Voltagelisa: Ah yes. Well hopefully Vilkas won't have to struggle for much longer and they can get back to sweet loving.

Herelies: LOL! Yeah, they can both be pretty stupid. Don't worry too much dear, we have some bonding to do, maybe some lovin' and then some action. Thanks for sticking with me for this long even though I clearly frustrate you. XP

DyingOfTheLight43: Working on it dear. XP don't feel bad about liking young!Daric. Besides being a tad bit obsessed with someone who clearly didn't feel the same way back, I felt bad for him too. I've been in his place…loving someone who doesn't love you back. Yes. It sucks and it hurts and unfortunately for him, he went the obsessive stalker route.

Btw people…did you notice that once you become Harbinger, EVERYONE in the companions wants you…? Yeah. Touching on that in this chapter a bit. I also plan to make this chapter pretty long. Sorry if everyone is a tad OOC…I'm basically making everything up now. The quest line doesn't go far past curing the twins and other miscellaneous missions. Soooo, I must improvise.

Also, sorry if this update seems late. With just basic writers block and Fire Emblem taking over my attention…Yeah. I have no excuse. Just know I have no plans to stop writing this.

Thank you to everyone who is faving and following the story. I'm not getting as many reviews as I used to and I was starting to get worried, but the sight of favs and follows restores my faith~ Thank you all. 3

Mature content warning for this chapter. Heads up people.

Chapter 23- I will wait

So I'll be bold
As well as strong
And use my head alongside my heart
So tame my flesh
And fix my eyes
That tethered mind free from the lies

But I'll kneel down
Wait for now
I'll kneel down
Know my ground

Raise my hands
Paint my spirit gold
And bow my head
Keep my heart slow

-By Mumford & Sons "I will wait"-

"You didn't have to come with us, Aela." Vilkas huffed, obviously sounding annoyed.

"Why not?" She crossed her arms, following the boys in tow.

"We are going to get cured." Vilkas stopped walking to scowl at her. "I know you disagree with the decision."

"It's not my beast blood I'm giving up. Besides if we're curing the both of you today then you'll need all the help you can get to slay the wolf."

"She wants to help." Vincent interjected with a soft smile and put his hand against Vilkas' shoulder. "Let her come along, okay?"

Vincent could tell that Vilkas wasn't one hundred percent happy with the thought but he gruffed out an "aye." and resumed walking. Such a grump.

Vincent sighed as they took a brisk pace. At least he wasn't limping this time! It made their trek up to Ysgramor's tomb much easier this time around.

"See! I'm just helping!" Aela winked at Vincent and Farkas, and then ran up to continue egging Vilkas on.

Farkas stayed back with Vincent as they watched the two of them bicker just ahead. The redhead glanced sidelong at the large man and nudged him slightly.

"Are you okay, Farkas?"

"Yeah." He shrugged. "This whole thing seems unreal."

"I understand." boy did he… He'd taken his medicine the other day and knew what it was like living with a disease. "Are you sure you want to go through with this?"

"I'll follow my brother's lead."

"Farkas…"

"What?"

"What do YOU want?"

"What do you mean?"

Vincent nudged him again. "You can't always want what your brother wants. You're not Vilkas."

"I know I'm not Vilkas." Farkas spoke, looking confused. He clearly didn't get what Vincent was talking about. "Sovngarde is a nice ideal and I would like to go there when my time comes. I am not an exact copy of Vilkas." He admitted. "Besides, if I was a copy of Vilkas, we'd have a very different relationship."

Vincent blushed slightly and rubbed the back of his head. "Ah…yes. We would, wouldn't we?"

Farkas glanced up at the bickering duo in front of them before returning his gaze to the Harbinger. "Yeah, well…I'd never step into my brother's territory."

"Territory, eh?"

Farkas shrugged. "I know a few companions would have pursued you if Vilkas hadn't claimed you first."

Vincent suddenly felt very embarrassed. How did this conversation come up again? "What?"

"Well…Ria for sure. I may be stupid but I can see the way she looks at you."

"Farkas…you're not stupid."

"Torvar would." Farkas continued, ignoring the comment for now. "He feels a bit cheated, actually. He thinks Vilkas stole you away from him."

Vincent felt his face heating up. "F-Farkas…"

"Athis would probably give you a go…Nadia too, if you could believe." He scratched his chin slightly in thought. "Aela always says that you make cute faces, so she may have tried if Vilkas wasn't in the picture."

"I thought she had Skjor…"

"More like sex friends."

"Farkas…how do you know all this?" Vincent's face must have been bright red. "I've never had so many people find me attractive before."

"Sure they have." Farkas clapped him on the back and almost took all the wind out of his lungs. "You're just not the type of guy that's concerned with his looks. I'm going to guess and say that you've just been oblivious."

"…"

"You alright?"

