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Dragonheart: Of Black Wings Unfurled	By : Lady_Kae Category: +A through F > Elder Scrolls - Skyrim Views: 15055 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters used from the game TES: Skyrim. All characters and game related material, save for original content, is property of their respective owners and no money is being made from this fiction.

Chapter List
- 3
- 4
- 5
Chapter 4: The Marshes of Hjaalmarch

Vilkas shook his head a bit as he hauled his catch further onto his shoulders with a small smile, though water was flowing over his cheeks and nose in little rivulets. Damn the weather here sometimes! It didn't even match the mood he was in! He was happy, happier than he had been in a long time in all honesty. Tarrowlyn and Farkas had returned to Whiterun today. Granted, they would be leaving again come morning, but Vilkas felt it was a joyous day nonetheless. The couple had made the announcement that they would be marrying, though not when, and the mead hall was still celebrating despite the late hour. He had felt a bit cooped up in all honesty, hence why he had taken to the plains to begin with to catch something. The Black Wolf of Jorrvaskr just had too much on his mind to be able to sit still.
“ Behind you!” came a sudden shout from a woman. Magicka sailed over his shoulder and behind him where Vilkas had not seen or heard the sabercat sneaking up on him. It had been downwind and it had begun raining when he had started on the way back, thus throwing off his smell as well. Another bolt of magicka sailed passed him as the cat continued advancing and a nord woman with short ebony colored hair came into his line of sight the longer she kept her spell going.
Vilkas dropped his catch to the ground and he pulled his sword without a moment to spare. He swung the blade, cleaving the cat’s head from it’s body and he turned back to the woman. She was now running over to check on him. “ Thank you for the warning, and your aid.” he said kindly. He would have been in a bad way if she hadn’t been there.
A small smile answered him, though Vilkas tried in vain to keep his thoughts gentlemanly as he looked at her full, petulant mouth. He tore his gaze away from her lips to take in the rest of her. He was floored to see how lovely a woman he was staring at. She had the face of an aristocrat, her appearance was so refined. Vilkas couldn't remember coming across a woman as beautiful as her, though Tarrowlyn was very easy on the eyes herself. The one thing that dominated his perusal of her was her eyes. Her eyes were a brownish red color in the low light, something he had never been across before despite his travels, and Vilkas swallowed hard. There was something about this woman that was enthralling him, calling to him.
“ You’re welcome.” she responded kindly. “ Out of curiosity, would you happen to know the fastest way to the Rift? I’m hoping to make good time by morning.”
Vilkas nodded. “ Are you sure you shouldn’t wait the storm out at least?” he asked her. “ You’ll catch a chill if you keep on the way you’re going.”
The woman laughed a little. “ I’ll be fine, I promise." Another shy smile. Vilkas could only hoped she liked what she saw before her. It was a shame they would never cross paths again after this. " I do need the directions if you would be most kind.”
What was it about her? Vilkas was racking his brain trying to fathom why he was trying to keep her around nearby, at least for the night. It wasn’t for a dalliance with the woman, that he was sure of, though his wolf was making comments about their now shared urge to bed her as well. Soon enough, he had given her the directions she had asked for and she turned to resume her journey.
“ Miss…” Vilkas said quickly. “ I’m sorry, but I was wondering if I could have the honor of your name at least. You can be sure that I, along with my brother and his intended, will probably be raising our glasses to you tonight for saving my life.” He hoisted the deer back onto his shoulders again and he swore he could feel the soft, shy smile the woman was giving him. It made his heart thunder within the confines of his chest. “ Where are my manners?” he chided himself. “ My name is Vilkas.”
Again, the shy smile that met him made his heart thunder in his breast. “ My name is Serana. It was a pleasure to meet you, Vilkas.” she replied. “ Maybe we’ll meet again?”
“ Aye, maybe.” Vilkas murmured as Serana took off running over the plains in an effort to regain some time. Now that she was gone, his beast half was quiet again. What had even incited such a reaction anyways? No woman had been able to turn his head like that in almost two years. She had done it in only a matter of moments.
Vilkas shook his head to clear his thoughts, as well as to get his hair out of his face. It was plastered wetly to his forehead. “ Serana…” he murmured to himself.

Tarrowlyn and Farkas were still up and drinking when Vilkas made his appearance back into the mead hall. “ Get over here already and drain a mug or two with us Vilkas!” Tarrowlyn laughingly demanded. “ Besides, your brother and I have something to ask of you.”
Vilkas chortled as he began heading for the stairs. “ Shall we talk downstairs then, Harbinger? I need to get out of these wet things and I don’t want to be shouting over the din up here.” he answered her. Without fail, Farkas and Tarrowlyn rose from their seats and began following him towards the living quarters.

