Chapter Seventeen
Finally Home In Whiterun
A/N: I am so sorry it's taken me this long. These last few months have been…I don't even know how to describe. I've been dealing and struggling with my mental health, which has gotten worse in some aspects. I'm trying to write as much as I can, but my lack of motivation doesn't help, which is a symptom from me being recently diagnosed with Bipolar II.
I'm doing the best I can, so I greatly appreciate the love and support I get from all my readers.
Disclaimer: I don't own Skyrim – Just Serah.
~ oOo ~
Four days of riding.
Four days of sleeping in a small tent until their return back to Jorrvaskr.
Four cycles of the sun and both moons overhead; all the while enjoying the simple pleasure to be by each others side. And, well, there was also the heightened sexual tension crawling across their skin.
Inseparable as they were traveling together, Farkas and Serah were conjoined by the hip; for most of those four days, quite literally. Having liberated their inner beasts for each other, the call had been unleashed. Any area where they were secluded with enough privacy left the two lovers more than enough time to halt their return journey for a personal moment of passionate lovemaking. Whether it be against the tree; in their tent before going to sleep; or in an abandoned watchtower after defeating a hoard of bandits and claiming their treasure. The two lovers were enjoying the momentary privacy before their relationship would be questioned by the entire Companions.
Although, when they were able to keep their armor on longer than a few hours and they weren't fighting their way through bandits, bears or other forest creatures, the two would discuss all what they had learned in Riften. Recounting on the information Delvin provided, Serah wanted to consider what she should do next. The only reason she had even traveled to Riften was because of Astrid. Now that Riften was behind them, what was the next step. Where was she to go, what was she to do?
Sex and long conversations was how they filled the void during those four days.
And laughter. Lots and lots of laughter between the two. There wasn't an empty moment throughout the day when one would try to put a smile on the others face; and they would always succeed. The two were perfect for each other, and they knew it too.
On the morning of the fifth day, Farkas caught a glimpse of Dragonsreach after only having been on horseback not even an hour, and within another hour they were unloading their steeds at the stables. Star, happily chewing away on an apple in her stall, curved her head into the hand of Serah who scratched behind her ear. Grabbing their belongings, they trudged up the curved path to the gate where they would then make their way towards Jorrvaskr. Greeting familiar faces upon entering, the two made off towards the Companion hold when Serah halted at the call of her name. Looking behind her, she smiled, dropping one pack to extend an arm to the female blacksmith who had stopped smithing to see her old friend.
"Adrianne! It's good to be home and see you! How's the smithing?"
Wiping a sooted hand across her forehead, leaving behind a streak of black, the female blacksmith hollered. "It's fucking hot, I'll tell you that! But it's selling!" Glancing at the packs she and Farkas were carrying, the woman cocked her head. "You two suddenly took off with no warning. Was it something Companion related?"
Farkas nodded, his deep voice rattling Serah's insides, her heat still raw from their fornication last night. And earlier that morning. "It was something that was discussed, but our leaving was unexpected."
"Hmm, yeah, you were gone for almost a fortnight."
Heaving a sigh, Serah readjusted the pack digging into her shoulder. "We didn't know how long it would take. Honestly, we thought it would take longer."
"Really? Goodness…Well…if nobody here has said anything lately, we're real grateful for you and the rest of the Companions." Hugging the two, she waved them off, suggesting the two stop by for dinner some night to join herself with her husband, Ulfberth.
Shoes clinking against the stone steps near the fountain of Talos, Serah heaved a tense chuckle. "Now, if only the rest could go as smoothly as that."
"You're expecting something to happen. Why."
"Because it will. Someone will make a huge deal out of this and it'll bite me in the ass. You'll see." Opening the wooden door into Jorrvaskr, Serah was expecting someone to say something upon their immediate arrival.
Hey they're back!
What took you so long? That took too long for Companions of your caliber.
That was a long mission you guys, care to fill me in?
We want the gory details.
But there was nothing; for the main hall of the Companion building was entirely empty. The fire was roaring with life as usual, though no warriors were sitting at the table to welcome Farkas and Serah home. Groaning, though she wasn't questioning the privacy, Serah thought it was strange. Usually their was at least one person inside the building at all times -
"Oh my. It seems you two have finally made your return."
and there was that one person.
"Tilma!" Dropping her bags, the female Companions ran towards Tilma, the woman who practically raised both her and the twins as children of her own.
"My dear Serah, you mustn't be too rough with these ol' bones o' mine, for I am getting weary in my old age." Patting the young woman's back, Tilma smiled at the girl she raised before glancing at the young male, for who she also raised as a son. "I am happy to see your faces once again in this age old building. I have missed you so."
Tenderly holding her from the side, Farkas kissed the top of her head. "And we missed you too, Tilma. But you must not speak of your health like that," Farkas frowned, concerned she was speaking in a way he'd never heard before.
