Chapter 13

A Moment to Fear, A Moment to Love

A/N: I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! This chapter should not have taken as long as it did, but every time I looked at my computer my mind came up blank, complete writer's block. It's a bit shorter than I planned but the next chapter will make up for it (I'm hoping).

For all my readers, thank you for your patience, I greatly appreciate it. This chapter is something I think you've been waiting, so please enjoy!

Also, I was rereading previous chapters and realized that I never stated that Aragorn's name does not belong to me. Obviously the name is from LOTR, but I borrowed the name from my husband's Skyrim file. A BIT late I know, but I still wanted it our there.

Disclaimer: I don't own Skyrim – Just Serah.

~ oOo ~

Sleep did not come easy for Serah of the Companions.

The female warrior tossed and turned within her bed, growing cold and covered her skin with furs, then grew increasingly hot to shove the blankets off her sweaty figure. The dreams she was able to have from minimal sleep were filled with the memory of her lips touching Farkas', kissing one another until they broke apart; each one the same, playing on repeat over and over. Even after several hours, Serah had no idea what it meant. Did this mean Farkas reciprocated her feelings? Was it simply a reaction based on the moment in time? Why, why, why?

Overcome with endless questions and contemplating the situation, Serah was finally able shut her eyes for sleep just before the sun was to rise over The Throat of the World to the East.

By the time she was finally able to rise from bed, her door was being knocked on and Farkas' voice echoed through her room. "Serah…? I've been awake for some time. Let me know when you're ready." Continuing to lay within the warmth of her bed, Serah did nothing but stare at her door. Taking a deep breath, she threw the furs off and stood, reaching for a cloth by the water basin, removing the clamminess around her face. Grabbing her armor, she dressed as quickly as she could before grabbing her pack by the door and leaving.

Both doors to the twin's bedrooms were opened, but the bothers were speaking at the small bar in Farkas' room, turning their heads as they heard Serah behind them. Smiling weakly, she said, "Good morning," before taking a seat on a spare stool.

"Good morning Serah. Did you sleep alright?" Vilkas turned in her direction, noticing the slight bags under her eyes, and she shook her head in response. "Are you well enough to leave today? What would hurt if you took today to rest and leave tomorrow morning?"

"No," she stated firmly, a little too much venom attached to her words. "Ugh…sorry, I'm a little grouchy."

"A little?" Farkas laughed.

Peering up at the bulky man, Serah grinned, the beat of her heart, once again, skyrocketing. The image of the previous night that plagued her mind all throughout her dreams pushed forth so she could see what happened between her and her favorite twin. Despite how she felt before, Serah suddenly wished they were alone so she could place her lips upon his once more. "Careful what you say, Farkas. You're the one who has to travel with me for the next few days."

"Sounds like a challenge, little one." Vilkas laughed into his mead at the change in Serah's features; she growled, but couldn't resist to turn her lips upwards.

"Alright you two. Since Serah's wanting to leave today, you might want to get a head start."

"What time is it?"

"It's still dark outside, but the sun should rise fairly soon." Sighing, the female jumped off the stool and stretched her back. The heaviness of her armor felt bulky and uncomfortable; she'd trained with both light and heavy armor, but noted how she desired something that fit in the middle. She had been considering the thought of changing her armor for some time, but to what? She'd been wearing her mismatched heavy armor for years, but with the journey she was about to embark. Shaking her head to ignore this thought, Serah grabbed her pack from the floor, glancing up at Farkas who had moved around from behind the bar, his hands reaching for his own pack as well. His voice resonated within her ears before she could speak. "It's now or never; ready to get going?"

"Yeah…" Inhaling a large breath, Serah released it slowly, turning towards Vilkas. Following his brother and the woman he considered his sister, the three Companions walked through the sleeping quarters of Jorrvaskr towards the main hall where no one was visible, every resident was still asleep. Exiting the building, the crickets chirped into the cold, frigid air as they made their way towards the stables, passing the occasional soldier who nodded in their direction. The entire city of Whiterun was still within the warm confines its bed, resting until the morning sun called the Nords to their daily duties.

