Aela took her natural place as alpha and led the four Companions into the hall. The priestess, Danica, was still taking to the Harbinger while both Kul-et and Ebony were sitting in silence. Veezara looked over to Sotek and shuddered slightly. He could feel a change in Sotek’s attitude, but what he didn’t realise was that the Harbinger felt it as well.
Sotek moved towards the steps but then stopped. Instead of sitting down he leaned against a pillar and scrutinized everyone. Kodlak watched him carefully for a few moments but before he could say anything to him the priestess got up from her chair.
“Well times getting on. Harbinger, thank you for your hospitality, but I must be getting back”.
As she moved towards the door, Sotek stepped in front of her.
“Could you stay a little longer? I was kind of hoping you’d be here for, ermm… You know what?”
Danica replied with a soft and gentle voice, like she was soothing a child to sleep. Or at the very least, she was vainly hoping to.
“But it’s late. You’ve been through a lot today; rest and we’ll see tomorrow”.
Sotek moved back, clearing her path then nodded at her. She took one step forwards but then Sotek stopped her just as easily as he would stop the Harbinger. And all it took was a few basic words.
“What a strange attitude”.
She paused for a few seconds then took the bait. She turned to face him and smiled.
“Ok, I’ve heard the Harbinger say that you do this to him”.
“Sorry, do what?”
“Stop him in his tracks with a few words. Now, tell me Sotek, why do I have a strange attitude?”
“Well, you said it’s late, so we’ll try your idea tomorrow”. He blatantly replied.
“Yes, what about it?” She asked, dreading where the conversation would lead. She for one was tired and wanted her bed.
Sotek grinned and moved forwards, taking control of the situation and in doing so, setting the nights course.
“Well, if the temple was on fire, would you say to us; ‘Oh no, don’t worry it’s late. We’ll put it out tomorrow?’”
The priestess groaned then looked across to the Harbinger who had a massive grin on his face.
“Is he always like this?”
Aela answered on behalf of Kodlak and nodded.
“Unfortunately, yes. Every… Bloody… Day”.
The priestess turned to Aela and groaned.
“Aela… I need you to do something”.
Aela grumbled then started shuffling her feet.
“Sorry, I know. Cut the language, sorry”.
“Not exactly, give me the ring of Hircine and get that Saviour’s Hide which Sotek gave you. Oh, and Soteks armour scrap which is in your room I believe. Harbinger, can you all come to the training area. And afterwards young man, Argonian, lizard or whatever you are. You’re going to sort out that tree. Come on, to the training area, let’s get it over with”.
Sotek’s eyes cast across the hall and rested on a dish of fruit.
“Just let me grab an apple, I’m hungry”.
Ebony jumped up to her feet and literally ran to the bowl.
“I’ll get it, do you want two? I’ll cut them if you like”.
Sotek took it from her but eyed her suspiciously.
“No thanks, just the one. Uncut”. He took a bite from it, but all the while Ebony buzzed around him waiting for him to make the slightest of movements. “Ebony are you ok?”
“Yes, I’m fine. If you’re done with it, I’ll get rid of the core”.
Sotek promptly bit the core in half then chewed it all and simply passed her the tiny stick that was left.
“Oh… You eat them, no matter. I’ll take the stem”. She stood there holding it for a few seconds as she wondered what to do with it. She eventually decided to place it on a plate. As Sotek and the others walked towards the training area, he kept a close eye on Ebony who seemed to be following him.
Outside in the training area the two moons could clearly be seen rising above the Skyforge. Even though there was plenty of moonlight, Sotek, without thinking, cast three Mage Light spells in quick succession illuminating the area. Aela mockingly huffed at him, taking the mickey out of her mate.
“Oh Harbinger, do you remember those primitive times when we all had to carry torches?”
The Harbinger chuckled slightly.
“No, I can’t think that far back”.
Sotek just rolled his eyes at the priestess then laughed. He moved to the middle of the area then turned towards Danica.
“Ok, now what?”
