Ancient Stones
Chapter Seven
She remained sitting in the same spot, perched on top of the stone wall until evening. Her stomach let out a loud growl and she sighed, knowing that Vilkas was probably waiting in the main hall for her appearance. She had been simmering all afternoon, thinking of this morning and the past few months and years of their relationship. She was finding it more difficult than ever to tell herself that their relationship was for the good of the family, with all of this secrecy she found it hard to be around him when she couldn't be completely honest.
As evening drew on she noticed figures approaching Jorrvaskr. She jumped off of the wall and edged behind it, curious as to whom the new visitor was. Aela lead the way, with Farkas, Ria and the unknown individual tagging along behind. They all sheathed their weapons as soon as they reached the large stone stairs; Susi crept further out of sight.
The unusual stocky Nord man was dressed head to foot in Iron armour, his face cloaked by an old, stained and rusted horned Iron helmet. He followed Aela and Ria inside whilst Farkas hung around waiting for Susi to materialise, already prepared to go for a run.
She secretly felt a little excited, Farkas enjoyed hunting more than Vilkas and she wished always that Vilkas would feel the same way about it as his twin and his lover. She could only imagine the fun that they could have, chasing mammoths and giants before ending up in a heated frenzy of lust and...love. She swallowed a lump that had suddenly formed in her throat, she knew that what she felt for Vilkas was deeper than just an attraction, she had been with the Nord for three years, how could she not be in love with him?
After the door slammed, she crept slightly out of the shadows catching Farkas off guard who jumped.
"You scared me," He laughed a little sheepishly. Susi smiled, tucking her bangs behind her ears as the wind quickly picked up.
"Who was that?" She asked abruptly, moving in closer to him so that she could lower her voice to a whisper.
"What?" He replied, stupidity written across his handsome face, "Oh the milk-drinker?" Susi nodded, insisting for more information, "He turned up and helped kill the giant, Aela asked him if he was interested in joining the Companions," Her eyebrows rose in suspicion.
"Oh?" She muttered rhetorically.
"He just followed us," He continued, "Seems like he was interested after all."
It was unusual for someone to just suddenly turn up and become interested in the Companions. She laughed to herself at her stupidity. She had done exactly the same thing, one day she had shown up in Whiterun and demanded that the Companions claim her as their own, or something of the sort.
"Are you ready?" He snapped her out of a daze and she nodded her head, her heart already racing, "Let's go."
She followed him more eagerly than before. He paved out a path for them in the streets and she tagged along with a sense of impatience. After this morning's antics and the troubling thoughts of her and Vilkas' relationship she certainly needed to let off steam, and what better way than to hunt Giants.
Vilkas was sat at Kodlak's table listening to the old man give him advice about his lover. After a while of the man's muttering he had switched off and was staring out into the long stretch of dark hallway; watching as Companions walked in and out of bedrooms and the main hall, she never showed up. He wasn't expecting her to but every time he heard the creak of a door his heart made an unimaginable leap only to fall flat and his stomach to burn when he realised it wasn't her.
He turned the conversation onto a more sinister topic. He mentioned his private matters with Kodlak, a little embarrassed when he discussed how he had touched his lover earlier. Vilkas didn't expect Kodlak to give him any advice, hell, he wouldn't listen to the old man but he wanted to know how to control the wolf inside. He knew he had been too rough and he would apologise to her as soon as she came back to him. His grip had left bruises scattered across her flesh, and he still remembered the stinging of tears in her eyes as she fought them back. He regretted it, and although he had some self-restraint when it came to controlling the wolf, it slackened whenever he was with her.
He didn't understand why that was. Perhaps it was to make her happy or keep the peace that he so willfully played along with the beast. He hunted with her long enough to make his rage and hatred grow for the beast. But she loved it and he would do anything to please her, to make her happy.
"...But I still hear the call of blood," Vilkas sighed, his face in his hands.
"We all do," Kodlak replied, his voice more consoling than ever. The old man had listened intently to Vilkas' problems just like he always had, and he tried his best to calm the foreboding thoughts that passed through the man's mind, "It is our burden to bear, but we can overcome it."
Vilkas had heard the old man utter those words on many occasions, he doubted them, and he doubted his Harbinger. However many times the old man muttered those words he found it harder and harder to overcome the burden of the beast. He struggled to understand how anyone could enjoy the voices urging to fight and demanding a hunt, to spill blood across the land all in the name of Hircine. The faster Kodlak found the cure, the better.
"You have my brother and I, obviously," He replied, Susi filtering back into his mind, if only he could change her mind, if only that were remotely possible, "But I don't know if the rest will go along quite so easily."
He suddenly thought of Aela and Skjor and how they enjoyed the blood more than anyone. They had poisoned Susi's mind with thoughts of hunting, and killing for the pleasure. He regretted her relationship with them; he regretted not being the one to transform her. He regretted more than anything letting her escape with them. If only things had been different in the beginning.
