U.O.T.W. Chapter 162 The Way We Are

• Posted by Sotek October 16, 2016 - Filed in TSC: CB Story - #Sotek  #U.O.T.W.  - 1,541 views

  Aela called out with more bravado than what she actually felt. She looked calm and assertive yet inside her stomach was doing summersaults.

  “Yes? What is it?”

   

  Sotek expected Kodlak to walk straight in but surprisingly he didn’t. Instead, he called out for permission to pass the threshold.

  “Aela? Sotek? Are you both decent?”

   

  The Argonian smirked at Aela who nudged him in the ribs with her elbow. She held her finger to her lips in an attempt to stop his sniggering but he blatantly ignored her and brushed her actions aside. Instead, he loudly answered Kodlak’s question although his reply wasn’t what Kodlak was expecting.

  “Well we have a few moral issues but we aren’t what I would class as bad people”.

   

  Upon hearing this, Aela burst out laughing and she tried to cover her mouth to stop it but all it done was cause her to snort which made her laugh even more.

   

  Sotek chuckled at her and tutted before giving Kodlak permission to enter the room.

  “Sorry Kodlak; come in, we’re dressed”.

   

  On hearing this, the door slowly opened, allowing Kodlak and Tilma unrestricted access to Aela’s bedroom.

   

  As they stepped inside, their eyes surveyed the room; in particular Aela’s bed which was currently occupied by both her and Sotek. Traces of straw were scattered around the room which Tilma was quick to notice. Without saying anything to alert anyone that she had noticed it, Tilma rested her broom against the wall and sat down on a chair where she patiently waited for Kodlak to speak.

   

  Kodlak in turn stayed silent and owlishly gazed at the two young Companions. Aela’s eyes flicked between Kodlak and Tilma but neither were saying anything. Breaking the silence, Sotek started talking, freely giving an explanation to their conversation.

  “We were just discussing yesterdays training. I feel we should try a run out on the plains in a few days. You know, take the Whelps hunting? Aela however doesn’t think they are ready. You saw them Kodlak; what do you think?”

   

  Both Kodlak and the maid stared at Aela’s bed, but obviously it was fine. This caused Kodlak to rethink everything he had prepared to say. Finding himself at a loss, he asked about the noise they had heard earlier.

  “We ermm heard a crash”.

   

  Sotek got up and walked to the small table where Tilma was sitting. He calmly poured himself a glass of water and downed half of it before nodding back at Kodlak.

  “Yes, that! I’m sorry I have to tell you this. I ask that you keep it to yourselves. You see... Vilkas and Farkas were having a fight. They overheard me say that Farkas wasn’t as good an archer as Vilkas. Ermm, what I can gather is he rubbed it into Farkas, then they shoved each other and Vilkas’s bed got busted”.

   

   

  He put the glass down and walked right up to Kodlak and rested his hand on the Nord’s shoulder, holding it in a firm grip.

  “Don’t blame them; it’s my fault. I should have broke it up and I shouldn’t have spoke where they could hear. It wasn’t intentional, I didn’t realise they were there”.

   

  The Harbinger looked at the pair of them for any sign of trickery but the signs they gave escaped unnoticed. He never saw Aela digging her nails into her arm to stop herself from laughing. Although he did see Sotek’s tail which snaked out behind him, the meaning of it was beyond his understanding. Having little choice, he relayed the news that Farkas had given him.

  “They said it was you two that broke the bed”.

   

  Sotek grinned and pointed to Aela’s ‘bed’.

  “This bed? Oh right. I’m sorry, they were embarrassed and didn’t want to tell you. You see, if you knew what actually happened then you would know they were fighting. They thought it would worry you and they were ashamed of their actions. Now Aela and myself however, you wouldn’t be surprised at all... I told them both to stop fighting about petty things and simply blame us two. I thought if you both knew it was us that did it then hopefully you would just want the bed replaced without the details so you wouldn’t find out what actually happened. I had hoped with an offer of replacing the bed then the matter would simply drop yet here we are. Please, don’t mention this to them; they are embarrassed enough as it is”.

   

  Then Sotek added the final part which he was certain to bring the matter to a close.

  “There’s more than enough gold left over. I’ll have the bed replaced today, probably this afternoon”.

   

  Kodlak thoughtfully rubbed his chin and nodded as he came to a decision.

  “Well that does explain why they were quick to blame you two. I think you all taking the Whelps out would be a splendid idea. I presume you mean across the plains?”

   

  Sotek nodded back, thinking they had escaped the worst of Kodlak’s wrath.

  “Yes. I was thinking one big pack. Tilma asked us to get some furs which we didn’t manage to do so we’ll bag a few deer and maybe a pack of wolves or even a bear, but as one pack... group... pack. We’ll go as a pack!”

   

  Kodlak readily agreed after rolling his eyes at the Argonian who stood before him.

