A Tale of Dragons: Tanz do Iiz ahrk Yol
Chapter: 2
The journey home
"I don't think this is it, boss." The bandit with the map said as he scratched his head. The leader of the group turned to him and angrily grabbed the map.
"It's here I tell you! Look, it's the same tower, same trees, same damn rocks! Keep looking, I want that treasure!" He roared as he looked at the two other bandits.
Khara and Serana had spotted their campfire a few hours after they had started traveling. They would've just have continued their journey, leaving the bandits to do whatever they were doing, but they had set up their damn camp in the middle of a little mountain pass, making it impossible to pass without being spotted. However, the situation gave Khara in idea. She looked over at Serana who had dismounted the horse and was now in a crouched position next to the white wolf.
Khara picked up an empty bottle, probably thrown away by the bandits, and held if for Serana to see. She used a finger to point at the vampire, Serana narrowed her eyes at the bottle before looking at the wolf, what are you saying? The wolf then lifted the bottle closer to Serana's face, closer to her mouth. Serana suddenly knew what she was asking, she could almost hear the wolf saying, are you still thirsty? Serana looked over at the bandits before looking at Khara once more, smirking as she nodded. The wolf's eyes turned a shade brighter as it looked over at the three bandits, who were still unaware they were being watched.
Khara threw the bottle over towards the bandits, hitting the stone wall in front of them making it so they all had their backs facing to the duo lurking in the shadows. She then leapt over the fallen tree they had used as cover and let out a hair-raising howl while she ran on all fours towards the bandits. Before they could even turn their heads, the wolf was upon them. Khara had chosen to start with the leader of the group, the one in the middle. She took a hold of the Nord by the shoulders and forced him to the ground, her claws digging into his flesh. The wolf then sunk her teeth into his spine, paralyzing the fool.
As the two other bandits finally understood what was happening to them, they jumped back and drew their weapons, one an axe, the other summoned a fire spell. Serana moved fast to get behind the mage and grabbed her wrist, making the spell fly in the direction of where she was only a moment ago. In panic, the woman turned around only to be met with orange glowing eyes, eyes that looked awfully hungry. The woman then tried to hit Serana with her fist, only to find that now, the vampire held both her hands.
The other bandit had now moved closer to Khara, who was still busy with their leader, and raised his axe. Khara straightened up and looked over at the man only to see an axe on its way to meet her head, she quickly ducked, avoiding the attack. The bandit looked down at her, he was now furious, but even though Khara was for the moment out for harm's way, the axe still managed to hit something. The man's eyes went wide as he was now looking at his female companion, his very decapitated companion. "No! You monster! I'll skin you alive!" He shouted, as he tried to strike Khara again. Serana let go of the now dead woman's wrist and walked over her corpse, coming up on the side of the last bandit. Khara went down on all four as she crawled a few feet away from the man. He moved over to the wolf, who was only looking at him, and raised his axe one more time.
As he was about to strike the wolf, something cold held his arm in place, Serana had grabbed his wrist. He looked at the vampire before trying to free his arm, he was surprised when his movements didn't even make the vampire blink. Serana squeezed his arm with her vampiric strength, which forced the man down on his knees and making him scream in pain as she crushed his bones.
Khara looked at the two in front of her, the man was kneeling before Serana as she held his wrist and looked down at him. The moon was behind them making the whole scene even more interesting to the wolf's eyes.
"No please, I'll do whatever you want!" He cried out.
Serana kicked the man in the head, knocking him out cold. Then proceeded to kneel down to the man and grabbed him, pulling him closer to her face. She sank her fangs down into his neck, in the second red divine-liquid entered her mouth, Serana's eyes were forced shut. By the blood. A small sound escaped her. Never had blood from a lowlife ever tasted this sweet. This was her first fresh meal since she had awoken.
Khara's eyes couldn't move from the sight in front of her, watching Serana feed from a victim was something else indeed, the wolf was entranced with the vampire. The wolf's ears managed to hear a little sound, making it release a sound of its own, a small whimper. Before Serana could open her eyes, Khara stood up and walked over to fetch their horse.
As the wolf walked away, Serana had finished her meal. She walked over to the leader, who now had a huge hole in his back, and grabbed his map and looked at it. She was about to check the other corpses, but was interrupted by what sounded like a confused growl. She turned around and walked towards the sounds owner, only to find the wolf standing where the horse had been tied with a burned rope in one hand and the dagger and blade in the other. Khara looked up at Serana and tilted her head, clearly confused.
