A/N: YAY! Chapter five! Hopefully this gets us some where. Anyway I own nothing and would love to hear anything you have to say about this story. Well I have no idea where this story spirals, only that the damn plot bunny whispers on in my ears. For some reason I keep going and spelling Brynjolf's name wrong, I keep turning the f into a g. I keep on having to edit! Fun times! Oh if I spell a term wrong please point it out and leave me a spelling, in a polite way please.
Title: Rest My Little Wolf
Chapter Five: To Death and the Beyond
(Right outside Loki's door)
Loki hadn't seen the Silverhand, he'd been looking at Brynjolf over his shoulder, he was too distracted to notice the dead scent amide the already rancid orders that hung in the air from the closed canal. Brynjolf pulled him back from the silver dagger just in time to keep Loki from serious harm. Loki let out a shout of surprise, his body tightening into a whip as he realized the reason Brynjolf had manhandled him.
Loki bellowed out a challenge, taking up a fighting stance, his voice building to a roar of fire, "Yol!" He roared, sending the man flying backwards covered in tongues of searing blue flame. Loki blinked at the power behind the shout, not remembering ever being able to summon such strength before. Then a wave of weakness consumed him, he nearly collapsed under the sudden weight shoved down on top of him.
"Loki, are you alright?" Brynjolf asked shaken by the display of the power, Loki rarely used his Thu'um, and when he did only in self defense and when he deemed the situation desperate. Brynjolf didn't know if Loki should have deemed the situation as desperate, but still grabbed a hold of Loki when the man looked like he was about to collapse.
Loki groaned when it felt like a wave crashed around in his head, trying to shatter the wall of his skull. He looked at Brynjolf when the man's hands wrapped around his upper arms. He tried to form words but his head felt like it was being ripped apart from the inside out, his wolf howled in jubilation, and he finally blacked out.
"Loki." Brynjolf hissed hoisting the man up to pull an arm over his shoulder then snake his other hand around the limp man's side. Loki had dropped down two feet when he became dead weight, Brynjolf having to put effort into hoisting up the lithe man. Then the Guards ran up, and Brynjolf knew they'd think Loki had lashed out at random, or even worse Brynjolf was trying to murder the Thane, small chance that.
"What happened here?" The guard demanded pulling his sword out to point it at Brynjolf. Brynjolf gave him an icy glare startling the other two Guards that ran up.
"The piece of chare over there attacked us, you idiot." Brynjolf hissed, turning him and Loki so if they were attacked Brynjolf would be in the way. He glared at the man with more fire in his eyes now when the guard refused to put away his blade. Brynjolf slowly lowered Loki to the ground taking up a defensive position between the aggressive Guard and Loki. His blades were seethed but his hands were just as dangerous, he gave the Guard a level look calming himself.
"I'd suggest seeing if the charcoal bit over there is still alive, and if he is kill him, he attacked your Thane. I'm only tying to help a friend." Brynjolf looked relaxed and nonchalant, but a blond woman in the crowd could see how tense the other man was, Vex was getting worried. No one recognized Brynjolf with his Nightingale mask and hood up, his cape pulled tight around his form, well every one outside the Guild.
"I saw it happen, that man attacked your thane, this man was just trying to help." Came a gruff call, Brynjolf turned to see a strange man walk up wearing a type of steal armor that seemed to have wolf heads decorating most of it, and he assumed a wolf's fur as padding under all the pieces of heavy steal. He was a tall scuffed up looking man, his shoulder length black hair, pale blue eyes that held a guarded look, and black war paint around his eyes, he had some stubble decorating his jaw and chin, enough to show that he hadn't trimmed it in a good few days. This man was a Companion that much was certain.
Another man followed him, wearing traditional steal armor, with a steal great sword strapped to his back, Brynjolf had no doubt the man knew how to use it. This man looked similar to the other, his dark brown hair was longer, and his eyes were a light grey, with black war paint making them look even paler. This mans jaw also had a decent amount of stubble. He didn't say anything only squaring his shoulders and straightening as they approached the guards.
When the man before him stopped, Brynjolf assumed they were brothers, he crossed him arms and stared down the three guards, daring them silently to attack. Then Brynjolf noticed a third person. A woman followed the two. The woman looked like she'd shoot you in the foot sooner than have a friendly conversation with you. Brynjolf placed his hands on his daggers thanking Nocturnal when his cape masked his movement.
The woman had longish bright red hair and was wearing a scowl that could easily send a grown man running with his tail tucked tightly between his legs. Her armor seemed to be fashioned from a set of Draugr armor; in fact she wasn't wearing much at all, because the armor revealed a good deal of skin. When she stopped next to her two companions Brynjolf could clearly see the well carved bow strapped behind her shoulders, and he was certain she knew how to use it well. The twitch in her hand was a dead giveaway.
"How can I trust your word stranger?" The aggressive Guard asked shifting uncomfortably. The lead man scoffed, sneering while he shook his head. The man with the great sword glared his eyes sending out a silent threat, while the red haired woman continued to scowl and glare, now placing her hands on her hips like an impatient Jarl.
