Shrimpeater: Ello dear. Yus, yus, the emotional feel train! Tune in and see!
HereLies: I'm glad you loved this chapter dear. It's been a long, long road for Vilkas and Vincent and they are only now accepting that they love each other. Took 'em damn long enough… Cadrian is the name you're looking for by the way~ didn't mind. I still spell it wrong too. Kodlak has his reasons, they may have been a bit selfish but he has them…ah, you'll see.
Tye22: Reviews keep me going! Thanks for the support!
Kogouma: Lol indeed, indeed. We shall see.
Murtagh Thorn: Ah yes. See, I type really fast and my spell check doesn't correct me seeing as loose is a word although it is in improper context. I will try harder to not make the same mistake again. Trying my best to keep you all happy and satisfied! I will cherish this Ferret forever.
Soren Tamazki: I always try to take the time to answer questions! Mmmnnn and about Vincent's eyes…They are technically copper colored, not red. Copper is more of a gold/brown I think. That will all be out in the open soon. Not to worry.
TeB360: Yesss it issssss. *insert evil laughter here*
WaffleNommer: ….Congrats! There are not a lot of these out there so I'm doing my best to keep writing. Glad I made your day and ohhhh, yes please. *takes one*
Mindfreak23: Aye. I always respond to my reviewers. Allllwayyyysssss… and yes, being evil is fun.
I'd like to take this moment to thank everyone who stuck with this story so far. I love seeing my loyal reviewer's comments as well as some new ones! It always means so much to me to hear from you guys and you inspire me to keep going. With this chapter, we are about half way through with Wolves and Magic. Yes, it is a long story but we are about to reach a climatic peak. (Gods that sounded dirty) So, thank you for taking the time to review my story and tell me what you all think is going on and how you liked or disliked it. You all mean the world to me! Thanks for the support!
Chapter 14: Broken Hallelujah
Maybe I've been here before
I know this room, I've walked this floor
I used to live alone before I knew you
I've seen your flag on the marble arch
love is not a victory march
It's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
There was a time you'd let me know
What's real and going on below
But now you never show it to me do you?
Remember when I moved in you?
The holy dark was moving too
and every breath we drew was hallelujah.
-Hallelujah, by Rufus Wainwright
It was cold. His breath came out in nearly solid puffs in front of him before flouting up and dissolving into the darkness. The moon was gone, hidden behind dark storm clouds along with the stars. No light filtered through the dark abyss and he was truly alone. All he could hear was the sound of his own breathing and the sound of his feet crushing along in the freezing snow. He reached his hand out to touch something…anything…that would help him find his way through the darkness. His hand scrapped along hard bark that cut sharply into his flesh and he used it to balance himself, ignoring the slight pain it caused. He couldn't see more then a few feet in front of him so it was a god send to feel something in a seemingly empty space.
"Kodlak..!" He rasped out, his voice sounding foreign and weak to himself. "Farkas…Aela…Vincent…! Anyone!?"
Silence answered him. He grunted at the lack of response and pressed on deeper into the darkness, abandoning the tree that granted him a comfort. He was alone and the thought made him almost panic. He could only rely on himself now. He flailed his arms around like a blind man looking for a wall to grab as he pressed on. He felt nothing but open air and no further tree's to guide his path. He almost wanted to make a run backward for the tree again but he found the daunting fact of being alone almost way too much to handle.
"Hello?! Anyone?!" Where the hell was everyone and why would they leave him like this?!
"Vilkas…" A sudden deep laugh and a quick movement out of the corner of his eye made him whirl around like a fool. Nothing was there of course but now his nerves were standing on end. Something was here with him and he didn't recognize that laugh or the voice it belonged to. For once…he felt like they prey and not the hunter.
He was so caught up in the threat that may or may not be there that he didn't watch where he was going. Not that he really could anyway because of the darkness but it didn't excuse his lack of attention. His foot hit something solid and sent him scrambling down into the snow. He caught himself on his arms but not before they got scraped up by the hard ground under the snow. He instantly smelled fresh blood and recoiled upright. It was dark but he could make out deep, dark marks of liquid in the fresh snow.
The smell made him want to gag but he scrambled about, looking for the solid object he had tripped on. His hand brushed up against coarse, matted hair and he looked down to find its source. His blue eyes widened and his mouth trembled slightly as he took in the sight. He tripped over the corpse of his beloved mentor and friend.
Kodlak.
He was lying on his back in an undignified position, mouth agape and tongue removed. He was naked and his bowls had been cut open and were strung about them in every direction. Vilkas made a distressed noise that sounded between a puppy's yelp and a choking sob as he covered his mouth in horror and heartbreak. He couldn't even speak in fear of choking up bile. He could feel tears prickling at his eyes as he crawled closer to the body.
