Chapter 15
There Are Consequences for Learning the Truth
A/N: It has taken a long ass time but I have finally updated! Has anyone missed me updating? I am sorry...My attention has been preoccupied by my other stories. Just know this: this story will be finished. Don't know how long it'll take, but I will see this to the end.
Disclaimer: I don't own Skyrim – Just Serah.
~ oOo ~
Farkas was the first to wake the following morning, momentarily forgetting his bearings, not recognizing Aragon's home in Riften. Contentment in his breathing, the bulky male lovingly observed the woman in his arms, her bare back against his chest, curled tightly within the pelt blanket. Serah was still asleep; deep exhaustion having claimed the woman after their pleasurable evening. In addition their shared intimacy, Farkas knew she was mentally beat. In meeting Delvin Mallory and learning he knew her parents, all the new information had practically tipped Serah over the edge. Pulling her closer, Farkas was worried what she would learn this evening when they would meet the man outside the city, ever to wait for more information with Serah's parents and the Dark Brotherhood.
Sensing her deep breathing, Farkas leaned over, kissing her tenderly at the base of her neck, lips lingering as he pecked her skin further. Last night had left the man sated, but one night of intimacy with the one he sought to claim was not enough; it would never be enough. Male and female gave themselves to their lover, though Farkas was worried Serah would need some time. Growling as low as he could, the male gritted his teeth in yearning, the mere thought of their mingling bodies the night before was enough to raise his thick manhood, readied for action.
Slowly removing the sheet covering her beautiful form, Farkas trailed his fingers gently over her form, memorizing all her curves, each dip of skin, and the beautiful scars that graced her body. In the years they'd known each other, the male Companion had known the female's body, though he'd studied it as a warrior. He knew her strengths, her muscles, how her body formed to defend herself. As a lover, this was entirely new territory.
The beast of a man was willing to relearn.
Dragging his finger dangerously low, Farkas caressed Serah's smooth skin, running down the length of her spine, over the curvature of her hips, then back towards her full bottom. Her body moved, gradually waking as she inched towards his finger wherever he moved. Lips attached to the junction between her neck and shoulder, Farkas was relentless as he cupped one cheek, the fullness of her bottom filled his hand. All the while trailing his hand higher, seeking the heat he consumed the previous evening. Sinking said finger into her depths, Serah's back arched, inching Farkas' hand even further into her soaking core. Blinking her eyes, the female turned her head just as the male inserted the thick digit, a shaky breath escaped as he pumped in and out.
"Farkas…" Serah groaned, voice thick and rough from sleep.
"Good morning," he replied, leaning over to kiss her blushing cheek. Giggling turning into a hearty moan, Serah couldn't resist in thrusting her hips in motion to the male's hand, chasing after her upcoming pleasure. Resuming his lips upon her neck, Farkas could smell her essence dripping from her core onto his hand and the sheets below. Oh, how we wished to taste her; the very air he breathed was scented like honey and snowberries. "How did you sleep, my love...?"
"Wonderfully, but nothing compared to the wake up I received...ohhh," she heartily moaned, reaching back to grasp Farkas' shoulder as he edged his fingers further into her core. "I need...mmm, Farkas, I need more."
"Not just yet, Serah." Maneuvering his empty arm under her body, the beast teased her chest, a squeal escaping her mouth. Gasping, Serah could feel the coil within her lower belly burn and intensify, ready to burst at any moment. Pinching and pulling her taught nipples, Farkas laid claim to her entire form, his heat radiating against her skin as she writhed beneath his hands. Her chest heaved quickly; the movement of her hips hastened as the howls of pleasure left her succulent lips.
"Farkas!" Hips convulsing, Serah screamed, her juices leaking against her skin, dripping onto against his hand as the male gradually slowed his fingers. Edging the woman through her orgasm, the man waited until her pleasured high left the female in a state of relaxed euphoria. Breathing deeply, Serah sucked in gulps of air, slowly turning to face Farkas.
"Not just yet, love. Can we...can we try something?" Farkas asked hesitantly, holding her frame firm where she kept her back against his front. Eagerly nodding, Serah was excited to see what the beast of a man had in store, and as he lifted her leg, growing closer to her drenched sex. "Are you...alright from last night?"
Turning her head just enough, Serah kissed her male, loving the way his thick lips curved into hers. "Yes love," she whispered, wanting their words to remain only between them. Latching his lips against hers, Farkas slowly inserted his cock, reveling on the vice grip her muscles had on him.
"By the nine Serah...you're so tight!"
"F-Farkas!"
Leisurely thrusting his hardened cock, Farkas kept a steady pace, slowly moving in and out. The man wanted to take their love making slow, to please Serah more than anything else. Their breathy gasps combined into one. Time was slow for the lovers, basking in the other's presence, enjoying the feel of skin against skin.
It wasn't long before the two were screaming to the heavens, curses leaving their mouths as Serah's muscles clamped Farkas' cock, the orgasm jetting his seed deep within her womanhood, dripping past where the two connecting onto the bed.
And that is how the two Companions spent the majority of their day.
