Thank you to everyone who reviewed and favored the story. I'm a bit behind in motivation for this chapter because it is about a character that I like but is not particularly a favorite of mine or the fans. But…this story needs to be told.

Also, I'm sorry this took so long and I didn't want to repeat the whole story so it is broken up quite a bit. You guys have read the whole story by now though so I have no fear that you'll all get it. Forgive my grammar, please.

Chapter 34- How to save a life (bonus chapter 4)

As he begins to raise his voice
You lower yours and grant him one last choice
Drive until you lose the road
Or break with the ones you've followed
He will do one of two things
He will admit to everything
Or he'll say he's just not the same
And you'll begin to wonder why you came

Where did I go wrong? I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life.

- The fray "How to save a life."-

Daric Theodistair was born the fourth son to lord Marven and Lady Anne Theodistair. He was born in the family summer home at North point, High rock. His father was a councilor to the king of Daggerfall and he secretly hoped to become the advisor someday. His mother was a stereotypical noble woman who pretended to have important things to do and left the care of her small child to an uncaring, underpaid nanny.

Fortunately, the couple had three other sons in whom they were quite proud of. The eldest Daneill, was of blonde hair like their mother and had a natural talent for politics. He shared father's temper and mothers' frigidity. He was perfect to their parents in every sense of the word. He was the heir after all.

The second was Servei. He looked like an image of father with his brown hair and equally brown of eye. He was a skilled mage and was even up for nomination in the king of Daggerfall's court. The third was Treven and he was the identical twin to Servei. An accomplished alchemist and enchanter, he started his own business to bring in even more money to an already rich family.

And then there was Daric. Poor little Daric.

He was born with Raven hair and eyes as grey as a stormy day. His father, constantly vigilant and suspicious, claimed the child wasn't his. His mother weakly protested that the child was his son and after a time his father begrudgingly relented. He was either too tired to fight about it anymore or he just didn't care anymore. His child or not, he had three true born sons and didn't care if it was a bastard. He threatened death on anyone who said that Daric was not true born however. He may have been too tired to fight but that didn't mean he was willing to give up his pride.

Daric always did his best to avoid his father's wroth. He'd hide in the library and bury himself in books for hours and hours on end. Magic fascinated him and he hoped to become a grand wizard someday. A wizard that would be better than his brothers! Better than anyone! Then he'd show his family what he was worth. However in the meantime, he put up with his father's verbal, mental and physical torment.

His mother did nothing and turned a blind eye to the abuse. His brothers could have cared less and had their own lives to worry about. His father was always careful not to leave bruises where anyone would see.

Daric strived to excel in anything he tried. He was casting magic by age eight. Sure it was only novice level spells but it was still an achievement. This too was turned a blind eye to. His parents didn't seem to care about anything he managed to accomplish. He was fully able to read, learned another language, translate some old texts, cast magic and still it was not enough.

A moment came when Daric was only eleven that he was almost saved from the path fate had led him on. His father had worked the staff to the breaking point to get the manor ready for the councilor to the king. Marven lined up his trophy wife and three trophy sons in the main hall. Marven reluctantly dressed Daric in his best and warned the child not to say a word.

The councilor was everything Daric had ever heard and more. His hair was a dirty blonde color and his eyes were the color of honey. He was tall and handsome and dressed humbly despite his station. He had strong features, high cheekbones and a delicate yet firm curve of his jaw. Daric, although very young, instantly found himself smitten. He wanted to learn all he could about this man.

The councilor's name was Edward Marcel and he held the one position that Daric's father coveted more than anything. It amused Daric to see his father squirm to be polite to the one man he despised for existing. Lord Edward seemed serene and kind of heart despite the frazzled word of politics he lived in. He was staying with the Theodistair family for three days and seemed quite gracious to his hosts.

Every morning, Daric would watch lord Edward take a stroll through their garden. He'd watch from his open bedroom window as the enchanting man would walk among the lilies with a fond smile on his face. Daric wondered if this is what it was like to have a crush on someone. He hadn't even exchanged a word to this man and yet he found himself following his movements instinctually. His stomach felt queasy when he passed and his heart gave a leap when he would laugh.

On the dawn of the third day, Daric was watching Lord Edward from his window as usual, when something unexpected happened. Lord Edward stopped in his normal stroll and glanced right up at the window Daric was nested in and locked eyes with the boy. Daric jumped at the sudden attention and made to flee his sight but the kind smile the older man wore stopped him.

