Heavy rain took over what was a warm, moonlight night in Solitude. Punching Ariel's bedroom window, the rain's soothing sounds helped put many in the city to sleep. Ariel being one of them. Another contributing factor being the night of passion she shared with Farkas. A man that many women would call their dream guy. Tall, soft spoken, gentle. The whole werewolf aspect would turn a lot of them away, but Ariel saw past the Daedric influence within him. She cared for Farkas; with the love she would have shown her own family. Giving Farkas her heart, soul, and virginity.

She slept face down, while Farkas laid next to her, wide awake. One hand behind the head, the other hand holding Ariel's raw journal. While originally coming to Ariel's home tired, expending whatever energy he had left with Ariel, he couldn't sleep. Maybe it was the rain. He did lie next to the window. The honest answer, he wanted to watch Ariel sleep, creepy as it may sound. The line he said about wanting to protect her was true. Of course, they were safe in a city as protected as Solitude, but Farkas had to be sure.

Throughout the night, Ariel whimpered in her sleep. She would shake. Fingers would clench. Her mind thrown into a world that Farkas couldn't see. Farkas closed the book after a 45-minute read. He had to reach over Ariel to place it back on her nightstand, where she kept it at all times. Once he did, the sheets slid off of Ariel, exposing her back wounds. These battle scars hypnotized Farkas, remembering the story Ariel told of her childhood trauma. He ran his fingers across them, correlating it with her sleeping habits.

A newly made Lycan will forget their first time unleashing the beast. Your mind will be lost as your flesh tears and bones reconstruct. Farkas surely forgot. As time passed, and he learned to control it, he saw firsthand at the pure mutilation that a wolf can do to an organic vessel. The most vicious being when he ate a man's heart. Raw. Satisfying a bloodlust that always resided in him. Not everyone was a Companion, with others hurting innocent's whether they wanted to or not. Seeing Ariel like this made him realize what a monster he'd become. Kodlak talked about how he hoped to surrender his Lycan abilities in order to live amongst his nord brothers in Sovrngarde. Perhaps he was right. Farkas rolled Ariel across the bed and into his grasp. Holding on tight until the shaking stopped.

Daylight shined through the window, waking Ariel. She blocked the sun rays with a hand a scrambled to close the curtain. Farkas wasn't in bed. A hissing sound, followed by a dog like growl rang in her ears. "Oh no." Wrapped in her blanket, she got halfway down the stairs before seeing Farkas and Tyrus tussling across the floor in a wrestling match. Getting ready to shout, Farkas fell flat on his back, with Tyrus standing tall on his chest.

He groaned. "Ugh, you beat me again kid."

Tyrus released a victorious baby roar. "Mother! I beat him!"

Ariel sighed in relief. They were only playing. Farkas raised his head. "I hope you don't think any less of me, losing to your son like this."

"Not at all. Now I know who to call if you get out of line."

Ariel cooked a nice breakfast, making up for last night's lack of dinner. Afiya's signature apple-cinnamon oatmeal with a dash of moon sugar. Fried ham, sunny side eggs and biscuits with snowberry jam. Complimented by a glass of Ariel's favorite distilled grape juice. The three of them sat at the table, eating like a family.

"How's the food boys?"

"Man, it's so good." Said Farkas, devouring another piece of ham. "You're a great co-" He burped.

Tyrus looked at Farkas and opened his mouth. He tried to force a burp of his own, but it sounded like coughing up a hairball.

"It's in your gut kid. Bring it up from your stomach."

Tyrus tried once more, summoning a miniature version of Farkas' burp. They began laughing, then looked at Ariel, who wasn't. Instead, giving them the evil eye. Farkas went silent. Tyrus didn't get the hint, continuing to chuckle. Farkas cleared his throat, and Tyrus slowly stopped.

"Sorry mother."

"Sorry mother." Repeated Farkas.

Ariel stirred her oatmeal. "Apology accepted. Will you be staying all day Farkas?"

"I was hoping to stay for a couple of days, then head back to Whiterun with you. That's if you don't mind me staying."