Wrapped in each other's arms till the sun rose, Serah and Farkas talked throughout the morning, soaking in the warmth of each other's bodies, limbs linked together whilst dancing to the intimate music of their newfound love. Though unspoken, each knew the other's feelings, the sentiments truly laying deep in their hearts. Their conversations avoided the one most desperately needed to be spoken, with male and female knowing that, at some time, they would need to discuss what this was. The kissing, touching, moaning, grasping, thrusting, orgasming situation they were in needed to be defined.
With the sun rising to indicate it was midday, Serah determined it was time to leave the bed, dressing for the day in preparation for what awaited them once night fell. Agreeing, Farkas dragged the female towards the bath where they idly bathed. Passion was evident, despite their lovemaking having stopped for the time being; this was a moment of enjoying the intimate company of the one their heart beat for. Each had their reasons for keeping quiet, though both neither wanted to ruin the happiness they held.
Serah was nervous. With the information Delvin gave her the previous day, she had no knowing what would be revealed later that night; scared that she wouldn't be able to handle the knowledge she'd gain about her parents. She was scared about Farkas, afraid she'd dreamt everything, that he didn't truly reciprocate what she held inside.
Farkas' fears were the same as Serah's. Nervousness and anxiety crawled along his spine. How would the female manage what she was to learn? Even then, what were the secrets this Delvin Mallory held he couldn't speak of the previous evening? Ignoring such thoughts, he was the only person by her side and knew full well she could become aware of something that would break her precious heart.
Washed and dressed in casual attire, the pair removed themselves from Aragorn's home and escaped into the city. Wandering through the small market, each purchased small necessities they needed for the remainder of their trip: potions, ingredients and other various items. Serah stopped at the local blacksmith to have her short swords sharpened, with Farkas agreeing that his great sword wasn't slicing his enemies as easily. Balimund gave them a price, stating it would take some time to finish all three items, allowing the couple to traverse around the parts of Riften they hadn't seen. Moving away from the growing crowd of the market, they walked towards Mistveil Keep, passing the orphanage with Serah casting her eyes away, before moving behind the Temple of Mara.
Glad to escape the center of the city, Serah smiled, bending low to touch the beautiful flowers blooming in such a tainted city. Of all the towns she'd traveled for the Companions, Riften was at the bottom of her list of ones she would visit on her own. She'd first traveled to the city years prior, accompanied with the twins to take care of an abnormal animal hassling the citizens. They had stayed at the Bee and Barb, though the moment she entered the seemingly decent city on the edge of a lake, the female knew there was something...off about the town. Causing hairs on the back of her neck to stand on edge, Serah remained by her shield-siblings; there was a creeping sensation crawling along her spine that if she lost herself within the city, she'd be changed forever.
Here she stood, roughly eight summers later and the same reaction struck her skin. The only difference between then and now was Serah realized this town brought nothing except mysteries and pain.
She didn't know how long they stood behind the temple, wasting time until they were to fetch their polished swords. Moving along the stone wall, Serah paid respects to the several tombstones, though what caught her attention was the stone tomb in its own open crypt. An eyebrow raised in question as she stumbled into the stone room, questioning why this individual was the only one it a closed coffin while the others were buried within the ground. From her knowledge, Jarls were buried just the same as its citizens, but she didn't suspect this to be a Jarl from the past.
Fingers brushing against the harsh stone, Serah was surprised to find very little dust or dirt along the top. Showing this to Farkas, he even was confused on the matter, deciding to let it go, as this could belong to someone within the city who still visited. Stepping out to leave, Serah made to follow the man, however, she kneeled to the ground, her eyes roaming over the only insignia etched into the stone. Having seen the symbol before, the female was still confused; two triangles joined by their longer side with a circle in the middle, what did it mean? Gently tracing around the etching, Serah gasped when she sensed the circle could be pushed inward; possibly a button? To where though? she questioned. Ignoring the discovery for now, she followed Farkas back towards the blacksmith where they paid for their weapons, pleased with the sharpness their blades now held.
As the sun gradually set, the Companions made their way towards the inn where they enjoyed several bottles of mead, all the while consuming delicious portions of meat, finishing their meal by devouring a sweet roll. Both wanted to return to the house to begin another round of lovemaking, with Farkas being the bravest, leaned close to Serah, breath warming her ear as he whispered wistful words, wishing to ravish her upon the bed once more. Blushing as heat radiated off her skin, Serah couldn't help but smile, as she so desperately wanted the same. Politely declining, she stated to Farkas that it was close to the time they agreed to meet Delvin.
"I'm sorry Farkas..." she whispered, feeling guilty for denying the male the pleasure they both sought.
"No, Serah, no." Grabbing her face and holding it close, Farkas tenderly kissed her lips, his mentality over the two moons that he could do such a gesture in the first place. Rubbing her blushing cheek, he stated, "I understand. There's enough on your plate, little one, I just...I just want you close."
"Me too," she whispered back, her hand sweeping across his arm. "When we meet Delvin, will you...stay by my side?"
"A dragon would have to snatch me by his claws to keep me from staying next to you. Even then, I'd fight the damn beast to keep you safe." Earning a giggle from his response, Serah's smile was bright as she dropped her head onto the male's shoulder while he kissed her hair.