"How can you honestly call yourself stupid, Farkas…?"

He shrugged again. "Everyone says I am."

"You're defiantly not." Vincent crossed his arms. "They should give you more credit."

Farkas smiled. "Thanks."

Vincent smiled as well and examined Farkas face. You could tell he was Vilkas' twin…His chin was slightly broader, longer hair, his bottom lip was slightly fuller and he more of a beard but they were identical in almost every other way. The shape of their eyes and the color. Their noses, eyebrows, foreheads and war paint were exactly the same. Farkas did have an inch or two of height on Vilkas though and he was more built then his twin…

That and Vilkas could do a smoldering stare and growl that turned Vincent's legs to jelly. Vilkas' raw hunger made Vincent shiver and it wasn't in fear. That voice…that growl, angered or lustful, sent shivers of pleasure down Vincent's spine. Farkas didn't seem to have that in him…and if he did, Vincent didn't think he ever wanted to see it for the sake of his sanity.

"Something on my face?"

Vincent felt his face heat up again. "N-no! Sorry. I was just thinking." About something horribly embarrassing…

"I see." He seemed amused.

"Well, what about you?" Vincent felt slightly embarrassed from being caught starring. It was rather rude.

"What about me?"

"If Vilkas wasn't around, would you like me?"

"I do like you. You are like a brother to me."

"No, not like that Farkas. Liking me like how you say Ria, Torvar and the rest do."

Without missing a beat, Farkas broke out into a large grin. "Yeah. I would. You're cute as hell." Vincent's mouth instantly gaped open and he stopped walking. Farkas laughed at his expression. "Surprised?"

"To say the least." Vincent shook his head rapidly.

"No worries, shield brother. We are like blood related now. You don't need to fear any advance from me."

Vincent cracked a grin, relived and his embarrassment ebbing. "Oh good."

"You don't have to worry about any of us coming after you though. Vilkas can get very jealous and all of us respect him enough not to tread on something he's claimed as his…or they are too scared to. Athis pretends he's not but Vilkas terrifies him."

Vincent glanced up at his lover just as a colorful string of curse words erupted from his mouth. He and Aela were still bickering like children about something. Despite it, Vincent smiled fondly at his back. Even swearing, Vincent found Vilkas' voice sexy. As if on cue, or reading his thoughts, Vilkas glanced behind them and their eyes met.

Vincent gave a soft wave of his fingers, a bit shyly. Vilkas got a strange look in his eye before turning back to Aela and speaking in a slightly softer tone to her. "What do you think they are talking about?" Vincent wondered out loud.

"Probably something embarrassing by the way my brother is acting." Farkas rubbed his arms absentmindedly and glanced again at the mage. "Aren't you cold-" Farkas cut himself off suddenly and looked like he bit his tongue. Guess he forgot for a minute.

Vincent glanced up at the grey sky and sighed. He watched his breath puff out and float away. He remember what it was like to feel the cold…and even if his body physically felt cold to others, he couldn't feel it. In the sun or in the ice it was all the same. Vincent was sure that he should be happy being unable to feel the cold in a place such as Skyrim but it didn't stop him from feeling abnormal.

"It's okay, Farkas. I feel no offense."

"Sorry, I forgot."

"Again, it's okay. I'm not so sensitive about it anymore." A small whit lie never hurt anyone.

Farkas looked up at the sky as well. "Thank you…for helping Vilkas and me. It means a lot to us…"

"Like you said, we're like brothers now, Farkas. I'm happy to help."

"Yeah, but you didn't have to. If we can, we'll all do whatever we can to help cure you too someday."

Vincent's lips twitched slightly. "I appreciate it, but I'm not sure there IS a cure…" At least he didn't think so. If Lilliana Belemonde had found a way to cure herself of the spirit, she'd left no evidence of it. As far as Vincent knew, the only cure seemed to be death.

"We'll think of something…" Farkas nodded and held his hand out in front of him to catch a falling snowflake. "It's snowing."

"Yeah?" Vincent smirked. "I hear that happens a lot in Skyrim."

Farkas seemed to understand his smartass comment and shoved him slightly. "It could get worse. We should tell the other-" He was cut off yet again as snow seemingly poured from the sky at a suddenly rapid rate. The wind picked up harshly and blew he snow into their faces.

"You were saying?" The redhead retorted after he spit out the mouth full of snow. For a moment, he felt as if he could almost feel the cold but it must have been his imagination. He touched the cold substance and was fully aware that it was cold…but the feeling wouldn't sink into his flesh. If Farkas grabbed Vincent's hands, he would probably find them icy.

"Shut up."

"So…" Aela began after she ran up, leaving Vincent and Farkas behind them a bit. "How has it been?"

