Hey, guys! Don't know Skyrim all that well? Don't worry! We will be explaining words and phrases as we go. If there is a term that is unfamiliar to you, and there is a (*) by it, then it has a definition at the bottom! Other than that, thanks for checking our story out, and enjoy!

The sun seemed to beat down on Alfred harder than before, or perhaps it was all in his head.

Recently, being the heroic Dragonborn* that he is, he had been doing a lot of small favors for the people of Skyrim*, that and some extra coin never hurt. But, this last "favor" was more than he bargained for. He was supposed to retrieve some necklace or something out of a cave, and surprise! Vampires! After the spell was casted on him, Alfred contracted the Vampirism, and now, he had two days before he was a full-fledged vampire.

This couldn't happen to him, he was the Dragonborn. He had things to do, a world to save, and now he's going to turn into a vampire because he got a little more than sidetracked during his travels. But, there was hope. He had heard of a skilled Alchemist* in Riften*, and perhaps he or she could help him. He sighed and looked back up to the sky as he walked across the wooden planks, praying that he could find a cure to all of this.

Eventually, he came to a shop called Emerald's Alchemy, and Alfred found himself running at the small building when he saw it, finally feeling some relief after a full day of non-stop travel. He stumbled in, finding the door a bit heavier than he originally thought, regained his balance, and strode up to the desk, where a man was standing with his back to him, organizing some ingredients* on a shelf, paying no mind the the sudden ruckus that Alfred caused.

Alfred waited politely for a few moments, but, after going seemingly unnoticed, he tried to grab the other's attention, "Excuse me," He said kindly, "Are you the alchemist here?"

"What would ever give you that impression?" The man asked, not turning around.

"Well, the sign outside says-" Alfred cut himself off when he caught the sarcasm, "Listen, I'm in a hurry, and-"

The Alchemist turned around, interrupting him, "Sorry, I can't sure impatience."

Alfred gave a sigh of irritation, "Listen, I know you must be busy, everyone is these days, so let's get this over with."

"No you mean you're busy, and you're pretending to be empathetic to me." The Alchemist scoffed, "Why are Nords* always so full of themselves?"

"Okay, Breton,*" Alfred stated like the race was a disease, "I can play that game too."

"Really?" The Alchemist said disinterestedly, "Go ahead, then. What wrong with my race?"

Alfred opened his mouth and pointed at him, before coming up with nothing, "Uh, well, usually, you guys are better at talking to others."

"Ow." The Alchemist said sarcastically, "My poor Breton heart is broken by your offensive words."

Alfred rolled his eyes, "I have better things to do than keep track of stereotypes, so can I just get a Potion of Cure Disease*?"

The Alchemist looked him up and down, "For what?"

"Does it matter?"

"As of matter of fact, it does," He said, turning around to the shelf with some potions on it, "I have a few variations."

"What a load of shit." Alfred muttered, knowing that he was getting cheated.

The Alchemist turned to him, his green eyes furious, "Yes, not many people know that there can be more variations of some potions, but there are. I know this, because I am one of the best of what I do. Now what is your bloody ailment?"

Nords are full of themselves, Alfred thought sarcastically, but decided to keep his mouth shut. Instead he looked around to make sure that no one else hand entered the shop before leaning forward and lowering his voice, "Vampirism."

The Alchemist was silent for a long moment, giving nothing but a blank stare, "...And you want a Potion of Cure Disease for that?"

Alfred glanced away, "...Yes?" He said, his statement sounding like a question.

The Alchemist hesitated, "Alright." He said with a shrug. He grabbed a small, red vile from behind him and set it on the counter, "That'll be forty."

"Forty?" Alfred echoed, "That's a bit pricy."

"Like I said, I'm the best."

Alfred rolled his eyes, he really didn't want to do business with the man, but he didn't have any more time, "Fine." Alfred said bitterly, going through his pockets and setting forty coin on the counter, "Here."

"Thank you."

Alfred then turned to leave, but stopped when the Alchemist called, "By the way, vampirism is tricky, so if you don't feel better, come back, I might have something else for you."

Alfred nodded, "Alright." He then headed to the inn across the small town, drank the potion, and bedded down for the night.

That cheating witch.

Alfred woke up feeling worse than ever, and when he looked in the mirror, he could see that he was growing pale, his eyes were beginning to look bloodshot, and not to mention how cold he was to the touch.

The best of what he does? Variations? Alfred was right, he was being cheated, and now he was storming across town to see the Alchemist pay. He felt run-down and tired as the sun's rays seemed even harsher than yesterday, but that didn't stop him because he only had just under twenty-four hours to fix this, and by Talos* he was going to find a way. He slammed the door to the shop open and marched over to the desk, "You!" He shouted, pointing at the Breton, "Explain yourself right now!"