Tarrowlyn was outside the bedroom door as Vilkas dried and dressed himself. It was cracked so they could talk a bit, and Tarrowlyn sighed heavily as she thought of where they were headed next. “ I wanted to know if you wanted to join us in our trip to Hjaalmarch, Vilkas. I could use your talents there in all honesty.”
Vilkas had just finished pulling on his shirt when the door opened a little further. “ Fighting or the gathering of information?” he joked. His soon to be sister shoved his shoulder a bit and Vilkas chuckled. Farkas was already pouring all three of them something to drink. “ Got anything stronger hidden in your room, Farkas?” he asked.
“ Not this time, though I’m going to see if the caravan has any Ashefire Mead next time they make their rounds here. It’s been a long while since I’ve had any. If you want something to knock your boots off, you need to visit Talen-Jei at the Bee and the Barb in Riften. His own mixes are…” Farkas whistled a little lowly. “ It took three days to get rid of the hangover from his Cliff Racer. His brews will leave you with your head spinning.”
Vilkas shook his head mirthfully as he took his proffered drink from his brother. “ What is it that we’ll be doing in Hjaalmarch?” he asked. Tarrowlyn was sniffing the air a bit tentatively. “ What is it?”
“ I thought I smelled someone familiar in here for a minute. I could be wrong though.” Tarrowlyn replied, though her face was still scrunched up quizzically and her nose twitched as she continued sniffing the air. Where did she know that scent? It was too faint to place, but it had to be on the clothing Vilkas had been wearing when he had returned from the plains. It was raining outside. In all honesty, it was a miracle she could smell anything at all.
“ It could be any number of people, little sister. You should know that.” Vilkas was still chuckling a bit as they continued to talk amongst themselves and he drained his tankard. “ So we’re looking for the Horn of Jurgen Windcaller then? Wouldn’t three of us be overkill?”
Tarrowlyn’s brow furrowed a little as she looked at the candle currently lighting the table. “ No. Have you heard about what happened to the hall of Vigilants?” She received two negatives to that and her throat grew a bit tight as she thought of the last of the Vigilants. She began recanting the events of Dimhollow Crypt to the twins, all the while feeling her chest tighten as she thought of Tolan. She would never forget about the sacrifice he had made. She omitted telling them about Serana however. She wasn’t sure how either of them felt about vampires to tell them that she had befriended one.
Vilkas’ eyes narrowed. “ So the vampires are on the rise now. I see why you think three of us won’t be over kill. You’re worried of an attack while we’re in Morthal then?” He had learned his lesson about not believing her when she said something. “ What is it you need from me for now then?”
“ When we get into Morthal, you’re going to start researching vampirism. I need to know if there’s a cure for it or if they’ll have to be killed period.” Tarrowlyn’s eyes were far off as she spoke, making Vilkas wonder if she was thinking of someone who had recently been turned.
The three began finalizing the details amongst themselves. Vilkas would be set to join them in the morning and Tarrowlyn would be working with Vilkas for the first few days. They would both be researching not just vampirism, but any other things related to the nightwalkers. Tarrowlyn would also be gathering more information on the whereabouts of the horn Master Arngeir had tasked her to find.

A dull roar forced the three travelers to a pause. Tarrowlyn was listening intently for another roar. She had come to learn in her travels that a dragon's roar was akin to complaining that someone was trespassing. If they heard a second roar, then there would be trouble because then the dragon would more than likely find them to fight.
After a long moment, and both the twins looking around nervously, Tarrowlyn gently spurred Tanaris onward. " Just keep moving gents. We've got nothing to fear, for now at least." she said with obvious relief. " If we keep moving at the pace we are, we'll get to Morthal by lunchtime."
Farkas smiled. " Now you're talking my language." he answered.
Vilkas rolled his eyes a bit at his twin's antics and he sighed. " What is it with you and food?" he whispered to himself.
The comment only earned him a glare from his brother." What is it with you and books?" Farkas shot back, his voice surly and full of annoyance. There was nothing wrong with enjoying a good meal after all.
" Ice for brains." Vilkas muttered, shaking his head all the while. He smirked a bit as he looked over to his brother. " You do realize who you said yes to, right Harbinger?"
Tarrowlyn laughed as she turned a bit to look at the two of them. " You keep me out of this. I have yet to be in between one of your quarrels and I will not allow myself to be placed there." she said quickly.
Farkas and Vilkas both laughed with her at that statement. " Like it or not, you're always going to hear it from now on considering you're marrying my brother Tarrowlyn." Vilkas chortled as he eased his mare around a corner. Shadre was an easy going horse for the most part, until danger reared it's head that was. She was the only horse he had ever seen charge a pack of wolves or even a sabercat. At least he hadn't been thrown from her back this trip.
Farkas laughed a bit at the look on his intended's face. " It's been a long while since we've bickered like that Tarrowlyn. I promise." He added consolingly.
A snort from the Harbinger made both their brows raise. " You two are almost always in disagreement about something." She countered. She turned once again in the saddle to look at the twins. " Deny it and I call you both liars. I was one of those arguments for the longest time and I know it."
Vilkas had the grace to look sheepish. When she put it that way, he and his brother were almost always at odds with one another. " I doubt your relationship with your brother was perfect, Tarrowlyn." His tone was bland and a bit harsh. Something it hadn't been in a long while.
She shrugged with a small smile on her face, unphased with Vilkas' ire with her. " We were any typical siblings. Just like you two." She replied after a moment.
Farkas smirked at the now thoughtful look on his twin's face and he nudged Thunder a bit faster so as to be beside her. Vilkas soon did the same as the three continued for Morthal.

