Chapter 9:
The New Identity Revealed
Tada, I'm back! Did anyone miss me? I hope everyone had a fantastic Holiday and a safe New Year's! I know mine was pretty good! Did just want to say that this feels more like a filler chapter, though there were some key points that I want to hit. Also, this didn't come out the way I was hoping and I've worked hard to try and change it. But it'll get better, trust me. Well here is the next chapter – enjoy!
Disclaimer: I still don't own the rights to Skyrim…or Farkas for that matter. So sad.
~ oOo ~
Standing amongst the vacancy of the forest, Serah stood still as a prey being hunted by a dragon. She knew naught of how much time had passed. Gripped within her clenched fist was the now crumpled piece of parchment, retrieved from the arrow that had been aimed straight towards her. The Companion had immediately chased the possible perpetrator to uncover some answers, but the longer she ran, the more Serah knew that she would never find the person who used their bow to communicate with her. Now, after running for what seemed to be an eternity, the female Companion stood near the edge of the lake where it closed off into a river format towards Riverwood. Looking off into the distance, she clenched her fist even tighter before glancing at it one more time, folding it and placing it into the small pack attached to her hip.
Kneeling, Serah cupped her hand full of water and splashed the cool liquid upon her face, rubbing her fingers against the skin, soothing her worries and washing away her fears. At least she tried to do so; as soon as she stood, she swayed. A sudden tightness within her chest had her practically knelling on the ground once more as tears welled within her eyes. Knees on the ground, Serah remained in the same position for several moments, attempting to catch her breath and allow the gentle breeze within the air to cool her skin. She felt as if she was burning, and she had no idea why. The note, along with the encounter the night before left Serah in a daze about what was happening. She had a sinking feeling within the pit of her stomach and she couldn't shake off the sudden onslaught that something was going to occur. But exactly what that was, she had no idea.
Taking several deep breaths, Serah stood to her feet, swaying her head from side to side and rubbing her eyes to dissuade the tears that were threatening to fall. Tightly gripping the hilt of the sword at her hip, Serah trekked back to Riverwood where she was met by the smile of Alvor at the gate. Arms crossed, the man had a smile on his face the moment he saw her.
"You were gone for some time, Serah. Everything alright?
She chuckled. Though she had just met him yesterday, Serah could now see why Aragon was so fond of the older man; he had such a gentle nature and his expressed concern and kindness for all those around him. Running a hand down her face, she answered, "Yes, Alvor, I appreciate your concern. I was just taking a walk after noticing that everything is back to normal."
"So…no more of the black shadow? No…Dark Brotherhood?" he whispered. She shook her head and the blacksmith let out a hearty laugh as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and led the distressed girl home. "I truly appreciate all that you've done for me, lass. You should be proud to be a Companion."
"Oh, I am, Alvor. Being a Companions isn't just my life…they are my family."
"Aye, I can see that too, lass." They were now standing by his forge as the blacksmith began pounding away at the same project he had been working on the day before. "I can tell the way you speak with Aragon that he is already considered family."
Leaning against the railing, Serah looked off into the distance and her eyes coincidentally found the spot where she and Aragon spoke last night. A small smile formed on her lips as she remembered their conversation and her heart fluttered at the thought of what she wanted to do next. With her eye still averted, Serah replied, "That he is, my friend. We may not have had many chances to talk since he has joined our ranks, but he is my shield-brother and I trust him with my life."
"That makes my heart swell, lass. Though the boy is not my own flesh and blood, I, too, consider him to be family."
The Companion and the blacksmith stood out in the forge for some time, each talking and relishing in the other's company. Soon the sun was relating that it was almost midday, and Serah decided that it was time to take her leave. She fetched the small number of belongings she had stored in Alvor's house, braced the blacksmith in a hug, and said goodbye to her new friends. Mounting Star, Serah urged her horse to walk until Riverwood was out of sight, and when she could no longer see the small town, the Companion urged her friend to race through the forest, a sudden longing within her burst, and she had a sudden desire to head straight home. It still some time before the welcoming walls of Whiterun was within her sight, but Serah eventually left Star at the stables, kissing her friend goodbye for now, before heading through the thick front gates of the city.
