An: So, I have been horrendously sick and top off that awful predicament, I also suffered under a nasty case of writer's block. It was so very frustrating! So I know that I say each chapter that the next should be up sooner, but I sincerely hope not to keep you guys waiting this long again. I'm sorry for the delay and I hope you enjoy. Though please note that I completely revamped (haha, aren't I clever?) the first chapter and even added a small scene as well as lyrics that weren't in the original. So if you're interested in revisiting where it all began, I suggest you check it out Anyway, no more delays! This is a highly emotional chapter and I don't want to keep you waiting. Please enjoy and let me know what you think about the events that unfold. As always thank you so much to everyone reading, reviewing and following this story.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, all that credit goes to all the amazing creators at Bethesda Softworks. All original characters such as Elvi, Darius, Evander, Keaira and Ylva belong to me. As does the original story
Ylva didn't have time to contemplate the questionable events she had blindly participated in, since she heard yet another visitor approaching her. Like a chump, she searched the ground for her sword in desperation! She had completely forgotten that it was no longer strapped to her back, thanks to her sordid affair! Great, just wonderful! She had to be the worst "guard" in history! Well…At least she no longer feared dying a virgin. When she found her Elven Greatsword and turned around to face the new intruder, she was welcomed with the sound of Aela's entertained laughter. Instantly she lowered her sword but her face resembled that of a tomato when she saw the knowing look on Aela's face. Oh Divines, please tell her that Aela didn't hea—
"So, you've had an interesting night, huh?" Aela asked. She chuckled harder when she saw Ylva's guilty expression. Aela stepped closer to her as she explained.
"I was concerned at first, until I heard your screams reach a particular volume that suggested pain wasn't the cause. I had to calm the dumb beasts at brother's command before they came here to investigate. I thought it was important that I saw to the situation myself, in respect of your privacy and I figured I could at least let you…finish, I suppose is the word I am looking for."
Aela's humour at catching the lower member of the Companions in such a scandalous matter grew by the second. Poor, innocent, Ylva made it much too easy to poke fun at her. Now Ylva wished that the ground underneath her would crack and break, just so she could plummet to her death. So she lost her virginity and it was public knowledge. Just how she always envisioned it would be…
"Forgive me Aela! I don't know what came over me! This vampire came from nowhere and he was just so—so, charming! Before I knew it I-" Ylva tried to explain in a total of three breathes but Aela's smiling face and raised palm prevented her from spewing more information than what was probably necessary.
"No harm was done, Ylva. It is important that we guard the camp but with the amount of werewolves as well as capable warriors harboured there, it would take a small army to cause us any concern. One that we would both hear and see coming before it reached its destination, so all and all it's just a safety precaution. Just, the next time you find yourself in such an instance, do me a favor and find someone else to take over in your stead. If it comforts you, it seems you aren't the only one among us that has a weakness for vampires."
Ylva continued to look down at the ground in shame as she processed Aela's words. Ylva never suspected that she would have a 'weakness' for vampires, since she had never seen one before, or even had any substantial knowledge on the creatures. Yet something about the blonde curly haired vampire had her hooked. After a short time speaking with him, she willingly threw her convictions to the side and indulged herself in an act she had sworn she wouldn't condone until marriage. All for a pair of red-gold eyes. She would feel more upset by this fact, if she hadn't enjoyed the experience so much. Calmly, Aela did address her concerns. The same concerns that unfortunately revolved around Elvi too.
"Just…Try not grow too attached to anyone on the Volkihar side. I respect Vilkas, as I do his role as the leader of our new band of misfits but if the time comes…We will have no choice but to fight against Elvi as well as her new kin. I know it and they know it. The very thought of raising my sword to Elvi brings me unspeakable pain but she knows our oath. The Companions are sworn to protect Skyrim. Sometimes that oath becomes very heavy…you should learn that now, if you plan to stay with us." She said as firmly as she could, hardly believing the words that came out of her own mouth.
Aela's mind flashed to all those days in Jorrvaskr. The times Elvi was struggling to even aim a bow properly. It was insane to think of the warrior she had become in such short time. Yet Elvi was more than a warrior to Aela, she was a sister. They had spent so much time together when Elvi had willingly followed Hircine and what Aela wouldn't give to just have a little bit of that time back. When Elvi was still a wide eyed girl that marvelled at everything Aela had to teach her. But everything comes to an end and children grow up. It was just the way of the world. Though never had Aela imagined that the two of them would be on the opposite sides of such a critical war. Losing Elvi would affect her just as deeply as anyone else, but for their sake she kept quiet. If she had to be the one that remained strong so they all remembered their own stance in this war, so be it.
Ylva looked away from Aela when she saw that her green eyes were swimming with thought. In truth, Ylva never really thought about it. She had been brought into the Companions rather late in the game, considering everything that was going on around them. She was unaware of Elvi's importance to her shield brothers and sisters or the role she and the other vampire's played in all of this. Was Darius and Elvi her enemy? What of the little vampire that had happily danced and twirled around Farkas as she watched them leave? When she imagined 'evil' beings, the vampires she had met sure didn't meet those requirements. Hm, perhaps she really was too naïve for a warrior's life. It's not as though she actually knew any of them. Not even the man she had slept with maybe a total of five minutes ago! Yet he did say he would see her again. Maybe then she would be given the opportunity to get to know him, now that their lust was sated. Or did it even matter if she did or not?
Aela noted the worried look on Ylva's face and forced a fake smile to stretch across her lips.
"No need to fixate on our growing worries, Ylva. I was only protecting your heart, in case the worst happens. Now come. We should get back to the camp before Vilkas returns." She outstretched her hand to the new blood but Ylva was hesitant to take it. Had she just complicated everything further by being a whore? Would she refuse to fight against Darius and die because of this? It would leave her Companions in need of aid while she was helpless to make the difference they might need. Why did she even care? Why did it matter if something happened to Darius? Or Elvi even? As aforementioned, she didn't truly know them. Only…Her time with Darius did make her happy. He seemed like a good guy…Elvi was the noble warrior Ylva had imagined her to be, and the little vampire whom Ylva hadn't caught the name of, was too busy laughing or smiling to cause anyone any harm from her perspective. So did she really have to fight them? Aela frowned but persisted softly:
"Come sister. We will cross that bridge when we come to it."
Ylva looked up at Aela in shock. Her emerald eyes reflected nothing but disbelief. That was the first time any of the Companions had addressed her as 'sister'. It was always her true name, 'new blood' or even whelp when they wanted her attention. Did that mean—Was she finally accepted?
"You called me sister…" Ylva said meekly as if correcting Aela.
"Of course I did." Aela smiled. "I say sticking by us in such a crisis has earned you the right. Brother dearest has his own priorities at the moment, so that leaves the decision up to me. Welcome to the Companions, Ylva. We're a rather dysfunctional bunch if you hadn't noticed but we're still a family."
"I wouldn't have it any other way." Ylva said with more confidence in her voice. Her genuine smile caused Aela's to grow. She really was such a sweet girl. If this whole fiasco didn't kill her, she'd become a great warrior one day. Ylva's compassion couldn't be taught, it was an amazing trait she was simply born with. Though gods how Aela could see a bit of Elvi in Ylva because of this. Elvi had always been the caring one, as tough as she may be. At last Ylva's hand clasped around Aela's and together the two red haired Companions ventured back to their camp. Aela decided that once Vilkas recovered from his troubles, she'd speak to him about turning Ylva. Since he was the Alpha now, she'd be stronger with his blood but it would be much more painful. A full moon wasn't for a few more weeks…They had time to decide. That is if Ylva was interested. Aela sincerely hoped so. It looked rather grim for her if she decided otherwise…
(xxx)
Farkas decided to pull Keaira away from the loud and nosy group of wolves so he could speak to her properly. He went over what he had to say carefully in his head over and over again, so he didn't muck it up. He found this moment to be of crucial importance, so normally he would have his brother speak for him since he lacked the elegance or tenderness needed but he had to do this on his own. When they were a good distance away from everyone, he turned around to face Keaira. He swallowed back his fears then smiled gently to her.
"Keaira, I know you must go with Elvi when she returns but before you do, I want to give you something if that's alright?" His heart sang a painful song when he saw the little vampire clasp her hands together then bring them to her face in joy. She jumped up and down as she exclaimed:
"Presents?! You have present for Keaira?"
Farkas' smile grew and he nodded his head. Slowly, he reached into the pouch at his side then pulled out a small; pocket sized whistle constructed purely of wood. It favored a flute in appearance but its size was that of a flute's cut in half. Still Keaira marvelled at the chipped blue paint and the three slots that went up the whistle's base. When she looked at Farkas inquisitively he dove into his explanation as well as reasoning for gifting her with such an odd instrument.
"I never really knew either of my parents. I don't remember my mother whatsoever, and I have very few memories of my father. One of them being when he presented this whistle to me." He paused to admire the little vampire before him. Her eyes were wide and she hung onto his every word as if he was telling her an epic tale instead of a mundane one from his past.
"You see, as a child I had horrible nightmares. I would wake up crying and the next morning, those dark images were all I could think about. So, my father gave me this." He held up the hand that bore the whistle a little higher to emphasis his point.
"He told me that any time I had a nightmare, all I needed to do was play a few notes on this whistle and the monsters would go away. The bad thoughts would go away. To my surprise, it worked! After a few nights, anytime I played a tune, I would calm down and the nightmares eventually stopped altogether. Now listen Keaira, I don't know the pain you have endured but I do know that you have faced some terrors in your life. Terrors that are sure to bring unwanted thoughts and darkness sometimes. So I thought you could use this whistle more than I."
He left it at that. Of course as he got older he realized that the reason those nightmares as well as bad thoughts disappeared was because he had faith in his father's words as well as the whistles abilities to keep the demons at bay. In truth, it was just an ordinary whistle his father probably picked up from a stall that sold children's toys but that was what Keaira needed. Faith. Hope that the darkness of the past would one day be extinguished by the light of the future. And the beautiful thing, was that Keaira would be battling her demons on her own. She had the strength inside her…She just needed that extra tool to realize it.
