The Soul of a Companion

by DragonGoddess629

Living within Jorrvaskr since a young age, Serah is determined to fight like a Companion. But when she is attacked by an assassin from the Dark Brotherhood, everything in her world changes once she becomes the target of a deadly fate she never wanted. Now more than ever, she'll need the protection from the man she's loved all her life, hoping he'll give her the same love in return.

7. Chapter 7

Chapter 7:

Revisiting an Unwanted Past

So…I feel terrible that it has taken me this long to update on either of my stories. Trust me, I haven't forgot about either one. I'm trying to find time here and there to work on this story when I can so I really appreciate all my readers who have waited ever-so-patiently for this (hopefully) awaited chapter!

Disclaimer: Still no Skyrim…at least until the Special Edition comes out later this month!

~ oOo ~

Typically, if one were to walk from Whiterun all the way to Broken Fang Cave, it would have roughly been a week's journey, if not more to reach their destination. However, for Vilkas and Serah, they reached Broken Fang Cave within three days' time. The speed of their combined horses allowed the Companions to race across the plains within the Hold of Whiterun and once they arrived early morning on the third day, they halted their steeds and pulled up right to the mouth of the cave. Both Vilkas and Serah dismounted and landed on the ground, walking towards the open crevice; Serah was looking around the caves edges as Vilkas glanced on the ground to find any clues that might help them in their quest. But Serah was noticing something; a strange reoccurrence that made her stomach quiver with an unexpected wave of nausea.

"Vilkas…?" Serah's voice was strained as she began backing away from the entrance to the darkened cave.

"I know…something else is going on here that Kodlak was not informed of." As they each backed away towards their steeds, eyes steadily focused on the scene in front of their eyes.

Bodies lay scattered everywhere, few were fresh, blood still oozing from wounds all along their bodies, while the rest had reached their untimely fate, their flesh rotten to the core, some faces barely recognizable. Several limbs were strewn farther around the mouth to the cave but there was one sight that disturbed Serah more than anything else that she could see within her vision: the blood. With each body that was scattered across the ground, blood covered every inch on the ground; there wasn't a single space between the bodies that was not covered in the sickly, darkened red color that aided in maintaining an individual's life-force.

Reaching behind her, Serah tried to grab the skein of water she had tied to Star's saddle, needing to drink something in order to quench the sudden prickle that threated her throat; but she was too late. Turning her head in time, Serah lurched forward and heaved her breakfast from the depths of her stomach, the contents spilling from her mouth and landing disgustingly onto the ground. Vilkas immediately rushed to her side and pulled her long hair away from her face, rubbing her back until she was finished. Once all her innards felt as if they had been banned from her stomach, Serah breathed in deeply and then stood up straight the moment she could do so. She gave a grateful smile towards Vilkas who handed her the water skein and she greedily drank its contents until there was barely any left and the taste had finally ceased to exist within her mouth, though it still lingered.

She gulped down air before Vilkas decided to ask, "Are you ok? I've never seen you act that way around situations like this – you've seen just as much death as I have, Serah."

Leaning her back against Star, Serah wiped the sweat off her brow before answering. "I just…" Looking up into her Shield-Brother's eyes, Serah felt a single tear trail down her cheek, but she quickly banished it before it could have a chance to fall. "I've never seen anything like this before. It's…"

"Disturbing."

Serah nodded her head in agreement. "Just as you've stated…I've seen death before, it's something I've grown up with but this…" She moved her arm around the area in overstatement to what she had said. "It's too much. Who…in the hell could've done something like this?"

"Well," Vilkas took one last look at the entrance to the cave before turning back towards the other Companion. "That's why we're here – to end such blasphemy. Here, why don't we rest for a while – away from here – and plan our next move." Serah could only nod in agreement as she began walking away, Star following closely behind on her heel. Once they were some good ways away, Star lay down against the warm ground and Serah fall on her rear end and leaned against the belly of her horse. Vilkas, on the other hand, released the rains on his horse and allowed him to graze nearby while he took a seat on one of the boulders. "How long do you think you need before you're well enough…?"

She swallowed. "I'll be fine, please don't worry about me."

Vilkas sighed and ran a hand down his face. "You know that you can be quite stubborn sometimes, right?"

"Just means I take after those I've been around me entire life, right?" Her eyes glinted as she looked at Vilkas, who could only offer a small grin.

"True, I guess…but of those you've been around, who would be the stubborn one?"

"You're really asking me that?"

"Of…of course."

She sat for a second and thought, before finally deciding on, "Nah, I think the truth would only hurt."

They sat in silence for a few moments before Vilkas finally spoke up. He needed to ensure that she was truly well enough to take on their quest before they made their first move. "Serah, please, I need to know. Are you seriously ok?"

"Why the sudden curiosity for me well-being? I get that we've grown up together and have done many missions but this…I don't think I've ever seen you ask me this many times if I am ok. What gives?"

"You know that Farkas ordered me to take care of you, right?"

"Yeah he mentioned that. He said you're trying to prove that you deserve my forgiveness after last night."

"Although that may be true…Farkas didn't tell you everything." Snapping her head in his direction, Serah arched an eyebrow, urging him to continue. Taking a deep breath, Vilkas nodded and began his explanation. "Once Kodlak gave us our quest, we all headed downstairs to gather our things. While you were in your room, Farkas barged into mine and he exchanged…a very detailed request that I have to complete while we're here aiding the citizens of Rorikstead."

"And that would be…?"

Vilkas blinked his eyes, as if Serah couldn't understand what he wanted to say. "That I protect you."

"Vilkas…" Serah rubbed her temple, feeling as if they were headed in a very long, and unnecessary, circle. "We've already established this, can you just –"

"Did he explain to you that he would beat me so hard that I would fall into Sovngarde and slowly return to my body?" Serah's eyes widened, she was not expecting an answer such as that. "Serah…" Vilkas stared down at his hands. "I don't think you quite understand…or even see…how far my brother would go in order to ensure your safety. You have noticed that, have you not?" When Serah shook her head, Vilkas growled and threw his hands to cover his eyes. "I said you were stubborn, did I not? How about I add blind to the ever growing list…"

"Farkas does what he wants because it is in his nature to do so. That is the type of person your brother is, Vilkas. We've known that all this time, he does that for everybody."

"Oh really now…everybody, you say? Does he do it for Aela?"

"Aela? Uh…well no, but Aela doesn't –"

"And Torvar?"

"Why would he help Torvar the drunk? He just sits on his ass all day anyways."

Pulling his hands away, Vilkas groaned. He was getting nowhere and he knew that unless he told her bluntly, Serah would stay in the dark for all eternity. "Then how about all the other Companion members? Athis and Skjor? Does he go out of his way to ensure their safety? I'll give you a hint – no. He does nothing of the sort for any of the other Companions, even for me – and I'm his twin brother. Serah…he only does this sort of thing for you."