"G-gods…Kodlak…" He finally managed to choke out and felt hot tears run down his face. He couldn't hold back the rising sick that formed in his throat and pulled his hand away as he vomited up a mix of water and stomach acid. His jaw clenched open painfully as he couldn't stop the flow that burned his entire throat. He tried to gasp and force air into his lungs. His vision was beginning to swim and he clawed at the cold ground. His throat tightened even though the stream of bile had stopped. He couldn't breathe! He was going to die here!
A sudden light burst into the clearing and lit up the area around him. Vilkas blinked as the light burned his sensitive eyes. He could suddenly breathe again and took a large gulp of air like a man starved. He coughed and sputtered as a wave of relief washed over his frame, making him shiver. The light warmed his face and made the tears that had almost felt frozen on his face, begin to dry. He dared not look back at Kodlak's form in the full light and instead tried to focus on its source. It was coming from deeper into a wooded area and the weary man climbed to his feet and weakly made his way there. Not once did he look back.
Vilkas followed the light, deeper and deeper into the wood and the clearing melted away behind him. He wanted to scream and to just sit and cry by Kodlak's side but he knew crying would do nothing for either of them right now. He was a warrior and he had to be strong for both of them now. There was no one to look over his shoulder and guide him. He couldn't go to him and ask for a second opinion. He'd been groomed as a master-at-arms and a second-in-command, so it was time to start acting like it.
Greif was still heavy in his heart but he pressed on for what seemed like an age. Every time he got closer to the light it seemed to blast further ahead of him and he almost had to run to catch up. His body still ached from before but he forced himself to press on, even though his feet felt like lead. Eventually the light seemed to stop and he finally caught up. The light was brightest in a small clearing and the intensity of that light almost made Vilkas turn away. Almost.
He put a hand up to shield his eyes as he pressed closer to the light. He reached a shaky hand out to touch the source of the light and almost pulled his hand back when he felt extreme heat radiating off of it. It was so hot; he feared he might burn his hand. He pressed on, however, determined not to give up now…not when he was so close…
As soon as his fingers made contact with the bulb of light, it dimmed and the heat diminished. First thing Vilkas noticed was Vincent. His eyes were instantly drawn to his mate's form. He was on his knees, facing Vilkas but his head was tipped down and shrouded by his hair. In front of him, came the source of the light.
A small girl.
Vilkas still found it hard to look directly at her, despite the light dimming. She was still radiant and glowing with an ethereal light that was both haunting and oddly comforting. She had a delicate hand on Vincent's shoulder and whispered soothing words in his ear. Her hair was dark and flowing even though no wind blew. She wore a dress that flowed like her hair, down to her ankles and she stood barefoot in the snow. She seemed like a delicate thing that would blow away if a stiff breeze came by, but Vilkas could also feel strength radiating off her small frame. His eye instantly drew to an amulet she wore about her neck and his breath caught slightly.
An amulet of Talos?
"Will you take care of him?" The girl asked, her voice echoing and sounding slightly whimsical.
The question startled Vilkas and he was taken aback. "W-what?"
She smiled, not unkindly. "Will you take care of this man?" She pat Vincent on the shoulder gently, but his mate did not react. He kept his head bent in submission and didn't even breathe.
"I…" Vincent frowned and his fists clenched at his sides. "I can't."
The girl frowned at this. "Why not?"
"I can't protect him." It was one of the hardest things he ever had to admit but he felt compelled to tell this girl the truth. "I can't protect anyone…everything is falling apart around me! I can't even…"
"Protect yourself." She finished for him.
"Aye…"
"Relax, Vilkas." When he tensed, she smiled again. "Yes. This one knows your name. This one has shown you what you must see. We are about to tell you something, Vilkas, warrior of Jorrvaskr, Commander-at-arms, twin to Farkas, friend to Aela the huntress, trusted of Kodlak white mane and beloved of Vincent Renalt. We know all about you and what fate has in store for you."
"What does it have?" Vilkas asked, taking a cautious step closer.
The girl did not stop him. "It is dangerous, for mortal men to know the future." she sighed and it sounded like a gentle wind blowing through the trees. "We have already altered fate by coming to you like this. We cannot tell you too much but we can give you a warning."
"A-aye…" Vilkas was confused, scared, exhilarated, curious and cautious. "Go on then…."
She kept a hand on Vincent's shoulder and with her free hand, she reached out to Vilkas. On instinct, he reached out and took her hand, feeling warm comfort instantly flood into his soul. "Kneel." She spoke gently. It was a soft request but Vilkas felt compelled to obey her. He instantly dropped to his knees in the snow, directly in front of Vincent. His mate didn't lift his head.