  “Yes that would be a good idea; you can set off in the morning. However, as for me; I am old... old and wise. Wise enough to know that I can’t compete against you. You see, I know your mind is way too fast for me. It’s like the white deer constantly evading the hunters. I’m a smart hunter; I’m shrewd enough to know who I can’t catch and I’m strong enough to chase after those I can. I’m also granted the wisdom to know the difference so no Sotek; I’m not chasing after you. Sotek, you are dismissed. Aela, you however are not. It’s time we had a ‘little chat’. Come along; don’t keep Tilma and myself waiting. My study if you please!”

   

  Sotek froze and his jaw dropped while his tail flapped about like a snake on hot coals. Aela slowly slid off her bed and took a solitary step forwards before coming to a stop. She pleadingly turned to Sotek and somehow her hand found itself in his although such things provided little in the way of comfort.

   

  Kodlak waved her towards him and turned to the doorway.

  “Aela”.

   

  She softly whined and faced Sotek with pleading desperate eyes. He could see she was worried. She was a fast nimble hunter yes but mind games? That was Sotek’s territory. The moment Aela left her room she was finished. Sotek stepped in front of her, blocking her path.

  “Kodlak, it would seem you’re not so slow after all. Even the white stag gets caught sometimes. Let me come with you, I’ll answer your questions and tell you all the truths. But you spare her the shame of being there. It would seem you got your stag after all”.

   

  Kodlak looked hard at Aela who buckled under his overpowering stare. Sotek however stood resolute and strong, willing to back up his conditions. Kodlak only needed to study him for a second to know Aela was now out of grounds. If he wanted answers then he had to accept Sotek’s terms. With a tiring sigh, he turned around and headed back upstairs muttering as he went; leaving Sotek feeling somewhat baffled.

  “I’m too old for this”.

   

  Tilma on the other hand stayed sitting in the chair in Aela’s room. She watched Kodlak head outside to the corridor then she sat as still as a statue and listened as he trod along the passageway to the stairs. She was fully aware both Aela and Sotek were watching her but she never gave them the slightest bit of attention until she knew Kodlak had disappeared.

   

  Only when she was sure and ready to did she speak; singling out the Huntress.

  “Aela I would like a word in private. Sotek, you say one word and I’ll need a new mop!”

   

  Sotek gulped as Tilma got up and snatched Aela’s hand away from his. She briskly headed outside to the corridor and shut Aela’s door so Sotek couldn’t hear what was being said. The Argonian wasn’t out of tricks though; he scurried to the doorway and pinned his ear to the crack between the door and the frame so he could eavesdrop on the conversation.

   

  Aela was led to one of the chairs which were positioned just outside her room alongside a large wooden table and ordered to sit like she was a naughty child. She did as she was told while Tilma sat down in the other chair after pulling it round to face the young Huntress.

  “The only reason Kodlak puts up with all of this is because he see’s you as his daughter and you finally have found someone who will stand by you and protect you. Girl you got to start exercising some control! Now, that isn’t your bed! Where is it?”

   

  Aela inhaled deeply, filling her lungs with much needed air before even trying to answer. She looked at her door and through a narrow gap, she saw the shadowy figure of her mate behind it. She started sniggering for a fraction of a second giving Tilma cause to quickly turn around but due to the different position, the maid couldn’t see anything. Knowing full well Sotek would take the blame if it was him sitting in the chair, Aela proved her loyalty by blaming herself.

  “I swapped my broken bed for Vilkas’s”.

   

  Tilma looked back at the Huntress and wagged her finger in front of Aela’s face.

  “Not by yourself you didn’t”.

   

  Aela shrugged her shoulders and briefly pointed to the door, unavoidably bringing Sotek into the situation although she did her best to limit his involvement.

  “Well no, Sotek helped me; I asked him to”.

   

  “And that was his idea”. The maid said with a matter of fact tone in her voice. Her thoughts were amplified by her actions let alone the beady stare in Tilma’s eyes.

   

  “No it was mine”. The Huntress stated. She tried to project a forceful persona to quell and disrupt the direction Tilma was trying to take the discussion in but the maid wasn’t having any of it.

   

  Tilma blankly looked at her while she pondered upon what to say. She turned back at Aela’s door and almost peered through it to study the Argonian who was on the other side of the obstruction.

  “Sotek... he manipulates and casts the odd web here and there but there’s nothing my broom can’t handle and he is certainly disruptive within these walls but he gives that spark in your eyes. That’s something the Harbinger never thought he would see. Kodlak accepts all the chaos you two bring upon us because Kodlak understands the reasons behind it. Sotek does it to protect you, his friends and his family. He does what he does for the greater good; although many a time he falls short of this mark. You however have to stay true to yourself. Aela the Huntress is many things but one thing she isn’t, or rather wasn’t, was a liar! Cut the crap young lady and stop telling tales. We both know this has Sotek’s finger prints... scale prints... erm”.