"Because, I'm not only a Companion, but I know your Thane well, and the man he charred is a mutual enemy for us both. I know that dead man would have leapt at your Thane's throat if given the chance." This man was obviously getting annoyed with the Guard, but Brynjolf could tell it was more than that, the man who claimed to know Loki had his shoulders squared and his eyes alert, as if waiting for something.
Brynjolof wondered what the new comer was waiting for. He didn't need to wonder long. The aggressive Guard said something that made Brynjolf's blood run cold.
"Now we have you cornered. I'd run if I were you dogs, because once we're finished with him you're next." The Guard threw off his helmet, revealing he wasn't really one of the peace keepers and charged Brynjolf, who had been a bit slow in drawing his daggers, his limbs fighting his minds command.
The man swept his blade down, but if Brynjolf dogged to the side Loki would get hit so Brynjolf brought his arm up, letting it take the brunt f the damage rather than his head. He gritted his teeth and stuck out at the man, bringing up his leg to knee the man square in the chest, sending him falling onto his back.
Brynjolf crouched getting ready for another attack when he saw the steal arrow pierce through the imposter's armor straight into his heart. His head snapped over to the red haired woman who now had a blank face, her eyes bright and alert, the two other men had drawn their weapons, the first pulling out a steal sword, while the other pulled out his great sword. They stood in front of him and Loki. Brynjolf took a step up to stand it the middle of the two as a group of what Brynjolf assumed were Silverhand came rushing at them.
"You sure you want to get involved?" the man holding the grate sword asked looking down at Brynjolf's injured arm, Brynjolf rolled his shoulders, flexing his hands around his daggers and ignoring the pain.
"I've been through worse." Brynjolf muttered looking at the men as the red haired woman began picking them off, firing arrow after arrow into the wave of aggressors. The Guards tried to stop them but the men continued, and when they reached the three in front of Loki they met a nasty surprise.
Brynjolf, despite his hurt arm was able to fend off the Silverhand, when most of them were dead and the survivors figured out they couldn't win they fled. He looked back at Loki who was still out cold and when he looked up the three strangers were gone. Brynjolf truthfully didn't care, he picked Loki up bridle style, and carried him to the secret entrance before anyone saw them, motioning for Vex to follow.
"What the hell was that?" Vex asked as she scrambled to open the coffin entrance for Brynjolf. Brynjolf shook his head, showing Vex now was not the time. She nodded although it was a jerky frustrated motion.
When they finally got Loki situated on his rarely used bed, Brynjolf gathered the Guild together to explain what had happened. After giving a quick summery of the events Brynjolf turned to Karliah and gave her a nod, she returned the gesture. When no one was looking they slipped out into the small building that housed their secret exit/entrance.
"I think Loki exhausted himself, so I have no idea when he'll wake up, but that is not what I need to talk to you about, Lass." Bryjolf kept glancing about as if expecting something, or someone to take a step from the empty shadows. Karliah looked at him with a board stare and raised a single brow.
"Brynjolf, please get to the point and stop acting like you're on Skooma." She looked board but Brynjolf saw a glimmer of concern in the violet depths. Brynjolf looked at her with a flat stare slightly offended she'd make a crack at him. He calmed his racing nerves and thoughts.
"Remember Loki's panic attack when he was told by Nocturnal that his friends in the Companions were tracking him and that he should return to them?" Brynjolf knew his thoughts were soaring in several directions at once when Karliah nodded.
"Three people came here today when a group attacked Loki, I know for a fact at least one was a Companion, but the other two I'm not so sure. I want to tell Loki but I'm not sure how I'm going to address this." Brynjolf sated letting out a frustrated sigh as he ran a hand through his hair looking at the grey ceiling.
"Just tell him, I know he wouldn't want this kept from him." Karliah said looking at Brynjolf like he was an idiot. Brynjolf glared at her, like he hadn't realized that?
"I know that, Lass, what I don't know is how to tell him his old pack knows he is here." He kept his voice level but his irritation was growing by the second. Karliah just chuckled at him.
"You're acting like a love sick teenager unsure of how to tell his parents he's getting married, just tell him that. He's not going to leave you." Karliah stated quickly disappearing down into the rat way, chuckling as she vanished through the entrance to the Guild's liar. Brynjolf stood in shock, now that Karliah brought it up why hadn't Loki put on an amulet of Mara yet? Brynjolf would be the first to spot it and he was certain he'd never seen one hang from Loki's neck.
Loki slowly opened his eyes groaning as he sat up to rub at his temples. He remembered the random Silverhand attack and he used Fire breath in self defense. But it was blue and not red; he could feel the heat from the flames even with the burning man a few good feet away from him. Slowly he shook his head to clear his head, the fire had been even hotter then was normal for a true Dovah, so how had he pulled that off? And why had his first reaction been to set the attacker aflame? Loki opened his eyes to see most of the Guild was going about their normal business but once they realized he was awake they began to gather to him.
"Brynjolf told us what happened, you alright?" Vex asked being the first to reach him. Loki nodded, even though he really felt light headed and like his throat and mouth were made from dust and glass. Brynjolf walked up next he came from the desk, having been doing some of the work Mercer had let behind, he gave Loki a bottle of wine, not having much else, Loki chuckled shaking his head.