Serana then connected the dots, she bowed down and gripped her thighs as she laughed. Khara's ears pointed towards the vampire as she didn't understand what was so funny. Serana straighten up, now chuckling as she took the rope from the wolfs hand and looked into blue eyes. "When I grabbed the mage it made her spell fly over here, it must have hit the rope." She tilted her head a little. "Our luck, huh?" She said smiling. The wolf shook its head as it made some small sounds, is she laughing? Serana thought as she smiled. She then dropped the rope and started walking towards the mountain pass, only stopping when she noticed that she was walking alone. She turned around.
Khara was looking at the moon, closing her eyes a moment later. A small dark similar mist appearing at her feet, once again covering the wolf's whole form. As the mist started disappearing, Khara walked out of it, now wearing her ebony armor, mask and all. She placed her blade on her back and her dagger on the back of her belt as she walked towards the vampire.
Serana smiled to her companion and handed her the map the bandits were looking at, Khara took it and snorted. "No wonder they didn't find the treasure, this isn't even the right hold." Serana looked at the map. "I know this place, it's down in the Pine Forest, in Falkreath Hold." Khara then looked at Serana. "Do you want to keep it, Serana?" She asked.
"No, you take it. I don't even know my way to this Pine Forest, I would probably get lost." She answered with a small smile. Khara nodded, rolled it up and placed it in her pouch. They then started walking. "So, what's your home like if you don't mind me asking." Khara said as she was walking next to her companion, hungry for a conversation. Serana turned her head and smiled.
"Well it's on an island, so it's very isolated. It's an old castle, Castle Volkihar. It's like a safe haven for vampires." She answered, she didn't mind sharing this with the wolf.
"Castle Volk-Hii-ar? That's an odd name." Khara said, she turned her head to Serana and asked, with a hint of humor in her voice. "I don't have to call you Lady Serana now, do I?" She teased.
Serana snorted. "Gods, no! You do that and there will be serious consequences." She said amused. The only response she got from Khara was a very funny looking bow as she placed one arm on her back and the other making weird gestures in the air.
Serana gave her a gentle push in the shoulder as they laughed at their silliness. "Dork." She mumbled, making Khara chuckle.
It wasn't much further now, just through this pass and then they only needed to make their way down to the coast. They walked in a comfortable silence as they descended from the mountain, even with all the snow that was currently falling, they could see the coast now in the distance.
When they had made it all the way down, Khara took out a healing potion and a new bandage and replaced the old one around her hand, the wound was slowly healing. They were now closing in on a small dock that had a boat tied to it.
"How's the hand?" Serana asked.
"It's getting better, another day or two and it should be back to normal." Khara answered as she raised her head, she could see something out in the water. Khara raised her hand to cover her eyes from the harsh weather and looked beyond the sea. Castle Volkihar laid before them, no wonder she had never seen or heard of it before. Even with the weather calming down, it was still hard to see the castle. If she didn't know it was there she would have easily overlooked it. "Even though I would love to see the inside of this castle, I don't think it's a good idea to let a werewolf into a place that could be filled with vampires." Khara said as she looked at the huge castle in the distant.
Serana walked up to stand alongside her rescuer. "Yes, I can't imagine the others have changed their opinions on your kind, even after all this time." She looked down at the ice-cold water in front of them. She had to admit that she wasn't all to glad about Khara leaving her side just yet. Even though their time traveling together had been short, she had enjoyed the young wolf's company. Khara's personality was just so different from what she was used to, a good kind of different. It felt, fresh.
Khara had been kind to her, answering her questions and making the whole situation not as confusing to her. And most importantly, she had kept her promise of getting Serana home.
She turned her head to the werewolf. "Look, I wanted to thank you for getting me this far, I know you didn't have to, so thanks." A small smile playing at her lips as she spoke.
Khara turned her head to look at the vampire with a small smile of her own, hidden from view. "It was no problem. As fun as this little trip was, I have to admit, it was good to have some company for once." Even though Serana could not see her smile, she could certainly hear it.
"So, I owe you an explanation, don't I?" Serana said as she held the wolf's eyes. Khara only gave her a small nod. "The reason I was locked up is because of my parents. Long ago they found some kind of prophecy that would benefit vampires in some way, they didn't tell me much, but they had a disagreement." Serana placed her hands on her hip and looked at the castle. "Their disagreement made it so that mother fled the castle taking me with her and two of these." Serana grabbed the item that was wrapped in leather from her back, and opened it. Khara's eyes widened. It's an Elder Scroll!
"She told me I was in danger, but never said from what." Serana looked up at Khara. "But it's obvious that she didn't want father to have them. I don't know who I'll meet in there." She nodded towards the castle. "But either way, I don't think this will do much good in the hands of vampires." She gave a weak smile. "So can I ask you for one more favor?" She asked, her eyes searching Khara's.
"You want me to take it, why didn't you ask before?" Khara asked as she looked down at the scroll.
"I needed to know if you could be trusted, if you would keep your word. Even though I still don't know much about you, I can't imagine you being worse to whoever resides inside the castle." She said.
