(Skyrim, Whiterun, Jorrvaskr, 3rd P.O.V)

It was early in the morning when the Companions stirred from their slumber. For Farkas it was a time to reflect on his life. Ever since Kai left being Harbinger behind, they struggled to find one worthy of bearing the title in his stead. Right now however, he was reading the letter he had received a rather disturbing letter from Celestia about the recent events in Equestria. “Normally we would stay out of the way because this involves the Dark Brotherhood, but since Kai is family to us, it would be dishonorable to refuse to help him in a time of need.” Farkas thought to himself. Lost in his thoughts, Vilkas walked in. “Farkas?” Vilkas asked. “Huh? Oh Vilkas. I didn’t see you there.” Farkas said still looking at the letter. “What’s that?” Vilkas asked. “It’s a letter from Celestia, and she’s asking for us to help the Brotherhood out by protecting Twilight, her friends, etc. while the Brotherhood takes care of the traitor.” Farkas summarized. “I think we should help. I mean it’s not like she’s asking us to kill anyone, just protect them.” Vilkas said as Aela walked in eating a sweet roll.

“We got a job from Sunbutt, or something?” The huntress said with her mouth full. “Yes. Let’s pack up after breakfast.” Farkas said putting the letter down. The rest of the Companions were informed about their new mission and soon set off for Solitude’s harbor to sail for Equestria.

(Three Days Later, Ponyville Harbor)

The ship carrying the Companions arrived on a warm and calm Friday afternoon. The ship attracted a small crowd from the locals. Many of the townsfolk had heard tales about the Companions, but never saw them before, so this was a once in a lifetime chance to see living legends up close. Some of the Companions were smiling at the crowd and waving at them. Mayor Mare was really trying to not embarrass herself by fangirling over them. “Greetings Companions of Jorrvaskr.” She said firmly gripping the forearms of Farkas, Aela, and Vilkas. “Pleased to meet you.” Aela said with a smile. “Queen Celestia sent me a letter yesterday to prepare for your arrival and to escort you to Twilight’s Castle.” Mayor Mare said. “Lead on friend.” Vilkas replied. The crowd moved aside as the Companions walked towards the town square. Rarity and Spike were just leaving for the Friendship School, but they spotted the Companions heading towards Twilight’s Castle. “Looks like we’re going to be having one hell of a party tonight.” Spike said. “No doubt darling.” Rarity replied. The large group of warriors arrived at Twilight’s Castle and saw Celestia, Luna, Kai and Sheogorath standing out front. Kai stepped forward and greeted his former shield-siblings. “I’m so glad you came.” Kai said. “It’s great to see ya brother.” Farkas said with a smile. He then noticed Luna’s stomach. “So you finally got yourself a tyke on the way?” Farkas asked with a playful nudge. “Yes. Luna can be a handful sometimes, but I know it’s going to be worth it.” Kai replied. “We have business to attend to, let’s get to it.” Vilkas said keeping the group focused.

(One hour after meeting with Celestia, Everfree Forest, Farkas P.O.V)

As much as I enjoy the admiration of the local townsfolk, I felt like I could use some time to myself and just explore for a while. I found a path that lead to a forest near Fluttershy’s cottage and decided to follow it. The forest was dark and it kind of reminded me of a Nordic crypt, but it was definitely more lively. “I can see why the locals avoid this place.” I said as I looked around with my Skyforge Steel Greatsword clenched tightly in my hands. I heard something growl at me from the darkness. “Show yourself!” I shouted. Then out of the bushes, a giant creature that had the body of a lion, bat wings, and a scorpion stinger attempting to thrust it’s stinger into my body. I side stepped the tail. However the creature took a swipe at me with its paw and knocked my sword from my hands and knocked me on my ass. The creature was now pinning me to finish me off. I closed my eyes and waited for my death to come, but when it didn’t, I opened my eyes and say a mare with purple fur, broken horn, and a scar on her face wearing a form fitting suit of armor. “You okay?” the mare asked. I nodded. “Good. You’re lucky I showed up, otherwise you’d be manticore food.” She said extending a hand to help me up. “Name’s Tempest Shadow.” She said as I went to pick up my sword. “I’m Farkas. I’m part of the Companions.” I said sheathing my sword. “Nice to meet ya.” Tempest replied. “You heading to Ponyville?” I asked. “Yes actually. I’m done moving from place to place. I’m just looking for somewhere I belong.” Tempest replied. “Well you can follow me, and maybe if you want, you could join the Companions.” I said placing a hand on her shoulder. “I’ll think about it.” She said as we began our walk back to Twilight’s Castle.