"You could use a drink and I don't think you'll want to get drunk because the news I have to tell you is important." Brynjolf sat down on the bed as Loki uncorked the wine bottle taking a quick sip to make sure his voice didn't crack if he used it.
"So I blacked out, what happened after that?" Loki was grateful his voice was stronger than he'd thought it would be. Brynjolf shifted uncomfortably, deciding it was best to follow Karliah's advice. He gave Loki the full story in detail, not leaving anything out.
Loki sat in silence he paled when Brynjolf described the three strangers that had appeared, then broke up into laughter when Brynjolf mentioned that the red haired woman looked like she'd rather shoot you in the foot than speak to you.
"That sounds like Aela alright. Truth be told she's not really all that intimidating once you get to know her. However, don't piss her off or you will find an arrow in your foot. Or where ever she decides to shoot you." Loki grinned for a moment before his eyes became haunted and the grin slipped off his face. He looked down at the wine bottle he held, knowing he'd never talk to his Shield Sister again.
"Loki, they found you, don't you think you should at least see them? If they tracked you down this far from Whiterun they obviously still care." Karliah said walking up to sit in the chair next to Loki's bed. Loki downed the rest of the wine while shaking his head.
"No, they were probably on a job, they heard my shout and saw that Silverhand were in the area. They still hold grief heavy hearts," Loki stated looking off into the distance. Loki didn't realize he'd gone to speaking in riddles; it was the normal why he'd Speke, until he'd returned to Skyrim.
He had to learn how to state what he was talking about instead of his normal cryptic style he'd picked up while in Elsweyr. He'd greeted Kodlak in a formal way using a Kahjiit's greeting rather than a Nord's because he found it more suiting. He smiled at the memory remembering the utterly confused look he'd received from Vilkas.
"No, you're right Karliah. I should see what they want. I shall no longer hide in shadow from my old pack." Loki chuckled at the statement remembering Nocturnal's own statement. He received confused looks from everyone else in the Guild but Brynjolf and Karliah understood. He stood looked at everyone.
"So any of you going to stalk me?" Loki asked knowing if he wanted them there or not they'd come. Everyone grinned nodding. He rolled his eyes but a plan blossomed in his mind, the whole Guild needed to know what he was.
Brynjolf had assured him no one would care since the Guild had collected all sorts of misfits before; they'd even had a few Vampires. So a werewolf wouldn't throw the older members, a few of th recruits would require some reasoning but it would be fine.
"If we're going to do this we should look like civilians, we don't want to attract any more suspicion than necessary, cover your Guild armor with normal cloths." Loki stretched, and grabbed a lose pair of dark blue pants and a deep green shirt; both had been gifts from his friend Ralof. When everyone had normal cloths pulled over their armor they slowly slipped out to the sleeping city.
Loki led them out of the city to a clearing nearby. He could hear the same familiar calls from wolves, but now he knew better, it was his pack, calling for him. This time he'd answer. He turned to the Guild, an uneasy sigh escaping him.
"I want you all to know what I am, but for your own safety I suggest none of you draw your weapons and stay here. Understood?" Loki said trying to calm his racing heart, he felt like it would blow out his chest if it got much faster. The whole Guild looked confused Brynjolf and Karliah walked up and stood by him for support. He gave them an uneasy smile before slipping into the forest.
He hid behind a few rock striping down and hiding everything under an overhang of rock before turning. The black mist washed over him as his Wolf's chains shattered, he threw his head back in a silent scream as the pain that accompanied any change hi him.
When it ended he shivered, he managed to control his wolf better since no Silverhand were near by he was able to reason with his beast. He stood and walked back to the clearing o his hind legs, his eyes adjusting to the night time darkness easily; he fought the urge to call back to whoever called to him.
Everyone stood shocked at a pale werewolf stepped out of the trees, the fur catching the two moons and aurora's light and becoming shimmering silver. The wolf walked up to stand between Karliah and Brynjolf, who didn't flinch. Well Brynjolf didn't Karliah was staring at Loki with a fix of fear and awe.
"Wow, Loki's a werewolf? I didn't see that one coming. I thought he'd be a vampire with how pale he is" Vex stated cocking her hips and tilting her head to th side as she studied Loki beast form. Loki snorted in response giving a wolfish grin; he wanted to laugh when the new members took uneasy steps back.
"Don't back down from a werewolf." Karliah snapped at them halting them mid-retreat, she explained quickly "A werewolf's instincts are similar to a wolf's; you turn your back and run he'll go after you." Loki cocked his head and looked at Karliah, when had she learned so much about his kind? He looked back up at the Guild ad gave a friendly bark, not wanting to scare them, but also not being able to really communicate in this form.
"You know it's just Loki, you can come up to him just don't do anything that would challenge his place." Brynjolf stated trying not to laugh at the surprised faces of the Guild. Vex walked up slowly, she did something that surprised them; she bared her neck slightly and reached out, palm up. Loki reaction was comical, and Brynjolf would never let him live it down. Loki leaned down and touched the end of his muzzle to Vex's neck before crouching and letting her stroke his fur. He leaned his head into her hand when she scratched behind his ear, making this strange sound, similar to purring. Vex stopped after one last scratch before standing next to Karliah, she looked at everyone else who still hung back in shock of fear, or a mix of the two.
