Chapter 8:
The Awakening of Something Beautiful and Dangerous
HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!
That's right! One year ago today I posted The Soul of a Companion and here I am in, 8 chapters into my story. It has been quite a journey and I am nowhere near done with Serah and Farkas. They have a longer journey to go than I do so we shall see where it ends. Here's a HUGE thank you to all the readers who have been with me for the past year and a HUGE thank you goes out to those who have reviewed. Seeing new reviews makes me feel really good as someone who writes; it means people truly love the creativity that I have. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: The only thing I own is my Special Edition copy of the PS4 Skyrim and my hardcover strategy guide…Farkas? No…Vilkas? No…Still nothing.
~ oOo ~
Over the next few weeks, life within the mead hall of Jorrvaskr grew stimulating since Aragon had been initiated as one of the Companions. It seemed as if he was never in the living quarters, or Jorrvaskr for that matter; he was always off completing different missions he received from the townspeople of Whiterun, or taking care of personal errands. Serah had asked him one night what personal errands he attended too and all he said was he was visiting an old friend in Riverwood. His response sounded guarded, almost as if he was hiding the truth, but Serah dropped it, knowing full well what it was like to being pressured to speak when all you wanted to do was keep the answer to yourself.
Instead of focusing all her attention on Aragon, Serah focused on Farkas. Since the day Farkas offered a compromise for her onslaught of feelings against her parents, their friendship only grew stronger – if that was even remotely possible. Wherever they traveled or even if they were in the same room, their eyes would always catch and neither would budge, neither wanting to lose contact unless someone else stole their attention. If they passed each other, their hands would secretly touch and their heads were turn; Serah had no idea what this turn of events was supposed to mean, but her heart fluttered while her stomach conveyed summer-saults each time they had an interaction.
Since returning from her mission with Vilkas, Serah remained within the walls of Whiterun; she had been asked to attend several missions by the other members, but preferred to stay within the city. Occasionally, she would go out on a hunt, but only if the twins were by her side. Since the event with Grevlin, Serah couldn't shake off the feeling that something wasn't quite right about what the Vampire Lord had stated regarding her mother, Asta. Although Farkas had guessed correct that she felt her father took more precautions to care for her mother than herself, there was still something that seemed…off. And no matter how much Serah thought on the matter, she couldn't figure out what was troubling her mind.
Several weeks flew by without Serah really acknowledging where the time had gone. She hunted, aided Tilma down in the kitchens, and crafter new armor for herself. Although she was troubled with her racing thoughts, Serah felt a peace within her; she felt happy with the life she was currently living. She had a family surrounding her every day and two knuckle-headed twins her adored her. Often when she was alone, Serah would think back to the night Grevlin was slayed and remember how Vilkas claimed how his twin brother loved her. She didn't want to trust those words, but since Farkas swore to accompany her if she ever needed it, her heart fluttered every time she saw his eyes staring at her and the way his body reacted when she was near.
Then again, she was also beginning to understand the way her own body reacted around him as well.
~ oOo ~
With a bottle of mead in her hand, Serah glanced off into the Whiterun Hold from her view. Her spot had always been…her spot and everybody within the Companions – hell, all of Whiterun – knew that it was hers. Closest to the wall barricade, seated right next to Eorlund's Skyforge, Serah's legs dangled over the rock outcropping lining the edge of the work station. When she was old enough to wonder around Whiterun on her own, she traveled up to Skyforge to surprise Eorlund and, to her surprise, he wasn't there; instead she took a seat waiting for him – and whenever she needed some alone time, this was always the place she wanted to be.
"Serah!"
"Huh?" Glancing down from where her name was called, she noticed Farkas standing directly below her as he waived his arm towards her. A grin was plastered on his face and she couldn't help but smile. Leaning forward, she replied, "What's up?"
"Kodlak wants to see you! He says it's urgent."
"Why?" But the big goof just shrugged his shoulders. Chugging the rest of her mead, Serah placed the tankard next to her and yelled, "Catch me!" – and jumped.
"Wait – what?!" Farkas looked up at Serah's form who was already leaping from her spot. Realizing he had no choice – not that he minded to catch her – Farkas braced his feet and held his arms out, Serah landing directly in his strong, masculine arms. Giggling, she bent and placed her own feet on the ground. Standing on her tip toes, she placed a chaste kiss on Farkas' stubby cheek and yelled "Thanks" before walking in Jorrvaskr, leaving a stunned twin behind to think about what just occurred. Turning just in time to see her backside enter the Companion hold, Farkas shrugged his shoulders and walked into town to find his brother.
Heading towards Kodlak's room, Serah noticed the door was wide open so when she stepped closer, the Companion gently knocked on the door. "Kodlak?"
The Harbinger turned his head from his seat at the table in the corner and smiled. "Ah, Serah! Just the person I needed to see. Please," he indicated the empty seat across from him. Obliging, Serah sat for several moments, watching Kodlak as he scribbled notes onto the parchment he held on the table. After a few moments, Kodlak placed the quill down then finally glanced at his goddaughter. Really taking a look at her, Kodlak admired the beauty she held and the women she grew into. He had noticed that after the quest she completed with Vilkas several weeks ago, she lingered around the city, never venturing too far outsides the limits. The Harbinger could tell that she was disturbed by the information she had gained; Serah had confided in Kodlak the following night since he was the only who knew her father. Farkas also spoke with Kodlak regarding the conversation he and Serah had the day she came home; Kodlak had never expected for her to feel the way he did but, when he thought back on it, the Harbinger could understand her feelings.
