Half an hour had passed by the time the two Companions made their way upstairs. Everyone else was sitting around the tables having breakfast. Aela guessed the others had came up a lot earlier as most of the plates were already empty and two trays of meat lay decimated.
Not preparing to starve, despite the fact that she wanted to head straight out, Aela rudely lent between Farkas and Vilkas so she could snatch a basket of rolls which was laid out just in front of them. The fruit bowl closest to her was empty as well so she pinched an apple from Farkas’s plate along with a handful of meat. Farkas went to stop her but he decided against it when she yanked his fork out of his hand and stabbed it in the table between his index finger and his thumb.
Vilkas wisely surrendered a second apple and some extra slices of meat, allowing Aela to return to her mate with the bounty from her successful ‘hunting trip’.
She sat down on the step a few feet away from Sotek and placed the plate between them. Sotek had already retrieved two somewhat smaller plates but he was content to have just two apples, allowing Aela to take the wolf’s share of the meal.
While Aela chewed on a piece of bread which was now stuffed with no less than three different slices of meat, Sotek was busy seemingly playing with the two apples on his plate. He had slightly lifted the platter up at an angle and was rolling the apples around the rim. Over the course of a few minutes, every member of the Companions along with the Whelps stopped eating and watched him sit there rolling the plate around in his hands as the apples tumbled about.
Aela’s own chewing ground to a halt as she stared at him with a mouth full of bread and whatever else she had managed to stuff in her maw at the same time. Sotek though was unaware of her gaze as his focus was fixed on the fruit.
Even the Harbinger sat there with his food hanging out of his mouth as he watched the Argonian. Aela looked up and fell under the scrutiny of everyone else. She felt as if every pair of eyes was upon them and she hated it. Her elbow slammed into Sotek’s side nearly causing him to spill the apples across the floor. She turned to him and whispered through clenched teeth which still held the bread tightly in her mouth.
“You got five seconds to eat one of those or Reds going to bite your bloody ass”.
Sotek snapped out of the trance and turned to her with a puzzled expression across his face while his tail flapped about haphazardly like it had as much of an idea as to what was going on as he did.
“Sorry, what?”
Aela glared across at him and hissed.
“Eat the bloody appless”.
Sotek looked down at the plate and studied the pair of apples. He decided there was indeed something wrong with what he was doing so he set out to rectify it. His answer wasn’t what Aela was expecting though. Instead of eating them, he placed the plate on the step and walked across the floor carrying one of the apples in his hand. He stuck it back in the fruit bowl then raked through two other bowls of produce until he cried out triumphantly.
“Yes! I got one”. He declared his find to the entire hall before he resumed his seat on the stairway. Seconds later he began rolling the apples around again much to Aela’s disgust.
She slammed down her knife, banging it on the step beside her. For a few moments she watched the apples until she was fed up with the whole episode.
“Ok! You got what?”
Sotek never looked up at anyone; he just carried on rolling the apples on his plate as he calmly replied to her.
“Can’t you tell? I’ve got a big apple and a little apple”.
It took all of Aela’s will not to shout back at his impertinence. Sotek’s actions seemed pointless as if his sole purpose was to simply wind her up which he was doing rather well.
“You remember the conversation about if you went power mad? Well guess what, you’re bloody nuts! What about the bloody apples?”
Sotek sighed and sadly shook his head. He tutted then held the plate out in front of her.
“Two days time, that’s when we’ll do it. Don’t you see? The apples? This is then and this... ” To her surprise, he took a bite out of each apple and stuck them back on the plate. “This is today. See? It’s obvious isn’t it?”
He shoved the plate onto Aela’s lap and rose to his feet leaving her nursing the two apples. Giving no explanation what so ever, he headed towards the doors leading to the training area and beckoned Kodlak to follow him.
“Harbinger can I have a word? In private if you wouldn’t mind?”
The Harbinger gazed across to Aela who shrugged her shoulders in response. She had no idea what was going on in Sotek’s head, none of them did. Having no choice and riddled with curiosity, Kodlak found himself presented with no option other than to follow Sotek outside.
The moment Sotek entered the yard he covered his eyes with his hand. Despite Kodlak taking several seconds to join him, the Harbinger was still able to see Sotek stagger forwards with an arm reaching out for one of the wooden pillars. He managed to touch one and hold on to it, balancing himself.
Aware that the Harbinger was watching him, Sotek quickly countered Kodlak’s concerns in an attempt to put his mind at ease.
“We’ve been downstairs, it’s darker there. I’ll be alright in a second. Argonians aren’t used to bright sunlight. I walked into it; silly moron, as Aela says”.
He slightly lifted his eyelids and peered through the narrow slits. Gradually over a few minutes he was able to look around properly. He picked up a chair and sat it in the middle of the training area so his back was to the Throat of the World Mountain, and more importantly, the sun.
