Chapter 1

Vilkas eyed the wood elf that stood before him and Kodlak. Her physique was nothing special. In fact, she was rather petite. Common fur armor adorned her body while a forsworn sword rested at her hip. 'At least she has done some fighting', he figured. His eyes traveled upward to her face. Each feature was defined and sharp, while giving off an essence of beauty many woman of the town would envy, if not for the exotic layout of her wood elf blood. She was tan, like most wood elves. Brown hair tumbled just below her shoulders, while a braid extended from the parting on her left side. Her lips were full and glowed a soft pink. A small upturned nose ended in a fine point. Thin sculpted eyebrows framed her round, fiery orange eyes which returned his stare. Her appearance, Vilkas found, was quite enchanting and not at all displeasing as he saw most other wood elves. She stepped closer. The aroma of strawberries drifted through the air. Vilkas smiled at the image of the wood elf frolicking through patches of wild strawberries. The woman shifted under the weight of his intense stare. She turned to face Kodlak.

"I would like to join the Companions." Her voice was bubbly and Vilkas could hear the excitement that swelled in her stomach.

"Hmm. Of course. Let me have a look at you. " Koldlak began, as he inspected her. "Yes a certain strength and spirit. And what is your name?"

"You may call me Siila, sir" She said with a bow of her head and a tug upward at the corner of her mouth. Her politeness was quite refreshing in these dark days, but already she came off as naïve and ignorant.

"Master, you're not truly considering accepting her, are you?" Vilkas turned to face Kodlak. This was not the best time for accepting new members into the midst of the companions. A bit of annoyance stirred in the pit of Vilkas' stomach. Siila glanced eagerly from Vilkas back to Kodlak.

"I am nobody's master. And last I checked, there were empty beds in Jorrvaskr for those with fire in their hearts" Koldlak returned the smile the now formed on Siilas face.

"Apologies. But perhaps this isn't the best time? I've never even heard of this outsider." The woman shifted her weight from one foot to another, irritated by the tone of his voice.

"Sometimes the famous come to us. Sometimes men and women come to us to seek their fame. It makes no difference. What matters is their heart."

"And their arm" Vilkas scoffed, looking the scrawny elf up and down once more.

"Of course. How are you in battle, girl." Kodlak asked earnestly.

"I can handle myself." Siila replied, throwing her head to the right and smiling with satisfaction.

"That may be so. This is Vilkas he will test your arm." Kodlak nodded to VIlkas, as he began to rise from his chair. "Vilkas, take her out to the yard and see what she can do."

"Aye" Vilkas replied and with a shrug of his shoulders, he led her out into the courtyard.