"Hello there." Lord Edward spoke kindly. "Would you like to come down and join me?"

More than anything…but the threat of his father's abuse weighed heavy on his mind. He shook his head rapidly, without saying a word.

Lord Edward seemed undeterred by this however. "I see you up there every morning. Now come. I insist."

Daric weighed his options. He really shouldn't but then again, could he refuse a direct order like that from a guest? "O-okay." He spoke for the first time in three days and headed down to the garden.

Lord Edward smiled again and bent down to be on level with the short Daric. "How old are you?"

"Eleven...sir."

"Eleven." He mused. "You have been silent my entire visit…Your family has talked my ears off, I fear."

"I'm sorry to hear that, my lord."

"Not you though… Your father introduced me to his wife and sons…but he skipped over you."

"…"

"What is your name?"

"D-Daric."

"Daric." He nodded. "Tell me Daric. Are you being treated well?"

"…"

The councilor sighed. "I figured as much." He straightened up and looked over the garden forlorn. "This place…I came here every morning because it was so
beautiful. Does it startle you to learn how uncomfortable I am here?"

"…No, Sir."

"You must be uncomfortable as well even though it is your home." He reached down and pet Daric's loose hair. "I am sorry."

Daric shivered at the contact. He'd never felt a gentle hand run though his hair before. "H-how do you now all this, s-sir?"

He smiled almost coyly. "I didn't become the kings' councilor for nothing. I'm observant, if nothing else. You've been watching me for the window every morning I've been here but I have been watching you as well."

"…" Daric didn't know what to say. He could still feel the weight of Lord Edward's hand against his head and he never wanted him to move away. But all too soon he did. Daric hid his disappointment as he watched the councilor rummage around his belt and pull a crimson ribbon out of one of his pockets.

"Here" He kneeled again and tied Daric's hair back with the ribbon.

Daric blinked and touched the ribbon gently. "My lord?"

"It belonged to a woman." Lord Edward's smile faltered for a moment. "She gave it to me as a symbol of love. I've kept it close to me for the last twelve years."

Ah. He was in love with a lady. Daric should have known…and even though he was eleven and he knew this emetic man would never see him as more than a child, his heart still sank. "why give it to me then sir? Is it not precious to you?"

"Well, she's…gone."

"Gone, sir?"

"Yes. She told me she loved me and I…" He hesitated. "Well, you're young. Take it from me when I tell you that love can make you such a fool. I fell in love with her at first sight and it was…a stupid thing to do."

"I-I'm sorry."

He let out an ironic chuckle. "Don't be, young Daric. All men must live with their mistakes and their demons. If anything, I am sorry to you. I shouldn't spill my guts about a time long past to anyone, let alone an innocent eleven year old." He paused, gaining a wiry smile. "Then again…maybe I wanted to have an intelligent conversation with someone for once."

Daric couldn't help the giggle that passed his lips. "ah."

"You know…it's strange. I've never talked about it to anyone before. Not even close friends. Yet these words come so easily when I speak to you."

"I'm glad, sir. But why give me something so precious to you?"

"I guess it's foolish of me to hold on to it any longer…fooling myself into thinking she'll come back someday. Heh. In Twelve years, I haven't heard a single word about her or from her. She isn't coming back."

"I see."

"It suits you Daric." He smiled again. "I don't have long enough hair to pull it off myself and red is really not my color. You though…it brings some color to you."

"T-thank you sir. I'll treasure it."

"Good. That pleases me."

"DARIC!"

Daric jumped at the sound of his father's voice. Lord Edward looked up, his smile gone and replaced with a deadpanned look.

"F-father."

The angry man stormed up and violently grabbed Daric by the wrist. "What are you doing out here?!" Before Daric could answer his father, he turned to lord Edward. "I'm so sorry about my son, Marcel."

"Don't be." Lord Edward scowled. "I was having a lovely conversation with your son. He is good company. Marven, do let the boy go. He wasn't doing anything wrong. I called on him myself."

Daric's father's face crossed between anger and intrigue. "Good company?"

"Yes. He's quite intelligent for his age. From what I gathered he's an accomplished scholar and has been able to cast magic already."

Wow. This guy was really good an information gathering. Though Daric was sure acting like an enigma the entire time Lord Edward was visiting, only fuelled his desire for more information.

"I…well…"

"You must be proud of him Marven." A fake smile, Daric could see but his father seemed to fall for it.

