Herelies: Yes, sweet, sexy Vilkas is a wonderful Vilkas to be around~ Vincent is just a bit worried, I think. He's never really been in a relationship with another person, never mind someone as gruff as Vilkas can be. Cadrian is as you said…just a monster. Maybe…Jussst maybe there will be a time to see how he was before….maybe. I'll try to update as soon as possible for you my dear.
WaffleNommer: Lol! I know that feel. I always followed them but then they'd start going in circles…then the minute I take my eyes off them they'd be gone. I'm like…WTF!? I usually end up trekking there by myself. Ah, well.
Deacol: Can do dear. I have a sequel planned for after Wolves and Magic and may start taking your offer on that. LOL! If Farkas was the Dragonborn, wouldn't Vilkas be too? I mean, it's in the blood and they are twins…so they would both be the Dragonborn right?
Kogouma: Lol yeah. I laughed writing that part. FOR KODLAK!
Aggh, am I really on twenty chapters? The longest I'd ever run a fan-fic was about 24 and that was a long ass time ago under a different penname that will never be mentioned again. I realized, looking through my story notes that I have about 31 planned…and then four bonus chapters. (But I keep loosing my notes and having to re-write them T )I'd be the first fanfic I've ever finished…(I tend to meander off and think of other things to write…then never return to what I had started. That was my problem on my other penname. Trust me, I've been obsessed with the Hobbit lately.) I promised myself I'd finish this! I plan to and the sequel which I've decided to name, Dragons and Daedra, will hopefully be a hit. Well, I've prattled on enough. Let's get back to our companions.
Chapter 20: Mean
You, with your switching sides
And your wildfire lies and your humiliation
You have pointed out my flaws again
As if I don't already see them
I walk with my head down
Trying to block you out 'cause I'll never impress you
I just wanna feel okay again
I bet you got pushed around
Somebody made you cold
But the cycle ends right now
'Cause you can't lead me down that road
And you don't know, what you don't know...
Someday I'll be living in a big ol' city
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit me
And all you're ever gonna be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?
-Taylor swift- mean
"So where is the tomb?" Vincent asked after about an hour of trekking through the woods. He'd still had a hold on Vilkas' arm and it made keeping pace with everyone else much easier. The snow was falling around them but it was luckily light and powdery. Vincent was almost happy he couldn't feel the chill of the north…
"We are headed Northwest of Winter hold…to the ice fields of the Sea of Ghosts." Vilkas answered him.
Vincent tightened his hold on him. "Sea of Ghosts? That sounds pleasant…" He then huffed. "Winterhold? We couldn't have taken a carriage or something?"
"Problem, Vincent?" Aela asked over her shoulder.
As if on cue, the pain in his backside intensified with a miss step and he grit his teeth slightly. "No…."
Aela suddenly stopped as did Farkas and Vilkas. "I suppose we can rest for a few moments."
They walked slightly off rode to find a clearing in which they could rest. Aela and Farkas went off a ways to gather some twigs and logs for a small fire. Vincent managed to clear a spot on the ground, set his knapsack aside and sat his aching backside down. He found that this did not help much. In fact, sitting seemed to make it worse. His displeasure must have shown on his face because Vilkas kneeled down in front of him and leaned in close.
"Are you okay?"
Vincent rolled his eyes. "Just ducky. How about you?"
He grinned, despite it. "I'm fine. Thank you."
Jerk…
Vincent glanced around and saw Aela and Farkas still a ways off. He grabbed Vilkas' shoulder and pulled him in a bit closer to whisper. "My hips really hurt."
"I'm…sorry?" Vilkas shrugged. "There really inst anything I can do about it."
"You did this to me, you take responsibility for it." He hissed. Yes, it sounded a bit childish, but hey. Why not?
"I am." Vilkas seemed amused.
"How's that?"