(Later that night, Helena POV)

It was a pretty eventful day. Today Gideon introduced me to his class as his teaching assistant. It was a joy to see Gideon teaching children about his homeworld. “He’d make a wonderful father.” I thought to myself as he taught his class while I took notes on the lesson so the class could pick up where it left off. Today after class Gideon and I spent some time together, before Rainbow Dash came in and told us about a party for some newcomers from Skyrim. “Well, this will probably be interesting,” Gideon said. “Knowing that Pinkie Pie is behind it, this party will be exciting without a doubt.” I said with a giggle. The two of us made our way to the party room of the castle, bumping into one or two Companions as they were getting set up in their rooms as we went. “Whoops. Excuse me.” I said as we passed. The Companions were pretty easy going, much to my surprise. “You’re fine.” They said as they picked up any their belongings from the floor. “Well, with no one getting hurt, we all get along.” Gideon said. “Too true friend.” An Argonian man said as he walked past. We ended up downstairs with the party in full swing. The foyer of the castle was packed with people dancing, drinking, playing games, and just enjoying time with their families.

“You were not here for my party, but near the end of that I did a song presentation. I’ll probably do the same for this party, to give the Companions a little of a personal welcome.” Gideon said. “That would be fantastic!” I said as we made our way to a table. Off to the side I saw Twilight talking to another mare. She was a unicorn, but her horn was broken and she had a scar on her face. I shuddered slightly from the memory of the Storm King’s invasion attempt. “You okay, Helena? You look like you just saw a ghost.” Gideon said in concern. “You see that mare over there with Twilight?” I asked. “Gideon nodded. “That’s Tempest Shadow, she was the Storm King’s second in command, until she turned coat after Akatosh wreaked havoc on the Storm King’s forces.” I explained. “So slight PTSD?” He asked. “Yeah, but she helped us win a lot sooner. So she’s recognized as a hero.” I said as Twilight and Tempest came over to our table. “Hey guys. You having fun?” Twilight asked. “So far, so good. And you’re Tempest? I’m Gideon and I teach at Twilight’s school.” Gideon said in introduction. “Nice to meet you.” She said shaking his hand. “I’m Helena and I’m Gideon’s teaching assistant.” I said.

As the party was kind of winding down, Gideon had an idea for dedicating a song for the occasion. “What song are you going to do?” I asked. “It’s about a legendary bear in a fictional depiction of the country of Scotland, a country in my world.” He explained. “I just hope I can have a quick chat with Discord to help a certain part of the song fit.” He added. “Did someone say my name?” A familiar, mischievous voice said.”Yes, I did. When I get up on stage, make one of my legs look like a peg leg. It’ll help a bit of the song involving the bear in the song gobbling up a leg.” Gideon explained to the disembodied voice. “Oh what fun!” Discord said as he appeared out of nowhere.

Gideon stood up and went up to the stage, his left leg seemed to transform into a pegleg when he got there. He then began singing a song about wanting to slaughter a legendary bear that “ate” his leg. The music magic got many ponies and the Companions singing along after a little bit. After finishing the song, he returned to where we were seated, his leg no worse for wear. “As gruesome as the song probably seemed, what did you think of the presentation?” He asked me. “I liked it.” I said. “Talk about a song of praise.” Tempest said rolling her eyes. “Oh come on Tempest, the Companions do stuff like this all the time. It’s just to make them feel more at home.” Twilight said.

