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Part 1(kind of)
Part 2(kind of)
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May contain spoilers for The Companions Quest line, so I suggest not reading unless you've completed and witnessed those events. Thank you =)
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I sniffle unable to suppress my emotions, tears are streaming down my face. "I..I can't believe it" I sob. "I completely failed him... I'm so sorry Kodlak, I'm so very sorry" I groan bringing my hands up to my face, unable to hold back the dam of tears pushing behind my eyes.
Cerwiden and Helior stand behind Erik and I with the rest of the large precession. Helior looks as if he's in a daze, he adored Kodlak, and Kodlak adored he. Who knew Khajiit and Wolves could get along so well? Cerwiden looks sympathetic, but she doesn't know what to say. Erik glances toward the two of them giving each a weak smile and knowing look.
"Shhhhh' Erik says in my ear putting a tight grip around me "Dove, you were doing all you could do. We did all we could do."
I look up at Erik, my eyes red and glossy "But, Erik... he's gone!" I say before I find myself wanting his tight embrace, wrapping my arms around his torso and feeling his strength cocooning me, soothing me. We stay like this a long time, "You know" He says, "Maybe Kodlak saw this coming, maybe he was protecting you because he knows how important you are and what you're capable of." I make a strange sound in my throat, acknowledging his words, I had been in a slightly dozy state and didn't notice that everyone had left. Erik is still holding me. I run his words over in my head. What? That doesn't make any sense. Maybe if I was here I could have protected him...Maybe I could have even saved him.
I hear footsteps coming somberly up the steps to the Skyforge, it's Eorlund Gray-Mane. "Oh, I'm sorry I didn't know there was anyone still here." He looks concerned pondering a thought in his head. "What is it? Eorlund?" not quite recognizing my own voice in my weary and somber state. "I know you're tired Dove, but I'm sure you realize the importance of this matter. We still need one more fragment..... and that fragment is with Kodlak's belonging's in Jorrvaskr..." Taking a breath I rise shakily to my feet with help from both Erik and Eorlund. "I understand" I say, trying to compose myself for the first time since the funeral. "I'll go and retrieve it. The sooner we get those Silver Blooded Bastards the better" I set my jaw in a tight line and make my way down the stairs of the Skyforge. Erik's eyes widen in surprise at my sudden change of character, but he follows behind after a beat.
Making my way through the somber and unusually silent halls of Jorrvaskr I find myself in Kodlak's room alone, reminiscing. I sit on the edge of his bed unsure where to start my search for the fragment. I don't like the idea of fumbling through this man's belongings. I haven't known Kodlak long, but I came to adore the old man. He was a good man. A no nonsense man, but a good man. Glancing around I find my eyes staring at the top drawer of his night stand, the low light makes it difficult to see, but I think I see what looks like a book. My curiosity leads me to open the drawer and there it is, the fragment. Right there. And beside it sits a journal, undoubtedly Kodlak's Journal. I had no idea, he even kept any sort of journal. I can't help myself, I know it's wrong, but something tells me to look in his journal. When I'm done reading it, I am sobbing, it talked about me.....me. He knew things I would accomplish before I did myself... maybe Erik was right.
I find a piece of cloth to wipe my eyes, and take a few deep breaths trying to normalize my the rise and fall of my chest and to compose myself. Reaching to grab the fragment I realize the Journal is still on Kodlak's bed. I pick it up and open the top drawer of his night stand hovering it over the drawer's maw. Suddenly I clasp the Journal to my chest.. I just can't do it. I can't just leave it here, now that I've read it... this little book holds so much sentiment for me. I wrap it up, put it in my pack and exit Jorrvaskr.
Feeling the cool evening air on my face is refreshing. I close my eyes, and lean against Jorrvaskr's outer walls feeling very tired. "Dove" a voice comes from the darkness, i can see that it's Erik as he walks into the light toward me, a concerned look etched on his face. "Are you alright?" he says, unsure what to do. "I'm okay, but I feel very tired" I confess. "Maybe we should sleep, and continue this tomorrow. Surely Eorlund can't repair and forge that weapon in one night... he trails off as I raise an eyebrow at him. "Erik, you'd be surprised" I look down for a moment, considering. "Erik, I wont reprimand you if you require the night off, I think Cerwiden and Helior have gotten that unspoken message, no doubt sharing drinks at the Bannered Mare....." I muse. "You've already gone above and beyond for me this night. And I thank you."
He opens his mouth to speak, but no words come out and his face gives nothing away. "I care for you Dove, and I think you can see that" He eventually utters in a slow steady voice. I blush turning my face away, my cheeks crimson. This revelation has cured my sleepy state. "It's late, he interjects. Let's get this night over and done with. I'm sure we will have more time to talk about..... this"
"Yes...yes, you're right" I fumble with the words. I start making my way to back up to the Skyforge, though this sudden onslaught of emotions has my body feeling like jelly. With Eorlund in sight, my mind comes back to recent events and most of all, reality. Eorlund takes the piece from my hands, nods and motions for me to join the Circle in the Underforge. I nod and make my way to my brother's and sister's waiting. "I'll be out here" Erik says and pauses as I place my hand on the cold stone door. He continues "but I hope to one day join you in there." I hadn't the slightest notion Erik had the desire to become one of the Inner Circle, the thought oddly warms my heart and makes me the slightest bit giddy. "I'll keep that in mind" I say looking back with a hint of a smile playing on my lips. Slipping behind the hard rock slab, it slides and quakes closed behind me.
Eorlund enters not long after with the newly reforged Wuuthrad. The weapon is... stunning, a glossy silver with intricate details, sharpened and seemingly polished to a pristine state. But maybe that's just the glory that eminates from such a fine weapon. The conversation in the Underforge is short and understandably terse. It is agreed that we will travel to Ysgramor's Tomb in the attempt to carry out Kodlak's wishes, even in death.
Upon exiting the Underforge behind the circle who are already eager and running in the direction of Whiterun's gates, I spot Erik leaning against the cool stone of the forge. He's waiting as he said he would be. "I'm ready when you are Miss Dove" He says with a grin mimicking Helior's constant title for me. Rolling my eyes I grin back and respond "I'm glad to hear it Mr Erik, let's go catch up."