Once at the stable, Farkas and Serah quickly saddled their individual horses before turning towards the Companion who would not be joining them. Serah embraced the Vilkas tightly, knowing she would return, but unaware of the circumstances to which she would return. The better question was, would she even return?

How would she return?

The twins clapped the other on the back and then embraced, Vilkas whispering into his brother's ear before letting go. Hoisting herself up after giving the man a brief hug, Serah knowing she'd breakdown if she lingered, looked one last time at Vilkas, her voice soft, but was tinged with fear and uncertainty. "Vilkas, thank you for the help you've given these last two weeks. Thank you so much."

"I would've done it regardless Serah, you know that."

The smile she offered was as sincere as she could provide, but Vilkas knew what was haunting her mind. "We'll send a courier if our direction has changed."

"You better!" The older twin stated, taking a few steps back as they nudged the horses from their stalls. Waving one last time, Serah urged Star forward with Farkas right on her tail; Vilkas walked around the stables, watching his twin and sister until they were no longer in sight, galloping on towards Riften. The male Companion questioned what they would find, or if they would find anything at all.

By the nine, keep them safe, the male Nord pleaded.

~ oOo ~

Riding through Whitrun Hold, Serah was able to keep her head focused, watching their stride and all the individuals they met along the way. There were several bystanders making their way towards the city, common travelers, Imperial Soldiers and several bandits near the Valtheim Towers, but the Companions smoothly passed by on their steeds, the attention of the bandit seeking gold coin avoided the two completely. Farkas attempted in making small talk with Serah, but the female was deep in thought, her mind wandering aimlessly, struggling to complete a puzzle where the pieces had been scattered.

First, there was the Dark Brotherhood.

Second, there was the mystery regarding her parents.

Third, was the ordeal of traveling to Riften, in order to search for someone, and something, she knew nothing about.

And lastly, was Farkas – and their kiss.

The following morning, the two Companions found themselves astride their steeds headed east, their destination near Kynesgrove where they would travel south.

Their days were spent on the back of their horses, though occasionally, Serah and Farkas would walk a good distance, giving their legs, and their steeds, a definitive break. The two Companions found themselves headed east, their destination new Kynesgrove where they would change direction and travel south. Tension grew between the two Companions, it was silently boiling, but neither knew what should be done. One wanted to discuss the night before while the other wanted to forget the memory, too afraid to know the truth. By the time they made camp the first night after leaving Whiterun, neither had said a word to the other all day. Eating freshly caught rabbit by the burning fire led the female to open her mouth and begin a conversation.

The content wasn't focused on the previous night and Farkas ignored the subject.

The second day of traveling was brighter, as the two warriors conversed all day, a complete turnaround from the previous day, straight through the afternoon and into the evening as they made camp. Male and female struggled, each knew the other was thinking about the kiss and what it meant. Mouths opened, words lingering on their tongues, but fear inevitably kept the truth hidden. Farkas was nervous to push Serah away, and Serah was scared to lose her friendship with Farkas.

Sleeping in their tent that night, sleep evaded the female as she continuously stared at the thick fabric ceiling. Farkas' gentle snore waivered through the crisp night, causing Serah to roll onto her side, hand reaching towards the friendly beast of a man. Her heartbeat increased, thumping into her fingers as she ran them down his arm, caressing thick muscles and taut skin that had been strengthened to perfection.

Biting her lips to close, refusing any sound to be released, Serah withheld a groan, fingers training to uncover more manly terrain that was Farkas the Companion. Swallowing, Serah's face grew hot, chest rising and falling; but the warmth of her face was nothing compared to the flush increasing amongst her lower core.

"Ugh…" Quickly removing herself, Serah watched Farkas roll in his sleep towards her. His steely blue eyes lifted instantly, finding hers in the darkness of the enclosed tent. "Serah?" he asked slowly, rubbing one eye, ridding it of all tiredness, whatever small amount his beastblood allowed. "W-What're you still doing up? Can't sleep?"

Nodding, she answered softly, finding it difficult to speak when his voice was thick and hoarse, adding fire to the fuel of her desire for the man. "I tried, but sleep keeps eluding me." Shuffling in his bedroll, Farkas scooted his large body closer to the female, muscular arms reaching around her frame, pulling Serah against his chest. "F-Farkas!" she said meekly, her voice barely audible as she instantly curled within his body without question.