Enjoying another bottle of mead before gathering their belongings, the two made their ways towards Honeyside. Once inside, both Companions donned their armor while Serah dressed her body in the new attire she received the previous night. Hardened cloth and leather slithered over her small frame, with the steel frames over the backs of her hands and knees; pauldron clamped tightly over her shoulder. Serah was still in awe how the pieces fit her body perfectly. Watching her image in the small mirror, she caught Farkas' stare, mesmerized by her new attire as she turned towards him, the biggest smile on her face he'd seen in a while.
Waiting until the black of night had covered the city, the Companions made their exit out the main gate, walking towards the stables as Star whinnied in her temporary stall. From the shadows, Delvin appeared behind the wooden structure, hands holding the reins to his own horse as they harnessed theirs with the proper equipment.
"So, you actually came," the thief noted., eyes watching them carefully.
"What, you didn't think I'd show?"
Shaking his head, Delvin released a small laugh. "On the contrary, but this is something you can't turn back from. Are you sure you wish to learn what I have been tasked to tell you?"
Staring the man down, Serah refused to look away even as she mounted Star, hands tightly grasping the reins. "One thing you must learn about me, Delvin, is that I never back down."
Chuckling as well, Farkas mounted his steed, all the while his laughter still echoing across the night. "I can attest to that."
"Really now..." Being the last to mount his steed, Delvin glanced between the two Companions, a smile forming on his usually tight lips. "You are the spitting image of your mother, Serah." Taking note of her surprised expression, Delvin turned in the direction he would lead, pointing off into the distance. "That is where we will ride, so follow close. Hyah!" Slapping the reins, his steed burst into the night, quickly leaving behind the Companions as they gained speed, rushing through the darkness of the land.
Following closely behind, Serah noted Delvin was leading them in the direction from where they came two days prior; away from Riften headed north. No one spoke, the voiceless silence filled with crashing hooves against dirt and occasional stone. Beasts did not cross their paths, though in the darkness of night, Serah ignored the idea they were closer than she could visually see. Sharing a side glance with Farkas, he angled his steed closer to hers, caressing her arm as they pushed on through.
Trekking off the main road, both Companions cast a glance at their surroundings, certain the area was where they had camped the night before arriving in Riften. Eyes narrowed, Serah's knuckles grew white at the thought she had been near the resting place of her parents and didn't have a single clue. When the metallic taste of blood tasted coated her tongue, she breathed deeply, forcing her body to relax. Tilting her head back, the female Companion stared at the billions of stars blanketing the night sky, the two moons brightening their path through the openness of the trees. Nature seemed at peace, but she knew it was an illusion. Somewhere in the night a large animal was hunting, sinking its sharpened teeth into its prey.
In that moment, Serah considered herself to be prey, tormented by a past she knew nothing of, hunted by a malicious group of murders seeking to destroy her for an item she didn't even have.
Tightening his hold on the reins, Delvin stopped followed by both Companions, still staring aimlessly forward. "It's just up ahead," the male muttered, dismounting as his boots crunched dried leaves against the earth. Letting their horses be, Farkas and Serah followed in silence; the male observing their surroundings while the female swallowed the fear clutching her heart. Not even mere minutes passed before the Thief stopped once more, his attention faced forward, causing the two to stare and find what Delvin had sought.
Breaking through the thick trees within the thin woods lay an open clearing, small in size though abundant with wild flowers growing within. Directly in the middle lay two rocks resembling tombstones. Intaking a quick breath, Serah pushed her feet forward. Chirping of birds and howls off in the distance were all to be heard, no one wanted to speak. Falling upon her knees before the stones, Serah traced the runes etched in the rock, breathing escalating as her eyes darted between both, the names evident that Delvin was, indeed, telling the truth.
On one stone it read Fenrir, and the other, Asta.
Tracing the names of her parents, Serah didn't know whether to laugh or cry. All these years, knowing they were dead, Serah only wanted to see them one last time. And here were their graves. She was left behind while they would lay together in death. "Delvin," her voice was quiet, eyes still examining the tombstones. Boots crunching against the ground, Farkas lowered against her side, hand reaching for hers as she spoke what needed to be asked. "Who buried them? Why here?"
"Aye, that would be me," the Thief answered, slowly making his way towards the Companions.
"But why...why here?" she questioned, eyeing the man as he walked around the graves. "Other than this meadow, there's nothing out here, and Riften's a good ways away."
"Young one," Delvin murmured, laying a hand against her mother's tombstone. "This meadow was a very special place for your parents." Smiling gently at the woman still suffering from the loss of those who brought her into this world. "This, my dear, this is the place where your mother told your father she was pregnant...with you."
Quickly glancing at Farkas, Serah stood to her feet, shaking the thief by his shoulders. "Are you sure? This is we're they learned of me?!" Withholding the amusing chuckle deep within, Delvin knew this was not the night for such things. Serah was to learn a past far different than what she knew growing up. Nodding, he walked away, moving around the graves, watching both Companions from the corner of his eye. "Delvin...you brought me here for a specific reason, but before that, I need you to answer a few questions I have."
