Laughter rang out as the Dragonborn struck a regal pose in the middle of the road. Elriah tried to look as snooty as possible, causing Athis to practically double over as he clutched at his sides.
"Do you get to the Cloud District very often? Oh, what am I saying, of course you don't," Elriah mimicked with a flick of his hand. "Smelly travelers like you shouldn't dare step foot in our grand hold, let alone track mud on our doorsteps."
Farkas caught on quick, pointing at his husband with a grin. "Nazeem, right? That coward hasn't dared to show his face after that."
Athis choked, trying to hold back another guffaw of laughter. He sniggered as he stood, still flushed. "Never in my life have I seen a man so terrified as he was when the guard told him that our nord here was the Dragonborn." His red eyes twinkled with mirth. " And the new Thane of Whiterun."
"I do have to admit I enjoyed seeing him scurry off after that." Elriah beamed. Traveling was always hard, but with his two closest friends at his sides, it was certainly bearable. The Harbinger tapped his chin thoughtfully. "I wonder what ever happened to him after that."
Athis shrugged. "Probably ran off, figured that was better than getting gutten by our burly friend over here." the dark elf patte Farkas' shoulder.
"I dunno, but what I do know is that we should get back to finding Vilkas." Farkas walked by Elriah and Athis at a brisk pace, eyes forward. His shoulders were just a little too tense it seemed as Elriah hummed in displeasure. Elriah's eyebrow rose in question as he turned around to watch his husband.
Athis let out a slow laugh as he realized what Elriah had.
"Farkas, you wouldn't happen to have anything to do with his disappearance would you?" Elriah tried to catch up, barely holding back his smile.
Farkas snorted at the idea as the two Companions in turn began to follow. "You kidding? If he were dead half of Whiterun would be thanking me by now." He paused. "But I did think about it."
"Who hasn't?" Athis snorted. "I'm surprised no one paid for us to do it. I would have cut them a deal. Then his throat"
Elriah sped up until he was walking in front of Farkas, turned, and continued to travel backwards without hesitance or difficulty. "I never said he was dead or that he was even killed. All I said was that he disappeared and asked if you knew anything about it."
Farkas shrugged and continued to look down the road past his husband who was still waiting for an answer. The normally friendly warrior was nothing of his usual self as he steeled his expression. He looked eerily similar to his town.
"Farkas…." Elriah's voice rose, far too sweet and loving as he smiled tenderly. "What did you do?"
Farkas grunted, unhappy that his husband hadn't given up. Then again Elriah was never one to let a question go unanswered. The false tone was a trap - and he knew it. "Told you, I didn't do anything. You were your own man and I knew you could handle it yourself so I left it at that."
Not a trace of worry or deceit crossed Farkas's face as he continued on his way. Elriah frowned at this, but did offer a smile of appreciation shortly after. "Sadly I never got the chance to, but I did think about setting him on fire with a spell or two."
Athis rubbed his chin, eyeing Farkas. "Well then, if you didn't do anything, who did?" The dark elf wasn't about to give up the chase. It was rare to be able to mess with a member of the circle, and this was far too good to let slip away.
"Nazeem could have just left you know, he was probably embarrassed and fled as soon as he realized what an ass he was." Farkas pointed out.
"Aha!" Athis's red eyes glittered as he squinted happily. "You're covering for someone!"
"What?" Farkas stared blankly. "I never said that…"
"You didn't," Athis agreed. "But Nazeem was too full of himself to realize he's an ass unless someone told him with the end of their blade."
"Oh, I think you're right my Elven friend!" Elriah slung an arm around the two Companions. "And who pray tell did what, dear heart of mine?"
Farkas winced at the endearing words, out of embarrassment and dread. His husband may be sweet, but when he would call him that of all things it was assuredly a trick. Farkas sighed, his brothers watching closely with badly hidden grins. "Fine, I'll tell you, just don't let them know or I won't hear the end of it."
Both Athis and Elriah nodded.
Farkas sighed. "...It was Vilkas. He caught Nazeem that night right outside his farm. Must have said something good 'cause that morning he fled for Riften."
Elriah's brows rose quickly in surprise. "Vilkas, out of everyone in town who could have done it…." He was almost touched, though he was quick to question his husband again. "I thought back then your brother hated me, wanted me to march right back up that mountain and to leave you the hell alone?" Elriah laughed baffled at the mere thought. "I can recall all of the times he'd tell me off, even told me to go sod off and get eaten by a dragon one time."