"The world is dying." She started. "A sequence of events has started and even the Gods are powerless to stop it now. The world eater stirs and Nirn will soon need the Dragonborn."
"Dragonborn…?" He looked up at her. "I've heard the tale but…it's just a story."
"Not just a story, Vilkas." she confirmed sadly. "His black wings are yet far off but he will stir…and when he does…all of Nirn will tremble in his wake. The end of the world is nigh and the world needs the Dragonborn."
Vilkas looked to Vincent, who had yet to stir, and then up at her again. "Is…Vincent…?"
She smiled. "No. He is not the one. Yet, he will play a part in the end times. He is a haunted creature." She rubbed his shoulder affectionately, but he did not stir. "Without you, however…He will fail. What hunts him will claim him and he will live a fate worse then death."
"What can I do then?"
"Ah. Now you ask questions that we can answer clearly." She seemed happy all of a sudden and it confused Vilkas. "Things are in motion that cannot be stopped now but when the time comes, he will need your support and your strength. Your heart and your soul. Everything you are, he will need and we have faith in you making the right decision."
"…" This was a lot to take in and all the information made Vilkas dizzy. She looked sympathetic when she gazed upon him now and gave his hand a comforting squeeze.
"It is a lot to take in, Vilkas, more then we have any right to ask of you…but we must leave you with one last warning." She slipped her hand out of Vilkas' effortlessly and moved daintily behind Vincent's hunched over form. She wrapped her pretty little arms around his shoulders and rested her head upon his own. "A storm hovers above. The dark wizard rises and falls. Within two cycles of Nirn the world eater stirs and the world will burn and break. The sea will dry out, the mountains will crumble and all living things will plummet into the abyss."
Vilkas trembled in the snow, feeling like a small child again. He kept his eyes glued to the sight and took a deep breath. "So...that's it?"
"Yes. This is how things will be." She smiled and began to fade like a ghost. "…But not how it should be…" Then she was gone. The amulet did not fade with her and fell between the two men in the snow.
It glowed softly and kept the area lit dimly around them. Vilkas reached down in the snow to touch it, only to find himself beaten to the punch by the scarred hand of his mate. It was the first movement he'd seen the mage make since he arrived and the sudden motion had scared him.
"Vincent?"
The mage lifted the amulet up and lifted his head. Vilkas' breath caught in his throat and his heart hammered against his breastplate. He looked into the eyes of the man he loved and found them shockingly blue.
"Vincent….?" He repeated more in awe now then before and reached out to touch his face. Vincent moved his hand and grabbed Vilkas' before it made its way to his cheek. The amulet of Talos pushed against his palm and began glowing brighter and brighter.
"Vilkas…"
Vilkas woke with a start, shooting up in bed so quick that it made his head spin. He groaned and stretched his tired body before thrusting the sheets aside. He had to remember to breathe for a moment and twisted his hands into his hair. What a bizarre dream…He wanted to sit and worry about what it could have meant and why it seemed so real but he needed to go speak to Kodlak and make sure the old man was okay.
He quickly got dressed and rushed to the Harbinger's room, only to find the old man sitting up at the desk he was at when Vincent first walked in the door. He smiled kindly at Vilkas a gestured to the seat beside him. Vilkas knew better then to pass it up and took the seat offered. They sat in silence for awhile, just looking at each other. Vilkas wanted to speak of his dream but he honestly didn't know where to start.
"You are troubled lad." Kodlak spoke first. "You need not talk about what haunts your dreams because I too dream of things that have not yet come to pass."
"How did you…-"
"Know?" Kodlak finished with a big smile. "You have the same haunted look that I used to get when confronted with such things. I noticed this look on you before…back before Vincent joined the circle. How long have you been dreaming of such things?"
Vilkas sighed and out his hands in his lap. "This is the second time. The first time was right around the time you said. Right before Vincent joined the circle…back before I marked him."
"I believe the gods are trying to speak with us Vilkas. This makes me fear for our mortal souls. When we pass, it's the hunting grounds for us…and I've been thinking about it more and more since Skjor died. My dreams have been less frequent as of late. I think the Gods have lost interest in me and my dreams. Perhaps you are to replace me." He smiled kindly, showing no malice or distain in the statement.
Vilkas was too confused to properly respond to that and honestly he didn't understand. Was this some kind of magic or something? He decided not to push it and asked the question that had been plaguing him. "The mission you sent Vincent on…was it…important?"