Blinking, Serah raised a hand towards her ever beating heart. Deep down, she knew the truth – as far as the truth would go for the deeper feelings she held within her for her beloved Farkas. But what Vilkas was saying, could it have been true? Was it all true? Shaking her head, she managed to express a few words from her mouth, though they were not the words she had been wanting to say for the last several years. "Vilkas…" She avoided his intense gaze. "I don't think this is the time to be speaking of such things. We have more important matters to attend to."

"But, Serah…you need to look around you and see what's really going on…"

"And, what, Vilkas?" Inside, Serah snapped. She had asked herself the same damn question since she began to understand the increased beating of her own heart. When was the first time she had noticed how Farkas had grown into such a handsome man? How his face, his laugh, his everything stood above all others she saw daily? But how long had it taken for her to scavenge through all the feelings she experienced and pieced together what made sense? And although she was beginning to understand, what about Farkas? Would she be accepted? Would she…be loved? Turning her head away, she curled further into Star who, in turn, moved her head towards her master and neighed; Serah immediately reaching out and gently nuzzling her friends nose. "Please Vilkas…another time maybe but…not know."

With those words, Vilkas instantly knew what she meant. Although she didn't directly state anything specific, the older Companion could read the expressions on Serah's face; she knew the truth, and if she did, that was good enough for Vilkas. "Ok, alright. I'll drop the subject. Just, please…think about it, ok? You and Farkas struggle every day and I witness everything…"

"And what makes you think that I haven't thought about it, Vilkas? Trust me when I say that a day does not pass where I don't think about it for a second because, trust me, it is on my mind all the time." Drinking more water from the skein, Serah leaned her head back and glanced at the sun. How long had they been sitting there, pondering about the unknown when their quest was in dire need to be fulfilled? "Besides, as I've stated, we have more important matters to attend to. What should be our first move?"

Sighing, Vilkas knew he had lost, but was hoping that he had at least reached to Serah in some way about his brother. Every day, Vilkas saw the glances the two gave each other and it nearly killed him on the inside that neither one did a damn thing about it. One day, he hoped that would change. But then again, both his brother and Serah were two of the stubbornness people he had ever met; there was nothing more he could do. "Well…have you thought about what creatures could have caused this massacre?"

"So far, every monster I've thought of, I've crossed from my mind. Giants, wolves, feral werewolves, spiders, bears, Daugr…hell even dragons – if they even exist! But nothing matches what I know of those creatures and their attack patterns. What about you?"

Vilkas was silent for a second before asking, "Serah, what do you know of Vampires?"

"Vampires?" Vilkas nodded. "I've heard rumors and legends but…obviously I've never seen a living Vampire face-to-face. Have you?"

"No, but I've read about them. I know you don't want to go back and inspect the corpses, but I was looking at them and although they all have different wounds inflicting their body, from what I could tell, they all had one mark that was the same on each and every one."

Serah physically shivered as a cold wave was sent traveling down her spine. "And that would be…?"

"Two teeth marks on the base of their neck. Marks that would resemble that of human canine teeth, and marks such as those can only come from one creature: a Vampire."

"Lovely, so we're dealing with Vampires. That'll be…" Serah glanced up at the sky and smiled brighter than the sun. "…easy."

Their small camp ground grew quite.

"…come again?"

"Vilkas, don't you see? It's the middle of the day!" Serah stood from her position and glanced back at the cave that had been taunting her. Now that she had been able to rest after her sickness incident, she could glance at the dilapidated bodies without a wave of nausea coursing through her stomach. "If we can formulate a quick plan, we can sneak our way in there and dissolve any Vampires we run across. If we discover that they are stronger than the two of us, we can always pretend to 'escape' and have them follow us," she looked upwards and smiled again. "Directly into the sunlight."

This, in turn, made Vilkas express a grin of his own. "That's actually not a bad plan. But to be honest, I don't think there truly is a plan we can come up with. We don't know how many there are or why they're doing what they're doing so the best plan would be to sneak ourselves in. Are you ready?" Serah nodded and Vilkas reached for the hilt of his sword. "Let's hunt some Vampires."

Taking the reins of both horses, Serah guided the animals towards a rock covering and let them graze there, hoping they would stay in their position while they took care of the job at hand. Checking to see if they had everything they needed, the Companions made their way back towards the entrance, not worrying about the chance of any scouts on the lookout. Once near the entrance again, Vilkas crouched down and examine one of the deceased bodies, a grim look plastered on his face. "Just as I stated – Vampire marks. And from the looks of it, we have two options. Either there's a large group hunting all the citizens or only a few that are extremely powerful."

Sighing, Serah knew this wasn't going to be easy, but discovering that the reason behind the disappearances was due to Vampires put her a little on edge. She had battled many creatures and enemies in the land of Skyrim, but Vampires? Taking a deep breath, she removed both her one-handed weapons, both Skyforge-Steel swords, and swung them around at her sides. Nodding towards to Vilkas to indicate she was ready, he removed his own weapon and they took a step inside the darkened mouth of the cave.

Once inside, their eyes adjusted to the difference in light, but the further they continued to walk, the more they realized that there was a fiery glow in the direction they were headed. Quickening their pace but trying to keep their steps as quiet as possible, Vilkas and Serah guided their way through the cave. After numerous twist, turns and dead ends, they eventually navigated their way towards the center of the cavern. Coming out of the tunnel they were in, they hid against the side of the wall and peered inside the larger chamber; lights were flickering from flame lit torches along the wall and within Vilkas' vision, he could see several individuals pacing around. Looking towards Serah, he held a finger towards his lips and pointed in the direction of the individuals standing ten feet away from their current hiding spot. Moving in front of Vilkas, Serah crouched and moved as agile as she could, concealing herself behind a rock outcropping as she listened intently to the conversation at hand.

"Last night's dinner was another great treat. Has Grevlin ordered when we are to retrieve the next batch?"

"He hasn't said anything to me but I wouldn't doubt if we headed back out tonight."

"Well he better give the order soon, I could go for another child. Ohhhh damn, do I love to drink children; their blood is so pure and not convoluted like adults."

Clenching her teeth, Serah gripped her blades tighter, the skin on her knuckles threatening to tear from her death grip. Her stomach was flipping in circles within her body, she could not believe what she just heard. They were eating children. Children! Closing her eyes, she could feel the tears prick her eyes but she blinked any away, not wanting to be overly emotional when she decided to slice their pathetic heads off – despite the fact that she was already getting emotional based on what she could hear. As she turned towards Vilkas, she could tell that he had heard the comment and he, too, was about ready to go crazy. Looking into her eyes, the older Companion nodded his head and gave her the signal to move forward, with him right behind her.