"How's what been?" Vilkas grumbled. He really wasn't in the mood for this. His wolf had been eerily silent today and it had him slightly on edge. Maybe it was conserving his strength to stop Vilkas from going through with the cure? Did it even know? Or maybe Vilkas was just being paranoid. Still…

"Time with our lovable little Harbinger, of course."

"You know how that's been going." Vilkas scowled, his mood getting worse. "I'm sure you've spoken with him over the past three days."

"I have." Aela confirmed, getting in her 'big sister' voice. "You're needlessly complicating things."

"Needlessly?" Vilkas scoffed.

"That right." She folded her arms and kept pace with him.

"I'm not needlessly complicating anything." He grumped. "I was staying away so I wouldn't hurt him."

"Vilkas…" She began sounding slightly exasperated. "Did you ever stop to think that even for one minute that he can defend himself…?"

"I know he can."

"Then don't treat him like a fragile child."

"You don't understand, Aela."

She shoved his back lightly. "What wouldn't I understand?"

"I almost changed. The wolf had come close."

"Your wolf wouldn't be so tense if you just had sex more often."

"Aela…"

"Seriously, Vilkas. You need to learn to give in...just a bit and I'm sure Vincent would want to."

Vilkas turned his head to glare at her. "How often I bed my lover is none of your concern."

"Apparently it is!" She threw her hands up. "You've HAD sex. This awkwardness should be done."

"Awkwardness…?" He huffed. He really wasn't in the mood for this.

"Before that three day situation and right after getting back from curing Kodlak, you two should have been getting it on like rabbits. But Nooo. Instead, I have to deal with the awkward stares and shy smiles! I SHOULD be teasing you relentlessly about sleeping in after a good lay and consoling poor Vincent when his hips hurt."

"The world you live in must be wonderful." Vilkas growled.

He rolled his eyes at the scowl she gave him. "You'd feel better and your wolf would be sated if you just gave in."

"Your wolf and mine are not the same!" Vilkas spat at her

"I'm just saying, Vilkas. Don't be too idle and wait for someone to snatch him up."

"Snatch him up?" Vilkas tried to keep the anger from his voice."

"That's right. I know many of our whelps would jump at the opportunity."

"Let them fucking try!" He snarled loudly. Maybe too loudly… He glanced behind him and saw Vincent and Farkas looking up at him. Vincent's smile was still beautiful, despite Vilkas' outburst and his redheaded lover waved shyly at him. Vilkas felt his pulse race slightly. He couldn't…no. WOULDN'T picture his lover in someone else's arms. He turned away and focused on the road in front of him. "My wolf is actively trying to take me over and no matter how much I want to sate my desire with Vincent, I fear for him. The wolf allowed our coupling once. ONCE. The next time we tried, I almost turned. I don't know what my wolf would do to Vincent given the chance but I have no desire to find out." He spoke slightly calmer.

Aela looked thoughtful for a moment. "That's…true. I suppose."

Vilkas took a deep calming breath. He knew Aela was just trying to help and he was sorry he'd snapped at her. He tried to calm his nerves and focused on the world around him. The air was crisp and even smelt cold if that was a possible smell. Even being a Nord, he could feel a chill in his bones. A storm was coming and Vilkas didn't know if he'd be strong enough to hold back the tide. He wanted to believe he could protect himself and everyone he loved but as the list of loved ones grew shorter, he started to doubt himself.

"Vilkas, answer me something." Aela started up again, but the teasing was temporarily gone from her voice.

"Aye?"

"Do you love him? Vincent, I mean?"

"Aye." Vilkas answered quickly. He'd come to terms with that long ago.

"Let me hear you say it."

"I love him." Aela was silent for a moment and Vilkas glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. She seemed a bit stunned. "What?"

"I'm…just surprised to actually hear you admit it. You were always so stubborn with those words…"

"Things change."

She nodded. "Yes. I'm glad to see they have." She laid a hand on Vilkas shoulder. "You've grown so much since he's been here with us. Trust yourself Vilkas…You're strong enough to overcome this."

Vilkas wasn't sure if it was the way she said it or the words themselves but in that moment, he believed her. No matter what the storm threw at him, he was strong enough to fight it. He couldn't keep pushing Vincent away in fear of his safety. The mage was a full grown man who'd been on his own for a long time. He's had to fight and kill to survive.

Vilkas couldn't let his wolf and Vincent's soul spirit sleep between them in their bed and successfully separate them. All the excuses and fear needed to be put aside…and Vilkas felt foolish. It was sad that it took Aela to make him realize something he should have come to himself. He was the Master of Arms at the Companions and Gods be damned, he needed to strong and unrelenting. It was time to start acting like it.

"Thank you, Aela."

She blinked, almost not hearing him but he knew she had. She had a wolf's hearing after all. "For…?"

"For…everything."

She smiled and said nothing, but no words were needed. As annoying as he found she could be, he still loved her like his flesh and blood. He couldn't imagine Jorrvaskr without her presence. She was a necessity, now and always. They may not ever see eye to eye on everything but he still wouldn't trade her for any other woman in the world.