But as she approached the front gates, the wind picked up and blew gently against her face; Serah squinted her eyes and realized there was something amiss in the air. Sniffing the air around her, the Companion was instantly filled with the scent of fading smoke. Looking across the plains of the hold, Serah's eyes landed on the Western Watchtower to witness the stone structure engulfed in greying smolder and dying flames. Her eyes widened and she was about to take her first step in the direction to assist, but one of the guards gently grabbed her shoulder to stop her. "Easy Companion, the flames stopped burning an hour ago; the injured are being healed and the dead…"
"Dead?" Her eyes sought the guard's through his steel helmet and he nodded.
"There were few, yes."
"Oh my…" She dropped her eyes to the ground for a few seconds before looking back up at the guard. But her eyes asked the question she was seeking.
"It was a dragon attack, Companion."
"A…WHAT?!"
"You heard me, Companion. We didn't believe it either, until we saw the beast with our own eyes."
"I saw it too!" The other guard joined in to the conversation. "It flew right over the city! I would have gone off to the tower myself, if…"
Serah rolled her eyes but laughed on the inside, having heard this story possibly a thousand times. "I know…You used to be adventurer, until you took an arrow to the knee." Taking one last glance upon the tower, she prayed for those who passed onto Sovngarde before pulling the thick gates open and stepping inside towards home.
As she walked through the town, Serah's hand found its way towards the pouch at her hip, fingers tightening around the leather hold; the note was still inside and her thoughts raced against what she should make of the situation. Was it a joke? Was it meant to scare her because of what she and Aragon had done the night before? Or was it an actual threat? These and many more questions poured through Serah's mind that she didn't even notice she had already made her way back to Jorrvaskr until she heard the rough clang of steel against armor. The sound alone had Serah physically shaking her head, awakening from her sleepless state.
In the training grounds behind the Companion building, Serah noticed that Vilkas and Aragon were sparring, with Farkas sitting amongst the tables, chewing on a small loaf of bread. For a few brief seconds, Serah's heart burst with speed as it beat faster the longer she gazed at Farkas. But the moment he turned in direction and saw her standing there, his arm in the air waving her over, the darkness crept through her muscles and she suddenly felt afraid. But afraid for herself or for Farkas, she could not tell. Walking towards her shield-brother, Serah watched her other shield-brothers as they lunged at each other, both avoiding attacks while manipulating their own.
Taking a seat next to the larger twin, Serah grabbed his bottle of mead and downed the rest of the liquid within a matter of seconds. Farkas watched from the corner of his eye and provided his unique smirk that sent chills and heat radiating down towards her core. "Something on your mind, Serah? You just got back and you're already downing my mead."
Shaking her head, she, as gently as possible, placed the bottle back onto the table and stared at the two Companions whose movements were slowing down. "Nah, just tired. I didn't sleep well last night." As the last word fell off her lips, she felt Farkas cup the cheek that had been scratched last night from the shadow's arrow. She had cleaned the blood when they retired for the night and realized that the mark was deeper than she thought. She knew it would possibly leave a small scar, but she didn't mind.
"Aragon did say you had a battle wound. Does it hurt much?" As she turned to look at the man, Serah could see the playfulness within his eyes.
"Like you wouldn't believe. It was so painful last night, Farkas." She giggled, and for a moment, the Companion felt a piece rest within her soul; but the moment she began to take comfort in its grace, the fear began to slip back in and the smile fell from her lips. Farkas dropped his hand towards hers and squeezed, wanting her attention to focus on him.
"Serah, somethings amidst within your eyes, I can tell. What happened in Riverwood?"
Shaking her head, Serah only replied, "I just need some sleep, Farkas. I'm gonna go rest and then we'll talk." Without looking in his direction, she stood from her seat and overlooked the stares from Aragon and Vilkas, their battle long forgotten as they stared at the back of the women who had suddenly become withdrawn and melancholy. But with each step that led her to the doors of Jorrvaskr, Serah's vision blurred and her heart fluttered deep within her chest, but it wasn't a welcoming sensation. Placing a hand along her head, she could feel a cold sweat amongst her skin; she was suddenly clammy and the air in which she tried to breath would not satisfy the hunger her lungs craved. As she reached the first step leading up to the wooden doors, she could feel her body pulse, and everything around her swayed. There were voices in the background, but what they were saying was disrupted within her ears.