"Hmm, can't say I'll be able to answer all, but ask what you must."
Resuming her seat beside Farkas, she faced forward, ignoring Delvin's pacing. "W-Well, I've questioned this my whole life, since no one's ever told me. How did my parents meet?"
Humming to himself, Delvin remained silent for several seconds, rubbing his jaw, considering his answer. "I don't know the exact story. From what your parents told me, your father rescued your mother from vampires, and they stayed together. They married not long after, moving to Riften where they stayed until their deaths." Refraining from snarling, Farkas narrowed his vision at the thief; the man's lie was blatantly clear. The Companion had to wonder if Fenrir asked his thief friend to keep the secret from his daughter, just as he had done with Kodlak.
"Really...? That's...that's all? Wow I, always imagined it was something...a bit more romantic."
"Romantic?" Scoffing, Delvin released a small chuckle, ignoring his earlier thought. "Fenrir saved Asta from vampires; take that for romantic!"
"Delvin!" Farkas barked, gaining the thief's attention.
"What, boy? Something I said?"
"Wait...vampire..." Serah whispered to herself, ignoring the bickering from the two males.
"Keep your tongue silent and don't mock her!"
"Oi, what're you gonna do, Companion?"
"Stop it!" Both male heads turned towards Serah's, her eyes form and relentless. "Delvin, the vampire who held my mother captive, did he ever mention his name?"
"Good lord...he might've. I mean, he told me so many different names he met on their journeys; I swear though it was similar to mine."
Folding her legs against her chest, Serah held her body firm. Her limbs were shaking, not from the cold, but from the answers she was getting. And they were still on the first question. "Does Grevlin sound familiar?"
"Yes! Tha's the name!"
"Grevlin," Farkas mumbled, having remaining quiet for most of the conversation; well, except for his earlier side remark. "Isn't that the vampire you...?"
"Mhm, it is. I killed Grevlin."
"You killed him?" Delvin asked incredulously.
"Several months ago, my shield-brother and myself were sent on a mission to clear some vampires wreaking havoc on Rorikstead. Grevlin wanted to turn me into one of them, stating I looked just like my mother because he held her captive and wanted to change her to. Not before my father rescued her from his clutched."
"Did he now...Well, you are a spitting image of your mother, Serah."
Ignoring the compliment, she moved on to the next question. "Um...if I'm just like her, what was she like?"
"You wanna know she looked like or...?"
"Everything," Serah breathed. "I want to know everything you can tell me."
"Man, everything will take some time. Hmm..." Leaning against a tree, Delvin spoke the first answer that came to his mind. "For starters, your eyes, they belonged to your mother. Those sharp, green eyes were the first thing your father loved about her. Heh, Asta was a fiery, stubborn person. Once she set her mind to something, you couldn't talk her outa it. She didn't give a damn abou' any consequences when she was helping people. And when joining the Thieves Guild, she and Fenrir made it very clear they would only steal from the rich, because they gave it all to the poor, never keeping any gold for themselves."
"So they were...actual thieves?" asked Farkas, his hand reaching over towards Serah's, grasping the clammy skin. The woman was itching for answers, though fearful of what she was learning.
"They were, lad. The best thieves we had, all before the guild went to shit. Now Serah, your mother was a fighter, always had been, even before I met her. The woman never gave in. Bu' she had the sweetest soul of any woman I'd met. So caring about others, making sure there was food within the guild, that the newcomers were properly trained."
"Fuck," the male Companion muttered. "That sounds just like you, Serah."
"Yeah," the woman muttered quietly. "Delvin, that's all great, but...what about my father? I mean, did he love me?" Taken back, Delvin moved closer to see Serah's face within the moonlight. Not given a moment to speak, Serah continued. "Delvin, my father left me in Whiterun, he abandoned me, then got himself killed! Did he even love me?!"
"Serah..." Kneeling, he cupped her spare hand, rubbing his thumb in circles over her skin. "Fenrir loved you the moment your mother told him she was with his child. He loved you even more the day you were born; trust me, I was there. You were a small, pink baby wrapped in soft linen. The man never left you nor you mother's side, not allowing the other members to hold you – 'cept me of course. The man was so protective of you, I'd never seen a father love his child more than yours."
"But he, he left me in Whiterun! Promising he'd return and then he...he just went off and died!" Removing her hand, Serah stood, storming a few feet away. The anger from her childhood bursting forth, having been hidden all this time when the female thought she was over her father's death.
"Do you honestly believe your father wanted to die? Do you think he wanted to leave you in Whiterun?" Not once looking at the thief, Serah crossed her arms, not sure what to believe anymore. "Serah..." Delvin stood, though as he stepped forward, the Companion stepped backward, decided she needed her space. Respecting her decision, Delvin resumed his kneeling beside the graves. "When your father noticed the Dark Brotherhood was becoming more than a simple threat, he decided to take action. He left Riften, taking you with him to live out of the city, any city! He refused to gain their attention and decided to keep you secluded."
"Is that...why we lived in so many different caves?"
Blinking, Delvin couldn't believe his ears. "You remember that?"
