The Lightning Scroll

Ch3, Pt III: Beast

Several other members of the Companions were out there, training. There were arrow targets and target dummies spread along the wall of the courtyard. "Here's your man," Farkas said to Jo'navir, gesturing toward a dark elf man sitting at one of the benches.

"What's that supposed to mean, Farkas?" Athis replied.

"We have a new recruit," Farkas said, presenting Jo'navir to Athis. "And he needs training in one-handed combat. How would you feel about showing him a thing or two?"

"I guess I wouldn't mind showing off a little," Athis joked. "Come on, kid" he beckoned, stepping over to the target dummies. The two of them trained together, while the wolf eyed Jo'navir from a short distance away.

Athis showed Jo'navir the most efficient ways of utilizing his sword, doing the most damage and conserving the most energy. However, Jo'navir still felt like something was missing, preventing him from making any significant improvements.

"Hmm," Athis began to think. "Your fighting style is pretty forceful and not very controlled. Not that that's bad or anything. It's just a different style than what I'm used to." His eyes looked around the courtyard, stopping on a steel axe that caught his attention. "Here," he said handing the axe to Jo'navir. "Try this."

"I've never used an axe before," Jo'navir complained.

"There's a first time for everything, recruit. You won't know until you try."

Jo'navir accepted the axe and went back to swinging at the target dummies. He was amazed with the power behind each blow. The axe was slicing through the targets with ease. "Is this sharper than my sword?" Jo'navir asked in disbelief.

"It's heavier," Athis shrugged.

Jo'navir laughed almost hysterically at the difference he felt with each swing. "It feels like I was meant for this!" he yelled.

"There you go," Athis smiled proudly. "Why don't you hold onto that axe, then. We've got plenty more inside just like it. May as well test it out on that mission Farkas has planned for you."

"That would be great!" Jo'navir exclaimed. "Thank you." He continued slashing away at the dummies until the sun went down.

When it was time, Farkas and Kodlak made an appearance in the courtyard to confront Jo'navir. "You ready kid?" Farkas asked.

"I'm ready," Jo'navir responded with confidence.

"Good," Farkas said. "How about we have Kodlak look after your wolf while we're gone? Things might get messy out there."

Jo'navir looked down at his wolf companion and patted him towards Kodlak. "Go on, boy. I'll be back soon." The wolf managed to understand him and joined Kodlak's side.

"Atta boy," Kodlak said, gently petting the wolf.

Farkas and Jo'navir exited the Whiterun gates and made their way toward Pelagia farm. There were no civilians out at this time of night, aside from the two carriage men which they passed by along the way whose carriages and horses varied in size and number.

When they reached the farm, there were two people already standing watch. "Alright," Farkas said. "We'll take over from here."

"Took you long enough," Vilkas called back.

"Who's this?" a woman's voice added.

"Our new recruit," Farkas replied. "Though he won't be staying with us for too long. But he volunteered to at least help us stand watch for the night."

"Jo'navir," Farkas gestured, "Meet Aela the Huntress."

Jo'navir nodded his head in greetings. Aela was built like a warrior and had the tattoos to match. A marking in the shape of a black scratch covered the majority of her face.