Breathing slowly, Serah gathered herself together before quickly standing and jumping over the rock she was hiding behind, screaming at the top of her lungs. The two Vampire scouts turned towards her direction and hissed, producing their sharpened claws from their fingertips; but Serah was quicker than the scouts. As soon as her feet touched the ground, she lurched forward and slashed the closest scout with both her deadly blades. She didn't give the one she attacked time to retaliate because she then immediately hacked his gruesome head right off his body. Watching the one she killed collapse to the floor, she could hear the gurgle of an inescapable death as Vilkas took down the other scout.

Looking around the cavern, Serah's stomach began to quiver once more as she could see the lifeless forms of several children lay scattered across the flooring. She turned away, but the image was already burned into her brain. Her shield-brother appeared by her side and gently rubbed her arm, his own eyes latched onto the ghastly sight before him. "We'll take out the head Vampire, alright? I promise we'll bring justice to those who have been lost." But Serah could only nod weakly as she maneuvered her way around the mangled corpses, head straight for the next tunnel that would hopefully lead them to the Vampire in charge.

As they made their way through the rest of the cavern, Serah finally spoke. "I believe the demon we're looking for is name Grevlin."

"I believe so too. Once we find the rest of the pack, keep an eye out for anyone who looks different than the rest. That could be Grevlin."

"How come?"

Rubbing the back of his neck, Vilkas stopped for a moment and looked back at Serah who stood behind him. "I've heard several different stories relating to Vampires. Either you're what's called a 'pure blood' or you can contract the disease by another Vampire. If you're a 'pure blood,' I've heard that, over time, their physical appearance becomes…distorted."

"But I thought Vampires didn't change physically?"

"Who knows. Just keep an eye out for someone who looks different than the rest. Most likely, Grevlin will be wearing different armor that'll make him stand out against the rest of the pack."

"Alright, I'll keep my eyes open."

Nodding, Vilkas began walking again; he took two steps before turning back towards Serah. "Keep your eyes open for their attacks and make sure they don't bite you. Farkas wouldn't appreciate you coming home with Sanguinare Vampiris. If you did, he would, most indefinitely, kill me."

"Oh, I'll be fine."

"You say that now…"

They continued on their way through the darkened cavern, but it didn't take nearly as long to find the second chamber than the first. Hiding alongside the wall once more, Vilkas peeked his head through and counted the remainder of the pack; in total, it seemed there to be ten, possibly twelve. Glancing pack at Serah, he noticed she had replaced her short swords for the greatsword along her back. She grinned, knowing that she was going to have fun bring an end to these monsters. Matching her grin, Vilkas, too, grabbed his blade and was about to charge in but held his arm in front of Serah and stopped her from moving forward. "There he is."

Moving her head around his arm, Serah peered into the chamber and noticed what Vilkas was speaking of. Grevlin stood in the middle, a crystal goblet in his hand which contained a darkened liquid that Serah could only guess was human blood. She grimaced, only knowing that a simple human was sacrificed all so this Vampire leader could serve a toast. But then he began to speak.

"My fellow Vampires, today is the day. We have sought to achieve such a day for many months now and finally our waiting in this god forsaken cavern is about to be brought to an end!" The rest of the pack erupted in a cheer, raising their own crystal goblets towards their leader; Grevlin held up a hand to quiet them down. "We have strengthened our own with those that were deemed to be sacrificed and tonight, we taken the town they call Rorikstead and turn all who live there into an army that shall answer to me! Tonight, we create our way of life and kill any who wish to destroy us!"

The rest of the Vampires erupted into an even louder roar as they guzzled down their bloody drinks and talked amongst themselves of the plan they had at store. Reaching for his arm, Serah squeezed tightly until Vilkas turned to look at her. She whispered as low as she could, but her voice still peaked at a high level due to her discomfort. "Vilkas! They're planning to turn all the citizens in Rorikstead into Vampires!"

"I know…damn this was worse than we expected." Looking between Serah and the pack of Vampire standing a mere twenty feet from where they were, Vilkas was at a loss. They could do what they had done earlier and jumped out of their position to randomly attack without a plan. But these creatures were wanting to turn individuals into monsters like them; if they weren't careful, both Companions could end up with the disease by the end of the day.

But then, Vilkas suddenly remembered the book he had back at Jorrvaskr that contained information about the creatures at hand. The Companion remembered reading something…a very minor detail that could quickly be used to terminate Vampires. Oh for the love of Hircine…what was it?!

"Vilkas, what's wrong?"

"I remember reading something in that book I was telling you about…it mentioned a trick that could take down Vampires but for the life of me, I can't think of it." Looking at Serah, he glanced down at her hands and immediately the gears in his head. "Your hands…"

"What?"

"Your hands – it was magicka!" Glancing back at the Vampires, none had noticed their hiding spot yet so Vilkas turned back towards Serah. "I read that Vampires are weak against fire magicka. That'll be an advantage for us. You can use magicka, Serah, so you can attack them from a distance while I go in for the kill. You'll have a wide range of the chamber so you can keep an eye on any who try to escape or go after you or me from a different angle."

Grinning, she rubbed her chin. "Ahhh, not bad, not bad Vilkas. So where should we –"

"Hey! We got a live one in here, everybody!"

Looking to the side, Serah barely had any time to move out of the way before a hand tightly clasped around her wrist, nails digging deep into her skin, pulling her from where she originally stood. Vilkas had not been seen; his form still hid in the shadows and he tried to reach forward to pull her back towards him, but his shield-sister shook her head no. Serah already was forming a plan in her head.

The rest of the pack of Vampires stirred from their planning of capturing the citizens of Rorikstead and glanced at their fellow comrade, fresh bait caught wildly in his hand. Pulling Serah towards where more torches were lit, the male Vampire threw her to the ground where she landed with a thud against the cold, wet floor. Quickly standing, Serah turned and looked around her; all the Vampires in the pack circled around her, not allowing any chance of escape.

"What is the meaning of this?"

"How did a simple girl like this find our lair?"

"Tch, she's not even pretty for a human girl."

"I say we eat her. She looks strong, maybe some of her strength will be passed down to us." The band of Vampires continued to bicker amongst themselves, several walking towards Serah and glancing up and down her body. One even ran his finger along the side of her cheek; she could then immediately feel the sensation of blood drizzling down her skin.

"No!"

Each member backed off as another, more prominent Vampire took their place. He walked towards Serah with such grace she had to admit that it appeared as if he was floating over the ground beneath his feet. But Vilkas had been right; as she looked into this Vampires face, it was true that his face was more distorted than the others – this Vampire was Gelvin. His nose appeared broken and sunken in, his eyes dull but blood red and his skin seemed drained of life, as if his own blood had been sucked dry years before. Standing directly in front of her, Serah stood tall and gazed upwards into his blood-wanton eyes. He brought a hand up to her face and, after the last claw that sliced her skin, she physically recoiled, but relaxed when the elder Vampire merely ran his claws through her hair.