The sun was high in the clouds when the companions finally stabled their horses near the inn and Farkas was grumbling about needing food and drink. He had attempted to get them to rest about an hour ago, but he had been shot down by both of his contemporaries. Tarrowlyn had the last say in it in all honesty and she had asked him to be patient for only a little bit.
“ You should have eaten food instead of indulging yourself, Farkas.” Vilkas teased, though he was cuffed upside the head by his harbinger. She was a rather fetching shade of red herself. “ No offense meant of course, Harbinger.”

Tarrowlyn shook her head even as Jonna, the proprietor of the inn, came over to their table.
“ Good afternoon Companions. What brings you to my humble hall?” she asked sweetly.
“ I have business here in Hjaalmarch. I’m hoping I can ask the jarl for some small assistance. Just borrowing a few books. Also, the three of us will be requiring lodging for at least a week.” Tarrowlyn replied.
“ Of course Harbinger. However, seeking assistance from the jarl might be a bit difficult in all honesty.” Jonna sighed heavily even as she shook her head and she gave a slight glare to the orc attempting to play his lute. Why he considered himself a bard was beyond the exasperated redguard. “ Jarl Idgrod and Aslfur have been up to their knees with complaints from the townsfolk lately.”
The brows of the three patrons furrowed in curiosity and Vilkas sat forward a bit. “ What kind of complaints?” he asked innocently enough even as he gestured for her to sit down and join them. They were the only patrons in the inn after all.
Jonna looked about consideringly before she motioned for them to wait a moment. She went back to the bar, and ladened herself with food and drink for all of them. “ I could hear this one’s stomach over Lurbuk over there.” she said with a small chuckle. “ In all honesty, the people have been complaining about my brother Falion. He’s a mage from the college, a former conjuration master…”
The three listened with rapt attention as they ate, though Farkas was only half listening in all honesty. He was getting fed up with how out of tune the orc’s lute was. Tarrowlyn must have sensed this because she patted his thigh consolingly.
“ We’ll talk to the jarl about the barter you recommended Jonna. Thank you for the meal and the insight.” Tarrowlyn said graciously. “ We’ll be back later this evening.”
“ Three rooms then?” she asked with a happy smile.
Farkas almost bristled at this. He wasn’t sleeping by himself dammit. Thankfully Tarrowlyn spoke up before he could put his foot in his mouth.
“ No, two please Jonna. Farkas and I will be sharing a room.”
Jonna’s eyes twinkled a little in understanding when she saw the amulet of Mara around Tarrowlyn’s neck. So the Harbinger was getting married, was she? And to think, she was probably one of the first to know. “ Very well then, Harbinger. Two rooms it is.” she replied sweetly as the three began walking out the door.
Tarrowlyn’s eyes were hard as she looked to her left. Jonna had told them about the recent fire that had happened nearby and how the widower was not acting at all like himself. Apparently he had already pledged his love to another woman when his family’s ashes weren’t even cold yet.
Vilkas and Farkas followed her line of sight. “ We should talk to the jarl first, Harbinger.” Farkas finally said after a moment. The look on Tarrowlyn’s face making them both nervous. Both of them knew how important family was to their harbinger and the story the innkeeper had painted was not a good one so far.
Tarrowlyn nodded grimly, though both of the men traveling with her recognized the hard square her jaw was clenched into. That was a face she made when she was good and pissed. Farkas swallowed a bit nervously. He remembered that look all too well when he had finally returned to Jorrvaskr. Vilkas had only seen it every now and again when he had sent her on a job that she had been hesitant about taking. That had been before she joined the Circle. Had it really been that long?
Tarrowlyn began striding strongly for Highmoon Hall, and the two companions followed not too far behind her. Farkas’ eyes fell on the forge across the way. Only one of them needed to be present at the moment. “ I’ll take our weapons over to the smith for repair.” he offered. Vilkas was the better bet to stay with Tarrowlyn, as he would be able to gather information as well. His brother knew how to read between the lines quite well, which was why Kodlak had appointed him to the Circle to begin with. Whenever the Harbinger had received a missive requesting aid, if he was unsure about it he’d ask for Vilkas’ insight. Farkas had been appointed because of the simple fact that he was damn good in a fight. That and he was a pretty solid judge of character.