The Alchemist gave a smug smile, "Oh, what's the matter? How can you be so grumpy on a nice, sunny day like this?"

"You know exactly what's going on!" Alfred exclaimed, "I want my coin back! And I need you to fix this now!"

"Listen," The Alchemist began, "I will give you the coin back, but I'm afraid I can't cure you."

"I thought you were the best!" Alfred stated, throwing the man's words back at him.

"The reason I gave you the potion yesterday, was because of your stupidity." The Alchemist explained, "You fail to know that there is no cure."

Alfred could feel his expression of anger fall as his chest began to feel empty, "Wait, what? There has to be something."

The Alchemist gave a strange look, almost as if his was in pain, "Well...There might be something….Might."

Alfred gasped, feeling new hope, "Really? What?"

"I've heard rumors of a way to reverse the effects," The Alchemist confessed, "But I don't know if it would work."

"Please," Alfred begged, "I'll try anything!"

"But, I need two supplies that I don't have."

Alfred shook his head, "No worries, I'll get them, I'm used to running dangerous errands for people."

The Alchemist sighed, "No, that's not the problem. The problem is that you're a vampire, or close to being one anyway. You need someone there to make sure you don't get off track and start killing people."

"Then come with me." Alfred offered quickly, "I don't mind company, the more the merrier as they say."

The Alchemist lifted an eyebrow at him, "And what makes you so special?"

Alfred didn't like pulling this card, but it works in times like this, "I'm the Dragonborn."

The Alchemist bursted into laughter, grabbing at his stomach, and bending over a bit, "Oh, Talos!" He cursed.

"It's not funny!" Alfred yelled over the other man's laughter, "It's true!"

The Alchemist's laughter winded down, as he wiped some tears, "It's been a long time since I've laughed like that." Before Alfred could retort, he spoke again, "What else do you have for me? Coin's not enough for this deal, and neither is your joke."

Alfred let out an angry breath as he thought of what he might have that would benefit the other man. Then, he had the perfect idea, this man was an alchemist after all, "How about all my Crimson Nirnroot*?"

The Alchemist's smile faded, "Are you serious? You can't be. That's only found in Blackreach*, nothing but a myth."

Alfred leaned forward on the counter and gave a taunting smile, "I've been to Blackreach, and I have some."

The Alchemist's lips pierced into a thin line, "Prove it."

With a casual shrug, Alfred took off his pack, and dug through the little pouch where he kept his ingredients, and pulled out the reddish plant, "There, you see?"

The Breton gasped and practically lunged forward, his hands grabbing at the Nirnroot. Alfred pulled his hand away, forcing The Alchemist to run into the counter, "Nuh-uh. No touching."

The Alchemist tapped his fingers on the wooden counter top impatiently, not taking his eyes off of the more than rare plant. Finally, he sighed, "Okay, that's one thing. What about the other? After all, I need to help you get two supplies."

Alfred scoffed, "I'm giving you all my Crimson Nirnroot, and you want something else?"

The Alchemist shook his head frantically, "Nothing materialistic, or of value. Just the location of Blackreach."

"So, my Crimson Nirnroot, and the location of Blackreach," Alfred began, "in exchange for your help on my quest?"

"Yes."

Alfred gave a curt nod, holding out a hand to shake, "You got a deal, pal."

The Alchemist gave an enthusiastic smile, shaking his hand, "Deal!"

Now that's done, time to get to the next step, "So, tell me...Um…"

"Arthur." The Alchemist filled in.

"Alfred." He introduced, "What exactly do we need?"

"According to the rumors I heard," Arthur started, "We need a Black Soul Gem*, and an incantation."

Alfred nodded, "And when will we be leaving to look for those?"

Arthur gave a glance to the ceiling in thought, "Tonight. Not long after sundown. We won't find what we need within, well, however long you have, so may as well not try. While you are a vampire, you will be weakened by the sun, so we should travel at night."

Alfred nodded in approval, despite Arthur's rather difficult personality, he seemed to be a rational planner, "Alright, so what do I do 'till then? Sit around here? I'm looking too much like a vampire to walk around, or even go back to the inn."

Arthur sighed, leaning forward on the counter, "You should rest. I have an unused bed in the back of the building. It's rather uncomfortable, but it'll do."

"I'm exhausted," Alfred confessed, "I doubt I'll notice. I could sleep on the floor, and I'd still pass out."