"Interesting…" he said, still gazing upon her face as if he was admiring what he was seeing. "Why have you come to such a place, girl?"

"I…I heard of your exploits in Rorikstead."

"And let me guess, you came to stop me?" Gelvin didn't chuckle, but the rest in the chamber did, their laughter echoing off of the cavern walls.

"No," Serah stated sternly. "I came to join you."

WHAT?! Vilkas thought, his eyes almost bulging from their sockets. What the hell is she planning?

"Oh?" Glevin replied, his breathing suddenly growing heavy. "And why would a human such as yourself decide to do that?"

"I am originally from Rorikstead…" Serah attempted to make her statement as persuasive as possible. She was hoping Vilkas would sneak around and begin the attack before anything drastic could happen. "But was banished a few years ago. There's nothing left for me and I thought I could assist you in your affairs."

"Hm, I see. Can you fight?"

"I am trained in different weapons and can fight with my fists. So, yes," she grinned mischievously. "I can fight."

"Now hold up, Gelvin." Their leader turned towards the male Vampire who had earlier scratched her cheek. "How can we trust a mere girl such as this one?"

"Simple," Gelvin turned back towards her and with lightning fast speed, obtained a fist hold of her hair and pulled Serah's face towards his own, the reek of death escaped from his mouth. "We allow her to suffer with the transformation, and if she proves that she has failed to keep my trust, I will personally see to her end. How does that sound, little girl?"

Serah growled. "I am not little."

"Hmph, so you have nerve, huh?" Pulling her hair tighter, Serah accidentally squealed in pain, her hair felt as if it was ripping from her scalp.

"Nerve enough to accept the transformation."

But this made Gelvin release his hold on her hair. "Fool you may seem but you are smart with your mouth. Very well, since you shall be my responsibility, I shall be the one to transform you into one of us. And know that once your transformation is complete, you shall be mine, in every which way. So then…are you, prepared?"

"As prepared as I'll ever be. It's not like someone will randomly come to save me." Please Vilkas, hear me! I don't want to become a Vampire! Where are you?

"No," Gelvin smiled, demonstrating his pure white fangs. "You are alone, and will forever be, alone." Without being gentle, Gelvin grasped one shoulder and forced her head to the side, his teeth barred and dripping with anticipation as he drew his fangs upon her brilliant neck. Serah cringed as she could feel the viscous tips grazed her skin when…

"Stop!" Rushing forward with his sword barred, Vilkas slashed his steel at the closest Vampire he could, slicing the creature right in two with barely any time to sense any sort of pain. Sword held within his hands, Vilkas took his stance and stood where he was, glaring at Gelvin with his fangs still barred as he stepped away from Serah. "If you want her, you have to go through me."

Raising an eyebrow, Gelvin questioned, "Is that so?"

Taking her cue, Serah stepped back and held her hands up, each pointed at one Vampire that stood on the either side of the Vampire leader. Screaming at the top of her lungs, she yelled, "FIRE!" and her hands burst forth powerful flames. Trying to counterattack the spell, each Vampire pulled out their blade, but the spell was overly strong and they were consumed in its dominating flames. With three Vampires in total defeated, Serah watched as Vilkas attacked the remaining pack, wanting to be rid of those before directing his attack towards the leader.

Serah attempted her best to keep a steady eye on Vilkas, waiting to see if he needed any assistance, but each time she moved, Grevlin would intercept her vision and stare into her eyes. He didn't say anything or move an inch the moment Serah froze in her current position. From the sounds of gagging and screams, the female Companion knew that her counterpart was extinguishing the rest of the pack, leaving only the leader to take down.

"So, my dear. Still wish to become one of us? You were so eager to earlier."

His farce made Serah laugh, the sound echoing off the stone walls that encased their positions within the earth. "You really think that I would want to transform and become one such as you? What would be the benefit?"

Grevlin growled, his sharpened teeth becoming exposed, his blood-red eyes shining brighter in the darkness of the cavern. "So my earlier perception of you was a correct one; you are a fool. For starters, the gift of immortality would bless thyself with preserving the natural beauty you hold within your human hands."

Cringing, Serah turned her head away briefly then instantly turned and faced the pack leader. "And why would I want immortality, huh? So I could drink of the blood of innocent children to save my own life?"

"That's the beauty of being a remarkable creature, such as myself."

Serah was already running at the monster before she even had a chance to blink; with her great sword drawn from the sheath along her back, she blindly ran towards the Vampire. Swinging with all her might, she slashed at the monster, hoping to slice him in two, only to realize that the damn Vampire had nimbly moved away from the strike of her blade.

"And you claimed you were such a good fighter…"

Flung backwards against the wall, Serah fell the floor in a heap of pain as a trail of blood leak from both her mouth and an incision on her upper arm from a jagged piece of rock sticking off the wall. She grunted in pain, but tilted her head upwards to stare in the godforsaken eyes of Grevlin as he stalked towards her, his sharpened orcish sword directed merely a few inches away from her face. For several moments, Grevlin simply stared into her dulling green eyes, searching for himself that Serah could not understand.

"We had just met, foolish girl. But I could tell there was something…unique about yourself. Your face…seems very familiar to me." Serah raised her eyebrow, suddenly interested in what the undead creature had to say. Unexpectedly, Grevlin's eyes instantly widened and he knelt in front of Serah and ran his hand along her bloodied cheek. But the more Grevlin stared into Serah's face a reconciled the past, the more his face scrunched has his face darkened. "Asta…" he barely whispered, but the female companion had heard him. With her brain scrambling to understand how he knew that name, Serah pulled away as close to the wall as she could, abruptly wanting to run back to her bedroom at Jorrvaskr and cry with all the tears she could shed.

"How in all the nine do you fucking know that name…?" And although her words slipped through her mouth as a whisper, each word was articulated with venom, enough the Grevlin physically tensed. He refused to say anything, only continuing to stare into Serah's emerald eyes; but the Companion wanted answers. Grasping the front of his cloth armor within her fists, she Serah twisted around and threw the Vampire leader up against the cavern wall, the collision causing loose ends to fall from the covered ceiling. Now glaring, Grevlin growled menacingly, his sharpened fangs visible beneath his curling lips.

"Watch what you do little girl – "

In that moment, Serah pulled back, her fist colliding with Grevlin's undead cheek before shoving him against the wall once more, her face mere inches from his. "I asked you a fucking question. How. Do. You. Know. That. Name?! I will not ask you again!"

"Oh ho, and what does this name signify to you? Could it possibly be…? You look just like her and react quite oddly to the mention of her name. Could Asta be your…?"