Keaira replayed Farkas' words slowly in her mind to make for certain she understood him correctly. Everything was going so well between her and Farkas she didn't want to muck it up by saying something…stupid. She looked to the miniature whistle in Farkas' hand to his eyes a couple of times before she asked carefully:
"Whistle…magic?"
Farkas knew he couldn't lie to her, it would ruin her image of him. So he decided to show her a warm smile instead. He didn't even risk nodding his head in case her power could pick up deceit in gestures as well. The only reason Farkas allowed himself to be a little dishonest with her was because he knew his gift wouldn't work if she didn't believe that her nightmares would disappear, thanks to the whistle. Besides…He saw no harm in letting her believe in magic. The kind that kept the world a wondrous place, not the one used for spells or destruction. It seemed his smile was the only answer Keaira needed since she grinned up at him and happily snatched the object from his hand. Just seeing her so happy caused very powerful albeit very confusing emotions to swirl inside of him. He was glad that she trusted him so much. At least he knew that there would be one person in her life that she could always trust without the worry of betrayal or deceit. Even if they could only be together such a short time. He was even more pleased to see her so openly accept his gift. He wanted to be next to her and help her battle her own despair but in a way…He could still remain with her. She'd remember him. Even if it was the mere memory of him handing the whistle over to her. She'd remember his words and where the 'magic' came from, so for Farkas it was enough. He was uncertain what he should do when Keaira stood on her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around his neck in a tight hug. Instinctively he extended both of his arms to his sides in order to give her more room but when she didn't let go, he froze. Unsure of what contact Keaira was comfortable with or not. That and of course like the big goof he was, he was afraid that if he embraced her with the same enthusiasm, he'd hurt her.
"Oh, thank you honest man! Thank you! How did you know Keaira had bad stuff like nightmares?! You're an angel aren't you! I knew it, I just knew it! You won't let Keaira be alone anymore!" She exclaimed and held onto him a bit tighter as she nuzzled at the cold steel covering his chest. Keaira knew that there were demons that roamed in Skyrim but she never imagined angels could visit too! Innocently Keaira let him go and looked him up and down once more. In a playful manner, she placed her hands on her hips and tsked at Farkas.
"You no have to hide your wings anymore honest angel. Keaira knows who you are." She nodded firmly with the most beautiful smile Farkas had ever seen shining brightly on her face. Farkas wished that he had the ability to reply right away but he was at a complete loss for words. He forced his eyes away from the vampire to focus on anything else he could set his gaze on. There was a new pain that entered his heart and he didn't know how to shake it. He would have to leave her alone. He couldn't follow her where she was going. This was goodbye. Yet how in Oblivion could anyone expect him to part from her after such a genuine display of joy? He didn't know why this was so difficult for him, but Akatosh knew it was. To think…Just a few kind words combined with gestures…and he was an angel in her eyes. Why…Why had no mortal before him given Keaira the same kindness? It was something Farkas' pure mind couldn't process.
"Keaira, sweetheart, I am no angel." Farkas corrected softly. He took precise steps closer to her and dared to wrap one of his arms around her shoulders. He expected her to flinch just a little but she didn't move. She only turned her head upwards to look at him. The same innocent smile painted perfectly on her face with her eyes wide in marvel. Farkas took in a shaky breath before continuing.
"I'm just a man. A flawed, brave but foolish…foolish man. Now, I need you to do me a favor, okay Keaira. Can you do this for me?" She hopped up and down a little in excitement and nodded frantically.
"Yes honest man, Keaira happy to make honest man happy. He's Keaira's guardian angel! Lady Embla told me that good men and women got guardian angels to help look after them. Keaira looked for you for so long…So alone she was…But you're here now! Keaira wants to help angel find his wings! Is that what you want, Farkas? For Keaira to help you find your wings!?"
Farkas closed his eyes and swallowed back the continuously swirling emotions that now made his entire body shake. He didn't want to let her go. He wanted to be the angel she saw him as. To fight her battles for her, but well…Fate wasn't always so kind. It was in his nature to protect those who couldn't always protect themselves but to Farkas, Keaira was the first that truly deserved protecting. Maybe it was a blessing that she was immortal so that the world could forever know someone like her. She deserved anything and everything that made her happy. Forever.
"Keaira, focus on my words, okay sweetheart?" He continued patiently. Feeling a literal rip in his heart when he watched that beautiful smile fade from her lips. Still she nodded and Farkas could tell that she was listening to him without the distractions in her mind keeping her attention.
"I'm not an angel. I want to be there for you but fate has made it clear that we're meant to be apart. So, just because I am not with you physically, know that I will be with you in spirit. When you feel alone, scared, or memories from the past seem like they will never fade, just play a few notes on this whistle and you will feel better. And when you do, please remember the kindness of one mortal man. Remember that even though this world seems like it only wants to hurt you, that there are ways to heal that pain. Remember that we're not all the same, Keaira. I know men have hurt you, but I would rather suffer in your stead than raise a finger to you and I have only known you a short while. Everyone seems to think that there is evil in every living creature but if that's true it also means that there is goodness in everyone as well. Don't be afraid to let another show you that side of themselves."
He hoped his words to her stuck. Hoped that maybe someday in the future, Keaira would meet someone who would be just as kind and patient with her. She was so worth it…If only they could see what he did. He felt himself bringing Keaira closer to him and he wrapped his opposite arm around her to intensify that closeness. All he needed to see was her lip tremble in repressed sadness and he was cast down in his own pit of darkness. Keaira shook her head slowly. She didn't want to concentrate on his words because if she did…they sounded an awful lot like a goodbye. Not a brief goodbye but a permanent one. So did that mean that she wasn't supposed to see him again? Why? Was she bad? Did she do something wrong? Keaira couldn't understand. He made her so happy, he listened and he was always honest with her. She thought he liked her too…But if so, why was he making Keaira go away?
"B—but Keaira doesn't want to go away forever." She mumbled in a whisper. That's what it felt like. It was as though he was saying that they would never see each other again. She didn't really anticipate an eternal goodbye from him but that's what made her the insane little vampire wasn't it? She never understood the situation correctly. It always hurt when people turned her away. Only with Farkas it was a different kind of hurt. She was paralyzed. Keaira wasn't even aware of the thick drops that rolled down her face from her crimson eyes. She didn't need to blink of them to fall, they escaped her oval eyes freely. Farkas lost himself in the moment and gently cupped her face with his right hand. It shattered him further to see those unique eyes find his just as another tear fell from them. It smudged her war paint and Farkas sincerely hoped that the paint wouldn't leak into her eye. It would sting her furiously if so.
He wanted her to understand that he wasn't abandoning her. That if he was given the option, he would stay with her and help her every step of the way. He wanted to be the reminder that there was some good in this world. Something worth waking up for; living for…Dying for. There was only one other time in Farkas' life that his emotions overpowered his judgment but it was nothing in comparison. He calmly did his best to wipe away her tears without smudging her war paint further as he collected himself. When he saw that far off look in her crimson eyes, he let out a deep sigh then took both of his hands and cupped either side of her face this time.
"I will always be with you." He whispered to her. He hoped she would understand this but as he searched Keaira's eyes all he saw was the sting of abandonment. "Remember me Keaira! Remember that you are so much more than what people think of you. Don't let anyone make you feel like you're not worth their time! Don't ever be afraid to be you! Most importantly, never let the darkness consume you. You're beautiful, smart, brave, and strong. Those qualities will help you face anything that comes your way. Even if it has to be without me." Farkas voice shook with emotions once more and his mouth was completely dry. He had never experienced physical pain by simply uttering words but his last sentence scorched his throat and that sensation vibrated down to his chest. This was beginning to be too much for him to bear. He couldn't even think of a remedy to this seemingly impossible woe. Some angel he was…
Slowly but surely a smile returned to Keaira's face. As always, Farkas spoke with the truth. So when he told her that he would always be with her, he meant it. To Keaira, she didn't care if it was literally or figuratively. It still meant the world to her. Knowing that someone didn't want to leave her. That someone cared. The way he spoke of her was probably the sincerest if not only endearment she had received from someone aside her family in centuries. Seeing the noble warrior's expression change from one of distress to the same joy she was feeling was quite an amazing and foreign sight to the vampire. He dabbed away the remainder of her tears with a surprisingly clean cloth he had in his pocket as they stood in silence. His smile returned when he noticed that her war paint looked the same as it had before all the tears fell this night. Were it not for the circumstances he'd ask her what her secret was since more often than not, he had to reapply his. Farkas' hands fell from her face to her hips as he brought her into a warm embrace but left her plenty of breathing room just in case. He would never risk making Keaira feel uncomfortable. Only Keaira didn't feel any discomfort whatsoever.
All her sadness was being replaced with a powerful emotion she had never felt before. She felt like she was expected to do something. Like something extraordinary was coming and the anticipation was agonizing. When they only held onto each other tighter Keaira shyly tried to ask him something she wanted to ask since the moment they first exchanged words. She tried her best to word it to where she didn't sound too odd.
"Farkas...Can I touch your face, please?" Keaira saw the brief look of surprise spread across his face so she fought against the tremors in her mind even harder. Maybe she could explain herself and her entirety a bit better to him now. It helped her knowing that she didn't have to provide a reason that she was so…strange, to him. He liked her anyway.
"I didn't always have sight or hearing. I was born without both senses. So sometimes reverting back to ways my parents tried to help me learn; mostly by touch, helps me get a better image of the world around me. If Keaira has to go without seeing Farkas…She wants to remember what he looks like. She wants to remember him, perfectly."