"Ah yes. Well, he is my son after all. All my sons are accomplished in everything they try." He puffed out proudly and Daric couldn't help but raise an eyebrow while his father wasn't looking. This was the closest thing to praise he'd ever received from his dad.

"Ah." Edward nodded. "Well, it is quite the family you have here, Marven. The Theoistairs will be making waves at court soon it seems."

"Family is everything, Lord Marcel." Daric could hear a bitter edge in his father's voice. "You must agree, yes?"

"Of course."

"Children are a blessing as well." Marven nodded. "Do you have any?"

Lord Edward grinned, knowingly. "No. I'm afraid not." It was Daric's father's weak attempt to insult him.

"Well, no worries old chap. You'll find a woman willing to put up with you yet."

Edward seemed to dismiss the offhanded insult hidden behind a goodhearted jest. "Well, it gets on in hours. Shall we, Maven?"

Daric was pleased when Lord Edward Marcel would come and visit from time to time. The beatings had stopped, his family just tended to avoid him like he carried a plague and that was just fine for Daric. Lord Edward would always sit and talk with him. Unbothered, they talked long into the late hours of the evening.

He was in love. Daric was over the moon, in love with this man. He was young, naive and foolish. This, he knew….but he couldn't help it. This man showed him a kindness unlike anyone else and his heart fluttered every time he saw Edward Marcel. He knew lord Edward was in love though and most certainly not with him. It…hurt. This woman he loved was lucky and she had the nerve to run from him. Daric would never run from the one he loved. Love was a rare thing and it was something to be cherished.

Love never lasted it seems, not for Daric.

"I've been called away Daric." Edward started one day, shifting in his sheet uncomfortably.

"What? Where?"

"There's been trouble with the Aldemeri dominion as of late and his majesty asked me to accompany him abroad."

Daric felt his heart sink into his gut. "W-when?"

"I have to leave tomorrow."

Daric swallowed the lump in this throat. "When will you be back?"

"I…" He hesitated. "I'm not sure Daric. It may be months…possibly years." He sighed. "When I get back though…you will be old enough to take from your home. I'll come get you and raise you for a life in the service of the king. If that is what you wish, anyway."

"Y-yes. That'd be great!"

Lord Edward smiled. "Good. Now…I don't want you to worry. I have people watching your father to make sure he doesn't lay a hand on you. He knows he is not safe from my sight, even while I'm away." He put a hand in Daric's hair and ruffled it soothingly. Daric wanted him to stay here with him but he knew that was just a dream. He words 'I love you' formed in his throat but he swallowed them down and made no sound.

"Will you write?"

"I will not be able to Daric." He replied sadly, removing his hand from Daric's hair. "Were we will be…it will be too risky to send messages out. Just rely on the fact that you will see me again someday and I will take you from here."

And so, he left and Daric felt hollow in his absence. He scolded himself, trashed his room, screamed until his throat was raw and dry and still it brought him no relief.

"I should have told him." He growled, his throat hurting. "I should have told him."

The very next day, Lord Cadrian Belemonde arrived at his door.

Daric clutched his book and ignored the other boys when they teased him. He'd been here for two months now and the training had yet to start…it was if lord Belemonde was waiting for someone before he started.

Lord Cadrian Belemonde… Daric scowled. His father had been eager to be rid of him, possibly just to spite Lord Edward. The minute Lord Belemonde made his offer, Daric's father packed his things for him and handed him to Cadrian as if he was nothing.

He was angry. Angry at his father for his lack of affection, angry at his mother for the blind eye she turned, angry at Lord Edward for leaving him and mostly angry at himself for not having the courage to tell him how he felt. Those dreams…they were gone now. They left when Lord Edward left. Daric would never run from love but love could run from him, it seemed. He promised if he'd ever found love again, he'd never let it go…even if it tried to run, he'd hold on and never stop chasing.

He bit back the yelp as a boy tugged on his hair and slapped the book from his hands. He just scowled and picked it back up off the ground. His father hit much harder than they did. He could take it. He'd beat them all in this apprenticeship and he'd show them. He'd excel…he'd win.

He felt another hand grab his hair and it was ready to pull his he felt another presence and an unfamiliar voice. "Leave him alone."

"Oi!" his tormentor began. "Who ars you? This anit none of yer business, sod. Back off."

Daric peered up and saw a redheaded boy about his age defending him. Daric blinked, wanting to rub his eyes. Just who… was this? His three tormentors turned their attention to the redhead instead.