"Kodlak?"
Blinking, Kodlak returned to the world and began to speak. "Sorry, my young Serah. I called you down here because I have something I would like for you to do." Grabbing a spare mug of mead, the Harbinger pointed it towards her direction. "Mead?" But she shook her head.
"No thanks on the mead, but anything you need me to do, Kodlak, I'm there."
"Good, that's really good. Well, we received a request from Alvor in Riverwood. Apparently, they've been having issues with bears lately and they wanted a Companion to come and keep an eye on the town for several days. I know you haven't left Whiterun in a while and I thought you might like to take care of something simple such as this, since the town's not too far away."
Serah was quite for a few moments. Kodlak asked to speak with her because…he wanted her to go defend Riverwood from bears? Something seemed off. "Kodlak…are you telling me the whole truth…?" Grasping the bridge of his nose, Kodlak took some time thinking before is cast his eyes to look at Serah and eventually looked towards the door. Looking behind her, the door was still open so she stood and gently closed the doors before resuming her seat.
"You really are too smart, my Serah. You catch on pretty quick; something you've always had a knack for. In essence, Serah, I'm telling you the truth while also lying."
"How so, Kodlak? Why must you lie to tell the truth?"
"No, my dear Serah; I'm not lying to tell the truth." Sighing, Kodlak grabbed the mug and took a swig of the delicious mead. "Serah, have you ever heard of the Dark Brotherhood?"
"The Dark Brotherhood…I've…read about them before but…all I know is that it's a group of utmost secrecy. But of what secrets they hold, that I cannot tell you."
"You are right about the secrecy. They are a group of individuals who dominate as assassins. This group is similar to mercenaries, but they prefer stealth and kill their targets when they least expect it."
Tapping her chin, Kodlak's words weaved into her brain. "Let's see if I can understand what's going on. Alvor was either targeted, or knows someone within Riverwood who has been targeted by the Dark Brotherhood, and reached out to you for help?" Nodding his head, Kodlak smiled at her ability to read through his statements, but that smile soon faded.
"My dear, I'm asking you to take on Alvor's request…though it pains me to do so."
Chuckling, Serah reach forward and grabbed her abandoned mug of mead, emptying nearly half its contents. "Kodlak, is this because of the last mission I did with Vilkas? If you're worried that I'm still upset over what I learned…" She gulped, knowing that half of what she was about to say was a lie. "…I'm fine. Trust me."
"Serah, I'm not saying you're not. I think taking this mission will be good for you – you'll be able to leave the city and go out on an adventure; something you used to love doing." Taking a breath, the Harbinger leaned against the back of his seat and stroked his growing beard. "I'm…not worried about you, Serah…I'm worried for you…Those who mingle in the affairs of the Dark Brotherhood are usually targeted afterwards and I…couldn't live with myself if you ever became one of their targets."
Stunned, Serah didn't know what to say. The words Kodlak had spoken was something Serah had always imagined her own father saying to her if she ever wanted to go off and do something dangerous. But, as turned out, she was never given the chance to grow up with Fenrir by her side. But Kodlak was there and Kodlak had always been there; she loved him as if he were her own father. Settling her hand over his on the table, the young Companion looked into the elder Companions eyes. "Kodlak, I truly appreciate the concern you are bestowing upon me. But, living here as a Companion has taught me one thing – you never back down to help those in need. Alvor and Riverwood need the guidance of the Companions…I can grant them that."
Placing his other hand on top of hers, the aging Harbinger sighed before smiling. "My young Serah…I know you would prefer to not hear what I am about to say but…your parents would be proud."
A shaky breath escaped her lips, but was immediately replaced with the curving of her lips. "You know something Kodlak, I'd like to think they would be." A quick silence fell within the room and Serah pulled back, grabbing for the mead and greedily consuming the remaining liquid which burned down her throat. There was still a part of her that wasn't sure if she wholeheartedly believed Kodlak's statements, but she would like to believe that her parents would be proud of everything she had accomplished.
"Ah, there is one more thing you must know of this Dark Brotherhood. Their targets are always informed before they are assassinated. When the assassins are aware of the individual they are assigned, the members typically…"
"Kodlak? May I please speak with you?"
Turning towards the door, the Harbinger recognized the voice and nodded his head, his loud voice echoing through the front room to his private chambers. "Yes lad, come on in." When Aragon was the one to open the door, Kodlak instructed him to close the door behind him. "How can I help you, Aragon?"
"Kodlak, I just received a letter from my friend Alvor in Riverwood; he helped me after I escaped from the dragon attack in Helgen with his nephew several weeks ago; I believe I've mentioned him to you before. I was questioning whether I could leave Jorrvaskr and go help my friend for a few days?"
Glancing down at Serah, Kodlak looked back up at the newest Companion members and nodded his head. "Hmm, it was Alvor you said? The blacksmith, correct?"
Stammering, Aragon replied, "Y-yes, Alvor is the blacksmith. Why do you ask?"
"Aragon, let me describe the task I have asked Serah to partake in; maybe the two of you can help each other out."
~ oOo ~
"So, let me get this straight, Kodlak is sending both of you on the same mission?"
"Yes."
In the stables on the outside of Whiterun, Serah was straddling her bags onto Star, though she was unsure she'd be gone for too long, she didn't have a clue about what kind of trip this would be. Across from her, Aragon was doing the same as she and once he was done, he stroked the head of the new horse he just bought not too long ago; Farkas was by her side, watching her every move, as if he was memorizing every curve, each contour of her features. Looking over her shoulder, she had a sinking feeling that Farkas wasn't going to be that happy when she relayed the information from Kodlak, but there was nothing he could do; especially since she had agreed to go as well.