Khara looked at Serana and nodded, taking a few steps closer to the vampire.
"I'll take it, I'll keep it safe. I'll put it somewhere no one will look." She said determined.
Serana let out a breath she had been holding. "Thank you, Khara." She handed it over to Khara, who hanged it over her shoulder. "You're still not going to remove that mask, are you?" She said.
It was no question that Serana was wondering what she looked like. All she knew about the woman was that she was a Nord and that she had white hair and light skin. It's safe to say that the vampire simply wanted to know more about the woman who had freed her from her stone prison. Because the woman who stood before her was so very interesting to Serana, she could feel the woman's magica, she wondered why she could speak with the undead and how she could shout. How did she become a werewolf? Why did her eyes glow in that blue shade of hers? She wanted to know so much about Khara, but knew that their time together were nearing its end.
The werewolf lowered her head, chuckling as she shook it. "Afraid not." She brought her head back up to meet soft orange-glowing eyes. "But how about a deal? The next time we meet, you're allowed to take off the hood and mask." She offered.
Serana narrowed her eyes at the woman in front of her. "What makes you think that we will meet again?" She asked with genuine curiosity.
Khara looked at the vampire as she placed her hand to rest on the hilt of her blade and the other held the strap of the scroll's bag. "Well, I just gave you a reason, didn't I?" She answered. And smiled when she heard a little laugh escape from the vampire.
"It would seem so." Serana chuckled before she politely brought her hand out for Khara to shake. "Till next we meet then." She said with a smile firmly planted on her face.
Khara looked down at the offered hand and took a hold of it only a moment later, giving it a firm yet gentle squeeze. She then pulled the vampire into a brief, but friendly hug. Serana couldn't help but inhale through her nose, the scent of the wolf was pleasant. A mixture of fire and lavender if she had to guess. "Till next we meet." Khara said before letting go of her.
The gesture had surprised Serana, but quick reflexes made it so she returned the hug before it was over. She walked over to the enchanted boat that would take her to the castle. As she sat down she looked over to where she was only moments ago to see Khara's retreating form disappear into the storm. She must have been waiting for me to get on the boat. She thought to herself. So very protective. Yet again the wolf had managed to make Serana smile without even trying. The moment didn't last long though as Serana turned where she sat and looked at the castle in front of her.
"Home, sweet home." She mumbled under her breath as the memories of the home came crawling back to her mind, making the smile slowly fade away. She could only hope that things weren't as bad as she remembered.
Three weeks later
Khara sat in her chair in front the fireplace as she lazily held a goblet of wine in one hand and a book in the other. She lowered her book as the burning firewood made a crackling sound, she looked into the flames, fascinated by the way it danced around. The color of the fire made Khara smile as it reminded her of a certain someone, or a certain someone's eyes rather. Serana. Saying the name in her mind made her wolf howl with excitement. It had been almost a month since she had left the vampire. It puzzled her that the vampire was still in her thoughts, she certainly made an impression. It was clear to her that her wolf aspect liked Serana, the thing was basically howling in joy every time the vampire looked at her. And she would be lying if she said that she didn't enjoy it as well.
Khara felt a strange feeling building in her chest, what's this? She placed her hand over it and rubbed gently. She could hear her wolf howl in her mind and she now understood what the feeling was, I know girl, I miss her too.
Khara drank what little remained in her goblet before placing the book in the bookshelf and walking towards her bedchamber. As she undressed to her undergarments and went under the covers, she closed her eyes and got comfortable, she let sleep claim her as her final thoughts were that of a certain vampire.
Beams of light were dancing on Khara's face, ever so slowly waking her up. She was laying on her stomach as she turned her head, opening her eyes to the empty space next to her, a line appeared between her brows as she ran her hand over the area. Wouldn't it be nice… She sat up and forced the thoughts out of her mind. It was foolish of her to think such thoughts, even though she did feel incredibly lonely at times, it was her burden to carry. Because she was The Dragonborn, who could possibly be safe with her? You don't save the world without making a few enemies, Khara knew this. But she couldn't help herself at times, sometimes thoughts of another's loving embrace was simply too tempting. She had never been with anyone before, but the thought of being in love, being so close and connected to someone else sounded divine to her.
She got out of bed and washed her face before putting on her armor and weapons. She then walked out of her home and was met with the cool morning breeze. It was still early in the morning so, only the shop keepers were out on the streets, making final preparations before opening their shops for the day.
Khara walked through the streets of Solitude, her most liked city in Skyrim. After she had helped Jarl Elisif deal with The Wolf Queen, Potema Septim, Khara was rewarded Proudspire Manor from the Jarl herself, a gift she gladly accepted.
