Sorry sorry sorry. With finals, binge watching, and new video games writing fanfic has not been my priority. I feel bad because this is pathetically short, and Im sorry its been like 2 months. But I try to only write when I'm motivated. Hope you like it, and feel free to comment!

"We're not bringing Verulus with us." I immediately say as we exit the cavern.

"And why not?" Vorstag grunts, clambering up the rocky façade concealing the secret passageway from view. "We've done shit like it before. He'll be fine."

"It's is too risky." I argue, feeling a need to protect the soft priest. "He'd be in too much danger—they literally are planning to eat him! We should come back without him. They'll all be gathered to eat and we'll just kill them all before they even notice he's missing." I climb up after him and we start a brisk jog down to the road.

"No, we need to do this correctly." He says, slowing to a walk as his clad feet hit the cobbled road. "I think that woman suspects something."

"What?" I ask, nerves buzzing. "You think she knows what we're planning?"

"Not exactly," he says with a strained voice. "But I don't like how she just appears out of nowhere. It's like she's watching us, like she suspects we're not loyal to her cult. For all we know, she could have them lined up to kill us the second we walk in without that priest. We have no idea what we are up against."

"I understand your concern, Vorstag," I say carefully, stepping lightly beside him. "But I don't want to endanger anymore people."

He stops abruptly and whirls at me. I expect to see that incredulous look back in his eye from earlier today, but instead I see frustration.

"Saber, this isn't really about protecting that cushioned imperial, is it?" He says, glaring down at me, eyebrows furrowed. "You're still shocked and scared from what happened."

"Scared?" I say with a slight growl, pointing my nose up at him. "You think I'm scared because, what? Because I failed? Because I couldn't protect myself or you? That I might lead an innocent man to his death because I can't always handle myself in battle? Is that what I am a scared of, Vorstag?"

"For all of Sovngarde, Saber!" He exasperates, looking up at the sky. "How come whenever something goes wrong you think you have to always fix it? I'm here to, and I'm quite capable to back you up. And just as I back you up, you back up me. We're partners—we work together." He continues, voice growing louder to match mine.

"I can't believe you're bringing this up again." I say, riled. "I know you're capable and that we're a team. I also happen to know that we, like all people, have limitations. We can't always execute a plan perfectly. Hell, we never execute a plan perfectly."

"Saber, just trust me on this." He says impatiently, grabbing hold of my shoulders. "Half the time I disagree with your ideas, but I follow you anyway. You want to know why? Because I trust you. And as your partner, I was hoping you would trust me too."

"You combat my ideas all the time." I retort, scrunching my nose and looking away.

"Saber, please believe me when I say no harm will come to that pious priest." He insists, squeezing my shoulder so hard I can feel the pressure of his hands through my plated armor. I promise I will not let anything happen to him."

"Okay. We can go along with your plan." I sigh, dropping my head in defeat. "I trust you."

XXX

"You've returned!" Verulus says in a squeaky voice mixed with confusion and pleasure. "I never thought you'd—I mean, to what do I owe this pleasure?" He grabs my hand and bows slightly. "You and your comrade here brought peace back to Markarth. We have already begun restoring the hall and people have returned to reverently pay their long awaited respects. And," he adds with a blush, "you also saved me from a ton of harassment. I'd received several death threats before you came along, I mean, not that I couldn't have handled—I mean, thank you."

"You don't have to thank us." I say queasily, awkwardly pulling my hand away. His warmth and admiration fill me with guilt and self-disgust. "We did what had to be done." Were we really going to put him through this? I hold back a sigh, wishing I could have convinced Vorstag otherwise. But for some reason the brute wanted us to do it this way. I couldn't shake off the feeling that this was more about proving himself as a valuable partner than him thinking his plan was the best. Did he really think he really needed to prove himself to me?

"Verulus!" Vorstag says with stiff smile, interrupting my thoughts. "You happen to be the very mortician we were looking for!"

"Really?" He squeaks, eyes still on me. "You came back to see me? I have no idea what you think I could help with, but I will gladly oblige."

"With anything?" I say, hating myself for feeling slightly amused.

He bows lower. "Your wish is my command."

I take a deep breath and put the plan into motion. "Verulus, we happen to be in need of a priest in our travels."

"Oh." Verulus's eyes dart up, brows rising in apprehension. "I see. You are looking for Arkay's protection while you delve into some dank tomb, I take it?"

"Yes," I continue awkwardly, feeling rehearsed. "There's an evil force residing in a cave just southeast of here, and I feel it possesses the same infection that plagued the Hall of the Dead." Vorstag elbows me in the side. Hard. "What I mean is, we want to cleanse it. And I believe only a priest of Arkay could help us with that."

"I—I'm flattered by your confidence in my skills to complete such a task," Verulus says with a slight stutter, eyes wavering to the left, "And while I am well qualified, I fear my duties keep me busy in Markarth. I don't know if I can help you."

I freeze. Vorstag had insisted the young priest would accept our offer. I was usually so good at lying, but something about his youthful glow and bright, innocent heart stopped me in my tracks. I couldn't set him up like this.

But I had to.

"Oh," I say, dropping my eyes in feigned disappointment. "I guess I understand. Vorstag warned me that you would be too scared to come with us, that you were too soft. But believe me, I know that's not true. Just look at you! You're a priest of Arkay, god of the dead! That takes guts. But then Vorstag said you wouldn't have time to help me, which is understandable, but I'd hoped otherwise. Guess I was just fooling myself."

I turn to leave, leaning slightly into Vorstag as he turns with me, face completely bewildered. My conniving and manipulation never ceases to impress him.

"Saber, wait!" Verulus calls almost immediately. I pivot before he finishes, facing him with eyes wide and seemingly hopeful. "I suppose I can come with you on a short venture." He says with a weak, wavering smile, looking unnaturally pale for even a Markarth citizen. "Lead on."