"I know, Serah, I know. But you need to get some sleep and this helps, right?" Nodding in agreement, she moved in closer to his warmth; an arm encased her smaller frame, pulling her even closer to his tunic covered chest.

Eyelids fluttering before finally closed, Serah inhaled deeply. Farkas was the only scent upon her senses. Mountain pine, dirt, sweat, and an overall manly musk soothed the Companion where the realm of sleep was nigh upon her physical being. He's so warm, Serah thought, moving her head until it lay in between the crook of the man's neck. Our kiss, however brief, was still sweet. Then why am I shying away from the man that I love most?

"Farkas…I am sorry," were her last words before the land of dreams consumed her tired mind.

Once morning rose over the horizon, Serah woke to find herself alone within the tent, covered with her bedroll. Rubbing any sleep from her eyes, she stood, stepping out into the cool morning, a small fire was burning accompanied by Farkas, still dressed in his trousers. His hands were busy digging through their packs to make breakfast; when Serah stepped forward, his head moved in her direction.

"Well, good morning," Farkas laughed, unwrapping bread and cheese from linen. "Were you able to get any sleep?"

Claiming the seat beside the male, she muttered thank you when he handed her portions of their morning mela. Taking a bite and swallowing, she finally answered. "Yes, once I finally fell asleep, I was able to stay asleep."

Chuckling very softly, an odd occurrence for the man, muttered, "I am very glad to hear that, Serah."

Silence once more fell upon them, giving Serah the uncontrollable desire to scream in frustration. For everything she and Farkas experienced together since she arrived at Jorrvaskr all those years ago, there had never been an instance such as this. Silence was common between the two Companions, but not to this degree of uncomfortable tension. Instead, of screaming, Serah bumped her shoulder against his, gaining Farkas' attention as he ate his meal. "It's all thanks to you, ya know."

"Huh, is that right…"

Inhaling and releasing a deep breath, Serah grasped the man's thick shoulder, wanting his direct attention to be on her. Icy-gray eyes sought hers and Serah could see the confusion reflected in his eyes from her own. "Farkas? I'm…I'm sorry I've been distant since we left Whiterun. I'm so, so sorry! Just, you…and that night…I-I…"

"Shh, hey, hey it's alright, Serah." Curling her into his arms, she exhaled a sob, her fingers digging into his tunic. The male Companion ran his hands up and down the length of her back. He'd been battling his brain since they left, but still, the male had no idea what was to be said. The kiss they shared was heavenly and Farkas knew he wanted to press his lips against hers again and again. Pulling Serah away at arm's length, the male stated sweetly, "Please, I am not upset with you. I'm the one who should apologize, I had no right to do that without your permission."

"But…Farkas, what if…w-what if you already had my permission…?" Gasping at her own words, Serah removed herself from his grasp, a hand covering her mouth in denial, fearing she stated the truth aloud.

By all the nine and the souls in Sovngarde., Serah! It IS the truth!

Beside her, Farkas removed her hand, holding the delicate softness of her skin within his own. Kneeling in front of her gaze, the man cradled her face, searching within her beautiful emerald eyes. "What are you…Serah?"

"I…I…" Serah mumbled, not quite sure what she should say. Instead, she mimicked her favorite twin and his actions; leaning forward, she firmly pressed her lips against his, surprising both herself and the male. Not wasting a second of the unexpected surprise, Farkas grasped the back of her neck, molding their lips together into one.

No, no…STOP!

Shaking her head, Serah pulled his hands away and rushed to her feet, instantly muttering one apology after another. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry…!"

"Woah, woah, Serah!" Jumping to his feet, Farkas grabbed her shoulders, holding the woman at arm's length, tilting his head down to see straight into her moist eyes. "Please, no apologies."

"But, I…!"

"Serah," Farkas calmly stated, gently stroking her hair away from the most beautiful face in all of Skyrim. "You don't need to explain yourself."