Vilkas leaned in and brushed his stubbled cheek against Vincent's smooth one. Vincent shivered and felt goose bumps rise on his skin. It brought back…pleasant memories… The feel of his stubble caressing his bare skin….his musky smell…. feeling his toned, strong body… the rough calloused feeling of his hands and fingers…
"I'll be taking care of you. You're mine." Vincent practically jumped at the sound of his husky voice. God's, that voice was sin… Vincent could come undone by those husky undertones and arousing deep growls…
Vincent shoved his face away before that…'situation'…got too far out of hand. He must have been blushing bright red, because Vilkas did not seem offended by the shove. He was still smirking and just looked amused about the whole circumstance.
"J-just…go help them or something." Vincent huffed, looking away. "My internal healing will kick in faster with rest."
Vincent heard Vilkas chuckle and it sent another shiver through his body. The man could be a bloody tease when he wanted to! He heard Vilkas move away to help the others in gathering and he allowed himself a deep sigh.
What on Nirn was he doing…? A man who has dangerous enemies should not be getting close to people. Vincent's enemies were extremely clever and dangerous…so what was he doing?! Hadn't he learned by now? He'd become too close to these people now and felt them almost like family… He never thought he'd feel this way again and maybe that's why he was so drawn to the ideal. That still didn't make it right…
He was putting these people into great danger just by being around. In all his travels, he'd taken help where he could but he never lingered in one place too long. He didn't want to hurt anyone with his troubles… yet…here he was. His demons had already cost the companions. Skjor and Kodlak were dead and Vincent couldn't help but feel it was his fault.
He had dismissed Skjor's death as the silver hand's fault but the way they found his body had told him otherwise. He freaked out as badly as he did because the kill reeked of Cadrian's handiwork. He had screamed because his past had finally caught up with him and he wept because he knew this dream was coming to an end. Krev the skinner had claimed himself the killer…Vincent wanted to believe that…but knew otherwise.
Then Kodlak…Vilkas had said a man named Daric had done it. There was no way that Vilkas could have known then… Vincent knew that Vilkas didn't want him to blame himself but in reality it was an impossibility. Kodlak's death would not have happened if Vincent had just moved on as usual.
The words written in Kodlak's journal also weighed heavily on his already fragile psyche and heart.
'Vincent shows valor, though even in this more underhanded time. We have not had cause to speak, much and that is something I deeply regret. I have high hopes for his destiny, as I realized that his appearance in my dream may indeed mark him as the Harbinger to succeed me.
I have received few dreams over the course of my life, but when they come, I have learned to trust them. I have also learned to trust the instincts of my heart, which tells me that Vincent can carry the Companions legacy as truly as any residing in Jorrvaskr, especially with the loss of Skjor. Aela is too solitary, Vilkas too fiery, and Farkas too kind-hearted. Only Vincent stands as a true warrior who can keep a still mind amidst these burning hearts.'
He couldn't be serious…could he? Vincent as harbinger? He was no leader and not a warrior. Kodlak was dreaming about him in a strange almost prophetic way. Vincent recalled Vilkas talking about having similar dreams as of late. He wondered if Vilkas ever talked to Kodlak about them…
Then there was Vilkas. Aela and Farkas were like siblings. Vilkas…he was not. At first glance, Vincent had found him infuriating. He was completely set on his views of magic and would give no headway about it. Yes, magic was powerful and it could destroy lives…trust him, he knew! Vilkas was resolute on his opinion and Vincent feared early expulsion from Jorrvaskr…somehow that changed. Vilkas had come to him in the night and spoke to him…how that changed everything, Vincent wasn't sure but he had started to look at Vilkas differently.
It had been a seemingly long and terrifying road but somehow Vincent fell in love. At least…he thought it was love. He'd never felt this way before about anyone and just the thought of Vilkas smiling, made him feel all fuzzy. He knew Vilkas was fierce and passionate when he wanted to be but he hadn't been prepared for it. Vincent felt slightly overwhelmed at his burning emotion but couldn't bring himself to back away. He didn't want to put these people or the man he loved at risk…but he had to stop running sometime. Vilkas knew everything now…all his demons were out on the open and he still wanted Vincent to stay.
So he would stay.
"You seem lost in thought."
Vincent looked up to see Aela smirking at him. She laid the wood she had gathered in a pile and moved to sit beside Vincent. She could be friendly and social when she wanted to be but Kodlak was right about her. Vincent did see that she was usually alone.