As the others all gathered around the tables, the priestess took Kul-et and Vilkas aside.
“I want you both to do something”.
Kul-et followed her, but unlike Vilkas, she felt somewhat nervous. “Anything, what would you have me do?”
The priestess looked across to Sotek then nodded to herself, then she turned to Kul-et.
“He’s going to ask for your sword, don’t give it to him straight away. Tease him with it”.
Kul-et looked over to him nervously.
“Ermm, sure. You are sure aren’t ya?”
“Oh, I certainly hope so dear”. She then spoke to Vilkas. “When he takes it, fight him. But please go careful”. Then she walked over to the others. “Right, we’re all out here, basically because Sotek’s an impatient upstart and he couldn’t wait until tomorrow. But here we are”.
Soteks response was to stick his tongue out at her, much to Aela’s amusement. Kodlak nudged her.
“Stop laughing”.
She held the back of her hand to her mouth and tried to stifle her giggles.
“I can’t help it, it’s him”. As she turned to the Harbinger she saw he was smirking as well.
The priestess shook her head slightly at Aela then continued.
“Now, I’ve been talking to the Harbinger about Sotek here. It’s no secret that he’s Dragonborn. But it’s also no secret that he struggles with it. The Harbinger suggested something, and after talking to Sotek I feel it’s certainly worth a try”. She walked over to the table and then picked up the Saviour’s Hide. “Aela, give it to Sotek please”.
Aela suddenly stopped giggling as her face turned serious.
“What? Why me? Send a Whelp, they’re expendable”.
The priestess shook her head as she tutted.
“He’s not going to explode, besides you’re the one laughing”.
Aela started laughing again which started Sotek off as well. She walked over to him and handed him the hide.
“Does he have to wear it?”
The priestess called over to her as she moved towards the Harbinger. “Oh, I suppose he could”.
Sotek took off his chest armour while Aela stood there in front of him. She unconsciously stared at his chest oblivious to the fact that she was being called back.
“Aela, come over here”.
“What? Oh, sorry Harbinger”. As she walked away, Kul-et gasped at Aela as she saw Aela chewing her bottom lip.
Kul-et walked discreetly over to her and whispered.
“Control yourself”.
“I am, worst luck”.
Kul-et couldn’t help but snigger at her.
“Barely”.
The priestess called over to her again.
“Aela”.
She instantly jumped as she tried to control her emotions.
“What? Sorry, yes?”
“The ring?”
She rolled her eyes and silently walked over to the table then picked up the ring of Hircine. It felt warm to her touch as she stood there playing with in her fingers.
The priestess shook her head as she whispered to the Harbinger.
“Don’t tell me they’re both Dragonborn”.
He discreetly whispered to her in response.
“No, but they both have however, a deep connection with the ring. It’s Hircine’s ring after all”. He took a step forwards then called out to her. “Aela, we haven’t got all night”.
“What? Oh yea, sorry” She held it firmly in her hand then walked over to Sotek. “Here, look after it, yes?”
Sotek leaned over to her ear and whispered to her.
“I will, don’t worry. You’re staying here aren’t you”.
She held his hand then slightly gave it a squeeze.
“Yes, I’m here”.
Sotek smiled at her then held his finger out to her. She slid the ring on him then took a step back. Sotek smiled then turned to the others.
“You all saw that didn’t you? Priestess ? Harbinger? All of you?”
Aela cast a quick look behind her at the others who were staring at them.
“Saw what?”
“You, sliding the ring on my finger. It’s official, we’re engaged”.
Aela’s jaw dropped as she slowly turned to him.
“You fucking what? Give it back now, you bastard”.
“No, it’s mine, and we’re engaged”. Feeling horrified, Aela turned to the others who were all sniggering at her. Even the Harbinger had a massive grin on his face.
Farkas took a few steps forwards then spoke loudly.
“Oh Aela, what have you done?”
Farkas immediately stepped backwards and hid behind the Harbinger as a low loud growl resonated across the training area. Aela then turned to Sotek.
“Give it back, now!!”