Farkas was a little astounded by the news he received though the more he thought about it, the more her eccentric behaviour made sense to him. He repressed the frown that wanted to take over his lips in fear that Keaira would get the wrong impression. Her past ailments didn't change his opinion of her at all. Though he did feel a new sadness, just imagining the trials this sweet, small woman had faced in her lifetime. It made him weak. Yet the concept of pity had yet to cross Farkas' mind. He felt only admiration. She was so strong and so brave, he prayed he could wield the same strength one day. If not only so she didn't have to anymore.
With a grin on his face, Farkas nodded his head in agreement. Slowly, Keaira's fingertips grazed the smooth skin on Farkas' cheeks before gently trailing them down to his chin. Farkas noticed that her eyes were closed all the while she continued her process. He was filled with glee when he saw Keaira look happier and happier with each passing second. When she brought her hands upwards, towards his eyes, he closed them in case she accidently poked or scratched the sensitive spot. Instead she expertly maneuvered around them, and even lifted her hands away from his skin when she was close to his war paint. Up and down her fingers continued to trace around every feature he had. She even giggled a few times when his beard tickled her fingertips. He supposed he really should shave more, but even then he always had a slight stubble despite his valiant effort. From the looks of it, Keaira didn't seem to mind though. She did sigh when she felt the smoothed over twin scars on his left cheek but Farkas had borne those for so long, he had forgotten he had them sometimes. He couldn't even remember how he received them. Suddenly, the pattern altered, and instead of traveling back down to his chin, both of Keaira's hands continued upward and she ran them through his shoulder length hair. He could tell she was being cautious, since her movements were far slower but he kept perfectly still to show her that it was okay for her to explore. Her hands remained in his hair for a short while before they fell back to his face. Keaira let go of him then opened her oval eyes. With a very wide smile, Keaira told him:
"You are a very handsome man, Farkas. Keaira still thinks you're fibbin' about not being an angel."
Farkas was uncertain how to respond to her compliment. He had been told by women in the past that he was attractive but it never really mattered to him before. Somehow hearing it from her made a difference. When Keaira remembered Farkas' story, she gasped when she realized how very, very wrong of her it would be if she kept his gift! Quickly she yanked it out of her pocket then held it up to Farkas' chin.
"Wait! Keaira can't take magic whistle from honest man! His daddy gave it to him and he is gone now! Honest man keep present his daddy gave him. Keaira can have a few more nightmares. She's used to it." She said firmly, as she stuck out her bottom lip in a pout. Farkas adored this vampire. That fact was becoming more and more apparent by the second. She was even so kind as to try and return his gift based on the sentimental value. And people thought she was insane? No. They merely never gave her a chance. With impressive delicacy, Farkas folded Keaira's nimble fingers back over the whistle and kept his grip on them in case she tried to protest.
"Keep it, Keaira, please. I took this whistle with me everywhere I went, in hopes I could find it a new deserving owner and I have found her at last. Take care of it, use it, and remember me when you are feeling down. That's all I ask of you."
Keaira was indeed about to protest since she knew how much a gift from her dark father meant to her but before she could…The strangest…and most wonderful thing happened. Farkas gently moved her closed hand to his lips then placed a tender kiss on the back of her hand before letting it fall back to her side. The gesture set Keaira's very soul on fire. The spot his lips touched tingled with a warm sensation and she simply gazed up at the man in wonderment. She even went so far as to look at her hand in disbelief. Not only because a man, a very attractive man even, had given her a kiss, but because Farkas was so uncharacteristically gentle. He was always so gentle with her…
"Thank you, honest man." She whispered without realizing she was speaking at all. She was completely entranced. She wondered if this was what it felt like to be a thrall. If so…It wasn't so bad. "Keaira keep it…It will help Keaira get better. So maybe if she isn't as sad, she can learn to talk good and Farkas might understand her better one day…Keaira will try really hard for honest man."
And she would. For the first time Keaira wanted to fight all her inner demons so she could be a little more normal. So she could be a little more like everyone else, and maybe she and Farkas could look better when they were together. Maybe then it wouldn't appear as though some kind man was taking pity on a depraved, bloodthirsty imbecile because that very much wasn't the case. They were just two beings that genuinely enjoyed each other and who openly showed their flaws without worry. Above all she wanted to learn to speak better so that he could know exactly how much he meant to her. Because all she could make out in this moment was the overwhelming feelings. There were no words in Keaira's mind that could begin to describe them but how she longed for the ability to recite elegant poems or heartfelt rhymes. Maybe then he could understand…But she doubted it. No one had ever touched her soul, her mind, her heart the way he had. And gods…How Keaira didn't want anyone to after him. She would see him again, wouldn't she? Well, even if she was blessed with the opportunity to see him just one more time after tonight, she'd be at her absolute best.
"You speak fine now, Keaira. Remember what I said about changing yourself, you don't have to." Farkas corrected calmly. The cool feeling of her skin on his lips remained and he was surprised at how much he enjoyed it. He even hoped that the sensation would last awhile. All and all, that little kiss was probably inappropriate but the longer he was with her, the more the urge to shower her with affection grew. As if he wanted to replace every second of her pain with simple, caring gestures even if it took a thousand years to do so. He would never grow tired of showing her his affection and he'd enjoy each and every second.
"I want to." Keaira said, taking her hand to place it on the steel armor of his chest. Even underneath all the protection, she could feel his heart beating. His oversized, loving and flawless heart. So he was mortal. Yet what an amazing mortal he was. Her hand moved to his neck just so she could feel his scorching skin, then it moved it back down to his chest in a slow pattern. Farkas took in a sharp breath but exhaled it softly. Not wanting to give off the wrong impression but…He really didn't mind it when she touched him. It was rather nice.
"I want to be better for honest man. It's my choice." She whispered. Did he know just how many colors were in his eyes? How many shades of blues and grays, even a tiny bit of gold as well as silver? Did he know how lost yet how found she was when she looked into them? Could he possibly know? When he chuckled, the deepness of it gave Keaira pleasant shivers before his voice enchanted her again.
"Perfection doesn't need much improvement, Keaira but do whatever makes you happy. You deserve it."
She didn't respond. She only looked from her hand that was still placed on his chest back up to his eyes a couple of times. Farkas soon found himself just as mesmerized as she was. Carefully and without any rational thought occurring to him, Farkas found himself leaning closer to her. Soon, there was only a few inches separating the two of them. Farkas' eyes fluttered closed and he leaned that much closer with the intention of closing the tint gap between them. Keaira's eyes closed as well in response. Before Farkas could continue, the sound of heavy footsteps entered his ears. When he reopened his eyes, he saw Vilkas and Elvi racing back towards the camp in desperation about twelve feet from them. Neither of the Nord's had noticed the pair as they frantically made their way to safety. That was it…Time was up. It really was goodbye now. As if breaking himself from a spell, Farkas shook his head and took a step away from Keaira. Though he could not help but memorize the dreamlike look on Keaira's face as her eyes remained closed.
"Sweetheart, we should go back to the camp. Elvi is probably looking for you." He said as casually as he could. Wondering which possible entity could have possessed him a moment ago, which might explain his strange behaviour. When he was around Keaira he really should stay in complete control yet he was finding himself a slave to his own betraying emotions. He was probably making this even harder on Keaira now. She opened her eyes and looked around in disappointment. That something she was anticipating still hadn't arrived and she really wished she knew what that something was so that maybe she wouldn't feel this overbearing longing anymore.
"Yes. Keaira has to go with pretty lady now…" She confirmed. With a small but bitter smile, Farkas took her hand in his and nodded.
"Come on, we better hurry."
Keaira had been led by hand often in her lifetime though the one who held hers usually did so in fear that she might run away from them or wander off in the wrong direction. This however was the first time both parties chose to engage in such a display…and it was the first time that she didn't want to let go.
(xxx)
A different worry consumed Elvi as she and Vilkas raced back to the secluded camp. Of course getting home in time was her first priority but another issue was becoming very hard for her to ignore. As nervous as she was, and with the limited time she had to pull of this grand lie, her heart should be racing. In times like this it would almost beat out of her chest and yet…Nothing. Casually she placed her index and middle finger on her wrist to check her pulse; prepared to count the time in between beats yet there wasn't anything to count. Her heart didn't beat so much as a single time. She was a vampire so she supposed this wasn't exactly out of the ordinary for them but it had never happened to her before. Not for this long. Elvi wondered if her heart simply shut down after her talk with Vilkas. Something felt wrong. She didn't feel like herself anymore. The first solution that came to her mind was speaking to Harkon about it, since his heart would cease its pulse the moment she left him, but she painfully dismissed it. Now she felt almost uncomfortable talking to Harkon about such trivial matters. He had proven that he still didn't trust her after this little stunt, so if she was able to pull this off, Elvi decided to leave him be for a while. No use in clinging onto something that was meant to shatter, right? Well…Now wasn't the time to focus on it. She had much to do.
As she made her way through the camp's entrance she shouted her apologies to her shield brothers and sisters since they stood from their seats at the sight of her, but she didn't have the time to speak with them even though she wanted to. It was a new level of agony for Elvi; having to ignore her family but gods how saying goodbye would be so much harder. She hoped they would understand. That they wouldn't hate or resent her for all of this but Elvi's mind was made up. She would have to get used to the idea of never seeing them again. Or worse, seeing them in pain at her feet. She didn't even want to consider that outcome. Before Serana realized it, Elvi was standing before her; hands placed on her hips as she panted for breath. She had made it over to the Vampire Lord in decent time considering the distance, if she said so herself.
"What?" Elvi asked. She didn't mean to come off quite as rude as she did but if she wasn't quick Harkon was liable to find out that not only was she not in Solitude like she claimed to be; but she was associating with her Ex who was also his enemy and his estranged daughter as well, just to add that bitter cherry on top. It would be rather difficult to talk her way out of this one, if she was caught.
