Before we begin I would like to take a moment to address the readers. Let me start by saying my grammar is not perfect. Please forgive the minor errors I will most likely be making. Second, this is a slash fan fiction between Vilkas and a male OC (who may be the dragon born later, I haven't decided yet.) The story will follow Vilkas or sometimes the Oc's path to becoming the harbinger, much like the game does but there will be differences and it will not follow the quest lines directly. This is mostly following Vilkas though. It's just easier to write for him. If this doesn't rock your socks at all, the back button is right there~ Feel free to flame about it even though I warned you, I'll just ignore hate comments. If you have something constructive to say then I welcome them~.

Disclaimer- I don't own the Elder scrolls or anything associated with it.

Thank you and enjoy.

Chapter 1- Running 'round in circles in my mind.

Vilkas wrenched his blade free from the Draugr Wight, hearing the satisfying crack of tissue and fragile bone as he did so. Still, he scowled and sheathed his blade once he assessed no more threats in the area. He cursed softly under his breath and began to chip at the ice that formed on his armor after the Wight's spell went off. Damn magic. The very thought of a warrior needing magic, sickened him. A man should be able to get by with a sword and his own two hands. That was a warrior's way. Not fancy spells and ridiculous incantations.

He shut his eyes for a moment before wrenching the last chuck of ice off his breastplate. He cringed as the crisp cold substance bit into his warm flesh and he cast to the ground where it shattered on impact. He clenched and unclenched his fist until the warmth returned to it and then let out a soft sigh. The thanked the nine he was a Nord sometimes. Or the eight…Or whatever. He didn't really care…It's not like he had the divines favor anyway. He glanced around at the once walking dead that lay about his feet. They didn't have divine favor either, so it seems.

A chill raced up his spine as he remembers what would await him in the end. Sovngarde would not be his finial resting place. Kodlak, his brother, Aela, Skjor and himself…They were all doomed for Hircine's hunting grounds. For Aela and Skjor, this wasn't a problem. Those two embraced their wolf-blood strongly and would enjoy the never-ending hunts when their time on Nirn was done. Vilkas however, was not so sure. He'd already decided to suppress the beast and not give into the wolf. His loyal twin, had agreed to do the same, but Vilkas knew not if it was for himself or Vilkas' own sake. Farkas loved him and would do anything for him and that is what worried Vilkas most. He'd willingly suffer for him…willingly die.

He jumped as said brother placed a hand on his shoulder. He tried to cover up the surprise quickly but he knew Farkas would catch it. This whole place and his own thoughts had filled him with unease and he'd let his guard down. (something that rarely happened.)

"Brother?" Farkas' big hand was comforting but Vilkas shrugged it off.

"I am fine. Just… lost in thought." He shook his head at his twin's questioning glance. "Did you find what he came here for?"

"I did." The big man held up a piece of the broken blade "one step closer, brother."

"Aye…let's go then."

Farkas nodded and turned to leave. Vilkas took one last glace at the dead Draugr before following suit. He almost sighed in relief as the sun beat down on them upon exiting the ruin. The sun washed the chill of that place off Vilkas and helped his mind clear. He glanced at Farkas and found his twin watching him with a soft worried look. He smiled, if only to ease his brother.

"Everything is fine Farkas. We'll talk later. I promise. Okay?"Farkas nodded and held his arms out for a hug. Vilkas almost blushed, embarrassed, even though no one was around to see the embrace.

"Farkas…not now. Later."

"No. Now. Come here, Vilkas." He spoke with a grin.

Vilkas couldn't help but smile and shake his head. "No, I said."

"Come here."

"No!"

"Come on now."

"Nooo!"

Farkas lunged at him and without a sound Vilkas bolted out of his reach. He started to run down the stone path, back toward Whiterun. He heard his twin laugh and run after him and for a while, everything felt like it was okay again. Like back when they were children, playing in the courtyard of Jorrvaskr, under the watchful eye of Jergen and Tilma. Back before he knew of the beast and what he would eventually become. Back when there were no worries, save for wondering when Jergen would come back from a mission…Back when he was happy.

The thought hade him stop running for a moment and that was all it took. Sudden weight collided into him and he found himself forced to the ground with Farkas' arms around him and his weight on his back. The blow had taken the wind right out of his lungs and he gasped against the dirt for air. Farkas laughed and squeezed him tighter."Got ya!"

Vilkas coughed in response and swatted at Farkas' arm. That would show him to ever get lost in thought when his brother was chasing him with promise of impending bear hug.

"well look at what we got here boys…A couple of fairies stopping to rut in the road?"

Farkas was off him in a flash and even Vilkas sprung to his feet with the threat of violence. It took him a moment to get his breath back but the adrenaline that's gradually started to pump though his veins helped the process along. He made for his weapon as he glanced at the owner of the voice.

It was a giant Orc man in iron armor and a big cumbersome dwarven great sword on his back. Next to him was a small wood elf in fur armor with a bow and a redguard woman also in fur, wielding a crude looking axe.