"Why not? Because you need someone to make your sweet rolls the way you like?" The woman smiled, though a hint of seriousness stitched within her words. Tilma didn't fret, for she had passed all her cooking secrets and recipes down to Serah. Considering the closeness she and Farkas shared, the elder woman wasn't worried for when her time came to embrace the warmness of Sovngarde.
"N-No, that's not why," Farkas mumbled, despite a tiny red blush coating his cheeks.
Giggling beside him, Serah finished his statement. "What Farkas is trying to say, we want you around for a long time, Tilma. You've done enough for the Companions and around Jorrvaskr, so if there's anything you need help with, you let us know and we'll take care of it. Or…" An idea struck the young female. "Tilma…maybe it's time we hire an additional maid. Someone you can train until you feel the person is ready to take over for you. You've done this job long enough, Tilma, I think you should treat yourself."
Now it was time for her to turn red in the cheeks. "Oh no, I couldn' possibly…!"
"That is a great idea." Farkas said, grinning from ear-to-ear. "Tilma, at least go speak with Kodlak and share with him what we've discussed. You've worked your whole life for the Companions, raised, Serah, myself and my brother since we were kids as your own! Don't let us be the reason you become so withered, alright?"
Glancing between the two, the elderly maid smiled, a bright, cheerful glimmer in her eye as she nodded before hugging each individually. "I will speak with on the manner. The moment he returns I swear, I will ask about hiring another maid and training her to be my replacement."
"That is good to hear," Serah said as she knelt to grab her dropped belongings from earlier.
Ears raised, Farkas questioned Tilma. "Kodlak's not here?" That's not like him, he thought.
"All the Companions are away, actually. Aela and Skjor are out on a mission together; Kodlak is out in town with your brother, Vilkas; and the others, Njada, Ria, Athis and Torvar are all out on a separate mission as well. The four of them should be back later today."
Scratching his growing beard, Farkas hummed. "It's been a long while since all members have been away from Jorrvaskr. What of Vignar?"
"Oh, he's just out in the back courtyard drinking, talking of the damn civil war and the Stormcloaks," Tilma scoffed, grabbing her broom she placed by the railings edge. "I've kept you too long, you both deserve some rest and maybe something to eat? I can cook some beef stew and bread?" As if she knew their stomachs were growling, both licked their lips. "Done," the woman grinned. "I'll have something prepared in time for dinner. In the meantime, I'll bring down a light meal of bread and cheese."
And the woman was gone, sweeping across the floor to leave the two Companions on their own.
Sighing, they grabbed their belongings and moseyed through the hall, now knowing there were no other Companions to stop them along the way. Bouncing down the stairs, they made the all-to-familiar trek down to the living quarters towards the hall where Serah and the twins bedrooms rested. Standing at the end of said hallway, both stopped and glanced at each other, mouths falling open.
Cheeks reddening, Serah bit her lip, eyes failing in avoiding the muscular man at her side. "We…didn't seem to discuss this part before arriving home…"
"So it would seem…" he whispered, scratching the back of his head.
Taking a deep breath, the woman grasped her door handled. "I mean…y-you have your stuff, and I h-have mine, so shouldn't we put ours away?"
"We should," he answered softly, a grin forming. In awe of her stumbling, Farkas was marveled how easily embarrassed Serah could become, in spite of the strength she possessed in all aspects of her characteristics.
Head falling, the young female gave in. "Alright," her voice was low. "I'll just be in here if you need me."
"Mmm, not so fast." Taking hold of her wrist, the tall Nord quickly spun the young female around, pushing her against the wall of his room, trapping her within his arms. Lips pressed firmly against hers, Farkas took hold of her waist, pulling the woman against his armor, wanting her to feel the passion she engraved into his body. Her fingers slithered into his long hair, thumbs brushing over the edges of his black war paint.
Mouths mingled, tongues fought for dominance. All Serah knew was how this bulky, wondrous Nordic warrior was making weak in both the knees and her lungs. Pushing at his breastplate, she gulped in air, smiling up at the man who still manage to trails his lips down from her jaw to the base of her throat.
"We may not have discussed it…" Pausing, Farkas nipped his canines into her collarbone, eliciting Serah to shiver in the man's arms, vocal cords humming with delight. "But nothing needs to change with what was happened between us. Sleep in your room, sleep in my room; it matters not, for I love you, Serah of the Companions." Cupping one cheek, he bent forward, kissing the tip of her nose. As he rose back up to his full height, Serah reached upward with one hand, copying his movement to mold hers against his stubbly face. "Stay by my side, and nothing else will matter… - eh?"
"Farkas of the Companions, I…" Breathing in deeply, Serah beamed, her eyes brimming with tears, knowing full well she had interrupted the man to speak her own words. Ceasing to move, Farkas held his tongue. "I love you, with all my heart." Capturing her lips once more, the man's breath blew gently against her face as Serah drank his scent. Blinking, she felt Farkas swipe at her cheek, not even realizing a tear or two had fallen from her lashes; for in that moment, the woman had uttered, for the first time - without having fallen asleep - her feelings for the Nordic warrior.
