Disclaimer- I do not own Skyrim or Elderscrolls.
Chapter Three: Shadows.
Isran let out a growl as he felt his muscles start moving again, he looked at his small band of misfits. Truthfully Raven was his only really vampire hunter, being the Dragonborn held him above the others. He turned to Agmaer, the same boy that came up with Raven "I have a task for you boy. Collect Gunmar, you'll find him in Fallowstone Cave." He ordered the new member who quickly ran off.
Isran turned to an Orc "Durak, get Sorine Jurard. She's somewhere in the Reach, studying the Dwemer." He ordered and the Orc grunted going to collect his supplies.
He looked over at his 'friend' or second in command "Celann, I need you to keep an eye on reports of Moth Priests, if they have an Elderscroll than they'll want to read it." He ordered again, sending the man off.
These tasks were really meant for Raven, he was the closest thing to a people person they had. Gunmar would respect him as a warrior, Sorine would love his interest in the Dwemer and he was a tracker at heart, finding a moth priest would be easy.
Isran let out an annoyed sigh, he sent off his other members to recruit more men and women for their army. Laying his war hammer across his lap as he sat down on a rock, he was waiting for either the Vampires or his men to return. He did not see the raven that was watching from his now destroyed tower.
Harkon started to pace back and forth in his chambers, his Elderscroll was missing. In his haste to find out more of this 'Christian' he had forgotten to relieve his daughter of it. Being that it was Serana that had left, her room showed no signs of a struggle only that her window was open. The Watchman said that Serana wanted to go for a walk so he let her go, he had killed the man for that.
He was extremely annoyed and happy that his men brought back the bloodstone chalice, they had killed each other for that damn thing. If the Dawnguard had the Elderscroll then they would need to read it.
He left his chambers and approached his dining hall "May I have your attention!" He roared at the members of his court. "I have been spreading rumors of an Elderscroll in the area, and I believe a Moth Priest has come looking for it." He paused leaning on the rail "Find him and bring him to me! If you find my daughter, do not kill her but bring her to me as well!" He ordered his court "Well! What are you waiting for? Step to it!"
A crow watched the scene from a chandelier, the court moved as quickly as they could eager to please their master, the bird took off towards the door that was now open as people left.
Raven rode Shadowmere back to Windstad Manor, he knew Serana was likely to beat him there but then again, she was on foot and he had the fastest steed in the land. He glanced at the sky checking to see if he had any news from his mother, he spotted a Hawk circling him. Slowing his steed down so the bird may land on his shoulder, he relived it of its message and it took off again. He bit open the scroll and read it as Shadowmere continued to trot.
Listener! Wonderful, Cicero. Cicero was wondering when the Listener would return, while we're keeping up with your order of listening, to the rumors of those seeking us, which I should remind is your job! Anyway, Dear Mother must be getting so….lonely without her listener, yes she has Cicero but Cicero can only speak but never Listen! One sided conversations are enough to drive one mad! Please Dear Sweet Listener, come home soon. Nazir says hello and Babette has a new poison for you to try.- Sign The Keeper of our Mother.
Raven let out a sigh, he had been ignoring the Brotherhood lately and now that he thought of it, he had done that with the College as well. He had been in Jorrvaskr drinking the twins under the table and then in the Ragged Flagon trying and failing to hit on Sapphire.
Officially he was relieved of his post as a Legate in the Imperial army but was on orders to hunt and kill Stormcloaks on sight. He was occasionally asked by the Jarls to make an appearance or help with an issue in the hold but he was normally free to use his time as he saw fit.
Rolling up the scroll he placed it in Shadowmere's saddlebag and focused on riding, he was getting close to Whiterun. Being he had just visited he would keep riding up and through to his Manor.
Serana walked at a calm slow pace, in a good mood. She was feeling energized thanks to removing the block her magicka had made and drinking her fill of blood, though it wasn't like Raven's it was still filling. She glanced to her left and saw Solitude in the distance, she knew the general location of his Manor being that it was only a stone's throw from Morthal.
As she walked she began to think about what she would do next, to get a full grasp on what her father was going to try and do they would need someone to read the Scroll. So they would need a Moth Priest, being that they need one it might be a journey to the White Gold Tower. It wouldn't hurt to ask the College of Winterhold if they had seen one or heard from one recently.
"Well. What have we here?" A voice brought her out of her thoughts.
Serana looked up from under her hood and saw three High Elves surrounding her, Raven had made a comment that most High Elves in Skyrim were Thalmor and always moved in three's. "Can I help you with something?" She asked with a bored look.