"You know I'll be ok, right?"
'I don't doubt that at all, Serah, you know that."
"Yeah, but, you keep looking at me as if I'm not gonna come back."
Scratching his head and turning his gaze away, Farkas couldn't deny her statement. Since the last mission she completed with Vilkas, the elder twin had a sinking feeling in his gut at the thought of Serah entering the world again. And each time he tried to think why, all the Companion could think of was that he didn't want her to come home hurt the way she had. But before he could reply to her statement, Serah was already speaking in his stance.
"Farkas, you do realize I can read your silence even when I'm not looking at you?"
Blowing out the air he had held deep within his chest, Farkas pushed himself off the stable wall and scratched Star's nose. She whinnied in response and he pulled an apple from his pocket, giving the treat to the creature. Looking in his direction, Serah smiled at him and gave one last tug on her bag tied to the saddle. "Look, Serah…after last time, I just don't want you to be heartbroken if you learn something new about your family."
"But what's the chance I will? Last time was a fluke – there's no way I could run into someone else who knew my parents."
"I, well…that's true, just…please be careful." Cupping a hand under her chin, the taller Companion tilted her eyes until they looked into his. "Keep your guard up, and listen to Aragon if he tells you to be careful as well."
"Heh, I knew I liked the way you think, Farkas!" Peering over his horse, Aragon gave the other two Companions a toothy grin.
Chuckling, Farkas replied, "You know, youngling, you better listen to Serah as well. She's more experienced." Giggling, Serah held a hand up to her mouth as Aragon began petting his horse once again.
"Not needed, Farkas. But can do, I know Serah will guide me straight, if needed."
"I have a feeling it will be needed," Serah stated as she giggled again.
"Oh, ha ha, everybody's a critic." Placing his foot in the stirrup, Aragon swung his body over the bulk over his horse and straddled the beast and said "I'll give you a few minutes" before galloping out of the stables. Glancing at Farkas, she too jumped onto the back of Star, but her gaze continued to lean on her friend.
"I guess that's my cue."
"Yeah, I guess it is." Farkas looked away before walking to the side of Star and pulled Serah's hand into his own. Gazing upon the skin, he pulled the delicateness towards his lips and kissed each finger, his lips lingering on the center of her palm; looking up into her face, he noticed a faint, but heated blush covering her cheeks. Grinning, Farkas let go of her hand, in which Serah brought it into her lap, wanting to feel the heat of her hand against her body.
Speechless, the younger Companion was only able to stammer, "Uhh, w-well I-I better…"
Grinning even more, Farkas felt his heart thump within the confines of his chest. "Then go; I'll be here when you get back."
"Promise?"
"I promise, my little Serah." Smiling, Serah nudged her heels into Star and, after rearing on her hind legs, took off into the open distance and was able to catch up with Aragon in a matter of minutes. From his position at the stables, Farkas stood solid for several minutes as he watched the outline of his shield-sister disappear from view before turning and heading back up into Jorrvaskr. He had his own duties too complete and hoped that, by keeping busy, he would be able to pass time quicker than usual in order to see Serah sooner.
~ oOo ~
"So tell me something, Aragon."
"Hmm, and what would that be Serah?"
Briskly walking upon their horses through the woods, Serah and Aragon had left the confines of Whiterun over an hour before, the traces of the city long lost since emerging deep through the forest. Their only guidance was the trail they were following that would then lead them to Riverwood. The trees and wild animals roaming the woods were quiet; they had seen scattered packs of wolves, but none dared to cross the Companions paths. Looking to the side of her new Shield-Brother, Serah was curious to learn more about him. She wanted to know that he would be there for her if ever needed.
"Tell me about yourself, Aragon. You've been a part of the Companions for several weeks now but in that time we've barely been able to talk – just the two of us."
Sitting straighter in his saddle, the dark-haired male looked all over the area, except in his Shield-Sister's direction. Serah could immediately sense his demeanor changed and her eyebrows lifted in question. Several seconds of silence passed before Aragon's voice finally passed through the air. "So…what do you wanna know?"
Looking at her battle companion through the corner of her eye, Serah readjusted Star's reigns within her hands. "Well…where're you from?"
"Uhh…I'm not really sure where exactly…but I was raised in Cyrodiil."
"Really?"
"You seem surprised."
"Mmm, I wouldn't say surprised, more…intrigued. I've never met anyone who had Nord blood but was raised outside the lands of Skyrim. Was it by choice?
Looking away once more, Aragon, pulled the reins closer to his body, signaling his horse to come to a stop. Serah followed the same action, and as she glanced at their surroundings, she noticed they were within a few hundred feet of the bridge that would lead them straight into Riverwood. Qith a questionable expression across her face, she then turned towards Aragon. "Why'd we stop?"
Grinning to himself, the male Companion pulled off his steel helmet and ran a hand through his short, ruffled hair. "I find it unfair that you're able to ask all these questions about me, but I haven't had the chance to ask any of you."
"Oh, well then why didn't you ask?" Aragon simply narrowed his eyes in her direction as Serah blinked her eyes. "Oh…never mind. So," she cleared her throat. "What would you like to ask?"
"Everything."
"Everything?"
"Well, yeah. Seeing as we're now shield-siblings, I wanna know everything I can about my shield-sister too."