Serana shot her a weak smile before standing to her feet. Elvi turned her head to ensure Vilkas hadn't followed her the entire way but it appeared that he was currently speaking to the other Companions in her stead. She was very appreciative of that since she truly didn't want know how that conversation was going. She redirected her attention back to Serana before she stated firmly,
"I'm not trying to dismiss you Serana, just know that I can't stay long. Whatever you have to say, please make it quick. If I'm not back at the castle soon, your father will lead a search party for me."
"I understand, I planned on keeping it short anyway." Serana's smile couldn't have been more false if someone had drawn it on her face for her with charcoal. Elvi shook off the emotions that attempted to corrupt her. Hearing Serana's soft voice brought her back to the pleasant times. When she was still mortal and thanked every star in the sky that she had been blessed with such an amazing friend as Serana. Now everything was still so strained between them. Simple conversation seemed to be a chore. Elvi hated that it was this way but it wasn't exactly her fault; it was Serana's. The betrayal still weighed heavily on Elvi's mind. She wanted to move past it but she couldn't. Time supposedly healed all wounds and they were eternal after all, so perhaps one day she could call Serana 'friend' again. But not this day.
"Elvi, I know you are still angry with me. You have every right to be. Though I just want you to know that despite your stance with this prophecy; I still value you as the closest friend I have ever had. By now I'm sure you know about the little clause in the prophecy's completion but I don't fear you. I know that even though we're not close anymore, you would never hurt me and for that, I thank you. You have protected and honoured me every step of the way but it's time that I protected myself. I love you, Elvi. Remember that if the worst does happen, okay? You may not see it now or maybe you never will but when I killed Falion, I was doing what I had to, to protect you. I wanted to return the favor in the only way I knew how. Never did I desire to bring you any pain."
The cold look in Elvi's eyes after she finished spewing her heartfelt words sent chills throughout Serana's body. How she looked so much like her father when her eyes reflected such harshness. Yet she still understood. There was no undoing what she had done. So it made perfect sense if Elvi decided to hold this grudge against her forever. Daedra knew she still held a grudge against her father for turning Elvi in the first place. Serana lightened up a bit when she saw Elvi sigh and place her hand on her forehead. At least now that cold look was gone.
"Serana, I told you how angry I am with you but you need to understand that it doesn't mean that I want to see any harm befall you. I don't exactly have all the answers or a solution but you should know that I am doing my best to keep you safe. Harkon remains unaware of your role in the prophecy so if I can find a way to keep it that way while still appeasing him, I will. I know why you did what you did Serana. Looking at it from your point of view helps me understand your reasoning. It doesn't make it okay but it does soften the blow. Just know that even though we aren't on the best of terms and we're no longer together…I still have your back."
Serana used all the strength she had in her to prevent her face from showing the pure joy that consumed her. Hearing Elvi speak so sweetly to her was something she had prayed for every night since their friendship ended but she never thought she would actually receive it. Of course, her main focus had to be stopping her father, but knowing that their friendship really had a chance to be mended made most of her hardships easier. Serana's eyebrows shot to her forehead when she heard Elvi's light, sincere chuckle. With a small smile on her face Elvi added:
"I mean come on Serana, keeping you safe is practically my job." Her grin suggested humor and Serana couldn't help but laugh as well.
"Yeah? Well if it's your job I suppose I owe you a fair bit of gold after all the times you've saved my ass." She moved a little closer to Elvi and was ecstatic to see Elvi relax at her approach.
"Oh princess, you owe me my own castle. I don't mind Harkon's but it is a bit drab let's be honest. I mean I get it, we're vampires but that doesn't mean everything should be stained with blood or a dreary color. Red only adds so much brightness to the joint."
"I agree full heartedly, but if you do purchase a new castle please be sure not to let father include that hideous rug or obnoxious banners! I can't tell you how many times I've hidden them from him but he keeps having new ones constructed the moment they disappear. I mean the banners are full of rips and holes for Oblivion sake!"
Then the unbelievable happened. Elvi began to laugh. An honest and cheerful laugh. There was a light shining in Elvi eyes that Serana had sorely missed seeing. Now it felt as though she had always taken advantage of Elvi's bizarre sense of humor. It was so easy to make her laugh and the joy that exuded from such a genuine sound was infectious. Serana didn't know what to do. She was almost afraid to respond, in fear that Elvi's now sincere smile would be replaced with the stern frown she had unfortunately grown accustomed to after her betrayal.
"I'll do my best, but you know your father. He's stubborn." Elvi said once her laughter calmed down. A small amount of cheer remained in her voice that surprised even her.
"Yeah, but so are you."
At that the laughter vanished but the smile remained proud on both Serana and Elvi's face. Elvi was stubborn. It was a fact that was becoming more and more difficult for Elvi to dismiss, though the idea of she and Harkon doing normal activities that couples did like picking our curtains or searching for a new home was rather…warming. Hmph, maybe she could have a semi normal life one day. Abruptly Elvi spoke the nagging fact she couldn't withhold any longer.
"It is good to see you, Serana. Please take care of yourself and you need to understand that despite your place in this war that your worth to me hasn't changed either. Don't think for a moment that I would let you die. So, do what you have to do and I will do the same."
"Thank you Elvi. You have no idea how much that I means to me, just knowing that in a way…nothing has changed between us. Let the world view you in whatever way it pleases. You'll always be a savior to me. I know you always have my back…even if I stabbed you in yours."
Elvi saw from out of the corner of her eye, Farkas and Keaira return to the camp so she turned her back to Serana and began walking towards her both mortal and immortal companion. Before she left Serana to be on her own, she paused then glanced to her from behind her shoulder.
"Time heals all wounds."
How much time was needed to mend the fragments of their friendship was still very much in question but it felt like the right thing to say. It's what she had kept telling herself after all. How could Elvi claim that she wanted to forever be apart from Serana, when she was still breaking her neck to keep her safe? When all those feelings returned to her the moment she heard Serana's soft voice? Were it not for Serana's reckless decision, would she really be mortal right now? Would she and Harkon be enemies again? With so many variables it was hard to really know what her life would be like now, were the cure to have been followed through with. Maybe she should be grateful, and hell she would be, if Serana had been more honest with her. Knowing that Serana would go to incredible lengths to alter Elvi's life in whatever way she saw fit was still rather unsettling. It was the reason she was still so leery. Ah well…She would worry about all that garbage later. Making sure Serana was alive in order to mend their relationship was the important factor now.
"How I wish I could trust you…" Elvi spoke aloud, feeling an overwhelming since of relief once the words left her lips. Voicing the true root of the problem at last, so that Serana could hear was rather freeing. Maybe she needed to say it all this time. Or hell…Maybe she just needed some friends that either didn't leave or betray her. Then again were she anyone else besides Elvi Erissen, these issues may have never occurred.
Without waiting to see Serana's reaction to her cryptic words, Elvi faced Farkas and Keaira and marched forward. Elvi sincerely hoped that one day, she would have some endlessly important task to accomplish without the burden of a time limit! When Farkas saw her approaching, Elvi assumed by the look on his face that he felt just as guilty as she did for not seeing each other in this short window of time. When she was within inches of him, Farkas went to explain himself to his soul sister.
"I'm sorry for my absence, Elvi. I do miss you terribly I just had to-" He wasn't given the opportunity to finish. The second he was within reach, Elvi wrapped her arms around him in a tight embrace. This stunned Farkas at first but he quickly returned her hug, and left it at that. Elvi knew he wasn't the best with words or goodbyes and it was so nice not having to try to express himself to her. It was like she already knew his feelings, which could be entirely true. They had known each other for so long, there were few others that knew him as well as she did. Of course they had never reached the intimacy that she and her brother had but he still enjoyed their closeness. He desperately wanted Elvi to stay with them too but as Kodlak always told them; all the Companions had to follow their own path. And sadly his sister's led her away from him. He could only hope that this path led her to happiness and understanding. Elvi wasn't a fool. He knew whatever her reasoning was for being on the opposing side, was what she felt to be the best for her. Maybe it really was because she loved the Vampire Lord. Farkas could see how that would complicate everything. Well, if there was a way he could make everything a little easier on her, then he would. Even if it was by assuring her that there was no hard feelings between herself and the Companions.
When Elvi broke from him, it was as though her mind was on the same unpleasant track since she calmly but firmly gripped his shoulder and spoke to him in a fierce whisper.
"Farkas, unfortunately the time has passed for me to say everything I want to, to you. I just want you to know how very dear you are to me and that there will be a time that I revisit all of you. When I do…You and the rest of the Companions will be given a choice." Elvi had spent a lot of time and thought into how she would word what she had to say but it still sounded so wrong. It was an ultimatum no matter how you looked at it. Still Elvi found the courage to carry on as she looked into Farkas' kind light blue eyes. It was so much easier for her to say this to Farkas opposed to Vilkas. That and she knew he would carry the message for her so she only had to say it once.
"I understand why you're fighting to stop Harkon. Believe me I do, but I care too much about you and the others to not at least try and offer you safety. When I return to you I need to know what your choices are. You can continue about your path, or you can join the Volkihar side. I can ensure nothing happens to you that way, even if you decide to remain mortal. Don't dismiss the idea right away, brother. You have time to ponder the future until I return."
Elvi refrained a frustrated sigh when she saw the look in Farkas' eyes. The one that told her that his mind was already made up. It was to be expected. All the Companions would follow Vilkas in her absence. Even if a few of them actually did consider taking her side, they would follow Vilkas until the end. And Vilkas' stance would never change. So it seemed Elvi had her own preparations to make until she was reunited with them again. Without time to mourn or even say so much as another word, Elvi merely hugged Farkas again. Knowing that the few people in this world that had done her no wrong, would soon be her rivals. Her enemies. Elvi let a bitter smile come across her face. There it was. That feeling of being absolutely lost in this great world returned to her. It was the same feeling she felt before she joined the Dawnguard and this adventure started. Who in Oblivion was she? Elvi was so content to be a monster. To unleash the beast within until its relentless blood thirst was quenched seemed so right at times. But did monsters feel this much remorse at the thought of just a handful of mortal's dying? Did they have to fight back tears at the very idea? Or was she just weak? Had she always been weak?