   

  Aela titled her head down and looked at Tilma’s shoes. They were old and worn, along with the dress she was wearing. Several holes and tears just above the frayed seam revealed themselves when Tilma moved her foot. She looked up at Tilma and wolfishly grinned.

  “Scent; his scent’s all over it. Sotek felt Vilkas was taking the piss too much out of me so we switched the broken bed with Vilkas’s”.

   

  “Vilkas has the broken bed and he doesn’t yet know? Dare I presume that the tale Sotek told about you learning to lock pick wasn’t a lie? Everyone took it for granted that it was made up but it wasn’t was it, it was the truth?”

  Aela nodded as her cheeks turned beetroot red. She turned away to try and hide her embarrassment.

   

  “He knew it wouldn’t be believed; and yes Vilkas has no idea his bed will...” She didn’t mean to but Aela broke out in fits of hysterical laughter which rabidly changed to a snigger under the scrutiny of the maid’s watch. “He... has no idea his bed will collapse the moment he looks at it! What are you going to do?”

   

  Bizarrely, Tilma rose up out of the chair and left Aela sitting there. She walked towards the end of the short corridor and glanced back at the girl.

   

  “Nothing; absolutely nothing. Try to get through a week without causing any grief! We can’t take much more. I’ll have words with Kodlak regarding the bed. This comes out of your pockets. You mark my words, one day I’ll have you behaving like a lady if it kills me!”

   

  Aela’s reply was nothing more than a scrunching up of her nose. Although it was just a basic response, it spoke volumes. Tilma tutted once more and proceeded to head upstairs, leaving the Huntress to return to her mate.

  The Huntress  opened her door and watched Sotek for a few seconds, almost studying him like he was a bug on a leaf that had caught an entomologist’s interest. The Argonian himself sat there looking straight back at her, wondering what was going through her mind.

   

  Aela approached him and banged her forehead into his chest and tucked herself up in his arms.

  “Thank you”.

   

  Feeling somewhat perplexed over what Aela was referring to, he stroked the back of her head and asked her.

  “Thank you for what?”

   

  Aela smiled and lifted her head up so she could look into his emerald green reptilian eyes. The eyes she loved so much yet even now she couldn’t say it; not yet.

  “Being there, being my friend, my mate. Why do we mess up so much here?”

   

  “Oh you mean play about, messing around. Making Kodlak’s hair turn even more white than what it is?”

   

  Aela laughed at the comment and shamefully nodded.

  “Yes; why do we do that?”

   

  Sotek sat her down beside him on the bed and tried to explain how he saw things.

  “Because we can. Aela, here it’s safe; we can relax, we can stop being the Huntress and the whatever the hell I am trying to be... Out there we have to be the strong ones. Farkas, Vilkas they look up to you and to me. We have to be strong for them even when we ourselves feel down. We have the weight of them and the Whelps whenever we walk out that gate. No matter how low or down we get or how desperate things are; out there we are the mountains. Here, inside Jorrvaskr, we can forget all that and shrug off all such burdens. This is something Tilma and Kodlak can’t do. Out there we are Alpha’s and here we are cubs. Kodlak and Tilma must always be the Alpha’s, but here we have no such qualms”.

   

  Aela watched the light of the lamp in the corridor flicker as she thought about Kodlak and the maid. Sotek was right in what he said; outside they had to be strong yet there wasn’t a single day when the Harbinger could relax and leave the burdens of the hall behind.

  “You have got to start talking straight, with Tilma and the Harbinger... ermm Kodlak. Sotek, we have to start playing by the rules”.

   

  Sotek tilted his head; just like a dog who didn’t understand his mistress’s commands.

  “Like the rules we are going to break when we sneak out and go hunting?”

   

  Aela’s eyes shot wide open and she stared in the distance while her chin dropped to her chest. A sultry smirk crossed her face and with the naughtiness of a devious scamp she shook her head.

  “Ermm no not that one”.

   

  Sotek nodded back at her, deliberately exaggerating his movements.

  “Ahh... so we have to follow the rules which suit us while we disregard those that doesn’t? Sounds simple enough”.

   

  Aela snapped her head at him and was about to yell back at the Argonian for his impertinence but she realised her was right. That was one rule she would happily break; every night if she could.

  “Oh forget it. Just try to tell things straight from now on”.

   

  That night Aela and Sotek laid together, both of them with their eyes closed listening to everyone moving around. They suddenly heard an almighty crash as Vilkas jumped up on his bed. Not realising it was Aela’s old one, it collapsed instantly scaring Vilkas half to death. He angrily shouted out to them both.

  “Aela you bloody bitch! I’ll get you and that bloody scheming lizard! Damn you both to hell”.

   

  Both Aela and Sotek burst out laughing. They laughed so much that their eyes watered and their sides started hurting. What they didn’t realise was that Kodlak and Tilma heard the crash, and they were laughing as well.