A small snowflake fell on Vilkas' cheek and he hastily brushed it away and looked up in time to see the snow begin to fall. In mere moments it was everywhere, coming down hard and fast upon their heads. Vilkas heard Vincent make a noise of surprise behind them. Poor Breton.

Vilkas glanced about in the blinding snow and managed to see a campsite in the distance. With any luck it would have shelter from the storm…or Bandits he could kill. He needed to work out some aggression. Him and Aela stopped and waited up for the two stragglers. Vincent shook his head rapidly to clear the freshly fallen powder out of his hair. Farkas seemed amused and brushed the snow from his armor.

"What now?" Vincent asked, shielding his eyes.

"There is a camp site ahead just off the road. We can try and find shelter there until the storm passes." Aela pointed in the direction and lead the way there. To Vilkas' dismay, there were no bandits. The campsite had a fire pit and two large tents but otherwise looked abandoned for some time. Luckily, the tents didn't seem to be in disrepair.

"We can rest here." Aela concluded. "At least until the snow lets up."

Vincent nodded and shook the fresh powder from his hair again. "Sounds good."

"Farkas and I can share a tent and keep first watch." She spoke with a smile that Vilkas didn't fully trust. "Harbinger. You should go relax. I know you haven't been sleeping well."

Vincent smiled and nodded gratefully. "Thank you Aela." He turned and picked one of the tents, pushing the flap aside and entering.

Farkas was scouring in the snow near by to find wood for the fire and Aela started dusting off the sitting log near the fire. Vilkas moved to sit beside her but she held up a hand to stop him.

"What?" he asked slightly annoyed.

"I think our Harbinger needs you to keep him warm. He's just a poor little Breton in Skyrim after all."

Vilkas' eyes narrowed. She knew as well as he did that Vincent didn't feel the cold… "Aela…"

"Just go to him." She huffed and shoved his shoulder.

He sighed but couldn't help the smile that slowly came to his face. "Okay."

"Trust yourself, okay?" She reminded him and shoved him off toward the tent. "And be gentle with him! We have a hike ahead of us when the snow lets up!"

Vincent sighed and pulled his coat off. Inside the tent, old furs lined the bottom as a makeshift sleeping cot. It was nice but smelt slightly musky. Better then nothing or hard ground, he supposed. He slowly pulled his gloves off and set them atop his coat. He took a moment to examine his palms and the jagged scars that marred them. He flexed his fingers and sighed. He hoped he was doing the right thing.

Vincent was about to lie down when the tent flap opened and Vilkas crawled in without a word. He set his sword off to the side and glanced at Vincent for a moment. There was a strange look in Vilkas' eyes. It was a mix of determination, primal energy and expectance. Vincent decided that he liked that look.

"Tired?" Vincent asked, his throat feeling dry all of a sudden.

Vilkas shook his head lightly and began unclasping his armor. "Not really." He pulled his breastplate and shoes off.

Vincent swore that he could feel his face heat up. "W-what are you doing?"

"I'm not possibly falling asleep in my armor." He unclasped his belt and took his armor the rest of the way off; leaving himself in only the flimsy fabric he wore underneath. "Is that a problem…?"

"No…" Vincent muttered and tried looking away to no avail. He keep looking at Vilkas out of the corner of his eye…just watching the way his chest moved when he breathed, admiring his muscle structure and taking in the deep rich scent that was Vilkas.

Then Vilkas slung his shirt over his head and Vincent's heart literately jumped into his throat. Vincent's throat felt like the dessert and he swallowed thickly trying to clear it. He could feel his eyes widen as he openly stared and took in every contour of his lovers' strong yet semi-lean body. Vilkas was beautiful…but he knew the taller man wouldn't want to hear something like that.

Vilkas' eyes finally fell back on Vincent and he rested his arms on his bent legs. With a slight incline of his head, he spoke in a throaty, arousing tone. "See something you like, aye?"

Vincent knew his face must match the color of his hair by now. He squeezed his legs together to try and quell his growing erection but it didn't seem to do him any good. Now didn't seem like a good time or place but with those icy blue eyes penetrating into him like that, he found it hard to argue. All he could manage was a nod and couldn't pull his eyes away.

Vilkas adjusted himself on the furs and made sure that the flap to the tent was securely closed. He didn't want any cold air leaking in…there was only so much he could do though. The tents were in relatively good shape but weren't completely perfect. Once satisfied, Vilkas pulled down his trousers until they were completely off and set them aside. Vincent coughed and tried not to openly stare.

Vilkas reclined back and rested his hands behind his head. Vincent squirmed; his small problem had now developed into a large one. Vincent took a deep breath and shut his eyes tightly. He needed to have better self control. He wasn't used to this sort of thing.