"Ah, yes. Sorry."
"No problem. I noticed you're limping slightly. Are you okay?"
Vincent coughed, feeling slightly embarrassed. "Yes. I'm fine now."
She nodded and sat in silence with him for a moment. "So…" She began. "How was it…?"
"How was what?"
She playfully slapped him on the back. "Sex with Vilkas, of course."
Vincent sputtered and turned bright red. He heard her laugh slightly. Damnit, woman. So very direct… "Excuse me?"
"Don't act all coy about it." She grabbed his arm. "I know you've done it. I can see it. Vilkas is more relaxed and calm. His beast sated. I knew the minute he walked into the under forge. That and your pheromones are all over the place!"
"What is that supposed to mean!?"
She laughed again. "It means you look really sexy right now! Silly."
Vincent buried his face in his hands. This was so goddamn embarrassing… "Aela…"
"Yes…?"
"Please. Stop."
She rubbed his back soothingly and smiled. "It's perfectly natural Vincent."
"Aela…"
"Did mean old Vilkas hurt you? Was he too rough?"
"Please…Aela…"
"Or do you like that kind of thing?"
"Stop. Please."
"I'm guessing you do by how red your face is getting."
"Ugggggghhhhh…"
"Awwwwwwww… how cute Vincent! You're so adorable when you're all red like that!"
"Aela! Leave him alone." Vilkas cut in and set his wood pile down. Farkas was close behind and did the same.
"What? I'm not doing anything."
"Aye. You are. I can tell by his face. Stop pestering him."
Thank the Gods for Vilkas. Vincent looked up at him with a thankful look and Vilkas cracked a small smile. Then he resumed his steely faced expression.
Aela huffed. "You guys are no fun at all."
The companions all sat around the small fire in relative silence. The pain in Vincent's backside had all but vanished due to his incredible healing capability but he was enjoying the sounds of the forest and the company of his fellow companions. It was a tranquility that he wanted but knew couldn't last. In no time at all it seemed that they were getting up, snuffing out the fire and continuing on their way.
"Your bag feels heavier then usual." Vilkas commented, carrying said item over to Vincent.
"Oh…well…" Vincent took it from him. "It has…the cure inside?"
Farkas wheeled around. "You have the cure in there?"
"Uh...I think so. According to a journal of Kodlak's and what he told me before I left on my mission, this should be able to cure him of lycanthropy. Although…he's passed so I'm not sure how this is going to work."
"Well…what is it?" Farkas asked moving closer.
"What's…?"
"What's the cure?"
Vincent hesitated. "Well….the severed head of an old witch?"
"…."
"…."
"…."
Vincent was keenly aware of the dumbfounded looks and silence that settled over all of them. Unlike the peaceful silence from before, this one was tense.
"K-Kodlak told me of the legends. How witches from Glenmori cursed the old Harbinger… He believed the cure lied there. He instructed me to…" Vincent swallowed thickly. "…sever their heads and bring them back…"
"So…let me get this straight…" Vilkas put a hand on Vincent's knapsack. "You have a severed head in here?"
"In a bag…yes…I left the other two at Jorrvaskr. I figured if we were going to cure him I should at least bring one of them."
The companions exchanged looks and it made Vincent slightly nervous. Vilkas slowly lifted up the top and peeked inside…then instantly recoiled.
"Ah…aye…that is…" He coughed awkwardly.
"Well…" Farkas began. "..That's no way to get ahead." He chuckled a few times before Aela punched him in the shoulder for the bad pun.
"Anyway…"Farkas seemed unaffected by the punch and figured that he's lightened the mood. "Want me to carry it for you?"
"Oh, no. I'm good. Thank you, Farkas. You're already carrying Wuuthrad for me."
"I can carry you too, if you want." Farkas grinned. "If you're still hurt…"
Vincent could have heard wrong but he could have sworn he heard Vilkas growl slightly. Farkas' smile wavered just slightly but he stood his ground. Vincent didn't hear the growl again.
"No. I'm fine Farkas but thank you again."
"Not a problem, shield brother." he clapped a heavy hand on Vincent's shoulder. "As long as you are well."