"That's what I was thinking. So, what's your first question?"
Grasping his chin, Aragon thought carefully about what exactly he wanted to ask. They had conducted small talk since leaving Whiterun, and he already had some information about who she was since he had joined the Companions several weeks prior. "How did you join the Companions?"
Eyes slightly widening, Serah diverted her gaze as her cheeks flared in embarrassment. Those she grew up with already knew her situation and why she was living within Jorrvaskr. Never before had she met someone who would ask of her beginning; she had never planned a way to answer because there was no need to have one.
"That's…actually a long story but I'll give you the short answer…My father abandoned me when I was only a few summers old."
"A-abandoned?"
"That's right."
Scratching his head, Aragon looked closely at Serah, watching the quick rise and fall of her chest. He knew he had asked something that burned something deep inside her. "Um, I'm sorry if I asked something I shouldn't have."
Shaking her head, Serah smiled in his direction. "Nah, don't worry about it." Looking up into the sky, Serah calculated that there was only a little bit of time left before the sun would sink and the moon would rise. "Listen, we can continue asking each other questions later, but for right now, I think it be wise if we make our way towards Riverwood and find Alvor."
"Alright, sounds like a plan."
Grasping the reins, the pair led their horses through the remainder of their journey. They crossed through dense trees before arriving upon the bridge that would lead them to their destination. They sun was glowing softly, as if paused in the sky to grant the Companions the remainder light of the day. Outside Riverwood, the two warriors slid off their saddles and walked on through the small town, looking for either Alvor or Hardvar as their horses wlaked peacefully beside them. Although the air surrounding them was chilly, the citizens of the town were bustling around; children were playing with each other, a dog ran across the stone pathways, and in the distance, they could see the mill working to slice large sections of bark and wood. Looking around, Serah had only been to Riverwood on several occasions but in that moment, she could sense that something strange lingered in the air and left her feeling uneasy. Aragon, on the other hand, headed straight through the main pathway to the other side of the town. He briskly walked towards his destination and Serah had to kick her speed in order to walk beside him.
"So, you know where you're going?"
"Aye, I do. I told you back in Kodlak's room that Hardvar, Alvor's nephew, saved me from the dragon attack at Helgen?"
"Yes I remember."
"Well, Hardvar left not long after and his uncle let me stay at his home until I felt healed enough to leave. His house is just up ahead."
Looking to her side, Serah glanced at Aragon and, for the first time, noticed a thick, white scar stretching from his temple all the way down to his chin. The scar was profuse enough to induce the idea that it had been a massive gash and the color proved that it had only just healed, if not still healing. How had she never seen that before?
"Aragon?"
Changing his direction in her way, Aragon noticed where her eyes were landing and the Companion laughed. "You wanna know about the scar, don't you?"
"W-well…I don't mean to intrude, it's just…"
"I know, you're not the only one to ask." Placing his hand along the rough tissues, the Companion ran a hand down the length of the scar; torn memories of screams, blood and roars echoed from a not so distant past and, although he had been trying for weeks to shut them out, they continued to crawl back in. But Serah's voice was able to bring him back to the present.
"You got that when you were in Helgen, right?"
Looking straight into her eyes, Aragon nodded; this being the first time he had truly opened up about the dragon attack, though he hadn't even muttered a word. He had started to people who asked whether he was at Helgen or not and would answer, but this time, he was finally releasing information regarding the attack; not just whether he witnessed the event. "It's…it's something that'll remain with me forever." Eyes downcast, Aragon allowed his feet to direct him in the location of an old friend – although he had just met the man several weeks back, he was as close to him as family. From the corner of his eye, Aragon could tell that Serah was about to say something else before his name echoed across the open air.
"'ey, Aragon!"
Lifting his head, the male Companion smiled as he quickened his pace towards the voice. Following his gaze, Serah noticed a man with a long set of hair, thick beard and a leather blacksmith's apron. The man stood from his stool and walked away from his forge straight towards Aragon; when they grew close, both men outstretched their arms, grasped hands, then pulled each other into a hug.
"Alvor, it is good to see you!"
"No, Aragon, tis good to see you my boy!" Pulling the Companion away, the man called Avlor glanced Aragon up and down. "How have you been lad? Has Whiterun been treating you nice?"
"It sure has, Alvor." Glancing back at Serah, who idly stood by both horses, Aragon motioned for her to appear by his side. Walking towards both men, Serah waved her hand as she looked towards Alvor. "Uncle, I would like you to meet Serah."
"Alvor, it is my pleasure to meet you."
With a huge smile, the blacksmith pulled the girl into his arms for a tight bear hug. The gesture immediately reminded the female Companion about her Farkas, and the sudden memory brought a tear to her eyes, but she bashed it away; there were more important matters to attend. Letting the girl, Alvor continued to smile. Besides, she had only been gone for a few hours, if that, how could she possible already miss Farkas that much?
"My, my lad. Never thought you'd head off to Whiterun and bring back your wife when you came to visit."
"My…wife…?" At the same time, both Aragon and Serah turned their heads and bashfully returned their gaze towards Alvor's both shaking their heads with vigor. "Oh no, Alvor, you've got it all wrong! This here is Serah – she's one of the Companions and one of my shield-siblings. Kodlak of the Companions has sent us regarding your request you sent recently."
"Oh, well that's not what I was expecting." The blacksmith quickly looked towards Serah who had raised any eyebrow. "N-nothing against you, ma'am, I've just been hoping this warrior here settles down soon and weds a wife who'll love him."