The sensation of falling was the experience she suffered from next; her legs grew weak, her vision dark as night. Her legs toppled to the ground next before the rest of her body followed suit. Her head slammed into something stiff, but as her vision faded into utter darkness, her hearing was able to translate one last word before she completely succumbed to the darkness.
"SERAH!"
~ oOo ~
Eyes blinking, head slightly churning, Serah was gradually being released from the unwanted slumber she'd been forced into. All around her she could hear noises and the blissful sound of nothingness, all at the same time. Her head turned from one side to the other, knowing that there was another presence in the room. Her body and mind were beginning to wake, but her eyes refused to fully open. Seconds turned into minutes, and minutes eventually passed, but Serah had no idea how long she had been anticipating to awaken her eyes and understand the reality of the situation. Taking a deep breath, the Companion forced her eyelids to move; she opened her eyes and at first everything within her vision was still dark. It took some time before her vision adjusted and she was able to piece together where she was. Turning her head slowly, she was able to look across the room to see Farkas sitting at the small table near his homemade bar. The moment she lifted her eyes, his found hers and Farkas nearly dropped his tankard of mead onto the wooden floor.
"Serah!" Standing to his feet, Farkas made his way over to his bed and sat along the side, his hand immediately cupping her cheek and feeling the skin along her forehead. A small smile found its way among his face before a sigh fell from his lips. "My little Serah, how're you feeling?"
Groaning, the Companion felt the side of her head that had fallen onto the stone floor; the right temple was sore to the touch and wrapped in a thick bandage. Looking back up at Farkas, she attempted to smile but winced and closed her eyes. Another groan left her mouth and Farkas reached across to the nightstand and grabbed the tankard of water he had since brought her down to his room. "Here, let me help you up." Taking his hand, Serah pulled with the strength that she had as Farkas wrapped an arm around her back to assist. Once she was in a sitting position, she pushed herself to lean against the headboard. Bringing the water to her lips, she greedily drank the cool liquid quickly enough where several drops leaked onto her chest cloth. Pulling the tankard back, Serah glanced down to see water droplets across her chest as she looked up into Farkas' face; his cheeks were burning with a heat she had seen on several occasions. She could see as his eyes darted between hers and the chest cloth covering her breasts.
"Uhh, Farkas?"
"Yes, S-Serah?"
"What…actually happened? Why am I not wearing my shirt?"
Chuckling, the male Companion took the water and placed it back on the nightstand. "Do you remember anything?" She slowly shook her head, careful to not cause more of a dull ache than she already had. "You had just come back from your job in Riverwood and claimed you were tired and wanted to get some rest. Before you could even open the door you…" Looking to her temple, the tougher twin gently toughed the injury she had sustained. "You had suddenly fainted and your head slammed into the edge of the table and you wouldn't wake up."
Placing her fingers over his, Serah looked into the silver-blue eyes of the man she loved before asking, "I wouldn't wake up?"
He shook his head. "No. Vilkas helped me bring you in here and we bandaged your head as best as we could. The injury you sustained isn't deep, Aragon assumes that your head may hurt some time from your fall than the actual injury."
"Well, that doesn't seem so bad then. How long have I been asleep?"
"Awhile,"
"Awhile? Farkas, how long is awhile?"
Scratching his head, he replied, "Let's just say, you came back early into the afternoon and it is now late into the night."
"That long?!" Farkas nodded his head. Sighing, Serah tried to touch her head again before Farkas quickly grasped her hand.
"It's probably best to not touch it. You'll just hurt it more."
"My, aren't you the sweet one, Farkas."
"I've always been the sweet one!"
"I wouldn't be so sure of that, brother."
Turning towards the door, both Farkas and Serah noticed Vilkas leaning against the doorframe. Farkas jumped towards the door and clasped his hand onto his brother's shoulder, muttering a few words in his ear. Vilkas walked towards the other Companion and pulled an empty chair to the side of the bed. "So, how you feeling Serah? You were out for quite some time."