The Leader smirked at her "I believe you can" He said with distaste "Do you know of a Nordic man by the name of Crow?" He asked hand drifting to his side.
"Crow?" She asked to make sure she had heard him right.
"Yes that is what we believe to be his Assassin alias, his true name is Raven?" The man growled.
Serana nodded her head a little "I've heard of him." She said calmly, the Thalmor must not like Raven too much.
The Leader sighed "Yes, Yes almost everyone has heard of Raven or Crow, Even Vulture." He said glaring at her "I meant do you know him?"
"No." She said casually, as she inspected her nails.
"Being you are so conversational, would you mind answering a question?" He asked with a feral smirk.
Serana shrugged, pulling her hood a little. The sun was bright today.
"What do you think of Talos?" He asked, the other two seemed to move to her left and right.
"Who?" She asked, having no idea what he was talking about. It sounded familiar, Raven might have mentioned it.
"Don't play dumb, Girl." He snapped.
Serana twitched "Did you just call me girl?" She whispered, her eyes flashed red.
"I did." He confirmed "You are a lost little Nordic girl after all."
Serana smiled showing off her fangs "Away with you, pointed eared fool." She snapped, clearly angry at the Elf.
The Thalmor twitched bring up his hands as they crackled with lightning "Bitch." He cried throwing the lightning at her.
Serana looked at him with a bored expression "Fool." She repeated bringing up a ward as she did.
The Lightning clashes against her ward and when it did she lunged forward, with her fangs bared. Punching him in the gut, ducking under an elven sword and rolling backward. She looked at the scene as it seemed to slow down, her eyes moving faster than the Elves. The Leader was gasping for breath and buckling over, the swordsmen was recovering from the miss and a mace wielder was pulling her weapon out of her holster.
She focused on her right hand and thought of a Frost Thrall, in her left she formed a bolt of lightning. Time sped back up as she sprang into action throwing the lightning at the Leader, and created the Frost Thrall that blocked the swordsmen.
The Mace wielder charged at her, her instinct took control as she spun on her heel dodging the attack, she brought back her arm as she spun and slammed the woman in the nose with her knuckles.
Serana pulled the dagger out of her belt and threw up another ward blocking the Leaders fire ball. She moved quickly as the woman was recovering from the attack, she pushed her dagger into the woman's chest using her body as cover from another attack.
She heard the sound of Ice cracking and shattering, at best she had another ten seconds before her thrall was gone. She held her hands together and after a split second of focus she threw a large bolt of lightning at the leader, who was then thrown off his feet from the sheer power. Serana focused her magic at the dead woman and with a breath of life pulled her corpse back from the undead, destroying her Ice Thrall in the process.
Within a matter of seconds the Swordsman was slain, not from her but the undead thrall. He couldn't fight his friend and was taken over. She walked over to the leader and looked down at him "Fool." She said simply stepping on his neck, cracking it.
Serana looked behind her and released the thrall, which turned into ash as she fell apart. She smiled at her handy work, she was still a little rusty but she would get back into the swing of things knowing how Raven attracted attention. Then she felt a sharp pain at her side and shoulder, she looked over and checked the wounds, a burn on her side from lightning and a slice in her shoulder. With a sigh she started to heal the wounds with Restoration magic, the cloth was singed a little and had a small cut, she would fix it later.
Raven stopped for a short rest, munching on a small slice of beef and drinking mead. He glanced at the sky and saw a crow circling. He sighed whistling a little, the crow landed on his shoulder and leaned into his ear.
'Harkon is planning to take a Moth Priest which he has lured here, he is looking for his daughter as well.' A woman's voice whispered, the crows eyes a rich purple color. 'You are doing well, my son.'
Raven nodded "Do you have any more news, Mother." He said in a soft voice.
'Be wary Isran is building up his defenses as well, recruiting and looking for the Priest. You are not alone, but you are in the middle. Use caution.' The voice whispered again, it was almost like water the way it flowed.
"I thank you Mother." He said sincerely.
The Crow nipped his ear affectionately 'My sweet little Raven, I shall watch out for you like always.' The crow took flight again.
He was fairly close to Morthal but he wanted to take a break, he thought of his Mother and what she had taught him. He alone focused on his swordsmanship yet she pushed him to learn the traits of the Bow and Shadows. She was the one who named him and has always watched over him, he knew she always would.
He stood up and mounted Shadowmere again "Ride on my friend, we have a guest." He muttered to his steed.