Next to her, Aragon scoffed at the idea while Serah's cheeks turned pink but she chuckled. "Alvor, you are forgiven."
"But what of you, my lady?"
Tilting her head, she blushed and sighed. "There…is someone special in my life."
Alvor's eyes softened as he looked up the innocent Companion. "Ah, I think I understand. The emotions are there but…it sounds as if neither one of you have said anything to the other?" Serah meekly nodded her head then looked away from the blacksmith. Alvor placed his hand gently on Serah's shoulder and smiled. "I have a feeling that if you keep this special person in your life, something glorious will happen."
Smiling, Serah looked straight into his eyes. "Are all blacksmith's this wise? I know one back in Whiterun who would say the same thing, just with fewer words."
The blacksmith gave a hearty laugh that echoed across the front of his forge. "Ah, it truly is nice to have company again. Come! Let's get inside and discuss why I've requested your assistance."
After ensuring their horses were to be taken well care of, the two Companions and Alvor walked inside his house where they were greeted by his wife and child who treated them with food, drink and beds if necessary. Once their bellies were full of bread and mead, the three looked at one another from across the wooden table; Serah was the first the speak amongst the party.
"We need some clarification, Alvor. Our Harbinger, Kodlak, has told us that your request has something to do with the Dark Brotherhood…" Her voice dropped with the last few words. Alvor nodded his head and he drank more mead from his tankard.
"That would be correct. Though…I don't think anyone in Riverwood is being targeted."
"So then…"
"Wait, hold up now…" Both Serah and Alvor turned towards Aragon, who had been quiet up until this point. "The 'Dark Brotherhood'? Um…who are they?"
Shaking her head, Serah rubbed her temples. "I don't know much about them either. I've read as much as I could on them. Kodlak told me that they're an assassin group who lay low and use stealth to take out their targets."
"So…what would they be doing here?" The male Companion looked at the man who had become a father-uncle figure since the incident at Helgen; the older man shrugged his shoulders as they turned their attention towards Serah.
"It seems…that they're either scouting for a potential target. Or…" Her eyes slightly widened as she tapped her nose in concentration, the thoughts running through her head distracting her from the prominent eyes that were glued to hers. "Their basecamp could roughly be close to Riverwood." Turning her eyes towards Alvor's, she asked, "How long has this been going on? What have you been noticing?"
Taking a deep breath, Alvor smoothed his beard before answering. "It's only been about two, maybe three weeks. Now, as a blacksmith, I can be up before the crack of dawn and hours after the sun has set. But during those times, I've seen…shadows. People moving within the thin line of trees, stalking in the crevices of buildings. Now, these figures are always clothed in black, but there has been one I've seen clothed in a blood red color."
"So they've just been…stalking? Moving around Riverwood?" Aragon asked.
"Aye, that's right."
"How do you know they're from the Dark Brotherhood?"
Taking another swig of mead, Alvor simply said, "I've heard the stories. Whether it's them or not, my focus is to help protect the people living in this town. Can you two help?"
Both Companions turned towards the other and smiled before turning their gazes towards Alvor. "Of course we can."
"We've got you covered, Uncle."
Serah chuckled. "Yeah, I've been meaning to ask you about that…"
~ oOo ~
Night fell upon Riverwood several hours later as both Companions walked around the boundary of the town, speaking of what to do with the situation. Walking around the town for roughly an around, the shield-siblings decided to rest near the river; sitting among a pair of tree stumps, Serah stared into the smooth flowing water as Aragon stretched his legs and leaned back onto his elbows.
His voice broke the silence. "So where do we go from here?" he asked.
"I'm not sure, Aragon. I guess the best thing we can do is stay here for a few days and see what happens. How's that sound?"
Sighing, the male Companion straightened out. "I guess that's the best we can do until something happens. Should we split shifts or something?"
Serah tapped her nose again as Aragon eyed her, his curiosity growing. "We could, or we could do rounds together. We may have to survey the surrounding area as well, if their hideout is near."
"I have a question for you…"
Turning her head, she asked, "A question of what?"
"Your nose."
"My…nose?" Serah giggled. "Why are you so curious about my nose?"
"No, what I mean is…" Groaning, Aragon held his head in his hands. "I'm curious as to why you tap your nose when you think."
"Huh?" Aragon mimicked what she had just done a few moments ago and Serah only smiled. "Ah, I see now. Can't say for sure, Aragon. Trust me, I've asked Farkas about it many times but all he's told me is that it's something I've apparently done as long as I've been in Whiterun."
"Wait." Aragon blinked several times before shaking his head. "You weren't born in Whiterun?" She shook her head. "Then…where are you from?"
"Umm, I honestly cannot give you an answer; I don't know where I was born. Do you remember the question you asked me before Alvor greeted us?"
"The one about how you joined the Companions?"
She nodded. "You ready to finally have your answer?"
"Only if you're comfortable telling me; I don't want to force you."
"You're fine, but I'm gonna give you the short version." Taking a deep breath, Serah pulled her long hair over one shoulder and began to slowly braid her long, dark locks; reaching the end, she let her hair fall as the strands gradually released from the confines of the braid. "As a young girl, it was just me and my father; from what he told me, my mother died giving birth to me. From the moment I was born, we lived in cave after cave…"
"So that's why the mission a few weeks ago you were scared of going into a cave."
"That's right. It's not that I'm scared of caves, more like…it brings back memories of solely living within them that makes it terrifying."