"Perfectly fine, Farkas. I don't feel the pain anymore."
"That's a hell of a healing ability you got going there." Aela interjected.
"Ah yes…well that's…talent." He looked up at Aela and Farkas' questioning glances. Farkas seemed to understand a bit better, knowing what Vincent was but not getting the whole story. Aela looked completely lost in the dark. "Don't worry. When this whole thing with Kodlak is done…I'll explain everything."
The rest of the trip to Ysgramor's tomb passed rather uneventfully. Vilkas was half surprised to see his little lover able to trek over all the snow and ice without faltering. That healing ability was really something but it did come at a dire cost. With any great power there is great sacrifice and some sacrifices should never have been made.
Vilkas had inwardly scolded himself for his earlier actions. When Farkas had offered to carry Vincent…a growl had erupted from his throat before he could stop it. He loved his brother and he trusted his brother. He knew Farkas would never willingly sabotage his relationship with the mage. His wolf however, was not convinced. It didn't want another wolf to touch what belonged to him. Brother or no. He'd have to apologize to Farkas later.
He was inwardly relived when they spotted the site of Ysgramor's tomb. It had been a long walk here with some awkward conversation and just as awkward silences but it was over. Now all he had to worry about was the return trip.
Farkas pulled aside the heavy stone doors and let the company in before him. Vilkas caught his eyes and only saw forgiveness and understanding. It made him sigh with relief but then again he should have expected no less. Vilkas stopped before entering the archway and felt his hair stand on end.
"…?"
"Brother?" Farkas asked, nudging him slightly. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine…go on inside."
Farkas apparently didn't feel like arguing and left the door open for Vilkas. Then he followed Aela and Vincent inside the tomb. Vilkas then turned around and glanced around. He could feel that hateful gaze. Someone was watching him… His keen eyes could not pick up the stalker but he could feel it. That burning hatred…that could only be…
"Vilkas? Are you coming?" He heard Vincent call for him.
Vilkas glared at the landscape before slowly turning his back and entering the tomb. He shut the heavy stone door behind him and walked into the central chamber. The chamber inside was more impressive then the outside. A giant statue of Ysgramor adored the center chamber. Ancient marks littered the stature and the surrounding area. Vilkas made a mental note to study these sometime soon.
"Wow…" Vincent hummed in amazement. "It's so big in here…"
"This is the resting place of Ysgramor and his most trusted generals…" Vilkas spoke, glancing at his mate. In a moment he decided what he must do…he'd have to rely on Farkas and Aela…"You should be cautious."
"W-why?" Vincent blinked.
"The original companions… Their finest warriors rest with Ysgramor. You'll have to prove yourself to them."
Vincent paused as if processing his words. "Wait…You're…not coming with me?"
Farkas and Aela both looked over at him confused. Vilkas answered them with a stony look. He needed to do this…
"Kodlak was right. I let vengeance rule my heart…" he took Vincent's hand and gently rubbed the top of his gloved palm with the pad of his thumb. "I regret nothing we did at Driftshade…but I can't go any further with my mind fogged and my heart grieved." Even if it wasn't the true reason for staying behind, it was a valid one. If he told Vincent the real reason for staying behind, he knew Vincent wouldn't let him face it alone. He needed Vincent to go save Kodlak…this he would face by himself.
Vincent seemed to take that for an answer. "Okay. You'll be okay here?"
Vilkas cracked a small smile. "Aye. I'm a grown man…I can look after myself. Go on…I'll study these markings for a bit."
Vincent smiled softly but Vilkas could practically feel his concern. "How do we get in…? Do you know?"
"If you return Wuuthrad to Ysgramor, that should open the way."
Vincent looked over to Farkas and nodded. Farkas took the hint and slung the heavy weapon back up into the statue's hands without much effort. The stone wall behind the statue gave way and made a path down into the tomb. Vincent turned back to Vilkas and sighed.
"Are you sure you don't want to come too?"