"These ones are well armed boss…" The wood elf spoke lifting his bow. "Maybe we should just…move on?"

"Nonsense." The redguard said with a mean smile. She nudged the Orc and gestured to the twins. "It will be easy."

"You should listen to your little friend." Farkas warned, reading his great sword. "Mess with us and you mess with the companions."

The three brigands exchanged glances. Vilkas could see that the companion name held some weight by the hesitation in their eyes. Vilkas glared at the Orc, almost daring him to attack. Everything in him howled to rip these three to shreds. He'd be doing the world a favor, he told himself. Brigands were nothing but trouble that did nothing but hurt people who didn't deserve it. The grip on his sword tightened and his lips curved into a wolfish sneer. The blood was calling to him and he was teetering on the edge of never came though. The Orc held up his hand and his two friends but their weapons away.

"You win this time, meat." They walked around the twins, giving them a wide berth. Vilkas watched their retreating figures, his knuckles white from how hard he clenched his weapon. His teeth grinded together as he thought about chasing after them. Hunting them. Killing them.

"Vilkas…Vilkas. Come on." Farkas shook his shoulder. "Let it go."

"…fine." He shoved Farkas away and sheathed his weapon. He was angry. Angry at the brigands, angry at Farkas for holding him back and mostly angry at himself for wanting to slaughter them…for wanting to give in… He took a deep breath. "Sorry." He knew it wasn't Farkas' fault and he shouldn't be taking things out on him."Brother, its fine. Let's go home."

"Yeah…okay." They walked back, side-by-side in silence. The sun set by the time they got back and Vilkas wanted nothing more then to collapse face down in his bed and forget that today ever happened. Unfortunately they were greeted by Skjor and the hall was full of their shield brothers and sisters.

"Welcome back brothers." Skjor spoke with a smile. "I assume you were successful?"

"That we were!" Farkas grinned proudly and produced the shard of Ysgramor's blade.

"Excellent, I'll bring this to Eorlund in a moment so he can get it mounted. In the mean time, Njada and Athis were about to have a training session in the hall. Would you care to observe, brothers?"

"Sure." Farkas answered and then looked to Vilkas. "Brother?"

Vilkas opened his mouth to answer but saw Kodlak gesturing to him by the stairs. "…no. I'm going to talk with the old man for a bit. You two enjoy."

"Oh…okay." Farkas spoke to his brothers retreating form as the two fighters began to brawl. Vilkas was already downstairs and out of sight before he finished saying 'okay.' Farkas sighed and stood next to Skjor to watch the fight.

"What's wrong with Vilkas tonight?"

Farkas forced a smile. "He's just being cranky. its fine."

"I see." He stopped to call a word of encouragement to Njada before turning back to Farkas. "I heard you took on a Giant last night."

"Yeah. A new prospect showed up and helped us take it down."

"Aela mentioned him. Must have been good to get her attention."

"Yeah. He's…. a bit strange in his method's though. I'm pretty sure Vilkas wouldn't like the way he fights…you know how he is."

"You mean the new prospect was a-" The door opened and they both glanced up from the fight to see who was walking through the door. Skjor raised an eyebrow and Farkas' eyes widened just slightly.

"Well, speak of the devil…"

Vilkas eased himself into the seat next to Kodlak and looked at his feet. He didn't really want to face the old man…partially because he had a feeling that Kodlak already somehow knew about his almost lapse of judgment.

"Talk to me boy. Tell me what's troubling you…and don't tell me, nothing. I know by the look of you that something is amiss."Damn perceptive old bastard.

"I…Almost lost control today." He glanced up at Kodlak and saw the old man nod, telling him to continue. "We were harassed by brigands on the round and I almost…"

"I know of your dislike of bandits and thieves, Vilkas. It has been a while since Jergen died from such an attack…but there is no honor is killing an enemy that hasn't done wrong."

"They probably have!" Vilkas snarled, and then corrected himself once he saw the look Kodlak gave him. "What I mean is that they probably already murdered innocent people and I just let them walk away."

"You don't know if they've done anything Vilkas. You cannot save everyone you come across. Some people are beyond help boy." Vilkas quieted down and slumped in his seat. He heard Kodlak heave a sigh. "Are you upset because you let them get away? Or are you upset for almost closing control of the beast?"

"…"

Kodlak smiled, not unkindly and nodded. "I understand."

"It's just… I can still hear the call of the blood."

"I know, Vilkas. It's a burden to bear and….we have a guest."

Vilkas looked up at the newcomer to the hall. First thing he noticed about the stranger was the violent red color of his hair and his shining copper eyes.

"And you are…?" Kodlak eyed the stranger wary but there was almost a startling recognition in his eyes that Vilkas didn't understand. The young man smiled in an almost mischievous way, his eyes darting to Vilkas before resting on Kodlak.

"My name is Vincent Renalt." He spoke proudly and gave a half bow in respect. "I'm here to join the companions."