"I'll consider your offer, sister. Know that if I do refuse you, it won't be because I don't want to be by your side. It will be because I value my home more than I value my very life." Farkas said to her. Elvi's despair intensified at this. He was a simple man, but Divines how his words could hold so much meaning when he chose for them to. Elvi had to break away from him or she feared she would cling onto him even tighter. Like a child does when they don't want their prized toy taken from them in rebellion. A side of her truly didn't want to leave if not only so she could delay the inevitable. Elvi slapped his shoulder and with award winning falsehood, she kept her face casual.
"Thank you, brother. Until that night."
Elvi wanted to speak to everyone, but once more she just couldn't. As she mindlessly walked back towards Vilkas, she noticed that Keaira was speaking with Serana again. From the grin on the small vampire's face, Elvi assumed the conversation was a pleasant one. Good. By all means, she didn't want anyone else to carry this kind of weight on their shoulders. You'd think that after all the times Elvi was forced to carry a similar weight, she would be accustomed to it but that was far from the truth. She was rather tired of it. Exhausted.
When she reached Vilkas, the other Companions including the new blood Ylva, was gathered around him. It was just as well. She had nothing to say to him that she couldn't in front of them.
"How much longer do you plan on being here, Vilkas?" She asked. Doing her best to keep her eyes centred on his forehead instead of those perfect eyes that kept her under his spell.
"Does it matter?" Vilkas retorted bitterly. His armor had returned to its place on his shoulder while his arms rested against his chest. Great…This bit again. At least she knew how to handle him if they were feuding.
"It matters a lot to me, Vilkas. Perhaps you wish to wash your hands of me but that doesn't mean that the others do and I wish to see you all again in the future. I never spoke for the Companions. Has your ascended title gained you such power in your eyes, that you have the right to stifle the voices of those around you?"
"Enough! I never once said that I didn't want you to return. I merely asked you a question. You seem to be eager to return to your new family while your old one has to settle for one to two hour visits whenever you see fit. So I wondered how important it was to you to see us again."
"It is very important to me. Do you think I revel in the idea of seeing any of you dead because of all of this?!" Vilkas had a gift of infuriating her with ease. Without missing a beat, Vilkas responded to her words with a toxic venom that shook Elvi to the core.
"Your lord does."
Elvi stared at him with furrowed brows in silence. She should have had an equally vicious remark ready to fire back but there was none. It's not as though she could argue with him. She knew Harkon wanted just about every mortal the world could spare dead. They were beneath him. She wasn't even certain how he would react to her absolvent of the Companions were any of them to decide to join her. Last time she mentioned it to him was during a heated argument, so for all she knew he had forgotten about her plan to bring the Companions to the Volkihar. Though one thing was certain. Despite Harkon's unrelenting hatred for Vilkas, he couldn't attack him openly. So that stipulation reigned over to the rest of the Companions as well. If only it extended to the rest of the vampires in his army, she could rest with ease. Yet they were free to kill anyone that stood in their way.
To everyone's surprise, Aela immediately smacked Vilkas in the back of his head. This action startled both the alpha and caused the new blood to jump at the sudden attack. Vilkas rubbed the spot where Aela had hit him but when he turned to yell his disapproval at her, Aela wouldn't have it.
"Shut it, Vilkas! Don't make this any harder than it has to be. We are all aware of circumstances and as Companions we don't judge any of our members for the lives they lead. Let alone the woman who has valiantly guided us since Kodlak's death or don't you remember? She's still doing her best to do right by us but you're not letting her. Now stop being a brat, and answer the lady's question, she doesn't have the time to fuck around with you anymore!" Aela said sternly, causing Elvi to relax a bit as well as cause Torvar and Athis to chuckle quietly. What Vilkas had to remember was that Aela wasn't some pup at his command, she was family and she would be damned if she let him act like some puffed up tough guy when it came to Elvi. It was obvious how much he loved her. Treating her as if he didn't wasn't going to change that. Vilkas growled but reluctantly obliged.
"I haven't decided yet. We have to get our own plan in motion before long. It's safe to say that we will be gone before the month's end."
"Very well, I will keep that in mind. When I come to you before you depart, will I be greeted with the same attitude that I have received currently?" Elvi noticed that she had developed the habit of placing her hand on her hip when she was in a mood. It probably made her look like a disgruntled teenager but no matter. She did as she pleased.
"Will you consider everything we've discussed before you return?" Vilkas asked in return and the question seemed to linger in the air. All the onlookers were curious about the nature of that particular conversation so Elvi was thankful that he left it vague. With a long sigh Elvi nodded her head in agreement. Vilkas seemed satisfied with this and let his expression soften to a more pleasant one.
"Thank you Elvi, that's all I wanted. Forgive my temper, it all stems from having to say goodbye to you. I have done so far too many times already. I know you will make the right decision." Vilkas said with confidence. As if forgetting that he was surrounded by about a dozen other individuals, Vilkas moved very close to her and before she could protest he quickly planted his lips on hers in a chaste kiss. She really wished he hadn't, and she didn't return his affection but it didn't seem to matter to him. Ylva couldn't help but look away in an unmerited jealousy. She had done far more with a stranger this very night but it was still hard to see the man you admired continue to ignore your existence as well as put on a loving display for the woman he actually wanted.
"Until we meet again, my love. I won't delay you any longer. Aela's right, live the way you desire. And know that I will be here to fulfil any desires you may have as well. Though I refuse to say goodbye to you this time. I know that once you return to me, I won't have to again." The warm smile on his face was more than a little heart-breaking. He was so sure. He was so certain that they were meant to be together and she did feel for him. So was there something wrong with her? Why didn't she feel the exact same way? Truth was, even after his speeches and displays her mind still wandered back to Harkon. Not in fear of getting caught, but she simply thought of him. His smile, his laugh, his voice…Everything about him. Even the not so admirable times. Yeah, there was something wrong with her, there had to be. Seriously, was there some magical wizard out there that she could sell her emotions to? She wouldn't even demand a high price, she would be happy to be rid of them. She saw now why Harkon went so long trying to bury his own emotions. They more often than not complicated everything.
"Hello, so happy to interrupt," And Elvi knew that her knight had returned to her with his impeccable timing! She needed to remember to purchase Darius the biggest, most expensive bottle of liquor Solitude had to offer in her appreciation! Using his sudden appearance as the chance to step away from Vilkas, she noticed that the henchmen Harkon had sent to spy on her was slung over Darius' shoulder as if he was a bag of grain. Looking at the vampire's face, Elvi didn't even recognize him. Just how many people did Harkon have at his command?
"But we need to get a move on if this half-baked scheme has any hopes of working. I can't teleport us when we have this lackey in our company. I can only teleport three people at once, which includes myself in that number, so we'll have to run. Is Keaira ready?" After he finished speaking, Darius' eyes travelled to Vilkas. He didn't even try to hide the look of disdain on his face. Bold little bastard wasn't he? From his observation, Elvi didn't enjoy that rather poor kiss and had he the time, he would have decked the bastard for the gesture. Sure he could relentlessly attempt seduce Elvi, but that was all in good fun. Vilkas' possessiveness along with persistence didn't settle well with Darius however. It was all Vilkas' method of trying to get back into Elvi's life. As a fabled womanizer, Darius could easily spot those signs of manipulation. Speaking of womanizing, Darius noticed his delectable warrior standing behind the pint sized Nord, so he sent her a quick wink while he could. Mmm, those blushing cheeks along with the tremble of her body made him want to go back for seconds already but alas it would have to wait until another night.
On cue, Keaira happily danced over to her fellow vampires with a grace that still amazed Elvi to no end. With a nod she stated,
"Keaira is ready." She sounded a little disappointed but Elvi supposed they all were for one reason or another.
"Then let's get a move on." Darius said firmly.
Before the three, (four if you count the unconscious fool on Darius' back) broke away from the Companions, Keaira turned back to face someone in the camp. Elvi assumed it would be Serana, but from the little vampire's train of sight as well as Farkas' frozen movement, it appeared that her assumption was incorrect.
"Buhbye. Keaira will miss you…"
This unpredictable occurrence caused both Elvi and Vilkas a great deal of confusion. Elvi knew that Keaira had spent some time with Farkas but she didn't expect Keaira to sound so upset because she was parting with someone she had just met. Then again Keaira was probably thankful for any friendship she was offered, no matter how brief.
"I'll miss you too." He whispered back to her, the very wind seemed to carry his words to the unique vampire's ears. With one last sorrow filled glance Keaira and the blonde Volkihar made their way towards the capital city.
"Return immediately if you do find trouble, we'll be ready!" Vilkas called out to Elvi as the vampire's pace escalated to a run. As expected, he didn't receive an answer. He knew she heard him, so it was just as well. Vilkas was unsure if he wanted that outcome or not. He supposed at the very least, if Elvi was caught, he would have her back sooner, so that was something. He watched the trio until they were out of sight while fighting the urge to chase after her. It was alright, he knew how much happier Elvi would be with him, instead of Harkon and now that he pointed out all the reasons, she knew it too. The blood bond remained weak, so he wouldn't have to worry about the vampire lord influencing her. Torvar out of all the other Companions, was the one to break the uncomfortable silence.
"She didn't even say goodbye…" The sigh that followed his words only emphasized his sorrowed tone.
"It was probably too hard for her to say, Torvar. Don't take it personally." Aela said to console her brother in arms. To save herself a small bit of grief, she walked back to her tent, so that she wouldn't stay in her very spot and continue to stare into the distance. Hoping as Vilkas did, that Elvi may turn around and return to her family. It wasn't happening. It was time to move on and accept the dark deeds that would soon befall them.
