The ground beneath their feet was shaking. The spectral stampede outside roared and howled and screeched, as did the daedra being banished.
And yet Mori's shriek was all Vilkas could focus on.
The xivilai looked at him as the lightning died out. Mori went limp. The xivilai dropped her body on the ground with a scoff. "Weakling."
Ignoring his own pain, Vilkas charged. He dodged the warhammer. Two slashes of his blade deepend an already open wound on the monster's leg, making bright blood gush out.
Heat surged behind him. Vilkas ran under the xivilai's arm, swirling around his body to use him as a shield. The torrent of flame splashed against the xivilai, making only a few errant flames reach Vilkas, leaving black stains on his armor.
But that was all they did.
Good thing Nevras' ring is working.
Farkas rushed in, using the xivilai's outrage. He hacked at his arm, making an opening.
Vilkas stabbed the monster in the back. Using all his strength, he pushed the longsword as far as possible.
The xivilai roared in pain.
Vilkas twisted the blade and tore it out. He stepped back, avoiding an arm swat.
Farkas stepped in. As the xivilai withdrew towards Vilkas, Farkas hacked down at the already wounded part of the monster's arm. The xivilai screamed as the axe got stuck in his bone.
Farkas ripped it out and hacked it again.
The clawed hand holding the warhammer dropped to the ground.
Vilkas stabbed again, this time through the ribcage. The blade went out on the other end. He twisted and withdrew.
The xivilai toppled to the ground, still alive but rapidly bleeding out.
The twins turned to the reptilian monstrosity.
Bolts were sticking out of its snout. The portal, flickering and growing more and more unstable, started constricting against its neck.
Siga was reloading her crossbow. Nevras, visibly sweating, was holding a spell and fighting the monstrosity over the control of the portal.
The twins moved forward.
Before they could join in, Nevras wrestled the spell in his favour. With a grunt, he pulled his hands together. The portal closed, cutting the scaly head and clawed hands off.
The pieces fell on the floor with a meaty thud.
Vilkas let go of his sword. He ran over to Mori's unmoving form, dropping to the ground and pulling her up in his arms.
She's breathing.
Thank the gods, she's breathing.
"Let me look," Nevras, both voice and hands shaking, crouched next to him. Vilkas moved a little, allowing Nevras to reach over.
His hands lit up with gentle golden light.
"There's some damage from the lightning," the elf mumbled. "I'll repair that..." he made several gestures. The light poured from him to Mori, spreading through her body. "...aaaand that should be about it. Now we need to let her rest."
Vilkas looked outside. The shield had thinned down to a see-through barrier by now and the area behind it was eerily empty.
The others plopped on the ground after making sure there was nothing hostile in the vicinity. Everyone's breaths were heavy.
"Anyone wounded?" Nevras groaned after a little bit of rest. "I didn't really use up my magicka, so I can heal."
"Just bruises," Vilkas grumbled.
"Yep," Farkas seconded. "You should keep the juice. What if we run into something on the way down?" He got up. "By the way, where is the shard? We should grab it in case we need to leave quickly."
Nevras looked at the device. "Over there."
"In the pile of rubble?"
"Apparently."
Farkas went over to look through the rubble.
Siga looked at Mori, scooped up in Vilkas' embrace. "So much power in such a little body."
Nevras followed her gaze. "Yea, Grim. What on Nirn is she? I felt that magicka. It almost tore me apart. The banishing runes were supposed to just cleanse the area here, not run down the whole mountain." He scratched the tip of his ear. "Which reminds me, we should probably go soon. There might be patrols from the fort down in Stonefalls running our way now."
Vilkas turned Mori a little, making sure her tattooed arm was hidden. "She's a Reach witch. You know that."
"That's not normal," Nevras looked into Vilkas' eyes. "The witches can be powerful, I'll give you that, but...not like this. Not without a whole damn ritual site built up over time. They need reagents for most of their spells, damnit, that's the advantage of a studied mage over a hedge witch."
"Don't push it."
"I found it!" Farkas called out.
"I'll go check," Siga got up, leaving Nevras and Vilkas to stare each other down.
"I don't know magic," Vilkas said after she left, "I just know that is how Mori is. Don't poke your nose more."