"Though I've known it these past few days, I have wanted nothing more than to hear you say those words, my love," Farkas grinned, bringing her fingers to his lips, biting her knuckle as she giggled, his teeth nipping her skin. "You are…so important to me, little one."
"As you are to me, Farkas." Standing on her tiptoes, she lay her lips lightly on his nose, then dropped to her shorter height. "I…must ask. This, between us? I don't know about you, but I'm not really wanting to go and out and tell people…"
"Understandable," Farkas agreed, playing with the braided strand of hair with beads and a feather intertwined within.
"However…I do wanna tell Vilkas."
"My brother?"
"Of course."
Falling quiet, Farkas dropped Serah's hair as he pulled her closer, doing nothing other than holding her within his arms. The female, eyes wide in waiting for in answer, grinned when the man lay his forehead against hers. "He would love to know that we have finally been brought together."
Head shaking as she retracted from her position against the man, Serah's expression was puzzling. "Are you…did Vilkas know the whole time how you felt about me?"
Scratching behind his ear, the male Companion sheepishly looked quickly off to the side. "I-I, well, you know how Vilkas has the smarts of Ysgramor…he can probably figure anything out if he wants to."
"That…" she blinked several times. "Is very, very true." Inhaling and exhaling deeply, Serah stifled and yawn, covering her mouth with the back of a hand. "Farkas? I'm sorry if this is sudden, but would it be possible if I could take a nap? We just got back, but my legs are sore from the journey and compared to sleeping on the ground, my bed is calling my name."
"Little one, you don't need my permission for anything. Take all the time you need to rest; we will unpack when you wake. There's actually an errand I need to take care of in town."
"Perfect," she mumbled, another yawn cutting her off at the end. "Oh!" Bending, she took hold of the black chest carrying her inheritance, handing it over to Farkas. "Think you can place this in your safe before you head out?"
"Now that, I can do."
"Thank you handsome," Serah giggled as Farkas hoisted the chest upon his shoulder.
"You are most welcome, beautiful. Now, go take a nap while I go put this away. Once I'm done with my errand, I'll wake you and we'll take care of our packs then discuss what we learned from Riften with my brother."
"Now we have a plan." Connecting in a lengthy, delightful kiss, Serah disappeared behind her door, the aged wood closing slowly, leaving Farkas alone in the hallway as he dragged their belongings into his room.
Extending both arms above her head, Serah stretched her limbs before rubbing the back of her neck, releasing a small kink growing into her shoulder. Hauling her heavy pack from the door, she moved the leather sack to the end of her bed, the straps falling from her fingers. Mouth opening wide as a yawn escaped, she covered her lips, staring at her still-made bed as she considered if she wanted to simply lay down and sleep or if she should remove her new armor to be replaced with a simple tunic.
"Ugh, it might be better just to remove it. I dunno how long Farkas will be gone…" Falling onto the mattress, Serah reached down, and in the process of removing one boot, a knock echoed from her door. Hair falling over her shoulder as she raised her head, Serah stood. Having thought Farkas already left Jorrvaskr and headed into the market, she was confused, for who was at the door? "Farkas? Is that you?" Opening the door it seemed she had just closed, the female froze, eyes raised to the man who had always been taller than her.
"I heard you were looking for me, Serah."
"Vilkas!" She cried, stumbling slightly backwards, a hand wavering over her heart.
"So," the twin leaned against her doorframe, arms crossed, a grin plastered across his face. "I heard there seems to be something you're wanting to tell me? About…you and Farkas?"
~ oOo ~
Closing his door for privacy, he walked behind the bar and knelt, unlocking his personal safe, knowing there was nothing spectacular inside other than the stash of gold and jewels from his journeys over the years. Which now included his inheritance from Serah and his Amulet of Amara, to await inside until the proper moment where he would propose to Serah. Eyeing the leather bag which contained the decent amount of fifty-thousand septims, Farkas shook his head before deciding to take the smaller pouch he already had, stowing it away inside his armor before headed outside Jorrvaskr.
Hence the errand he had in town. More importantly, the errand he had up at Dragonsreach with Proventus Avenicci.
Securing his safe was locked and the key was back in its proper place, Farkas left his room and exited Jorrvaskr entirely, still seemingly surprised how no other Companions had returned from their quests. I wonder where Kodlak sent them all of to? Disregarding the thought, as it was unimportant at the present matter, the bulky male made his way down the stone steps, walking past the preaching Talos priest and back up the stairs towards Dragonsreach. Nodding his head as he past the guards on the way up, he entered the large, foreboding, castle-like structure that housed Jarl Balgruuf and his family, as well as Proventus, his steward. Entering the building, he was greeting by the guards at the entrance, making a quick stride up the steps right towards the ruling leader of Whiterun Hold.
The Jarl's eyes switched from his housecarl, Irileth, to Farkas, widening in seeing a the bulky male in his presence. Somewhat straightening in his chair, Balgruuf the Greater addressed the male with a grin. "To see a Companion in these halls, it is an honor, for we owe you and your Shield Siblings much in the protection of our city. To what do we owe your visit?"