Sotek held his ground but he couldn’t help but snigger.
“No, now you be a good fiancée to me, and I’ll make your day special”.
Aela slowly turned to the Harbinger then at the priestess. Her voice was exceptionally loud and clear.
“Aww fuck it”. She shoved Sotek to the ground then started grappling with him as they both ended up rolling across the floor.
Sotek managed to pin her underneath him and hold on to her arms as he caught his breath.
“Hey, that’s not how a bride to be is supposed to behave. I’ve got my work cut out turning you into a lady, haven’t I?”
Vilkas called out to the others.
“Oh, she’s copped. She’s gonna kill him”.
The next second Aela lifted her knee and sent her mate rolling across the floor. Within moments she was on top of him, threatening to rip open his throat.
“Give me that ring, you bastard”.
Sotek gulped as he felt her fingernails push into his neck. He cast a quick look at the Harbinger who sat there on a chair shaking his head at them both.
“Help mee!!!”
Aela quietly sang a soft melody to Sotek whilst her fingers gently scraped against his chest.
“Oh lover, why do you run in the night?”
“I swear, I’ll only take a little bite”.
“You know me, my werewolf’s Red”.
“Soon my dear, by my fangs, you’ll be”.
“Dead...”
Sotek gulped loudly then looked over to the priestess. He spoke calmly at first but then his voice became louder as desperation took over.
“She’s quite sweet when you get to know her. Now for the love of the Nine, someone get her off!!!”
Farkas started to walk over to them both.
“Aela, some of us want to go to bed tonight, get off him and let him up”.
Aela lend over Sotek and had intended to give him a quick kiss on the lips, but that rapidly changed into several seconds as they started hugging each other.
Vilkas called out loudly.
“Bad choice of words Farkas. Aela let him go. Sotek get up, some of us want to sleep tonight”.
Aela looked at Sotek right in the eyes then whispered softly.
“Oops. My room tonight, don’t bother with armour”. Then she got off him and made her way to the others. She cast a quick look at Kodlak who was shaking his head at her. “What? He started it”.
Sotek got up to his feet and dusted himself off, then he turned his attention to the priestess.
“Sorry about that. It’s been a hard few days”.
She shook her head disdainfully at him.
“Yes, well. Sin during your own time and not mine. Now if you would kindly start thinking about holding the artefacts in your hands instead of Aela, that would be great. Oh yes, you’ll need Kul-et’s sword”.
Sotek looked across at Kul-et then sighed.
“Fair enough, let’s get it over with”. Sotek and Scarface supress...........
Sotek slowly approached Kul-et who stepped backwards a couple of steps, causing him to have to travel further. His focus fell upon the blade, causing a sensation of power flow through him. An energy coursed through him, one Scarface didn’t like. Deep inside he could feel Scarface howl out as the werewolf’s will began fighting the Dragonborn’s own will which was trying to prevail and take control.
Sotek tried to hush the wolf inside and focused on the Dragonborn instead. He subconsciously speeded up then before Kul-et knew it, Sotek was right in front of her.
“I’m not sure I want to do this”.
The priestess called over to him as she moved position so she could watch him more closely.
“It’ll be fine, I promise. You’ll need the sword, and you need to let go of your control. Just go with your emotions, let’s see where it takes you”.
Sotek shook his head at her. He couldn’t help but fear the force which seemed to seep out from between his scales, smothering him as it tainted the very air in which he tried to breathe.
“No, you don’t want to go there”.
“Yes, I do. I want to see what you’re feeling”.
Sotek huffed then looked straight at the priestess. Everyone could see he was far from happy.
“Fine, I don’t want to go there”.
The priestess calmly spoke as she tried to put Sotek’s mind to rest.
“You can’t control something you don’t understand. It’s hard, but I honestly feel it will help”.
Sotek shook his head slowly then he approached Kul-et.
“Kul-et can I have the sword? I need to borrow it”.
Kul-et stood her ground as she glanced over to the priestess.
“Why? You don’t use them”.