She walked over to the main gate and the guards gladly opened it for her. "Safe travels, Thane." One guard said as he bowed his head as she passed the man.
"Thank you." She politely responded as she gave a small nod to the guard. She then made her way down to the town's stables to fetch her horse. She was forced to buy a new horse as the old one ran away a few weeks back, when she was with Serana. She was to ride to Whiterun. After having given the Elder Scroll that Serana gave her to a very dear friend of hers, she had been approached by a courier. The letter she received was from the Companions in Whiterun, they had requested her appearance to Jorrvaskr to discuss the recent vampire attacks. Apparently, according to the letter, vampire attacks were becoming more and more frequent throughout the entire province. She had accepted their request and sent a letter back telling them that she would be there within two days.
She was handed her steed and mounted it after paying the fee. With her horse fully fed and rested and with the wind to their backs, she made her way over to Whiterun fast. Khara was glad that nothing or no one had slowed them down as she rode to her destination. She only stopped once to let the horse drink from a stream, before riding the final few miles. It didn't take long after entering the hold that she found herself at the Whiterun stables. As Whiterun Hold is a very open one, one could easily ride over the open plains, straight towards the city in short time.
Khara left her horse in the hands of the man in charge of the stables and made her way up to the town gates. The guards recognized her and opened the gate for their Thane, The Dragonborn. Khara walked through the gates and entered the city, while walking towards Jorrvaskr, Khara made sure to return all the greetings she received by the townsfolk. Her reputation in Whiterun was as good as it was in Solitude, if not better. Her relationship with the citizens of the hold, as well as the Jarl, was a very friendly one.
Before her laid the legendary hall of the Companions, Jorrvaskr. She didn't know much about the Mead Hall, only that it was the oldest building in the city and that it was apparently made from a longboat called Return.
As she climbed the final steps, Khara opened the door to the hall, a strong smell of wolves was the first thing that greeted her. She knew that the highest-ranking members of the Companions, The Circle as they called themselves, were werewolves. Even though they all shared the blood of the wolf, she wasn't a part of their pack. Khara had received her wolf aspect from Lord Hircine himself after gaining his favor after hunting down a rogue werewolf, thus making her a more powerful kind of werewolf compared to the Companions. A few heads turned to look at Khara as she was inside their hall, however only her fellow werewolves kept their eyes on her as she walked through the room and down towards the sleeping quarters. She descended the stairs and walked over to Kodlak Whitemane's room, the Harbinger of the Companions.
She raised her hand to knock on his door, but as always, the old man had already caught her scent. The opened the door and he let Khara in and lead her over to a table with two chairs. "Please, take a seat, Dragonborn. There is much to discuss." He said as he offered a cup of mead.
Khara politely accepted and then asked.
"In the letter you said something about vampires? They're attacking more cities now?" She asked, eager to have this business done with. She didn't disrespect Kodlak, if anything she had a lot of respect for the man. But his fellow werewolves made sure to let Khara know that she didn't belong in Jorrvaskr, she wasn't one of them. Werewolves are extremely territorial and they probably didn't even know they were doing it, but nonetheless Khara didn't want to stay too long.
"Yes, I have reports that they are getting bolder, even attacking during the day. We are to believe that the attacks are connected somehow." Kodlak answered.
"Connected? You think they're working together?" Khara asked with a surprised voice. Kodlak nodded.
"We have managed to slay a few of them, they all had the same letter on them." He then handed over a letter to Khara that had a little blood on it. "Excuse the blood." He said.
Khara took it and read.
My fellow vampires, the time has come. Long have we waited, but finally the time is upon us. I have received news of a moth priest who are to arrive in Skyrim in the following days. My sources tell me that it's an Imperial male going by the name, Dexion Evicus. This man is to be captured, alive. Whoever can bring him to me will be rewarded with a room in my court.
Lord Harkon.
Khara placed the letter on the table and thought, Lord Harkon, the vampire back in Dimhollow mentioned that name. "Do we know who this Harkon is or where he is?" She asked the old man.
"I'm afraid not, but clearly he is a man of power. Many vampires know the name, yet none have given us any information about him." He said and sighed. Khara nodded.
"If vampires are running wild attacking citizens throughout the Holds then we have to tell the people. They have the right to know about the danger." She looked at the man, awaiting his answer.
"Agreed, I've already asked the other members of the Circle and the Jarl to meet us outside at the rear dining area." Kodlak explained as he rose from his seat.
They walked in silence as they left the warm comfort that Jorrvaskr had to offer and stepped outside. They were greeted by the other members of the Circle, The Jarl and his Housecarl, Irileth as they all sat down around the table. Khara couldn't help but shift a little in her seat as she could feel the hostilities illuminating from the other wolves. She knew that some of them didn't mean to, it just came natural to them. She would probably act this way herself if someone she didn't know entered her home, so she did her best to ignore it.