"Getting a tad protective, are we?" Nevras grinned mirthlessly. "What are you scared of? She could probably throw the whole College into the Sea of Ghosts if she wanted."
"I'm scared of mages," Vilkas hissed. "The ones who rip souls out of people and condemn them to black stones."
Nevras backed off a little. "That's oddly specific. How do you know about the black-"
"Don't ask," Vilkas' tone and disposition dropped below freezing.
Nevras narrowed his eyes, but, for once, didn't push. He got up. "She's one of the Daughters Three, isn't she? That's why you were so interested in the legend." His expression softened. "Don't worry. I won't go running my mouth anywhere. But just so you know - that amount of power is going to get noticed, whether you want it or not."
He patted Vilkas on the shoulder and went to look at the shard of Wuuthrad as well.
Vilkas remained alone on the ground. He hugged Mori closer to himself, sighing.
XXX
"My back hurts," Farkas complained.
"If you hadn't gone in so recklessly, the thing wouldn't have grabbed you and then dropped you on the ground like that," Vilkas gave him a look.
"Let's look at the dead cultists, you will be able to rest," Nevras crouched by the bodies. "Whoof, the brains stink so badly already!"
Farkas put Siga down. He had offered to carry her when she couldn't walk. She patted him on the arm as he stretched.
Vilkas put Mori down and stretched himself. "Have one," he took out his ever-present pack of candy and offered it to Farkas.
"No need to tell me twice," Farkas grinned and grabbed two pieces.
Vilkas shook his head, but didn't protest. He took one piece as well. Then he reached out to Siga, eyebrow raised questioningly.
"Oh, thank you. Wait, are these Winterhold Frosties?" her eyes widened after she smelled the piece she took.
Nevras, having already stripped one corpse, looked up. "You actually made them? Color me impressed."
Vilkas offered the bag to him as well. Reluctantly.
"Aw, you do care," Nevras smiled, this time genuinely. "Thanks," he popped the candy in his mouth.
"Anything interesting?" Vilkas asked as he sat down next to Mori. When she didn't stir at the smell of the sweets, disappointment surged through him.
"Some nice robes, good enchantable value, once washed," Nevras continued his looting. "Alchemy packs...few soul gems...a-ha, an ebony dagger, and three steel ones, dunmeri style..."
"Are we going to skin these buggers too?" Farkas looked at the dead scamps. He had cut and carried the heads and claws from both the xivilai and daedroth, and as they walked down, the others put more daedra parts on the pile from the dead bodies they took care of during the ascent.
"The skin is super expensive," Nevras commented. "If Grim can do it quickly, you should get it."
Vilkas groaned, but got up and took out his skinning knife.
XXX
"Do you think the horses will wake up?" Siga commented over Farkas' shoulder.
"I hope so. We ought to get at least a little distance away," Nevras grimaced.
"Couldn't you break the spell?"
"I could try, but given what I've seen of her magic, it would take a long while for me to figure out."
"I think...the spell broke because she's near," Vilkas called out. He had left the others to debate and went to have a look. The moment he, and Mori in his arms, approached, the purple glow dissipated and the animals began to wake.
"Awesome. Let's go, then," Nevras hurried towards the horses.
XXX
They finally made camp.
Vilkas would never admit to it, but he was glad. The fight with the xivilai was draining, his bruises hurt and he needed sleep.
He still offered to take the first watch.
Nevras didn't even comment. What was he so afraid of? Even if there was a unit of Dunmer coming, they wouldn't go too deep into Skyrim's territory. Or maybe it wasn't an official unit he was worried about.
Well, they haven't made fire, so it ought to be good.
At the end of his watch, he caught sight of someone. He stayed still, following the movements with his eyes. The intruder moved around, clearly looking for something, but had to give up in the end.
Farkas rose next to him once the person down the slope left their surroundings. "Who do you think that was?"
"Someone Nevras is afraid of," Vilkas answered in the same hushed tone. "But who knows what kind of shit he had stirred over the border."
"I'll be on the lookout. Go get some sleep."
Vilkas nodded, slinking back to their camp. He curled in with Mori under the same blanket, mindful not to lie on the bruised side of his ribs. Some time after he closed his eyes, she shifted.
"Vilkas?" a weak voice pulled him from the coming slumber.
"It's me, we're safe, don't worry."