"So I was told." She chuckled softly then abruptly stopped as the pain increased within her skull. Farkas stood by the door as the two spoke about her job in Riverwood. At the mention of the small lumber town, Aragon joined in and talked amongst the other Companions and soon, all three were joined in on the same conversation. As they spoke, Farkas stood near the door, his eyes only set on Serah as she smiled and cringed as Aragon retold of their 'grandest adventure in Riverwood'. She giggled as Aragon deepened his voice to match that of the Dark Brotherhood member that had been stalking the town. Though his brother and the new Companion had not been in his room for long, the more muscular twin ushered them out, stating that Serah would heal quicker once she had more sleep. They argued, but Vilkas saw the intense look Farkas was trying to send him, and the smaller twin politely obliged, dragging along a not-so-agreeable Aragon up to the dining hall. Once alone, Farkas turned towards Serah to find her staring off into space; her face in the direction of the bar, but her eyes so adrift that he could not tell what she was trying to find.
"Serah?"
Nothing. The female Companion did not turn her head, nor did she even raise an eyebrow at her name. He called her again, and then a third time. She finally noticed Farkas as he pulled an empty chair to the side of the bed and cupped her face within his palms. "Serah?" he said one more time.
"Oh, Farkas. I didn't even see you pull up a chair."
"You didn't? She shook her head. "I was calling your name but you haven't heard a word. Something's on your mind, I know there is."
Sighing, Serah gently touched the side of her head, ignoring Farkas' attempts of dropping her hand. She didn't remember the fall, but she did remember what was plaguing her mind at the time: WE KNOW. Those words were so vivid, so strong, that she couldn't escape the unforeseen reality that something was to come. But what that something was, the Companion could not tell. She was scared; and despite the fact that it had only been one day since she had received the mysterious note, she had no idea what she meant. All she knew was that it probably meant no good. Looking up into his questioning eyes, Serah wanted to tell Farkas everything, but there was something deep within her mind that wanted her to keep this information all to herself.
Farkas, on the other hand, had other motives.
Taking her hand and rubbing small circles with his thumb, Farkas used his other hand to gently tip Serah's chin so her eyes were looking directly into his. "Tell me, Serah. What is plaguing your mind…?"
Sighing, she caved, knowing that she could never withhold any information away from Farkas. He was the sole person she could turn to for whatever reason she needed; if she couldn't turn to him for this, who could she turn to? "Farkas…is my bag in here?"
"Your bag? Uh…yeah, it's over here." Standing, Farkas retrieved the satchel from on top of the handmade bar and resumed seating next to the bed. Placing the bag onto his knees, Serah dove her hands inside and retrieved the folded from the inside. Holding within her hands, Farkas placed the bag onto the floor as Serah unfolded the parchment. Slightly shaking, the Companion turned the parchment towards Farkas whose eyes widened, then squinted as he took the note from her delicate hands. Looking at the simplified, yet incomprehensible message, Farkas looked up at Serah who had several tears on the edge of her lashes. Dropping the parchment onto the bed, Farkas scooted onto the bed and pulled his longtime friend close to his chest; his fingers kneading her knotted back as her hands grabbed fistfuls of his tunic.
"Serah…what is this…?"
Pulling away, the female Companion spent several moments explaining to Farkas how she received the note and the questions that had been running through her mind. Her tears never fell, but that did little to stop her hands from shaking. Farkas noticed this, but decided not to acknowledge it; something was on her mind, and he needed her to say it first without him probing. "As I was searching the surrounding area outside of Riverwood this morning, I think I discovered the place where the assailant stood and strung his bow on me, giving me this," she pointed to the tiny scabbed over, but still deep enough, cut on her cheek. "When I was looking around, I found a half-full quiver, but the bow was missing. I kept looking around to see what else I could find, but as I was searching, an arrow was shot in my direction and landed on the log – with this pierced through it. I have…no idea what it means."
Starring at the parchment some more, Farkas sighed as he ran a rough hand through his still-growing hair. "To be honest Serah, I've never seen anything like this either. I've heard stories of the Dark Brotherhood, but you're the only person I know whose gotten that close to them."
"This just…it scares me Farkas. I…I can't explain why but something is stirring deep within me and it's frightening."
