Rayla went across the way to Lillan's home and knocked on the door before stepping inside. "Lillan?"

Lillan popped her head out from her workshop and hurried over with a worried look on her face. "Rayla, is everything alright? How's Farkas?"

Rayla looked down at her hands. "He's better..." She fiddled with the fabric of her dress for a few moments, then looked hesitantly up at her old friend. "Can... can we talk..?"

"Of course, silly. Come, sit down and I'll make us some tea."

Rayla sat at the kitchen table and thought over what happened with Farkas not too long ago as she waited. 'Why would he... why would even care that much..?'

"Now, while the water's heating up, tell me what's on your mind."

Rayla sighed, unsure of where to start. "I guess I should start by thanking you..."

Lillan offered her a smile and reached across the table to pat her hand. "We're friends, Rayla, even after all these years. I'm always happy to help whenever I can, you should know that."

"I know... that's part of why I strive to do the same..."

"That's not what's bothering you, though."

Rayla shook her head. "I..." Her face fell and she felt her shoulders starting to shake as she fought back her tears.

Lillan scooted her chair closer and hugged her. "Shh... it's alright, take your time."

"I just... I feel... too weak.. *sniffle* to protect not just myself... but those around me..." Rayla said through her sobbing. "I... feel guilty... for getting innocent people involved in my problems... *hiccup* for letting Father order me around... instead of fighting back... for letting Velanus abuse me... *sniffle* for so long and for... not leaving him sooner..."

Lillan let her cry it out, unable to imagine how much she had been holding back for everyone else's sake. She continued to listen as Rayla explained that she didn't know what she could do to make it right, to make being a burden to Farkas up to him- that he had come to mean a great deal to her in such a short time- and how she felt horrible for having to hire him as a bodyguard because she was weak and powerless. She was surprised to hear Rayla sound so adamant about wanting nothing more than to protect him for once, to find her courage and stand up to her troubles, but she didn't know where to start or even if she could.

Soon after, Rayla went quiet for a few moments and sat back to collect herself. She couldn't remember a time where she had cried as much as she had in the last year.

"I'm guessing Farkas must have figured out you were blaming yourself." Lillan said, handing Rayla a handkerchief.

Rayla took it gratefully and nodded. *sniff* "'You have to stop blaming yourself, little mouse...' he told me, 'Not one single thing that has happened in the last six years has been your fault. Not one thing since I've met you has made you a burden to me.'" Rayla dabbed her eyes and sniffled again. "He said that my friends help me because they care about me and want to see me happy, that he volunteered to escort me and protect me after Velanus showed up at Jorrvaskr and that I wouldn't have had to ask him twice to do so. He said I was not as weak as I think I am, that there's a strength in me that he'd never seen before and it's part of why I've survived everything for this long. It's why I keep fighting."

Lillan stood to take the kettle from the fire and finish making their tea. "He's right, you know. For as long as I have known you, I don't think I've ever seen you give up. And even after years without seeing each other, you haven't changed that much. Sure you have to deal with the after effects of all that you've endured, but you're still the same Rayla I grew up with deep down."

Rayla accepted the cup of tea Lillan presented her with, holding it gingerly in her hands as they rested on the table. "What do I do...?"

"You do what you've always done: get right back up when you're knocked down and face it again." Lillan said, sipping her tea. "Have you ever thought about learning how to fight?"

Rayla looked at her, surprised. "N-No, not really... Why..?"

"You said you feel weak and powerless, right? Learning how to fight can help you overcome that. You feel like a burden to Farkas? Learning how to fight can help you overcome that, too. Living in the world we do, life is too short to go around worrying about the little things. And what it sounds like to me is that you have had enough of Velanus' games and you want to be able to stand on your own and face him head on." Lillan eyed her over her cup. "Am I wrong?"

Rayla thought on her words for a few moments, then met her gaze. "No, you're not wrong..." Then her mind turned to Farkas. "What about Farkas...?"

"What about him?" Lillan asked with a brow raised. "I guess the better question would be: what does he mean to you exactly?" she added, seeing her confusion.