"That's good," she nuzzled against him and immediately fell back asleep.
Smiling, Vilkas soon followed.
XXX
"Are you going to stay human?" Siga asked Mori the following morning.
"I don't know..."
"I washed and dried this fancy thing," Nevras leaned in, holding a set of robes - a breezy red under robe and a considerably heavier blue outer robe.
"But there are no extra horses-"
"Oh I'm sure our resident grouch will be ecstatic to share his with you," Nevras made a sly face. He shook the clothes and wiggled his eyebrows.
"Are you convincing me to get more information out of me?" Mori frowned at him.
Nevras shrugged. "Maybe."
"I would like to ask some questions too, if you wouldn't mind," Siga piped up. "About Lakeview and your sister. I would like to go for a visit on the way back."
Mori was hesitating. But then her eyes darted to Vilkas preparing the horses together with Farkas.
"Well...alright. I...I do need to get used to this body. And I need to return the cloak to Vilkas..."
Nevras gave her the robes. "You girls go change."
XXX
Mori sat in front of Vilkas. One of his arms was wrapped around her waist and she could lean all she wanted on him.
That was worth all the annoying questions from Nevras.
XXX
"How about we take the boat?" Siga turned to the group. "There's one leaving soon and they still have space. We could cross Lake Honrich much faster."
"I've never been on a boat," Mori shrunk a little.
"It's nothing scary," Siga reassured her. "There's one that takes horses too, come have a look."
While Mori followed after her, a strange scent caught her attention. She mostly smelled fish, but among that smell, a sickening sweetness lingered, sickening to a point it would turn bitter.
She steered off course a little, curious what it might be.
The source of the smell was...a lizard lady. Argonian? That was what Falco would call them.
She made a mental note to ask Falco about the smell. It didn't seem too natural. It actually made her stomach turn. And her head lighter.
She shivered. Turning away, she ran after Siga.
XXX
Siga and Nevras sat aside, probably scheming something. Farkas moved about the ship, humming to himself.
Mori sat with Vilkas by the side. His complexion turned rather grey once the ship set sail over the lake.
Them and their horses were the only passengers. Cargo took the rest of the free space.
"You're sick, aren't you," Mori touched his hand.
"No..."
"You don't sound too convinced," she grimaced.
"I'll be fine once-once I get used to it..."
Mori clicked her tongue. She reached for her satchel and looked through its contents. In the end, she pulled a paper bag out, not too different from the one Vilkas carried his sweets in.
"Here, try these," she picked a piece of dried root out.
"I don't think I can eat anything..."
"Try this, trust me. It's dried ginger with just a dash of honey to make it more palatable. I used to eat it before flying, because it made me feel dizzy and a little sick too."
He still didn't look convinced.
"If it doesn't help, how about I put you to sleep with a spell?"
"I'll try it," he grumbled and grabbed the piece. "Hm, at least it tastes good."
Mori smiled.
After a while, Vilkas sighed. "I'm still sick, but it's not as horrible anymore. Thank you."
"You can always have more if it gets worse," she shook the bag.
XXX
"Finally! Land!" Vilkas rushed off of the ship the moment it docked by Heartwood's mill. There was a little town around the docking area and the mill, with people moving cargo between the bigger ships on the lake and smaller barges waiting in the river beyond the stone bridge.
"My, I don't think I have seen you so shaken before, Grim" Nevras laughed. "Oh, wait, I have, back when she got hit," he winked at Mori.
She slipped past him, giving him a look.
Siga stopped next to him. "Are you trying to get clawed?"
"I can't help it, they are so easily flustered," Nevras shrugged, grinning for himself.
"Don't run crying to me once your face gets mauled," Siga patted him on the back. She went over to the ship captain to pay the other half of their travel fee.
Farkas took the horses out. "Do we ride some more or try to get a room here?"
"It's really late," Vilkas looked up at the pitch black sky. "The gates are going to be closed."
In the end, they were directed towards an empty spot within the walls, designated for wanderers who couldn't find accommodation. There were two tent circles on one side.
The twins picked a spot by a fallen birch. While they were preparing the camp, Mori wandered over to the birch. She came back with a log covered in mushrooms.
"What are you going to do with it?" Farkas got curious.
"Give it to Yvaine. She asked me to bring her interesting things to grow."