"No, Farkas please…"

"Listen to me, little one," placing his forehead down against hers, the man breathed in and out, the female soon following his actions, calming herself down. Farkas' long hair wisped against Serah's chin as she closed her eyes, soaking in the feeling. Once her breath was steady, Serah looked up into icy-gray orbs. "Whether you know what's going on or not, I understand. I'm not wanting an explanation of any kind. So how 'bout this…how about we pack up camp and continue on with your day? Eh?" Not trusting her words, the female simply nodded, moving around their camp to safely secure their gear and belongings. It didn't take the two Companions long before they were sitting upon their steeds, making headway towards Riften.

Stealing glimpses of the male in his heavy armor, Serah fought internally to understand his words. What is it he understands if I have no idea what's going on?

Stashing the memory of that morning into the back of her mind, Serah focused on the remainder of their journey as they closed in on Riften several hours later. Neither took a break unless needed as they rode straight on through, passing numerous caves and fortresses while battling bears, more bandits and the occasional Spriggan. The day had passed fairly quickly, and by the time she and Farkas passed Fort Greenwall, the male pulled his steed to a stop.

Halting her own horse, Serah asked, "What's wrong? Aren't we just upon Riften?"

"Yes, about another hour or so. But I'd rather not enter the city once the sun has set and night has fallen. Riften is home to the Thieves Guild, after all."

"Fair point…" Glancing around, she then asked, "Where should we make camp?"

"That direction," Farkas noted towards the base of the mountain. "We'll make camp there; I can hear a stream, that'll be good since we're running low on fresh water."

"Sometimes, your wolf senses do come in handy," Serah chuckled, making light of the tension still lingering in the air. Or was she imaging all of it?

"Some use is better than no use, I suppose." Moving off the main road, Farkas guided his horse towards a secluded alcove, not far from the stream he could still here in the distance. Luckily, the ground was free of any kills or droppings; there was a good chance they would not be disturbed by any wild animals during their short stay. Relieving his steed of their equipment, his mount set towards eating what grass could be found along with Star, as Serah began constructing their tent. Their heads would be protected by the rock alcove but the safety of a tent eased Serah just a smidgen.

Once camp was neatly arranged and Farkas began establishing a fire, Serah grabbed a small leather bag within her pack and walked close to the beast of a handsome man. "Farkas…? The stream you mentioned earlier, which direction is it?"

Standing tall, Farkas turned and peered into the thinned trees surrounding their location before pointing south. "Just up ahead, it'll take not even a few minutes to reach the stream. Why?"

"I would like to bathe before the sun sets to quickly," she breathed, attempting to avoid his lingering gaze, despite the burning desire to admire the man. Releasing a heavy breath, the man nodded, watching her form as she walked away, sparing a glance here and there before she finally left the vicinity of camp. Reaching the stream quickly, Serah was surprised to see the water calm and fairly deep; peering around to ensure she was alone, the female swiftly stripped her armor and underclothes, testing the waters with her toe before fully sheathing her body with the cool liquid. Today was such a day she was thankful for her Nordic blood as it granted her a resistance against the cold and she was able to dunk her entire body and hair without as much as a shiver.

It took the lady not long to wash her long locks and body, but the Companion stood in the water, watching as it lapped against her skin while the sun gradually set. Serah knew Farkas wouldn't want her gone long, not knowing who, or what, was concealed in the wilderness, but the woman was frozen in place, neither the weather nor water kept her so. The woman ached, muscles tense and tired from the journey thus far. But while Serah's hands massaged over the tender section of her joints, the remaining aches turned to a desperate heat; heat into desire; and desire thus blossomed into lust as her fingers probed over her taught nipples, mind completely overrun of images of Farkas the Companion.

Farkas training till sweat dripped from his brow.

Farkas working around the city with no shirt.

Farkas heartily drinking with the other Companions.

Farkas's gentle smile as he gazed in her direction.

With a growl admitted from her lips, Serah rolled her head back, vaguely unaware of her surroundings, forgoing the warrior within and succumbing to the woman, needing to feel, needing to be loved. Tightening and pulling her nipples, Serah moaned, continuing this motion for several moments as one hand trailed over her stomach, dipping past the surface of the water and trailed down her thigh. All she felt, all she saw, was Farkas the Companion; the night he kissed her and earlier that morning repeated behind her eyes, reveling in the throes of passion, ignited by the thought Farkas could be in love with her.