Arthur rolled his eyes as he began to make his way to his Alchemy Table*, "Whatever. The doorway's to your left, sleep well."

"Thank you." Alfred said, turning and walking to the little, run-down room, "See you later."

Arthur didn't respond, but Alfred paid no mind. He laid down in the bed that was too small, got under the thin covers, and just like he thought, went right to sleep.

Alfred had heard about something called aromatherapy, and it was the idea of scents relieving your stress, and considering how well he slept in a building that smelled of spices and flowers, it worked. He woke up feeling better than when he fell asleep, which was something he couldn't say earlier, but then again, as he looked out the window, he could tell it was beginning to get dark out.

With a yawn, he got out of bed and made his way to the front room, where Arthur was still at his Alchemy Table. Trying to put past arguments behind, Alfred greeted him kindly and casually, "Hey."

Arthur gave a glance over his shoulder at him, "Evening," He responded, going back to crushing ingredients, "Did you sleep well?"

Alfred sat at a small side table by the entrance, "Better than at the inn."

Arthur nodded, "Your bodyclock is already changing. You'll sleep better in the daytime."

"I'm just over twelve hours away." Alfred stated, in which he only got a grunt of understanding in Arthur's response.

There was a long, awkwardly painful silence as Arthur continued working, but then the front door opened, and Alfred gave sigh of relief when at the thought of there being some kind of cushion between him and Arthur. A Nord with long, blond hair appeared in the doorway, and when Alfred looked the other man up and down, he realized that it was a Priest of Mara*.

"Oh, Arthur!" The Priest sang, striding in before cutting himself off as he noticed Alfred, "Oh, hello." He looked back to Arthur, "Who's your friend?"

Arthur gave another glance over his shoulder at them, "That's Alfred. It's...Complicated."

Maybe it was the dim lighting of the candles, or perhaps Arthur's friend didn't know what a vampire looked like, because even after he bent down, he still said, "Oh, you poor thing, you look so sick."

"Of course he is," Arthur said flatly, "He's a vampire."

"He-" The Priest's eyes widened as he took a small step back, "I am so sorry."

Alfred shrugged, "It's okay, Arthur says that there might be a cure."

The Priest closed his eye briefly, almost as if he were restraining himself, "Arthur…"

Arthur turned around, "Alfred, this is my husband, Francis."

Before Alfred could greet the man civilly, Francis continued his thought, "Arthur, are you talking about those rumors?"

"Yes," Arthur answered, "It's better than nothing."

"You don't have those supplies." Francis pointed out.

Arthur nodded in understanding, "I know. Alfred's going to help me retrieve them."

Francis ran a hand through his light blond hair stressfully, "You're telling me that you are going, Talos knows where, fighting whatever attacks you-"

Arthur interrupted, "I have faced worse while at the College*, we both have."

Alfred narrowed his eyebrows, looking up at Francis, "Wait, you're a Mage* too?"

Francis glanced at him, but looked back at Arthur and continuing the argument instead of answering the question, "That's not the problem, you're putting your life in the hands of a vampire." He looked down at Alfred again, "No offence."

Alfred shrugged, "None taken."

Arthur rolled his eyes, speaking as if this was no big deal, "If I play this out right, then he won't lose his mind."

"He has to feed!" Francis pointed out.

"I…" Arthur gave a small expression of uncertainty, "Have a plan for that."

Francis crossed his arms, "And what is that?"

Arthur said nothing.

A look of realization hit Francis' face, "No." When Arthur did nothing but open and close his mouth in response, he repeated the statement, "No...No! No! No!"

It was obvious that both knew what they were thinking, but Alfred always found it hard to read in between the lines, "What?" He asked, hoping to get some insight.

No such luck, because Francis kept repeating himself, "No! No! No! No! Bad idea! No! You can't! I won't let you! That's dangerous! I-"

Arthur cut him off, plugging his ears and singing, "La, la, la, Francis! I can't hear you!"

"Oh, stop it!" Francis exclaimed, raising his voice, "When are you so childish?"

Arthur gave a smug smile, "Since he made me a deal I can't refuse."

Francis rolled his eyes, "And what would that be?"

"Crimson Nirnroot." Arthur answered simply, "And the location to Blackreach."

Francis pointed at him in accusation, but whatever retort he had died on his lips as his jaw fell open. Slowly, he turned his attention back to Alfred, "Blackreach? You've been there?"

Alfred gave a proud nod, "Yup."

Francis narrowed his eyebrows, "Who are you?"

"He claims to be the Dragonborn." Arthur said skeptically.