"Leave that to me," Kodlak responded with a defiant tone. Vilkas let out a sigh knowing the old man had no power over those who lusted over the blood. The Companions had no leader and although Kodlak was a respected individual, they wouldn't listen to him.
Out of the corner of his eye he saw a fellow man approaching through the darkness of the hallway. He sat back against his chair, folding his arms across his chest as the Nord man stepped into Kodlak's quarters, taking off his horned Iron Helmet his mane of blonde hair falling against his neck. Kodlak turned to the stranger quickly; taking a gulp from his tankard and placing it back down on the table.
"A stranger comes to our hall this evening," The old man let out, leaning back against the old wooden chair. The Nord man shifted nervously on his feet. Vilkas eyed up the stranger, a young broad man with strong arms, a capable fighter and young, just as young as his lover.
"I would like to be a Companion," The stranger responded, his voice thick and fierce, an accent Vilkas hadn't heard for a while.
"Would you now?" Kodlak replied with raised eyebrows, "Here," The old man ushered him forwards, the stranger awkwardly obeyed, "Let me have a look you," Kodlak looked directly into the man's face, his light eyes scripting information about the Nord, seeing into the very soul of the stranger before him.
After a while Kodlak let out a small laugh; "Hm, yes," He smiled, "A certain strength of spirit," Vilkas frowned, tired and irritable. He refused to believe that Kodlak would allow a stranger to walk amongst them as part of the family.
"Master," Vilkas let out, exasperation riddled within his voice, "You're not truly thinking of accepting him?" Vilkas spat a distasteful look at the Nord stranger in front of him. He had not released the anger that had built up inside him as the evening drew on, and he would not think to release that anger until she returned home, safe and sound.
Kodlak gave him a reproachful look, bringing the tankard to his mouth and drinking another large gulp, "I am nobody's master Vilkas," He responded. Vilkas had known better than to call the old man master, the word had slipped from his mouth as quickly as the stranger had demanded to become a Companion, "And last I checked," The old man continued, "We had empty beds in Jorrvaskr for those with a fire burning in their hearts." Vilkas let out a sigh.
"Apologies," He replied a little resentful, "But perhaps this isn't the time I've never even heard of this," He gave the Nord another disapproving look, "Outsider."
"Sometimes the famous come to us Vilkas," Kodlak replied trying to coax him out of his bad mood, "Sometimes men and women come to us to seek their fame, it makes no difference, what matters," The old man cleared his throat, "Is their heart."
"And their arm," Vilkas added with a scowl.
"Of course!" Kodlak let out a hearty laugh and turned to the stranger, "How are you in battle boy?"
"I have much to learn," The stranger responded, his armour clunking as his adjusted his stance, more awkward than ever.
"That's the spirit!" Vilkas couldn't believe how encouraging Kodlak was towards the stranger, "Vilkas here will get you started on that," He beamed at Vilkas, "Vilkas take him out to the yard and see what he can do."
"Aye," He replied, frustrated mingled with annoyance. He didn't want to be the one to babysit the new whelp when he should be waiting for his lover and continue from where they had left off earlier. His groin ached from the lack of excitement and the teasing she put him through making him wait all evening.
He told the stranger to follow, and he lead the way through the living quarters, out into the main hall where he scanned the gathering Companions that had sat down to eat. He noticed she was still not there and neither was his brother. He felt a large lump form in his throat and a stabbing pain to slice through his lungs, catching him off guard. He felt the pang of jealously rush through him, a strong overpowering urge to abandon the stranger and seek out his lover in fear that she had fallen victim to his twin's charm.
She had felt awkward at first; Farkas had stayed quiet as they walked down through Whiterun and into the plains. As soon as they had left the city gates Farkas insisted they travel south towards Riverwood and they could hunt in the forest. It made her nervous, how calm Farkas was and how the night seemed eerily quiet like something was going to go wrong.
She didn't trust such feelings, so she kept silent and felt the knot in her stomach grow larger, tight enough that she felt she had to be sick. Tonight she did not feel comfortable being so far away from home, and too far away from Vilkas. It set her on edge and as soon as they reached a secluded spot in the southern forests she struggled to change.
Subconsciously she fought against the ripples in her skin, calling out in agony as claws tore through her nails and thick dark fur burst through her skin, ripping through her flesh. She growled as her jaw extended, her spine splintering and snapping, she yowled as it fixed itself back together, hunched over she saw clearly through the night, her wolf eyes filled with bloodlust.
She recognised the old pine trees, the smell of earth and the wilderness mingled together in a strange concoction. As the animal inside her finally took over, she stalked elk, her stomach hovering just above the ground as she took silent steps, her mouth watering. Her ears twitched hearing a nearby crackle of a twig. She glanced to the side and saw Farkas low to the ground, his ears flat back ready to pounce on her prey. She let out a growl, startling the deer. It flinched, its mouth full of grass. It chewed slowly, its beady black eyes searching the forest for the hunters.