"No, no my Serah, there is no reason to be scared." Abandoning the paper once more as it fell to the floor, Farkas grasped her shoulder and pulled her in close; the female could feel his heated, musky breath against her skin ad all her fears suddenly melted away as pleasure began to course through her veins. No matter what their discussions were, whenever she was within his arms, Serah always felt safe when Farkas held her close to his chest; this was no exception. "I know it must be terrifying, but you've got me. I'm here, Vilkas, Aragon, and the rest of the Companions. I promise, nothing is going to happen to you." Pulling the fragile female away, Farkas gently grasped her chin as they each stared into the other's eyes. "I would never let anything happen to you," he stated, his voice quiet, but firm and sturdy.
A smile grew on her lips as Serah nodded; she leaned her head into his chest and simply laid there. Her breathing was slowing down, and Farkas looked down into her face to see that her eyes were closed. "Serah?" he said softly. "Are you falling asleep?" She nodded. "Then let's get you into bed."
"No…"
"No? But you'll be comfy and warm in my bed."
She shook her head; the exhaustion from the day settling her down. "My bed is bigger…" Eyes widening, Farkas had to immediately think drastic thoughts before a bugle could form in his trousers.
"Alright, give me sec." Standing, Farkas grasped Serah under her legs and held her curled body against his own as he made his way to her room; which was only a mere several feet away. Once inside, he laid the precious female down onto the bed and covered her in several fur blankets. But just as several weeks ago, her hand shot out and grasped his, gently tugging in her direction. Serah's sleepy and glossed over eyes peered up at him and he could only offer a gently smirk. Removing his boots, the male Companion shut her door ad crawled into bed; Serah quickly scooted in his direction and was curled into the frame of his body within seconds. Growling internally, Farkas was growing confused; he loved the thought that he was currently holding her body against his own, but what were they, in doing so? The gesture muddled Farkas, but in the moment, he was not one to complain. He would do anything to ensure Serah felt comfortable and safe, and in that moment, she needed him to simply hold her.
And that's just what he did through the rest of the night.
~ oOo ~
With his eyes suddenly opening, Farkas glanced around the room; blinking his eyes, both to release the sleep from them and to remember just where he was, the Companion realized after several moments that he had fallen asleep in Serah's bed once more. Glancing down at the female within his arms, Farkas' heart couldn't help but skip several beats at the sight before him. How many times had he dreamt of this? Waking up with Serah in his arms every morning? Leaning down, the Companion kissed the softness of her hair and swiftly traveled down to her temple, as he left one last kiss against her skin before he untangled his limbs and slowly stood to his feet and left the room. Once the door was closed, Farkas turned around and instantly stumbled backwards, narrowly missing the door he just shut.
Vilkas stood before him with raised eye brows and a wicked grin plastered on his face. "Hmm, looks like you enjoyed your evening, eh, brother?" Vilkas couldn't help but smirk as Farkas pushed his brother aside and entered his room.
"Oh hush, brother."
Closing the door behind him, Vilkas looked at the stronger twin who stood behind the bar counter, elbows leaned against the wood, head in his hands. "You seem distraught."
Shaking his head, Farkas did not want to bother his brother with the information he received from Serah the night before. He wanted to tell Vilkas everything in order to keep him in the loop in case something was to happen to Serah, but he felt that if she wanted him to know, she would tell him directly. "Just a long night, Vilkas. I barely slept."
Chuckling, the shorter twin looked upon his brother with amusement sparkled in his eyes. "You do realize that I saw you come out of Serah's room before the other Companions have risen and that is the statement you give me?"
Trying not to chuckle himself, Farkas realized the words that he did state and ran a hand along his face. "Wipe that smirk off your face, brother, before I remove it myself." Vilkas chuckled one last time before standing in front of his brother, on the other side of the bar.
"What ails you, brother? With the beast blood, we never gain a restful sleep, but right now you still look as if you couldn't even fall asleep."
Looking up in the glowing, silver eyes of his twin, Farkas sighed. "I was up most of the night keeping my eye on Serah. I was worried about the wound on her head, but it has more to do with something she told me last night."
"And what did she tell you, brother?"
