Take Up Arms is a quest available within The Companions. It is the very first quest you will embark on whilst part of The Companions and is fairly simple. The quest consists of; Training with Vilkas, Giving Vilkas' sword to Eorlund, Taking Aela the Huntress her shield and finally following Farkas to the guild quarters.
Starting the Quest[edit]
On your way to Whiterun, you may stumble upon The Circle, a group of highly skilled members of The Companions, battling a Giant near Pelagia Farm. If you happen to miss the fight then speaking with certain citizens of Whiterun may trigger a quest which involves speaking with Kodlak Whitemane.
Speaking with Kodlak Whitemane[edit]
In order to join The Companions, you will have to speak with Kodlak Whitemane. Kodlak Whitemane can be located in Jorrvskr in Whiterun. He will usually be in northern room of the Living Quarters. He will be speaking to Vilkas about important matters. Upon speaking with Kodlak Whitemane, he will consider you worthy whilst Vilkas will not. After a brief discussion, Vilkas will ask you about your Battle Skills. Regardless of your answer, Kodlak will order Vilkas to escort you to the yard for a quick sparring session. Follow Vilkas and fight. Make sure you don't use Magic or enchanted weapons or Vilkas will temporarily stop the session. If you don't have regular weapons then just fight with your fists. Once asked to stop, accept your status as 'whelp' and that you will now run errands.
Giving Vilkas' sword to Eorlund[edit]
After you have accepted your status, Vilkas will hand you his sword for sharpening. You should take the sword to Eorlund Gray-Mane who is found right next to the Courtyard, up a flight of stairs and next to the Skyforge. He will ask you what brings you to the Skyforge, just explain that you have Vilkas' sword for Sharpening. As you are about you leave, he will ask you to take Aela the Huntress her shield, you should accept and he will hand over the shield, ending this part of the quest.
Bringing Aela her Shield[edit]
- Note: It is rare but possible for the questline to glitch after giving the shield. Save the game to create a backup in case the following quest is impossible.
You should then proceed to leave the Skyforge and head back to Jorrvaskr, head back down to the Jorrvaskr Living Quarters where you will Aela the Huntress in her room with Skjor. You should approach Aela and hand over her shield, she will tell you that she has waited a long time for it's completion but recognizes the Dragonborn from the Giant fight in the farm. Skjor will also mention that he saw you in the courtyard training, and that you gave Vilkas quite a thrashing. Aela then asks if the Dragonborn could defeat Vilkas in a real fight, if you are to answer with the second option then she will say that shield-brothers do not kill each other over a dispute but she seems impressed with the passion that burns in the Dragonborn and that you would make a fierce Companion.
Following Farkas[edit]
You should follow Farkas, who will show you to your room, he will tell you to pick a bed and fall into it. He will express that he is pleased to see a new face and if you are looking for work, you should visit Aela or himself and once you start making a real name for yourself then you should visit Skjor or Vilkas for additional work. This will complete the quest and you should receive the 'Take Up Arms' achievement/trophy.
Before you leave, Farkas will tell you that they are having trouble in Whiterun hold. You will most likely receive a quest to kill a Falmer leader for the subquest Trouble in Skyrim, but may receive a different quest if that is unavailable. This type of quest is one of an unlimited supply random quests available from either Vilkas, Farkas or Aela.
The next part of the questline, Proving Honor, is available once you complete one of the random companion quests.