"It's the earliest memory I have. All I can remember is moving from one cave to another, living for several days to several weeks then suddenly packing and leaving again, up until he took me to Whiterun."
"Tha's right. One day, your father stopped by the guild without you and told me what he did, that he left you in Whiterun. He left you there thinking it would be safest if you stayed with the Companions as he went and searched for the Dark Brotherhood."
"And...did he?"
"I'm not sure. It was about two years before I saw the man face-to-face; when I did, the man was on death's door. We tried to save him...the wounds he sustained were too much and he...left this world. With the last of his breaths, the man had me swear that if I was to ever meet you, that I would help you in any way and to gift you the armor you're wearing now."
"Armor?" Glancing down at the new Light Armor she received the previous day, Serah ran her finger over the stitching in the leather. "Why gift me with this?"
"Because the armor that you wear belonged to your mother." Serah couldn't stop her eyes from widening in confusion and disbelief. "This was the armor Asta wore as a member of the Thieves Guild."
"No..." Twitching and twirling, Serah tried to glance at every angle to see herself in the material. "It can't be...and it fits me this perfectly?!"
"I told you Serah, you're the spitting image of your mother."
Continuing to amaze herself that what she was currently wearing had been wrapped around her very mother, Serah was in shock. After all the summers wishing she could have but one trinket of her mother's, something to remember her by, and here she was wearing the same material she fought in. Making his way towards her, Farkas held a hand on her shoulder smiling at the woman when he noticed she was grinning.
Then the smile fell.
"Did she love me?" Serah blurted, catching Delvin off guard.
"Your mother?"
"Mhm, did she love me, even though she died giving birth to me?"
"Died giving birth to..., now hold up one minute." Standing as all three were now on foot, Delvin touched her mother's tombstone, looking between the female and the graves. "Serah, what are you talking about?"
"Excuse me? Exactly as I said! My mother died while giving birth to me; did she love me before I was even born?" Growling, Delvin mumbled under his breath, causing Serah to strain her hearing to see what he said. The thief walked around, pacing once more as he held his chin, all the while muttering and cursing every few words. "Farkas?" she called the man's name quietly, not understanding. Was it something she asked? It was a question she'd been wanting the answer to for as long as she could remember.
"I don't know, Serah..." Pulling her close, the man rubbed a hand up one of her arms, confusion racking his brain.
Suddenly halting, Delvin snapped at Serah unintentionally. "Is that what Kodlak told you?!" Tensing from his tone, she nodded. "For all the nine in this world Fenrir..." Sighing, Delvin ran a hand along his face, groaning some more as he trekked back towards his original position next to Serah. "Look, your mother...Serah, your mother didn't die when you were born." As she didn't instantly say anything, the thief took that as an answer to continue. "Goodness...humor me, would ya? Do you have a thick scar on your left leg that runs from your thigh and down your ankle?"
"Y-Yes...?" Bending forward, Serah traced the scar through the leather material, knowing full well the thickened skin had always been there, only growing with her height as she aged each summer. "I do, I've had it since...well, forever, I guess. How would you...?"
Sighing even more, Delvin was caught, questioning why Fenrir had Kodlak lie about so many truths regarding his daughter. "You received that scar the day your mother died. The three of you were returning from Ivarstead; you were only, oh, maybe two summers old when your parents were ambushed by several Dark Brotherhood members. During the attack, one member struck your leg, and before they could kill you, your parents fought them off and were able to escape, making their way back here. We bandaged your leg and it healed in due time; Fenrir had some small injuries, yet was fairly unscathed. Your mother," the man inhaled deeply, watching as Farkas held the woman tighter, his attention on her as she curled into his chest. "Your mother was poisoned, and there was nothing we could to do save her. She died several days later."
Detaching herself from Farkas, she walked again to the graves, one hand on each, as if she was trying to embrace her parents through their eternal resting place. "So," her voice was somber and null of emotion. "My mother didn't die giving birth to me...she died protecting me."
"Your mother..."
"I don't want to hear anymore!" she screamed into the night, causing several birds to squeal and abandon their resting place from the trees. Swallowing, Serah kept her back to the men, conflicted over the rage she felt swirling within. "Delvin, I thank you...but I think I'm done. This has been, it's just too much. Please, just tell me the instructions my parents gave you."
Walking back towards his horse, the man returned several minutes later with a shovel in his hand. Holding the item out for Serah to take the moment he grew closer, the female grasped the digging contraption, mouth opening and closing in puzzlement. "That is to reach what you must seek. And this," grasping underneath the collar of his shirt, Delvin removed of long leather strand from around his neck. Brandishing the necklace to Serah, she held the item, only noticing a second later the weighted end held an iron key. "This key will unlock what you find. These are the items you need, now these are the words from your parents: 'dig behind the third tomb'. That is all they gave me."
Now it was her time to scoff at his statement. Chuckling from slight irritation, she shook her head, gaze switching from one hand to the other. "You're joking, right? My parents ordered you to give me a shovel and a key, only for me to dig something? What the hell is this?!"