SMACK.

Pulling her fist back once more, Serah began relentlessly beating Grevlin and succumbing to the raw emotions that suddenly and unwantedly erupted deep within the belly of her broken soul. There had only been a few times she had heard the name, but she knew the stories. Serah knew the importance and didn't want to speak of the name. The rage that continued to boil over within the female Companion was how Grevlin knew and why he knew the name.

She felt the hand on her shoulder long before she could register that Vilkas had been pulling her away from her prey. But the unwanted rage and madness left her sweltering with a sudden need to destroy the Vampire in front of her. "Serah! Stop this madness!"

Vilkas was finally able to pry his shield-sister away from the Vampire leader who now leaned against the stone wall simply staring at Serah with a different conviction than earlier. But when he finally spoke, his voice filled with venom and ice that forced Serah to recoil deep within herself, abruptly losing the self-confidence she just held. "Why did you stop, Serah? Don't you want to destroy me? Isn't that what you were just thinking?"

Now it was time for her eyes to widen, but she visibly shrank and took a few steps towards Vilkas. "How…how did you know that?"

"Still a fool, I see. A Vampire my dear, if you recall – I have the gift to read the minds of others. And yours, my lovely Serah, is like an open book; so wide and willing for others to see what is running through your damaged heart."

Her eyes turned to slits. "You don't know anything just because you can read my mind."

"Oh but I do. Your father…Fenrir, was it? He dropped you off in Whiterun and abandoned you, did he not?" Serah's eyes widened even more as she wrapped her strength-less arms around herself. She knew she had dug herself into this hole but her anger in regards to her family was still too raw, too deep and unsettled for her to comply ignore it. "My dear, you leave everything wide open for all to see. You would make a pathetic Vampire and I am embarrassed that I, for a moment, considered making you mine completely. This Asta you remind me of – she was just as beautiful as you."

"Serah…who is he speaking of?" Vilkas turned his attention towards her, unable to understand the dialogue being conversed between the two. But Serah was unable to answer; the words forged within her throat but her mouth refused to open and admit the truth. The same truth that, although she had to accept all those years ago, was still too unbearable to fully accept.

"I wasn't able to have her; she would have made a remarkable Vampire. But your father stole her from me before I could do anything to transform her into an even more beautiful creature." Taking a step forward, Vilkas and Serah took a step back, not sure what the creature was planning next. They had him pinned; he could go nowhere, but, then again, they themselves had no plan. As Vilkas viewed at Serah, he knew she was trapped within herself; set within a trance the boggled her mind and clouded her eyes. "And since I wasn't able to establish her as my own, you will have to die."

Vilkas snapped his eyes Grevlin who, when the Companion had gazed at his shield-sister, had unsheathed his sword and, with quickened speed faster than any Nord, he raced towards Serah with a murderous look in his eyes to vanquish her for good. Serah simply stared at him her body tense and visibly shaking that she was going to perish and be sent to Sovngarde. But Vilkas wasn't going to have it; without realizing what he had done until he felt blood pool down his arm in thick globs, the Companion knew he had made the right choice, for her voice was the last reference to life he heard before all had turned black.

~ oOo ~

"Vilkas…"

He groaned.

"Vilkas…?"

A groan yet again escaped his throat.

"Vilkas, you need to wake. I made you food."

Pain was all he felt. Trailing a hand up his torso, Vilkas realized his armor had been removed all for his trousers and boots; a tight fitted linen wrap was bound across his upper half and his hip. Breathing deeply, the Companion opened his eyes to find that he was outside, the stars shined brightly within the cloudless Skyrim night. Their brightness spanned all the land, and all Vilkas could see was their beauty as one though interrupted his peacefulness. I'm alive. Turning his head, Vilkas noticed that Serah was seated directly next to him, tending to the fire that was scorching and ensuring his body was kept warm. Her attention was focused on turning something round above the fire until she again turned towards her shield-brother.

"Good, you're awake." Kneeling by his side, she moved several locks of hair away from his face before leaning down and kissing his forehead. "Vilkas, you're an idiot."

"W-what…are we doing out here?"

"All in good time, my friend." Grabbing a water skein, she popped the cap off and assisted Vilkas in leaning forward and instructed for him to drink; his once parched throat cleared as he guzzled the clear and lustrous liquid. Taking even more deep breaths once he was done, Serah helped him sit up more, an abrupt spasm of uncontrollable agony traced from one shoulder all the way down into the opposite hip. With one hand on the uninjured shoulder, Serah gently held onto Vilkas until he was able to hold himself up without any help. "What happened?" When no reply came to his question, Vilkas turned his attention up towards Serah's and drew back; she had a few silent tears streaming down her face along with a smile that graced her beautiful face. "Serah…?"

At the sound of her name, she fell into her shield-brother's chest and, gently as she could, wrapped her arms around his waist. "Vilkas, you saved my life. Grevlin was planning to attack me and I…I couldn't move; I was frozen where I was. But you instantly moved in front of me and took the attack for me."

Vilkas tried to move into a more comfortable position but grimaced as is shoulder erupted into multitudes of pain; but the Companion held it in. "Grevlin…where is he? Did he escape?"

With her head in the crook of his neck, Serah shook her head. "No, after you fell, I grabbed his sword and…took care of the issue. Grevlin no longer belongs to this world."

"And are you…ok with that?"

She nodded once more in agreement. "Don't worry about me I just…he knew something about me that I wasn't expecting." Remaining silent for a few moments to soak in Serah's words, Vilkas thought back to the words Grevlin had expressed.

"But your father stole her from me before I could anything to transform her into an even more beautiful creature"

Eyes widening at the realization, Vilkas look down into Serah's somber eyes as she tilted her face towards his. "Serah…if I may, this Asta…was she…?"

"Please Vilkas…allow me to heal more of your back some more before we discuss…the issue at hand."

Without arguing, Vilkas reluctantly agreed and followed Serah's instructions. Having the male Companion turn over onto his stomach, she removed the already bloodied wrappings as Vilkas experienced the sensation of warmth spread upon his injured areas. He knew that Serah was using magic on his skin and, although he was uncomfortable with the notion, kept his mouth shut and didn't utter a single world; for Serah was the reason he was alive and was to leave her to finish healing him. While her hands focused mainly on the incision around his hip, she relayed what had occurred once Grevlin had attacked Vilkas.

Grevlin had swung his sword with such speed that Serah had admitted she was afraid Vilkas was going to lose his head once he moved in front of her. But upon the moment of impact, her shield-brother fell to the floor, blood trickling from the cracks in his wolf armor. Reacting on impulse and rage, she had grabbed her own sword and flung it straight into the place where Grevlin's heart should have pulsed if he had been alive. The Vampire laughed at her pathetic attempt, but the Serah, with speed of her own, forcefully grabbed his Orcish sword and cleanly sliced his snickering head right off of his shoulders.