Farkas shot a look at Vilkas. He shrugged.
"And here I thought a little sister would appreciate something shiny or pretty."
Mori looked confused.
"Like a ring. Or a dress. Doll. Something?"
"What would she do with that?" Mori put the log away carefully.
"...nevermind."
XXX
After dinner, only Mori and Vilkas remained in their camp. Farkas went to look for alcohol and 'booty,' Nevras and Siga disappeared without giving any directions.
They huddled together under Vilkas' cloak.
"I must remember to add shoes to my emergency pack," Mori commented.
Vilkas looked at her bare feet. "Turn to the side," he shook the cloak off. After she did so, he took her feet, wrapped them in the cloak and then started gently massaging them.
"Better?"
"...better," Mori's voice turned very soft. She fidgeted. "Won't you get cold?"
"I'm a Nord," he chuckled. "I can take the autumn air."
"I can take Reach winter and still get sick and not like it."
"I won't get cold, don't worry. Also," he gave her a look, "I'm bigger than you. Easier to keep body heat."
She scoffed. "You're bigger only sometimes."
"True. What can you change into?"
She turned thoughtful. "I don't remember all the totems I have mastered, since I don't use all of them frequently...there's the crow, leopard, bear, wolf, owl, moose, cat, elk, goat, hare, swift..."
"That's quite the number. You need a totem? How does that work?"
"Well, to assume a beast's shape I need to understand the beast. Its essence, let's say. And then I need to gain a part of said beast to make a totem. Like a claw. Feather. Fang. I cut out a little figurine from moose bone and made beads from elk antlers. Then I...connect...to the totem and the beast essence, and as long as I keep the totems with me or in a place I have marked, I can assume the shape."
She fidgeted. "Except the leopard. I could do that ever since I could remember."
"Makes sense to me. Aren't they supposed to be mystical anyway? You're a little mountain spirit," he chuckled, pulling her closer. She let him.
"Is there anything that can harm you, specifically? Like wolfsbane for werewolves," he wrapped his arm around her, resting his chin on top of her head.
"Not that I know of," her cheeks reddened. "You seem knowledgeable on werewolves."
"Folk legends." He grumbled. He looked around to make sure no one was listening in. "I might have gotten some books after...after I figured out what was going on in Jorrvaskr."
"Oh? I thought...no, of course not. Your people view that differently."
"What?"
"Well, I thought you knew. And everyone. Since...you know...I didn't think. My people...shapeshifters take on the burden and duty for others. To protect the clans. They become Guardians. Like we...we were supposed to be. They are respected and honored, albeit partially isolated from the clan."
"No. No one knows about werewolves in the heart of Whiterun," a hint of bitterness crept into his voice. "Even the ones closest to them. Farkas doesn't know."
"How...does it work, then?" Mori looked confused.
"It's...ah. It's a blessing for the most trustworthy members. A tool to do what we do much better. In a way like your Guardians."
"It does sound like that, yes. But...you still have to hide," she turned so she could look into his eyes. "I do not understand."
"The people here...don't see any of that as positive. Once you turn, your soul is forfeit. Your soul and your humanity. You are a danger to others and therefore should be killed."
"Are you going to...?"
"I don't know. It has to be offered."
"Don't promise vaguely," she reached up and cupped his cheeks. "The Hunter will come to you. Don't promise vaguely to him."
"You wouldn't mind?" he leaned into her touch more.
"No. But you need to be careful. There IS a reason for the Guardians staying at the edges of the tribe. Your will is formidable, but that is not all. Each and every Beast is different, and none can be mastered in the same way as another. The Hunter likes to test - he will bestow a Beast fit to test its bearer."
She propped herself up on her knees, rising to his height. She neared her face to his. "Promise to come to me if they offer the Blood to you. I will help. There are things to be done to ensure you have the best footing for the encounter with the Hunter."
He sighed. "You told me not to make promises I can't keep. I don't know if they will offer and I don't know if I will be able to come."
"Then let's act as if they offered. Come our next meeting, I will prepare and teach you."
"I don't think they will," he touched forehead with her. "I'm nowhere near as strong as Farkas. I can't lead like Kodlak does. I'm not as tough as Skjor or as ferocious as Embla."
"You think too little of yourself."
"There's a basis for that."