Knowing full well she had the right to be outraged, Delvin still couldn't think of something to say. There truly were no words, especially for little Serah, the girl he witnessed as a very young child. He was there the day Fenrir told him he was going to be a father; the day she was born; hell, he was the one to see her first steps! Seeing her like this was a blow straight to the man's heart. Fenrir and Asta had done everything they could to protect their daughter, going left and right to ensure secretive measures were placed if they were to die. They wanted to leave their daughter in the dark, for they believed the less she knew, the less threat the Dark Brotherhood would see her as.
"I-I'm sorry," he stuttered, reaching forward to touch her shoulder. Deciding against the motion, he dropped the arm against his side. "For everything, I truly am sorry. Your parents...they were good people, and only thought of you. All of this is confusing, but I know they planned this a certain way for a reason."
"Couldn't they just leave something for me explaining it all? Why the secrets?"
Contemplating an answer, Delvin exhaled, grimacing how this beautiful, young woman – a mirror image of Asta – desired for nothing more than to know about her parents. "I honestly don't know, Serah. They must've had their reasons." Quirking his head when Serah dropped the shovel, he was taken back when she stepped forward, pulling the man into a light embrace. Stunned, the thief gradually tightened his arms around her. When he looked at her, Delvin could only see the young child who was raised within the Ratway around the guild. As she stepped back, he then saw the woman Serah became; a strong warrior with a mind of her own, someone who wasn't afraid to take on the Dark Brotherhood.
"I'm sorry," she stated, earning the man's attention away from his thoughts. "Since yesterday I've been taking my anger out on you when I shouldn't have. You've provided me more information about my parents than anyone ever could; for that, I am grateful."
"No apology is needed, Serah. On your mother's deathbed, she and your father made me pledge an oath that if I ever met you, not only would I pass along their message, but that I would protect you, to guide you whenever you needed it." Rubbing the back of his neck, Delvin could feel his cheeks burn, knowing the girl he knew and the woman standing before him were two different people. Regardless, he wanted to remain in her life, if she allowed it. "You're a grown woman now, capable of protecting yourself. You have the Companions and this lad righ' here. But... know there will always be an ally in Riften, if you so choose to contact him."
"Delvin, are you only telling me this because you were asked to?"
"I'd be lying if I said yes. Your parents were my closest friends, supporting me when I grew into some trouble as well. So, yes, I am stating this because I was asked to. But I'm keeping a promise I made to myself, one I made on the day you were born. I promised that you would always remain safe. Even though I haven't been there since your father took you away, I will help you any way I can."
Smiling, Serah believed every word he said. "I-I will. Thank you, Delvin, for everything you've done."
"Anytime, Serah; and I'm not saying that because of your father." Taking a deep breath, the man stepped back, noticing the way Farkas placed his arm securely around her, nodding in his direction, making note of his words and promise. "Well, now that I've given what it is you'll need, I'm headed back to the city. Guild can't survive without me." As they nodded, Delvin made his way back to the horses, quickly leaving, as she would need this moment to herself. Not even he knew of what she was to find, though he had a feeling it would only bring the woman more pain.
As the echoes of the horse's hooves lessened, Serah groaned, turning against Farkas' chest. "So...what on earth am I supposed to be digging up?"
"For all the nine, who knows?" Grabbing the shovel off the ground, the man held it tightly in his hands as she placed the leather strap over her head, twirling the key around in the moonlight. "Whatever it is we'll find." Dropping a kiss atop her head, Serah smiled again. The night had been rough thus far learning all she had about her parents.
"I am very fortunate to have you by my side, Farkas. And it would seem I have a new friend to turn to."
"Delvin Mallory," Farkas voiced, replaying the nights conversation in his head. "There is much we still do not know, though the man seemed true to his word. I can't keep you from contacting him if you wish, just be careful until you know for sure he can be trusted."
"Of course," she agreed. "Well, back to this riddle at hand. What did Delvin say? To 'dig behind the third tomb'?" Stepping around both graves, Serah was stumped, tapping the tip of her nose. "Third tomb...tch, what the hell, what third tomb? ...hm?" Halting her movements, she glanced behind both headstones, noticing for the first time there lay a smaller rock wedged in the ground, directly between the graves though several feet behind. Barely half the height as the ones for her parents, she didn't know what it was, or if it was anything special at all. How they had missed it, she didn't know. Kneeling, Serah removed any overgrown grass and weeds, confused to see etches into the rock. "Carried with love," she quoted, reading the runes.
"Do you think this could be it?" Farkas asked, watching her every move.
"Who knows, but this is the only marker to indicate a third tomb. Unless there's another one nearby, this meadow is clear of nothing but flowers. No rocks or graves in sight." Taking the shovel from her companion, Serah quickly struck the earth with the utensil, slowly carving into the ground, removing what dirt she could. "Ugh, this isn't right. If we uncover a body, I'm gonna be sick."
"Serah, let me do that." Holding his hand out to reclaim the shovel, Serah raised an eyebrow.
"Why?" I can do it."
"I am aware, but it's been a long night for you and I haven't really offered much comfort. At least let me do the work."