"I'd be insulted if you didn't." Ariel took a swig of juice. "It's a beautiful day. Why we don't we all go enjoy ourselves?"

"I'm in."

"Mew!"

The next two days were wonderful. Day one. Farkas helped Tyrus work up the courage to play with the other kids. Farkas would join them in games of tag, becoming the most favorable one to become "it". They relaxed by the docks and took a dip in the cool water. The best part was teaching Tyrus how to swim. He started by hanging on to Farkas for dear life, not wanting to drown. Eventually they calmed him down, with Farkas and Ariel holding him steady as he kicked his feet. Tyrus didn't fully swim that afternoon, but progress was made. They ran into Claudius and Sontaire who were shopping.

"Hoho! If it isn't my girl, Ariel. Great to see you again!"

"Hello Claudius. I'm happy to see you as well. Hello to you too Sontaire."

"Good evening darling. You have a particular...glow radiating off that skin." She turned to Farkas. "And that must be due to this rugged, muscular fellow by your side."

"Rugged? Haven't heard that one before. I'm Farkas. Nice to meet you."

"I remember you." Said Claudius. "Darling, this is the fellow who brought Ariel's book to my attention. Without him, I wouldn't have met Ariel. I didn't realize you and Ariel were an item."

"Most people don't know that. She keeps me locked in the closet with nothing to eat except peanuts and grape juice." Ariel smacked his arm.

"It's so nice to see young love prospering in these trying times. We have some tremendous news of our own. Sontaire."

Sontaire struck a pose and patted her stomach. "We're pregnant!"

Ariel choked on spit, blindsided by that announcement. "Congratulations!" She and Sontaire hugged.

"We found out recently." Said Sontaire. "I puked like a mad woman and felt awful for a week. I assumed it was food poisoning from bad salmon. I went to a doctor, and his analysis proved otherwise. Now I'm two months in, and not looking forward to stretching out my fabulous body."

"On top of that, I have the first print of your new book at home. Why don't you three come over tonight and we celebrate all of this good fortune?" Asked Claudius.

"Absolutely. We'll see you guys later."

Back at home, they relaxed until it was time to join Claudius for dinner. Farkas helped clean the fireplace, while Ariel swept and dusted. She stood on tiptoes to reach the top of her bookshelf. Farkas hoisted her by the waist, helping finish the job. He brought her down, throwing affection on her lips.

Dinner with Claudius went as Ariel expected it too. Imported white wine from Morrowind. So potent, the smallest sip could bring one to absolute satisfaction. None for Sontaire though. Master chefs cooked top notch dishes. Grilled chicken breasts, stuffed with herbal goat cheese. Roasted potato and vegetable medley with a garlic sauce. Beef Wellington baked to perfection. The fluffiest pound cake you've ever had with a strawberry, rhubarb syrup. Tyrus loved that.

Claudius handed Ariel the first print of her book. Hard cover. The same blue color that resembled Ariel's journal at home. Light on the weight. In solid, white cursive writing, the title read, A Master Collection of Skyrim's Elegant Wildlife. The very first page gave Ariel author credits. Claudius a producer credit. Lastly, a dedication to the man who made this possible. Tyrus Ginter. The inner pages had skillfully drawn pictures of an animal on one side and its stats on the other. Like reading a pro sports trading card. It came together better than Ariel hoped for, and she thanked Claudius about fifty times.

The bard's college set off fireworks, so everyone sat outside and watched. Ariel sat in Farkas' lap, wrapped in his arms. Between finding a loving man, raising a child, and having her brother's work finally on display, she was on cloud nine. Things were going so well; Ariel assumed a boulder would fall from the sky any minute. Or a stray firework would explode, setting her hair on fire. Too many instances regarding her happiness were ruined by outside intervention, but tonight, she locked away the negative thoughts. If the world ended tomorrow, at least she had today.

Farkas carried the sleeping Tyrus in his arms. Placing the Khajit in his bedroll, repeating his first act upon coming with Ariel to Whiterun. This time Ariel stood behind him. Watching as Farkas tucked in her son. Something Garris and Desi did whenever Ariel passed out from a hard day's work. She wished they could be here to see this. Ariel wrapped her arm around Farkas, grabbing his butt. He got the message.