"In a way yes." Kodlak confirmed. "I found it….convenient. Vincent needed to get away from Jorrvaskr for awhile and we needed a job done. It may be selfish of me Vilkas and I hope you'll forgive me."
"He's…not in any danger is he?"
"What we do is dangerous lad." He replied grimly. "He may be in great danger with what I've sent him to do but I have faith in his ability and I'm sure he'll be home within the week."
"You can't tell me?"
"Not until he is back or the threat has passed. Sorry lad."
"You tell me everything." Vilkas spoke, suddenly standing upright. "Why keep something like this from me!?"
"It is for Vincent's safety as well as your own. If you don't know where he is, you cannot be interrogated for the answer. We do not know the strength of our foe, not yet and we cannot take risks."
Vilkas shook slightly but nodded. "…Aye. Okay."
"Good lad." Kodlak stood with him and pat him on the shoulder. "Keep the dream from your mind…at least for now. When Vincent comes back, we will all sit down and talk it over. Okay?"
"Aye."
That was all he was going to get out of the old man for now and he would have to force himself to be content with the answer.
Vilkas started to worry by three days and as the week came and gone, Vilkas was a flat out mess inside his own head. Vincent had only taken enough medicine with him to last six days and as the seventh day ended, he was in a panic. He tried to convince himself that Vincent could take care of himself and find some alchemy ingredients in his travels to make some more medicine but he couldn't keep from worrying.
In front of everyone, he was stoic and composed. He carried on like normal, strong, confident and focused. When he was alone at night, however, he found his dreams plagued by demons, gods, or the inability to sleep at all. He just kept dreaming the same thing. Over and over…sleep no longer came easy. These past seven days had been a special hell inside his own head.
No one else may have noticed, but Farkas sure did. Vilkas found himself approached by his twin on the dawn of the eighth day, as he was donning his armor in his room. Vilkas looked up briefly as Farkas strolled in without saying anything, before he looked back down and adjusted the strap on his armor.
"Farkas." he started casually. "Something wrong, brother?"
"Yes, there is." Farkas stood in the doorway.
"Is it important? I have a lot of things to do for Kodlak today."
"No you don't." Farkas sighed heavily. "I had the old man give the job today to Aela."
Vilkas paused and looked up at his brother. The jobs he was sent on were his only solace. His mind was occupied with the job and not Vincent, the dreams or Kodlak. He couldn't help but show some anger in his eyes and he saw his brother flinch slightly. "Why would you do that?"
"You need to relax!" Farkas spoke coming a bit closer. "You may have everyone else fooled but not me. Our rooms are right next to each other and I can hear you toss and cry out in your sleep."
"I'm fine…"
"You're not fine!" Farkas broke the distance and grabbed Vilkas by the shoulders. "I've known you long enough to know when you lie and Gods-be-damned Vilkas, don't you dare lie to me!"
Vilkas' eyes widened slightly at his twin's outburst. "Farkas…"
"Look, I'm sorry." Farkas sighed but didn't let go of him. "I wish I could share this pain with you."
"I wouldn't wish that for you." Vilkas spoke firmly. "This hell is my own and I will not share it with those I love."
Farkas' look softened slightly and he gave a half smile. "You don't want to talk about it?"
"Just…bad dreams, Farkas. I'm sure they will fade with time."
"Annnnd?" Farkas prodded, almost playfully.
"And, what?"
"You know what. Tell me what I want to hear, brother."
Vilkas sighed and rolled his eyes slightly. "And…I miss Vincent."
"THANK YOU!" He exclaimed and threw his hands up dramatically. "Your ice heart finally melts brother! About time."
"Maybe someday your ice brain will melt. Wont that be wonderful?" he huffed when Farkas gave him the puppy eyes. "You are such a child." Vilkas protested but couldn't stop a ghost of a smile from coming to his own face.
"Yeah, but you love me anyway." Farkas then dug around in his pocket and produced something…which he then childishly hid behind his back. Thus, proving Vilkas correct. "Guess what…?"
"…."
"Come on Vilkas…Guess what?"
"…."
"COME ON…"
"…."
"VILKAS. COME ON. GUESS WHAT."
"…Fine. What?"
"This came today." he produced a small parchment. "A courier brought it to the door."
He handed it over to Vilkas and the smaller twin opened the already broken seal and read the words upon them swiftly.
'K,
The mission is finished; I am on my way back,
V'
Vilkas heart nearly jumped up into his throat. "Is this…?"
"From Vincent? Kodlak said so, yeah. He told me to bring it down here to you."
"This is…" He paused. It was the one piece of good news he needed. "…good." He finished lamely.
"Yep!" Farkas beamed. "The courier said he was handed the letter by Vincent and everything a few days back. Vincent should be home any day now."