“See, better already. Now what I wanted to talk to you about was Aela. Aela and this ‘funeral’. Now you may think I’m crazy but I’ve had an idea. Why don’t we have the ‘funeral’ on the first double full moon of spring?”
Kodlak rested his hands on his knees and leaned forwards laughing. He looked up at the sky and pictured the two apples tracing across the heavens.
“So that’s what you were looking at; not the apples but the moons. The first double full moon of spring? A worthy time no doubt but... Aela had her heart set on today”.
Sotek got off his chair and started walking around the training yard. As he moved to specific areas, he laid out his plans for the event, helping form a picture in Kodlak’s mind.
“Yes, but she can still hunt for the wolf today. Look, we can collect the wood for the pyre and prepare for it properly. Rather than a rushed job, we could have extra food laid out on the table and drink for that matter. Hell we could even ask the Jarl to join in, Whiterun! It don’t matter what everyone else thinks; us five know the real reason for it. Things have been difficult for a lot of us lately; difficult for the people of Whiterun. This would be a good way to knit everyone back together”.
The Harbinger looked at the Skyforge; he couldn’t help but think of all the past Companions that had fallen before. Their ghosts seemed to walk through the training yard and one by one they disappeared as they entered the doors to Jorrvaskr. Kodlak turned back to Sotek and shook his head.
“No!! This won’t do at all. Sotek, can you call the other members of the Inner Circle out here please, now!”
Sotek stopped where he was for a few seconds and examined Kodlak’s face. The Harbinger’s features seemed to have hardened like he was made of stone. The Argonian wondered if he had pushed too far but he threw such thoughts aside. He had said nothing wrong, but something wasn’t right.
“Yes Harbinger”.
He opened the doorway and called inside the hall instead of actually crossing the threshold. The three Inner Circle Companions all looked back at him oddly while the Whelps shared confused glances.
“Aela, Farkas, Vilkas, out here please. The rest of you, stay in the hall”.
Aela’s pace was far faster than the others. She quickly moved alongside Sotek and whispered to him.
“What’s going on?” Instead of answering, Sotek lightly pushed Aela’s back, guiding her through the doorway.
Outside, Kodlak was patiently waiting for them. He was standing by the steps when they came outside and he motioned for the three men to sit at a table while he beckoned Aela towards him. He held her by the shoulders and looked deeply in her grey wolfish eyes and spoke.
“As you know, I have been talking to Sotek. He has suggested that we have Omega’s funeral in two days time during the first twin full moons of spring. Now, Aela; I am fully aware of your reasons for wanting a funeral for Omega and yes I agree and I understand. However, I feel that it would be wrong for it to be for just one fallen Companion when we have, over countless years lost so, so many. This is what I suggest; instead of it being for Omega in secret, how would you feel if, from now on every first twin moon of spring, each year, we held a remembrance of all the fallen Companions? Think carefully on this Aela; make sure you are happy with it. After all this was your initial idea”.
Aela glanced across the porch to Sotek who promptly smiled at her. She never returned the gesture, she just stared at him then she broke away from Kodlak and walked across the yard to the far wall. She rested her hands on the top of it and followed the river with her eyes from the valley where Riverwood was. She gazed past the Throat of the World Mountain and the terrain beyond.
Aela jumped when Sotek held her by the hips but she never shrugged him off. She turned around to face him and rested her head on his chest. She stood there silently for several minutes as thoughts cascaded through her mind.
She thought about all her shield sisters and shield brothers that had fallen. Her mother, all her mother’s shield bearers, friends and comrades who her mother saw fall in battle. Faces she as a child saw walk outside of the walls of Whiterun never to see again. With a resolve and will of iron she turned to the Harbinger and nodded her acceptance of his plan.
“Yes you’re right, I just don’t ... yes that’s fine. It’s the right thing to do”.
Sotek held her tightly and asked her what he knew the Harbinger was wondering just as much as he was.
“Is this what you want to do though?”
Aela nodded her head to his question. As she answered, she looked back at the Harbinger.
“I wanted it special for Omega. I understand about all the others, he was no more important than the rest of them. They all deserve it just as much”.
Sotek moved behind her and rested his hands on her shoulders and lightly tipped her back into him. She leant against him, allowing him to take her weight. Without even realising it she wrapped her arms around his own while he held her. She looked up at Dragonsreach and enquired about the Jarl.
“Harbinger, will an invitation go out to Jarl Balgruuf?”
Kodlak slowly nodded. He wondered about Aela’s sincerity or whether they basically forced her to follow their wishes not that they were ever able to.
“Yes, to the whole of Whiterun; if you are willing mind. I’m not convinced that you are though”.
Sotek smiled at the Harbinger and spoke on Aela’s behalf.