"Look it here…He's defendin' his little boyfriend."

"He don't look like a rich plug like this one…".

"He obviously anit. He's like us..Why ya defendin' this rich sod…?"

"He can't help what life he was born into." His blue eyes were beautiful, Daric noted and he spoke with confidence. He didn't get a real good look at the kid yet because the three clowns were blocking his view.

"So what?! You defendin him coz of that?! You retarded?"

"I can assure you, I'm not."

Daric knew the boys wouldn't get into an open fist fight or risk expulsion so it unsurprised him when the leader of the band just huffed. "neither you are worth it. But watch yer backs now." And they retreated and Daric got his first real good look at the redhead.

He was taller than Daric but not by much. He was…handsome…no…beautiful. Beautiful was a better word and Daric couldn't help but feel his heart ache slightly. Gods…he looked a little like Lord Edward.

"You didn't have to do that." Daric finally spoke when he was sure his voice wasn't shaking.

"It wasn't right just to watch them pick on you. They probably would have hurt you soon."

Daric chuckled humorlessly. How…cute. "No. They wouldn't have. Lord Belemonde has forbidden us from fighting. Those who do, instantly fail. You weren't here when he said that." he paused. "It had been two months since anyone new came to the fold, even though we have plenty of candidates."

"Hope I'm worth the trouble." The redhead replied with a raised eyebrow.

"As do I." Daric replied without missing a beat. "Daric Theodistair." He decided to introduce himself.

"I'm Vincent Renalt."

"A last name…" Daric mused. "You weren't born an orphan like the rest of them."

"No. I wasn't." he confirmed.

A small smile came to Daric's face. "At least I'm not alone in that."

Daric saw Vincent smile too and his heart gave another painful tug. He seemed sweet, unattainable but fate may have put this…Vincent Renalt in his way on purpose. He opened his mouth to speak again but lord Cadrian entered with a large Golden birdcage with a strange cloth over it. He asked for a volunteer for a lesson and Daric saw the leader of the group of boys that were tormenting him, volunteer.

Everything afterwards went to hell.

The screams of agony, the smell of burnt flesh, the gasps and panic from the other boys after lord Cadrian left them. Daric grasped Vincent's hand and felt relieved when he didn't pull away. "Can he really do this? That was murder…"

"Apparently so." Vincent answered with a scowl. "What about your parents, Daric?"

"They won't come for me." Daric spoke flatly. "I'm the youngest of four boys. They have plenty of heirs and they never gave a shit about me anyway. When sir Belemonde showed up they sent me to him like a wrapped up gift. They were glad to see me gone."

"Sorry to hear that."

"Do you have anyone on the outside, Vincent?"

"Not on the outside, no. Cadrian let me bring my sister here though. She's really sick and now I'm very worried."

Daric took a chance and laced his fingers with Vincent's. He felt the redhead tense but he didn't pull away. Daric's head rested on Vincent's shoulder and he breathed in deeply. He smelt…nice. "We'll look out for each other…" Daric promised, love starting to bloom in his heart. He'd found Lord Edward in younger form. "I'll watch your back and you can watch mine. We'll help each other get through the trials. You'll do that, won't you Vincent…?"

"Yeah. I can do that."

Daric was glad to hear it and he let his grip on Vincent tighten. 'I'll never let you go.' He promised himself and one day, he'd say it out loud to Vincent.

The next two years were hell but Daric was lucky to have Vincent. Lord Cadrian he…took Daric to bed on more than one occasion. Daric had heard from others about what happened if you refused him and Daric needed to live for Vincent's sake, so he surrendered himself. He hated it. He felt dirty every time and had to scrub his skin raw in the bath afterwards. He often cried when no one could hear him but a smile from Vincent always made him feel better.

His one true love…he thought with a smile. That love helped him get through any disgusting thing Cadrian could do…until one day.

"I've decided that you've won Daric." Cadrian smiled at him and pet his face. Daric tried not to flinch at his touch.

"I…I have?"

"Yes. You'll make the ideal apprentice. You're trained well…obedient…" Cadrian stressed the word. "Which leaves us with Vincent. He'll be fed to the flame this afternoon."

"NO!" Daric bolted up and Cadrian lifted an eyebrow. Daric coughed and took his seat again, trying to still his beating heart. No. Not his love. He needs him. Vincent keeps him sane, he NEEDS him."What I mean to say is, I enjoy his company, sir."