Out of the corner of her eye she saw Farkas leap forwards, slashing his claws across the Elk's backside. The animal let out a shriek, tangled in the fury of Farkas' vicious swipes. In no time at all he had slashed the animal across the throat and he let the beast drain out before devouring the corpse.
A little frustrated that Farkas had stolen her kill, she loped away from him searching the forest for any other kind of prey. She was soon reminded of the many times that Vilkas and she had gone hunting together, how every time Vilkas seemed to steal her kill just like Farkas had. She let out a snort, perhaps it was a twin thing.
Leaving Farkas in the near distance she scouted a smaller female elk and pursued the wild animal. Hot on the deer's heels she took one quick swipe, her claws scratching down across the elk's back legs causing it to topple over head first into the bushes. The deer let out a desperate call as she stalked up to it. It failed to find its feet and Susi watched with curiosity as the animal struggled not wanting to die. She felt a slight flicker of remorse, she brought her teeth to the elk's neck and cut through the deer's flesh killing it instantly. As blood poured into her mouth, the hunger she felt for the kill grew ever more intense. She devoured the carcass, leaving only a scatter of blood soaked bones.
After a while of resting, her belly full, she made her way back to where she had left Farkas. He had already changed back and was pulling on his armour as she returned. He looked at her for a brief moment, something passing between them that she could not name. She sat on her haunches, towering over him, her warm breath like the breeze, soaring through his tousled hair.
"I hope you've had your fill," Farkas said to her, patting her on the shoulder. She let out a low growl as a response, hoping that she could convey her feelings to him.
She waited quietly with Farkas running his gentle fingers through the thick mane of hair around her neck. She almost purred her eyes feeling tired as Farkas' hand movements soothed her. Soon enough the ripple started up again and too quick for her liking, she was standing in front of him, half naked and shivering as the breeze struck her bare skin.
"Get dressed," He said to her, struggling to keep his voice stable. He found it hard to control himself, and for that one moment he allowed himself the short quick glances of her naked flesh, following the contours of her skin with his eyes. He pictured himself running his fingers over her, bringing her close to him and their bodies melting together in nothing more than a fantasy.
"What is it?" Her voice was a little uncertain, she had the seen the way that Farkas had looked at her and it had sent her heart racing. She loved him like a brother, she noticed the familiar look in his eyes, the same look Vilkas gave her when... He looked away quickly and she felt her cheeks burn a vicious red.
"I...," He trailed off, staring into the distance; she knew he was never the one to be good with words but for some reason, this time, she felt perturbed.
The proximity between them felt smaller than before, she could feel the heat radiating off of him, the smell of his sweat prickling on the back of his neck. He turned to her, his eyes avoiding her own, she furrowed her brow, opening her mouth to suggest that they should be leaving, when Farkas leant in closer; kissing her.
She closed her eyes briefly, losing herself against him, her heart fluttering in her chest. He moved his hands around her neck and held her in place, brushing his body against her own. She could feel all of him and the growing region pushing up against her hip. She could taste him a mixture of blood and something sweet a familiar fragrance that of his twin. She snapped her eyes apart, realising what was happening. She shoved Farkas away with all of her strength, her hands against his chest. She let out an animalistic growl watching him stumble backwards.
"Farkas..." She struggled to say, wiping her mouth, tugging her lips with her fingers to eradicate his taste and the touch of his kiss. A heavy lump sank deep into the pit of her stomach; she glared at him, anger coursing through her. She let out another frustrated growl, scrunching up her face and wishing away the last few seconds. Why? Just why?
"Susi I'm sorry," Farkas insisted, striding back up to her and grabbing her shoulders. He looked down at her, his guilty eyes glistening in the moon light, "I'm sorry," He repeated nervously.
"Oh Gods," She uttered, her throat raw with rage, "Just," She struggled desperately to form words and sentences, "No," She declared.
"No?" Farkas responded. All she could think about was Vilkas, her mind plagued with images of his face. He would kill us both if he knew.
"Let's just forget that happened," Susi let out after a moment's silence.
"But," He refused.
"Farkas please," She replied frantically, her eyes searching his expression for some kind of remorse "Please."
She was more troubled than ever. As she stalked away from Farkas leaving him standing in the middle of the forest watching her walk away all she could think of was how much she wanted to get back to Vilkas and forget what had happened. She cursed herself, thinking of the lies she had already kept from him, and now this one, another one to add to the pile. She let out a long strangled sigh; she was starting to lose face, and as soon as she slipped back into bed with him, he would know everything and he would not forgive her.
She deserted Farkas somewhere in the forest. He hadn't tried to follow her and she was left alone with her thoughts, her most troubling thoughts and she wondered what Vilkas was doing, whether he was fine after earlier. She desperately wanted to apologise, to continue what they had started before Aela had interrupted. She couldn't think of an existence without him in it. They were family, and they were lovers, she didn't intend to jeopardise the relationship, not ever.