"Hopefully she will never have to say it." Vilkas added. When he walked away from the scene his silver eyes found his new target. As everyone returned to their normal tasks, one remained in the center of the camp with his hands shoved in his pockets anxiously. Vilkas' concern for his brother was evident but Farkas was far too lost in thought to care. Knowing Vilkas, he was leery because of Keaira's race and Farkas didn't want to hear it. He didn't know enough about her for his caution to stem from anything aside from that fact that she was a vampire.
"Do you mind telling me what that was about?" Vilkas asked his twin, whose eyes remained on the stretch of land that Elvi and the other vampires had disappeared from. It seemed so strange that the odd looking, small creature would single out his brother but no one else. Farkas sighed deeply but kept his train of sight. He wished he could explain the growing sorrow he felt in his chest, but he supposed he lacked the words to do so properly. So Farkas was happy to answer his twin with the same tired line he had fed him the past few nights.
"Another time, brother."
(xxx)
"Castle is other way." Keaira commented as she noticed that their speedy steps lead to the mortal city instead of their home.
"Gotta visit Solitude first, Keaira. Our dear friend is a rather lousy liar." Darius said with a fair bit of amusement despite the situation. He was actually floored that Harkon had bought it. He'd seen many clever tongues try to pull the wool over Harkon's eyes, only for him to call them out on their falsehood immediately after. Though the passed out idiot on his shoulder was proof of Harkon's mistrust. Damn, just when Darius had hoped that the lord had become senile, he just had to throw out a clever plan of his own, didn't he?
"Thanks for that, Darius." Elvi mumbled. The wind rushing past her cheeks hid their now red color, but could you blame her?! Harkon was a very intimidating man to boldly lie to. They should be thankful that she came up with an excuse at all! As they continued to run at top speed, Elvi decided to fill Keaira in on their business in Solitude before they arrived.
"I told Harkon that I had a payment to collect in Solitude for a past task. One to be given in the form of; enchanted, fire resistant armour."
"So if she shows up without it, Harkon is going to wonder what she was actually doing for three hours and why she lied to him about it. So now we have to search the whole damn town in hopes of finding something we can use to appease our lord." Darius continued for her. Seriously Elvi…If you wanted an excuse to leave the castle, why pick that? He could think of literally a dozen of other lies she could fed Harkon that would have been easily executed. Ah well…In a way it was kinda nice. Knowing that Elvi was practically innocent in the ways of falsehood. The woman has killed legions worth of men, yet struggled to say a little white lie. That's alright, he'd teach her so that they didn't end up in this mess again.
"I can make armor if I have to, but the issue is enchanting it! Surely we can find someone who can enchant armor in the city. Solitude is the home of a various range of people." Elvi said to try and calm herself. She almost wanted to just go back to the castle and come up with another lie to cover up the absence of the armor, but then well…That would be one more lie she told Harkon. She really didn't want to do that. If all went the way she planned, this would be the last time she ever had to lie to him. Then again she was already in deep, so for all she knew, she'd have to continue to mislead Harkon the remainder of their time together. However long that was…
"…Keaira can enchant the armor for pretty lady…" Keaira said softly. Elvi's eyes widened in disbelief and her feet skidded on the ground due to her sudden halt. Her company paused as well but all Elvi could do was stare at Keaira as if she held the very fate of the world in her hands. Well more her world that is. Cautiously, Elvi asked:
"Keaira, you know how to enchant objects?"
"Mmmhmmm. Lady Embla taught Keaira when she learned how to speak. I like enchanting stuffs, I do it for Master Alrik all the time and give them to him as presents." She smiled excitedly at the memory. She sorely missed her dark father but she sensed his approach. They would be reunited soon. She just knew it.
"Do you know the fire resistance enchantment?" Darius questioned, also in disbelief but…it added up. Most of the Stilbolt vampires fought with enchanted weapons, but he would have never guessed that those weapons were produced by Keaira. Keaira nodded with a proud smile still on her face.
"Yep! That one is easy! Takes Keaira no time at all to enchant so long as the armor isn't too big. I has done it hundreds of times!"
Elvi recalled Keaira and Harkon's brief conversation over Serana and how she had mentioned that Babette had stolen some belongings from a few clans that Alrik was aligned with. Could that have been items he had Keaira enchant for them? Was that why she was assigned to the child vampire to begin with? Well whatever the reasons, Elvi was overcome with a true joy for the first time this night and before she realized it, Elvi found herself with her arms wrapped tightly around Keaira. The little vampire giggled with glee and quickly returned her hug. Divines…If Elvi had come alone and refused to let Keaira follow her, she would be in a whole sea of trouble. Now it seemed most her prayers had been answered.
"Oh Keaira, I am so lucky to have you! Thank you so much for all your help!" Elvi said in a hurry with her arms remaining around the smaller vampire. Keaira hummed in enthusiasm before whispering, "Friend." Again, Elvi was presented with a strange but reassuring feeling. Out of all the people in her life, she somehow knew without a doubt that she could always count on the vampires that were currently beside her. The ones that were helping her talk her way out of her lies with nothing at all for them to gain in the process. Both of them were even risking their own lives by getting mixed up in her deception but they cared more about her than themselves. To top it off, she had just met Keaira and she was already doing all of this for her! All because she was kind to her. Don't even get her started on her long list of reasons she both appreciated and adored Darius!
As if fate had at last given her a bit of relief, everything seemed to go smoothly once they reached the city. Keaira had successfully swiped an already made Nordic gauntlet from the local blacksmith's work bench since it was unguarded and thank Molag Bal, Elvi remembered that Proudspire Manor harboured an enchantment table in its basement, thanks to Elvi's brief tour inside the empty, albeit beautiful home. She had greatly considered purchasing it. It was enormous and cost a pretty Septim, but she thought it was the perfect place to raise a family. In a way she was thankful that she didn't go through with the purchase, now that she knew that particular future was no longer attainable to her. Well…Mostly. She could have a family with Vilkas if she did in fact cure herself of vampirism but it wasn't exactly the future she wanted. Yet she couldn't quite decide why Vilkas' proposal meant so little to her. She did care for him and a year ago she would have died for the opportunity to call him both her husband and the father of her child. Now that the chance was presented to her, the very image seemed hollow. Eh…Who was she kidding? Even if she was 'cured' there was no promise that she could bear a child. Not after she had countless healers tell her otherwise. Molag Bal was a very…Difficult creature to read but she doubted that he would take the time to heal her since as a vampire, she couldn't bear children anyway. He just wanted his prize to look nice.
Now if Darius had the will to, he would make a damn good thief! He managed to teleport inside the luxurious manor without notice and with ease. He took both the unconscious spy and Keaira inside then casually leapt from one of the windows on the top floor to re-join her outside. Elvi asked if it was wise to leave Keaira alone with the drone since he could awake at any moment, but Darius assured her that she could handle herself if he did. So now all there was left to do was wait. Though this time the wait didn't seem so unbearable. They had saved a lot more time than Elvi had imagined they would, so now they should be able to return to the castle with a little time to spare. Darius and she kept to standing next to the wall that surrounded Proudspire manor so that they wouldn't draw too much attention to themselves. Standing too close to an uninhabited house such as that one, of course made it look as though they were attempting to rob it and the last thing they needed was some nosy guard ruining her unbelievably wonderful fortune. Darius found her another black hood for her to wear so she could conceal her features. He had swiped it from yet another unguarded stall and Elvi grinned at the memories that returned to her. When she was first turned, she wore a hood all the time to hide herself until Harkon demanded that she never do so again. It seemed like yesterday in some ways but a hundred years in others. Once the hood was securely on her head, she looked up at Darius to ask why he didn't attempt to hide his vampiric traits as well but she gasped when she saw his face.
He looked…Mortal? His skin was darker and his red and gold eyes were replaced with hazel ones. Mostly brown mixed with a forest green color; a small bit of gold lingered around his pupils but they lacked the unnatural glow she was accustomed to seeing. When he caught her gapping at him, he smirked which revealed that his elongated fangs were also absent.
"Like what you see, babe?" He winked. When all Elvi could do was continue to stare at him in amazement, he chuckled and explained his sudden change in appearance.
"It's a spell. All Volkihar vampires can do it. It helps us blend in with the herd so we can hunt in leisure. Even in crowded cities like this, no one suspects anything since we appear to be mortal."
Elvi blinked a couple of times to show that she had heard him but she was still mesmerized. Now those…Those were gorgeous eyes. Everyone had harped on about her sky blue ones but Darius' hazel eyes were breathtaking. And to top it off they were natural. Not enhanced due to something supernatural. She wondered if his eyes were that color when he was mortal. Gods, he had sincerely been perfect all his life hadn't he? No wonder he thought so highly of his own appearance, who in Oblivion could argue with him? Her eyes remained on his lips for a little while when she saw that they were just a shade darker than his pale ones. Damn him…
Darius' smirk grew when he again caught her staring at him like a fool and Elvi knew the arrogant Volkihar had a remark on the tip of his tongue so she interrupted him before he could get it out.
"Really? Huh…I never knew that." There we go…That was contributing to the conversation! Way to go Elvi, you managed a total of six words! Ugh, she wondered if she would ever stop appraising him. You'd think after their almost situation, she would have gotten past it.
"Bah, no offense babe, but Harkon is a shit sire. This spell is one of the very first things I learned once I became a vampire. I assumed he hadn't taught you it which is why I snatched that hood for you. Never fret though, I'll teach you once everything calms down a bit." Elvi smiled at the idea of learning more about being a vampire and even the notion of learning it from Darius. Though she thought she should defend her maker in this regard.
"Hey, he is rather busy here lately. It probably just slipped his mind."
"No excuse. You're about the only thing he has that's worth hanging onto, baby girl. You should have his entire attention instead of this prophecy business, if you ask me." Darius continued and Elvi was surprised at the ease in which he stated this. As if it was an obvious fact or something. It's not as though she was worth more than Harkon's lifetime goal, she understood why his priorities were split the way they were. Elvi didn't know how to respond to that statement since Darius' now hazel eyes were still directed on the trails in front of them so he could spot any approaching mortals. Elvi had to cast her head down any time he lightly touched her arm to signal that someone within their train of sight was approaching. Glowing eyes were rather hard to miss when surrounded by the darkness of night. She decided that the best approach was to change the conversation completely.