Just as her fingers parted her womanly hips, Serah choked on her breath, "Oh, Farkas…"

"Yes, my love?"

Screeching into the night, Serah turned within the thickness of the water, fist held high in preparation to attack the culprit who dare snuck behind her. How had she become so lost in her thoughts she'd neglected the initial instinct to detect those around her location? But as her raised fist lingered in the air, Serah realized the perpetrator she was about to fight was none other than Farkas. In all his glory, here stood the man in naught but the skin he bore, water billowing against his muscled hips, the water level dangerously low against his manly region.

Blinking in retrospect, Serah realized her stance, chest bare to the man as she screeched once more, covering her exposed breasts with his arms, face burning with embarrassment as she attempted in meeting the man's eyes. By the nine, all she could see was how generous the gods had been to Farkas the Companion. His chiseled abdomen, the bountiful amount of hair tracing a path down his chest, ever reaching the distinction between his legs. Here was the epitome of a god standing before her and all she had to do was ask.

But her mouth wouldn't even open.

Rosy lips parted but all that was released was a breathy intake, causing the female to squirm, the throb between her legs ever growing, ever wanting to burst. Retreating, Serah turned her back on the male, ashamed she couldn't admit what she truly desired. The mere thought of desire bloomed and Serah could do nothing but refrain from moaning, the sound caught in her throat.

All this time, Farkas had not said a word, staring at the delicate beauty before him. The male knew he'd catch her off guard, her attention preoccupied; and with being part werewolf, Farkas knew the reasoning. From camp, he could smell a sweet aroma, enticing, and delectable just from his nose, and knew exactly of its origins. Farkas followed the aroma to find Serah, intimately pleasing herself, the smell intensifying by the second. So, what did the beast of a man do? Stripped his clothing and entered the water; Serah's essence was calling the man, enticing his werewolf within to pleasure the woman he'd been wanting to lay claim.

Watching the female turn her back to him, Farkas chuckled at her antics, taking a few steps forward until her back was firm against his front. Serah stiffened but her body immediately relaxed, succumbing to his presence and the way her instincts growled in defiance for her lack of action, moving on their own accord. The Companion followed along, satisfaction flowing through her veins, knowing she needed his touch, that this was the closest the two had ever been physically. Swallowing the fear creeping up her throat, Serah angled her head slightly, mouth open as she whispered, "Farkas…?"

Leaning down, lips against her ear as his breath heated the skin upon her neck, he answered, "Yes, Serah?"

"Please…touch me."

The growl which emanated from Farkas' chest, animalistic even in his human form, was just enough to scare away the threat of any carnivorous animals. Grasping her shoulders with a delicate touch, Farkas gently traced her skin, running his fingers up and down the length of her arms, gradually moving as one hand traced her stomach while the other tilted her head, his lips lingering on the junction between her neck and shoulder.

The moan previously stuck in Serah's throat escaped, leaning her head back against Farkas' shoulder. His breath heated her skin as his fingers skimmed across her skin, igniting goosebumps and tingles as Serah felt her body ease into a state of calmness, breath hitching, lips opening wider the further Farkas traveled south. In the moment his fingers passed the apex of her thighs straight towards her womanhood, Serah gritted her teeth and groaned, her mind questioning what she was doing, was this right for her to do, and why hadn't she done so earlier?

"Oh, Serah…" Farkas moaned into her ear, gently nipping her neck before turning her head and crashing his lips against hers. Even standing in the cold stream, the male Companion could easily slip his finger between the female's wet holds, her natural slickness scorching, allowing his finger to brush against her swollen clit before sinking further. Knowing she was a maiden, Farkas was careful as he slowly submerged his thick finger into her seeping hole, earning a pained whimper before Serah's strained voice turned into a sigh. Hips moving in time with his hand, Serah couldn't believe the current situation.

She was naked; Farkas was naked.

And he was currently bringing her to an orgasm she'd never experienced with her own digits.

Biting her lips, Serah moaned, "F-Farkas…gods, don't stop!"