"You idiots gonna come up here or what?" Vex called, Loki just cocked an ear at his friends worried about their reluctant behavior, he made soft bark calling o them.
"We haven't had a werewolf in the Guild since before I joined." Delvin muttered walking forward, he stopped not sure what to do now that he was close to Loki's beast form.
"Just reach out your hand palm up, you're not submissive so you don't have to bare your neck." Karliah said trying to stifle her snickers along with Vex. Delvin gave then a sour look before looking back at Loki, who met his gaze levelly, Delvin held the gaze.
Delvin held out a reluctant hand, Loki leaned forward and nipped the outer most finger surprising Delvin who looked shocked Loki just made strange noise that was the closest he could get to a chuckle. Delvin shook his head muttering about smart arse wolves and where they could shove their tail as he walked to stand next to Brynjolf, who was trying hard to keep a straight face.
Loki looked at the others cocking his head before crouching down to all fours to trot up to them, and circle them taking in all their scents, making sure he knew his pack before trotting back up to Brynjolf. He looked at the man then the trees before running into them. Several of the Guild had actually held out their hands to Loki who let him run their fingers through his pale fur.
"Don't worry about him." Brynjolf stated as the Guild became uneasy wondering why their brother had run into the trees. Karliah picked up the explanation.
"He's going to head his old packs call. He'll be back; we'll just have to wait." At least Karliah hoped he'd come back. She turned to look out into the trees. They'd have to wait and see. They jumped when they heard a howl that echoed through the trees and out to reach their ears. Brynjolf knew the howl, Loki was calling back to the other wolves that were howling, and hopefully it was his real pack and not some strange wolves. Then three mingled calls answered and Brynjolf tensed hoping for Loki's sake this was a good thing.
Loki ran through the tress until he came to a small clearing, he sniffed the air to see if he could catch a scent. Nothing, it was safe here, for now. He reared up and howled to the moons that hung high above him in the night sky, hearing the cry echo out over the land. He waited while the cry faded, each second it wasn't answered causing him more worry. Then another cry answered his, then other, the first two joined by a third. He howled in joy when his wolf recognized the sound of the three cries.
Loki leapt forward running to the sound of the cries, knowing the ones calling him were doing the same. Then he was tackled into a tree, his first response was to turn and snap at the one that dared attack him, then he realized who had tackled him, it was Farkas. The shaggy deep brown fur and wolfish grin was a dead giveaway.
Loki barked out a happy greeting bumping the others shoulder with his head, happy when the greeting was returned. He couldn't help it, his tail swished side to side in joy his pack was okay, and he was with them again. Then a growl rumbled behind him and a red, rust colored Werewolf stalked out on all fours from the trees, her ears flattened back, she locked eyes with Loki and growled again. Loki took it in stride, he growled right back, lowering him self to stalk up to her, returning the gaze fully.
A loud bark caught their attention, a black werewolf stepped out of the trees, giving them both a level stare Loki felt his heart plummet. It was Vilkas, had only Farkas forgiven him? Vilkas got down on all fours and stalked up to Loki, who stood firm not backing down from the beast before him, instincts coming to the forefront.
Vilkas sniffed at him, recognition flashed in his bright amber eyes and he bumped Loki's shoulder, Loki returned the greeting. He looked back at Aela, who gave him a sour look before walking up and bumping into his shoulder, he nudged her back, his heart soared and he wanted to howl again, but held it in, thankfully he didn't have to for long. Farkas let out a happy howl that Loki joined along with the two more reluctant wolves.
Karliah and Brynjolf let out a relieved breath they hadn't realized they'd been holing when thy heard four mingled howls echo out from the trees. Brynjolf looked at Karliah and they both shared a quick smile. Then the howls ended and they looked back out to the trees.
Loki felt the time as a wolf draw close to and end, his companions nudged him to follow them and he raced through the trees with them though the forest up to a camp site. Loki felt his wolf began to recede back as its power waned. The other's felt the same as all of then growled with uneasy acceptance. Soon four people stood in the camp naked as the day they were born.
Vilkas disappeared behind a rock then threw them all some cloths. Loki held up the old red tunic that he'd left behind, and the dark leather pair of pants. Slipping into them he realized that they still held the scents of Jorrvaskr, home and family. The familiar scents made his heart ache.
"Why have you tracked me down? It's my entire fault you know." Loki muttered tying off the ties of the leather pants he looked at Vilkas who had pulled on his Companions armor, he knew Aela and Farkas were still suiting up, so out of respect did not look at them. Vilkas blinked at him as if Loki had grown three more heads.
"That may have been how we were acting but it's not true." Vilkas shot back his eyes guarded not showing anything, just like his face. Loki wanted to scream at him, the bastard sure was acting the same now as he did then.
"Then why not address me by name? Why still hold a guarded gaze? Why hunt me down just to confirm what I already know?" Loki was seething; he didn't want to go through this all over again. He never wanted to fail them in the first place, but he had and he understood that. Why didn't they understand that he knew? That's why he'd left! He didn't deserve to be part of the pack.
