A/N
Hello guys! This is my first fanfic so first things first: I do not write good. Second, for Dovahkiin/Serana pairing lovers, I'm going for a slow burn because it wouldn't feel too real if I rushed things.
Third, the Dawnguard storyline may or may not be the only focus of this story. I'm thinking about incorporating the other story lines from Skyrim. I still don't know so, if you keep on reading, you'll see soon enough. Lastly, Remus's background will progress along with the story.
I hope you guys enjoy my work! Please do leave some reviews so I could see how I'm doing.
[Remus's POV]
I've just returned to Whiterun from Shearpoint after slaying the dragon that nested there. Shearpoint was located in the southern mountains of the Pale but the dragon has been attacking the people at Whiterun hold so they had to put up a bounty.
It was already late in the evening and I didn't want to disturb the Jarl's Steward, Proventus, from his sleep just to claim the bounty so I decided to drop by the Bannered Mare Inn to spend the night before claiming my reward tomorrow.
I went inside and walked directly towards the bar.
"May I help you?" Hulda, the Bannered Mare's innkeep asked. It was strange, she was already cleaning and putting things into order. That's when I realized, the inn was... particularly empty. Huh.
I removed my mask and undonned my hood. The innkeep's eyes widened in surprise before softening up.
"... And so he returns." Hulda grinned ear to ear. "How did it go?"
"It was tough. But still, I had worse." I replied with a smirk on my face to which Hulda just laughed in response.
I sat near the fire at the centre of the room to warm myself. That was the moment I really felt I was alone in what once was a very lively inn. Just what happened? I was definitely spooked how my drinking buddies weren't even there to show.
Well... used to be drinking buddies.
I approached the bar and asked Hulda for a drink.
"So Hulda... uh... any rumors?" I inquired just to break the ice. I liked silence in particular, but in this certain inn... it's just deafening.
"Not so much no. That dragon was the biggest but you've already dealt with it." Suddenly, Hulda's face lit up. She started rummaging from behind the counter until she pulled out a small piece of paper. A notice.
"An Orc wearing a strange heavy armor just left this notice." Hulda said as she handed the notice over to me. "Never seen that kind of armor before."
The Dawnguard are recruiting. Professional Vampire Hunters needed.
Look for the old Dawnguard Castle at Dayspring Canyon, East of Riften.
"Knowing what you can do, I suggest you consider on joining them." Hulda's eyes suddenly fell grim. "Whiterun experienced two attacks just this week. Two guards on different days. Drained of blood."
"Really? How come I never knew of this?" I dropped the piece of paper in surprise.
"Look around you. The people are too scared to leave their homes during this hour. Besides, you aren't particularly a one city-man." Hulda sighed while pouring down a drink on my tankard.
Not only that. I haven't been staying in cities that much. I was getting accustomed to living in the wilds and in a constant move.
"Makes sense. When I arrived at the gates, the guards were pretty jumpy." I recounted as I remembered an incident earlier. The Whiterun guards refused to let me in. Although it might be because of my get up. I wore a dark-colored chainmail and a dark red cuirass to cover it. A black hood and mask to conceal my identity. I also had a dark red scarf around my neck. With this kind of getup, one would really think I'm not up to something good.
"I had to bribe them just to let me in." I let out a sigh before drinking another mug of mead. That was when I noticed Hulda looking at me intently.
"What?"
"Why didn't you just show yourself to them? They would've easily let you in."
I stared at Hulda, darkly before continuing to drink from my mug. "You know why."
She gave out a big sigh. "I do understand, Remus. But, eventually... you're going to have to find a purpose. You just can't keep on popping in for a bounties just to help. Maybe you need to be a part of something bigger than yourself. I don't even know how long has it been..."
"... Two years." I interrupted.
That's right. I've concealed myself from the people Skyrim for two whole years. I've been living in the wilds just so I wouldn't have to show myself to people. I had places to stay because of my previous achievements, but I didn't risk staying at those places for too long. Still, I like doing my part. I occasionally pop in for bounties to help the holds with their problems. Helping the torn land of Skyrim which, for some reason, I've come to love.
Still, I have to admit. I've wandered aimlessly for far too long.