"Right, we're here to discuss the growing vampire problem. As you all know, there have been reports of vampires attacking people throughout the while province. We need the people to know about the danger, we need to spread the word." Kodlak said.
The other Companions agreed with the decision, on the other side of the table however, The Jarl was quiet, lost in thoughts. "I haven't even heard about these vampire attacks, have you Dragonborn?" The Jarl asked, making eye contact with Khara.
"No, my Jarl, I have not." Khara said as now turned her head to Kodlak. "I do however trust The Harbinger's words, if he says that vampires are attacking, then I believe him." Her response earned her a nod of gratitude of Kodlak.
"I meant no disrespect, I simply don't want to spread false fear into the hearts of my people." The Jarl said.
"And I respect that, Jarl Balgruuf, but the reports don't lie. The people should be allowed to defend themselves." Kodlak responded. Jarl Balgruuf thought for a little while before answering.
"Aye, you're right." Balgruuf said before looking at his Housecarl, Irileth. "Irileth, when we return let Proventus know that the Companions are to be allowed to use my ravens."
The Housecarl nodded as she spoke. "As you wish, my Jarl."
Minutes turned into hours as the group discussed why the vampires were suddenly so aggressive and why they were looking for a moth priest of all things. The sun had already retired for the day and Khara was tempted to do the same. As the rest of the group talked, Khara lost interest and looked towards the huge mountain in the distant. Her thoughts wandered to every corner of her mind as she looked at the scenery, before looking at the old wall in front of her.
Khara thought that for a second she was hallucinating as she swore she saw a dark form leaning over the wall. After closing and reopening her eyes, she knew that whatever she was looking at was very real as molten red eyes were staring back at her. Khara straightened in her seat as for a moment she thought she knew the owner of the eyes. However, such thoughts were proven wrong as more eyes appeared, making Khara let out a small growl. For whoever were on that wall, they were not friendly.
The other werewolves turned their head's and looked at her.
"Vampires!" She yelled as she rose from her seat and drew her blade, the others right behind her. "They're climbing the wall!" She leapt over the table and prepared herself as the vampires jumped down from the wall, revealing their numbers. Her slightly glowing eyes turned a few shades brighter as she looked at the vampires.
Khara's grip tightened around the hilt of her ebony sword. Her fellow allies were now standing by her side, forming a line. There were ten vampires, and only eight of them. It had been a while since she had a real battle, Khara smirked. This hardly seems fair, for them. She was about to say something, that was until Farkas, the Companion, lost his patience.
"Come on then you milk-drinking-blood-drinkers! I haven't got all day!" He roared as he charged. One could say that the man did not have any love for the creatures standing before them. "I'll rip your hearts out!" No love at all.
The vampires hissed as they too made their attack. The two groups ran towards each other, weapons and armor clashed upon impact as the fight had just started. Swords, daggers, axes and shields met each other again and again as each group fought to see the other fall. Spells and arrows were flying over Khara's head as she was fighting two vampires at the same time. She blocked the attack of one vampire and kicked the other straight in the knee, making the vampire's leg bend in an unnatural way. It let out a painful cry as it fell to the ground, dragging itself away from Khara. She was about to pursuit him, but an arrow flew past her and placed itself in the side of his skull. Thank you, Huntress. Khara continued her fight with the other vampire.
At the same time Balgruuf and Irileth were fighting back to back, each having their own target. It had been too long since the Jarl of Whiterun had fought alongside his Housecarl, he had almost forgotten how alive the rush made him feel. He raised his axe and it clashed down on the vampire's weapon who were struggling more and more with blocking the attacks. "Switch!" He yelled to his loyal companion as they, at the same time, lowered themselves and spun around fast, successfully taking both vampires by surprise as their weapons were now firmly placed in their guts. Blood flowed out from the wounds and the vampires whimpered as they fell to the ground, now squirming in the dirt.
Vilkas and Farkas were circling around the biggest vampire as they attempted to drain him of his energy in order to disarm him as he wielded an elven longsword. Both brothers attacked at the same time. The vampire blocked the attack from Vilkas and with his unnatural speed, dodged the attack from Farkas as he cut Vilkas on his upper arm. Vilkas dropped his weapon in favor to hold over his cut, only to realize the mistake he had done. The vampire used the hilt of his sword to hit Vilkas in the head, knocking the wolf to the ground. The vampire then proceeded to kick him in the head and placed one foot on the downed wolf's chest, he raised his sword. "I'll skin your dead corpse, dog!" He said ready to end the wolf's life.