They made love for the second night in a row. This time was less painful for Ariel, enough to go longer than before. The way Farkas carefully handled her, she knew he had done this before.

Day two started with another sexual cardio session. Ariel laying on his chest afterwards, waiting for Tyrus to come knocking, waking her for breakfast like he tended to do. Farkas laid relaxed, running fingers through her silky blonde hair.

"Ariel."

"Hmm?"

"I want to be with you."

She raised an eyebrow. "You are with me."

"No. I mean I want to live here. With you and Tyrus. I can leave the Companions behind. They'd never have to know."

Ariel sat up and curled into a ball. "Why would you do that?" She asked in a compassionate manner.

"Because this is what life should be Ariel. Spending time with the people you love. Not worrying about what others think. Waking up next to someone who makes you experience true pleasure. I want that. For both of us."

"So, you love me?"

With the upmost reassurance, he said, "I do."

Ariel sighed and looked out the window. Farkas rubbed her leg. She pushed his hand away, and he was confused as to why.

"I love you too Farkas, but I can't let you do that."

Farkas gulped, as she saw his entire world crumble through his eyes. Every sweet word he spoke until now, Ariel absorbed like a sponge. Being a female in love is dangerous, a lesson Desi learned at an age a couple of years under Ariel. She always reminded Ariel of one thing, love cannot exist, without a heart being broken.

"Farkas, asking you to leave your entire life behind, is incredibly selfish of me. Your friends, Vilkas, would be devastated if you went missing without a word. Can you imagine them going through that?"

He swept his hair back. "Yeah."

"I have my family too. There's still my best friend in Riften. If this potion works and Afiya comes to, I can't just leave her there. She needs me. I may not be a Vigilant anymore, but those girls mean the world to me." She held his hand, interlocking her soft fingers with his sturdy ones. "Don't take this the wrong way. If I have to choose between the woman who saved my life and raised me since I was thirteen, and a man I love, but have no real commitment to, it's clear who I'm choosing."

Farkas removed his hand and sat on the edge of the bed. His hunched stature showing immense disappointment. "You're right. I'm a fool for even suggesting it."

Ariel crawled over and leaned on his back. Their nude bodies exchanging warmth as she consoled him. Rubbing her cheek against his. "In a perfect world, that all comes true. But perfection doesn't exist. Farkas you've made me the happiest woman in the world, and that means so much. More than you even realize. Who knows what the future holds, but for now, we have duties to perform."

Tyrus began his morning knock. "Mother?"

"Give me one second baby, okay?"

"Okay."

She kissed Farkas' cheek. "Can you forgive me?"

Farkas kissed her lips. "You're a fool for thinking I'd ever be mad at you."

She bopped his head, and they laughed. The second day was just as good as the first. Most of it was spent inside, enjoying each other's company. Ariel cooked dinner as her boys played checkers at the table. The fact that Farkas and Tyrus got along so well is what made this experiment work. Garris married Desi, knowing she had a son. If you loved someone enough, then taking care of another man's child is the least of your problems. Of course, Tyrus didn't pop out of Ariel's stomach, but Farkas had no obligation to entertain the Khajit, let alone like him. That was just the kind of person Farkas is.

Once the sun fell, Ariel and Farkas went for new record. Waiting until the kid slept to entertain themselves in the bedroom. With both of them unsure of ever having this much uninterrupted alone time again, they made every second count, going three times in one night.

Tomorrow afternoon, Farkas and Ariel took the carriage back to Whiterun. Claudius and Sontaire babysat Tyrus, because Ariel didn't want to drag the poor kitty back and forth across the country. Sontaire may be an uptight snob, but she adored Tyrus like many people did. Halfway there, Ariel sprung a gift on the Companion. Two gold rings, engraved with their names. Ariel & Farkas Forever are what they said. Ariel put hers on her left hand. Farkas tied a thin rope around his, wearing it as a necklace.

They reached Whiterun a little past 3 P.M. Unsure if Vilkas had come home, the loving couple said their piece at the stables. A long hug. A deep kiss. Finished by uttering the word neither of them wanted to. Bye.