"I see." Vilkas smiled for real this time. It was a found smile at the thought of getting to see his beloved again. That's what they were right? They did exchange the words that should never be delivered lightly…
"Are you happy?"
Vilkas scoffed slightly but smiled at his twin. "Aye."
"Good." He held his arms out for a hug but Vilkas just shook his head, stubbornly.
"Save your bear hugs for Vincent when he comes back. He'll need them I'm sure." He turned away and went over to Vincent's bag on the floor. He opened it and started digging around in it.
"Brother…?" The heard the confusion in Farkas' voice and also a slight tensing. "What are you doing…?"
"I saw that Vincent only had one vial of medicine left." he spoke and went right for where he saw the vial last time. He found it easily enough without having to dig too much. As he pulled the small red bottle up, he closed up the mages' bag again. "We have an apothecary in town. I'll pay for them to make copies of this for him so he'll have plenty when he gets back."
"That's…thoughtful." Farkas seemed to relax slightly.
"Aye. I figured he'll be tired when he gets back and he'll probably need to take a dose right away. So I'll save him having to make more on his own."
"That's it?"
Vilkas sighed. "Aye, Farkas. That's it. I'm not prying into his business, I just want to make his life easier."
"Good then. Want company?"
"Sure. We'll go now if you're ready."
"I am."
"Okay then." He pocked the medicine and slung his sword on his back before heading out the door with Farkas in tow.
They made their way to Arcadia's Cauldron in the market place and the imperial woman poked her head up sharply as they entered.
"Hello! Hello! Ohhhh are one of you sick? You seem pale. Are you pale and sick, dearies?"
Vilkas ignored the question. "Can you make ten copies of this medicine? It is companion business and I will need them as soon as possible." he handed it over to the woman and she took the vial carefully.
"Oh, I'm skilled in medicine. This shouldn't take more then an hour. You can come back and pick it up then."
"Thank you." he spoke and left without another word.
"Want to go get a drink while we wait?" Farkas spoke gesturing over to the Bannered mare, not even ten feet away.
"Aye. Okay." Vilkas didn't really have anything better to do anymore.
They settled down inside the bannered mare in their usual spot. They didn't drink here a hell of a lot because the mead in Jorrvaskr was much better, but they did have a place to sit that always seemed vacant when they arrive. It was the same place that they had sat before learning that had befell Skjor.
Yes, he missed Skjor in his own way and what happened to him should never happen to anybody. Skjor was a friend…and family. His loss had affected everyone more then he would have thought. Being in this line of work and watching so many people die, you'd think you'd be immune to it. He just hoped Skjor was happy at the hunting grounds…
He must have shivered because Farkas looked on with a slightly concerned smile. "Are you alright?"
"Aye…just…thinking."
"About Vincent?" He teased.
Vilkas shot him a weak glare. "No."
"About what then?"
"Skjor."
Farkas' smile faded "Oh."
A long silence drifted between the two as the raucous sounds of the bard and a few drunk patrons filled the silence for them. Saadia walked over and placed their drinks in front of them in a hurry, looking more paranoid then usual. Then took off out of sight, somewhere upstairs.
Farkas let out a deep sigh, signaling the end of his silence. "Brother…I'm sure Skjor is happy where he is. He said as much…"
"I know. I just…" Vilkas shook his head. "No… I guess it doesn't matter anymore. He's gone."
"Of course it matters." Farkas tried to put on a kind smile. "It bothers you, so it matters."
"There's nothing that can be done for him now. He…" Vilkas cut himself off. "Perhaps I am worrying for nothing."
Farkas nodded. "I can't say it was the way he could have choose to go but we both know he wanted to go there instead."
"Aye…"
"So cheer up, brother." Farkas lifted his mug. "Vincent will be home soon."
The brothers shared a drink and spoke for awhile before the hour was up and they decided to part ways. Farkas headed back to Jorrvaskr, while Vilkas decided to check in on the progress of the medicine. He walked in, only to find the woman holding a single red vial in her hands, slightly marveling at it.
"Excuse me…"
She looked up to see him and blinked as if seeing him for the first time. "Oh. Hello."
"Is the medicine ready? It's been an hour."
"I haven't even started yet…"
"…what…?" Vilkas tried not to sound annoyed.
"I've been trying to figure out exactly what is in this." She marveled. "I am a master alchemist, young man and in all my years I've never seen anything like this. It isn't anything like ever encountered on any market...by all rights this shouldn't even exist!"
Vilkas came a bit closer to her. "What are you talking about?"