"What's wrong?" Vilkas' husky voice sent a jolt of pleasure right to Vincent's groin. "Open your eyes."

Vincent opened them on command and wished he hadn't. Those smoldering blue eyes were locked on to him and he was helpless before that stare. Vilkas leaned up on his elbow and he reached out his spare hand to the Harbinger.

Vincent reached out his marred hand and took Vilkas' without thinking. Vilkas pulled on his hand and Vincent shifted slightly so he could be closer. Vilkas' hand then trailed up Vincent's wrist and brushed against his slender neck. Vincent was proud at the fact he didn't flinch. His touch was nothing like Cadrian's.

Vilkas' rough hand moved down to toy with the buttons on Vincent's vest before he deftly unclasped them with one hand. Vincent helped Vilkas remove the garment and sat still as Vilkas unbuttoned his undershirt. Once he had, Vincent slung it off himself and rubbed his bare arms. Not that he was uncomfortable in Vilkas' presence…more like self-conscious of his scars. Which or course was silly…Vilkas had seen him naked before and hadn't been deterred by it.

"Lay with me." Vilkas spoke, his voice still husky and deep. It was not a question and yet not a demand.

Vincent nodded hesitantly and moved to lie beside him. He didn't know why he felt so nervous. Maybe he was afraid Vilkas would freak out again. He really didn't want to get yelled at by the man he loved again. Though, he didn't think Vilkas would do it again even if the circumstance was similar. He was clearly sorry about the incident and Vincent doubted he'd make the same mistake again.

Vilkas' strong arm wrapped around him and pulled him in close. Vincent let out a soft, pleased hum as he was pushed against Vilkas' chest. He took in the rich manly scent of his lover and relaxed in his grip. He felt Vilkas' hand slide down his back without hesitation and hooked onto the back of Vincent's pants. He didn't bother asking permission and just pulled them down and off.

"What if Aela or Farkas-" Vincent began but Vilkas shh'ed him.

"They won't." He ran a rough calloused hand up Vincent's leg.

Vincent bit his lip and shivered. "M-my bag is outside…near Aela…" he didn't want to sleep near a bag of witch heads but an essential object to their coupling was inside.

"Don't worry about it." Vilkas gruffed out and hooked one of Vincent's legs over his hips.

Vincent could feel 'everything' right now and he felt his cheeks heat up at the contact. Vilkas' rough hand slowly trailed up his body and left goose pimples in its wake. Vilkas cupped his chin and tapped Vincent's bottom lip with three fingers. Oh. He got it now.

Vincent opened his mouth obediently and took his fingers in. He sucked on the digits, swirling his tongue around them to make sure they were very wet. He watched Vilkas' face as he did so. His lover was silent and watching is every move. There was a time he would have found that gaze intimidating…

Vilkas slowly pulled his fingers out and leaned in wordlessly to capture Vincent's mouth with his own. Vincent could feel Vilkas' hand moving back down and prod his opening. Vincent tried lifting his leg higher on Vilkas' hips in order to give him better access and pushed his tongue into Vilkas' mouth to distract himself from that uncomfortable feeling.

He felt one finger breech but was able to ignore that slightly odd feeling. He was able to bite back the feeling until Vilkas added another to stretch him. Vilkas' fingers were hot inside and Vincent couldn't help the hiss of pain that passed his lips from being stretched. Vincent wasn't sure it was a feeling he'd ever get used to… He certainly hoped so. Gods knows since surrendering the first time to Vilkas' touch, he had longed for it again and again.

He never thought he'd ever lay with a man after what Cadrian had put him through, even though as a child he'd been drawn to the same-sex. Watching Frey gallivant about with different women and trying to push those girls on him had proven that. Cadrian had all but beaten sexual attraction out of him. Every fiber of that man revolted him. At times he wondered why Cadrian hadn't raped him like he raped the others. He never thought he'd ever have sex after his escape, let alone fall in love. He lived in nothing but fear before running into the companions.

Vilkas touched a spot deep inside that made Vincent see stars. He tensed against those fingers and gasped into his lovers' mouth. He felt Vilkas smile and let out a pleased growl. Gods, Vilkas… Vilkas had unknowingly saved Vincent from himself and everyone around him. Before Vilkas, he hadn't known how to let anyone else in. Somehow that grumpy Nord had wormed his way past all of Vincent's barriers without even trying. Vincent was drawn in by his fiery passion and couldn't escape. Not now. Not ever.

Vilkas turned on his back and hoisted Vincent atop him. He pulled Vincent up his body to get his fingers in deeper and prod that wonderful place inside him with greater ease. Vincent practically choked on his own spit and gripped Vilkas' hair tightly. He didn't even notice the third finger slip in to join the two already present.