Farkas looked at his brother as he felt the rage take over, he dropped his axe and sprinted to aid his brother. As he got closer his eyes turned as black as night, his teeth extended and his right hand received razor sharp claws. He grabbed the vampire by the neck, strengthen by his rage and said the following through his canines. "I keep my promises." The tone of his voice made the vampire feel a shiver crawl down his spine. The vampire yelled in agonizing pain as Farkas now had his right hand firmly planted around the vampire's heart, he then removed it from its owner's body. The vampire's sword fell to the ground as he walked off, eyes wide, only making it a few feet before joining his sword in the dirt. Farkas knelt down to his brother and shifted back before anyone could see his little transformation. He then helped Vilkas and the brothers ran over to aid Kodlak and Skjor, who were fighting three vampires.
Balgruuf and Irileth had ran over to Khara to help her with the vampire who was an expert at dodging her attacks, however the vampire didn't manage to keep up with the attacks from three different people and quickly fell lifeless to the ground.
The brothers were just about to join their leader in combat as one of the two vampire mages spotted them and blocked their path with a wall of fire, stopping the brothers completely.
The mage then casted a frost bolt towards Kodlak. Skjor saw the incoming bolt of ice and looked to his Harbinger, his eyes widened when he saw that the old man had his back exposed, unaware of what was flying towards him. With only a moment to act, Skjor pushed the vampire he was fighting back and ran towards Kodlak, but quickly saw he wouldn't be able to push him out of the way in time. So, he placed himself between the bolt and his old friend, making it hit him in the chest. It felt like all the air in his lungs were ripped out, he staggered as he turned around to face the vampire that he was fighting just before, only to be met with a sword to the throat.
Aela aimed at the vampire who casted the spell and ended its life with a single shot to its heart. She saw that the other mage had its full attention on the brothers and she took another shot hitting the mage in the chest, making its spell fade away. Khara, Balgruuf and Irileth then ran up to the mage and made quick work of him.
Vilkas and Farkas then charged the two vampires who were attacking their leader, rage fueled them as they attacked the vampires with their weapons.
Skjor at the time being, held his throat as he tried to get away from his vampire, who only laughed at him. "How does it feel, old man? Dying, that is." The vampire mocked as he lowered himself, unaware that his fellow vampires had fallen. Skjor then mumbled out a sound, making the vampire come closer.
Skjor plunged a dagger into the vampire's throat as he choked on his own blood. "You tell me." He said through gritted teeth with a voice as cold as ice as he fell to the ground, the fire in his heart finally extinguished.
Kodlak walked over to his fallen friend and moved is hand to close Skjor's eyes. No words were said as the group looked at their fallen ally. "Aela dear, make your way to Dragonsreach and write the letters." Kodlak stood up. "Vilkas, Farkas, help me move him inside." The brothers nodded as they walked over to Skjor's body.
Khara sat next to Balgruuf on a bench as they let the day sink in, a lot had happened. After getting inside Dragonsreach, Aela went off to the ravens as Irileth went to go clean herself, leaving the Dragonborn and The Jarl alone in the massive dining hall.
Balgruuf sighed and lowered his head to his hands, head shaking. Khara knew this look all too well. "I can see you're upset about what happened down there, but there is something else bothering you, isn't there? She asked in a low, gentle voice. Balgruuf raised his head and looked at her.
"You know me too well." He sadly chuckled. "It's about my youngest son, Nelkir."
"What about him?" Khara asked.
"He is a troubled boy and I don't know how to help him, he says he can hear whispering coming from the basement. He even told me that a woman kept telling him horrible things." He stood up and paced in front of Khara. "I've had my guards look everywhere, but there is nothing to be found." Khara could hear the frustration in his voice.
"What if I went down and looked, maybe I can find what your guards could not?" She offered.
He nodded and gave Khara a key. "I don't think you will find anything down there, but I would be foolish to decline your offer." He said with a weak smile.
Khara stood up and walked over to the stairs leading down to the basement, she grabbed a lantern before going down the stairs and unlocking a door.
Darkness, all she was greeted with was darkness. There were no sounds, no creaking as she walked over the wooden floor, nothing. She lifted the lantern and walked over to the other side of the poorly lit room. Khara noticed that it was colder down here, much colder. She suddenly heard a faint sound, almost like someone was whispering. She closed her eyes and stood still, listening and when she got an idea of where it was coming from, she followed the sound. Even though she didn't have a good feeling about this, she pressed on, determined to get in the bottom of whatever this was.
However, she was forced to stop when a stone wall was in her way. The whispering was louder now and she could her what it was saying. Walk through it, claim it, take it. Khara raised her hand to touch the wall and was surprised when she didn't feel anything, her hand was going through it. She took a deep breath before walking through the wall.
The room she was now in was covered in webs, dust, and extremely old furniture. No one's been here in years. In the middle of the room there was a table with an item on it, something wrapped in leather. She walked over to the table and put down the lantern, she then grabbed the item before her. As she held it, the leather crumbled and fell off, revealing an old rusted blade. Khara placed both her hands around it's hilt and her eyes widened when she felt it's enchantments. "Woah."