"I don't see it."
"Hrakni died," he looked into her eyes. "I couldn't do anything. I would have died too, had you not shown mercy."
"Vilkas-"
"Our mother died as well. Right in front of our eyes. And I couldn't do anything then either. Later, I couldn't stop the piece of crap harassing Farkas and I. He wouldn't have gone after Farkas had it not been for me. I couldn't even stop a damn rotten priestess from coming after me!"
"Vilkas," Mori kissed his cheek. It was a fleeting, shy kiss, barely touching his skin. It still sent shivers down his spine. "You can't do everything on your own. You ARE strong, but not even you can lift the sky. That's why tribes form. You rely on your close ones and they rely on you."
He took a shaky breath, then slowly released it.
"You don't know what happened. How badly...how badly...I..."
"Then tell me. Tell me when you feel you can. I will wait for as long as you need," she smiled.
Those were the words he had said to her.
It...does feel reassuring. I can take time. I won't be left behind, abandoned and forgotten for my weakness.
She came for me so many times. I can trust those words from her.
He could feel her breath on his skin. So close...
When he started leaning in, loud stomping startled them both. Mori lowered herself, sitting down and turning her head after the noise like a scared bird. Vilkas looked up.
Of course it's Farkas.
"Don't mind me," Farkas called out, obviously slightly drunk. "I just need one of my potions." He grabbed his pack from his tent and rummaged through. "A-ha, there it is. See ya!"
With that, he stomped away, leaving his bag lying out in the open.
Vilkas sighed. The mood lay shattered in pieces, as well as his previous strike of boldness.
Mori huddled close to him again, but she pressed to his side instead.
Well, maybe a bit of boldness remains.
He pulled her into his lap. "Weren't you worried I might get cold? Now you can keep me warm. If you like."
"Alright," she giggled a little. "It is a beautiful starry night. Do you wish to hear a story?"
XXX
Two weeks later, Helgen
The others have cornered Vilkas alone while Mori was looking at one of their horses.
"Since we'll be splitting now, there's one thing we need to know," Nevras started. Vilkas narrowed his eyes at him.
"Your face tells me I won't like what you're about to say next."
Nevras put his hand on Vilkas' shoulder. Vilkas slapped it off. But before the elf could open his mouth again, Farkas grew too impatient.
"Did you and Mori fuck?"
"What?!"
"You see, we made a bet-"
"I don't give a broken sword about your idiotic bet!"
"But did you?"
"No!"
Nevras and Farkas both groaned. Siga grinned. "Told you so. I will expect my payment with the next supply wagon to Winterhold," she winked at Farkas. "And you, you better honor what you promised, mister," she stabbed Nevras in the chest with her index finger.
"Yeah, yeah."
But before the two could grumble more about their loss, Vilkas grabbed both of them by the collar and pulled their heads closer.
"Leave your noses out of my business. Or you'll lose them," he growled, a dangerous glint in his eyes.
He let them go with a scoff. Grumbling, he headed over to Mori.
Nevras adjusted his robe. "Damn, he's scary when he gets angry."
"Yep," Farkas straightened back up. "I should make it up to him."
"Are YOU really scared of your little brother?"
"When he's like this? Yep. Also, I know you wouldn't understand, but I care about him. We're brothers."
"Ouch, and I thought you were the jolly one, Charmer."
"I am," Farkas smiled. He patted Nevras on the back just a tad too strongly. "Let's spar again sometime. See ya!"
XXX
Mori felt somewhat hollow once she, Nevras and Siga split from the twins. She walked ahead of their horses, leading the way in silence.
At noon of the next day, they finally saw Lakeview's palisade. Yvaine was just removing an old goat head.
A smile finally found its way on Mori's face. "Yva!"
"Mori? Mori!" the girl jumped off and ran into her sister's embrace. "I missed you! Did you bring me anything? And who's that?"
"They're seeking your help," Mori turned to the side so Yvaine could look at them while still embracing her. "Nevras and Siga. Her bones carry a strange ache."
"Indeed?" Yvaine turned professional. "Come, come, I will examine you. Inside. I need my tools." She turned on her heel. Grabbing Mori's hand, she led them to the manor.
"Erdan. Erdaaan! Eeeeerdaaaaaaaan!"
"What is it?" the youth ran out of the stable.
