A few days after they returned from a long and dangerous trip to the Tomb of Ysgramor, Farkas made his decision. He liked the wolf within him and valued the power it gave. But if lycanthropy could be cured, he had to do this. And he knew exactly who could help him. He peered into her quarters. Aline was alone, reading a book, one hand hanging down from the bed and absently scratching the dog's head.

"Could we talk?" He began cautiously, closing the door behind him. "I think I may need your help."

"Another job?"

"No, it's something… personal. I was wondering if you could accompany me to the Tomb of Ysgramor."

"Why? You have never wanted that before. Just the opposite, in fact."

"I don't know how to explain it. I have trouble sleeping. There is something growing in me… like a need. But I don't know what I want. What if it's a desire to kill? What if it overcomes me one day?"

"What happened? Did you… attack someone?"

"No, of course not. But if I'm becoming a mindless beast, it needs to be stopped before people begin to die."

"I'll go if you want. But I've known you for some time and nothing ever suggested that you are losing control. You are a good man and that affects the wolf in you." She raised her head to look at him and the amulet of Mara twinkled on her neck.

"You are still wearing it?" He asked in surprise.

"I'm still looking for the perfect husband, you see," she smiled.

"But I thought…" he stammered. "You have so many to choose…"

"And what about you? Are you interested?"

"I won't lie. I am." He answered without thinking. He wanted to repeat that anyone would be interested, but realized that such words would not be exactly tactful considering the circumstances. But on the other hand, she would never guess that…

"Aren't you going to ask my opinion on the matter?" She teased, and the thought about what she would never guess trailed away and was never finished.

"So, what about you?" He asked, although he already knew the answer. Why was she playing with him?

"I won't lie," she smiled. "I am, too."

"You… are?"

"Why not?"

"But… why me?"

"You are strong and capable, you can keep up with my… well, lifestyle. And I like you. Isn't that enough?"

"I guess it is," he answered slowly, feeling something that strangely resembled disappointment.

"This is the moment when you propose, my lad," he heard a distinct whisper.

"Oh," Farkas realized he was distracted again. "So, Aline… Will you marry me?"

Then he looked around, startled. Was she making fun of him? The voice sounded slightly amused but it was definitely male.

"Barbas!" Aline snapped at the same time. "What the hell was that?!"

He stared at the dog in disbelief. The dog stared back, its pink tongue hanging out, as if it was laughing at him. Then it glanced at the girl and rolled its eyes.

"We had a deal," she stated angrily. "You were supposed to stay silent so that I don't get into trouble, remember?"

"Well, you two are getting married, right?" It said in a bored tone, seemingly disgusted with her lack of understanding. "You are going to live together. He needs to know anyway."

"But-"

"I made a decision," the dog declared solemnly. "I am not going to return to Clavicus. I am staying with you."

"What?"

"Now you see that it was necessary. He is going to live in our house. You did not expect me to stay silent all the time, did you?"

"Our house?!" Aline exclaimed, but her lips twisted into a smile.

Farkas thought that perhaps he should say something, but the situation was completely out of control. He shook his head. Nothing could be simple with her.

"Well, if you agree to marry me, Aline, perhaps we would have a place for a dog? For a nice, well-behaved dog." He gave Barbas a meaningful look. "Definitely not a noisy one."

"You suggest I'm noisy?" The dog asked in an offended tone, but Farkas could swear it was enjoying the situation. "Sure. It was a cover anyway. Making people think I'm just a dumb animal. But you know, I would have to keep my disguise in public."

"Wait a second," she broke in impatiently. "Are you already making deals behind my back?"

"I believe this young man asked you a very important question, my dear girl," Barbas remarked innocently. "It is really cruel to keep him waiting."

"Oh. I'm sorry," she blushed slightly and looked at Farkas. "Yes. I would be happy to marry you."

"So it is settled," he said and then surprised himself by adding almost affectionately, "you and me."

"Yes," she smiled warmly in response. "You and me."

"We should tell the priest we're getting married. They'll take things from there."

She got up and turned her back on him, removing long hair from the nape of her neck.

"Can you help me take it off?"

"Sure," he murmured. For a while he fought with a stubborn clasp. Her skin was soft and warm. He couldn't help touching it, moving his fingers up to the line of her hair. She shifted and he withdrew instantly, not really knowing why. They were getting married, after all.

"Here you are," he handed the amulet to her. "We could leave in the morning. It's a day's journey. I suppose Vilkas will go with us."

"And Aela. And Ria," she added. "Lucia, of course. And a few other people. You don't mind Lucia, do you?"

"She is nice. I think I like children."

"And about the Tomb of Ysgramor…" she began.

He looked at her and blinked rapidly. "Oh, that. Yes, it can wait for a few days," he agreed.

His mind was reeling and he could barely think. Was it all real? Was he getting married to the woman everyone wanted? He could not ask for more. It had to be the abruptness of events that made him feel so empty inside.

There was one thing he was certain. He could not wait to see Vilkas. Oh, it was going to be an immensely satisfying conversation. He would only have to wait until the morning, in case Aline changed her mind. He actually half-expected something like that.

But she didn't.