"Indeed, you feel it's power, don't you, Khara?" A similar voice spoke from behind her making Khara spin around.
In front of her there was nothing, but she did feel a presence.
Khara raised the blade as she spoke. "Are you the one tormenting the boy?"
"Tormenting is such a strong word, I simply whispered secret truths." The voice responded.
"Are you in another room?" Khara asked as she scanned the area, not seeing any doors. "Who are you?"
"Regrettably, I cannot reach your realm so directly. But I forgive you for not knowing my name. Few can hear my whispers anymore." The voice said and gave a little pause before continuing. "I am Mephala, the Lady of Whispers."
Khara froze for a second as she now understood who she was up against, a Daedra.
"What is it that you want, Lady Mephala. Why do you bother the boy?" Khara asked as she placed the blade on the table and leaned back on the furniture, arms crossed.
"I only wish for my Blade to roam the realm of Nirn once again, it being locked away like this takes some of my power away from Nirn. Thus, making it hard to answer my subject's prayers." Mephala spoke in that smooth, calming voice of hers. "Long have I waited for an ambitious and talented person, such as yourself, to find it."
Khara turned her head and looked at the blade. It was a long sword, but it was perfectly balanced and lightweight. Khara understood that in its prime it was probably a force to be reckoned with, however the blade she held in her hands now, was not. But the thought gave her an idea. She felt a slight desire to keep the blade, however she didn't want it in its current state. So, the Dragonborn stepped out of the spotlight and let The Guild Master take the stage.
"I have an offer to you, Lady Mephala." Khara said as she took the blade.
"Which is?" The Lady of Whispers responded, her interest peeked.
"Well, seeing as you want your blade to roam the land again and me having need of a new sword, how about I carry it for you? I can promise you it will see many battles, people will learn its name again and your name, my Lady." Khara spoke with her silver tongue.
"This is a tempting offer, Khara. And in return?"
"In return, you will leave these people be." She said as she stood up. "You will also restore the blade to its full power."
The Lady of Whispers chuckled at the mortal, she was amused. "You surprise me, Khara. I do believe this deal will serve us both very well, I accept."
Khara's eyes fell to the blade as the rust turned to dust and dropped to the wooden floor. She felt the magic return to the blade as she held it. A voice in her head then whispered its name. "The Ebony Blade." Khara whispered. As the words left her tongue, a dark red light danced around the Blade and then moved to Khara before placing itself on her hand that was holding the weapon, and then faded.
"My Ebony Blade is now bound to you, Khara. May it serve you well." Mephala said. Khara felt the presence of Lady Mephala leave the room.
She stood still for a moment, going over what had just happened in her mind. She had encountered Daedra before and it didn't always end so peacefully. She lifted the blade and tighten her hold of it, making its magic flow through her. She nodded her head in approval. That's neat.
She took her ebony sword out of its sheathe and replaced it with the Ebony Blade before walking out of the room and up the stairs. Leaving her old sword behind.
Jarl Balgruuf was still on the bench where she had left him. He raised his head and looked up at the smiling woman standing before him. "Do I want to know?" He asked slightly worried.
"No, you don't, but whatever was down there is now gone for good. Your boy will be left alone." Khara said as she looked at the entrance door.
Balgruuf stood up and gave Khara's shoulder a little squeeze. Khara turned her head back. "Thank you, Khara. You always make dark days a little brighter." For my friends, yes. Khara thought to herself as she nodded to the Jarl.
"It was nothing, old friend. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll retreat to Breezehome." She said.
"Yes, go and get some rest, you've earned it. And thank you again." Khara gave a polite nod to the Jarl before walking out of Dragonsreach.
On her way to Breezehome, her resident within Whiterun, Khara stopped for a moment to admire the Gildergreen's beauty. The tree's branches reached far and was covered in colorful pink leaves. But, that was not always the case. A short while after Khara had won her battle against Alduin, the tree was struck by lightning and badly burnt. It was Khara however, with some help from Danica, a priestess of Kyneareth, who had nursed the tree back to its former glory. The memory made Khara smile, it feels like a lifetime ago.
She was just about to continue her walk as she could hear two pair of footsteps approaching her. Seeming as it was nighttime, Khara tensed a little before she could smell who it was.
"Dragonborn, may we have a word?" The voice asked.
"Of course, Companion." Khara answered. The two brothers, Vilkas and Farkas was now standing before her. Vilkas nodded before continuing.
"The Harbinger have invited you to honor Skjor's memory. The funeral will be held tomorrow at dusk at the Skyforge." Vilkas said as he held her eyes. Beside him, Farkas glared at the woman, his wolf spirit didn't like having an intruder inside its home. A small growl escaped him, but Khara chose to ignore it.