Shaking his head, Farkas contemplated relaying everything to his brother, but he was caught in the middle of breaking Serah's trust. He felt that she wouldn't be too keen if had explained everything to Vilkas without asking for her permission. He knew she trusted Vilkas with her life, but that didn't change his mind. He was about to answer his brother when there was a soft knock on the door. It opened, and Serah walked through, clad in only a loose pair of trousers, her chest still wrapped in a chest cloth. Her hair was slightly muffled with a soft pinkness grazing her cheeks and a small smile grew on Farkas' face; she had just woken up and first went to find Farkas. She sought one of the bar stools next to Vilkas and sat down. Leaning on her elbows, she looked into Farkas' eyes and asked, "Have you told him?" But Farkas shook his head no.
Raising an eyebrow, he placed a gentle hand on Serah's shoulder. "Haven't told me what?" Keeping her eyes set on the stronger Companion, Serah nodded yes and Farkas went to retrieve the Brotherhood note off the nightstand before returning to his spot and giving the parchment to his brother. Unfolding the paper, Vilkas' eyes widened on noticing the message, then squinted as if trying to unravel a hidden message. "Should I dare ask what this is…"
"Serah believes it is from the Dark Brotherhood…"
Eyes widening, Vilkas lifted his head and started at his brother before looking down at Serah who nodded as she met his silver eyes. She spent the next several minutes explaining the situation and providing the same details as she did with Farkas the night before. She was not as shaken as the previous night, but the thoughts that plagued were mind still lingered and it made her sick. The comforting words Farkas said to her also lingered and she used these words to ease her mind; and, thankfully, they did. By the time she finished, her mind was more at ease then it had been since she left for Riverwood two days prior.
Dropping the parchment onto the counter, all three Companions stared at it for several moments, neither uttering a word until Vilkas broke the silence. "So…what happens now? I'm assuming you two thought of something last night?"
"Not really," Serah answered.
"I think the best course of action would be to see if anything else were to come. Let's face it Vilkas, Serah's been a damn good Companions since she was appointed into our ranks. Her name is most likely traveled across all of Skyrim."
"So…you're saying that this could be from anyone? That we do not know whether it came from the Dark Brotherhood specifically?"
"That's exactly what I'm saying, yes."
Turning to the female at his side, Vilkas asked, "Serah?"
"I'm, sticking with Farkas' theory for now. I'll admit, last night I was terrified about this, but now…now I just want to take everything one step at a time until we know more of the issue."
Slowly nodding, Vilkas agreed. Deep down, his heart was suddenly frightened for his fellow shield-sister, and friend, for that matter. He wouldn't know what he would do if any harm fell upon Serah and could barely consider what Farkas would do. Grasping the parchment, Vilkas folded it and said, "I think I'll keep this with me. I can store if safely, and I'd rather keep this away from you, Serah. I know you'll just look at it when you're alone, and I don't want you to worry anymore."
Smiling up at the man who had grown to become her brother, Serah replied, "I appreciate the idea, thank you Vilkas." Before another silence could befall upon the three members, Serah raised her head and a raised eyebrow and asked, "So, obviously I was in a daze yesterday…"
"Just a daze, Serah?" Vilkas chuckled."
"Don't you mean shock?" Farkas asked.
"Oh, hush, you two I swear…Anyways…I need to ask something. I noticed on my way back from Riverwood yesterday that the Western Watchtower was recently been attacked and smoke was rising from the tower. The guards at the gate said that it was a dragon attack. A dragon! Can you believe such nonsense?!" She heartedly laughed, but noticed the look the twins gave each other and her laughter died fairly quickly. "Wait…you cannot be serious?" Her gaze switched between Vilkas and Farkas, her eyes pleading to know the truth. When they both looked towards her at the same time, Serah's mouth fell to the counter. "No way…"
"We didn't believe it at first…" Vilkas mentioned.
"Yeah, we heard noises off in the distance, but thought it could be anything."
"Well, then, how'd you know it was a dragon? Who were all there?"
"The guards at the tower, of course," Vilkas replied. "Jarl Balgruuf had received word about the attack from a guard who told him of the news and sent soldiers there, along with Irileth and Aragon."
Serah lifted her head up at the mention of Aragon's name. "Wait, wait, wait…The Jarl sent Aragon to the watchtower when it was under attack from a dragon?"
"That's right."
"But why him? Wait…is it because…he survived Helgen…?"
Vilkas nodded and Farkas entered into the conversation. "From what Aragon told us, the Jarl believed that he could give the men an advantage against the attack because he saw and witnessed Helgen."