"This has an amalgamation of ingredients that shouldn't make a potion. The potion should fail and make nothing! I've found Nightshade, death bell, Nirnroot, mountain flowers, vampire dust, and more ingredients that shouldn't make anything. An expert Alchemist must have made this."
"Well…he eluded to being a good alchemist. I didn't think expert but…well that's a good thing right?"
"Yes. Alchemists are in short supply."
"So how long will it take you to make this medicine? The one who drinks it will be back soon and they will need to take it when they get back."
The old imperial woman's face suddenly went pale. "What? M-Medicine?"
Vilkas didn't like her tone. "Excuse me?"
"Someone is drinking this?!" she practically shrieked.
"A-aye…"
"Sir, this is no medicine." She thrust the bottle into his hands, her own shaking. "Get the drinker of this medical attention immediately!"
"What are you talking about old woman?! Make sense!" Vilkas didn't like how she looked up at him.
"This is no medicine." she repeated, her lips and whole body shaking. "T-this…is…"
He stood in the doorway to Farkas' room and saw his brother sitting their innocently. His hand clutched so tightly around the vial that he might break it. His whole face was in a fury and Farkas instantly noticed. His brother stood in an instant, his eyes wide like a scared puppy.
"Vilkas?"
"Care to explain something to me, brother…?" He spat the words like pure venom and it make Farkas take a step back.
"W-what?"
He held up the vial. "You knew Vincent was taking this?!"
"Well…yes. So did you." He was obviously unsure where his brother's anger was coming from.
"No." Vilkas growled. "You knew what his sickness was…you KNOW what it is…and you've let him continue drinking this!"
"Brother I don't under-"
"IT'S GOD DAMNED POISON!"
He saw the confusion in Farkas' face. "It's…what?!"
"He's been drinking poison!"
"T-that's…." Farkas seemed to struggle for an explanation and it just made Vilkas angrier. "…impossible."
"That old woman told me what's in this! She said a potion like this shouldn't even exist!"
"If its poison, how is he not dead!?" Farkas countered. "He said he's been taking it for a long time. Wouldn't he be dead by now?"
That gave Vilkas pause. "I don't know…" he was still angry and shook slightly from it but his rage was slowly dying and being replaced with a deep rooted sorrow…if he fell in he may never be able to climb out…
"Brother…" Farkas was careful in his approach. "You need to relax…"
"Relax?!" Vilkas scowled deeply. "RELAX?!"
"Vilkas…."
"I JUST FOUND OUT THAT THE MAN I LOVE IS POISONING HIMSELF AND YOU TELL ME TO RELAX?!"
Vilkas was sure that him proclamation for loving Vincent would have thrilled Farkas at any time other then now. Right now, Farkas looked like a dear caught in the sights of a hunter. It was obvious by his face that he didn't know what to say to make this right or anything to make Vilkas feel better about the situation. He was sure his yelling must have attracted some attention from the occupants upstairs, but everyone was wisely staying away.
Vilkas finally broke eye contact with Farkas and slumped against the doorframe. He let out a shaky sigh and twirled the vial between his hands. He wanted to smash it but he knew deep down that it wasn't his place to do so. He needed answers….and this time there would be no excuses. He didn't care if Vincent didn't want to talk about it right now and he wouldn't put up with anymore lies.
When Vincent got back, he was going to make him spill his guts about everything. He needed to hear it all because his heart couldn't take any more surprises. Vincent had said that he loved him…Vilkas guessed he see if that held any merit of truth.
"Brother…"
He looked over at Farkas weakly and saw his brother still standing in the same position. The only time he'd seen Farkas look so miserable was right after Jergen died. The big man looked like he'd cry at any moment.
"I didn't mean to yell at you." Vilkas sighed. "I'm just….frustrated."
Farkas nodded and his misery seemed to lessen. "It's okay. I understand."
"Farkas, I-"
A huge bang from upstairs stopped them both. Vilkas got to his feet and stashed the vial away inside his pocket as Tilma came rushing down the stairs in a panic. Vilkas had never seen the old woman run so fast.
"Tilma…What's…?"
"You two need to get upstairs and help Kodlak!" She yelled, pointing up. "We're being attacked!"
A loud resounding roar filled the area and made Vilkas' blood run cold. "Stay here Tilma! Hide until one of us come and get you!"
Tilma nodded and ran into Farkas' room to find a place to hide. The Brothers then dashed toward the stairs, swords at the ready.
"The silver hand?" Farkas asked as Vilkas flung open the door.
"I don't know." he responded back quickly and ran up those stairs faster then he'd ever had in his whole life. When they got to the top, Vilkas almost couldn't believe his eyes.
