Eyes Opened

The Grand Mead Hall

Art credit: https://www.deviantart.com/keterok

Whiterun was larger than you would have guessed. Especially from how you heard it in Castle Dour. The guard was nice enough, especially with how you were dressed, the distress in your voice heard as it cracked. You had been on the verge of tears. They let you in, under the condition that they escort you. Your eyes hit the mead hall, Jorrvaskr. "Well, here it is. If you are in trouble and you have the coin this is the right place to be."

"Thank you so much. You're a credit to the guards." You looked to the man who took his helmet off to bid you a farewell. He blushed a little.

"I've done nothing." He shook his head. "If you need as well, there are shops and the inn we passed just down the stairs." He pointed. You nodded, giving him a little bow. "Stay out of trouble."

You turned from him as well as the noise from the square, looking up the stairs. You couldn't help but notice the carved eagle in the rock overlooking it as well. "The Skyforge... I've read about it. I never thought I'd be here..." Your voice was low, talking to yourself as you made your way to the door. There was a hesitation, your hand weakly reached for the door. Closing your eyes you intended to take in a deep breath, relaxing before moving through the doors. However in an instant you felt the door push into you, forcing you to stagger back. A sharp pain formed on your chest, the wind being blown out of you. "Hey I-!" Your voice rose.

"Oh. Sorry." The voice that sprang forth from the man in steel armor before you was heavy, but it seemed kind. "I didn't know someone was just outside the door. Are you alright?"

The man was kind in his cadence. His dark eyes staring at you through his long slightly dirty hair. He cleared his throat. "Y... yes. It's not a problem. I shouldn't have been standing there it's just that I'm nervous." You looked into the orange sky, the sun setting. "And tired. So very tired." Your arms and legs shown signs of wear, blood from a few animals and a bite mark.

"If you're tired you're at the wrong place." He smirked a little. "The Bannered Mare is down a district. This is the companions' hall. I get turned around sometimes too, it's alright."

"Oh, yes. I know. I'm not lost." You saw the confusion on the poor man's face. You smiled slightly amused by this. "This is Jorrvaskr, right? I'm looking for the companions. I was told that if the people in Skyrim have a fight they can't wage on their own, this was the place to come." You watched him brighten a little.

"Oh, well than that's a different story. You heard correctly. I'm Farkas." He was staring at you. It was a little awkward, your arms folding over your mid section. It almost felt as if he was staring at you like you were a piece of meat. After a moment of silence he shook his head. "Oh, sorry. The others call me ice brained for a reason."

You shook your head. "No. I don't think so. It's common to find young men who are like you. Farkas, silence is golden. Trust me, you are by far not the worst man I have met." You assured him. "I'm [Y/N]."

"It is nice to meet you." You noticed his smile had widened when you disagreed with his self assessment. "I'm a member, but by no means am I in charge. There is no leader here, but we do have an old man that guides us, Kodlak. Many call him one. Just not people in our ranks. I was going to get some food at the Mare, but I can take you to him."

You licked your lips. "Um... food?" Your stomach grumbled a little. "Farkas... I am in trouble, this is true but I've also been running all day. I've not eaten a scrap of food. Before you take me to this Kodlak, I'd like it if I had company to eat with. I'll even pay."

"You'll pay?" He smiled wider. "Well, who am I to refuse? Are you sure it's okay?"

"Yes." You sighed. "I'm in worse trouble if I pass out, a little rest and food will do me good. It's also a little lonely on the road. I could use a distraction to clear my mind. It might help me to know I can trust you all too. So I might like to hear about the companions, if that's okay. I was told of some great deeds your group has accomplished. I've even read about it in some books." You smiled as his posture straightened, puffing his chest out a bit. The man was adorable when his ego was stroked a little.

"Well if you want to know about the companions you should eat in the hall with them, then!" He was getting excited. "I can go to the mare for their nut treats some other time. Stories of us are best served with ale!" He grabbed your wrist loosely, before opening the door to conversation and a pair of people fighting. "Just mind your manners and all will be well." You nodded slowly as a fear welled up inside your gut. He looked to you, almost as if he sensed it. "Don't worry. Whatever trouble you're in we will be able to protect you. This is our hall. Not even the Jarl has power here."

"Thank you Farkas." He ushered you in.

"And ignore their brawl. That happens a lot. Kodlak and my brother are downstairs. We'll visit them after a bit."

"Farkas... you're an angel." You chuckled a little. "Thank you so much."