"So?" Cadrian grinned. He already knew and Daric knew it too. He was playing with him. He always played with Daric in cruel, unusual ways.

Daric got on his knees in front of this man…no…abomination. He knew what he was, he'd seen it. "Please." Daric whispered. "I have never asked for anything before and I've done everything you've ever asked of me. Do me this one favor, sir. Spare him."

Cadrian seemed amused and ran a hand through Daric's hair. "You love him that much, hum?"

"Yes sir." There was no use denying it.

Cadrian smiled and it made Daric's skin crawl, but he knew to never flinch and to never shy away. "I suppose we can work something out."

"Don't cry." Daric recalled screaming to Vincent. "Please don't cry."

He now stared at the swirling water bellow the castle where Vincent had jumped. The sun was out and it burned Daric's eyes…or was that the tears that stung as they surfaced? He was a monster now…just like Cadrian. He'd taken the transformation willingly so he could be by Vincent's side. Vincent failed the test that Cadrian had set for him but succeeded in the bounding with the spirit.

They had both changed. Vincent was vibrant…more beautiful than ever, save for losing his blue eyes. They were now copper but Daric would be able to move past it. Still so unbelievably beautiful and Gods above, he loved him. Daric' eyes were now blood red, his skin paler, and his teeth…sharper. The sun hurt but didn't destroy him like he thought it would. Cadrian had laughed and called him a child when Daric pulled away from the light. Yes, their powers did diminish but their power came from a God. They would not be easily swayed but sunlight.

Vincent had…reacted badly to the change. Daric touched his healed nose at the memory. It had hurt more than anything his father had ever done only because it was done by the man he loved. He knew Vincent loved his sister…or…not sister. That girl was not related to him, he was sure of it and Cadrian had confirmed as much. Daric tried to tell him and Vincent had refused to listen. Couldn't he see that he was better off without a sick girl trailing in his shadow?

'It was too late now.' Daric thought morosely as he starred at the swirling water. She was dead…the damage was done…Vincent had made his choice. Daric wanted to take it back but he knew he couldn't. He'd make the same choice again to save Vincent's life it given the choice.

Vincent ran and Daric wanted to blame him but knew he couldn't. He wanted to run with Vincent but there would be no escaping Cadrian now. He'd thrust Daric into a world he didn't know of and now he had to rely on the monster to survive. He needed to survive so he could reunite with Vincent. He wasn't giving up. He turned away from the window and gathered what he needed. They'd be chasing Vincent for a long time…after all he had a decent head start on them.

Love could run from him…but he'd never run from love. He'd follow. He'd catch him.

Nine years….Daric mused to himself. Longer than he had suspected they'd be chasing him. Skyrim seemed like a poor choice of places but it seems his beloved had fallen in with a group of unsavory mercenaries. The Companions, they called themselves. What a load. At first sign of trouble, Daric was sure they would cast Vincent out…it was only a matter of choosing the right moment.

Daric watched white run from a distance and folded is arms as he observed. Vincent and …some black haired Nord and been sent out to solve an issue and Daric watched the approach the city, supposedly on the way back. He didn't understand why lord Cadrian wanted them to wait to grab him. Cadrian himself, wasn't present. He was busy setting up in the hideout. Daric had been ordered to wait. The time was not yet right and Lord Cadrian was working on a very special message to sent to the Companions. They'd already killed one member and it was almost time to send another warning.

Daric watched the two from a distance. He'd seen that Nord in Vincent's company more than once and couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealousy. They walked too close, lingered in each other's company too long…. He didn't like…THAT MAN. He kept focused on them, they seemed to be arguing. He saw Vincent run at the Nord and then…

Daric's eyes widened. Vincent…he…! Daric covered his mouth and fought the urge to vomit. Vincent was kissing that lowlife! They were kissing quite passionately too, clinging to each other as if they were each other's lifelines. Daric felt anger for the Nord touching his Vincent. How…DARE HE!? HOW FUCKING DARE HE?! His glare was so intense he wished it could make the Nord pest burst into flames. He suddenly remembered he COULD make the Nord burst into flames but he was forbidden to raise a hand to him as of yet.

Then the Nord stopped and looked around. Daric stiffened slightly…Did he know he was there? He must of only had a general feeling because he looked around instead of locking eyes. Daric had overstayed and tarried too long as it is. He reluctantly retreated, planning a very painful death for the raven haired Nord.