It was like Skjor used to say. Vilkas had Ysgramor’s smarts while Farkas had his strength.
The other two nodded wordlessly as they handed Farkas their blades. There was a crowd gathered outside of the jarl’s hall and Tarrowlyn watched intently as Farkas walked off. He knew they would fill him in on anything of import later on.
“ What do you think of all this?” Tarrowlyn whispered over to Vilkas. Her gaze had not left the jarl’s steward as he attempted to placate the townsfolk.
“ Honestly...I think the people here are a little too distrusting of the mage. He’s their chief complaint by the sounds of it. This issue with the lumberjack has me a little more concerned however.” he replied softly. Finally the crowd began dispersing a little and Tarrowlyn began striding for the hall. She wasn’t in the mood to wait too long in all honesty.
Vilkas followed, a bit wary of the mood she was in. Tarrowlyn had a bad habit of unintentionally disrespecting people when she got into one of these moods. He gave a low bow to the jarl as they approached her throne and Tarrowlyn did the same. Well, he mused with a surreptitious sidelong glance to her, at least she hadn't forgotten her manners this time.
" What brings you to my hall, Harbinger?" Idgrod the Older said kindly. " Stories of the odd goings on of my hold perhaps, or the lure of information for that which you have been tasked to retrieve for the monks on the mountain?"
Vilkas and Tarrowlyn were shocked. Only a handful of people knew of Tarrowlyn's quest for the horn. Three of them were here in Morthal and the others were in their monastery.
Tarrowlyn hadn't even mentioned it to Rayya or Lydia. How in oblivion did the jarl know?!
" It is of little consequence how I know of your quest, Tarrowlyn Dragonheart." She said, though she had a kind smile on her face.
Damn this woman gave Tarrowlyn both the willies and a sense of awe. Then again, Jarl Idgrod seemed quite intelligent. " Yes to both questions, my jarl." Tarrowlyn finally answered with another bow. " I won't deny I'm intrigued by the recent happenings in town. However, my contemporary and I are also seeking information besides that on the tomb of Jurgen Windcaller."
Idgrod nodded in understanding. " Of course, Harbinger." She replied. " If you like, I can have Aslfur show your companion here to the hall of records. I would like you to look in on the case surrounding Hroggar however. Sift through the ashes to seek the truth." The jarl's voice had a soft, far away quality to it that sent a shiver up both companion's spines.
" As you wish, my jarl." Tarrowlyn bowed in deference one last time and she turned to Vilkas. " Follow the steward. Find out anything you can. Only bring it to my attention if you feel it necessary."
Vilkas nodded silently and he turned to follow Alsfur to the basement where the records were held.

Tarrowlyn stepped into the burned out husk of the house that had once stood here and her heart clenched a little in her breast. Apparently, Hroggar had a daughter that had been Lucia's age. Both his wife and child were dead. Tarrowlyn's vision blurred as tears filled her eyes and she knelt to the floor a moment. The remains of a charred doll made her chest hurt. She didn't even want to think of the same happening to either Alesan or Lucia.
" Who are you?" Came a soft, sweet voice from the corner.

Tarrowlyn tried her best to keep her face straight as she turned to the little girl. Well, the specter of her at least. " My name is Tarrowlyn. I'm a friend. Who are you, little one?" She asked kindly.
" Helgi." The little ghost replied.
" Well Helgi, can you tell me about anything that happened here?" Tarrowlyn questioned, holding the little girl’s doll out to her in a show of friendship.

Farkas saw Tarrowlyn exit the ruined house as he was returning from the blacksmith’s. Her palor was pale as she began making great strides for the inn and Farkas met her at the door. " Everything alright?" He asked her gently.
Tarrowlyn shook a little even as she replaced her blade at her hip after he offered it to her. She opened her mouth but then she shook her head. She wasn't ready to talk about it. Not until she was done. “ I...I’ll explain more once I know more. Gods...I just want to see the kids…” she barely whispered this last part and Farkas’ eyes went wide. Normally Tarrowlyn wouldn’t even mention them if she was out in the open like this.

