Response to Reviews: Minnie-Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm happy you came back and left a review after putting the story on your follow and favorites list! Kodlak is a favorite of mine and like you, it sadden me the DB didn't get to spend much time with him. The DB can use a father figure like him to give guidance and a kick in the pants when needed (ha ha). No worries about the rambling. I'm quiet a chatterbox myself ;) Zombigail- I appreciate you leaving me a review after reading all the chapters! This story has evolved a lot from what I originally planned (a one shot/short story). It makes me happy to hear the characters and story plot are going smoothly! Thanks again for the lovely words! Heartspath-Until you pointed it out, I didn't think about the Superman/Lois connection xD But it's a perfect comparison! I won't spoil anything, but there definitely will be drama when Vilkas finds out who the DB really is. Thanks so much for leaving a comment! Guest-you're in luck ;) Freckle-I'm always happy to see a return reader! Much love and thanks for your continued support and honest reviews! As for The Butcher quest...oh, I definitely have plans for it *rubs hands together and cackles* lol
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Everything started to make sense-the mead, being invited to his room, even Farkas's presence. He wanted to apologize for my leg. A part of her was touched while the other was on high alert. Generosity rarely comes without strings attached…
"Also-" Ah, there they are."I wanted to make you a deal."
"What kind of deal?" Ronna was surprised her voice still worked.
Vilkas steepled his finger-tips together and leaned forward, "I will tell you about my run-in with the Dragonborn if you tell me about Helgen and the Dragonstone tablet."
Farkas's mouth fell open and his eyes grew wide. "What?! You were at Helgen?!
Ronna forgot she never told Farkas about what had occurred at the tiny village. Almost being beheaded, roasted alive by a dragon, and nearly crushed to death by falling debri wasn't her favorite topic. I'm sure most Nords would love to recount the tale, but I sure don't want to.
"She didn't share that with you?" the wonder in Vilkas's question was genuine.
"I'm surprised she told you," Farkas chuckled.
"I didn't," Ronna interjected. "I told him and the Harbinger at the meeting earlier."
"Yes...when the new-blood was explaining why Farengar requested her services and the need to send her to Winterhold."
She didn't miss the suspicious drawl in shorter twin's tone. I'm glad Kodlak told Vilkas it wasn't their place to pry into the court wizard's business. Granted, the old man did inquire about where she was headed and how long she would be gone. However, Ronna sensed those questions were more out of obligation than actual interest. He seemed more concerned with getting Vilkas and I to go on a job together.
She had a gut feeling something was odd about the Harbinger's behavior, but at the moment, Ronna didn't have time to think on it.
"You are going to Winterhold? To the College?" Farkas broke the silence.
"Yes," Briefly, Ronna summarized what was said during the meeting. "I was the one who warned the Jarl about the Dragon at Helgen. He was impressed by my initiative and thought I would be useful in assisting Farengar with his research. Since I was successful, Farengar has asked me to assist him again."
Vilkas's voice cut in, "When you say research, are you talking about retrieving the Dragonstone?"
"That is correct," Ronna could practically hear Vilkas analyzing her every word. Time to see how good of a liar I am. "I'm not sure what you expect to learn from me. Right now, you know as much as I do about that stone."
"Farengar didn't enlighten you?" His voice was accusatory.
"Since when have wizards shared their secrets?" She smirked at him. "I bet Farengar wouldn't share the information with his own Ma."
"True…" His tone went down a notch in hostility, "Still, you must have some idea about what the stone is for?"
Ronna shrugged, "Something to do with the Dragon crisis."
"Obviously," Vilkas snorted. "But what did it look like? Were there any symbols or strange writings on the tablet?"
"I'm sorry, I didn't have time to examine the thing. I was too busy dealing with a Draugr Lord who wanted to take my head off."
"You fought a Draugr Lord?" Farkas was a lot more interested in this topic. "What did he look like? Was he the one with horns on the helmet?"
"The very one," Ronna nodded.
"Sounds like an Overlord to me," He was impressed. "Those are tough, sister."
"She isn't a sister yet," Vilkas immediately corrected.
Ronna turned towards Farkas, "Is this the same man who apologized to me a moment ago?"
The tall twin snickered, "I think so. Unless I'm drunk too."
"Okay you two," Vilkas sighed in exasperation, "I was only stating a fact. Can we get back to what we were discussing?"
Farkas made a dismissive gesture with his mead bottle. "Alright, besides I want to hear about Helgen!"
I suppose if I want to find out why Vilkas hasn't openly bragged about meeting the Dragonborn, I'm going to have to play along.
Leaning back in her seat, Ronna held up two fingers, "I'll recount the tale under two conditions."
Vilkas motioned for her to continue.
"First, I'm going to need more mead," She shook her empty bottle for emphasis.
Farkas laughed and set two bottles in front of Ronna, "I got that covered. What's next?"
"What I say stays among the three of us. I don't want to have to keep repeating the experience to numerous people. Living through it once was more than enough."
