Brynjolf nearly pulled his hair out over the next day trying to think of something for Kyra. Keerava's words had been helpful, but they had put more stress on him. The guild was just as clueless as he was and if they planned on trying to do anything nice then they would have to think of something soon.
He was out walking around in hope that fresh air would help his mind think. Then when he glanced up a new face caught his eye. The man stood there, his arms crossed and his eyes harsh. Beside him was another woman. Her hair red and paint along her face. Suddenly their eyes locked on him and they made a line to him.
" You, you're Brynjolf aren't you?" The woman spoke. Brynjolf crossed his arms and made himself more intimidating.
" Depends who's asking."
" We are apart of the companions from Whiterun." The man continued.
" And?"
" We understand that you know Kyra. You're apart of the guild no?" The woman continued. Though she hadn't snarled at him like her friend had, the tone of her voice was enough to irritate her.
" What is it you want with her?"
" We came to give Kyra her birthday gifts from the rest of the Companions at home. We know that she will most likely be working on the actual day so we would like to give them to her now."
Brynjolf's eyebrow twitched in irritation. It was as if the divines were taunting him. These were the second set of people that had figured out what to get her yet he still had no idea.
" I will give them to her for you-"
" No. We want to see her for ourselves." The man interrupted. " You get to see her more than enough. It's our turn now."
The way he spoke of her as if she were an item made Brynjolf's blood boil. But he forced himself to hold his anger down.
" Well she just returned from a long journey and wants to spend her time resting."
Brynjolf knew that he couldn't pull that lie across them. He hadn't known how long they had known her but it was clearly long enough for them to know that she hardly ever rested.
" Then we will meet her tonight in the Bee and Barb." The man demanded, bringing his face closer to Byrnjolf's. " And if she doesn't show up then we have no problem looking for her ourselves so don't try hiding her. Tell her that Aela and Vilkas will be waiting."
Brynjolf forced a smile on his face.
" Of course lad."
There was one more breath where they held their gaze then Vilkas turned around and walked away with Aela by his side. He could see it in that scoundrel's eyes. If he thought he had a chance of taking Kyra away from him well then he had another thing coming. He was not about to let some lost wolf walk away with his lass.
He sat in the corner of the inn, letting the dark conceal him. It took all it had for him not to strike the wolf down right then and there. Kyra hadn't noticed that he was there, but Vilkas sure did. He'd glance over at Brynjolf's way then do something that made his blood boil.
As Aela handed her a box and nonchalantly placed his arm on the back of her chair. Brynjolf's grip tightened on his mug. Just to feel his fist in his face . . .
" Oh this is beautiful!" Kyra gasped as she pulled out a leather bound book.
" We all chipped together to get it for you. This way you can write you journey's down or have something to do on a lonely night." Aela explained. Kyra held it close to her chest with a smile. Vilkas's eye darted to Brynjolf and gave a victorious smile.
" Here, I got you something myself as well." He spoke as he handed her his gift. Kyra pulled on the ribbon and reached inside. From her hand a necklace dangled and at the end, a hand carved wolf head.
" Did you do this yourself?" She asked. Vilkas gave a nod.
" Just don't tell Farkas, he'll get mad because I told him we were doing a group gift only."
" Of course. Not surprised."
Brynjolf didn't even try to hide his frustration anymore. He was on his breaking point. So the wolf tried to push it even further.
" Say Kyra you're bed is so empty back in Whiterun. Why don't you come home?"
Brynjolf stiffened. He had to calm down. That's what he had to do. Vilkas was purposely doing this to him.
" I can't do that Vilkas. You know that."
" Well he does have a point. " Aela added on, her intentions much less innocent than his own. " Why don't you come home for a while?"
Home. The companions was not her home. The guild was her home. He wasn't sure what it was like there but back at the guild everyone loved her. They cherished them from the bottom of their hearts.
" It would be nice to see everyone but," she paused, " my home is here as of right now. I have a lot to do and a lot of people depending on me. I can't let them down."
Aela let out a disappointed sigh. " I see. Well I guess we would do the same thing if we were in her position. We can't force her to come back."
The end of Brynjolf's lips curled up in victory. With one last gulp he finished his drink and slammed it down, not caring if it drew attention. As he walked out he could feel Vilkas's eyes burn into his back. It was his own mistake for thinking that Kyra would go home with him. And if he thought he could best him as far as her birthday gift then he'd be in for an even bigger disappointment.