"Aye. I'll be fine here." Vilkas glanced at his shield siblings before looking back down at his mate. He decided that he didn't care that they were watching. He cupped Vincent's face and leaned down to kiss his soft lips. He heard Vincent let out a soft coo against his mouth and relax. "Bring glory to the companions." He whispered, pulling back only slightly. He brushed some of Vincent's crimson bangs out of his pretty eyes, almost on reflex.
Aela let out a soft 'Awww'. "Come on now then, Vincent. Kodlak awaits!"
Vincent nodded and slowly slid from Vilkas grasp. The three of them then descended into the tomb to fight for Kodlak's mortal soul…Vilkas on the other hand…had another kind of fight to take care of.
He drew his sword again and turned to the doorway. He could already feel the cold air from outside blowing in slightly. The door was ajar. He was already inside or was about to be. Vilkas stared at the door for what felt like ten minutes. Nothing moved around him and all he could hear was the sound of his own breathing.
Vilkas gripped his sword tighter and grit his teeth. He could smell him… "Come out you coward! I know you're there!"
"Nothing gets past you…does it?"
Vilkas narrowed his eyes as the door cracked open further to reveal the source of the voice. "You…" He hissed. He knew he smelt a rat.
"Me." Daric answered, looking bored. He stepped inside with no weapon drawn but did not venture into swords reach of Vilkas. In fact, he stood with his back to the door and did so wisely. "What gave me away?" Vilkas just growled angrily in response and Daric rolled his red eyes. "Right. Not one for civilized conversation but then again I shouldn't be surprised. You're a Nord after all."
"What do you want?!" Vilkas snarled taking up a defensive stance. "I thought you would have learned from last time!"
"Ah, yes. About that…" Daric held up the hand that Vilkas had cut off. Vilkas' eyes widened to see it was back, whole and unharmed. "That really did hurt and I'm not fond of pain. Do put your weapon away…I only wish to talk…for now."
"I will not lower my blade! I see no reason for discussion with you!"
"I want to talk with you about Vincent."
"There is nothing to talk about!"
"Is there not?" He lifted an eyebrow. "My master hunts for him. I'm sure he's told you enough about his past?"
"Everything." Vilkas hissed.
"Everything? My…he has been busy…" He eyed Vilkas and then eyed his blade. "Put that away…you're making me nervous."
"Good." Vilkas growled, feeling his rage begin to boil.
He sighed, looking rather bored again. "I only wish to talk. Will you give me that chance?"
"You give me one good reason I shouldn't kill you here you stand…" Vilkas had surprised himself by not attacking on sight. This man killed Kodlak and wanted to take Vincent away! What reason did he have to not try and kill the dirty rat?
"Because of our dear redhead." Daric answered tilting his head to the side. "His welfare…"
"Don't give me that!"
"Do not fool yourself into thinking you are the only man here who cares about Vincent!" Daric snapped…then cleared his throat to keep his composer. "We are…not unalike Vilkas. I can call you that right? It's your name. Vilkas." When Vilkas didn't respond, he continued. "I care for Vincent. I love him…and I suppose in your own twisted, barbaric way…so do you. So answer me something… Do you feel good about stealing my love away from me?"
"Your love?" Vilkas spat.
"Yes. My love. I love him so much…and you've stolen him from me." Daric's red eyes narrowed. "Does that make you feel good about yourself, Nord?"
"I can't steal what was never yours."
He saw Daric's jaw clench slightly. "You barely know him…I've known him for much longer. I've seen the worst and best of him. I've seen him at his lowest and I still love him. I bet you don't even know what love is…do you?"
"I know what it is well enough." Vilkas was getting sick of his conversation.
"What would a monster know about love?" Daric huffed. "A dirty flea bag howling at the moon is all you'll ever be." Vilkas' eyes widened just slightly. "Oh yes." Daric began again before he could answer. "I know what you are. What the Silver hand couldn't tell me, I could sense. Pulling their strings, was quite easy…and getting them to do my master's bidding was even easier."
"You call me a monster…but what are you?! You're a vampire. More of a monster then I'll ever be!"
"I loved him before I became what I am." Daric scowled and flipped his long black pony tail over his shoulder. "We knew fear, together."
"That is enough. I will not stand here and listen to this!"