"Darius, since you spotted those spies, you were probably at the camp longer than I realized. Did you talk to Serana too?" Maybe her former friend was more comfortable sharing information with him instead of herself. Information that could be crucial. Darius rubbed the back of his head awkwardly as he tried to find a way to word his answer delicately.
"Yeah, I was around for a while but I didn't really have a chance to talk to Princess. I saw that you were having a private conversation with Vilkas, so I gave you some peace. After that I simply found a way to…entertain myself, if you will."
"What did you do?" Elvi scowled and her tone changed to a serious one. Knowing Darius it could be anything between; stealing all the mead the Companions had, picking off a few werewolves or hitting on any woman in the camp. Seeing how Aela and Serana were the only females there, that couldn't be the case. Serana would have shrugged him off as usual and Aela probably would have either punched him in the face or kicked him in his favored area.
"More who did I do, babe." He winked. When Elvi raised an eyebrow, Darius searched his mind for the Companion's name once again. He had to scold himself for this, the affair happened only a short time ago but in all fairness he rarely collected names afterwards.
"Yu…Ya…Ylva! That's it! Good job, me! Strawberry blonde, freckles, decent tits?" Darius described and a spark went off in Elvi's mind. Oh right, the new blood. She had completely forgotten about her, seeing how they met this very night and she was a quiet one. Though Elvi couldn't help but shake her head at Darius' description. Like she would know what he thought 'decent tits' were. But then again that was just Darius. He was admirable in many ways with his Daedra may care attitude and lust for the primal needs that lurked in every creature. He tended to them without the fear of being judged for it. She envied that. Elvi couldn't help but chuckle at her friend's truly legendary skill however. He had to have met Ylva while she was on guard duty and took a total of maybe a half hour at the most to seduce her. Not that Elvi could blame the girl for falling for his charms.
"So, while I'm having an emotional breakdown, you are having sex? I can safely say you had a more pleasant night than myself, Darius."
"Aw, don't be jealous baby girl! I noticed that the manor had a number of sturdy beds when I was inside and if we're quiet, I doubt Keaira will notice." He winked and Elvi rolled her eyes but a smile came across her face despite. It was all Darius wanted to see. Even from under her hood, Elvi's smile seemed to cast joy to anyone who witnessed it.
"I don't see how you do it, Darius." Elvi voiced without thought. Of course the way he lived was frowned upon by most but that wasn't what she was referring to. "How can you be intimate with so many girls but not feel for any of them? It's ideal in many ways, I can see that perspective but I mean…Here I am still hung up over a romance that has been dead and buried for some time. Yet you move from one woman to the next without looking back. Sometimes I wish I could do the same, even if it is only this one case."
The silence that followed was nothing compared to that impeccable tension she felt surrounding herself and the blonde Nord. It was even more gripping in this quiet moment between the two then it had been the entire time she had known him. She didn't risk looking up at him, in fear that the silence meant that she had accidently upset him. After what felt like an eternity, he at last spoke but Elvi was surprised at where the conversation turned.
"Tell me Elvi, how many of those girls do you think would actually want to remain with me? How many would stay with me when they found out that the gorgeous man from the tavern; who had all the right things to say, is really just a scoundrel with an insatiable lust? How many would even take the time to find out; to hold conversations with me as you and I do?" He asked with a seriousness that chilled Elvi to the bone. Elvi again didn't know how to answer him. She didn't see him changing his ways for anyone so it wasn't as though she could correct him yet she felt the need to. She thought that if anyone did wind up with Darius, they would be a very, very lucky lady. A small smile returned to her ruby lips when she realized what she should say at last.
"Yes, you're a scoundrel. But you're a scoundrel with a heart." Elvi corrected. Which was probably the true allure to Darius once you spoke to him. He cared. Asshole that he may be, he was never out to hurt anyone and even went out of his way to ensure that he didn't. He always cheered her up, even when it wasn't completely obvious that she was upset. He just knew. He always wanted to hear about her problems and was probably the only one that could comfort her aside from Harkon. Darius also didn't put on airs. He didn't pretend to be prince charming or a future husband, he simply offered his body to his conquests and they accepted. Darius thought about Elvi's words but a chuckle escaped his lips despite how meaningful she may have meant for them to be.
"No, baby girl. Just a scoundrel. I have yet to put my heart into anything that I do…Aside from keeping you safe."
Without any thought, Elvi's head finally turned towards Darius. He was looking back at her. His magic infused eyes were harder to read than the red ones she knew so well, but the sincerity shining in them was unmistakable. Did it really mean that much to him? Protecting her? Then again, here he stood by her side. Saving her from a danger she wasn't even aware of until he decided to step in. Those eyes never held judgment for her or anything that she did. Oblivion…Elvi was certain that if she grabbed Darius by the wrist and declared that they were going to ambush the castle, he would continue to be at her side. If Serana owed Elvi a castle for her friendship then she owed Darius a kingdom for his. How could she ever repay him? How could she ever show him how much he meant to her? Funny thing was…He'd never ask her to. If he really wanted to collect on her debt to him, he could exploit her for anything he desired that was within her power. Yet the idea probably never crossed the dual wielder's mind. The silence wasn't uncomfortable but how she wished it would end. The need to embrace him was becoming unbearable. Was that inappropriate now? After their intimate exchange was any form of affection wrong? She sincerely regretted it. What an idiot she was…
Suddenly Darius' head shot back to the path next to them when he heard someone approaching. When he noticed that it was just a couple of kids passing a ball back and forth, he relaxed again. Elvi's eyes also caught the two and her eyes widened in surprise. It was rather late in the evening…Why were there children playing in the streets? Where were their parents?! All kinds of shady people operated this late at night in Solitude, she had learned that personally. Surely they should be in bed or at least in doors at this time. Darius took the opportunity to move the conversation forward now that they had been blessed with a distraction.
"Anyway, it's really not that difficult. Just find something pretty and make your advances. Lucky for you, you're hot, so like me you should find no difficulty in getting your pleasure without having to be chained down. If you consider all the woes a relationship brings as well as drama, you'll see that being single is really the way to go. Hmph, I remember this one time, this lass mistook me for her fiancé while I had my arm around this cute little Bosmer. Daedra, the scolding I received in this man's stead was rather impressive on her part. Of course she had to be wasted to think that there was any man out there as attractive as myself but I digress…" Darius trailed off as he continued his story but Elvi had long ago stopped listening. Her eyes remained on the pair of children that were still carelessly playing their games in the streets. Two boys. One of shaggy brown hair and the other's was short and red. She still couldn't understand why the two were unsupervised this late at night. When she noted their torn and obscenely dirty clothes she frowned. Orphans. They didn't have parents or a home to go to. That had to be it. Those poor things...When Elvi saw how sunken the little red haired boy's cheeks were, she knew they were also starving. Instantly she reached for her pouch of gold and groaned when she realized that she had left it at home. She doubted that she could put their meals on her tab now that she was a vampire, so she wasn't sure what she could do to help them.
"…So I figured, 'hey she already thinks I'm her fiancé, why not give it a shot'. The Bosmer was drunk, so I knew she wouldn't notice me leaving to tend to my 'heartbroken fiancé's' needs if I didn't dilly dally…" Darius continued to spin his tale, without realizing that he no longer had Elvi's attention. She didn't know if she should approach the boys or not since she had no means of assisting them. She could tell them about the orphanage in Riften since it was now run by decent, good people but how in Oblivion were they supposed to get there? Solitude was on the opposite side of Skyrim than Riften, they would never survive the journey on foot.
"…and then the actual fiancé shows up, I'm naked and from her position she couldn't see him standing directly behind me, which by the way, we in fact didn't look anything alike. Anyway, I pull out of her…"
Elvi stepped forward when she watched the shaggy haired boy climb up the railing until he reached the top of the upper level that led to a different part of the city. The boys continued to throw their ball back and forth to each other and it made Elvi even more nervous. That only added to the danger of the situation. You'd have to have flawless balance in order to walk on that thin railing while not giving each step thought. She looked around, and saw that there were still a fair amount of people roaming the streets to make their way back to their homes. Most were closer to the boys then she was, so why was no one stopping them! They were laughing loud enough to attract at least one adult's attention.
"…after I finally knocked out the oaf, the Bosmer I was talking to previously, comes from nowhere and attacks the other girl because she saw that we had been intimate! The entire bar is watching us; I'm still naked…"
Elvi's fears came to life, when she saw the boy stumble. He put up a valiant effort to regain balance but still his small body came hurdling towards the ground. All of Elvi's instinct's kicked in and as she made her ways towards the boy, she shouted:
"TIID KLO UL!"
Time slowed around her and Elvi picked up the pace as raced towards the scene. He was still falling to his death and Elvi was determined to reach him before it occurred even though she was a fair distance away from him! Elvi used one of the steps that lead to the upper level as leverage and kicked off it to jump into the air after the boy. As her arms wrapped around him in a protective fashion, she too fell towards the ground as time returned to its normal speed. She landed on her feet, with the frightened boy still in her arms. He was shaking uncontrollably in fear, so Elvi patted his head to calm him.
"Ssh, it's alright little one. You're safe." She cooed. When he stopped shaking, he looked up at her in amazement. A new fear consumed Elvi when she realized that her hood had fallen down during the events but her heart melted when she saw that the same fear was vacant from the boy's face. She didn't want to scare him. He hugged her neck and praised her.
"Thank you! Thank you, so much!" he looked up at her again and smiled. "You're the Dragonborn, aren't you?! I heard you shout! I was saved by the Dragonborn!"