"No comfort? Farkas, you..." Seeing the man's eyes shine through the cover of night, she shivered. Handing the tool over, she moved off to the side, watching the bulky Companion scoop piles upon piles of dirt off to the side. "Why're you so sweet, Farkas?"
"Hmm, can't say," he said, muscles bulging with each tug of dirt he scooped. "Though it does help I always have a very sweet girl by my side."
Cheeks coating red, she laughed before falling silent. "Do you really think we're gonna dig up a body? I mean," staring at the rock, she reread the runes in her head. "There's no name; I don't think it's even a grave."
"We'll find out soon enough," the man huffed.
Silence fell upon the two Companions. A comfortable peace where Serah watched Farkas remove more dirt, digging deeper into the ground, searching for something, whatever that something may be. He grunted and groaned, muscles stretching the deeper the hole grew. All the while, the female refused to divert her eyes, remembering the morning and night before, she grew heated. The intense love making they shared, the pleasure, it was all spectacular and she wished for nothing more than to be held within Farkas' arms once more.
CLANK!
Raising her head, Farkas caught her eye. Falling to her knees beside the hole, Serah observed while he used the shovel to scoot the dirt around whatever was hit. Scraping away what she was able with her fingers, Serah was able to feel wood; hard and fairly large. Moving what they could, the two were able to lift a small chest from the ground, resting it on the grass as they gawked. Stained from the dirt, the chest was larger than a typical strongbox, though still small enough to be easily carried within one's arms.
Inspecting the chest, Farkas needed to make sure there wasn't anything strange about the box. As he lifted it into the air, able to hear trinkets rustling inside. Chuckling, he placed it back on the ground. "At least it's not a body."
"Hm, guess we can be thankful about that." Twirling the key once again, she pulled it over her head, moving her eyes between it and the lock on the chest. Inserting the key, she slowly turned it in the correct direction, metal clicks signaling the chest could be opened. Inhaling a deep breath, Serah, with shaky hands, lifted the lid.
Inside lay several books, letters, various trinkets and numerous jewels.
"Oh fuck," she mumbled, leaning her hand forward to touch, retracting her fingers at the last second. "What is this?"
Rummaging carefully, Farkas dragged a letter from the bottom of the chest, with Serah's name written on the back. "Whatever these are, it seems to belong to you." Giving her the letter, Serah traced her written name, shaky fingers stumbling to open the aged paper. Several attempts she tried, failing each one. "Serah?"
"I...I don't think I can do this now." Throwing the letter inside, she hastily closed the chest, locking it as she threw the key around her neck. Chest in hand, Farkas followed her movements as they retreated to the horses, not once speaking until upon their respected steeds.
As she tightened the reins, Farkas grabbed her shoulder, moving her attention to him. "Hey, I know you've learned enough this evening, and that's fine. Let's go back, get some sleep, and go through this in the morning. Together," he added.
"S-Sure," she stumbled. Maneuvering Star out of the forest, they quickly rode back to Riften, keeping their eyes wide open in the middle of the night. Delvin knew who they were, though who's to say he told the other thieves they were off limits to be attacked? That's what the two Companions hoped.
Making it back to stables, Riften was quiet, several guards were the only individuals monitoring the city streets. Honeyside came into view as they walked through the back alleys, a quicker route to their temporary residence. Locking the door upon entry Serah lay the chest on the table, slowly running her fingers over the aged wood. She desired to know its contents for it could give her answers she had always sought. Answers could bring one hope, or it could destroy very lives.
Cleaning themselves of any dirt, the Companions settled to sleep, removing their armor for clothing more comfortable. Climbing into the sheets, Serah moved into Farkas' arms, his muscles tightened around her, creating a protective cocoon, hoping to shield her from all. The man observed her eyes close instantly, her body lulled into the land of dreams the moment she relaxed. As he kissed her head, Farkas wished this was the end of the Dark Brotherhood, hoping the chest held the item the desperately desired.
Darkness over Riften lingered across the city, all inhabitants except for the guards were asleep, soaking in the warmth of their beds. Serah, on the other hand, was not one of them. Tossing and turning, the woman rolled on her side of the bed, having gained no sleep since she and Farkas returned to Honeyside. Staring up towards the wooden ceiling, she contemplated taking a walk, relieving her mind of any stress from what she had learned earlier. Delvin's words haunted her mind, forcing the woman to look back on the night. She was confused on the matter, not knowing what to do or who to believe.
Accepting the condition she wouldn't be able to gain any sleep, the woman rose from bed, quietly making her way upstairs.
On the main floor, Serah was warmed from the still burning fire, the logs barely embers with how long it had been lit. Claiming a seat at the small table, she eyed the chest, conflicted over what to do. Making a decision to open its contents or to leave it alone, the female didn't agree with either one. Returning home, she and Farkas were quiet during the ride, Serah having to leave the subject of the chest alone. Serah could tell her partner had some words he wanted to speak, but granted her peace on the subject for the remainder of the night. Still, the damn box was haunting her, ever unmoving as it lay still, crawling beneath Serah's skin to open and loot its contents.
Groaning, she pulled the key from around her neck. "Fuck it," she mumbled to herself. Shoving the key into the lock, Serah quickly opened the lid, not giving her mind the chance to change her decision.