"One more thing, Vilkas…I have a proposition for you."
"…"
"My master will leave your precious companion guild alone…only if you return Vincent to us. We will take no more lives nor raise any more hostile action…but only if you give him back to me. You can continue living your little monster lives in peace."
"No." Vilkas said flatly. "He's mine."
"Yours?" Daric scoffed. "That's bold of you."
"He belongs to me…and I to him. I will not let you take him!"
Daric rapped his fingers impatiently on the stone wall next to him. "You know…I'll forgive Vincent for giving his first kiss away to such a raving lunatic…but you…you I'll never forgive."
Vilkas couldn't help but crack a grin. "Oh? I suppose you wont forgive me for bedding him either."
The rapping suddenly stopped and Daric started hard at him for a moment. His face was suddenly blank and devoid of emotion. Vilkas couldn't help but feel a small victory in this. Until Daric ran his fingernails against the stone and a loud screeching noise filled the entry way.
Daric's face had broken out into a maniacal grin and his eyes shone with an unchecked madness. "No, no, no, no, Nooo…. I won't forgive you. Not ever. Not ever…." He pulled an ebony mace from his dark trench coat and leveled it at Vilkas. It was an identical match to the one Vincent wielded.
"Not so calm and collected now, aye?"
Daric continued muttering out loud as if he hadn't heard Vilkas. "Take him away from me…your entire fault... you dirty mutt. I'm going to make you bleed…scream so loud your ancestors hear you…laugh as you are dragged to the hunting grounds… ooooooh Yesss…."
Vilkas felt the familiar tingle of magic start to rise in the air and immediately planted his feet to defend. He'd roll away as soon as this lunatic made a move and try to get a power swing in. He should have known better then to antagonize an obviously mentally unstable man but he couldn't help but claim his territory. Vincent belonged to him and he'd fight to his last breath to keep him.
"What do you know anyway?" Daric cackled maniacally. "You have no idea!"
"If you care about Vincent at all, you'd see that he's happy!" Vilkas didn't lower his guard and was ready to dodge at a moment's notice.
"Happy?" Daric seemed to waver slightly, his mace lowering just slightly. "No…no. Only I can make him happy. I sacrificed what I needed to make him safe! You would have never done the same!"
"You're right about that." Vilkas responded and watched Daric's smile twitch. "I would have never done what you did. I would have never thrown an innocent child…his sister…to the wolves. I didn't take Vincent from you…you drove him away yourself!"
Daric's manic smile fell into an angry scowl and he slammed his mace against the wall. "This sister? What sister? You mean that weak little girl?" He scoffed. "She was worth nothing! He gave up everything for her! Because of that drab, pathetic little sewer rat, he wouldn't even look my way. All he cared about was her… I sacrificed her because it was good for him! She was holding him back! Master was going to kill him! Now he hates me…because of you!"
"Was he really going to kill Vincent!?" Vilkas didn't know why they were shouting. They were only a few feet apart. "He was fed to the flame any way! You did nothing but kill a small sick girl! That is why he hates you and that is no fault of mine!"
"…"
Vilkas breathed in deep. He was vaguely aware of Farkas' scent being close by. He wondered what his brother was waiting for.
Slowly, he heard Daric chuckle. "What do you want me to say…Nord? Yes. I offered up his…little pet….in exchange for his own life. Would you not have done the same in my position?"
"No. I would have fought for him."
"You would have died." He laughed.
"Then I would have died without regrets. You told me before that I wouldn't know what love was but you are wrong. I know what it is better then you do! That is where we differ in our feeling for him. I am willing to die for him…and you are not. You fear death."
"Silence!" Daric screamed and leveled his mace again. "You know nothing!"
"I'm right on this! You fear death! You are afraid to die but you don't care who you have to kill to get what you want! Didn't you think that Grace was afraid in that cage? That she feared when death drew near?!"
"Shut up!"
"Does it comfort you to know that Vincent would rather die then be beside you!?"
"SHUT UP!" Lightning crackled around his fingertips and his eyes were dark with rage and madness. "I WILL KILL YOU. I'LL RIP YOU OPEN AND PULL OUT YOUR INSIDES. I'LL KILL YOU JUST AS I KILLED YOUR FRIENDS."