The mounted pieces of Ysgramor's blade were gone but not all the culprits had fled yet. The Silver Hand by the look of them. What instantly caught his eyes, was the giant werewolf in the middle of the room, engaged with someone who was 'not' the silver hand.
It was Daric Theodistair. He seemed to 'float' out of the way of the werewolf's attacks and had no weapon raised himself. At first, Vilkas thought the werewolf was Aela, but he quickly spotted her toward the back, engaging two silver hand members. That left only Kodlak…and if it was him…he must be desperate…
Vilkas tried to push his way there but a large orc silver hand and Nord blocked his path. He instantly swung at the orc and crossed blades with him. He trusted his brother to engage the Nord and found his faith, not misplaced. The orc grunted and growled, obviously surprised by the amount of strength Vilkas had. This orc relied on strength and strength alone. Vilkas would use that to his advantage.
He jumped back suddenly, and surprised the orc. He saw the giant man growl and charge at him, as Vilkas knew he would, with an overhead swing power attack. Perfect. He sidestepped as the blade came down and hit the floor, instead of hitting flesh, as its wielded had intended. The orc had put all of his body weight into the attack and left himself exposed. Vilkas wasn't even sure if the Orc had time to realize his folly as Vilkas' blade came crashing down atop his exposed neck and snuffed out his life in an instant.
As his opponent fell, Vilkas' hair suddenly stood on end as he felt that familiar tingle of magic being cast. He looked up just in time to see that worm of a man, wave his hands in a strange motion before blasting Kodlak in the face with something…red. Vilkas couldn't describe what the hell it was because he'd never seen magic like it…all he knew is that it was defiantly bad.
Kodlak roared in pain and Vilkas started to sprint toward the fight. Two silver hand stood in his way and raised their blades against him.
"This has been fun." Daric spoke in that weasely voice of his and moved his hands in a similar motion. A large, sharp shard appeared in his hands but it was red and just oozed bad intent. "I'll give you one last chance."
Kodlak roared in defiance as Vilkas knew he would. Farkas came from his side and got one of the Silver hand blocking his path.
Daric sighed. "Very well…I'll try not to enjoy this…but no promises." He let the spike fly free, where it embedded itself deep into Kodlak's chest.
Vilkas heard himself screaming as he watched Kodlak morph back into a man and fall limply at the Mage's feet. His blade cleaved through the silver hand blocking his path in one fluid motion, though he couldn't remember even swinging it. He was on Daric in a heart beat and he could see the surprise on that little rat's face.
He swung his blade without hesitance and could smell the fresh blood as it made contact. Daric screamed as his right hand severed from his body and he fell back. He was lucky…Vilkas had been aiming for his face. The mage clutched what was left of his arm and practically hissed wordlessly at Vilkas. Before Vilkas could advance, the mage leapt out of a near by window. He heard Tovar and Athis shout in surprise from outside and Vilkas rushed to the window.
Torvar had just finished dealing with a silver hand member and hadn't caught Daric as he ran by. He watched the worm run and cast invisibility. He soon vanished from sight. There were no silver hand left alive in the yard or inside Jorrvaskr.
Ria came over from the side, covered in blood from her own battle. "What just happened?"
Vilkas at least noted that all the whelps had been outside during Kodlak's transformation…his secret was safe for now…
Oh Gods…Kodlak.
Vilkas bolted away from the window without answering her and went to the old man's side. Because of this, he missed Torvar's head turn in the direction of…someone.
Vilkas sheathed his blade and knelt beside the old man he'd come to admire. Vilkas put a hand on Kodlak's bare chest and felt no breath of life stir in him. He wanted to scream, to cry, to lament over him but he settled for gritting his teeth. He was a warrior…and warriors didn't cry. Aela and Farkas came over and also knelt beside the old harbinger. The red spike had magically vanished from the old man, leaving no mark of his demise. Vilkas looked off to the side where the hand of the perpetrator had fallen. All that lie there now was a pile of ash.
Ria came in and gasped. She slammed the door behind her and rushed to the harbinger's side. She openly wept for him and the three other occupants seemed grateful for it. They had to be the strong ones now… Vilkas took a deep sigh and closed the old man's open eyes. Magic had stolen another loved one from him.
He just managed to get to his feet, as the door opened hurriedly behind him. Vilkas already knew who it was, he'd smelt that sweet fire scent as the door had opened. He turned on him quickly, blocking the body of Kodlak from sight and faced Vincent.
"Vilkas!" Vincent spoke, out of breath. He looked like he'd been running to get here. "What's happening?! Torvar told me we'd been attack-"
"Where have you been!?" Vilkas couldn't keep the hostility from his voice and he saw Vincent's copper eyes widen slightly. He took this moment to take in the mage's form. His eyes seemed a bit darker then normal and his skin was slightly paler. He was dressed in his normal garb but in his hand was a huge sack, with a dark brownish stain on the bottom of it. It seemed heavy and cumbersome.