"You're an idiot." Aela said finished with her armor, or what little she ever wore. She walked up to him and hit him in the head, Loki looked at her his eyes narrow and flash amber but he realized she was laughing. He gave her a confused look.
"You still have that fire in you, the only reason I liked you pup!" Aela chuckled shaking her head at him, while Farkas walked up to his brother before facing Loki, with a half grin on his face.
"We missed you, where'd go after you left?" He asked Loki looked at Aela then back to Farkas.
"I traveled and ended up here. I found Brynjolf and well..." Loki's face quickly reddened and he shuffled hid feet. Aela's eyes lit up and she doubled over laughing. Vilkas raised a brow in surprise and Farkas looked lost. Loki had to stop himself from laughing at Farkas.
"You fell in love?" Vilkas asked his voice laced with surprise for a second the guard in his gaze fell, and Loki saw admiration shine in that gaze, Farkas's eyes lit up as he caught on and he grinned for his friend.
"Congratulations, are you getting married soon?" He asked like an eager child, Loki froze his mind going blank, he'd totally forgotten about marriage. He suddenly blushed.
"I haven't even thought of the idea, I hope Brynjolf isn't mad about it." Loki muttered looking back through the trees his eyes lighting up. Aela looked at Loki then the others.
"Well do we get to meet the man who stole our pup's heart?" Aela asked grinning at the blond who blushed and sputtered and wondered why they were still calling him pup.
"Loki it's not your fault and it never was. We were blinded by our grief, you had no idea the Silverhand would make such a bold move. I… I'm sorry for my actions Loki." Vilkas said his shoulders sagging and his eyes finally showing the rush of regret and guilt clouded the pale blue orbs. Loki felt a wave of emotions hit him hard, he walked up to his Shield Brother and hugged him tight, he pulled back, looking the startled man in the eyes.
"Nothing to apologies for, My Brother. I forgave you all long ago." Loki said through the tears he was fighting back. Vilkas who had blamed himself for months finally let it go he hugged his friend close, remembering the grand times they'd had at Jorrvaskr. Now Loki was back with them, where he belonged.
"So will you come home with us?" Farkas asked looking like a hopeful child, his pale grey eyes shining out joy and hope and a whole mix of emotion that Loki just couldn't comprehend being held in by one man. Loki suddenly looked sad. He pulled away from them and shifted on his feet uncomfortably.
"I don't think I can, Brother. Jorrvaskr is still home in my heart, but my heart is in the hands of a man that I wouldn't be able to leave." Loki answered Vilkas held him a little tighter before pulling away. He rested a hand on Loki's shoulder.
"You know Whiterun misses their Thane, Loki. How about we meet this man, I'd like to congratulate him on finding a grand prize." Vilkas grinned but in his heart he felt a tad Jealous of this man who meant so much that Loki would stay with him rather than return with them.
"Yeah, let's meat this man, I'd like to see who could pin you down when me and Vilkas couldn't if we tried." Farkas said grinning, Loki chuckled shaking his head he turned to Aela.
"Looks like you'll get your wish, Sister." He stated smiling as Aela cocked her hips and nodded in victory, he helped them pack up camp before leading them back to the spot he'd hidden his things, he put on his Nightingale boots and took out his normal cloak.
When he got weird looks for the old cloak he glared at them. He stood and put his hands on his hips like an irritated mother.
"I'm allowed damn it." He said pulling the cloak around him and tying back his blond hair with ease which got him more looks. He glared at them.
"I did it all the time at Jorrvaskr, are you just noticing?" He huffed indignantly. Vilkas nodded with a raised brow and Farkas blinked at him like an owl, Aela shook her head and mumbled something about Loki being more of a girl than she was. Loki stuck his tongue out at them, Vilkas clicked his teeth together, Loki blushed at that and everyone laughed as hey stated walking again.
Brynjolf shifted his weight one foot to the other looking uncomfortable, it had been about half an hour since they'd heard the mingled howls, and he was beginning to worry for his lover. Then he froze. Laughter was coming from the woods, it was mostly deep rumbles but Brynjolf could hear Loki's lighter chuckles in it as well. He tensed and began to scan the trees in earnest again. Karliah was next to him in an instant looking into the trees.
Both had removed their masks, and pulled down their hoods letting their hair be ruffled by the chill night time breeze. Brynjolf had also left his gloves in the guild's home, wanting to look as much like a civilian as possible. Karliah had her gloves with her and her hand twitched like she wanted her bow in hand to fend off the possibility of foes coming. Brynjolf resisted the urge to roll his eyes at Karliah, no one in Oblivion would get Loki to hurt them. Hadn't Karliah learned that by now?
Then Loki came sprinting out of the woods, with three others on his heels. The three others stopped at the tree line looking at the Guild in confusion; they tossed each other confused glances. Loki ran up to Brynjolf and Karliah, he was hopping in place his excitement pouring off of him in waves.
"My Pack, the three behind me are Aela, the one with red hair, Vilkas, the one with the pale blue eyes, and hen his brother Farkas, who's eyes happen to be a pale grey." Loki moved his hand to gesture at each in turn, Brynjolf recognized them instantly. Vex looked at them in turn and remembered them from earlier that day as well, although her attention when back to the one Loki had called Aela.