The leading members of the Companions were coming over to our table to thank Gideon for the song and Tempest for saving Farkas. “So you’re the one who saved Icebrain eh? Impressive.” Aela said giving Tempest a firm pat on the shoulder. “It was nothing. I just reacted to the situation.” She said. “That’s not the way Farkas tells it.” Vilkas replied with a grin. “Okay so I went out of my way to help him, but what was I supposed to do, just leave him for dead?” Tempest asked somewhat offended. “I didn’t mean any offense miss, I was just saying you were selling yourself short.” Vilkas replied. “Anyway, I told them about my idea to let you join the Companions, they said yes, but you’d have to pass a test to prove your worth.” Farkas said. “Thanks, what do I need to do?” Tempest asked. “It’s simple, we want you to make a pilgrimage to the tomb of Ysgramor and pay your respects to the man who created the group.” Vilkas said. “That can wait for when we return to Skyrim, for now, consider yourself as an initiate.” Aela said. “Welcome to the Companions, Shield-Sister.” Farkas said with a smile.

(Next day, Gideon POV)

“-and that Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” I quoted from Abraham’s Gettysburg address after the Battle of Gettysburg. “Any thoughts or questions on what Lincoln said in honor of the troops that died? And that includes you, Vilkas.” I said, not giving the Companion any mercy as well. “I was just thinking about when the Civil War in Skyrim was ending, and High King Balgruuf said that the manipulation of both the Empire and our own people was wrong and it led to the deaths of many true sons and daughters of Skyrim.” Vilkas said sadly remembering the long and brutal conflict. “That is a good point. No matter the reasons, any Civil War ends up a sad waste of life. However, in a very paradoxical way, it’s also a test that pretty much every nation has to go through at least once. Every Civil war has its variations. Think of the Revolutionary war. To the colonists, it was a war for freedom, but to Britain-” I said, but Sandbar finished my words. “It was just the lowly, uncivilized peasants having a temper tantrum and committing high treason to the King.” Sandbar said. “Exactly. Speaking about the Skyrim Civil War, the Empire thought it was a religious and racist uprising of Nords, while the Nords were thinking of Freedom. In both cases, lives were senselessly lost.” I said. “War isn’t about who’s right and who’s wrong, it’s about who’s left.” Ocellus said. “It was a saying mother taught us because she and her sisters fought for the right to rule changelings, and she literally had to kill her own family just to have a crown, a symbol that can be easily stolen by a lowly peasant, and she is left with only guilt over her actions.” Ocellus explained.

The story tugged at my heartstrings. “You have my sympathies. No one, not even the worst being in existence, deserves to lose family. Even if the losing is by taking.” I said, a tear leaking from my eye, and I sniffed a bit in sorrow. “Thank you Mr. White.” Ocellus said wiping her tears away. After that emotional moment, I dismissed the class. I sat at my desk as the class filed out, a few tears still leaking from my eyes. “I hope Queen Chrysalis’ sisters found their way to Sovngarde.” Vilkas said as he rose from his seat and walked over to my desk. “As do I.” I replied. “Hearing that Chrysalis had guilt over killing her own family, it just reminds me of someone who went through a pain no one should never endure.” I continued. “Who was it?” Helena asked as she placed a hand on my shoulder.

“In my world, most religions considered him the very Son of God himself. In their teachings, he had to endure every physical and emotional pain in order for us all to be absolved from the first sin, but the most agonizing pain he endured as he was being nailed to a post can only be described by a select few words. Eli, Eli, Lama Sabachthani?” I said, before I then translated. “My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?” There were tears cascading down Helena’s face. “What was his name?” She asked choking back her sobs. “His birth name was Yeshua ben Yosef, but to my world, he is known as Jesus Christ.” I replied. “I think this man is a worthy man to join with the honored dead in Sovngarde. He kind of reminds me of Kodlak Whitemane, the previous Harbinger, before Kai.” Vilkas said remembering the great man. “Too true. Too true.” I agreed. The three of us soon left the room in silent respect for the honored fallen.

Author's Note

Before I give my words of delight and praise, my partner, Wayward Shadow has something to say: "Having written that bit about Jesus Christ, I hope I don't offend anyone of any religion. If it does, I am sincerely sorry. No offence was intended." Please understand that we don't wish to offend anybody with the mentioning of certain religious figures.
On a more positive note, this story is about to get a lot more interesting. Sorry no spoilers here.