"Why were you living in caves?" But Serah only shrugged her shoulders, unable to provide an honest answer.
"I have no idea; I was…four summers old, so my memory is fuzzy in certain places. But when we eventually traveled to Whiterun where my father left me in the care of the Companions, mainly Kodlak. From that moment on, I lived within the halls of Jorrvaskr and grew up with the Companions all around me since then."
Not knowing what to say, Aragon looked into the movement of the river, his mind connecting the dots between everything he has seen since the day he first requested to join the notable group of warriors and comrades. "You love your family, don't you?"
"Of course I do. There are some individuals who drive me insane, but I wouldn't trade any of them for the world."
"And you love Farkas in more ways then you're letting on."
"Of course I love Farkas, he's…" Upon realizing where his statement had led her, Serah slowly turned her head to see a grinning Aragon. She let out a slow breath before slamming her clenched hand into his shoulder. "Oh, you…you…!"
"You've already, technically, admitted the truth, Serah, you might as well come clean."
Blushing, she said in a soft voice, "Fine." Taking a deep breath, she finally admitted out loud, but in a very small voice, "I love Farkas." When a bright smiled graced her face, she said even louder, "I love Farkas the Companion of Whiterun!"
Chuckling to himself, Aragon asked, "Now, how does that feel?"
Chuckling herself, Serah blushed, the head from her cheeks spreading across her entire body. "Amazing! But, Aragon," she stretched out her arms and grasped his. "Please, please don't tell Farkas; he mustn't know!"
Gently placing a hand over hers, Aragon looked deep into her eyes to see a hidden trace of fear. "And why not? How do you think you'd feel if he knew?"
Shaking her head, Serah tried her hardest not to shed a tear that was on the verge of escaping. "I…I don't know. But Aragon…? What if…" Damn tears! You betrayed me! she though as several salty droplets fell from her lashes. "Aragon what if Farkas does not return the same feelings I have? What if I say something that ruins the history we have? Our companionship? Our friendship?!"
Sighing, Aragon pulled the trembling girl into his arms who was trying her hardest not to shed anymore tears. "Shhh, Serah it's going to be ok. Listen to me; we have two possible outcomes you can consider. Option one: you could continue to keep your feelings deep within your heart and never tell Farkas the truth. Option two: you could tell Farkas that you love him and, who knows, what if he returned the same love? Now which option sounds better?"
A few moments of silence passed before Serah mumbled, "Option two…"
"Ok, now look at it this way. You're stating that the best option is for you Serah mumbled, "Option two…"
"Ok, now look at it this way. You're stating that the best option is for you explain the feelings you have for Farkas…what're you going to do about it?"
Pulling away from the comfort of his arms, Serah wiped any remaining water droplets from her face. "I've…I've never done anything like this before. It's frightening."
"Serah, let me tell you from experience. If you don't tell Farkas the truth, there could come a point in time where something happens to him and you'll never have the chance to tell him the truth."
With widening eyes, Serah turned towards her shield-brother, understanding etched across her face as his meaning seeped into her memory. "Aragon, don't tell me…"
"Her name was Jenelle, and she was the most beautiful woman I had ever known. We grew up together as kids in Cyrodiil but, before I knew it, her father had married her off to a merchant who planned to move to Solitude. But before they could leave, Jenelle succumbed to disease and died right before they were to leave. I…I never once told her I loved her and wanted to marry her."
"Oh, Aragon…" This time, she reached out a comforting hand, there hands joining as one in understanding of a similar pain.
"Serah, I appreciate your concern. It's been nearly ten years; I've had my time to grieve. But my point is Serah, do you want to end up with an outcome like mine? Or do you want to have the chance to be held within Farkas' arms, knowing he loves you back?"
Before given the chance to answer, Serah swiveled her head around in the opposite direction. Pulling away from Aragon, the female Companion stood to her feet, eyes scanning the surrounding area. Something felt off, and as she reached for a sword attached to her hip, an arrow grazed her cheek and sheathed itself in the tree twenty feet from her current spot. A hand immediately landed on her face to feel a small trail of blood trailing down her skin. The cut was thin and wouldn't leave any serious damage, but Serah's heart beat erratically nonetheless. Standing to his feet as well, Aragon's eyes focused on the location the arrow was roughly driven from. Within the shrubbery, a shadow gracefully moved and Aragon barely noticed, but was still able to catch with his eyesight.
Following his direction, Serah immediately found what Aragon was looking at and, before she knew it, her feet were already racing towards the direction of the invisible shadow. Aragon cursed under his breath but ran after his shield-sister; weapon drawn, his bow was at the ready to strike if necessary. With both sets of eyes on the moving target, Serah and Aragon realized that they were being led out of town and away from the sleeping citizens of Riverwood. Minutes passed as both Companions forced their legs forward to continue in following the menace at hand. Looking to her left, Serah nudged Aragon with her elbow and as he looked at her, she tilted her head in the direction of a rocky ledge. Turning towards the small hill, Serah pounded her way up until she was nearly side-by-side with the clocked figure. Taking a deep breath, Serah burst forth with any remaining speed she had within her thighs, jumped off the rocky outcrop, and tumbled onto the figure.
Tumbling to their sides, Serah continue to roll as the figure quickly stood to move on until the person screamed and fell back to the ground, their clothed hand grasping the steel arrow protruding from the back of their calf. Lowering his bow, Aragon immediately went towards Serah and helped her to her feet. Both took a position in front the figure, the clothed persona gradually stood, leaning heavily on one leg before turning its head towards both Companions.