"He told us as much." Athis added with a sharp toothed grin. "Often."
"No arguments there, Vilkas hated everything about you." Farkas smiled at the memories. "Only reason he didn't do anything was 'cause Kodlak told him off. You shoulda seen his face when I told him I was gonna marry you."
"Then why'd he do it?" Athis inquired, arm also draped across his shoulder. He'd heard enough sappy things from the warrior to last a lifetime - and refused to give them the chance to start about it again.
Elriah nodded and pointed his chin at their Elven Companion. "What he said."
"That's what I asked him. Tried to pass it off as protecting Kodlak's healer at first ,but after a while I got him to crack. Apparently only he could be an ass to Elriah, no one else." Farkas leaned against his husband. " That's how I knew he was warming up to you."
Elriah chuckled and patted his husband's broad shoulders. "Let's get back to finding that brother of yours then. I'd hate to make him change his mind after all that."
"Nah, I'm sure he's enjoying a break."
"Or getting his legs chewed off," Athis added under his breath. He ignored Farkas' frown and shrugged. "What?"
The Harbinger shook his head as they continued down the road.
Eventually, Eriah and his Companions' steps slowed to a stop. Farther down the road lying in plain view in the middle of their path was a shaggy form of a beast. The daylight did little to identify it as they crept closer. The strange creature took up a large portion of the cobble path as it stretched out its bulky body.
Elriah couldn't help but laugh at the sight before him moments later.
Athis was running down the road while being chased by a large angered bear, and that bear was being chased by Farkas. Athis had tried his best to sneak around the bear, hoping for a surprise and easy kill. He had been only a foot away when the beast woke up. Once the bear started chasing him Farkas had tried to kill the bear with his greatsword.
Elriah lost sight of them as they ran out of sight around a bend in the road.
"Oh the great Companions of Jorrvaskr, fearless and cunning…" Elriah sighed before quietly laughing yet again. There was no need for him to worry; his comrades could handle a bear on their own. If they had helped him kill a dragon there was little reason for him to hurry now to help with a meager grizzly.
He caught up to them shortly to find Farkas already beginning to skin the bear while Athis stood somewhat nearby seemingly offended. It was apparent that Farkas had made the kill, leaving Athis quite visibly irked. Speed could be useful in battle, but his trusty daggers against an angry bear would never fare well - while the great sword apparently did so little trouble at all.
Elriah looked to the nearby road sign.
The trio was approaching Eastmarch just as planned. The land had begun to give way to snow and geysers. It had been almost three days since they had left Whiterun's familiar hold. The traveling Companions were hoping to come across their brother soon as their supplies began to turn stale, but bear meat would certainly help.
Their departure had been delayed as Elriah made preparations and spoke privately to Aela. The Yarl had called for a meeting as well, calling for a decision on what to do with the surrounding camps of bandits. The minute the simple decision to rather bluntly kill them all was decided; Elriah slipped out of the town's doors, brothers in tow. Which was why they now were finally on the road, staring down at a bead grizzly.
Farkas smiled at Elriah for the first time since they received the grim news of Vilkas' disappearance. Elriah's heart warmed at the sight, thankful that his husband had found something to think about other than his twin. "What do you think Elriah, should I sell the fur or keep it?" Farkas held a part of the pelt up for inspection.
Though happy for him, the harbinger could only roll his eyes at his husband's question. He flailed his arms in jest. "You already have a lot of furs at home, why don't you sell it and use the gold to get them made into something useful? Like a blanket or armor lining."
Farkas's smile only grew at his sarcastic antics. Athis began to pull teeth and claws out of the carcass. "Yeah you're right," the mountain of a nord nodded, "I do need new lining in my boots."
Elriah took his place on a fallen log as the other Companions worked on the bear. He took the time to pull out his bag to check the supplies. His hidden satchel rested hidden away, covered by the bag's false bottom lining. Above the satchel's hidden chamber rested a journal and quill, as well as a handmade inkwell amid other things.
Elriah took out his journal and began to scribble on a clean page. He began to sketch the sight in front of him, taking time to shape the burly build of the bear and husband. He sketched Athis as well, and took time to get the hawk like darkened features down perfectly.
By the time the bear was done being skinned and the meat taken from its bones, two hours had passed. The Companions went back to the road and continued their journey, supplies well stocked with bear meat and Athis with a pocket filled with fangs and claws.