"After that, I pulled you out here as fast as possible and immediately began tending to your wounds. It was…pretty bad for a while, I…honestly thought I had lost you, Vilkas." Laying where he was, Vilkas had a feeling she was tearing up, but acknowledged the truth once drops of water fell onto his skin. "With as much mana as I had, I healed you and once you were in a place where you would remain in this world, I attended to the rest of the cave."

"What did you find?"

At this, Serah chuckled, a sure sign for Vilkas that she was going to be ok. "Oddly enough, I found food. It wasn't a large quantity, but I found some chicken breasts, so that's what's cooking right now. Potions, herbs, clothing and gold. Lots and lots of gold."

"May I ask how much?"

"About ten grand. And half of that is yours."

Swallowing, Vilkas admitted, "Fuck…what were they planning with that much gold?"

"Only the nine knows why. Once I had taken as much that was valuable, I stacked all the bodies and piled them in the final room and burnt their corpses; just to be safe." She sighed, her voice tightening from her overuse of magicka.

"How long have I been out then? Clearly it's been long enough for you to take care of all that by yourself."

"Let's just say that the sun was still high in the sky by the time I was completely finished with the cave." Serah dropped her hands towards Vilkas' skin and rubbed the taunt muscles around his hip. There would forever be a thick, white protruding scar from the incident, but for the moment, the incision he had suffered was completely healed from the hip up to just under the shoulder blade. Pleased with her work, she informed Vilkas that he could move off of his stomach, to which he obliged and resumed a sitting position, he leaned against a rock and cradled his arm against his chest, not wanting to reopen his wound she had just tried to heal. She had replaced the wrappings around his shoulder, his fingers trailing the handiness of her healing job. "Your hip is completely healed but…as much as I know of magic, I cannot erase the scar that will forever stay. If you wish, I believe Danica at the Temple can give you somethi – "

"No."

"No? You want a scar to show?"

"Yes, I want to show all those who question that I received this by protecting one of the most important people in my life."

Gawking, Serah blushed, but smiled all the same. "Oh, Vilkas. It's not that important."

Although he was injured, Vilkas moved until he was kneeling at the same height as her. Serah's mouth formed a straight line, unsure of what to do or say. "Do you remember what I said earlier? Farkas instructed me to, by all means, protect you; and if that means sacrificing myself so you live, then so be it."

"As I already stated, Vilkas: you're an idiot. Farkas wouldn't be able to stand the thought of losing his only brother."

"No, Serah, you're the idiot for not seeing it sooner; Farkas would be more upset at the thought of losing you." Vilkas poked a finger into her shoulder for emphasis, pushing her back a little way. "But if you won't listen to that reason, then take mine. I wanted to protect you because I, too, cannot live without you. I may not have the same feelings as Farkas, but I love you in a different manner than he does. You are not only my fellow Companion and my shield-sister, I consider you my real sister as if you, Farkas and myself were born from the same parents."

"Vilkas…" Although she had known she was special to the twins, and the twins to her, she had never heard Vilkas speak in such a way to her. Serah's heart began to beat as she realized just how much Vilkas meant to her. She, too, loved Vilkas with all her heart as if he was truly her blood brother. "You've…never said such words to me."

"Because I thought you knew." Pulling the trembling girl into his arms, Vilkas simply held her. "Serah, I'm still sorry about the other night."

"I know," she replied immediately, nodding her head into his chest. "I forgive you, for everything that was said. You don't have to do anything else to prove your worth to me, Vilkas."

"Ah, good. Because, you know, saving your life can be quite tiresome at times."

Serah's mouth fell open at Vilkas' teasing as she punched his non-injured shoulder as he laughed into the night. "I swear! You and your brother have always teased me!"

"You're easy to tease, little one."

Huffing, the Companion turned her attention back to the roasting chicken, a smile attempting to form on her stubborn lips but she refused to let it show. "I am NOT little!"

"Alright, little one. You keep telling yourself that," Vilkas smiled in her direction as he stood and walked off into the distance to relive himself. Serah focused on fixing dinner and gazed off into the distance to watch Star and Vilkas' horse graze. Moving her eyes upwards, Serah inwardly took in all the beauty around her while attempting to analyze the words Vilkas had stated, both a few minutes ago and earlier that afternoon. The stars above her glittered brightly and she was instantly transported to a few days earlier when they had departed. She remembered kissing Farkas on the cheek but deep down, Serah knew she had really wanted to kiss him on the lips. The stars that night were just as bright as Farkas' smile and Serah wanted to consider what life would be like if she belonged to Farkas. Did he truly want her?

Would he always love her?

The crunch of footsteps brought Serah out of her trance as she noticed Vilkas walking back towards their small camp. He was struggling with his arm and she mentally reminded herself that in the morning she would make a sling to keep his arm steady; at least until he was healed enough that he could move. Resuming his seat next to her, Serah prepared the rest of the food and handed Vilkas his portion, scrambling to eat as quickly as he could. Knowing the truth needed to be said, Serah turned towards her shield-brother and asked, "You wanted to know why the name Asta meant so much to me, didn't you?"

Turning towards her, Vilkas nodded and swallowed his remaining food. "You don't have to tell me if you don't wish, but I will listen if you need me too."

Taking a deep and steady breath, Serah forced her words to form and leave her mouth. "Asta…" Shaking her head, Serah couldn't believe she was about to state this. It was something about her life she had never told anyone, not even Farkas. She had already lost her father, if she continued to utter this one word, she felt that she would forever lose another person she had never met and would never know.

"Vilkas, Asta was the name of my mother."

~ oOo ~

The two had gone too sleep that night, not talking much after Serah revealed the name of her mother. Vilkas knew it had taken much courage for Serah to express the name of her mother, and then to even state that it had been her mother all along. Once they had gone too sleep, Vilkas remained awake, watching Serah sleep; all night he questioned why Serah, of all people, deserved to have all he hardship she faced. Why did it have to be her? Vilkas thought. She's never done anything in her life to harm another in a wrongful way. Why did she deserve to lose her parents and be left with a broken image of them?

In the morning, they packed and left as quickly as possible, with Serah fixing Vilkas' arm into a sling to keep his shoulder steady during the ride. Before they left, she had tried healing as best as she could, but after the previous day, she was too emotionally and mentally exhausted that she couldn't finish what she had started. Vilkas reassured her that he could live with just his should and was grateful that she had healed the rest. Leaving it at that, they rode off into the distance and spent most of their time riding, only stopping for break and certain necessities.

