By the time they had reached Falkreath, they were at least a day or two ahead of Velanus and his thugs. It was late into the night and quiet save for the crackling of the fire in the great room of the tavern and Rayla's gentle breathing as she slept for the first time since they had left Riverwood.

Farkas found he couldn't sleep, but that was nothing new to him. Instead, he kept watch over Rayla as she slept and found himself admiring her determination- even in her fear. He had asked her several times along the road if she needed another break, but each other Rayla would only shake her head and continue forward.

'It's no wonder she's exhausted...'

Farkas hadn't really taken the time to get to know Rayla since they met- he had been more focused on his job as her bodyguard than anything else- but as he sat there watching her sleep, he had begun to notice subtle things about her like how shiny her hair was or how many freckles were larger than the others. He began taking in every detail, from her petite figure and fair skin to her raven black hair. She looked so calm, so innocent- much different than her usual timid and somewhat paranoid demeanor.

'I wonder if this is how she used to be...' Farkas thought, wondering what she was like before she had been married off to Velanus. He got the sense- just from watching her the last few weeks after returning to Riverwood- that she was a kind, generous, helpful, loyal, happy, carefree woman and it pissed him off that Velanus had done so much damage that it drove that side of her into hiding. 'Why does that piss me off, though? She's just my employer... isn't she?'

At that point, Farkas was beginning to wonder if there was something more about Rayla that made him feel so protective over her. Or if, perhaps, if it were just his beast blood acting up. It was nearing autumn, after all, and this time of year he did always find himself feeling rather... titillated and ready for a good romping beneath the sheets.

'Would we even be a good match?'

Rayla shifted in her sleep- roused by something- and sat up as she rubbed her eyes, sleepily. "Mmm... Farkas..? What's wrong..?"

Farkas couldn't help noticing her dress slipping off one shoulder and her hair falling out of its braid.

"Farkas?" Rayla called to him again, leaning forward a bit as she looked at him concerned.

"You're awake."

Rayla nodded, tiredly, and eyed him for a moment. "Why are you?"

"Couldn't sleep."

Rayla sighed. "Did you even try?"

Farkas watched her swing her legs out of bed and saunter over to him, reaching down to grasp his hand and pull him up from his chair. "What are you doing?"

Rayla just shushed him and started pulling off his armor and tunic, setting everything on top of the dresser in their room before going back to the bedside and instructing him to lay on his belly.

Doing as she asked, Farkas situated himself and settled in on his front as Rayla climbed into the bed and straddle his hips. He made to question her motives, but then thought better of it as she started massaging his back and working out the knots.

Rayla was still pretty sleepy, but Farkas looked as though he hadn't sleep in weeks and this was the best thing she could come up with. As she tried to work out the kinks, she couldn't help but smile each time Farkas groaned in relief.

"Where... did you... mmm... learn... to... do... that?"

Rayla smiled and continued to massage his back. "I learned this from a healer I had met a long time ago. I used to do this for my brother before he joined up with the Stormcloaks. It was the only thing half the time that would get him to relax after a hard day's worth of training."

"You're brother?"

"Jondric. He's a few years older than me." Rayla's smile faded a bit and she paused. "I haven't seen him since he went off to fight during the Great War. I don't even know if he's alive..."

Farkas looked back at her, seeing the sadness in her face. He knew he would be feeling the same way if he were in her shoes; he and Vilkas were twins, and even if they didn't always see eye to eye, they had been through so much together that he'd be lost without him.

Rayla sighed and tried to put on a brave face for Farkas when he looked back at her over his shoulder. "Well, anyway, how does that feel? Better?"

"Yes. Thank you."

Rayla nodded and got off his back, heading over to her bed. "I hope that helps you get some sleep. Good night, Farkas."

Farkas watched as she slid back under the covers and turned towards the wall, her back facing him. He caught the sound of a faint sniffle and wondered if she were crying. 'Night, little mouse.'

When morning came, Farkas woke from a more restful slumber than he had ever had since the beast blood came into being. He was up before Rayla and went about gathering their things, letting her get as much rest as she could before they had to keep pressing on. After about an hour, he gently roused her from her sleep and had to admit that she was just as adorable as she was the night before in her stupor.

"Morning."

"Mmm?" Rayla rubbed the sleep from her eyes and looked up into silvery eyes. "Farkas? Is it time to go?"

"Almost. I ordered us something to eat before we leave. I'll wait outside the door so you can get ready."

Rayla nodded, going about her somewhat usual morning routine. She brushed out her hair, smoothed out her dress, pulled on her shoes, and grabbed her cloak before stepping out into the great room and taking a seat with Farkas as Valga brought over their breakfast.

They ate quietly- trying to be quick but not so much so that they made themselves sick- and before the sun had fully peeked over the horizon, they were out the door and out onto the road.

"Where are we going?" Rayla asked.

"Wherever keeps you the safest."