"Easy…"

Vincent almost didn't hear him. It defiantly felt better then the first time they had done this and Vilkas hadn't even penetrated him yet. His vision spun slightly from the dizzying pleasure and he could feel his hardness throb between their bodies. Every jab to his prostate brought him closer to oblivion and if Vilkas didn't stop that soon, it'd be over before it even began.

"Stop." Vincent whimpered over and over. He really didn't want Vilkas to stop but he didn't want to leave his lover disappointed.

"Bad?" He asked, his deep voice was thick with arousal but also had a slight air of concern. Gods bless that man and his willpower.

Vincent shook his head. "It's enough." He slowly detangled his fingers from Vilkas' hair and attempted to lift his body up. He braced his hands against Vilkas' chest and scooted back slightly.

He saw Vilkas take a sharp intake of breath. "what are you doing?"

Vincent unsteadily reached back and pulled Vilkas fingers out of him. He groaned out loud and mourned the loss. "What do you think?"

"If you do it this way, it will hurt." Vincent watched him swallow thickly.

"I'll live." Vincent tried to lift himself over Vilkas' manhood. "I'm not-"

"-Made of glass. Aye. I know." Vilkas finished for him. He sighed and grabbed hold of Vincent's hips to steady him. His eyes darted to Vincent, up to the ceiling of the tent.

"Are you okay…?" Vincent breathed, trying not to sound impatient. He did realize they were still figuring each other out but somewhere deep inside, he couldn't wait until they were both comfortable enough to just fuck each other senseless.

"Aye…" he rubbed Vincent's hip soothingly. "It won't take long. That's all…"

Vincent smiled. Ahh. That's it then. "Don't worry." Vincent reached behind himself and gently grabbed hold of Vilkas' cock. He heard Vilkas growl at the touch and it sent shivers up his spine. He ran his hand around the thick base and trailed it up to the tip. This would be rather uncomfortable…Without proper lubrication it would burn going in but the wheels in Vincent's lust fogged brain began to turn and he slid off Vilkas. Vilkas leaned up on his elbows and looked as if he was about to protest but Vincent moving between his legs silenced him.

The first time, Vincent hadn't really got a good look at his lover's…size. He contemplated his task for a moment and tried to recall everything he'd learned from anatomy books. This shouldn't be too hard as long as he avoided using his teeth. It was just to moisten the appendage anyway…it shouldn't be too hard.

Vincent hesitated and reached out to lick the engorged head of Vilkas' cock. He felt Vilkas tense but otherwise remain silent. He took that as a go. Vincent took the head of Vilkas' manhood in his mouth and tucked his lip over his teeth. He breathed through his nose while he still could and sunk down on him. He let his tongue wrap around it and took as much of Vilkas in as possible.

Vincent had never done this before but he heard Vilkas groan softly, so he guessed he was doing okay. Vincent tried licking and sucking on the appendage to slick it up more, then let it slide out of his mouth with a soft pop. He could hear Vilkas' labored breathing and he climbed atop his lover again.

"Ready?"

"As I'll ever be…" Vilkas' voice was thick with arousal and it made Vincent crack a smile.

Vincent grabbed hold of Vilkas now slick manhood and slowly started to lower himself on it. He let out a soft gasp as he felt Vilkas' tip breach him. He could feel his blood pumping quickly and his heart skip a few beats. He never thought he'd want something like this so much. Yes, it hurt but the small amount of prep before hand, had helped. He knew he would regret it later…but this slow decent seemed to be driving both of them mad… So he did what any inexperienced person would do and just let his body weight descend and fully sheath Vilkas inside of him.

Vilkas arched up at the sudden force and grit his teeth. Vincent took in a shaky breath as he watched his man struggle to keep control of himself. Vincent took a moment to catch his breath and placed a hand on either side of Vilkas' torso and then he began to move. He lifted his hips enough so that only half of Vilkas remained in him before bringing them back down. He started slow, agonizingly slow, for both of them.

Vilkas' hands tried to reach up to brace Vincent's hips but almost on instinct, Vincent brushed his hands aside. They locked eyes and Vilkas obediently kept his hands at his sides. Vincent bit back a purr. For some reason…that had turned him on more, if possible. He could also feel Vilkas' cock twitch in excitement, deep inside him. He felt more comfortable and rocked his hips faster now, much to both of their relief.

Vincent angled his hips, searching for that place that Vilkas had struck inside him the first time they had laid together. He felt Vilkas brush by that space, making a jolt of pleasure shoot up his spine. He adjusted accordingly and slammed his hips down. Pleasure exploded in his body and he groaned louder then intended. He heard Vilkas gasp as Vincent uncontrollably tightened around him in response. Vincent rocked on that angle, crying out every time Vilkas' cock jammed into his prostate. His legs shook and his felt like his heart was going to explode from beating so hard.