The same contents were still there as earlier.
Both fascinated and frightened, Serah of the Companions retracted her hand several times in wanting to touch the chests contents. Swallowing her dread, she braved the unknown, grabbing each individual item and placing them on the table. Once the chest was empty, Serah counted everything which lay in front of her: two journals, five letters, one necklace with two rings attached, another necklace with several sapphires in the silver pendant and a dark bracelet with jewels all throughout the metal. All the jewels were flawless, including several sapphires, amethysts, emeralds and even diamonds.
Setting the jewels aside, Serah's hand mechanically reached for the top letter of the pile, the one Farkas discovered which had her name written in faded ink. Unraveling the twine keeping the numerous pages together, opening the parchment paper. And so, in the dim light of the fire, Serah of the Companions began to read.
To my beautiful daughter, Serah,
Oh, how I cannot wait to meet you, little one. According to the local priest, you shall make your arrival in the next few weeks. My stomach is round with you, and these last few months have been rough, but your father and I are so excited. You have been a miracle in our eyes and you are already so loved. Throughout the day I sing and talk to you through my tummy. Can you hear me? Oh, how I wish you can.
Well...if you are reading this, you're probably wondering how I knew we'd have a daughter if I'm righting this while still with child. My dear, from the moment I knew we had created a miracle, your father was adamant we were to have a girl. Thus, we have been calling you so since day one.
I may not know who old you are by the time you find this letter, though part of my hopes you never find the chest, for good reason. Yet, I fear my time in Skyrim might come to an end soon; I may not know when, but I can feel it. My death will be inevitable. Before that chance may come, I promised myself I'd explain why I fear for your life, my beautiful daughter.
It is...so difficult to be writing this, when I most likely won't even be given the chance to speak of this with you face to face.
Serah, there is so much about Skyrim, no one truly understands the truth of this land; that includes both the good, and the bad. There is an evil strength that will be searching for your life, and they will hunt high and low for you because of me. I'm afraid...they will try and kill you, just like they did your older brother.
All because of me.
Papers fall to the table, Serah hesitated in breathing, to move or do anything. Reading the letter was surreal. The last few sentences, however, was a slap to the face for Serah. Glancing down at the handwriting she could only assume was her mother – how would she know otherwise than the stated name? – she noticed wet spots falling upon the wood. Tracing her cheeks, the Companion realized she had unknowingly been crying, her tears falling quick.
Launching herself away from the table, Serah hurriedly stood, the chair falling harshly against the floor. Forgoing in placing the items back inside the chest, she found her boots, shoving her feet inside. Her body moved without thought, her mind blank of feelings, except for one: pure, unadulterated rage. Flying out the door, she slammed the thick wood against its frame. Serah was unaware of the droplets lightly falling onto her face though she ignored it as her boots led her outside the city towards the stables. Fetching Star, the horse was lulled from sleep, happy to see her master as they raced away from the city, sprinting quickly into the deep woods surrounding the city of thievery.
~ oOo ~
Back at Honeyside, Farkas slowly stirred from his sleep as he was awoken due to a loud noise echoing in his ears. Groaning, the muscled man rolled around the bed, reaching for Serah to bring her warmth flesh into his. As his arms met cold sheets, the male snapped his silver eyes wide open. Sitting upright, Farkas flung the sheets from his form and stood, using his wolf senses to see where his beloved had gone. Taking the stairs two at a time, the man froze when he entered the main room, slowly walking towards the table, straightening the chair that had fallen.
As he had gone to bed, Farkas was the one to place the chest onto the table, making sure it was locked and the key with Serah. Its contents were sprawled out, with one letter fully open. Respecting Serah deserved her privacy, Farkas still grasped the letter, moving closer to the fire to inspect its contents. His wolf sense knew she wasn't in the house, and it must've been something in this particular letter.
Reading as fast as he could, Farkas growled. "Oh no..."
Watching the door, the Companion knew why she left, her reasoning for an escape. Reading the first page of the letter once more, Farkas forced himself from crumbling the paper; Serah would want to keep it, despite her feelings of possible animosity. Letting the paper fall from his fingers, the wolf followed the woman's scent, picking up her mark the closer he reached the front gate. Once outside, rain soon pelted against his loose shirt, its coldness seeping into his bones as dawn was fast approaching, the darkness of Riften lifting once more.
Ignoring the guards, Farkas ran quickly through the closest trees, seeking an area of privacy where he could transform. Experiencing the cracking of each individual bone, Farkas' deep roar turned animalistic, hair coating his human skin, nose transforming into a snout. Concealed in his cursed form from Hircine, the once man howled into the night, his cry was one of pain, just not for himself. Leaping across all fours, Farkas bound across the land of The Rift, searching for the woman he wanted to claim as his mate and as his wife. Howling into the night once more, the Companion burned his muscles, using every muscle in racing across the land, knowing the one spot Serah would be in this moment.
"Serah!"
~ oOo ~
To all my readers still waiting for this story, I thank you. I love any and all comments, but knowing my story is being read leaves me extremely happy.
Chocobocolina :3