Farkas went up first while Ariel checked on Apple. She began to feel bad, spending so much time with everyone except Apple. She promised to brush his mane and take him on a fun ride when business got settled. Ariel headed straight to the temple. What awaited her inside added to a seemingly everlasting pile of happiness.

"AFIYA!" She screamed. Ariel flew over, almost tackling the redguard from the bench she sat on. Ariel instantly burst into tears. It couldn't be helped, and she wasn't going to fight it. Crying and choking over her words. "Afiya. I thought I lost you. I was so scared."

Afiya wrapped one hand around Ariel and rubbed her back. "I missed you too child."

Larina came in with a bag of groceries in hand, flanked by a husky bald man with a goatee. She dropped the bag, ecstatic to see Ariel. They all came together in one huge embrace, finally reuniting all of the Vigilants.

They went to the Bannered Mare, having a small party in the back. Afiya walked with a cane, still weary from the massive blood loss. Sendus had her subdued under an illusion spell, so she remembered nothing of her time in captivity. Not that she wanted to. Other than that, Afiya was her old self. The bald man was Orthus, Larina's father. He finally left the comfort of Riften to accompany his daughter for Afiya's awakening. Danica was also there, overjoyed to see her friend amongst the living.

"Larina told me what happened to the Vigilants. It's incredibly devastating, but I've had enough time to process it. I have an idea." Afiya held a cup in the air. "First, I want to say, how proud I am of you two. You fought and went through many trials. I was fortunate enough to have you save my life. Most importantly, you stuck together. A toast to Ariel and Larina."

Ariel and Larina smiled at each other. Everyone raised their cups, clinking them to celebrate life.

"Now to address the vampires. The Vigilant's of Stendarr accomplished a lot. We had years of success keeping Daedric powers subdued. Evil never sleeps, and they've gotten stronger over the years. I didn't want to admit it but believing in Stendarr only did so much. To combat a threat this serious, we going to need more than prayers."

Ariel was so glad to hear that. Especially from a veteran like Afiya.

"I agree." Said Larina. This shocked Ariel. "I've learned a lot from Stendarr. I owe his teachings for keeping me disciplined. Afiya's right though. This is unlike anything we've ever seen, and the vampires don't give a damn about what our beliefs are."

"Ariel. Any objections?" Asked Afiya.

"No. I wholeheartedly agree."

"Good. Now that we're on the same page, I want you to hear me out." Afiya breathed deeply. "It's time we form a new Vigil. One that recruits from all sides of Skyrim. We need warriors who are bloodthirsty and ready to kill. Mages who are experts at their craft and can match the vampire's power. Thieves who can run the shadows and make the moves we cannot. Scholars who know Daedric history and can get our hands on powerful Daedric artifacts."

"Afiya? Are you for real?" Uttered Larina.

She sighed. "The term fight fire with fire doesn't apply to every case, but this time it does. Before I was captured, I had been researching weapons and artifacts that could work in our advantage. If we're to stand any chance, this is what we need to do. Are you with me?" Afiya turned to Larina, who nodded. She turned Ariel, who nodded. "Great. That's a load off my mind. Second matter at hand. We'll need a new base of operations."

"If I can interject." Said Orthus. All eyes were on him. "North of Riften is a place called Fort Greenwall. A bunch of filthy bandits inhabit it. Filthy bandits that no one is going to miss, if you catch my drift."

"I do." Said Danica. "When you guys get that place cleared, you'll need a healer. Acolyte Jenssen will be looking to spread his wings."

"My father is a seasoned blacksmith." Said Larina. "You'll help us, right?" Orthus smiled and patted his daughters back.

"I can probably get us silver for weapons." Added Ariel. "My business partner Claudius has a lot of powerful connections. He's also got a kid on the way, and he'll want to these vampires taken care of. So, I can convince him to help us out any way possible."

Things were finally looking up. The band came back together. No instruments necessary. They were angry and pissed off. Ready for war. This was bigger than Skyrim. Bigger than the Vigilants. Humanity was at risk, and this new force of justice were going to make sure the free world stayed free.