"I hadn't planned on it, my love." Removing his finger and rubbing her clit, Farkas knew the woman was close. Her breath hitched a higher octave, legs were trembling, and her heat increased tenfold. One hand pinched and rubbed her nipple, the other massaged her pearl, while his lips captured her lips once more. Switching the pad of his index finger from rubbing up and down to moving in circles, Serah pulled her face from Farkas' lips as she screamed into the glorious evening sky. Thighs clenched around the male's hand, body bent forward as her muscles stiffened and spasmed; Farkas could feel her womanhood convulse as he tenderly kissed her temple, muttering words of comfort and love as she floated back to Skyrim from her intense orgasmic high.

When the woman was able to catch her breath, Serah opened her eyes, hand reaching upwards to caress his face as she murmured into his chest, "Farkas…Thank you…"

Kissing her temple, the man could only smile at her beauty. "Anything for you, my little Serah, anything." Turning fully, she stood on her tip toes and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling the man down for a kiss. But the moment their lips touched, Farkas promptly pulled back before clutching Serah's smaller frame to his, pulling their bodies into the water, hands protectively wrapped around her waist, hiding her from the world to see. Questioning what was wrong, Farkas narrowed his eyes off into the distance, but before she could ask, Serah's ears perked, realizing the male's heightened senses was able to catch what she could not.

"Catch the thief!"

"Stop! You are under arrest!"

"Don't lose sight of him men! We need to bring him back to Riften for questioning!"

Several males screamed, their voices echoing closer to their position, but as they remained still, Serah could hear the voices becoming distant, that Farkas wasn't sure if there truly would be perpetrators enjoying their intimate state of affairs. When his werewolf senses dictated it was safe and the men were far enough away from their position and their camp, Farkas stood, pulling Serah with him as he trailed his eyes over hers.

"What do we do now?"

Serah's question lingered in the air, and with it, her peaked arousal, to which Farkas understood the underlining meaning of her question. Brushing away wet strands of hair behind her ear, Farkas answered with, "For now, we dry off and return to camp, eat and then sleep. We have a long day tomorrow."

As he stepped towards the shore, Serah's smaller hand grasped Farkas' wrist, pinning him in place. "Farkas…but, you…don't you…? Did I…?" The moisture of her eyes grew as Serah retracted backwards, hand moving to her cheeks, waiting for the tears to fall. Her heightened sensitivity was a cause of concern for the female; she was scared.

But as always, Farkas was there to save the day.

"Little one…I know what of you speak." Cradling her cheeks, the male kissed her forehead.

"Don't you want me, Farkas?" Serah quickly asked, fearful of the answer.

Her question caused the man to groan in arousal. "Oh Serah, you don't know how much I want you. But you deserve to be treated like a Queen, with a bed beneath your glorious body and four walls surrounding us. I do not want anyone to see while I make love to you."

"Farkas," she breathed.

Kissing her lips, Farkas said, "Come. We may be Nords, but even Nords succumb to the cold." Serah stepped to the shore and watched as Farkas kept his back towards her, allowing the woman a sense of privacy, despite their previous moment of intimacy; he wanted to treat her with respect until they finally bedded each other. Smiling at the man, Serah quickly dried with a spare cloth from her pack and threw her trousers and tunic on before calling for Farkas. She returned the same consideration and closed her eyes while he dressed. By the time they returned to camp, both could hear their stomachs growling and consumed their cooked rabbit by the fire before retiring to their tent for the evening.

Serah was asleep the moment she lay against her bedroll. Farkas leaned against his elbow as he observed the woman before him, heart beating erratically knowing he was close to finally opening up to Serah, proclaiming his love for her and the desire to be by her side. Grasping his pack from behind, Farkas reached into a hidden pocket from within and retrieved the metal trinket that had been within his possession for some time.

The Amulet of Mara glistened in his sight, vision enhanced from the werewolf inside.

Soon, my little Serah. Soon you will learn that you have always been loved, and will always be loved.

~ oOo ~

HazelAngel77: To answer question, I see Farkas and Vilkas as being around twenty-seven with Serah being twenty-two. I hope this answers your question and let me know if you have more!

Reviews help me to work on writing the next chapters. So if you like where this is going, let me know and I'll be able to get the next chapter out.

Chocobocolina :3