“ We will again soon.” Farkas assured her quietly as they began walking towards the bridge. It looked like she was trying to put as much distance as she could between herself and that burned out husk.
Tarrowlyn nodded and she looked down the road that lead into the marshes. A foreboding feeling settled over her the longer she looked at it. Something was out there, calling her. Whispers in the dragon tongue were just barely dancing in her ears. “ It’s here somewhere…” she whispered. “ I can hear it. At least we know we won’t be looking too long then.”Farkas nodded even as he followed Tarrowlyn’s line of sight into the marshes. While she could hear the horn calling to her, Farkas was beginning to feel some trepidation about this town as well. Something in the air didn’t smell right.
Well, he’d send Tarrowlyn to the inn shortly and find his brother. Hopefully Vilkas had realized it as well.

It was close to nightfall when Farkas finally dragged Vilkas back to the inn, both of them scowling daggers at one another. Tarrowlyn would have laughed if her mood was less somber. Vilkas was grumbling under his breath as he took a seat across from the Harbinger, and a bowl of piping hot stew, some bread and butter, and a tall mug of mead were set before him.
“ My thanks, Jonna.” the Black Wolf of Jorrvaskr said genteelly, despite the glare he was casting in his twin’s direction.

Farkas shrugged even as he smirked at Vilkas while Jonna set his meal down as well.
“ Did you find anything useful yet, Vilkas?” Tarrowlyn’s voice was soft, and her eyes had a far away look to them. What had happened in the time that they had parted ways?!
Vilkas’ glare was gone as he sent a now questioning glance his brother’s way. Farkas only shrugged again, meaning she hadn’t told him anything yet. “ I saved you some time and found where this tomb is that you’re looking for. It’s Ustengrav, to the northeast of here.” He paused to take a bite. The stew was nowhere near as good as Tilma’s. Ah well, it was food. “ Concerning vampirism on the other hand. Nothing much. Just the stuff we already do know.”
“ Hates sunlight, immortal, need to drink blood to stay alive…” Farkas grumbled. At least their infliction of the beast blood didn’t have any requirements like that. They could still enjoy the day, they weren’t bound to change if they didn’t want to. Thank the gods for small favors.
Tarrowlyn’s gaze had gone from far away to serious and brooding in an instant. There was a vampire coming towards the inn...She could smell them coming closer! After the events of Dimhollow Crypt she would never forget their nauseating stench! Then the smell passed the inn towards the marshes.
“ Tarrowlyn?” Vilkas called out to her. Her eyes had just shifted from green to gold to a deeper gold. Tala had a firm hand over her human half. Just as quickly, Tarrowlyn’s eyes shifted back to green.
“ There’s a vampire here in town.” she growled dangerously, and she stood up just as quickly. Before either Farkas or Vilkas could stop her, Tarrowlyn was out the door.
Tarrowlyn dashed up the hill, the stench having brought her here, and she looked about. There were tombstones about. And there was someone currently digging in one of the graves. Before she could speak to tell them to stop, the woman who had been digging turned sharply towards the harbinger, hissed while baring sharp fangs, and then launched herself at the surprised red head.
The two tumbled to the ground and down the hill in a tangle of limbs and shouts, but Tarrowlyn couldn’t be taken out that easily. The flash of steel made itself known and without warning, the woman above Tarrowlyn stilled.
Tarrowlyn was breathing erratically herself, but she didn't have time to dwell on what happened when some of the villagers came running up, alerted by the sounds of the scuffle. She kicked the dead body off of her and got to her feet, wincing a bit when she realized that the woman’s sharp claws had cut into her exposed arm. Tarrowlyn hadn’t been wearing her armor after all.
Farkas and Vilkas came up as shouts of ‘What happened?’ and a man’s anguished cries brought everyone’s focus to him.
" Laelette!" He sobbed as he held his wife's body to him. Tarrowlyn felt her heart go out to him as his entire body shook from the force of his sobs. She had watched Mikhail break down like that more than once after the death of their brothers.
Murmurs started sweeping through the crowd gathered and Tarrowlyn was met with distrusting stares. The dovahkiin could care less what these people were thinking happened. She had fought in self defence.
" I only found her up here, and she was digging at one of the graves. That vampire attacked me." She countered, her voice calm.
“ You dare accuse my wife of being one of the undead?!” the man spat hatefully.
Tarrowlyn’s eyes softened a bit. “ If you do not believe me, check for yourself.” she replied. She quickly held her hands up to stay the twins as they were getting ready to defend their harbinger. The last thing she needed was for them to cause a ruckus and get the three of them thrown out of town.
Farkas glowered at the townspeople openly, but he didn’t move. The most he did was cross his arms over his chest as he continued to watch what was happening. Vilkas did the same, though he was listening carefully to the conversating around them. This woman hadn’t been seen for a long time? There’s something definitely afoot here in Morthal. he thought, his gaze narrowed.
“ That stupid bitch…” Vilkas heard someone hiss from behind them. He didn’t turn around, as the person was a good ways back. There was a way to find out, however.
“ Farkas, I’ll be at the inn.” he announced to his brother. Vilkas was going to find out who said it, and then do some digging of his own if possible. A man and woman were standing a little ways away from the rest of the crowd, but still able to see and hear everything going on. The woman was lovely enough, but there was something about her that was putting his wolf on edge. Vilkas continued past them and back to the inn, but not before glaring at their backs suspiciously before going back inside.
The man gave a sharp gasp as he saw the fangs and he held his wife close against him one last time. “ We all had thought that she had left to join the stormcloaks…” he whimpered. “ How did this happen?”
Tarrowlyn took a knee beside him. “ I’m going to find out. I promise.” she replied. She stiffened a little as she smelled another vampire nearby, and her green eyes immediately began scanning the crowd. It didn’t take long to find a set of blood red eyes. Tarrowlyn forced down a growl, as Tala was trying to exert her displeasure at the nightcrawler’s presence, and she got to her feet. Farkas was beside her in an instant, ushering her back towards the inn. They had abruptly left their supper after all.
Tarrowlyn glared daggers at the vampire as they came upon the couple Vilkas had seen. She was going to pause a moment, but Farkas wouldn’t allow her to stop. If she did, things were going to go very wrong very quickly.