In his typical, gruff voice, Farkas cleared his throat, having thought the entire journey home from Riften on he was to speak on the manner of his request. "Jarl, I actually came to speak with Proventus."
Irileth and Jarl turned towards the Steward, whose eyebrows furrowed in question. Typically the Companions stayed within Jorrvaskr, having no need to ever step inside Dragonsreach unless needed for a task; if then, they would be contacted by Proventus, not the other way around. Smiling nonetheless, the Steward was curious to see what Farkas needed from him and stepped towards the male. "My ears are open. How may I assist you?"
"I have a request about constructing a building within the city."
"A building?" The man glanced at his Jarl, curiosity swirling in both male's eyes.
"Yes, sir. I'd like to speak in private, if that's possible."
"O-Of course! Please, right this way." Moving his arm to the left, Proventus had Farkas follow. Climbing up a flight of stairs, they were now in the Jarl's large, open War Room, maps and different diagrams of the Hold and City lined the walls. The map on the table had standing pegs, colored red and blue signifying the Imperials and Stormcloaks in the Civil War. Knowing he shouldn't, Farkas still stole quick peek at the maps, curiosity taking hold as he wondered what conversations were held in this room. "Pardon, but give me one moment, and we will have our discussion."
Standing off to the side, the Companion watched Proventus rummage through the bookcases behind the tables. Mumbling beneath his breath, the Steward continued to search for several minutes, bypassing over numerous books and scrolls until he gasped. "Aha!" Removing the twine from the rolled up parchment, the Steward placed the material over one of the maps on the table as it unrolled across the flat surface. Not so surprised to see the scroll was one of Whiterun itself, Farkas could see a layout of all the buildings in the city, scribbled with notes in the corners here and there.
"So, Farkas of the Companions. Your request is you wish to have a building constructed within the city. As you can see," Proventus waved his hand towards the scroll as the Companion moved closer to the table, arms crossed as he eyes the somewhat faded black ink. "This is a layout of Whiterun. Before we can discuss price or even location, there is one question I must ask first: what building are you wanting to construct?"
Swallowing his sudden nervousness, Farkas lifted his steel-grey eyes towards Proventus, his voice firm as he answered with, "I'm looking to build a house."
~ oOo ~
"Vilkas! What…Y-You were there t-the whole time?!" Wide eyed though smiling as she bounced into the smaller twins arms, Serah was ecstatic to see the man she claimed as her brother. Having only been a fortnight, the female still crushed her arms around the man in his freakishly furry wolf armor. "V-Vilkas…you don't even understand how happy I am to see you."
Enveloping her close, the man kissed her head, brushing her hair away as he slowly pushed her away at arms length. "By the nine, two weeks away in Riften, what happened there? And what the hell is going on between you and my brother? And no, no," he wagged his in front of her face as she opened her mouth to speak, stopping her before she could do so. "I want to hear before Farkas gets back, I'm not waiting for him; I need to know this now," he snickered.
"Hm, impatient much?" Serah taunted, a grin of her own appearing as she finally took a seat upon her bed. Taking claim in one of the chairs, the man waited as she contemplated how, and what, exactly she should tell the man. After a few moments, Serah ultimately decided to start the conversation by stating, "Just so we're clear…you know I can't tell you everything, right?"
"Can't tell me everything," the man mimics. "By the nine, what could've happened that you wouldn't be able to tell even me?!" Merely blinking with a blank expression, Serah said nothing nor moved, as she was hoping Vilkas truly held the smarts of Ysgramor in the present moment. Watching the woman with a raised eyebrow, the male Companion was still as the seconds passed, leaving the woman to question how far the man's cleverness actually went.
Until he gasped.
"No."
"There you go," she said, averting her eyes, suddenly interesting in the blanket beneath her fingers.
"How? When? Where? What did my brother do? What did he say?" Sitting upon the edge of his seat, Vilkas became greedy with needing to know. His questions having been asked in rapid succession, Serah shook her head, waiting to see if he had any more, and when he fell silent, she tried answering each.
"We, um…Farkas, he…" Eyeing Vilkas, she watched his grin grow wide and knew her cheeks were growing red as a ripe tomato. "Aw fuck it. The night before we left? He kissed me; that's why I wasn't myself the morning we left and then we kissed later while traveling. The night before we reached Riften Farkas, sort of…helped me, while I was, um…bathing…"
"Ohhh, what did he…?"
"Shut up Vilkas," Serah said sternly, her face flushed entirely red. "A-A-Anyway…As we headed into Riften the following morning, we actually ran into Aragorn and he offered his home for us to stay because the inn was completely booked."
"Wait, wait, wait! Aragorn…has a house in Riften?"
"A house, and the title of Thane! Can you believe? Our little shield-brother and Dragonborn is going places!"
"Damn," Vilkas muttered, tracing the small beard growing amongst his chin. "Besides the point! He offers his home. What happens next, between you and my brother?"