"Take care of our guests' horses, please! And don't stare at my sister. It's rude!" Yvaine waved her hand around.
"O-of course," Erdan stammered. He took the reins from Nevras and Siga.
"Yva, I'll go talk to Falco," Mori slipped her hand out once they arrived to Yvaine's 'laboratory.' "Come find me when you're done to get your gifts."
"But-"
"No buts. Have a look at Siga. No distractions. I would really appreciate it if you could come up with something."
"That purple medicine did wonders already," Siga piped up. "It would be enough to-"
"Nuh-uh-uh!" Yvaine jumped up. "You can't take it for too long! Please, sit here and let lady Lakeview do her magic! And what are you standing around for, hm?" Yvaine directed a stare at Nevras.
"I just want to make sure Honeycakes is safe."
"Honeycakes?" Yvaine lit up.
Mori chuckled. She left the room before the chatterboxes could really start chattering. Time to find Falco.
Both he and Bjorn were at the office. As she neared, her keen hearing caught their hushed words.
"...Honningbrew. I don't like that."
"We need to get someone to Riften."
"I have two people there, but they can't do much as of now, since they're-I can hear you sneaking around, Mori," Falco looked up, a bright smile on his face.
She stepped out of the shadows. "That's because I let you."
"Look at the kitten! All fancy and with her hair done!" Bjorn laughed loudly. "Your trip was nice, I take it?"
"Yes," she felt some heat going up her cheeks. She decided to not react to it in front of Bjorn. "I ran across a strange scent in Riften. Sweet, but bitter and biting. It made me sick and light-headed. What is it?"
"Skooma," Falco frowned. "That's a really harsh drug. Illegal. Where did you come across it?"
"There was a lizard la-argonian woman around the docks. She reeked of it."
"Are you going to try to recruit her?" Bjorn asked. "I don't think you can use your old buddies' methods of breaking through the addiction."
"I'm going to send a few ravens," Falco mumbled, rubbing his chin. "The things we had found in Leyawiin back then might be useful."
"Wait, you had something? Why was the method always throat cutting, then?"
Falco shrugged. "I didn't get to decide."
Mori's eyes darted between the two. She had no idea what they were talking about, and she didn't intend to inquire. They didn't ask about wyrd business, she didn't ask about their past.
And present too, I guess. Unless they ask for help, like training the ravens.
"I have a feeling our guests will want to employ Yvaine's help in Winterhold," she sat on her spot on the desk, "will any of you have time?"
"Possibly," Bjorn pulled at one of his braids. "Always wanted to go check the College out."
"Lucky for you, the elf is a mage from there."
"My, don't you have a talent for finding interesting people, kitten," he grinned at her. "But why won't you go?"
"I promised help. I need to prepare."
"Help with what?"
"Werewolves."
Falco and Bjorn shared a look. "Is...something going to happen? To your lad?"
"I don't know."
"Mori, I know we shouldn't ask, but...can you initiate us into lycanthropic secrets as well?" Falco sighed. "It seems we will get involved through you anyway. And given there werewolves hiding in the heart of Whiterun, I'm sure there are many more strewn about."
Mori nodded her head. "I can. Give me time to prepare."
XXX
The next morning, Siga and Nevras went to talk with Falco and Bjorn. Yvaine and Mori watched from their seat on the ground.
"She looks better," Mori leaned over and whispered. Yvaine had just started growing more, and by now she was as tall as Mori.
"I did a lot of work on her," Yvaine kept mashing some unknown pink goo in her mortar. "It's nowhere near healed, though. I don't know how to continue at the moment."
"I also noticed the tip of her braid turned blue. Just like some of your hair. Would you know anything about it?"
"Oh!" Yvaine beamed. "She liked my colorful strands," she spread her hair around. The bottom parts of it displayed all sorts of color. Some pink strands looked suspiciously matching in color with the goo she was mixing. "So I applied some blue dye for her! It looks pretty, don't you think?"
"It does." Mori hugged her knees. "Are you going to go to Winterhold?"
"I'd love to. But. I think I need to train some more. Falco said he would look for a teacher for me."
"That's good. I'm sorry my methods don't work for you."
"It's okay. You're my sister, not a mentor," Yvaine leaned against Mori's back. "That's much better."