Vilkas was hurriedly finishing his supper when Farkas and Tarrowlyn entered the inn. “ I’m going back to the hall of records.” he announced after draining his mead. “ I was in the midst of some promising information when Farkas pulled me away.”
Tarrowlyn nodded, though the twins noticed the slight tick in her jaw from her ire. “ Jonna?!” she called out.

“ Yes?”
“ Can you tell me if Alva walks in sometime tonight? I’ve been hearing quite a bit about this woman and want to be able to put a name to a face.” Tarrowlyn’s tone said that was the least of what she wanted to do. She had learned from Helgi that Alva was who burned down Hroggar’s house. Now she needed to know why…
Farkas could swear his ears were twitching every single time that orc played a note that was severely off key. “ Bard my ass…” he finally growled. His chair scraped against the floor as it was suddenly flung backwards. He stalked over to where the orc was playing on the bench, and he glowered down at him.
“ What can I do for you? A request perhaps?” Lurbuk asked him kindly.
Farkas shook his head even as he snatched the lute from Lurbuk’s hands. After a few moments and a quick strum to test the tune, Farkas sighed in relief. “ You need to learn to do it yourself. Here.” Farkas grumbled as he gave the orsimer back his instrument. He stalked back over to the table where Tarrowlyn was reading a book herself. She was looking over the book that Master Arngeir had given her on the dragon language again.
There was barely a smile on her face as he sat beside her again, but it was better than the scowl she had been wearing all night. “ I honestly thought you were going to get into a brawl there for a bit.” she admitted as Farkas lifted his tankard.
“ I can focus on something else if he starts singing. But his lute…” Farkas shook his head in agitation. “...I can’t ignore sounds like that, considering I play too.”
Tarrowlyn set her book down. It was nearing almost eleven in the evening at this point. She was ready to get some sleep. “ I’ll go get your brother from the hall. He’s been there a solid couple of hours by this point.” she offered. “ Go ask Jonna for our room please.”
Farkas nodded, though he paused. Tarrowlyn had gone stock still again and she was growling low in her throat. The door opened a moment later to reveal the couple that they had walked passed. The scent of the woman was different than that of the man beside her, drastically so. It was even putting Forlan on edge. He quickly slid his arm around Tarrowlyn’s shoulders to keep her in place. Attacking this woman wasn’t going to do anything but get them into trouble…
“ Alva! Hroggar! It’s good to see both of you.” Jonna said nervously.
Tarrowlyn’s eyes flashed to gold at the innkeeper’s greeting. So this was Alva? She darted from the inn once she assured Farkas she would be fine. She needed to check on Vilkas after all. Then, she was going to be doing a little bit of sneaking and snooping.

