#farkasposting

Firien's footsteps crunched softly in the snow as she made her way through the rolling hills and rocky fields that surrounded the city. A night like this one reminded her of the night she had first learned about her being the Dragonborn. Though the moons had been absent then, there had been just as many stars. She recalled Farkas marveling at how many there were, how his mere existence had annoyed her to her core. 

It was amusing to think how far they had come since then, how far she had come since then.

She had come farther than she ever thought possible since leaving Valenwood. It was hard to convince herself that she had not squandered the years, yet she had little regret. Every choice she had made, every step she had taken, every mistake she had thought she made led her to right where she was; victorious in the eyes of fate, with a warm and safe place to live, surrounded by people who love her.

And before Alduin's defeat, Firien had lived as though she was running out of time. Which, given, she had thought she was. But now, with Alduin vanquished and the war at a temporary standstill, she had time to enjoy her life.

At least, for now.

For once, she did not want to fret about the future. She wanted to just be. Surely, she could steal this one moment in time to do just that. For once, she was content to be content.

"Why do I always find you in the coldest places possible?"

Farkas' voice was sprinkled with amusement. She had long since heard his footsteps following hers in the snow, knew he would catch up to her eventually, but she was still secretly overjoyed that he had joined her.

"I like the cold," she replied simply as he fell into step beside her.

"I know you do." His hand sought hers and they continued her walk together. "Something on your mind tonight, my love?"

Firien shrugged, barely a lift of her shoulders. "I could not sleep. A walk seemed sensible, to clear my mind and expend some of my energy."

"Ah," replied Farkas with a grin. "A walk through the bitter cold in the middle of the night. Most wouldn't call that sensible."

"The cold keeps me alert," she said, somewhat defensively.

"No need to explain yourself to me," Farkas said in a tone that warmed her heart and her bones. "If you want to continue alone, I can go back to Jorrvaskr and leave you to it."

There was no hostility nor animosity or judgement in his tone. Only kindness and understanding. Firien looked up at him gratefully, squeezing his hand slightly.

"Your company is never unwelcome, one of my heart," she replied. "I was just reflecting on how far I have come since I first met you. What better person to reflect upon that with than the one most involved?"

"You have come very far," he agreed. "I'm very proud of you."

Affection and pride blossomed in Firien's heart. She stopped in her tracks and faced him. And Farkas drew her in, holding her close as he pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead. She wrapped her arms around his waist, and though her walk was far from over that night, she could steal another moment to just be with him.