"I find that interesting…" Serah replied. "When we were on our way to Riverwood, that's when he told me that he had survived the incident. Before that…I had no idea he was there."
"He told us yesterday after you fell," Farkas stated.
"There…is something else that occurred during the attack yesterday."
"And what was that?" Serah looked into Farkas' face, awaiting his answer, but he glanced to his brother.
"Should we tell her?"
"Mm, I think Aragon should be the one to tell her – it's not our secret to give," the shorter twin replied.
But Serah's interest was piqued and she suddenly needed to know what the twins were secretly conversing. "No, tell me, please!"
Turning towards the door, Vilkas patted the female Companion's arm and said, "Sorry Serah, this is something you need to ask Aragon for yourself. But do it quick, I hear he is leaving for Bleak Falls Barrow to retrieve something for Farengar Secret-Fire. I believe he may be leaving already." As he finished his words, Vilkas left his brothers room and returned to his own where he safely tucked away the Dark Brotherhood's Note. Looking up at Farkas, he nodded his head in understanding and Serah swiftly left the sleeping quarters and raced up the stairs; no one was in the main hall so she headed outside towards the training grounds. Once the heavy doors were open, the female spotted Aragon filling his pack with apples and other assortments of food before glancing up at Serah. He smiled and she walked up to him and threw her arm around his shoulder, squeezing him tightly. Aragon stood still, unsure of what to make of Serah's sudden actions.
"I heard about yesterday!" The female said as she pulled her arms away and looked into Aragon's eyes.
He laughed and took a seat on the bench and began checking to see if all his weapons were in order. "Oh, let me guess, Farkas and Vilkas caught you up on the action?"
"Yes! There truly was a dragon attack at the Western Watchtower yesterday morning?" Aragon nodded. "And you were there to witness the entire thing?"
This made him chuckle. He had only known the female Companion for several weeks, but it made him laugh every time she became excited; she reminded him of a child who was eager to learn something new that suddenly caught their attention. "Yes, I was there to witness the whole thing."
"Then how come you're still holding the truth from me?" Serah took a seat next to Aragon on the bench, whose movements suddenly stopped as he slowly turned his head away from his weapons and up to her awaiting face.
"What do you…"
"Aragon, the twins both told me that something else happened yesterday. They wouldn't tell me what…but looking up you today, I can see that you are different. You left early yesterday morning from Riverwood, but today…there is something plaguing your mind, isn't there…?"
"How can you see so well, while others cannot, Serah?"
She smiled at his words. "I was taught from a very young age to observe that which was around me. You are no different, my friend. Though we may not have known each other long, you are my shield-brother. I need to know if everything is ok."
Holding her gaze with his own, Aragon sighed before running a hand through his long, thick hair. He cast his eyes away before looking back at her. The Companion had been struggling these last few weeks; the attack on Helgen had secretly scared his heart, but joining the Companions had been just as difficult. He loved everyone in the city and considered making Whiterun his permanent home, but when he looks around, he only sees one individual – the same individual who is sitting next to him in that moment. Her green eyes haunted him at night. He knew that he was the one who had kept his distance from her because he did not know what would happen if stayed in her presence for too long. The trip to Riverwood was hard enough knowing that she was right there, especially when she confided to him that she loved Farkas with all her heart. Hearing her words had nearly crushed him.
But looking into her eyes at that moment, Aragon could tell that no matter what his heart beat for the female, he would always consider her one of his friends. And because he had that thought, he knew that she deserved to know. She had been nothing but gentle and kind since he arrived at Jorrvaskr, always asking if he needed help or assistance, always wanting to check his injuries, train with him, or simply ask how his day had been. Since the death of his family and the death of his beloved Jenelle, his heart had never known peace or comfort; until he met her and those eyes. Her eyes were so full of understanding, of kindness…of empathy. For the last few weeks, he had wanted nothing more than to be the one whose arms she wrapped herself in, to be the one she confided in the most. But he knew where her hear lay, and he had to accept that.