"Uh, Loki who are these people?" Farkas asked, he looked to be the most uncomfortable, Loki looked at the taller Nord, his eyes widening slightly, and he'd called the Guild pack, oh crap. Loki walked over to the three reluctant to move away from Brynjolf, who'd been giving him a possessive look the inter time since he'd returned.
"This is the Thieves Guild, lead by me. If you have a problem with that you're screwed because I'm not going to care." Loki stated crossing his arms over his chest defiantly. Vilkas looked at the crowd with new respect, he'd heard they'd made a comeback, and if Loki was involved with them he wasn't surprised. Farkas frowned not really sure what to think, but he shrugged not caring about it too much. Aela looked over the people not too impressed with most off them, except for three.
She saw Brynjolf and when he met her gaze she knew him instantly as the man that had protected Loki. Then she spotted Vex, who'd gotten involved in the fight with the Silverhand, and had caused hell for them. Finally she saw Karliah, whose violet eyes were looking them over with careful suspicion, her hand twitching with the instinct of an archer. She liked these three.
She walked past Loki who tensed and sent her a warning glare, his eyes stayed fixed to her as she walked up to Brynjolf. Loki tensed even more he turned to her and growled low his eyes a dangerous amber, it was all a warning, he wouldn't doo anything if she didn't. If she did… well that was another story entirely.
Aela sent him a glance over her shoulder then looked back at Brynjolf, "I'm impressed." She stated after giving Brynjolf a once over, not being able to see much thanks to the fluttering civilian cloths, but she could smell the scent of dried blood and knew the man still had on his armor. Brynjolf looked confused.
"What are you impressed with?" Brynjolf asked not bothering with using the term Lass knowing he' probably end up with an arrow in his foot… or other places.
"Pinning Loki down in bed for one." Aela shot back smiling when she heard Loki make a noise that sounded like an indignant huff. Brynjolf raised a brow, trying to hide his small blush waiting for any other reason she had. She didn't disappoint, "And having Loki's complete devotion, he won't come back with us for many reasons, but you're the biggest I'm sure." She stopped then looked at Karliah whose hand was now twitching badly and her eyes were narrowed I suspicion.
"An archer, a good one I have to assume, and then her…" Aelea trailed off eyeing Vex with amber eyes. Loki tensed he walked forward to stand by Vex.
"Vex? What about her?" Loki suddenly seemed like a protective older brother and Vilkas and Farkas had seen the same behavior at Jorrvaskr many times, both couldn't hide their twin smiles. Brynjolf noticed the fond look in their yes and couldn't help but move to stand by Loki's side, which just made Vilkas frown, a knowing look shine in his eyes.
"Well I saw her fight, she earned her name. A devilish fox indeed." Aela commented eyeing Vex with a strange look. It took Loki seconds to place and he collapsed to the floor laughing hysterically.
"Y-you…" Loki broke off laughing to hard, it continued of a while before Loki got himself under control gasping for air he continued, "You think you can tame our little Vex? Good luck! Wait never mind I can see this going well. Crap. Vex and Aela together is a scary thought." Loki suddenly had this mock terrified look. He eyed Vex then Aela then got up dusted himself off and looked Vex in the eyes.
"Don't do it, you scare the piss out off most of the Guild already." Loki said he turned to Vilkas and Farkas then looked at Brynjolf asking him silently to follow, knowing if they accepted Brynjolf into the Pack he'd have an easier time convincing Brynjolf of moving. At least e hoped Brynjolf would come with him, but if Brynjolf didn't want to he'd stay with his mate.
Vilkas looked Brynjolf square in the eyes, he took a breath through his nose catching Brynjolf's scent mingled with Loki's and refrained from snarling at the man. His wolf had wanted Loki, and he couldn't deny he'd defiantly take Loki if given the chance. He was lying again; he wanted Loki just as badly as his wolf did, but had held himself back, not wanting to get involved with new blood. Loki had to prove himself first, and even when he did Vilkas had been blinded by grief then he pushed Loki away. No small wonder Loki had fallen for another.
Farkas looked at the man remembering how ferocious he had been in the fight earlier that day and respected him already; anyone who would defend Loki was good on his list. But he noticed his Brother tense and was confused for a moment, he looked at Vilkas.
"He's a good fighter." Farkas stated trying to ignore the tense air around Vilkas, Loki sensed it to and was shifting from one foot to the other, he wasn't sure if Loki's mate could or not.
"Agreed, but why were you wearing a mask earlier?" Vilkas asked wanting to get around the secrecy and get at the true reasons Loki was in love with this shadow stalker. Vilkas knew it was his jealousy talking but he wanted to know why he was lesser than this man, he refrained from growling but his cold eyes and voice were as much as a giveaway for Loki and Farkas. Even Brynjolf knew this man currently disliked him greatly.
"Vilkas, what's wrong?" Loki asked looking concerned for his close friend. Vilkas felt his wolf call to Loki, but he pulled tighter on its leash. He didn't need this; he was an idiot and let Loki slip out of his fingers. Brynjolf spotted the cold flash in the pale blue eyes and immediately knew why the man had reacted hostilely, he was jealous. Brynjolf didn't milk it knowing it would only upset Loki, but he did address it.
