Vilkas carried me downstairs, where I expected him to take me to my bed. But he didn't. He carried my past the whelps' room and into a private room just down the hall.

"What are you doing?" I asked him as he set me down on the bed in the corner.

"You need a quiet place to recover," he said. "Can't have the other whelps hanging over you all day, now can we?"

I smiled. "Okay, good point."

Farkas poked his head into the room, smiling broadly. "I'm glad you're back, Ylva. Can't wait to hear all your stories about being Dragonborn—"

Vilkas walked towards his brother and slapped the back of Farkas's head. "Shut up, idiot," he said. "We are trying to keep that a secret, remember?"

Farkas rubbed the back of his head. "Sorry."

"That's why I'm the smart one."

"But I'm the strong one."

The prideful and smug look Farkas had on his face made me giggle.

"Stop bickering, you two," Aela said as she stepped into the room. "The poor girl doesn't need to hear that. Vilkas, go and fetch Tilma, would you? Tell her to bring food and water. Ylva, you must be hungry."

"Starving."

Vilkas nodded once, then left.

"So I see that Farkas has a hard time keeping his lips sealed about my, ahem, secret, doesn't he?"

"Farkas has always had a hard time keeping his tongue from wagging," Aela said, jabbing Farkas in the arm. "But do not worry, Ylva. Your secret is still safe."

"But will you still tell us a story?" Farkas asked. He looked so eager, like an oversized puppy waiting for a treat.

"Let Ylva regain her strength, Farkas. She needs some time."

"It's all right, Aela." I propped myself up against the bed's headboard. "What story would you like to hear?"

Farkas thought for a while. "What about—"

Before he could continue, Vilkas came back with Tilma. The old maid had a tray of delicious-smelling food in her hands. I smiled.

"How's the warrior doing today, hmm?" she asked. "Feeling better?"

"A little, yes. Thanks for asking, Tilma."

She nodded and set the tray down next to me. Then she left.

"Vilkas, since I fought the dragon alongside you, does that make me a Companion now?"

Vilkas shook his head. "Kodlak still wants you to take another Trial. He had something already in mind before the dragon attack. He still wants you to go."

I let my head fall.

"Don't worry, Ylva," Vilkas said, setting a gentle hand on my shoulder. "This mission shouldn't be hard. Especially not for the Dragonborn."

I gave him a grateful look. At least they didn't hate me for the secrecy. They understood, it seemed.

"Will you tell us a Dragonborn story now, Ylva?" Farkas asked. He still looked so eager.

"You want me to start from the beginning?"

They all nodded.

I smiled. "Well, then," I cleared my throat, "it all started on a wagon ride...."

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A/N: Sorry it's so short. I just needed to have a filler chapter to prepare for the next one. I'm excited about this story so far, and I hope y'all are, too! Don't forget to vote and comment if you like this story! I love to hear y'all's feedback!