"Well, isn't this interesting," a young, male voice echoed within their hearing vicinity.
Cursing that she left her greatsword back at Alvor's house, Serah pulled both short swords from her sides, prepared to attack. "Answer our questions, and we will let you go."
The male figure scoffed. "Ha! You let me go? How adorable! I think it should be the other way around, dove."
Taking a step forward, Serah gripped the handle of both swords tightly. "What did you just say?"
Following her lead, the figure, ever-so-slowly, took a few steps towards Serah. "You heard me. What makes you think I'll answer your questions?"
Schwoop!
"Ow! God dammit!' Grasping his now bleeding arm, the figure was now penetrated by one arrow in the calf and one in his forearm. "What the hell, you bastard?"
"Don't take us so lightly. Answer the lady's questions and we'll let you go."
"Why have you been doing sneaking around Riverwood for the last few weeks? What is your purpose?"
"Ha, if you think I'm gonna give you an answer for that." Behind him, Aragon docked another arrow and the male turned towards the Companion. "Seriously? You'll just keep shooting me if I don't answer?"
Smirking, Aragon said, as he pointed the arrow towards the male's face, "Sure. Then, at least, we'll have fixed the problem."
Groaning, the clothed figure rubbed his face and produced an audible sigh. "Damn, what a sticky situation I'm in." Reaching into a small bag attached at his hip, the male pulled a small, grey ball out and held it within his hands. Watching him, Serah had a vague idea what he was about to do. "Wait! I know what you're about to do. If you're planning to escape, I don't care, but promise me this."
"Anything, dove."
Pulling the arrow harder against the bow strings, Aragon loudly protested. "Watch it! You don't talk to Serah of the Companions in that manner!"
"Oh," turning his head, the clothed figure gazed upon Serah as his voice softened. "How interesting…Serah of the Companions, was it?"
"That's right. Now leave the people of Riverwood alone! They've done nothing to harm you, or whatever group you associate yourself with!"
"And…if I, or my group, refuses?" The man was smirking behind his lips, that much Serah could see, but it didn't change the resolve she felt growing within the depths of her stomach.
"Then you'll answer to me, and all the other Companions of Whiterun."
"Oh-ho! Is that so? Mmm, I'm delighted to be surrounded by those who call themselves the 'Companions'! This truly is my lucky day!" Grasping the ball firmer within his hand, the male held up his other as a salute towards his forehead. "No matter, I'll stay away from Riverwood as will every one of my associates." Blinking his eyes, he narrowed them in Serah's direction and a sudden, murderous chill poured through her veins and froze her muscles. An intense swelling of fear encompassed her entire being and there was nothing she could do to stop it. "Doesn't matter, I've come for everything I needed. Ta-ta, my lovely Companions."
Throwing the round object to the ground, the surrounding air was suddenly overrun by a thick, gray mist of smoke. Coughing and holding her breath, Serah dashed towards Aragon and pulled him away from the mist. Immediately, she knew that it wasn't poison filled smoke which meant they were not hurt. But as the wind suddenly drifted across their skin and blew the grey clouds away, Serah and Aragon noticed that the figure had all but disappeared. Sighing, the female Companion ran a hand over her forehead. She was still shaking from a few moments ago and had no idea what had happened. All she had done was look into his eyes but that seemed to do the trick. Shaking her limbs, Serah forced her mind to clear of such frivolous thoughts and turn towards her shield-brother.
"Aragon, are you alright?"
Sighing, Aragon stowed away the docked arrow and placed the bow upon his back. Looking at Serah, he provided a soft smile and shrugged his shoulders. "Yeah, I'm alright. But yourself? I saw the way you looked before he left, and you're shaking now."
Turning away, she answered, "I don't know. Something weird happened when he looked me straight in my eyes. I was just...overcome with fear and this sense of fear and…death." Looking into his eyes, she added, "I can't really explain it."
"No, I think I understand, and sometimes we can't fully explain what we feel. But you're better now, right?" She nodded. "Good. Let's get inside and tell Alvor what's happened."
"Sounds like a plan."
Walking inside, the Companions found Alvor slowly drinking some Nord Mead as he finished a large sweet roll. Upon hearing the door opening, Alvor looked in their direction and nodded. Taking a seat at the table, the two looked at Alvor and the blacksmith immediately knew they had something to say. "You both alright?"
"I think," Serah looked at Aragon before he nodded. "I think we ran into the individual you've been seeing around here, Alvor."
Nearly choking on his mead, the blacksmith dabbed a cloth against his beard, soaking away any spilt mead. "So you found him?" They both nodded. "…should I ask what happened?" Aragon spent the next few minutes relaying exactly what had occurred from the moment Serah sensed the clothed figure to when he disappeared. By the end of the tale, Alvor's face had relxed enough, but the male Companion could tell that something was still weighing on his mind. "How do we know that this person will stay away from Riverwood?"
Shrugging her shoulders, Serah gulped down the remaining mead from her tankard. "That's the thing; we just don't know. We can only guess that our threat of calling all the Companions would scare him off. We're using that as our leverage for now."
Alvor nodded in agreement. "I understand. I think from everything you've me, that's the best plan we have. So, what're you two gonna do?"
Glancing at his partner at his side, Aragon answered, "We spent some time talking about it. For now, I'm heading back to Whiterun to explain to Kodlak what has happened. Serah is going to stay another day or so to see if anything has changed."
