Eyes Opened

The Companions, Whole

Wuuthrad felt powerful in your hands. The steel was slightly cold and vibrated with a power you'd not known yet. It almost felt holy, a sacrilege for you to hold it, but it's what they all wanted. You didn't have the cunning Vilkas had, the strength of Farkas or the drive of Aela. This decision by them baffled you a little. You put it aside as Vilkas spoke. "Ysgramor is missing his Wuuthrad. The door should open if we give it to him." He looked to you from the door with a hand on his chin. You looked to the statue of the hero before looking to Vilkas. "Then you three can make your way in."

"Us three?" Farkas and you spoke at the same time, looking confused at one another. You then looked to him, shaking your head. "But Vilkas..."

He walked to you, placing his hands on your shoulders. "I'm hot headed. I act before I think. Emotional is not the right word, because it's so much more than that. I can't think straight. You and Kodlak... Farkas and Aela. My mind is too clouded to be effective. Unable to think is not how I work. I can manage it, usually. Not with this. I came to get you all inside."

You looked into his eyes, shaking your head. "I... understand. I don't have to like it though. I work best when fighting alongside you." It slipped out, though the effect was an almost ear to ear smile. "It's almost a shame to give Wuuthrad to the statue. When you so clearly deserve it. As confidant now... You do run the daily operations."

He looked to you, his eyes locked on yours. You saw the slight shake in his head, you knew he'd read Kodlak's journal in the last week, no doubt he hadn't missed the part where the old man named you successor. "Anyone can do that. I'm not special."

"You are to me." Again, the words just slipped out and again he smiled ear to ear.

Aela cleared her throat. "You guys still have time together. Can we save the tearful goodbye and mushy stuff for when she actually leaves?" You felt yourself blush a little.

Farkas chuckled. "Aela, I know you're itching to fight. We haven't had a lot of work since but let them have a moment."

"Alright, Icebrain." She waved it off.

"Go ahead, Wuuthrad deserves to be with it's master." Vilkas gave you a smile. Hesitantly you put it into the statue's hand, a loud click heard. The stone of the door made a scrape as it slowly opened. "There we go."

"That's my brother." Farkas looked back, smiling. "We'll be back in a jiffy." He and Aela started off into the tomb.

You placed your hand on Wuuthrad, looking at Vilkas. "I suppose that's my cue to go on ahead. I'll see you on the other side."

"Yes you will, Harbinger." You stopped, looking at him. He just smiled. "I won't tell the others. You've made your feelings clear but you will always be the one to rightfully use the study. The one who I can talk to, to sort out what I'm feeling." He caressed your cheek. "Now go do what I can't bring myself to do."

You nodded before leaning in, kissing his cheek quickly. His reaction wasn't even known to you, as you turned to catch up to the others. Aela looked at you when you finally had. "Get all your emotions out?" You nodded slightly, knowing she was teasing. "Good. Because if you think we're tough the old companions are far worse." She drew her bow. "And Farkas isn't the quite the most stealthy..."

"Hey, I'm trying..." He sounded slightly offended, Aela just laughing a little.

"We know." You chimed in. "She's just trying to tell me that I'd be better off using a sword. No art of surprise. Though I already assumed Vilkas would be with us so I left my two handed at home. I assumed I was going to take a healing role." You shook your head, before pulling out the sword. "But I'm here for you, I can adapt."