“The priestess has a theory that’s why we’re out here, now please, may I have the sword?” The strain had almost immediately started to show in his voice, they all knew his temper was wearing thin already.
Kul-et drew it from its scabbard and held it in both her hands. Then she looked at Sotek right in the eyes.
“No, I don’t trust you with it. I went through a lot to get it”.
Sotek could feel his throat tighten. He growled out at her.
“I was there as well, in some respects that’s mine just as much as it is yours. Give me it now please. I won’t ask again”.
“Good, because, I won’t want to refuse you again either”. Then she walked past him and headed to the Harbinger. Everyone could see Sotek was angry, but they also knew Kul-et was nervous.
As soon as she walked past him, he kicked out at her back, sending her crashing into the ground. Her sword, Dawnbreaker fell to the ground with a loud clang. But before Kul-et could recover, Sotek cast his telekinesis spell on the sword and it began hovering in the air before flying towards him. He simply snatched it from the very air while he eyed Kul-et cautiously.
Vilkas stepped forwards and drew his two-handed sword, then he approached Sotek and issued his ultimatum.
“Give it back, now”.
Sotek stopped then turned to him. He noticed Vilkas was moving into attack stance but he himself let the sword hang loosely by his side. “Pardon?”
“Give it back, right now”.
“Vilkas, I ‘m only borrowing it, in a while she’ll get it back. What are you doing? You need to back away”.
“No, give it back now”. With those words, he closed in upon Sotek. Within seconds they were both facing each other; the pair of them fully prepared to come to blows.
The priestess whispered to Kodlak so that the others wouldn’t hear.
“His personality changes rapidly doesn’t it? Is it always this intense?”
Kodlak slowly nodded, but all the while he kept an eye on Sotek.
“I’m afraid so”.
“And we wonder why he struggles with it. I do hope they go careful”.
Kodlak turned to her slightly.
“So do I, but just remember this was your idea”.
At that point Sotek snapped, he suddenly charged at Vilkas, bringing Dawnbreaker in a rapid downward arc. Vilkas blocked the strike with his sword, but Sotek rained down blow after blow after blow. Every possible muscle strained as Sotek lashed out with the sword, forcing Vilkas back. Three, then four followed by five hammer blows struck home, each one threatening to push Vilkas to the ground. Sotek’s attack didn’t fluctuate in any way or form, or even in strength. Every strike had the power and intensity of the first initial blow which he delivered. Sotek was completely determined to simply force his way through the two-handed sword, breaking it in pieces if he had to.
On Sotek’s sixth attack Vilkas reacted. As Sotek’s sword came down yet again, Vilkas stepped to the side. Sotek missed and was thrown off balance. Instantly, Vilkas struck him with the hilt of the blade. His fists smacked Sotek right in the face, throwing him backwards by the force of the blow. Dawnbreaker fell to the ground as did Sotek. The next thing he knew, Sotek was on his back with Vilkas’s foot on his chest pinning him to the floor.
A blue ethereal blade formed in Sotek’s hand which he had intended to strike out at Vilkas with. But suddenly his arm couldn’t move. He looked up to see Aela standing there, pinning his arm down with her foot pressed firmly on his wrist.
“Sotek? Sotek. You need to stop”.
His eyes fixed on Aela’s. Instead of the emerald green, they appeared dark, misty and clouded. After a few seconds she felt his arm relax. The sword dissipated as the spell was cancelled. Aela automatically gave Vilkas a shove.
“Get off him you oaf. God you’re like a bloody mammoth, and I thought Farkas was fat… Shift”.
Vilkas stepped back a bit as Kul-et came over and quickly snatched the sword off the ground. She glanced over to Sotek who was still laying on his back watching her, so she beat a hasty retreat behind the Harbinger.
Sotek lifted himself up to his feet with Aela aiding him. He spat out a mouthful of blood on the ground then looked over to Vilkas who was still there just a few feet away. Vilkas himself was feeling nervous, he wasn’t sure how Sotek would react. Aela however, reacted instead. She went straight up to Vilkas and punched him in the chest.