"I've been doing the Harbinger's biding." Vincent countered with a scowl.
"Oh yeah?" Vilkas snarled at the smaller man. "Well that means you weren't here to protect him!" The words were cruel and Vilkas knew it as he stepped aside and gave the mage a full look at the body.
Sudden horror filled Vincent's face and he dropped the sack by the doorway. He covered his mouth and knelt near the body. Vilkas could hear muffled 'no's' coming from Vincent's mouth as his pretty eyes welled up with tears. Part of him wanted to hold his mate and whisper soothing words of comfort to him but that was not an option. Not now.
"Get up." Vilkas grabbed hold of Vincent's arm and dragged the red head to his feet. Vincent sobbed quietly and Vilkas felt his anger begin to leave him. He desperately wanted that anger to stay. He needed soothing…anything to be angry at.
"Oh, Vilkas!" Vincent tried to hug him and Vilkas practically recoiled. He saw the deep hurt flash in his mate's eyes but he forced himself not to give in. Vincent had a lot of things to answer for and by the end of it…Vilkas wasn't sure this could continue.
"You're coming with me." He spoke sternly. "Thanks to the plans that you and Aela stole, we know where the Silver hand is. We are going to go there…" He growled and grabbed the mage harshly by the wrist. "…and we are going to kill every single one of those bastards." Vilkas looked at Ria. "Go get Tilma from downstairs. She's in Farkas' room. We'll be back in a day or two."
"Be careful, brother." Farkas spoke for the first time since this all transpired.
"I will." He pulled Vincent out the door after him, his grip on the mage's wrist tight as he stormed out of Whiterun and to ward his destination.
"Vilkas!"
Vilkas ignored the mage and kept walking, practically dragging the hapless redhead behind him.
"Vilkas, please!"
The begging almost did him in but he kept going.
"Vilkas!" A cough punctuated his cry. "You're hurting me!"
Vilkas finally stopped. They halted on the bridge, just outside Whiterun and he let go of the mage's wrist and turned. He saw Vincent coughing and rubbing his wrist in pain. He would have given anything to feel nothing for Vincent at that moment but he knew that wasn't happening. Vincent had wormed his way into Vilkas' icy heart and started to melt it.
"Vilkas…" the redhead gasped in between coughing fits. "We need to go back…I need…-"
"This?" Vilkas spoke, reaching into his pocket and producing the vial.
He saw Vincent's eyes widen again and he nodded. "Y-yes."
Vilkas thrust it into his hands with a mild disgust and watched his mate drink it down. His heart and gut twisted at the sight now that he knew what was in it. The coughing had stopped however and Vincent looked…healthier.
"Why did you have it?" Vincent spoke, rubbing his eyes from the fresh tears that had gathered.
"I thought I was doing you a favor." Vilkas growled. "I went to make copies of it for you at the apothecary so you wouldn't have to make it yourself when you got back. Care to tell me how in gods name are you still alive when your drinking poison?!"
He saw Vincent flinch and the mage stashed the empty vial away inside his coat. "Vilkas…is it really impo-"
"DON'T YOU DARE ASK THAT." Vincent clammed up instantly and Vilkas took a deep breath to try and calm himself. He resumed walking toward dawn star and felt slightly relived when the mage followed. "You are going to tell me everything."
"E-Everything?"
"Aye."
"Now?"
"Aye."
"Vilkas…It's a long story…"
"We have time. We're going to driftshade Refuge near Dawn star. It's going to be a long walk so we have plenty of time."
"Vilkas…Please… I-I don't think…"
Vilkas suddenly stopped and turned on the mage. Vincent was wringing his gloved hands together, obviously nervous. He looked guilty…as he should, also devastated. Vilkas took a deep breath and stepped close enough to the mage that they were sharing the same air. He felt Vincent tense slightly but he paid it no heed.
"Do you love me?" The words felt awkward on his own tongue but they needed to be said.
Vincent looked up at him and let out a shaky breath. "Yes." A tear fell down Vincent's cheek and Vilkas found himself brushing it away.
"Then tell me everything…no more lies… no more excuses. If you say you love me, then trust me." He linked his fingers with Vincent's gloved ones and gently pulled him along the trail.
"It's not a pretty story…" Vincent sighed.
"I want to know it all. Pretty or not."
Vincent nodded grimly and gave Vilkas' fingers a squeeze. Vilkas returned the gesture and it seemed to cause the mage enough comfort to begin his tale.