“She wants it to be special for Omega, to mean something to him, herself and Red. Now, that does pose a certain problem I grant you but, problems are opportunities in disguise. Now, here’s what I’m thinking. Everyone will be there so we can’t talk about Omega, but what if at the start of the remembrance we light the fire rather that half way through? No long speeches, just one short speech that’s from the heart and straight to the point. Aela’s speech. She says it, not the Harbinger, not the Dragonborn... Aela the Huntress. It would be her speech to Omega. And, she could place the first bottle of mead into the flames! Before anyone has even tasted a drop of alcohol. The very first bottle goes to the fire, even the Jarl himself would have to wait”.
Aela turned to him worriedly. Her mind fell blank as she imagined she was standing there in front of the pyre while everyone watched her.
“But what do I say? The Companions speech is crap! Sorry Harbinger I meant it was ermm... Sotek?”
Sotek laughed at the expressions on Aela’s and Kodlak’s faces. Aela didn’t know where to look and the Harbinger’s mouth was agape with shock.
“I think what Aela means is that the typical Companions funeral speech doesn’t quite fit. She needs the words to be right and fitting for Omega. Aela, who was he to you?”
Aela spun around and without even meaning to, she pushed him backwards while her fingers wrapped around his collar, holding him tightly in her grasp.
“What the hell do you mean by that?”
Sotek froze like a statue lest his movements aggravated her any more than necessary, something he wished to avoid if at all possible. He slowly coaxed her fingers straight, freeing him from her restraint as he softly hissed to her.
“Hssss. Aela, I’m trying to help you, yess? What was Omega to you?”
Aela stepped back away from his and gawped at her hand. She hadn’t meant to grab him but she couldn’t control it. Feeling somewhat ashamed over her actions, she looked back at the Harbinger guiltily.
“He, he was my friend”.
Upon hearing these words, Kodlak decided to intervene in case Sotek didn’t understand the importance of what Aela had said.
“Sotek, just so you know. I’ve known Aela all her life and I have only ever heard her call two people her friends. You and Omega. Don’t take her words lightly”.
He needn’t have worried though because Sotek had in fact understood exactly what it meant to Aela, something he quickly pointed out.
“Friends are important. They stand by our sides like allies whereas those who are mere friendly form treaties. Allies are far stronger in times of suffering and need”.
Farkas didn’t get Sotek’s point; neither did Aela nor the others. Being more inquisitive Farkas enquired about what Sotek had said.
“Treaties and Allies are the same thing, aren’t they?”
Sotek gently moved Aela towards him and kissed the top of her head. She closed her eyes as she felt the warmth of his body against her. Sotek glanced up at the Harbinger and studied the Nord. He had the world on his shoulders yet he always seemed to keep control.
“When you are suffering you can go to those who you have treaties with and ask for aid. They will provide you with what you have asked for. But, when you have allies and you are suffering... it is they who come to you and say ‘what can I do to help’. Omega was your friend, yess? Then all you need to say is, ‘To absent friends’ ”.
Vilkas screwed his face up at the suggestion. It seemed pointless and vastly inadequate.
“That’s only three words. Aela will want to say more than that surely?”
Sotek shook his head and knowingly smiled back at Vilkas.
“In Aela’s mental state, do you really think she can say more than three words? She will choke! Aela, Omega will understand. You won’t dishonour him by saying that but you will save yourself a lot of heartache”.
Aela hugged Sotek tightly in her arms. She had to admit Sotek was right, she felt the words sticking in her throat already. With her emotions running wild during the funeral and everyone watching her, she’d crack.
“That’s perfect, I can manage that. Harbinger we’ll do it, we’ll do it for everyone”.
The Harbinger came over to Aela and gave her a fatherly hug. Sotek knew his place and backed away, letting Kodlak know that he wouldn’t come between them both. He knew the importance of their father/daughter relationship and he respected it. Kodlak held Aela tightly as she tucked her head in his arms.
“Are you sure? No one wants to take this away from you”.
Aela sighed then looked up at him and smiled.
“Harbinger I’m fine with it, I’m absolutely fine with it. To be honest I’m a bit surprised. I thought you wouldn‘t understand”.
The Harbinger smiled back while he comforted her.
“The greatest of fires start with the smallest of sparks. Now, the day is getting on. Haven’t you got a wolf to kill? Hmm?”
“Yes, yes I have... no, no I don’t. Sotek, you’re coming as well. We hunt together”. As she spoke she slapped Sotek on the leg.
Vilkas pointed towards the northern mountain range and gave them his septims worth of advice. "Greenspring Hollow, head north from there. You’ll find plenty of ice wolves easily enough”.
The two Companions set out across the plains and as they made their way towards Greenspring Hollow, Aela mentally prepared herself for the strenuous days ahead.
Author's Note: Thanks Ben for your help with Console Commands. The Screenshot would have been far harder without your assistance.
Comments
Console commands isn't something I tend to use. All I make use of are TM and TFC 1. These are just for screenshots.
Never underestimate Sotek, he doesn't do stupid shut for no reason.
The problem I have is that the char I use don't have many shouts. I use him for screenshots and for background information regarding to events in my story. Alduin is alive and well tearing up territory in Skyrim. Ben provided me with the codes for... more