“What in Oblivion were you thinking? Did you have to hit him like that? Look at him!”
Sotek took her arm and pulled her away, then he himself turned to Vilkas.
“You ok?”
“Ermm, what?”
Sotek wiped his bloodied mouth on the back of his hand then slightly stepped to Vilkas’s front, so he was facing him.
“I said Vilkas, are you ok?”
“Ermm, yea. Sorry about your ermm face”.
Sotek had a slightly confused look about him, until he flinched when he moved his jaw. A second later he cast his healing spell which rapidly sealed and healed the cut’s and bruising.
“I’m ok”. He then gave Aela a big hug. After that though he moved to the middle of the training area then looked straight at a Whelp. “Ok Ebony, you’re next. Let’s do this”.
Ebony nearly died. She literally screamed out at him.
“What! No, Harbinger!” Her eyes fixed on Kodlak literally pleading with him, until she realised that Sotek was laughing.
Vilkas walked over to the others flexing his shoulder as he made his way to the group.
“He’s got no control, no technique what so ever, and he don’t even have any kind of footwork. Hit’s like a bloody Warhammer. Damn my shoulder kill’s”. For effect he slowly rolled it forwards grimacing from the pain as he did so.
The priestess held his shoulder, instantly her spell took effect neutralising the pain and the bruising his shoulder joint had suffered. “Well, I expected him to hit out at you, but that was just savage. How often does he lose control like that?”
Vilkas shook his head.
“He didn’t, not entirely”.
The priestess slowly looked across the training area to Sotek and Aela. They were both sitting against the far wall in between two target dummies.
“He must have”.
Kodlak pointed over to Sotek, then spoke softly so that he wouldn’t hear. “He never cast any spells, not until it was over. He didn’t even use any dragon shouts, he just used the sword. He let his control relax somewhat, that’s all”. He then sat on a chair and picked up a flask of mead. Looking up at the sky he saw it was well approaching midnight. “Times getting on, is there a second part to your plan?”
“Yes, but I’m not so sure now”. She called Sotek and Aela over to them. “Sotek, how are you feeling?”
He shrugged his shoulders at her.
“Confused, what was the point of that?”
“I wanted to see what you struggle with, but now I’ve seen it, I don’t know if I can help”. She sighed then sat besides the Harbinger. “What’s this piece of armour all about?”
Aela pulled it out of her pocket and handed it over to the priestess. “Here, it’s not much to look at”.
She took the tatty worn piece of leather and inspected it, screwing her face up as she looked it over.
“What is it? I thought it would be an actual piece of armour”.
Sotek eyed her suspiciously as she played with it in her fingers.
“It was”.
As she looked at him, Sotek could see she didn’t understand. He wasn’t overly surprised though, sometimes he thought even Aela didn’t understand it either. The priestess studied it as she held it loosely in her hand.
“But my dear boy how could this make any difference?”
Sotek gently took it from her then held it tightly.
“You should know that already, after all you were there”. He then secured it in his pocket. He stayed still for a few moments, hardly breathing let alone anything else before turning to the group as a whole. “Tomorrow I’m training Kul-et. The training area’s closed to everyone regarding training, but everyone’s welcome to watch. I would suggest priestess that you attended too, even for just an hour. Say around ten in the morning?”
Kul-et held Veezara in one arm as she tucked herself behind him slightly, almost like she was using him as a shield.
“But I thought we weren’t training because of this?”
Sotek slowly turned to face her, instantly she gulped then held on to Veezara tighter. Sotek watched her face for a few moments then spoke softly.
“I know you’ve been missing Veezara, trust me I’ve been missing Aela’s touch just as much. Go to bed, get some sleep. Training, you and me, we start at dawn”.
Comments
It felt warm to her touch as she stood there playing with [it] in her fingers.
“What? Oh [yeah], sorry” (forgot if you spell it as "yeah" or "yea" so figured I'd point it o... more
It felt warm to her touch as she stood there playing with [it] in her fingers.
... more