"Actually, thanks to Aragorn, we were able to meet with the person I needed to find in connection with the Dark Brotherhood. Aragorn left the city that night, leaving the house to ourselves. And later that night, we…well, we…we enjoyed the night to ourselves."
Grinning like the evil bastard Vilkas could be, leaned forward, placing both elbows on his knees. "Hmm, not quite sure I understand Serah. Could you explain a little bit more?"
Narrowing her sharp, emerald green eyes, Serah huffed, crossing her arms as she contemplated the words in her head. Not including Farkas, the man before was her closest confidante, the man she trusted above all others - besides Kodlak, that is - so she tossed aside her bashfulness. "We…had a night of passion."
"Ah! So you did the deed," he smirked, pushing the woman on edge.
"Did the…!" Flabbergasted, she nearly shouted, "W-W-We made love!"
"You slept together."
"Farkas and I had a night of intimacy!"
"Mm, you and my brother fooled around."
"Fooled around?! Why I outa…! Vilkas! You asshole, I love your brother with all my heart! I would never just fool around with him!"
Still, the werewolf grinned. "Ah…so, you finally admit it to me. You love my brother, Serah." Moving forward to engulf the smaller Companion in an embrace, Vilkas wasn't expecting for the woman to thrust her palm against his armor to push him away.
"Of course I love your brother, you dimwit! Wha', did you think we would fool around an' that would be it?! How dare you insinuate that we would just…!"
"Serah, Serah! Breath, relax! I meant no ill will; I was jesting, is all." Grasping her cheeks, the man rubbed her flushed face together until she moaned in annoyance, struggling to free herself from the man's grasp. Once free, she tenderly rubbed her cheeks, glaring at the man, waiting for him to explain. "Come on, I've been waiting years for this to happen, cut me some slack, I was having some fun. Still, does this mean you two…are together?"
Sheepishly, Serah nodded, crossing her legs upon the bed. "Having only been a few days, it still seems surreal, but…yeah. After all these years of keeping my feelings a secret from him, he knows; I finally told him how I feel, and he did to me." Brushing the stray tear away from her face, she giggled, the giddiness inside finally bubbling over. "Who knows what'll happen from here. As long as Farkas stays by my side, I don't mind."
Merely sitting across from her in his chair, Vilkas was in awe. For several summers now, he knew his brother had feelings for Serah; the way he acted around her, how he talked, his protectiveness. And despite knowing his Shield Sister felt the same for his brother, Vilkas had never seen a woman more in love than Serah was sitting before him right then and there. Even the day when Serah was abandoned by her father when they were just lads, he had seen the immediate connected between the two. Vilkas knew then and there; his brother and Serah were meant to be.
Clearing his throat, as he was becoming teary-eyed thinking on the subject, Vilkas decided it was time to discuss another topic. Blinking, he focused on Serah, having finally taken noticed to the attire she was wearing. Narrowing his vision, the male analyzed, inspecting her armor that she most definitely was not wearing when she left Jorrvaskr.
"Serah."
"Hmm?"
"Correct me if I am wrong, yet…I don't think that's the armor you were wearing when you and my brother left a fortnight ago."
"Ah, t-this?" Peering down, she ran her fingers over the vambrace on her arm, staring aimlessly into the random etched designs scratched into the metal. "This'll make more sense once Farkas gets here and we explain in detail everything that's happened…Um…" Sheepishly, she smiled up at Vilkas. "This…used to be the Thieves Guild armor my mother wore."
Quiet and slowly blinking to process the new information, the male Companion merely nodded, biting his own lip. "Wow, that's great Serah. Your mother's? Damn…Wait! Your' mother's?!" Shaking his head several times, Vilkas patted his cheek then moved to sit next to Serah. Grabbing her arm, he inspected to the soft leather, glancing here and there, his eyes grew with fascination. "If this is true, how was it kept in such great condition?!"
"I-I don't know, to be honest."
"Who gave it to you?"
"His name is Delvin; he was my father and mother's best friend before they died."
Sitting backwards against the bed, Vilkas released a heavy breath, not exactly realizing the information she and his brother would be relaying once they returned. Rubbing his temples, he then groaned. "Ngh, I think we're skipping some parts. Maybe we should wait until my brother - "
KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK.
Chuckling within his throat, Vilkas stood, knowing exactly who it was. "Speaking of my brother," he blurted, and opened the door to reveal his bulkier twin.
"Vilkas!" Surprised to see his own brother in Serah's room, the twins engulfed each other in a tight embrace, hands clapping each other on their backs. "What're you doing here, brother? Tilma told us you were in town with Kodlak."
"It's true, I was. He remained until I decided to come back here and read; Tilma actually informed of your return! Coming down here to see you, I, uh…" Vilkas' cheeks turning red, he switched his gaze between Farkas and Serah. "…hid when I saw two in the hall outside. I stayed around the corner, waiting until you left to surprise Serah and - ouch!" Holding the side of his arm, the smaller twin narrowed his vision at his brother, who grinned wickedly. "What the hell was that for?"
