Reunion

Farkas led the pack along the cobblestone road, listening as Rakel marveled to Majni about their surroundings. Apparently everything looked different if it weren't covered with ash. Farkas smiled despite himself, the girl's child-like wonder was something to behold. Her pack-mates however, aside from Majni, did not share such a bright disposition. Akar and Hjordis practically radiated their own black cloud, clearly discomforted. Farkas could sympathize, being so far from home and on a grim mission had a tendency to leave a sour taste in the mouth. On a similar note, how would Vilkas react to Farkas's sudden return with the Frostmoon pack? He smirked at the thought, that promised to be quite an entertaining evening to say the least.

"Blood brother,", Majni called, matching Farkas's stride. "How far is your Whiterun? My wolves grow restless." He cast a glance at Akar, who was visibly snarling into the sky, presumably at the sun itself. The great blinding light was at its peak, there were still several hours of travel time before the moon would rise. The five of them had made good time thus far, and would round the bend to the town of Riverwood any minute now.

"We will reach Whiterun as the sun sets.", Farkas said. Majni frowned, he had likely been hoping for a different answer. "Riverwood is just ahead. After we leave there, the trees will grow sparse as we near the tundra." Farkas sighed, knowing that Akar and Hjordis's respective moods would only darken with every step until they got what they were after. "If they shift, they won't be able come out of the woods until dark. Too many guards patrol the tundra roads."

Majni scratched his beard absently, looking from Akar to Hjordis, who were now exchanging violent looks with each other. "Farkas, if I bade them stay, could I leave these two in the forest?"

Farkas took a deep breath, neither option suited him well. It seemed though, that the risks were higher if Hjordis and Akar accompanied them through two well populated towns. His mind made up now, he had to find a way to convey his concerns without offending Majni. Farkas didn't doubt the man's word, but he worried that his wolves might draw attention to themselves without Majni to keep the order.

"It might be best,", Farkas started cautiously, "But they should head back to camp rather than wait anywhere near here."

Majni squinted. "That's quite a distance between myself and my pack-mates."

Farkas stopped walking, and bumped a fist over his chest with a nod. "You have nothing to fear from me or mine, I only worry that your wolves might be spotted. If you would rather, I could go find Vilkas and bring him to you."

Majni stared at Farkas, gauging his sincerity with intense focus. After a few tense moments, he relented. "They will double back, it will give them a chance to track Sinding."

Farkas had to struggle to keep from sighing with relief. "As you say, Majni." He watched as the pack leader instructed his restless members. Rakel spoke from beside Farkas, startling him. "They can be so spoiled sometimes. Isn't it enough to see all these new places? The sights, the smells?" The small woman smiled up at him.

"Some people have a hard time containing themselves." Farkas said insightfuly. The Companion remembered the first weeks after turning, he had been swallowed by the bliss that was the wolf.

"I suppose so.", Rakel said with furrowed brows. "Can't believe they haven't learned some restraint by now."

Farkas let out a chuckle, he agreed with her, but he dared not say so. Majni was on his way toward them, seemingly ready to continue their journey. He gave Farkas a brisk nod and the three of them walked down the road as Akar and Hjordis disappeared into the trees behind them.

As they walked through the great gates, Farkas inhaled deeply. The acrid scent of molten metal, the hot smell of burning oil from the torches, and the pungently sweet smell of lavender and wild mountain flowers filled his nose. He had to admit, he missed Whiterun. The evening sun cast golden light on the town, long shadows forming hither and thither. He followed the familiar path to Jorrvaskr, hearing Rakel's exclamations of wonder and Majni's chortling laughter at her expense. When at last he reached Jorrvaskr's doors, he paused with sudden dread. He did not come bearing good news, hard times were surely ahead.

"Jorrvaskr.", Majni said with something akin to awe. "Never truly thought I would see it myself."

Farkas gritted his teeth and opened the door, walking into the dark and smoky great hall. He spotted Sivanna and Ria sitting at one of the tables, sharing tankards of ale. His heart gave a shake, the memories flooding through him. His entire life had been spent here until about a year ago, it was hard not to miss the place, the people. The two women noticed him then, both wearing looks of utter surprise.

"Farkas!", They exclaimed in unison. He felt a lazy smile spread his lips as they both scrambled up to meet him. Ria threw herself on his chest, nearly sobbing. Sivanna was giggling uncontrollably, they both smelled thoroughly pickled with drink.

"Ladies.", he chuckled. Nothing like drunk women to bolster your spirits. He looked around, hoping to find Aela or Vilkas. "Have either of you seen my brother?"

"Your brooder?", Ria snickered, and she and Sivanna burst into fits of laughter. Sivanna wiped tears of mirth from her eyes and pointed to the back door. "Training grounds.", she managed finally.

"Thank you.", he said, removing Ria from his person and setting her down on a bench. He turned to Majni, whose face wore amusement and respect clearly. "This way."

They went through the door, and immediately saw Vilkas and Aela. The two had been sparring with sword and shield, but both lifted their noses and turned as Farkas walked down the training ground steps. Aela's jaw dropped, and Vilkas lit up visibly at the sight of him. The alpha dropped his sword and shield, holding his arms wide. "Brother!", he called through a grin. The two of them shared a bear-like hug, thumping each other roughly on the back.

"What brings you to me?", Vilkas asked, holding Farkas's shoulders at length.

Farkas felt his brows furrow. "I brought visitors.", he turned as Majni came to stand beside him."Majni, alpha of The Frostmoon Pack, this is Vilkas, alpha of The Whiterun Pack."

Every fiber of Vilkas's being hardened at the sight of the other pack leader, his old scowl set into place as he studied the newcomers. Majni kept his face neutral, watching Vilkas with an inscrutable expression.

"Long way from Solstheim, Majni.", Vilkas remarked.

"Aye.", Majni nodded. "We have come seeking your aid."

Vilkas relaxed somewhat, his brows raised. "Is that so? What would you have me do?"

As Majni relayed the situation to Vilkas, who nodded somberly, Farkas looked to Aela. The shewolf was watching Majni and Rakel with growing interest. She caught Farkas's eye, and he nodded to the city wall. He followed her and leaned his elbows on the stone, overlooking the tundra below.

"Trouble afoot.", Farkas said quietly.

"I expected as much.", Aela answered. "This can't be his entire pack."

"I had him leave his two, wilder wolves back in the woods.", Farkas said with a nod.

"Wise choice.", she paused. "Do you believe him?"

He frowned. "I don't smell a lie. Why else would they venture so far?"

Aela sighed, staring off at the newly emerging stars. "You're right."

"Sister.", Farkas started, overcome with fresh concern. "What ails you?"

She turned to him, and he suddenly noticed how gaunt her face was. The light that usually graced her was absent, replaced with a sorrowful glint. The shewolf didn't get the chance to answer, for Vilkas called to them then. "Come Farkas, Aela, time to fetch Sivanna. We head to Falkreath this night."