Arriving at Whiterun the following afternoon, the Companions left their horses in the stable for a much deserved rest and walked the rest of the way towards Jorrvaskr, both waiting for a hot bath and a bed to sleep in, hoping to understand what had occurred during their quest. The closer they made their way towards home, the slower Serah fell behind Vilkas. Brushing it off, he knew she had enough plaguing her mind that she needed the time to think. As the older Companion reached the double doors to Jorrvaskr, he was met by his brother outside in the training ground sparring with Aragon; just as he had expected, they returned before earlier than they had. Noticing his brother, Farkas waved and promptly dropped his hand when he realized Vilkas was injured. Turning to observe Serah, she ignored everyone completely and headed straight towards the small guard watchtower along the stone wall by the training dummies. Both Farkas, Vilkas and Aragon watched as her graceful form walked off into the distance and lean against the stone fortification, her mind wondering off somewhere the three couldn't even fathom.

Turning his attention back towards his brother, Vilkas leaned forward and said, "It was…a long trip, brother. You look at me and see an injury, but she's suffering more deeply than I am."

Farkas' eyes widened and he tried to move away but Vilkas caught his brother's arm. "Farkas, I think she needs some time to think. It's been…troubling for her."

"That may be, but I know her, Vilkas. Did she try talking to you?"

"As much as she allowed herself."

"She'll talk to me; you know she will." Leaving both Vilkas and Aragon in the dust, Farkas walked off in the direction towards Serah. Vilkas only laughed to himself, heading straight into the dining hall, a good piece of venison sounding delicious in that moment. Aragon followed on his heels, a questioning look plastered on his face. "What's on your mind, youngling?" Vilkas asked as he sat in his usual seat at the corner table of the room,

"Uhh, well, you just told Farkas not to talk to her and then he ignored your comment…is he always like that?"

"You just spent several days with the man. What do you think?"

"But the relationship between him and Serah seems…off."

"Oh Aragon…" Vilkas sighed as he gulped down a hefty amount of mead. "You have no idea. It's been a long journey for those two…"

Back outside, Farkas walked up behind Serah and softly laid his hand upon her shoulder. She tensed, but relaxed as she turned her head to see who it was, but quickly switched her gaze off to stare into the Hold of Whiterun. Her voice was mute for some time, Farkas switching his own gaze between the lands before them and Serah. From experience, he knew she needed time to speak, but she also needed the guidance to know when it was a good time to speak. Squeezing the beautiful, hardened flesh of her shoulder, Serah finally exhaled a breath she had been holding and turned into Farkas' arms, suddenly needing the security only he could truly provide her. All her other shield-siblings would always have her back, but Farkas…Farkas was different and had always been different.

"What happened down there, Serah." It wasn't a question, but a statement, one that needed an immediate answer and she knew it.

So Serah spilled everything out that had occurred; everything from the bodies they saw at the entrance of the cave, to all the Vampires they defeated and the gruesome stories about their conquests they were stating, to the final moments with Grevlin. But the Companion was leaving out one important detail and Farkas could tell that she hadn't explain everything that was on her chest.

When she continued to stay quiet, Farkas leaned down until he was eye-level with her. "Serah, is that all? You know I can tell you're hiding something…"

Sighing for the hundredth time in the last few moments, she turned once again towards the open view of the landscape. Just as when she had told Vilkas, the words had formed in her throat, but she just couldn't process how to relate the information to Farkas. "Grevlin…he said something that…cut me deep…" Turning back again for the final time, salty, liquid drop fells from her crystal emerald eyes as her breathing quickened. Covering her mouth, she closed her eyes and leaned into Farkas' chest. Knowing she needed support, Farkas' arms found their way around her slender waist, tightening his arms to bring her body closer to his. "Farkas he k-knew…"

"Shh," he whispered softly into her ear. "Just take your time."

But as usual with her stubborn, Nordic blood, she ignored his advice and quickly stated what Farkas needed to be told. "I've never told you Farkas…but Asta is…the name of my mother. Grevlin knew her, Farkas. He knew her. And he – he stated that he had wanted her, but didn't state how. But then he read my mind and knew of my father and claimed that my father saved my mother before Grevlin could transform her into a Vampire and make her his. And because I resemble her, he wanted to kill me simply because he couldn't have her." By the end, she had been speaking quickly, but once the last word fell from her lips, her cheeks were pink and her breathing ragged.

Too stunned to speak, Farkas simply held Serah as she cried onto his chest, her fingers grasping onto his tunic with all her might. Leaning his chin onto the top of her head, Farkas closed his eyes, imagining what was coursing through her mind at the moment. He couldn't believe everything she had been through. Granted, he and Vilkas had been trapped by mages when they were young and were rescued by Jergen, but Serah…he had always felt her situation was worse. But to see her heart broken after years of keeping feelings secretive about her parents come forth, split his own heart in two. From the moment she arrived at Jorrvaskr, she had always been a strong woman. She had always been one where she cried once her emotions became too much for her, but even then that was rare. Occasionally her eyes would leak one or two tears when her heart experienced something overly sensitive to a certain topic, but once something touched her heart that reminded her of the past she held, it became too much for Serah to keep in. After what seemed like an eternity had passed, Serah's breathing gradually began to diminish and slow down until she was breathing normally. Her tears, as well, had ceased to continue, her eyes red and blotchy. But in the moment, Farkas realized just why he had fallen for her all those years ago.

Her beauty stood out compared to all others; but it was the beauty she held within that he loved for she was unafraid to demonstrate her true self. She was unafraid to feel and to express what she was feeling. She laughed, she joked, and she fought with the strength of one-hundred men. In Farkas' mind, Serah was the epitome of what a Nord woman should be: beautiful, strong and capable of handling herself without a man – though bravely admitting when she needed a one by her side.

Looking down at the female in his arms, Farkas pulled her back and grasped her chin, forcing her eyes to look into his. Her crystalline eyes sparkled with an emotion he wasn't able to justify in the moment. "What makes you so afraid…?"

Briefly turning her gaze away from Farkas, she sighed then looked straight ahead into his torso. "Not afraid…it angers me that I had to discover information about my mother through a monster instead of hearing it with her voice and her words. It…saddens me that she's not here with me. Grevlin basically reminded me that I was abandoned and his words made it seem…" Serah refused to finish her sentence, a fresh set of tears forming on the bridge of her luscious lashes, but she continuously blinked them away.

Farkas blinked at her confession; although she didn't finish her statement, he, due to instinct and the very fact that he knew this woman from the inside and out, knew what she wanted to reveal. "You're more afraid of discovering whether your father worked harder to save your mother than yourself." Whipping her head upwards to face him, Serah stared at the Companion with wide, vulnerable eyes. But despite her vulnerability, she nodded in agreement. Holding her closer to his chest, Farkas kissed the top of her head and allowed his lips to linger longer than he thought necessary. "I know you've always been bothered by the thought of your parents. So how about we make a compromise…?"

