#played a bit fast n loose w this one to include some of that companions drama hehe hope its ok!!

[ariveth]

“eavesdrop” 👀

"YOU OUGHT'A STOP MAKING YOURSELF SO AT HOME HERE."

Njada Stonearm. A better name would be stone-tongue, given how brutally blunt she could be. None of the Companions liked Ariveth, this she'd known from the moment she'd first walked into Jorrvaskr, but the fiery warrior was certainly the one most likely to make it vocally known. She turns reluctantly from the dining table she'd been scouring for snacks, facing the warrior with crossed arms.

"On your orders?"

"Yeah, so best heed well."

"Or what — are you going to challenge me to a duel for Farkas' honour?"

Njada scowls. "He may give you free reign around here, but that doesn't mean anyone else buys the cute act. I can see what you are, even if he can't."

"And what's that?"

"An egotistical, manipulative opportunist."

"Ah, poetic," Ariveth snickers. "C'mon. You think he needs protecting by you, from me? Big, tall, strong man like him? Think he'll be just fine without your concern."

"If you had any decency," Njada snaps, "you'd leave him be. He may not know any better, but he deserves more than to be toyed with."

She's not sure why that grates on her so much, but it propels her forward, her smirk disappearing. "'May not know any better'? I'd be shocked at how little credit you give him, were I not already aware of how often his so-called brothers and sisters disparage him. Think I haven't heard enough shouts of 'icebrains' and 'oaf' since I've been here?"

Njada bristles. "You've no right to judge us," she warns, "you don't know us."

"Right, and I don't care to." She's neither sure nor aware of what possesses her to continue, but the words spill out quick and without pause: "I know him, though. Warm, loyal, quick to forgiveness, selfless with the kindest heart I've known. The most formidable warrior among you; humble about it, too. I couldn't care less about how well he can interpret daedric text or contemplate the aurbis in the face of that."

The nord's eyes narrow. "Oh, such sweet words from a narcissistic, honourless mercenary. No wonder he's fallen for your deceit."

Ariveth smiles humorlessly. "He knows that narcissistic honourless mercenary far better than you'd think. Y'should get used to me being around."

"Fine," Njada sneers. "Bide your time. Sooner or later he'll kick you out himself."

Ariveth's grin widens. "I'll take that bet."