Farkas glanced at his clenched fist, relaxing his fingers as he said, "Because you're an ass."
"I'm the ass?!"
Sighing, Farkas curled an arm over Vilkas's shoulder. "You couldn't even wait for me to come back. Instead, you bombard Serah with questions about I'm assuming us? Right, Serah?"
She nodded, embarrassingly. Sighing as well, now was her moment to settle a score against her Shield Brother. "Farkas…he made a joke about you and I, that we're only fooling around."
"Aw shit," Vilkas mumbled, trying to remove himself from his brother's arms, except Farkas tightened his bulging muscles.
"Ah, did he?" Slamming his fist upon the top of his brother's head, Vilkas released a snarl as Farkas let fo of his brother. Falling upon the bed, he growled and moaned, holding the crown of all his knowledge, knowing full well there would most likely be a bump for the next few days. "That's why you're an ass, brother," Farkas growled.
"I was joking!" he exclaimed, wincing at Serah, who smiled widely as she leaned over and kissed his cheek.
"Of course I know you were joking sweetie," she gently tapped his face as he rolled his eyes. "Just please…don't ever joke about this again, alright?"
"Ok," he mumbled, realizing the mistake he made earlier. Nevertheless, the deep rumble of Farkas' laughter filtered through the room.
"Ah, it is good to be home," the man beamed, leaning an elbow against his brother's shoulder.
Standing to her feet, Serah stated, "Then how about I go and get us some hearty mead? We'll drink to our return before discussing what we learned in Riften."
Vilkas was still grumbling as he said, "I could use some mead."
Nodding, the woman opened her door to leave when Farkas grasped her shoulder, halting her movement. "Could you also grab me a sweet roll?" Earning a chuckle from the female, she agreed, disappearing down the hallway, making her way back upstairs towards the kitchen. Turning towards his sulking brother, who was still caressing his head, Farkas tilted his head backwards. "Hey…there's something I want to show you."
"Assuming this has something to do with your errand?"
"Yep." They both exited Serah's room and entered Farkas', one taking a seat at the bar while the other walked behind.
"Should I also assume this has something to do with Serah."
"Yep," Farkas repeated once more. Kneeling, he opened the safe, pulling the parchment he had taken with him from the meeting with Proventus. Glancing at it one last time, the large Companion inhaled slowly as he peered over the top of the paper, meeting his brother's eyes, then slid the document across the bar. Carefully watching his brother, Vilkas narrowed his vision, eyelids lowering towards the page in front as his hands lifted the document, inspecting what it was, questioning what it could be.
Though he was not prepared for what it actually was.
"Farkas," his brother breathed. Rereading the document several times, ensuring the ink stained paper was written correctly and his eyes were not being deceived. "Is this…Did you really purchase a house?!"
"Keep your voice down, brother!" Falling silent to hear if Serah was on her way back from the kitchen, Farkas huffed a sigh. "It's true, except I'm having Proventus build a brand new one."
"What…how…?" Stumped into silence, Vilkas was truly at a loss for words. Glance switching between the damn paper and his twin, the male allowed the paper to fall onto the bar. "There's no way you'd ever leave Jorrvaskr. You said so yourself! And to build a house?! Where did this all suddenly come from? Why in all the nine would you - oh, my…"
All while he was blabbering, Farkas kneeled behind the bar once more, peering into his safe at the one item he treasured more than the jewels and gold. Delicately, Farkas removed said item and stood, placing it gently upon the document, waiting ever-so patiently for his brother to notice; though it did not take long for Vilkas to acknowledge the trinket placed before him.
"Farkas are you serious?"
"That I am, brother."
"There's no way."
"Tis true."
"You mean…?"
"I do."
"How long have you wanted to…?"
"Too long."
"This is…" Vilkas picked up the Amulet of Mara, watching how it glistened in the candlelight. "It's about damn time! When do you plan on asking Serah?"
"My plan is to wait until the house is finished. I've asked Proventus to keep the buyer anonymous, so no one in the city will know it was me until the house is complete; I don't want there to be any chance for Serah to find out."
"Farkas I'm…I'm really impressed. Not at all surprised you're going to ask Serah to marry you, but…I didn't think it'd happen this quickly."
Frowning, Farkas meddled with the pendant chain. "D-Do you think it's too soon?"
"No, no! If anything, it should've happened by now, you two are meant to be together. Everyone in the Companions, hell, everyone in Whiterun knows as well."
The bulkier twin scoffed. "You're just saying that."
"And I've been saying this for the past few summers: everyone but you and Serah knew you had feelings for each other, ya stubborn oaf."
"Watch it," Farkas growled, despite the grin playing across his lips.
"So," Vilkas was still fiddling with the important pendant between his fingers. "Now it's just a waiting game. Besides, where they building a brand new house in the city? Is there even room?"
"You know that patch of rocks behind Belethor's? Next to Ysolda and Olava's?"
Vilkas slowly nodded. "I do. They've never built anything there because of the rocks."
"Because they'll have to completely break them apart, which will cost enough septims, apart from building the house."