"I'm Loki's mate, and I'm honored he chose me, I know vary well there are stronger men then I. The mask is a part of my armor, it helps when you're in my line of work that no one knows who you are." Brynjolf directed the admittance to Vilkas hoping he'd said the right thing. Loki looked confused his eyes flinted between Brnjolf and Vilkas, trying to figure out why they were reacting like this. Loki looked at Farkas and raised a brow, Farkas shrugged.
"I have the same armor, as does Karliah, I guess you'd describe us as the elite. Vilkas your tense, Brother what troubles you?" Loki looked worried still not realiseing why any of this was going on, Brynjolf gave Vilkas a curious look then looked at Loki. His silent question was obvious, Vilkas glared at him for a moment before giving a quick nod.
"He chose me of his free will. I let him do as he wishes." Brynjolf stated looking Vilkas straight in the eyes, it was a challenge, but it was also meant to show he was worthy of Loki. Loki looked even more confused for a second looking between the two men. He blinked and looked at Vilkas.
"You think he forced me into this?" Loki asked his face going blank, he locked his gaze with Vilkas's and Vilkas knew he'd have to tell Loki the truth. Strange since only Kodlak the last Alpha had been able to get him to answer with just a stern look; Loki had also been able to do it even before becoming a moon beast.
"Yes and no." Vilkas answered it was truth but it wasn't a whole answer, Loki just continued to stare him down, well aware everyone's eyes had locked onto the silent battle of wills. Even Aela had stopped touring around the Guild to investigate Loki's 'new pack' in favor of watching the argument. She was one of the few able to hear it but she knew Vilkas had his eyes on Loki for a long time, some times wondering if Loki had no sense what so ever with how obvious Vilkas's lust had been.
"That's not the entire answer." Loki stated crossing his arms and continuing to star Vilkas down. Brynjolf could see the other man's will wane as Loki continued to stare him down. Finally Vilkas relented.
"I want you. I'm jealous, I knew you wouldn't have been reluctant to stay if you'd been forced to be with him, but still I wanted to be sure." Vilkas admitted with a rush of breath, turning to stalk away into the trees his face becoming red. Loki blinked in surprise he hadn't expected that, his face heated up but he knew his wolf and his own heart would not have been content, but if he'd known…
"Brother." Loki whispered he knew Brynjolf had tensed beside him but he also knew Brynjolf knew him well enough not to jump to the conclusion that he'd leave him. Hopefully.
Vilkas stopped and looked over his shoulder not bothering to turn to his friend. Loki gave him an understanding look, he'd felt that disappointment before, although I had been for a mere moment and he'd gotten what he wanted, but he knew the felling.
"Vilkas, I love you as a Brother and a very dear friend. I'm sorry I can't return those feelings, but please understand that I wouldn't be able to stay sane without both you and Brynjolf in my life." Loki kept his eyes locked with Vilkas seeing an amber flash, and he knew a biting remark might be likely to fly at him if Vilkas's wolf got involved.
"You seem to be doing fine outside the pack." Vilkas stated, he'd tempered his words but he saw the hurt flash in Loki's eyes all the same. He flinched and growled at himself turning from Loki hating himself even more than when Loki had disappeared.
"Vilkas, you and I both know that I have not been well. It's hard to separate your wolf from yourself. Outside of the pack there was no support but my own. Brynjolf has been my chain for a while now." Like looked at his friend the comment meant to both address the pervious remark, but also to bring his friend back. Vilkas turned back to him, regret shining in his eyes.
"Loki." He muttered not knowing what else to say, he tried to just say it with his eyes, and when Loki smiled he let out a relieved sigh. Farkas looked at his brother then Brynjolf then Loki, finally caching up. He shook his head he looked at Brynjolf, and waited.
Brynjolf looked relieved that Loki still held his whole pack and then he felt eyes on him he looked a Farkas.
"You're turn then?" Brynjolf asked looking away as Loki walked up and hugged Vilkas, knowing Loki was a very affectionate person eased his growing jealousy directed at Vilkas. Vilkas knew Loki far better than he did, where Brynjolf had only known Loki for about half a year and that was after Loki had spent a year in Skyrim running with the Companions and fighting in the war. Farkas gave him a grin.
"I think you're alright. You're a good fighter, strong and care for Loki. If Loki's happy with this then I am to." He stated shrugging. Brynjolf nodded not sure how to respond to that, obviously these three were had to impress and he'd done it with out much of an attempt.
"So will you come back with us?" Aela asked walking up to Loki when walked past Brynjolf, he felt her eyes and knew she was watching him closely, waiting for a slip up, she'd be disappointed. He looked at Loki, he couldn't leave the Guild with it in the tatters it was in currently. He gave Loki that look that said he'd support his decisions. Loki looked between Brynjolf then his pack his hear torn and his eyes betraying his pain.
"I can't leave him. You know that Aela." Loki whispered resigned. She gave him an understanding look before patting his shoulder.