Vilkas…. Daric hated the name. His name was Vilkas and he was scum as far as Daric was concerned. Cocky, self-assured, brutish…like every other Nord. He honestly didn't see what Vincent saw him such a man. Filth! Dirty! Scum! Werewolf! Vile, vile creature! He'd kill him…He'd kill him….He'd kill him….

Their harbinger lay in ashes and yet they would not give Vincent up. They stubbornly clung to him like he was a trophy to be fought over. Kill….kill…..kill…He'd kill them all.

Daric felt tears rush down his cheek as he ran. He needed to get away…to get far away.

"Get out."

No…Why would he say that?

"I never want to see you again."

Gods, please no…

"Not ever. Have I made myself clear?"

NO!

Daric stopped running and sat down to sob in his legs. "He doesn't love me." He whispered to the darkness. "Why doesn't he love me?"

'because he loves him.' A voice inside his own head answered. 'He loves Vilkas. Not me.'

It hurt. It hurt more than he could say and he could do nothing about it. Part of him wanted to run back to Cadrian…come back…fight and destroy the companions another day…make Vincent see that he belonged with him but he knew it to be folly.

"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."

He was afraid to die. He always had been but dying for Vincent didn't seem so bad. No. He wouldn't go back. Vincent was right. Cadrian would be too busy keeping an eye on them to bother with Daric. He…believed he could make it on his own now. He'd be okay. He'd survive. Maybe he'd go back to High Rock and see…if he could find Lord Edward.

He thought of Lord Edward and how he had made Daric feel but he felt…hollow. Vincent had taken his place and stolen his heart and he would not be replaced so easily. If he went back to see him it would be to start a life again…healing would come after.

"Oh Daric. I thought I knew you better than this."

Daric stiffened. No….GODS NO!

"You have no idea how strong my hold is on you, don't you my pet?" he could feel dark tendrils invading his mind and the pull of a spell being cast on him. He couldn't move…he couldn't breathe….His thoughts…his own self…was receding to the back of his mind as someone took control. His world was now no longer his own and he was forced to witness it all.

Dying…hurt. There was no two ways about it. It hurt and was all together indescribable other than that. Being soul trapped..? That….was another can of worms. His soul was wrenched from his body and shoved into a contained space. It was dark and all he could feel was panic. What would become of him and what would Cadrian do? Would Cadrian destroy his gem and he'd be forced to wander in limbo forever? He'd heard rumors of the soul cairn and it was a place of nightmares. He'd relive his death over and over again until time stopped.

Fate had other plans. Cadrian had reconstructed his body and inserted his soul into it. It…was not living. Daric could feel nothing, taste nothing and feel….nothing. It was like he was a ghost, possessing a body that only looked like his. He was forced to serve Cadrian…and would be for as long as Cadrian kept him around.

He'd captured Vincent and Daric was forced to watch the torture. He freed the companions from their cells and helped them try to save the one man he loved above all else. He didn't get to see it though. He'd delivered the journal for Vincent to see and then placed himself in Fates hands. He did what was needed even though he knew it meant death.

He felt like doing the right thing…for once.

He was safe. Daric couldn't help but smile. Vincent was finally safe from Cadrian and this nightmare was over. He stood on the stone steps with light all around him. The stairs descended downwards and blackness lie below. He couldn't go back no matter how much he tried. He was gone again, his soul gem broken and there was nowhere else to go.

Oddly…he finally felt at peace. Finally….

Then a voice came from the darkness bellow. It called to him…it knew his name? A woman's voice. He felt the same pull to obey as he did when Cadrian had held his soul gem. He knew it was broken but couldn't see it anywhere. Where had it gone…?

There was nowhere else and he felt that compulsion to move…so he did. He descended the stairs and walked down into the darkness of the Soul cairn.

"Vincent?"

Vincent snapped from his daydream and smiled up at Vilkas. "Yeah?"

Vilkas seemed slightly amused but also there was a hint of worry. "You've been distant. Is everything okay?"

Vincent nodded and rested his head on Vilkas' shoulder. He could see Leif and Tryg playing out in the courtyard and he couldn't help but smile when he caught sight of the crimson ribbon in Leif's hair. It belonged to someone special once and he was glad to see it not forgotten.

"I was just thinking. Everything is okay."

Vilkas seemed to understand and ran a hand through Vincent's crimson hair. "Okay."

They relaxed and watched their children play… The past, becoming a distant memory….