Cocking his head, Vilkas' facade deadpanned at his brother. "And you suddenly have the gold to do all this?"
Nodding instead of speaking, Farkas' ears perked upwards when the clatter of feet against stone grew louder; his hand swiftly grasped the amulet and the document, kneeling to safely lock both in his safe. Seconds later, the door opened with Serah walking through, three mugs in one hand and a plate of sweet rolls in the other. Grinning brightly, she quickly walked to Vilkas who grabbed the plate as she removed the mug handles from her fingers. As she slid the glasses to each owner, the twins shot their eyes at each other and nodded, knowing their discussion would be halted until later.
"Sorry! Tilma actually had a batch of sweet rolls almost finished so I thought some fresh ones would be better!" Giggling, she was already stuffing her face with the, the white glaze trickling down her lips as she licked what escaped. Moaning, she said, "Ohhh, these are so good!" Farkas, whose hand had reached over to grab one, halted, his eyes transfixed on the woman his heart, and cock, were beating for. Seeming to notice, Serah slowly lifted her hooded emerald orbs, tongue darting forward as she licked across her lips to remove the excess icing. Vilkas, with his chin held up by his hand, watched his love-struck brother and Shield Sister, promptly rolled his eyes as he snapped his fingers.
Male and female glanced at him in curiosity.
"Look, I get you two have just kindled…this," Vilkas waved a hand between them. "But could it wait until I'm at least outside before you pounce on each other? By the nine, I can smell the lust in here."
"Sorry," they replied in unison. Serah, having quickly finished her sweet roll, drank a good portion of her mead, excusing herself to retrieve the papers from her pack, she resumed her seat after a few moments. A blush still coated her cheeks as she smiled up at Farkas, though she coughed and shook her shoulders, preparing herself to explain, in detail, everything thee uncovered and learned. With the chest and the key, Vilkas had no idea what he was to be told, and was even more curious know than before.
"So I'm just gonna ask this first: you found the person you were looking for, correct?"
"We believe so, yes," Serah answered. "Since I wasn't given a name beforehand, there's no way to tell if Delvin is the person I was supposed to be meet. But, based on the information he gave us, the connection he has to my parents and the Dark Brotherhood, I'd say he's the one."
"Woah, woah, wait a minute. He has a connection to the Dark Brotherhood?! Then how do you know we can trust him!"
Holding her nose, Serah shook her head, as this was still overwhelming her. Jumping in, Farkas leaned against the bar. "Delvin explained everything to us."
Vilkas shook his head. "First, how did you even meet Delvin?"
Serah and Farkas shared a glance, the female opting to answer. "We actually owe Aragorn a for that. Remember I told he he's the one who offered his home because the inn was full? Outside the three of us, he's the only other person who knows in detail of what's happening and the only other person I trust to keep this a secret. When we explained who I needed to meet, who knew exactly who it was and planned a meeting with Delvin. He took us to where he was, which happened to be…Um, shit…think we can tell him, Farkas?"
"He is my brother and we trust him. As long as he doesn't tell anyone else."
Eyebrow raised in confusion, other twin cautiously asked, "Tell me what?"
Inhaling, Serah said, "Aragorn took us to the lair of the Thieves Guild."
"The Thieves Guild…? So that means…!"
"Yes," Farkas said nonchalantly, having already accepted the detested truth. "That means Aragorn is part of the Thieves Guild. Look, Serah and I welcome that part of him, so let it pass. He uses it for good."
"For good?! But he…!"
Taking hold of his hand, Serah had her Shield Sibling focus on him. "Vilkas, please, this is important. Yes, Aragorn is part of the Thieves Guild, but he takes what he steals and gives it to those in need. When he comes home, you can talk to him with us, but right now, please? This is important."
Bowing his head, Vilkas apologized.
She kissed his forehead. "You dummy, there's no need; you weren't there, it's a lot to take in. But that's how we met Delvin, he's the Treasurer for the Guild, and he knew who I was the moment he saw me. He and my parents were best friends because they were members of the build after they left the Companions; he was there when I was born."
Farkas interjected and relayed what happened next. "Basically, he told us to meet him the next night. We followed him and…found the grave sight of her parents." Both steel-grey sets of eyes landed on Serah who merely stared forward, still processing the information. "In a nutshell, there was a riddle, we solved it and dug up this chest," Farkas knocked on the box beside him.
"Inside were jewels and letters from both my parents; that's it. I've read only one letter and discovered…" Shutting her lips, Serah chugged the remainder of her mead, twirling the heavy glass on the table. Heaving her breath, she dropped her forehead against the wood, feeling Vilkas rub his hand along her back for comfort. She was grateful for his compassion, and yet, the anger residing in the depths of her heart wouldn't fully dissipate. "I discovered my mother was pregnant with a child before me, yet she wasn't able to give birth; the Dark Brotherhood poisoned her…and she lost the baby not long after."