Rubbing her eye, Serah questioned what Farkas was thinking. "What could this compromise be…?" But despite the current topic they were discussing, Serah was still able to produce a small smile on her lips which, in turn, allowed Farkas to produce a grin of his own. Though she smiled, her voice was quiet and still full of raw emotion.

"Anytime you feel the need to cry about any sudden thoughts of your parents, come find me and we'll go do something that'll remove such thoughts from your mind. We'll go hunting, fishing…hell, we'll even take a trip anywhere in Skyrim that you wish to see. I just…" Leaning forward, Farkas dropped his lips onto her temple, and then allowed then to drop to her cheek, finally able to kiss her the way she had the day they left a few days prior, though it was not fulfilling enough. "Your happiness means everything to me, Serah, and I would do anything to see you smile and forget what has happened in your past. If…you'll let me."

"Yes." Serah grinned from ear-to-ear, loving how she felt so loved in that moment; however, not knowing what that love specifically signified.

Grinning, Farkas lifted her into the air and twirled her around, as much as he could in the minimal amount of space that was provided. Her giggles echoed within his ear before he finally placed her feet back onto the ground. "So you're agreeing?"

"Bet compromise I've ever been a part of, Farkas. Of course I'd agree!" Leaning up onto her toes, she kissed his cheek once more, her lips landing right on the corner of his mouth. In that moment, Serah believed that would have to be the best she could give until she mustered enough courage to be able to do more. She opened her mouth to speak more, but a voice behind Farkas pulled their attention away from each other.

"Farkas, Serah, do you have a moment?" It was Kodlak, his smiling face brightened Serah's mood; she was glad to see her Harbinger again.

"Yes, Kodlak, what is it?" Farkas asked, his hand placed on the small of Serah's back as they both faced their Harbinger.

"I was just about to pull all the Circle together to initiate Aragon into the Companions. Is this a good time?" Kodlak's eyes landed on Serah and she quickly nodded. She recognized that she had spent too much time in her own self-pity that she forgot the rest of the duties of the Companions around her. Although Farkas' compromise was bittersweet and she was going to take up his offer, she felt guilty at the thought that she couldn't contain her emotions when she became overwhelmed at the thought of her parents.

"Of course it is Kodlak, we were just talking of the quest both Vilkas and I completed."

Looking into her blotchy eyes, Kodlak noted she had been crying and knew the reason; Vilkas had informed him of everything that happened. But seeing his goddaughter smiling with a genuine look on her face indicated Farkas had, indeed, taken care of the situation – just as he had always done. "Good, then we shall proceed with the initiation." Turning, Kodlak retrieved the rest of the Circle members from within Jorrvaskr while Farkas and Serah took their place in front of the training grounds, standing side-by-side to form a moon shape facing the mead hall. As everyone stood in their positions, Kodlak called Aragon, who stood in front of the Circle, his eyes lingering on Serah, who was looking between everyone else. Kodlak began the initiation, but needed to hear from Farkas who traveled with him on his trial.

"Brothers and sisters of the Circle, today we welcome a new soul into our mortal fold. This man has endured, has challenged, and has shown his valor. Who will speak for him?"

Farkas' voice boomed over the courtyard, sending a shiver down to the base of Serah's spine. How she would never tire of hearing that deep, gruff tone of his voice. "I stand witness to the courage of the soul before us."

"Would you raise you shield in his defense?"

"I would stand at his back, that the world might overtake us."

"And would you raise your sword in his honor?"

"It stands ready to meet the blood of his foes."

"And would you raise a mug in his name?"

"I would lead the song of triumph as our mead hall reveled in his stories."

Smiling, Kodlak's voice sounded with pride as he glanced down at Aragon, whose gaze still had not left that of Serah's. Her gaze landed on his and a slight blush covered the tip of her cheeks. "Then the judgement of this Circle is complete. His heart beats with fury and courage that have united the Companions since the days of the distant green summers. Let it beat with ours, that the mountains may echo and our enemies may tremble at the call."

Aragon simply nodded his head while Farkas, Vilkas and Serah clapped in celebration, the female jumping up and down as she ran into the newest Companions arms to congratulate and welcome him into their home. The twins walked up to his side as well and offered to buy him a drink down at the Bannered Mare, which he gratefully accepted. Drinking and talking well into the night, the four Companions eventually made their way back into Jorrvaskr, slightly stumbling down into the living quarters; Aragon crashed into one of the new whelps' cot, Vilkas headed straight towards his room, and Farkas had his arms snaked around Serah's waist, holding her upright.

She didn't drink as much as the three men, but her mental and emotional state was wrecked after the quest she had just completed. Tired beyond belief, Farkas eventually picked up the female bridal style and carried her into her room and gently set her onto the bed. "Farkas…" she mumbled. "Help me take off my armor…"

Smiling at her sleepiness, Farkas carefully unwrapped her steel armor, the buckles giving way as the pieces eventually fell off her body and dropped onto the floor. When she was just left in her trousers and tunic, Serah snuggled into Farkas' chest, suddenly not wanting to be alone. The morning would probably be awkward, but in that moment, she simply wanted to fall asleep knowing she was fully protected within the gentle embracement of his arms. Tugging on his sleeve, she tiredly began undoing his armor, but Farkas took over when her hands continue to slip off the cool metal. Placing his set against hers, Farkas knew what she wanted and laid himself down onto the bed, Serah hurriedly snuggled into his chest once more, her breathing growing deeper and softer and within a few minutes, she was far off into the land of dreams.

Pulling the furs over their tired bodies, Farkas attempted to close his eyes, but to no prevail was he able to sleep knowing that he was in the same bed as the same woman whom he loved. As his hand trailed through her silky, raven locks, he studied the contours of her face; the way her cheeks were still slightly pink from the mead, the way her small braid that fell alongside her face manage to tickle his nose, and her lips… Oh those luscious lips that he had been constantly thinking of for the last ten summers. How he wanted to capture those lips with his own to bite, suck and nibble until she begged for more. Tilting his head down, Farkas took a deep breath and placed his begging lips onto hers; the kiss was soft and sweet, nothing to passionate that would wake Serah, but just enough for Farkas to understand that he had just screwed himself over. Once he pulled back, one hand immediately traced the bulge in his pants and questioned what the hell he should do. Embracing his current hard-on, Farkas only pulled Serah closer, not caring if she woke and realized his current situation; just wanting her to know that she was the most beautiful woman in all of Skyrim. Forcing his eyes to remain shut, the male Companion had one thought ran through his mind:

She needs to know…

~ oOo ~

A HUGE thank you to everybody who has been waiting for this next chapter, it really means a lot for all those who have read my story. Also, who's excited for the Special Edition coming out later this month? I'm stoked!

Until next time yall!

Chocobocolina :3