Both twins gazed at her inquisitively. Farkas's expression seemed to say "why wouldn't you boast about it?" whereas Vilkas's said "what are you hiding?!"
Ronna gave a grimace, "A lot of people lost their lives that day. I survived mainly due to luck. I don't consider that an accomplishment to be proud of."
Plus the nightmares only stopped a month ago. A small shiver went through her involuntarily and she tried to hide it. However, the brothers must have noticed because Farkas gently patted her shoulder and Vilkas's gaze softened.
"If you would rather not discuss it…" his accent was tinged with a bit of remorse.
"I'll be fine." She responded after a moment of pause.
Vilkas's brow furrowed, but didn't second guess her, "Alright, then."
"Start whenever you are ready." Farkas finished.
Let's get this over with. Ronna took a large gulp of mead before leaning forward and resting an arm on the table. Farkas's hand remained on her shoulder while Vilkas waited patiently for her to start. Perhaps retelling the incident won't be too bad...
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Vilkas paid careful attention so Ronna wouldn't have to repeat anything. The only times he interrupted her was to ask for clarification on certain parts. Otherwise, he waited until she was finished before voicing his thoughts on the matter.
"This dragon sounds bigger than the one I encountered with the Dragonborn," he wondered out loud, "You say it was as black as night?"
The Nord woman nodded, "As well as being extremely terrifying. The roar he gave shook the very ground I was on before echoing up into the sky. The atmosphere became clouded and overcast then thunder sounded. When boulders started to fall from the sky, I thought he called down the very heavens."
"Boulders fell from the sky? I must admit...that is a little hard to believe."
Ronna let out a long winded sigh, "See? Even if I wanted to talk about Helgen, I assume people are going to have the same doubtful expression."
"Must have been terrifying," Farkas interjected empathetically.
"More than you know," She took another swig of mead, "That dragon was determined to bring everything down around it. There was no hesitation, remorse, or mercy there was only destruction and pure malice."
"Sounds like something royally pissed it off," he joked.
Really, brother? Vilkas wanted to roll his eyes at Farkas's ill timed wisecrack. I know you are trying to cheer her up, but-
To his surprise the woman started laughing and lightly punched his brother in the arm. Farkas sent him a subtle grin. Vilkas responded with a shake of his head and a smirk. Fine, perhaps your joke wasn't so ill timed after all. Farkas's smile broadened before he also laughed with the Blonde.
Vilkas was glad to have had the foresight to include his twin in this discussion. I don't know if this conversation would have gone so smoothly if he wasn't here.
He let them carry on for a few more seconds before clearing his throat and directing his attention to Ronna. "I appreciate hearing what happened in Helgen. However, I believe it is time to fulfill my end of the bargain. That is, if you are still interested in hearing about my run-in with the Dragonborn?"
She playfully tsked at him, "Of course I am. Don't even think about trying to get out of it."
He nodded, "So then, what have you heard?"
"Nothing much," Strands of blonde hair swished to and fro as she shook her head. "Only you've been more diligent in your training and you haven't told any of the others about your random encounter."
Farkas visibly winced when he caught Vilkas's gaze. Did you have to say the first part?
"To be honest, there isn't a whole lot to tell," He suddenly found himself eager to get the tale over with, "By the time I joined the fight, the Dragonborn had everything under control."
"I thought you said she thanked you for helping?" Farkas interrupted.
"I was getting to that part, brother," the warning in his statement was evident.
"Sorry."
"As I was saying," He drawled, "The Dragonborn had the fight under control. I just happened to get a couple of swings in before the monster died."
Ronna hummed to show she was listening.
"After she absorbed it's soul, she thanked me for the assistance," Vilkas skipped the part about blatantly staring at the legendary Dragonslayer. "She walked over to the Dragon's bones, picked up the gemstones laying on the ground, and gave them to me."
"She put the gems in a pouch and tossed them to him," The tall twin elaborated. "He keeps them on display over there-"
Vilkas immediately stood up and slammed his fist on the table. "Farkas!"
"I'm sorry, brother. I thought-"
"You were mistaken!"
The surly warrior had every intention of fulfilling his part of the deal with Ronna. He would tell her the basics of what happened, but keep the unnecessary parts omitted.
The whelp didn't need to know those were the gems the Dragonborn gave me. Vilkas internally seethed. I could have pass them off as a trophy. Something I gained by defeating a Giant or some other creature. But now?!
Holding onto the jewels, putting them on display (albeit in a discreet corner), keeping my encounter with her a secret…
He turned his head away from Farkas and the new-blood.
It's fairly obvious-I have feelings for the Dragonborn.
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A/N: There is a chance I won't be able to update for awhile. I'm currently in college and right now, I'm heading into the last month of the semester. Which means-finals, papers, presentations, and all that stuff. Worst case scenario: I won't be able to post another chapter until the semester is over (so a month). Best case: I'll be able to get another chapter out before Thanksgiving.
Rest assured I love writing this fic and will see it through until it is finished.