Elvi returned his smile and the old sensation she used to feel when protecting the innocent returned to her. She welcomed it like a long lost friend. She had forgotten how satisfying it could be on its own. It felt like ancient history but seeing how ecstatic the little boy was, was reward enough. Elvi didn't even have to consider saving him, it just came so naturally. She was about to scold him for being so reckless when a pair of arms snatched the boy roughly from her arms. She was so focused on his wellbeing, she hadn't noticed the villagers approaching. She took a defensive stance while crouched on the ground from her previous landing when she saw that some of them had their weapons drawn.
"Stay away from him, monster!" One shouted at her and Elvi furrowed her brow. That was only one of the many jeers she received after the boy had been ripped from her arms.
"Burn the vampire!"
"Can you believe she attacked a child?!"
"So much for the legendary Dragonborn, look at her now!"
"Quick, someone destroy her before she kills again!"
Elvi could care less about the villager's words but she kept looking for the boy. Did he believe them? He knew she meant him no harm…right? Elvi stood to her feet and the moment she did, the crowd around her took three steps backwards in fear.
"Enough! I wasn't attacking the child! He fell and I caught him. Nothing more!" Elvi declared for the entire town to hear. She looked to her left and saw the town's guard approaching. Great…now what was she supposed to do?
"If she did save him, it was only to feed on him later!"
"Take her to the emperor, he can behead her for all of Tamriel to witness!"
"Vampire. Are you seeing this! The Dragonborn is a vampire! All the rumours are true!"
Elvi bit her lip to stifle her growl. So this quickly, her beloved people were willing to turn on her? Just as she assumed they would. One of the guard's rushed at her, so she withdrew both of her Dragonbone swords on reflex. As he pulled back his steel mace into the air, Darius ran in front of her and grabbed the guard by the throat before he could swing it in her direction. He took the time to choke him until he dropped his weapon then threw the guard at the crowd swarming Elvi. This caused several of the armed men to fall to the ground after the guard's body crashed into them.
When the second attacked, Darius did the same to this guard as he had to the first but he kept his hold on him as he addressed the now frightened crowd.
"Have any of you any sense! It is plain to anyone with sight that Elvi saved the child from death! End this madness now, and all of you will be spared but I swear by all that is unholy, anyone that steps to her again, will have to face me!"
He let the spell fade from his body and in a quick wave, his features returned to normal. He wanted them to see him as his true self. To understand what they were facing. This only caused the crowd to step farther away from the duo. Cowards. Darius released the guard, who gasped for breath as he hit the ground. His full helmet falling to the ground next to him. Elvi heard Keaira's cries as she too joined the scene.
"Leave friends alone!" She demanded. Elvi watched as Keaira drug the lackey behind her, his back scrapping against the ground. The now enchanted armor clasped securely in her free hand. Seeing this caused Darius to smirk as he eagerly took the vampire from Keaira's grasp. A new solution came to him and he promptly snapped the drone's neck to see it brought to life. Elvi's jaw dropped as their alibi faded from this world. Darius chuckled as he explained his reasoning.
"Oh no, ladies! Isn't it a wretched shame that during your time in Solitude, Elvi's identity as a vampire was discovered and the servants Harkon sent to spy on her were killed in the process by Solitude's famed guard? Good 'ol no names, they will be sorely missed." Darius put his hand over his heart in mockery. Huh…Well that did fit then, didn't it? Especially since the city no doubt would be a buzz once they left; you could see the hostility from the castle. That way, for all Harkon knew they were in Solitude the whole time and she could even call him out for his underhanded tactics since the discovery of two vampires during the fray, would obviously draw her attention. Keaira would be the only witness. So now they didn't have to count on the servant's silence. Good thinking, Darius! Still Elvi was more than a little unsettled. She searched the crowd for the boy again but couldn't spot him right away.
"Witch! He's a vampire too! We have vampires in the city!" One of the villagers shouted as he pointed his fat finger at Darius. Elvi truly was impressed by Solitude's guard. About a dozen more were headed their way from the main entrance.
"Come now, if we're using magical terms, I prefer 'Big Dick Mystic'." Darius smirked. He flashed his elongated fangs at the villager and he along with several others screamed in fear. Darius was clearly amused…But Elvi was far from it.
"These men are cowards!" Darius chuckled as he walked over to her. "What do you say baby girl, you take the sheep on the left, me the right, or vice versa?"
At last Elvi's eyes found the little boy she had caught in mid-air. Now she saw the fear on his face. Tears were swelling in his eyes and he looked away from her once they made eye contact. Now this was how he would remember her…As the vampire that tried to hurt him, thanks to this lot. Not the Dragonborn that had saved his life. Elvi placed her swords back to their place at her hips and she whispered to Darius.
"Just get us out of here."
Darius frowned at her tone since it obviously displayed despair but nodded in agreement. Once he grabbed Keaira, all Elvi had to do was blink and they were standing on the shore of the island, the castle now in plain sight. She was so very glad that Darius had chosen to take them outside of the castle instead of the main hall, but then again, he couldn't have if they wanted to leave Darius out of this mess and their story to add up. He could just teleport to his coffin and no one would be the wiser. Either way, Elvi wasn't quite ready to go inside. She looked down to her hands and for the first time saw just how different they looked compared to before. Her sharp nails, bony fingers…Those weren't caring hands. She was built to kill. Not to nurture. These hands were unfit to hold a child. So she was just an idiot for ever thinking she was fit to be a mother. A very small part of her held onto the hope that Harkon would one day let her adopt a child but that bit of hope shattered to pieces once she saw the fear in the little boy's eyes.
Her eyes travelled to her reflection in the ocean's water. It lingered there for some time before Darius' voice broke her train of thought.
"You alright baby girl…?" He had never seen Elvi look this sad. Not even after she had been tortured by the sun's harsh rays. Everything about her suggested defeat. Elvi didn't answer right away. She just stared at the glowing red eyes of her reflection and could only imagine the horror children would feel when looking at her. The word monster echoed in her mind despite how hard she tried to silence it. So it was forfeit. It was over. The stubborn Elvi at last…Gave up. She would never know the happiness of a family nor be greeted with her child's smile or hug. Maybe she had never truly accepted it until now. Maybe that hope for a normal life helped keep her mind together. Hope that one day she could have something she had secretly wanted for so long. She knew she could never have a child of her own but now there wasn't even an alternative. Any child she approached, even with the intent of helping them would fear her. She adored it when she was feared…but not by such innocent beings. Ones that she would never bring harm. Even if you washed away all these demonic features, the real beast would remain inside. It had always been in her. Being a vampire didn't make her a monster, she had always been one from birth no matter how hard she tried to be like everyone else. And monsters didn't deserve a family.
Calmly, Elvi extended her hand to Keaira and she whispered:
"May I please have the armor now, Keaira? Thank you again for creating it for me."
Keaira looked over to Darius in concern but sadly all he could do was shrug his shoulders. He didn't know what was wrong. He didn't let any of the villager's touch her, so that couldn't be the case. Keaira didn't like the emotionless way Elvi spoke. She didn't have to know Elvi for a long time to know that it didn't sound like her. Keaira walked over to Elvi and placed the gauntlet in Elvi's hand but the second she had it, Elvi turned on her heel and marched towards the castle. She didn't want to see Harkon. She didn't want to see anyone, she just wanted to be alone. She felt the rebellious tears form in her eyes again and she refused to let anyone see her cry. Never again! She wasn't weak, and she was a soulless monster so she would always appear as one! Keaira raced after her so that it would still look like they both left and came back together but Darius stayed where he was.
"Babe, if something is wrong, please talk to me!" Darius called after her. Elvi didn't stop nor look back in his direction as she shouted back.
"I'm fine!" She didn't want to talk about it anymore either. Why waste her breath? No one could understand. Not really. She couldn't explain it and she didn't even want to try. Keaira's eyes ignited in their solid red glow once Elvi was done speaking. Seeing her inner thoughts caused her stop as she was crushed with that incredible weight Elvi carried again. Now that she could see the source of Elvi's growing depression and all she could do was frown. Keaira didn't know how to help the pretty lady with this crisis. Though it was already known by the blonde dual wielder, Keaira sighed and whispered to him.
"She's lying…"
Darius teleported back into the castle so he could cut her off once he was seen leaving the coffin room and not the main entrance but Elvi was already inside. She had even pushed the heavy doors open with such force, the mere sound of them crashing against the opposing wall alerted everyone in the castle of her presence. She didn't look to see if Harkon was in his throne as usual, she just kept walking. Wanting to put as much distance between her and this wretched night as possible. Only Harkon was in his throne and once he saw his lover storm past him and down a corridor she never visited, he stood from his place then instantly followed her. He didn't need Keaira's gift nor his own ability to invade her mind to know that she was greatly disturbed. Her emotions were hitting him as powerfully as they had when their bond was strong so something substantial had occurred while she was away. When he turned the corner, she had already disappeared. She must have used her gift and even went so far as to run a good distance to avoid his detection. Damn! Another side effect of the bond being weakened was that he couldn't see her when she was invisible. He wasn't certain why she was avoiding him, but he was determined to find out. Especially since she had returned and his servants had not. He called her name once but was given no response. As he continued to search for Elvi he hated that nagging suspicion that crept to his mind. She had to be hiding from him for a reason, so that had to mean she was guilty of something. He really wanted her to prove him wrong but the longer she evaded him, the more his suspicions grew. Dammit Elvi…you were supposed to be the one…
AN: So, a lot of emotional stuff happened in the chapter for a wide variety of characters. What did you think of the chapter! I hope you enjoyed it! Again sorry for posting so late. The next chapter center's mostly around Elvi and Harkon and the reveal of what Evander showed Harkon while Elvi was away is mentioned as well. Looks like trouble for the dark couple yet again. Or is there no chance of reconcile as Evander predicted? What about Elvi and Serana's heart to heart as well as Keaira and Farkas'? Anywho, this was a long chapter so I will cease my rambling but I happily await your thoughts Thank you again to everyone reading, reviewing and following this story. It's all for you.
