could be of use to them. The wasteland surrounding it was fit for harvest, and so began the labors of Menro and Manwe, whose eager hands again laid to the Atmoran wood which had born them all across the sea, their boat, Jorrvaskr, becoming their shelter. Durag didn't know if he was willing to believe this Nord legend, but he did know that he wouldn't leave this building with anything less than the title of "Shield-brother", or whatever it was that woman had referred to him as. Opening the door of the mead hall, he immediately dodged backwards as a tankard full of mead was thrown at his head, smashing against the door. Peering inside again, he watched in disbelief as a fight broke out inside. This is supposed to be the best group of mercenaries in Skyrim? he thought to himself.
He watched as a Dark Elf and a Nord rolled around on the floor, punching and kicking every which way. The onlookers feigned disapproval, and kept yelling such directions as, "What are you waiting for?" and, "Get in there and push!"

He almost walked out, disheartened in his quest, before hearing the voice of an older Nord beside him. "Don't mind them," he spoke, gesturing in the direction of the fight with a head tilt, "Just working out some issues, in the old way."
This Nord was tall and muscular, with a rugged and weathered appearance, typical of his warrior lifestyle. His armour was similar to that of the Nord who accompanied Aela. Durag noticed that this man had a scar across his left eye, whitening it in comparison to his right blue eye. "I..." Durag spoke, "I was told to come here, to ask for the Companions."
"That's us, New Blood," his new friend let out a half-smile and shook the Wood Orc's hand without any hesitation, "I'm Skjor. I'm in charge when Kodlak's not around. So good thing he always is."
Durag quickly ended the handshake, not being used to such niceties. "Who exactly are the Companions?" he questioned.
"Ask any fool around here," Skjor crossed his arms, "And get a different answer. Mercenaries. Warriors of honour. Brothers and sisters of the blade. Drunken rabble. Take your pick. I've been here longer than most of them. Even I don't know sometimes. I just hope they don't kill each other."
Skjor noticed Durag's hesitation and softened a little. "Lucky for you, I'm not the one who makes decisions like inaugurations," he pointed towards a cellar entrance at the right side of the mead hall, "Kodlak's down there. Who knows, maybe he's in a generous mood."
Durag slowly walked down the stairs. True, he was having some doubts about this whole affair, but he had come too far to turn back when the finish line was in view.