"I'll pay my respects, Skjor was a good man and an even better warrior. I'll be there at dusk." She respectfully answered the wolf.
"Good, Kodlak wanted to ask you himself, but other duti-"
"When do you leave Whiterun?" Farkas interrupted his brother as he made eye contact with Khara. His eyes were intense as she could see how much her presence were bothering him.
"I'm unsure." She responded, when she saw that the answer didn't please the wolf she continued. "But I promise I won't stay long, a couple of days at most."
Her words made Farkas give a small nod before walking off towards Jorrvaskr. Vilkas sent her a little apology before following his brother.
Khara walked down some steps and followed the path that would take her to Breezehome. As she was about to reach for the door, something in the corner of her eye caught her interest. She looked over to the main gate and took a few steps back away from the door. When she managed to see who or what it was, her eyes widened, her heart fluttered and her breath hitched as soft-glowing orange eyes looked back at her.
Seeing Serana after three weeks made her wolf howl so loud that Khara swore the vampire could hear it, she believed this theory further when Serana smiled at her. They both started walking toward each other when suddenly Serana stopped, her smile gone. Khara slightly tilted her head, not knowing why she had stopped.
The Dragonborn's eyes widened as two forms flew past her and were approaching Serana fast. She then saw who it was, Vilkas and Farkas. And in that moment only a single word occupied her thoughts, shit. Khara inhaled deeply and shouted.
"WULD NAH KEST." She moved past the two brothers and turned towards them when she had stopped, successfully stopping their attack, for now. Bastards must have followed me. She grabbed her newly obtained blade as she was the only thing between two werewolves and her vampire.
"Vilkas, Farkas." She said as she carefully eyed the two brothers, their eyes stuck on their target, unwilling to move. Khara's eyes turned to that bright blue color again, worried of what might happen.
"Move aside, Dragonborn!" Farkas roared as he paced back and forth while keeping his eyes at Serana. "That's a fucking blood-sucker, move!"
"She is with me, Farkas. She won't harm anyone." Khara spoke with a calm voice, hoping it would calm the brothers.
"Like oblivion she will! You know what her kind does, you saw it with your own eyes only a few hours ago!" He yelled as he walked closer to Khara. The movement made Serana take a step back as she was worried of what may happen to her and Khara. Khara turned her head for a second to look at Serana, their eyes found each other instantly. Even though Khara still had her mask up, she tried to tell Serana something with her eyes. The vampire narrowed her eyes before understanding what the wolf was trying to say. Trust me. Serana nodded and looked towards the brothers again.
"Farkas stand down!" She commanded. "Vilkas! Talk some sense into him before he forces my hand!" She yelled at the other wolf.
"And why would I do that?" He asked, tempted to join his brother's advances. "You know of its kind, they have that reputation for a reason you know. They are mindless beasts, savages!" He said to Khara as he took a step closer.
Khara let her hands drop to her sides, blade still in hand as she raised them slightly. "And what about us? Aren't we monsters? We who turn into savage beasts. Surely you know that our reputation is no better than her kind's one, if anything its worse!" Khara said as she worked to prove a point.
"We are nothing like the ones who can't control their transformations! We resist the urges, we have learned to control it!" Vilkas responded, not knowing where she was going with all this.
"Then surely you can grasp the possibility that her kind can do the same!" Khara said, pleaded even.
Her words had surprised Vilkas greatly, as his mount opened and closed in an attempt to form words. However, Khara took the opportunity to continue as the brothers stood their ground for the time being.
"She can control her urges Vilkas, I know it. I've been traveling with her before and not even once did my wolf aspect even get suspicious of her."
"I….I can't and I won't let a vampire roam the city because of a damned feeling!" Vilkas responded, stumbling a little over his own words.
"Then just trust me, have I ever done anything that harmed the city in anyway?" She asked both of them. When they didn't respond she continued.
"I even brought a damned dragon into the heart of the city, a dragon! And yet, no one got hurt. Please trust me, I know what I'm doing." She shook her head.
Vilkas looked at his brother and they lowered they weapons a little.
"By the Gods, woman." He said as he walked up to her, weapon now on his belt, and pointed at her chest. "If it as much as touches a person I will hold you responsible, got it?"
"Aye, got it." Khara said as she held his eyes.
The brothers looked at Serana for a little while before walking off, Khara could finally breathe again. She placed her blade on her back and bowed her head as she shook it, she then looked up and met Serana's eyes once more. The vampire gave her a small smile of gratitude as she approached her. Khara's body finally relaxed and her eyes turned back to its normal blue-glowing state before she spoke.
"Welcome to Whiterun."