Not too far away, another Companion had found success in his hunt.
Husk stirred awake as Vilkas came back to camp, dropping two rather torn up fish by the fire.
"They're fresh. Strayed too close to the shore while I was cleaning my blade, so I decided to teach them a lesson!" Vilkas chuckled warm heartedly at his own little joke, coaxing a small humored laugh from the injured Halfelf as well before he drifted back to sleep, leaving Vilkas to start and tend to the cooking fire.
It was midday as Vilkas sat in front of his fire, scorching his catch. The warmth from both the sun and the fire was uncomfortable at best, but they couldn't eat fish raw. Behind the warrior Husk was resting on his stomach peacefully, his arms folded and used as a pillow.
It was as if the convulsing attack had never happened, but Vilkas knew better than to hope. Husk was acting as if it hadn't occurred, so Vilkas kept from bringing it up. There was a chance that Husk had no recollection of it or what he had said, and perhaps it was best left at that.
Vilkas refused to admit it as he poked at the cooking fish, but Aela had been right about one thing. He was a terrible cook. He huffed as he turned the fish over, hoping he hadn't burned it too badly already.
Husk's fever had still yet to break, but any sort of bleeding had thankfully stopped. Sadly infection had settled into the gash on his head as well as further into his back, much to Vilkas's dismay. He had searched the bandits supplies, but had only found another small healing potion that would only aid in closing wounds but do nothing for the fever nor the infection.
Vilkas prodded the fish with a stick as it seared. As the fire licked at the catch while Vilkas's mind began to wander over the thought of Husk's recovery. When would it be safe for Husk to break camp and head for Jorrvaskr, he wondered? The fever would possibly take another few days to break, and after that it would take time for the new wounds to close enough to not reopen while traveling.
The infection was the biggest problem. He feared the chance of another spasm attack as well. It was foolish to hope things would go easily but he had no other option than to pray to the divines' for things would go smoothly from there on. He refused to think back on how he'd hoped for Husk's death.
Vilkas did not have long to think as a familiar voice broke his train of thought.
"Smells good," commented Husk as he was lulled awake by the aroma.
Husk had been drifting in and out constantly throughout the days - but one thing had become a habit. Vilkas fought a smile as he continued to cook the fish. Of course Husk would wake up in time for food. He always did. "Aye, it should be ready soon enough." Vilkas stretched and grunted as he popped his back, making Husk flinch.
"Sorry for using the good bedroll …" he apologized, wincing at the sound.
"Think nothing of it, you need the rest more than I do after all," Vilkas said nothing as he began to watch the fish sizzle on the fire. Eventually he pulled the cooked fish out of the fire a while later and placed it on two wooden plates that had been found in the supplies. As carried the fish into the tent.
"So Husk, how do you feel? Any better?" Vilkas ventured as he put the food down as he relaxed next to his new ally.
Husk sat up stiffly with help from the Companion. "A bit, my head isn't hurting as bad. My limbs feel like lead though." Husk chuckled to himself in embarrassment as he slowly sat up. "Actually my everything feels like lead now that I think about it."
Vilkas responded with a gruff chuff of his own, suppressing the smile from Husk's childish quip. Once he was happy with how Husk was sitting he handed him one of the plates. There was no pause between the offer of food and the acceptance. Husk had gotten over the careful way he would accept food, instead he would give it no thought and take it without worry.
It was a good change to see.
Thanking him with a smile, Husk slowly began to pick at the fish. Careful and slow to avoid the sharp bones and to prevent upsetting his already queasy stomach.
Needless to say, the fish took little time at all to eat.
Once they were done Vilkas sat back and watched Husk lay back down onto the bedroll. Husk watched him as well from the corner of his eye, though had no idea what to say or do now that they were actually alone and fully awake. The thought was mutual. It was a bit awkward for them both, but neither did anything to stop it. Husk was lying on his side with an arm propped up to hold his head while studying his other hand's scars and burns. Vilkas was sitting cross-legged a few feet away, staring out of the tent's opening.
"Can I ask you something?" Vilkas ventured after a while. Both were relieved the awkward silence was finally over. Husk nodded as he turned to face him. "What's it like to you, the beast blood?"
The question made Husk hum as he thought of how to word it. He felt safer talking to Vilkas about such things than he did Aela, that much was apparent as he still lay relaxed. The trust was certainly still intact. "It's there, but it's not constant. Well, it is…I just don't feel the pull from it much. I've never had a lot of trouble with it. Being a beast, it's all I really know." Husk shrugged. "There is no separation between me and my instincts."
