Moonlight's Embrace (A Skyrim Fanfic) (ORIGINAL)

The Companions

WBE: 662
WAE: 1,200

((8th of Sun's Height, 4E 205, 1:24 p.m.))

I stopped off in Whiterun to leave some of my unneeded items in Breezehome. Jorrvaskr sat atop the hill, still just as warm and welcoming as always. Guilt pricked at my mind as I thought back. I hadn't truly spent time there for months, or maybe even years.

I'd teamed up with Sansa, but that...

They had been my family for so long, and I'd left in the first place without a second thought... All in search of adventure. I decided to make a little detour and visit them in Jorrvaskr.

"Where are we going now?" Brynjolf seemed to be dragging his feet, glancing warily at the guards all around.

"I'm visiting my friends," I answered simply, unwilling to divulge any more information. If he didn't like it, then he could go--

"Who?"

"The Companions. I haven't seen them for Talos knows how long." Despite my trepidation over seeing them again, I could hardly restrain myself from running into the mead hall. I could smell the ale and hear the overlapping voices coming from within. The calm air of Whiterun was familiar and welcoming, adding to the town's beautiful simplicity.

The closer I got to Jorrvaskr, the more I began to rethink my choices for the Thieves Guild. The Companions were a mighty band of warriors, law-abiding and brave. The Guild... As much as I cared for the members, it was sad and dishonest.

I swallowed my guilt and shook off the thoughts plaguing me. With Karliah and Brynjolf right behind me, I pushed open the doors to Jorrvaskr.

Every eye was on me, but the first person I saw was Vilkas.

"Vilkas!" I cried out joyfully, shame disappearing in my glee. The shock was very visible on his strong face as he took me in, and I'll admit that I was more excited than I should have been.

"Russet? You..."

"Russet's back!" I was unexpectedly crushed by a fierce hug from Farkas, and the other Companions surrounded me as well. While reveling in the embraces of my old friends, I shot a smug look to Brynjolf, silently saying, this is the welcome I get here. He simply averted his gaze and snorted disdainfully.

"Where were you?" Vilkas demanded once I'd been released.

"I was saving Skyrim," I announced, and everyone cheered in amazement-- save Sansa. She knew both. She had a twinkle in her eye and a half-smile. The blonde-haired Nord might not have joined in my welcoming crowd, but I knew that didn't mean she didn't welcome my return.

As for the story, it would be one she could help tell. Jorrvaskr was a place for storytelling and drinking, and I was only too happy to indulge myself.

I sat in a chair, retelling the grand tale of my journey against Alduin. Sansa sat beside me, adding details where necessary. I knew she'd likely told it enough here, but somehow, everyone was fine with hearing it from my mouth. I followed up with my victory against the vampire scourge. I caught the eye of Vilkas when I described trapping Odahviing. His expression remained blank, but I easily recognized the pride he hid.

"Three cheers for Russet the Dragonborn hero!" Kodlak raised his mug in my name, and I closed my eyes to bask in the warmth of praise and love surrounding me.

Still, in the back of my mind was a niggling thought that this could be perhaps the last time I reveled with the Companions.

...

((8th of Sun's Height, 4E 205, 7:56 p.m.))

"So, who were they?" Vilkas queried, referring to Karliah and Brynjolf. The two had left a few hours ago, taking shelter in Breezehome. I didn't blame them, they were two thieves in the midst of a dozen warriors who'd crush them soon as talk to them.

Villas and I sat on a bench in the lower quarters of Jorrvaskr while we spoke, simply enjoying each other's company. Still, I didn't want to reveal everything about Karliah or Brynjolf. "Some friends from another hold."

"Ah." His tone told me he knew I was hiding something, but to my relief he didn't press the matter. The doors swung open, revealing Vilkas' twin bursting through with a goofy grin.

"Russ!" I was once again nearly crushed by Farkas.

"I'm glad to see you, too," I managed to choke out through his tight embrace. Once he let me go, he started off into a story about how Kodlak may have found a cure for his lycanthropy. Vilkas had to remind his brother several times to keep it down, but otherwise remained silent to let Farkas go on.

When the moon was high in the sky, we finally retired to our rooms with comforting words. I'd given up my space to Sansa originally, but now that Skjor was gone, there was an open cot for me.

I didn't want to waste what could be my final moments with the Companions in Breezehome.

I recalled the brief conversation I'd had with the two thieves earlier.

"We can't all stay here, Russet," Karliah had reminded me. I'd simply handed over the key to Breezehome and given her directions. Brynjolf was the first to object once I'd expressed my desire to remain in Jorrvaskr.

"You should stay with us, what if something happens? You could be attacked!" he'd insisted.

"Do you really think that something could actually fight every single Companion?" He received only a sarcastic smile from me. "I'll be fine, idiot." They'd left after a few minutes, both unsure about my decision.

...

((8th of Sun's Height, 4E 205, 10:36 p.m.))

With a sinking heart, I realized that I was in the darker forest that Nocturnal roamed. I would have to run if I wanted to keep away.

I kept my guard up, every sense on edge for even the slightest glimpse of the Mistress of Shadows. This time, she seemed to be waiting for some reason. Waiting for what? I wish I knew.

Of course, knowing she was out there didn't stop my sudden burst of terror when I was grabbed from behind. Ice seeped through my veins as Nocturnal held onto my body.

"So, you think that an Elder Scroll will help you?" she snorted, and the crows on her shoulder followed with a raspy caw. "During the time Mehrunes Dagon unsuccessfully tried to take Tamriel, a certain thief by the name of Valka assisted in the theft of an Elder Scroll from the library. She was the greatest of all thieves. Her... descendant was the one who closed the gates to Dagon's realm."

"What does this have to do with anything?" I gasped, the ice crawling into my lungs.

"She became the Gray Fox-- an impressive feat, indeed. However, she failed to consider the price. That cowl was mine, stolen centuries before. She was the target, and I took her life along with the property. It must run in the family."

"You..."

"Valka was your own ancestor, dearie. I claimed her life long ago, and now I will claim yours!" The breath left my body, and black spots danced before my vision. I succumbed to the darkness.