Vilkas heard the door open and he looked over his shoulder. The jarl had personally brought him something to drink a few hours ago when she was awake herself. He had some interesting insights for Tarrowlyn for that matter that he had gleaned from Idgrod the Older. " Ah, Tarrowlyn. I was hoping to talk to you before we all turned in for the night."
Tarrowlyn nodded. " It'll have to wait for the moment. I've got something I need to do before they go back to the house." She whispered.
Vilkas smirked. " You're going to break into someone's house?" He chuckled. He then got to his feet, straightening the papers that he had been reading over. " Let's get this over with then."
Tarrowlyn smirked. " Just distract the guards for a few. I'm in trouble if they come back though." Her face became a grim scowl at the thought. She didn't like fighting vampires to begin with.
" Why is that, besides the obvious reasons?" Vilkas asked.
" Alva is a vampire...They can see better in the dark than I can despite the fact that I can hear better." Tarrowlyn replied. " They're strong too...Some of them are stronger than werewolves." Thinking back to the scratch on her arm, Tarrowlyn rubbed it even though she had healed it hours ago. " I'd never thought I'd be this thankful for the beast blood."
" It does come in handy in some ways, considering that we cannot get sick or contract any other diseases. Thank the gods." Vilkas added. He looked to Tarrowlyn once she was finished. She still looked worn, like something was weighing heavily upon her. Vilkas only hoped she'd be able to keep a clear head.

Tarrowlyn picked the lock easily enough. Vilkas was distracting the guards easily, as they had recognized him without fail. He was currently regaling them with one of the misadventures that he and Farkas had been on in their youth. Stepping into the house, Tarrowlyn had to mentally scold Tala for growling at the stench that met them. There was definitely a vampire living here. She quickly perused through everything, but not finding anything of note. She saw a staircase leading downstairs, and walked over to it. She made her way down the steps and opened the door. The stench of death met her again, forcing the werewolf to cover her nose in an attempt to block the smell. A coffin dominated the middle of the room. Inside of it was a red book and Tarrowlyn hurried over to it. She picked it up, leafing through the pages and she nodded. This was Alva's journal, and the passage she was on now was talking about a vampire named Morvath.
" Just fucking peachy..." she grumbled under her breath. Apparently there was a clutch of vampires somewhere out in the marshes. Movement upstairs forced her to shut the book and she tucked it away before drawing her blade.

The door to the cellar opened to reveal the woman that Jonna had greeted as Alva and she snarled menacingly when she saw Tarrowlyn standing there. Tarrowlyn blocked a dagger as the vampire darted in and she felt a set of fangs graze her neck as she struggled to keep her adversary off of her. Her left hand flew out, punching Alva in the nose and forcing blood to erupt from the now broken appendage.
" There's only person allowed to bite me and that's the man I'm marrying, you nightcrawling hag!" Tarrowlyn seethed vehemently. Her temper had flared the moment someone other than her mate had tried to sink their fangs into her.
Alva screeched at the insult, and she tackled the other woman into the hard stone wall. Tarrowlyn's eyes went wide in pain and agony. She was almost positive the impact had cracked, if not broken, a few ribs. The harbinger flipped her blade expertly, raising her arm high to plunge the skyforge steel into the vampiress' unguarded back. Alva was ready for her though and Tarrowlyn lurched forward as the steel pierced her side when the other woman dodged at the last moment.
Tarrowlyn pulled the blade with a pain filled grunt and she growled deep in her throat and chest. Golden light flared for a brief moment as she used her magicka to heal the stab wound and Alva laughed snidely at the sight the harbinger made.
" And you're supposed to be the best fighter in Skyrim?" She cackled.
" No..." Tarrowlyn admitted breathlessly, her lips turning up into a smirk. " One of the best however."
Alva didn't feel the other mortal's presence until it was too late and she turned in shock to face a very pissed off Vilkas. He had smelt the blood spilt from the street, Tarrowlyn's more specifically. His blade severed her head clean from her shoulders and Tarrowlyn hit the ground hard as pain poured through her body. Her chest felt as if it were covered in dragon flame. Light flared again over the dragonborn, now that she could take a few minutes to heal herself, and Vilkas glared daggers at the woman he had slain.
" I won't deny I underestimated her, Vilkas." Tarrowlyn whispered as she got to her feet. She wiped the blood from her blade and she began making her trek up the stairs. " How were you certain I needed help?"
Vilkas smirked. " I could smell the blood clear as day. I see why you hate the smell of vampires. They reek." he replied as he followed her through the house and back out the door. Tarrowlyn's nose scrunched visibly and Vilkas laughed softly at the sight she made. " Sometimes you act like a child."
Tarrowlyn smirked. " Not all the time at least." she countered. The smirk left her face and a look of distaste followed it. " I had better go wake the jarl."
Vilkas nodded. " I'll see you back at the inn."

