'You can come out now love.' Sara called as she kicked the final spider onto one of the pressure plates that littered the room. It made a strange screeching sound as it flailed and burned. When it stopped moving Farkas warily crept into the room, eying the web-covered ceiling with a fearful eye.

'Not one word.' He warned the Dragonborn at her small smile, edging across the wall towards her.

'I didn't say anything.' She replied, leaning up on her tiptoes to kiss her husband on the cheek and throw her arms around his shoulders. His stubble left a sweet burn on her lips, and he rumbled happily, squeezing her to him for a moment before parted.

'Come on. This looks like the final chamber.' Sara said as they proceeded to the next hall. They both jumped and retreated under the archway as the entire cavern started to shake.

'That's...that's...wow." Farkas said, breathlessly as colossal stone statues rumbled up from the water with a harsh grinding sound..

'Well said, love.' Sara murmured. She slowly descended the stairs to the intricate pedestal in the centre of the room. Farkas lagged behind her, staring at the carvings in awe. 'Huh?' He turned at the confused sound.

'What's wrong?' His eyes flickered from the empty plinth to the note in her hands.

'Rent the attic room at the Sleeping Giant Inn in Riverwood and I'll meet you, signed by "a friend".' She read aloud. 'Well shit.'

'Someone got here before us? How could they know we'd be here?'

'I don't know, but the didn't seem to be interested in the treasure.' She gestured to the coins scattered around.

'Good eye.' Farkas praised, surveying the space behind the altar.. 'They also must have been capable to take down those draugr.' He searched the walls until he found the lever that would take them out of the ruins. Sara removed her helmet and ran a gauntleted hand through her hair in exasperation before following him. Soon enough they were back on the road.

'I don't like this." Sara looked back at her husband as she finished pulling her nightgown over her head. They had just arrived in Riverwood from Ustengrav.

'What? Riverwood?' Her lips curved into a smirk. 'Now, I know that you're jealous of Hadvar, but-' Her teasing trailed off as she saw the somber expression on his face.

'Not Riverwood. This whole...dragon thing. The Greybeards, this Dovahkiin business...and now this...don't you think it's a trap?'

'It's suspicious, yes. But I don't think it's anything we can't handle. We didn't defeat Ulfric by collecting wine bottles.'

'Traps and battlefields are different. Battles are just a matter of skill and numbers. But if the opposition has had time to plan...' Sara moved to sit on the bed next to Farkas. She straddled his hips and kissed him. His lips were trembling.

'You're worried for me.' It wasn't a question. The Companion let out a shaky laugh as his calloused hands came up to tenderly cup her shoulderblades.

'Can you blame me? I don't mean to insult you prowess in battle. I just can't stand the thought of your suffering.' He dropped his head to the crook of her shoulder and gently nibbled the chocolate skin there. Sara shivered with pleasure. 'It's irrational if I think about it more, but I rarely think about it more. I guess that's me all over, eh? Good old Farkas, stupid and straightforward.' The last sentence was humorous but it had a bitter undertone.

'Hey.' The Dragonborn chastised. 'I happen to be quite fond of this "stupid and straightforward" Farkas' She pushed at his broad shoulders until he was in a lying position on the bed, and he used a free hand to cover her shoulders with the fur.

'I promise to be more careful.' Sara whispered into his skin. He held her tighter and buried his face in her dark hair.

'I can't have you die. I couldn't bear it.' His muffled voice was anguished with hints of dread and veneration.

'I would never do that to you, I swear.' She vowed passionately.

'I love you.'

'I love you too.'

In a few hours, Delphine would find them like that, Sara's dark hair poking out from under the blanket, face lovingly nestled into Farkas' chest. But as long as they had those moments alone and unburdened….the couple could face anything.