Vilkas nodded as he inquired more, though the wording troubled him greatly. "What about when you transform? I've noticed you can control your turnings, have you always been able to do that?"
Vilkas backtracked hurriedly as the question made Husk grimace. His face hinted bad memories lurked just under the surface. "You don't have to answer if you don't want to; I won't force you. This is just friendly chatter after all, not an interrogation."
Husk gave him a forgiving, though troubled smile. "How long have you been a Companion?" Husk's light voice showed no sign of his previous worry, but he still changed the subject all the same.
Vilkas shrugged in return. "My brother and I have been Companions since our adopted Da brought us to Jorrvaskr. So about thirty, almost forty years give or take." When Husk starred in surprise, Vilkas offered a quiet, "I don't see a reason to keep track of the years."
This made Husk curious as he moved to prop himself up on his elbows and flipped onto his stomach. "You have a brother?" he asked, surprised.
Vilkas smiled as he thought of his twin. "Aye, a twin named Farkas. He's a bit bigger, thing is I inherited the brains while he got the bulk."
They shared a chuckle at the notion. Husk smiled more as he asked about their lives. Apparently the thought of a bulky Vilkas was rather funny to him from the grinning.
"Children are a hassle all their own, let alone two of them! You two got into trouble often, I take it?"
Vilkas could only grin and nod. "Aye, that we did and we did it well. I still do, apparently, cause troubles sitting right next to me!"
A playful glare was shot right back as Husk tried his best to look insulted. "Well trouble can't believe you're so old!"
Amusement filled the camp as Vilkas truly laughed full heartedly. Husk was laughing as well, his raspy laugh sounding like bells compared to Vilkas's loud rough guffaws.
Vilkas wiped tears from his eyes as he regained his composure. He was happy to see Husk being curious as well as talkative, let alone laughing. He hoped that it meant that recovery was closer and that Husk would continue to show signs of his personality. It was more enjoyable taking care of someone that could actually hold a conversation, instead of a lifeless body after all.
They sat together in the tent as they relaxed near the dying fire.
"I wonder what Aela would do if I went back with you," murmured Husk.
Vilkas scowled at the thought. The atmosphere went from playful to downright depressing. Husk had said it in a sad tone, but there was no mistaking the edge of curiosity. He really wanted to know. Not out of fear, but of pure interest. He genuinely wanted to know what would be lurking and waiting for them.
"It doesn't matter what she thinks, but what does matter is that we get you back into society. There's more to life than cages and chains." Vilkas huffed.
Husk smiled briefly. "Jorrvaskr sounds nice, but…is it a good idea? She did have a point."
Vilkas scowled harder as he tried to word his thoughts. "Jorrvaskr is open to anyone with a fire burning in their hearts. I'm sure you've heard about it from the Silverhands. You've definitely got the fire in you to have survived as long as you have." He paused and watched as Husk confirmed such with a nod. "I have little doubt that you'll fit right in once we get you patched up. There is a good chance if nothing else that we can at least help you get on your feet."
Husk scoffed under his breath. "The Silverhands said you take jobs to deal with bandits to eat them alive and that everyone there is a werewolf." Husk jumped in surprise as Vilkas gave a sudden bark of laughter.
"We don't eat bandits! Who knows what sort of diseases they carry. No, not everyone is a werewolf either; I'd hate to think what Tovar would be like as one!" Vilkas shook his head. "He's a drunken fool but he's nice enough. I can only imagine the drunkard of a werewolf stumbling right into a border patrol."
The rest of the day droned on comfortably spent as Vilkas shared stories of Jorrvaskr as the sun began to set.
Vilkas had been in the middle of telling a story of how he had taken down a mammoth when he looked down at his charge. Husk had fallen asleep with his head still propped up in his hands. Carefully Vilkas moved him so that his head was resting comfortably on the bedroll. He was amazed at how deeply the werewolf seemed to sleep with his beast blood. After a moment of studying the sleeping face, Vilkas got up to look for dinner, leaving a sleeping Husk in the tent.
It was hard to imagine Husk as a killer, but Vilkas found himself unafraid. He was getting to know the man, not just the beast. Fullblood or not, the Companion could respect the man who laughed and shared stories of bandits.
He could only hope the next few days would be just as enjoyable.