"Touch me." Vincent almost couldn't believe how demanding he had sounded and opened his mouth to apologize…but Vilkas growling had cut him off. He obeyed instantly and grabbed hold of the mage's neglected man hood. The apology died in his throat and he just let it go. Vincent grabbed hold of Vilkas' shoulder for leverage and slammed himself down harshly on Vilkas, over and over. His mind went blank and he felt the pressure in his lower half tighten. Vilkas' rough hand on him was too much and he couldn't hold on any longer.

With a soft cry, he came hard in Vilkas' hand, his nails biting into Vilkas' shoulder. Vincent's eyelashes flutter as his brain spun. He glanced shakily down at his lover who looked a bit awe struck. He could feel Vilkas pulsing inside of him, filling him up and making him feel whole. Vilkas took in a deep breath and then reclined his head, baring his neck submissively. Vincent instantly moved in to place his mouth against Vilkas' exposed throat and nipped at it. No words were exchanged and none were needed.

Outside in the warmth of their own tent, Aela and Farkas exchanged a smile and settled down for sleep. A job well done, indeed.

"Alright, now step in…" Vilkas led Vincent through the steps and helped him swing.

Vincent smiled. "I'm getting the hang of it."

"Aye. Soon you wont need me to help you through the steps." He put his nose to Vincent's hair and inhaled. His pheromones were in high gear… His wolf was quiet and he really didn't want to think negatively on it right now. He was in a good mood after all.

And yet…Last night had been wonderful. He'd let Vincent have control and he actually enjoyed it. He'd defiantly have to experiment with that in the future and yet something nagged him in the back of his head. It was silly and stupid but it bugged Vilkas. He'd watched his lover climax…and again…those beautiful eyes of his had flashed blue. It was gone as soon as it had come but Vilkas had seen it and it wasn't the first time it happened. He debated telling Vincent of this revelation but knew the mage had enough on his mind currently. Maybe after they were cured, he'd sit Vincent down and talk about it.

The sun climbed over the mountains and they were just about ready to get back on the trail to Ysgramor's tomb. The snow had stopped at some point last night and lucky for them it wasn't high. Vilkas decided to give Vincent some two-handed sword training, while the others gathered what they needed to continue.

"Vilkas, can I ask you something?" Vincent inclined his head slightly so he could look up at Vilkas.

"Aye?"

"Why do you want to train me in two-handed?"

Vilkas shrugged and ran the pad of his thumb over Vincent's wrist. "It's good to know how to defend yourself with more then just magic."

"I guess." He faced forward again. "It's still heavy."

"It's supposed to be." Vilkas sighed and breathed in more of Vincent's scent. "How are your hips…?"

He felt Vincent stiffen a bit at the question before relaxing his posture. "Sore, but I can walk without limping."

"That's good."

"No thanks to you." Vincent replied in a rather cheeky way. It made Vilkas grin.

"Oh no. I'm not to blame on that one. That is all your fault."

"It takes two, darling." Vincent let the 'darling' roll of his tongue in a sweet way. Little bastard.

"Are you two done? I want to get going before the snow picks up again." Aela huffed walking over with Farkas in toe. She was smiling though and appeared quite pleased with herself.

"Aye." Vilkas easily pulled his blade free from Vincent's hands and sheathed it quickly. Vincent picked up his bag and slung it over his shoulder before following the group to Ysgramor's tomb.

It looked exactly the same it did the first time they had been there. No disturbances and no trace of intruders…yet it left Vilkas feeling…uneasy. There was something thick in the air and he couldn't quite place what it was. Dread? Foreboding? He couldn't quite place it but he didn't like it. His wolf had been too quite for too long and that was possibly contributing to the feeling. He was almost free though. So close he could taste it! To fight with his own mind, his own instincts and not have to share his body with a damned wolf… Maybe his dreams would become clearer and the Gods would tell him what they had in mind. Fat chance of that happening…

They walked in, past the statue of Ysgramor, still holding Wuuthrad in his hands. The passageway was still open and Vilkas and felt a shiver of paranoia run up his spine. Why hadn't they taken the weapon so no one could enter? Daric had found the place once and no doubt he could probably easily find it again. Vilkas remembered Vincent's warning to him though and he hoped if Daric was a smart boy he would stay away. It seemed unlikely though. He'd been chasing Vincent alongside his psycho master for nine years now. They didn't seem like the 'giving up' type.

No matter. He'd defend his Harbinger to the death.

This being Vilkas' first time down here, he had to let the others lead him. Farkas twitched as they walked past all the dead spiders. Vilkas almost smiled. It was kind of comical to see such a big man scared of such things. Then again, those spiders were the size of big dogs… When they got into the ceremony chamber, Vilkas' jaw almost hit the floor. There were numerous carvings of ancient Nordic symbols and culture down here…he could learn a lot! Too bad they were here for another purpose. He'd have to do this another time.