" That traitorous bitch." Idgrod the Older snarled as she finished reading through Alva's journal. Her entire hold was in danger. She rubbed her eyes wearily as she sighed, trying to relieve some of the stress she felt. " I don't wish to put you in any further danger, Harbinger, but...."
Tarrowlyn bowed politely. " The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, my jarl. Farkas, Vilkas, and I will root out the master vampire." she responded just as wearily. " However, it will need to wait a day or two."

Idgrod nodded. " Of course, Harbinger. Take the time to recuperate." she said. Sleep would be a long time coming tonight, it seemed.

The three companions could not agree more with the jarl's unspoken statement. They were all sitting at a table and Jonna was silent as she kept the mead coming. Tarrowlyn was scowling as she looked at the table. The fact that Alva had killed Hroggar's family for her own, selfish reasons was keeping knots twisting in her stomach.
Farkas was silent, but his hand clasped hers gently on the top of the table. Vilkas could tell that Farkas knew what to do to comfort her. Even though the twins had spent the same amount of time with their female companion, Farkas truly knew her better. Vilkas was surprised to realize he was alright with that. While he had always harbored a physical attraction to her, Vilkas felt more like a brother to her as it stood.

Besides, his brother could put himself at risk with her thu'um. Vilkas chuckled a little as the thought crossed his mind.
" What's so funny?" Tarrowlyn asked him. She could honestly use a laugh right now.
" I was thinking of how lucky my brother is, but considering you have the talent of the voice..." Vilkas took a quick drink of his mead before he continued. "...He can put himself at risk if he wants. I'm not going to take the chance of pissing you off and being shouted at to death."
Both Tarrowlyn and Farkas both laughed long and loud at that statement. That was exactly what the healer had ordered to pick up their somber spirits.

Tarrowlyn stretched languidly as she stepped outside of the inn a few mornings later. She and Vilkas had made amazing headway in their research on vampirism, and she couldn't help the sigh that escaped her. It was very early in the morning, and the blood had awoken her a little more than an hour ago. She hadn't slept all that much, considering Farkas had kept her up attempting to teach that stupid orc how to properly play his instrument. That had ended well after midnight. After he came into their room, Farkas then decided he wanted a midnight snack.
Tarrowlyn couldn't help but smile as she thought of her intended and her hand rose up to allow her fingers to touch the cool metal pendant around her neck. It was a little odd to think of him as such, but she had promised him a long time ago that if she healed from her trauma, he would be the only one she would go to. Her heart had made sure of that.
Farkas soon stepped outside as well as Tarrowlyn watched the sunrise from the bridge, and his arms wrapped around her from behind as he joined her. " It's peaceful here." he said softly. It felt as if the tranquil morning air would shatter if he spoke too loudly or harshly. Tarrowlyn's head rested on his chest as she leaned into him, and Farkas leaned down to place a tender kiss on her temple.
" It would be if I were allowed to sleep." she teased.
Farkas' lip drew up in a smile. " I didn't hear any complaints last night." he purred in her ear, and he felt Tarrowlyn's temperature rise a little as she flushed from head to toe. " I might hear it from Vilkas though." He chortled a little at the thought of his twin trying to scold him. He was just a bit jealous that he had no one of his own that he could bed whenever he wanted.
Tarrowlyn chuckled a little. " As long as you two don't try to drag me into it again." she sighed happily. " We still have to tell Vilkas about the kids."
Farkas nodded in agreement. " I'm trying to figure out the best approach in all honesty. He's going to be a bit cross that neither of us trusted him with the knowledge of their adoptions. Especially now that the Silver Hand is no longer a threat." he said. " We'll figure it out though."
Tarrowlyn felt Farkas' arms tighten around her and she smiled at the warmth that filled her with the simple gesture. “ Aye, that we will.” she whispered. The sky’s cool gray tones were starting to give way to a becoming shade of pink, and Tarrowlyn closed her eyes in her contentment. She missed watching the sunrise over the lake back home, but this was a welcome change.
The early morning serenity was broken when the couple was suddenly broadsided by an assailant and the two were sent tumbling over the side of the bridge into the cold water below. Tarrowlyn broke the surface first, gasping desperately for air. Her breath had been knocked from her when they had hit the freezing channel under the bridge. She began looking frantically for Farkas, though she saw him burst through the water a moment later. The looked up on the bridge and both their eyes narrowed at the blood red gazes fixed upon them. The vampires were making an attack, just as Tarrowlyn had feared would happen.

" Farkas, when we get to shore, go get Vilkas. I'll hold them here for now." She said through chattering teeth.
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Dragonheart: Of Black Wings Unfurled