"Well at least run with us one more time. Kodlak deserves his final wish fulfilled." She whispered Loki knew she may have disagreed with that wish but she'd help full fill it if she could. He almost started crying, he nodded, his shoulders squaring as his eyes became sharp and focused.
"I'll run to the ends of Oblivion and back with you if that was Kodlak's last wish. Stay with me in Honeyside, tomorrow we can go on this last favor. But tell me if you will Sister, where are we heading first?" Loki crossed his arms, resisting the urge to hide in Brynjolf's arms; he was getting a bad feeling at the back of his mind. Aela looked at him then the two Brothers who nodded.
"To Jorrvaskr to investigate what we can about Kodlak's research, then to where ever that leads us." She stated looking Loki in the eyes. He nodded as he thought it over in his head, there was a nagging in the back of his mind that this was not a good idea, but he pushed that aside.
"Alright, then first light tomorrow we can start back to Jorrvaskr." Loki stated he turned on his heel and headed back to the gate motioning for them to follow him. He looked at the Guild.
"Go back to the Cistern, I'll return after I've completed this task." Loki said walking to his house he looked at Brynjolf and nodded at the silent question, the master thief following him. When they reached his door Loki looked at the black streak on the ground left from his flame. Brynjolf rested a hand on his shoulder giving it a reassuring squeeze.
"I'll only say this once please try not to scare my Housecarl. She's threatened to retire more than once already." Loki said stretching as he walked in; quickly spotting the note by the door he picked it up, letting out a relived sigh.
"Never mind she's taking a day away from 'my madness' as she calls it." Loki said smiling and shaking his head. He looked back at his friends and waved them in closing the door behind them.
"There's a guest room with a twin bed Vilkas and Farkas can share, Aela you can take my Houscarl's bed since she won't be back until later tomorrow." Loki stated, he didn't say where he'd be sleeping but he did give them a quick tour to show them their quarters for the night.
"Not vary big." Vilkas stated looking around then back at Loki, knowing full well that Loki could easily afford to buy Riften's keep. Brynjolf nodded, already knowing that. Aela gave Loki a calculating look.
"Should we just reant a room instead?" She asked easing the blond who went bright red.
"I highly doubt Bryn will stay long he has to run the Guild while I'm gone." Brynjolf gave Loki a look when he used his nick name trying not to mutter to him self.
"Actually Delvin will be picking that up to night, I'll be staying with you until you leave. I'm not leaving you with the Silverhand knowing this is your home." Loki scoffed at that turning to look up at Brynjolf.
"You know I'll be fine, and this isn't home." Loki muttered giving Brynjolf a quick kiss. He pulled back and grinned at the embarrassment that flashed in his lover's eye.
"I'll just be keeping watch, and you really think I'd want to leave you alone?" Brynjolf shot back smirking in victory when Loki blushed bright red.
"While I'm gone make sure Shadowmane is treated well." Loki muttered as he pulled away biding them a good night before scurrying off to his room and hiding there. Brynjolf watched him go, wanting to pin the other down for embarrassing him in public. Aela caught his stare and snickered before running off to bed with a quick farewell.
"So you can get him to submit to you?" Vilkas suddenly asked out of the blue looking genuinely curious. Brynjolf shrugged in response still standing by the door.
"I can. I never force him to if that's what you're asking. He's an Alpha in everything but out relationship." Brynjolf answered looking Vilkas in the eyes. Vilkas nodded before disappearing into the guest room where his brother had disappeared.
Brynjolf sat by the fire and waited for the dawn to come, keeping his ears pealed for any noise that didn't belong he had a bad feeling about this. Just like before Mercer. He stood up and walked to Loki's room the blond was sitting in the middle of his bed crossed legged. Brynjolf had seen Loki do this before. Loki called it meditating on the words. Brynjolf didn't want to startle the younger man but also needed to talk to him.
"Loki." He whispered quietly, Loki blinked open his eyes, he turned his head to look at Brynjolf. Loki gave him a true smile before waving him in.
"What's wrong?" Loki asked sensing the tense air around his lover. Loki moved to sit by Brynjolf. The dim lighting made it harder to see the other's eyes but Brynjolf knew Loki could see him clearly.
"I have a bad felling about this Loki." He stated straight to the point. Loki nodded then surprised Brynjolf.
"I can feel it to, but I think it'll be worse if I don't go." Loki stated giving his mate a reassuring kiss. Brynjolf grabbed Loki and pulled him onto his lap. After he pulled away he looked straight into Loki's green eyes.
"Come on you need some rest." He stated guiding hem to the bed, Loki grabbed him when he turned to leave.
"You'll be able to keep watch in here as easily as out there." Loki muttered pulling him to lay next to him.
The next dawn rolled around and Brynjolf woke Loki who woke the others. Everyone was ready to go in a matter of half an hour. Brynjolf stopped Loki before he opened the door.
"Come back in one piece Loki." He whispered after giving the blond a quick but searing kiss. Loki blinked in surprise but nodded an understanding look shining in his eyes. Aela and the others were waiting out side the odor. Loki kissed Brynjolf quickly before waling with them, down the road, toward Whitrun and a whole world of old memories.
A/N: Hope this chapter was good ii tried to keep them all in character so… review and tell me how I did! : ) Emerald out!