"Hey..! Are you even listening to me?!" Hulda cried as she slammed her hand on the counter which caught me by surprise.
"Uh... yeah?" I lied. I wasn't paying attention. Not even for a little bit. I was too absorbed in my own thoughts that I haven't even noticed that she was still talking.
"So... you're going to join the Dawnguard?" she asked excitingly.
"Wait, what?"
"The Dawnguard! It might be a good place for you to start!" she gushed. "Besides, you aren't even doing anything right now, aren't you?"
"... I just got here." I replied weakly. Still I think the sarcasm came across.
Hulda gave me one last glare. She raised an eyebrow before she settled down. "I'll let it go. Still, just think about it."
"Fine. I'll think about it." I finished my drink and placed it down the bar.
"Good! Those vampires are bad for my business!" she exclaimed as she cleaned off my mug.
I ignored her and started walking towards the stairs to go up and find myself a good bed. I paused.
"By the way, just tell Proventus that the dragon has been dealt with. Also, tell him don't worry about the bounty. I don't plan on getting it."
"Wow. Awfully kind of you." Hulda teased. "Why don't you just give it to me, rich boy?"
"Please, you're barely going under. Besides, I just might take a look at this... Dawnguard for you."
"Fine, fine. Just go away already." she shooed.
I was on my way upstairs when I stopped.
"Oh-" I muttered as I remembered something. "- and Hulda?"
"Yeah?"
"I was never here." I said darkly. I narrowed my eyes to imply that I'm being serious.
"I get it. But, does Proventus know?"
"Sure, he does. We had an agreement. I'll help with Whiterun's occasional problems and he just keeps his mouth shut."
"How long are you going to keep this up?"
I was fazed. I don't even know myself.
"As long as the citizens of Skyrim are still clamoring about the Dragonborn." I replied with disdain as I shut the door behind me.
Just what am I doing here?
Somehow, Hulda managed to fill my head with things of all sorts that I found myself standing at the entrance of Dayspring Canyon after a whole day of travelling.
Everything looked so... peaceful. The wildness of Skyrim was beautiful in its own right, but this... it's something else.
At the entrance of the Canyon was a small pond and since it's nighttime, torchbugs were everywhere, like little lights in the darkness. As I walked on, I noticed more of the canyon's beauty: the pine trees bathing in moonlight, elk running through the woods with no worry... How can something be so beautiful be a home base for something called the Dawnguard?
After a minute of walking, I was standing in front of a staircase leading to a huge castle. Quite the fortress.
I picked up my pace and ascended the stairs. Carefully, I opened the castle doors.
At the center, I saw a Redguard donned in heavy armor I've never seen before. A huge warhammer was strapped on his back. He was talking to another man, a Nord, equipped with the same weapon. Only difference was he's wearing familiar robes. A vigilant of Stendarr. They were in a heated argument.
I decided to lean against a pillar and wait until their argument was over. And maybe, eavesdrop a bit.
"... And now you come running to me because the vampires ransacked the Hall of the Vigilants? I told everyone what's coming for us... and no one believed." The Redguard said in an angry tone.
"Isran, everyone's dead. The Hall of the Vigilants... everyone...! They're all dead! You were right, and we were wrong. Isn't that enough for you?!" the vigilant lashed out.
The Redguard called Isran went silent. His angry disposition changed after the vigilant's words.
"Yes... well, Tolan... I never wanted any of this to happen... I am sorry..."
Taking notice of my presence, Isran's eyes shifted towards me.
"The man in the shadows. Who are you? And what do you want?" the Redguard asked in suspicion.
Exactly just what do I want? I moved from my corner and started walking towards them. I could see their faces and their hands were starting to get cautious.
"I'm not exactly sure. I guess, I'd want to help." I answered half-heartedly.
"You don't look like you've really come to help." Again, the fact that a mask and a hood is obscuring my identity really gets to some people. "I'm going to need a name." Isran stated as his eyes narrowed with distrust.
I just shook my head in response, causing the Redguard to furrow his brows.
"You wouldn't even give me your name? As far as I remember my ma' told me that it is very rude not to lower your hood and remove your mask when you're going to introduce yourself." Isran glared.