"S-Serah…"
Waving her hand, it was obvious across her features she did not want to continue speaking. Shaking his head towards his twin, Farkas grasped the woman's hand, rubbing a thumb over the soft skin. "We knew there were more answers, so we sought out Delvin and explained everything. Ah! I finally learned my parents were Companions and my father was a member of the Circle; thanks so much for telling me, by the way," she patted Vilkas' hand, sarcastically speaking as his cheeks brightened.
"U-Uhh," the male glanced at his twin who casually drank from his glass.
"Don't look at me, I already took my beating."
Rolling her eyes, Serah chuckled. "Look, I get it, Kodlak had you two swear to not say anything to me about my parents being Companions; don't know why, but you both made a promise. I don't like it, but it is what it is."
"Hmm…" Running his fingers along his chin, Vilkas turned his vision to the chest. "Alright, so you've explained everything that you learned, yet what's this?"
"Ah." Removing the key from her neck, Serah leaned across the bar as she unlocked the chest, enjoying her Shield Brother's jaw drop as she lifted the lid to display the remainder of the septims inside. "Apparently, my parents left me quite an inheritance."
"How…how much is in there?"
"Before giving Farkas some? A hundred-thousand septims."
"By the nine! They left you that much?!" Serah nodded, finding the man's expressions amusing; his eyes remained wide and mouth couldn't decide if it wanted to stay open or closed. "Damn…I-I mean that's great! What're planning to do with it?"
"Nothing, for now," she admitted. "Farkas is holding it for me since he has a safe and I don't. Possibly for travel? Who knows where the fuck I'll end up for the Dark Brotherhood and this game of theirs." And then silence, for each Companions contemplated their own thoughts.
Serah was considering when she would read the remaining letters.
Vilkas wondered what the Dark Brotherhood wanted from the woman he loved as his actually sister.
And Farkas couldn't stop thinking of the document in his safe, knowing that in just a few weeks, everything would change.
Groaning, Serah pushed her chair away from the bar and stood, stretching her arms high above her head. "Alright…we've shared everything with you, but there's one last person I want to speak with: Kodlak."
"Kodlak?" She nodded. "You wanting to tell him everything too, huh?"
"I do…He's always been there whenever I needed advice, and this…well, this is something I definitely need to talk to him about. And if my parents were Companions, maybe he can tell me something about my mother or father now that I know. When I'm done we'll grab some food?"
"We'll be here waiting, love." Grinning sheepishly, Serah turned scarlet, closing the door behind as she meandered down the hall towards Kodlak's door.
Inside the bedroom, Vilkas exhaled loudly. "By the bloody nine, Farkas. She wholeheartedly seems to trust this Delvin. Do you?"
"I was reluctant at first, though I sensed no evil, despite him being a previous member of the Dark Brotherhood."
"You did not mention that Farkas!" The smaller twin hissed, slamming a palm against his face. Shrugging, the bulkier male briefly explained what Delvin told them. "So, now he only works with the Dark Brotherhood when money is involved?"
"That's what he said."
"Oh, Farkas…Your my brother, and I love you…but did you stop and think that maybe, just maybe, this whole plan might have been concocted by the Dark Brotherhood?!"
The man's face fell. "What're you talking about?"
Standing, Vilkas walked across the room, leaning against the door. "Think about it. The woman Serah met in Falkreath gave no indication who she was to meet. Aragorn just happens to know one person in Riften to has connections to the Dark Brotherhood as a past member? What if this was set up?!"
"…but what if it wasn't? What if Delvin actually hates the Dark Brotherhood, was actually best friends with Serah's parents and truly wants to help her? Vilkas, you weren't there; I'm the one who watched them talk, he was nearly in tears when we met. He was so eager to do anything he could and wants to keep in contact."
"It's just…sketchy. Serah has no one to tell her the truth. Kodlak probably won't even mention he's her godfather when they speak."
"Kodlak…seems scared to admit that truth to her."
"Well…nothing we can do about that now. All we can do is…be there for Serah, as we always are."
"Now that is something I think we should drink to." And that, the brother clinked their glasses together, slurping their mead, ignoring trails of the cool liquid dripping down their stubbly chins.
Meanwhile…
Out in the hall, Serah stood outside Kodlak's door, the wood slightly open, indicating the Harbinger was inside and had returned from his errand as well. Body wavering back a forth for a few moments, she couldn't move; her arm reach out then retracted several times, indecisive whether to knock or ignore her want to speak with the elder Companion. Biting her lip, the female inhaled sharply, lightly knocked on the wood and waited.
"Come in."
Pushing the door open, there sat Kodlak, sitting in his infamous spot with a book and a sweet roll. When she didn't say anything, the man lifted his vision, his eyes widening. "Serah! You've returned!"
"It's good to see you, Kodlak."
"Come in, come in! How's your trip? What can I help you with, my dear?" Taking her normal seat, Serah spared the small talk, opting to go straight for the kill as she crossed her arms.
"Kodlak…there's something we need to talk about."
~ oOo ~
For those who've waited, thanks for being patient.
Chocobocolina :3