"Serah…" he began, his voice soft, but struggled to utter the words. For what he was about to say, his heart was still struggling to accept. This new identity was leading him to a fated destiny he was not sure he wanted to be a part of. "I need you to keep a secret for me. Farkas and Vilkas are the only ones beside you who know what I am about to speak, but I trust you, just as you have trusted me. Can I promise that you will keep this to yourself for the time being…?" Serah simply nodded her head, understanding his request for secrecy and trust. Taking a deep breath, Aragon leaned forward, his head turned towards her. "I'm the Dragonborn."
Utter silence accompanied his statement as Serah cast her eyes upon his. Had she heard him correctly? Did he just stated what she think he just said? "You…you're the Dragonborn…? The Dragonborn of legend…?" Aragon nodded and Serah smiled softly in his direction, eyeing his visible discomfort. "How…do you know?"
"Yesterday during the attack, I delivered the final bow onto the beast and…next thing I know…this…gust of wind circled around me, within me, as if someone was breathing life into my lungs. My skin felt hot, and according to the guards who were there, my eyes glowed brightly, then dulled to their normal color after a few seconds."
"So, that automatically means you're the Dragonborn?"
This made Aragon chuckle as he was allowed to place a smile on his own face, something he hadn't been able to do with discovering this new identity of his. "Well, no…I didn't believe what the guards were saying. But as I made my way back to the gates of the city, there was this…echo across the entire sky. Someone's voice filled the air and I must say, even my bones were shaken. I traveled up to Dragonsreach to report to the Jarl, and both he and Proventus heard it too. The Jarl claims it was the Greybeards who are summoning me to their lodgings at the Throat of the World."
Leaning back in her seat, Serah still held a smile on her face, her lips curling gently as she gazed at her friend, stunned, but supportive of the news she was receiving. "Vilkas stated that you're heading to Bleak Falls Barrow."
"Yes, Farengar has asked me to obtain an object deep within the ruins."
"What then, Aragon?" Turning towards her, Aragon raised an eyebrow at her questions. Noting his confusion, Serah clarified her question by asking, "What will you do once you have returned from the ruins?"
"I…to be honest Serah, I do not know. I'm still so confused about the situation. I mean, what determines that I am the Dragonborn? Why me? And what am I to do if I am the Dragonborn of legend?"
Placing her hand on his shoulder, Serah's voice softly echoed into Aragon's ears as her words immediately calmed his deepest fears. "I think this trip will be good for you, my shield-brother. You need some time to think, and going to Bleak Falls Barrow will grant you that. Sadly, I wish you didn't have to go, considering the ruins are very mysterious, but…you may find the answers in the ruins you didn't know you were seeking."
"I hope you're right Serah."
"Don't worry, I will be. And hey, if you don't, maybe it wouldn't hurt to travel to the Throat of the World, claim the prize of climbing the seven-thousand steps, and have the Greybeards answer your questions."
"Why is it you always seem to know the answers to everything?"
"I don't. But I listen, and from what I've heard you tell me, you're wanting answers before you make a decision about who you are. Seek the answers for your questions and then you can decide who you want to become, Aragon. No one can force you to become anything you do not wish to be."
Aragon smirked. "Since when have you become wise…?"
"Tch, I've always been wise, Aragon, I just decide when I want to be thusly wise."
This made Aragon laugh once more. Upon that moment, he realized that he hadn't been this content to being around people more than a few days before he left the place he was raised in Cyrodiil. Though he truly loved Alvor as his uncle, along with his wife and daughter as his own family, but he hadn't felt comfortable around a female since Jenelle past, and left him to live amongst Skyrim along and distraught. Keeping his eyes set upon Serah, Aragon noticed the soft, subtle pink across her cheeks as the wind picked up and softly blew her hair across the skin of her shoulders. If there was one thing the Companions could agree on, it was the fact that he thought her to be beautiful. But more importantly, the male Companion could tell by the beating of his own heart that he was growing ever so close to Serah; if not that, he knew he was falling in love with her.
But as Serah glanced her eyes upon him, he knew that she was in love with someone else.
~ oOo ~
TaylorNReed: Omg your comment made me laugh! I have to ask…was it a good omg though?
Aquapphire: Your comment was so thoughtful, I really appreciate your praise, especially with my writing. It truly does mean a lot, thank you.
And for everyone else, again I'm still so appreciative for those who continue to read and review. I would appreciate more reviews, it would make this one happy!
Chocobocolina :3