"He means more to me than I ever thought he would. He always comes off as gruff and surly, but deep down he's a very caring person who just wants to do the right thing. He may not be the smartest like his brother, but he makes up for it with his skills in battle." Rayla started, dropping her gaze to the tea as it glimmered with the faint reflection of the firelight. "He volunteered to see me safely home before I even asked to hire someone. He protected me, kept me safe, all before even knowing my story. And he's kept doing it, no matter the cost, but I've always wondered if it were only because that was his job. At least, until earlier."

"Oh?"

Rayla's cheeks flushed under Lillan's inquiring gaze. "He kissed me... on the head..."

"I see." Lillan chuckled at her embarrassment and leaned back in her chair. "Is it more the fact that despite his outward impressions, he provided you with such a tender display of affection?"

"Maybe..."

"What do you feel when you're around him?"

"Safe and at ease."

"Has this feeling grown stronger between you the more time you spend together?"

"For me, it has, yes... I don't know about for him..."

"Are you willing to take a chance with him?"

"How do you mean?"

"Could you ever see yourself building a life with him?"

Rayla's heart skipped a beat and her cheeks flushed even deeper. "I-I don't know about that..."

Lillan chuckled. "Uh, huh. I'm inclined to believe otherwise." She set her cup down and reached forward, placing her hand over Rayla's. "Look, life is short enough as it is in Skyrim. When you find a good partner, you make that bond with or without love and if love blossoms from it, then you let it bloom into a wonderful and beautiful thing."

Rayla sighed. 'Could I ever have that kind of life with Farkas..?' She looked at Lillan. "What would I do about Velanus, though? He's been searching for me relentlessly to bring me back home. I can't just leave him... can I?"

"Did you leave your ring behind?"

Rayla nodded.

"Did you leave anything personal of your behind?"

Rayla shook her head.

"Then, yes, you can just leave him. He's been abusing you for years and you, as a grown adult, have the power to leave him. If he can't get that through his thick skull, well then, I know a few people who might be able to persuade him to leave you alone." Lillan looked up as the sound of footsteps came from the back door as it closed. "Ah, speaking of."

"What are you roping me into this time, Lillan?" Brynjolf asked, eyeing her suspiciously as he joined them. "Rayla, you seem to be in slightly better sorts. I trust all is well?"

"As well as it can be, I suppose."

"And what of your friend?"

"He's resting, but he'll make a full recovery in a day or so."

"Good." Brynjolf looked back to Lillan. "Now, would you care to tell me what you lovelies were just talking about?"

Lillan looked at him coyly. "Rayla and I were just discussing that she should start learning how to fight so that if her ass of a husband ever comes around again she can kick him to the curb and make him take a hint that it's over."

"Ah, I see." Brynjolf sat next to Lillan and looked at Rayla. "Well, it certainly wouldn't hurt to at least learn to defend yourself. I know a few people who could help with that, I could ask around if you'd like?"

"Should she really get involved with your people, though, Bryn?" Lillan asked, looking at him with furrowed brow.

"What, are you saying we thieves aren't good enough now?"

Lillan stuck out her tongue as Brynjolf prodding her cheek teasingly. "That's not what I meant, Bryn, I'm just worried she would have to get involved with something she may not be ready for."

Rayla sat watching the two for a few moments as they teased and bickered, finding after a minute or so that she couldn't help but laugh softly at them.

"Well, now, that's a sound I haven't heard in a long time." Lillan said, smiling. "Glad we could amuse you."

Rayla smiled. "Thank you, Lillan, from the bottom of my heart." She looked outside and sighed. "I should get back to the bunkhouse..."

As Rayla stood, Brynjolf said, "I mean it, lass, if you need someone to show you the ropes, I know a few people who owe me favors that could show you a thing or two. No one will force you if you don't want to, but it couldn't hurt to know how to defend yourself."

"Thank you, Brynjolf. I think I just need a bit of time to think things over."

"Fair enough. Get some rest, lass."

Rayla thanked both of them, then left to return to the bunkhouse. When she got back inside, she checked on Farkas and found him fast asleep, even if it didn't seem like restful slumber. She took a seat next to his bed again and leaned forward, reaching up to smooth back his hair from his face.

'Thank you, Farkas... for everything...'