I just looked at both of them in silence before letting out a sigh. I do want to help. But if I do, they'd have to trust me first.
"I never said anything about introducing myself. But, fine. I should observe my manners."
I slowly lowered my hood and removed my mask. I let out another sigh of relief. Wearing a hood and a mask doesn't exactly feel good.
Once I did so, I took a look at Isran and Tolan.
They just stood there in shock. They looked at each other before turning their heads towards me in unison.
"I- I've heard the stories..." Tolan said, as he stared at me steadily. "... I heard he vanished for a long time now..."
"A scar beneath the eye... and that red hair... could you possibly be the Dr..."
Before Isran could finish, I cut him off.
"Yeah, it's me." I finally confirmed. It's surprising enough they knew me based on how I look. Just how fast do rumors spread around?
"Just what is the famed Dragonborn doing here in the Dawnguard? And you chose to show yourself here in all the places here in Skyrim..." he asked. He eyes were still wide in surprise.
I do not like the way he talks. But I also kind of like that he isn't too delighted like some kind of idiot when I revealed myself.
"That's because I was never here. Just like I told you, I'm here to help."
Isran's face lit up and his voice boomed across the room. "Shor's bones! The Dragonborn himself...!"
The way he keeps saying the word Dragonborn struck a nerve.
"Stop saying that. I'm not here for what I am and what I did before. I'm here for what needs doing." I said in a calm yet strict tone.
After hearing this, Isran snapped back to his former stoic self. Tolan was still silent and I'm guessing that he's still trying to comprehend if this is really happening or not.
"You said you're going to help... so, I must ask. Are you certain that you want to be a part of the Dawnguard?" he asked determinedly.
I asked myself the same question. Then, Hulda's words echoed in my head.
Maybe, you need to be a part of something bigger than yourself.
She was right. I think it's been too long since I actually did work for any affiliation. If hunting vampires is the the Dawguard's main objective, then I assume it's for a good cause.
I took a deep breath before I gave my answer. "Alright. I'm in."
A huge smile curved on Isran's lips as he walked right up to me and gave me a good pat on my shoulder.
"I'm glad that the word has been going around. That even you had come to help us. This is the headquarters of the Dawnguard. Well, it used to be, a long time ago. As you can see, we have some work to do to restore it to its former glory. But maybe you want to help me with that?"
"Sure." I briefly replied.
"Then I welcome you to the Dawnguard." he stated as he indicated for me to follow him next to Tolan. "To be honest, I need someone out there in the field... Someone to take the fight to those cursed vampires while we're getting the fort back to shape... Tolan, tell him about, what was it? Dimhollow?"
So, what, I barely just arrived and I'm already going out on a mission?
"Yes. Brother Adalvald said something about it holding a long lost vampire artifact of some kind..." the Vigilant chimed in. Seems like he already had a hold of the situation.
"That's enough for me." Isran turned to face me. "Dragonborn, find out what the vampires are looking for at Dimhollow Crypt. Whatever it is, it shouldn't fall on their hands." Isran commanded. I pursed my lips in annoyance after hearing the word Dragonborn.
Tolan gripped my shoulder.
"I'll meet you at Dimhollow. It's the least I could do to avenge my fallen comrades."
"I don't think that's a good idea, Tolan." Isran interrupted. "You vigilants were never trained for-" But before he could finish, Vigilant Tolan was already walking towards the fort's exit.
"I know what you think of us, Isran. You think we are weak and that we are cowards. You think our deaths proved our weakness. Stendarr grant that you do not have to face the same test and be found wanting. I'm going to Dimhollow Crypt. I'll be waiting." He said without looking at Isran. With that he shut the door behind him.
Isran sighed. "I suppose we couldn't really stop him from doing what he wants. Go. Bring the fight to those filth."
"All right. But before I go, I have a favor to ask."
"What is it?"
"If I'm going to join the Dawnguard, I'd like my identity to remain... hidden. I'd prefer it if it doesn't become a big talk around here." I paused I put my thoughts on process. "But if worse comes to worst, should people around here recognize me, then let it be."
Isran looked at me intently, before responding with a subtle smile.
"Understood. But if that's the case, I really am going to need a name."
I paused for a moment. But, I understood.
"Remus. My name's Remus."