Francis' lips curled into a small smile of amusement as his body gave a short sieze of suppressed laughter, and Alfred had to give it to the man for trying to be nice, "Really?"

"I know it's hard to believe," Alfred stated, "But, yes."

"Anyway," Arthur started, getting back on track, "Do you think you could watch over the shop while I'm gone?"

Francis turned to the Breton with a sigh of surrender, "You're going to be too stubborn, aren't you?" Arthur only blinked at him, and at that, Francis gave a small breath of laughter, "Then, I'm going with you."

Alfred could see the look of defiance in Arthur's eyes, but didn't really argue, "What about the temple*?"

Francis rolled his eyes, "It's not like I'm a high priest. They'll be fine."

Arthur nodded, now looking worried, "Alright. Go pack your things, and get an hour's rest. We are leaving soon."

Francis took a long breath, but didn't reply to his husband, instead, he turned for the staircase, stopping by Alfred on his way there. He put a hand on his shoulder and smiled gently, "You'll be fine, my friend." Then, he walked off and disappeared up the stairs.

Maybe it was just because he was a priest, and had an impression of reassurance with his very presence, but Alfred could feel his stress level lower at Francis' words, and in a practical sense, that's all Alfred should feel. After all, both of his new companions seemed smart and capable, and both were mages, even if Francis had retired to become a priest. Perhaps he will be fine, and perhaps, the adventure will be fun, too.

But, no matter his own optimism, because it became apparent an hour and a half later, when they were all ready to go, that the married couple didn't share his high spirits. Arthur acted as if this was all a burden, and perhaps he was right, Alfred was the one in need of help, but in his own defense, Arthur didn't have to agree to anything. Francis, on the other hand, didn't seem to mind lending a hand to him, and being a Priest of Mara, that wasn't surprising. He seemed unbothered by all this up until Arthur left to go back to his shop for one last thing, leaving them in the heart of Riften in the moonlight. It was then when Francis expressed his wariness, and began to mumble a prayer, "Mara, please stay with me. Let me not be forced to do harm, let me not forget your teachings, and let me remember mercy."

That's when Alfred began to have his doubts, and when he realized how small of a chance that this rumor has of being true. Arthur and Francis just weren't doing this for Crimson Nirnroot and Blackreach, no one in their right mind would. Perhaps some of it was out of the goodness of their hearts. Either way, Alfred had to be sure to thank them before their quest becomes too dangerous.

Terms:

Dragonborn: A legend of a person who is born with a soul of a dragon, can use dragon-like powers called "shouts", and is burdened with the title of the best dragonslayer.

Skyrim: A cold land based on Scandinavia and the country where the game takes place.

Alchemist: One who makes magical potions.

Riften: A southeast city in Skyrim.

Ingredients: Flowers, spices, parts of animals and beasts that are used to make potions.

Nord(s): The majority race of Skyrim. Usually tall with fair skin and light hair, strong and brute.

Breton: Another race that look similar to Nords. Although, shorter with rounder faces, and are proficient in magic.

Potion of Cure Disease: There are many small ailments that can be contracted in Skyrim, this is a potion that will cure most of them.

Talos: Many people in Skyrim worship a Polytheistic religion (one with multiple gods). Talos is their god of war, and acts like a king of gods, much like Zeus.

Crimson Nirnroot: Normal Nirnroot can be found by water and emit a "musical" sound when you are near them. They are ingredients that can be used to damage stamina, achieve invisibility, and to help resist harmful magic spells. Crimson Nirnroot is a variation that has the same effects, but it's rarity and dangerous location in Blackreach make it more valuable.

Blackreach: A large underground abandoned city that is home to many dangers. It is hard to get to it, as well as explore in it, not many people come back alive, and most believe it is a myth.

Black Soul Gem: A Soul Gem is used to trap the souls of fallen enemies, and then it's power can be used to enchant weapons and armor. A Black Soul Gem works the same, but is more rare and harder to find.

Alchemy Table: A place where Alchemists crush up ingredients and make potions.

Priest of Mara: Mara is their goddess of love. Her Priests are known for compassion, mercy, and are the only ones who can perform weddings. I do not know if they can actually marry, but if not, Francis and Arthur's marriage is a result of creativity.

"College": Arthur is referring to the College of Winterhold. A place where you can learn magic.

Mage: One who practices magic.

"Temple": There are may temples that are dedicated to the gods of Skyrim. The one referenced is the Temple of Mara, where Francis works during the day.

Author's Note:

Thanks again for checking out our story! Sorry for all the terms to know, but better safe than sorry. Be sure to review, for they are always appreciated!

~Toris