"Sounds perfect to me! Serah, Aragon, I can't thank you enough for what you've done. I know it was only a precaution, but even the dragon attack at Helgen wasn't expected; you never know what could happen."
"Sometimes it's better to be cautious then not."
Smiling, the blacksmith grabbed his tankard and raised it in the air. "I gotta hand it to you Aragon, you've turned into an even finer young man than when I met you. And Serah, I know that if I ever need to call on the Companions again, I can count on you. Now there are two beds ready, I think you both need some sleep."
The next morning, Aragon parted once the sun had risen over the mountains and as Serah watched his horse walk off into the distance, the female decided that she wanted to take a walk to clear some air around her. Informing Alvor of where she would be going, the Companion took only her bow and a short sword. Walking towards the tree stumps she and Aragon were seated the previous night, Serah sat down and contemplated what the two had discussed. She knew her shield-brother was right; not only did Farkas deserve to know her true feelings, but she deserves to tell him the true. Who knows, maybe Vilkas and Aragon were telling the truth; they couldn't both be lying that Farkas was in love with her.
Why would they?
Vilkas and Farkas were twin brothers who told each other everything. There wasn't anything that neither kept from the other. And Aragon had been going on a lot of missions with Farkas, maybe they had spoken on the matter? Also, Aragon was still new to the Companions and a fresh face to their daily lives. Maybe he could see something between Farkas and herself that she wasn't seeing.
Sighing, Serah stood to her feet and slowly began walking around. Her mind, and heart, were racing with different feelings, words and scenarios she wanted to tell Farkas. She tried to think of certain ways to say:
Farkas, I love you.
I love you, Farkas.
Farkas, there's something I've been meaning to tell you.
Dammit, I love you!
"No!" Walking towards the river, Serah knelt down and waded her fingers within the crisp, clear water. The sensation cooled the heated temperature of her skin and she released a sigh into the breath of the wind. "That's not…that's not a good way to tell him." Looking up, she whispered, "Should I even tell him with words…?" Standing, Serah rubbed her burning cheeks with the coolness from the water on her fingertips and looked at her surroundings until her head froze on the tree trunk on the other side of the embankment she was on. Upon looking closer as she walked words the tree, Serah realized that the arrow that narrowly splintered her head was still jammed into the trunk of the tree.
Tracing the cut along her cheek, Serah graced her fingers over the Hagraven feathers lining the end of the arrow, Serah grasped the wood and pulled the damn thing out. Glancing at the tip, she noticed that the arrowhead was short, sharpened to a tee and black as the night. The color is an advantage to their stealth, Serah thought. If they always move with the cover of darkness, a black arrow means their victim can't see where the attack is coming from. Stowing the arrow in her quiver, Serah wanted to keep the "memento" just in case she were to ever exchange words with another member from the Dark Brotherhood. If that's the group they associate with, that is.
Turning around, the Companion positioned herself in the spot where the arrow contact the tree and angled herself to glance in the direction the arrow most likely derived from. Glancing up into the sky, Serah realized that the arrow was shot from a higher distance behind the south entrance into the town. Swiftly moving, Serah pounded across the grass and through the town. Exiting through the south gate, the Companion crawled up the small mountain ledge and found a lower outcrop the was concealed by a tree that had fallen some time ago. Jumping over the moss-covered tree trunk, the Companion was not surprised to see footprints, other than her own, in the mud-covered ground. Looking to the other side, she was surprised to find a quiver full of the same arrows that had attacked her, but the bow was missing. Quickly, Serah took the quiver and attached it to the one already on her back. Whoever the clothed figure was, she didn't want to come back looking for their missing weapons. The best thing to do was to drive the figure away from the people of Riverwood.
Though, thinking back to what the clothed figure has said the night before, Serah could tell that the person was telling the truth; she couldn't explain it, but she just knew that they would not return to Riverwood. Standing, Serah felt a relief that the citizens of Riverwood were safe, despite the fact that it seemed they were in no immediate danger. But then…why was he here in the first place? What was the point? Before he left, the figure had said…that he 'found what he was looking for'? What in the hell is going on?
As the Companion stood, she adjusted the new quiver among her back before turning to face the small town of Riverwood. Smiling, she placed one hand on the tree trunk to step over when she froze in her place. Out of nowhere, an arrow glided in her directed and penetrated the wood of the trunk mere centimeters away from her hand. With the breath caught in her throat, Serah all but froze and it took a few moments before she was able to breath regularly and move her eyes towards the assumed location she was being attacked from. She had a vague idea of who it was, but her eyes deceived her for she could see nothing. Taking a deep breath, the Companion bravely removed the arrow from the trunk, only to realize that there was a note latched through the wood of the instrument. Careful not to damage the paper, Serah pulled the note off and unfolded the material. As she scanned the document, her eyes widened and her heart beat erratically. In the center of the page, there was a large, black handprint with one phrase at the bottom of the page:
WE KNOW
~ oOo ~
Oh my! TWO chapters within one month? Damn I'm awesome! I just wanted to give a shout out to all those who have read and reviewed my story. It truly does mean a lot to me knowing that people are really liking Serah and her story.
Insane-As-The-Mind: Your review made me laugh so hard I had tears in my eyes! I hope this was a good chapter that you were looking for!
Dez10d2Rite: Thank you! Trust me, there will be more and we haven't even reached the highpoint of my plot!
Le Pleiades: Well here's the next chapter for you! Was it what you were expecting?
Thank you everyone!
Chocobocolina :3