"Daric…"
The lightning slowly faded and the madness and Daric's eyes faded. He looked stunned and awed at the same time. Vilkas didn't need to turn to know Vincent was there. He knew the sound of his beloved's voice. Vilkas stepped off to the side so he could keep an eye on both men.
Vincent looked like he'd gone through the fight of his life. He looked tired and his hair was slightly frayed. His clothes were slightly dirty and it looked as if he'd been in a tussle. Close behind him was Aela and Farkas, both glaring up at Daric.
"Vincent…" Daric spoke almost breathlessly. "Gods…I've missed you…"
Vincent wore a blank expression and didn't even glance at Vilkas. "Did you really do it? Did you kill Skjor and Kodlak?"
Daric looked stunned for a moment. "That's the first thing you want to say to me?"
"Answer me." His voice was strong and stable. "Did you kill them?"
Daric's eyes shifted from Vilkas to Vincent, to the two just behind. "I did as master ordered. Yes."
"Krev the skinner?"
"Recently turned by the master to do his bidding. A fool who wanted immortality. Once he usefulness had run it's course…the master would have ended him."
"He killed Skjor?"
"Injured him." Daric let his mace rest against his side. "I killed him and strung him up as a message to you. All on Master Cadrian's orders."
"…" Vincent sighed. "How could you do that?"
"Enough of this. Vincent…please. Come with me. No one else needs to die."
"No." Vincent answered firmly. "You're wrong. Cadrian needs to die for everything he's done and if you stand at his side…you'll die to."
Daric scoffed and looked as if his sanity was hanging by a thread again. "You don't mean that…."
"I do." Vincent crossed his arms. "Leave Daric. Don't go back to Cadrian. Run far, far away and never look back. Cadrian will be too busy with me to go after you. Repent for what you have done and never come into my sight again. That is the only way I can suffer you to live. Go back to him and your life is forfeit."
Daric opened his mouth and shut it again. He repeated this a few more times, seemingly stumbling for the correct words. Vilkas was mildly impressed by the gall of his little lover. He could speak with such commanding authority…it made you want to listen.
"W-why…why would you-"
"I am making you this offer because we used to be friends, Daric. I am doing this in honor of the boy you once were. Get out. I never want to see you again. Not ever. Have I made myself clear…?"
Daric stayed silent, his brows furrowed as he stared at Vincent. Vincent's resolve held strong and it was like he's just fought and won a war. It was harsh and direct but hopefully it was what Daric needed to hear. Without a word Daric backed out of the crypt, not bothering to shut the door behind him. Vilkas didn't move until felt Daric's presence ebb away.
Farkas ran up. "Did he attack you brother?"
"No. Just spewed a lot on nonsense at me."
"Thank you Vilkas." Vincent spoke with a heavy sigh. "You didn't attack him when I'm sure it would have been easier to just do so. You let me give him this chance."
"How long were you there…?"
"Not long." Vincent let out a soft smile. "I figured that since neither one of you were bleeding, you must not of fought."
"Do you think he'll take the warning?"
Vincent looked at the door and smiled sadly. "No. I don't think so."
"He killed Skjor and Kodlak!" Aela interjected. "We shouldn't of let him walk away."
"Trust me Aela, I'm sure you'll get the chance to see him again and do what you will."
She sighed. "I suppose you do know what's best….after all."
Vilkas looked between them. "What are you going on about…?"
"We saved Kodlak, Vilkas." Vincent smiled prettily up at him. "It worked! He's free!"
"That's…wonderful!" Vilkas felt his heart race at the news and that adorable smile. "Did you speak with him? Did he say anything?"
Aela and Vincent exchanged looks. "Ah…well…yes. He named a new Harbinger to succeed him."
"He…did?"
Vincent nodded and took one of Vilkas' hands. "Yes. Vilkas…I'm the new Harbinger."
OH SNAP SON. Sorry if it was a bit ooc here. Meh, not much I could do. SUCKY CHAPTER IS SUCKY! hope you all liked it anyway. ^^;