Vincent walked over to a small pillar in the center of the room. It had a ethereal flame lit in the center and the mage glanced at the twins. "Here it is. Who wants to go first?"

"I will." Farkas volunteered. Vilkas was inwardly relived but also anxious.

Vincent nodded and gestured him over. Once Farkas was at his side he reached into that putrid smelling sack and pulled out a witches head. The smell made Vilkas cringe, even though he wasn't standing next to Vincent. If he thought the smell of the witches head was bad before, it only got worse once Vincent cast it into the flame.

Before their eyes, however, a image of a large dire wolf appeared before them. Vincent took a step back but drew his mace just the same. Aela drew her bow and Vilkas pulled his sword free. Farkas stared at the beast for a moment and it stared right back at him. He pulled his sword from its sheath and the wolf seemed to understand the threat and attacked.

Vilkas felt his body tense and he almost took a step in to help his brother but Farkas seemed to have everything easily under control. He swung, mightily at the beast and cracked it in it's incorporeal jaw. Vilkas hadn't thought hurting creatures of that type was possible with normal weaponry but that rule didn't seem to apply with their spirit creatures. Farkas could slay it. Farkas could be free.

His wolf snarled weakly and went in for another pounce. Farkas barely side stepped and brought his sword down on the creature's spine. With a sharp yowl and a flash of light, the creature was gone and Farkas fell to his knees, seemingly in pain.

Vilkas broke out of his stupor and ran over to his brother. Vincent beat him there and attempted to help the big man to his feet.

"Brother, are you okay?"

"Is it over?" Farkas asked, clutching his chest slightly.

"How do you feel?" Vincent questioned him. "Is it gone?"

"yeah. I think so… It hurts a bit…like a part of me is gone and yet I feel whole. That make sense?"

"In a weird way." the redhead smiled. "Want me to heal you?"

"No. The ache is going away." Farkas turned to Vilkas. "I'm free Brother. Sovngarde will await me."

Vilkas cracked a small caring smile. "Aye. I am glad for that, Brother."

"Do you still want to go through with this, Vilkas?" Vincent asked carefully.

The answer was easy. Easier then he thought it would be. "Aye."

"Okay then. We'll be ready just in case…"

Aela glanced at Vilkas worriedly before speaking up. "We best all be ready. Vilkas' wolf is dangerous…more dangerous then Farkas' was. We all have to be ready to attack it if it comes our way."

"Right." Vincent walked to the flame and again, reached inside his bag to pull out another witches head. "Come over, Vilkas."

Vilkas' legs felt like jelly but he still made his way over without showing it. He needed to be strong. He gave Vincent a curt nod, showing he was ready to begin. Now or never.

The head went in and the wolf appeared. It was much…larger…then Farkas'. All blades were out in a flash, waiting for the wolf to strike but it stayed eerily silent…just watching Vilkas. Even though Vilkas hadn't thought they was a cure before, he knew that someday it would come down to this. He didn't hate this creature, it was just trying to survive…but he needed this freedom. He needed his mind and body clear for the upcoming war. He needed to know that a better place awaited him once he drew his final breathes…he needed Vincent to be safe. If that was selfish of him…so be it.

His wolf sized him up and no one moved or seemingly breathed for a long time. Then, his wolf's head bowed…as if to show respect. Vilkas didn't know why but he gave a curt nod in return. At least they had an understanding. Vilkas took in a deep breath and readied his sword…but his wolf's attention was suddenly drawn elsewhere.

It snarled and growled at the platform above them. Nothing was up there except an open casket that led into some kind of tunnel. The wolf bolted from the center and ran up. It went straight into the tunnel like a bat out of hell, growling and snarling at something…or someone…

Vilkas exchanged a look with Vincent. "What do you think- ARRRGH!" Vilkas fell to his knees as a loud yelp ran through the darkness, mixing with his own cry of pain. It was intense…like someone smashed a war hammer against his ribs. His wolf…it was gone…but the thought gave him no comfort at the moment. What was strong enough to end his beast?

His ears were ringing slightly from the pain, but Vincent kneeled beside him in an attempt to soothe him. He was vaguely aware of Farkas trying to pull him to his feet and the soft tingle of magic as Vincent was most likely trying to heal him. He picked his head up and looked toward the place his wolf had gone too…and his eyes widened. Somewhere deep inside he knew he shouldn't be surprised but Gods, did that guy have the WORST timing.

Up on the ledge stood Daric, staring coldly at the group with eight barbaric mercenaries behind him. His mace was out and stained with thick red blood. All the mercenaries seemed to be wielding silver weaponry. Remnants of the silver hand, perhaps? Vilkas didn't have much time to think, because Daric lifted his stained mace and pointed at the members of the circle.

"Spare the red head." His voice was almost flat and devoid of emotion. "Kill the rest."

Outside the snow began to fall.