By early afternoon he had arrived at the Manor, he glanced at the door and saw a note. It explained that the group went into town and would likely not return until tomorrow. He shrugged and pulled out a key opening his home, he moved to his bedroom removing his armor and weapons placing then on his dresser and chest, he then sat by the fireplace wearing dark clothes. Only a few minutes later did the door knock "Come in Serana." He shouted.
Serana entered the hall and walked over to him "You were expecting me?" She said crossing her arms.
Raven smiled largely "I had a good feeling you were coming here first, you wouldn't run off to the Dawnguard without trying." He said looking over at her.
Serana sighed "I am glad I found you here, I don't think your friends would listen to reason." She said looking at her nails "Even if it hit them in the head."
Raven growled a moment "Do not call them my friends." He said simply, with a cold stare.
Serana took a small step back "I thought you were allies with them?" She said twiddling her thumbs.
"I was." He said calmly "I don't like being touched, Isran tackled me."
"Why…" She asked with a curious stare.
Raven chuckled "They don't like you having an Elderscroll." He said casually.
Serana pursed her lips "Oh." Was all she said.
"Speaking of that scroll, we'll need to find a Moth Priest." Raven said stretching a little.
Serana placed her hands on her hips "Short of a trip to the White-Gold Tower." She said sarcastically "What did you have in mind?"
"Head to Winterhold, I'll talk to Urag he's normally got an ear to the ground." He explained "That don't work we head to the Ragged Flagon, Delvin will help us out."
"Ragged Flagon?" She asked with a raised brow, leaning on a supporting pillar.
"It's in Riften, It's a nice little hideaway bar in the Rat-ways." Raven said telling the truth, not the whole truth but.
"And this Delvin would have information on a Moth Priest?" She asked skeptically.
"Yes, He's always keeping track of important people coming in and out of Skyrim. Elderscrolls are big bucks." He said softly, with a sip from a bottle of mead.
Serana glared at him "So it's a mercenary bar? I thought you had more honor than that" She accused, in a mocking tone. Teasing him really.
"Serana I was a Thief first and a Warrior second, I've worked to get where I am." He explained "It's a bar of thieves and I like it that way."
"I see." She said calmly still looking at him with a small glare.
Raven sipped his mead silently "I have honor above other thieves, I don't kill targets or steal from those who can't afford to replace what I have taken." He said not looking up at her.
"I ran into a Thalmor agent…He said you were an Assassin." She said softly, looking at him "Is it true?"
Raven didn't answer her and stood up, heading up the stairs for his armor. She didn't follow him and he returned a few moments later, dressed in full Ebony garb. She had seen Ebony before but his looked darker, like it was made from shadows.
He walked up until he was standing in front of her "You look better by the way, it wouldn't be helpful if I had to carry you." He said in a kind voice leaning down to face her, being only a little taller than her.
Serana huffed "You're lucky you're cute." She growled walking towards the door.
"Oh am I?" He teased lightly.
Serana sighed "I just opened an Oblivion Gate didn't I?" She asked pinching the bridge of her nose.
"You have no idea, Mind if we make a quick stop in Dawnstar? I need to speak to someone."
Serana rose her brow again, and looked at him with that curious glint in her eyes "Who would that be?" She asked leaning towards him.
Raven smirked "Wouldn't you like to know." He said casually, walking past her and out the doors to Shadowmere.
"This horse is…unique…" She whispered looking at its glowing red eyes.
"When you're someone like me, things tend to go your way more often than not." He said in a voice dripping with pride.
Serana rolled her eyes as he mounted his steed, he held his arm out to her and she climbed on behind him "Are you blessed by any of the Daedra?" She asked as Shadowmere took off.
Raven nodded "I am, though I hate Vile, Mora, Hircine, Malacath, Boethiah and Bal." He explained not looking behind him at her. "Even Jyggalag has taken to respecting me, he granted me a faster grasp of Logic and Sword."
"I had heard he never dealt with mortals and that when he did it was at the turn of an Era!" She said pulling her hood tighter.
The Dragonborn let out a roar of laughter "And I am some mere mortal?" He laughed again as they rode.
She rolled her eyes, of course he would be full of himself "What do you have against Molag Bal?" She asked wondering how this horse could move so fast.
Raven cringed, she could feel his armor get a degree or two colder "I've never liked him." He explained "I don't like being Dominated or Enslaved."
She figured that was as good an answer as ever, she felt a few scars on her back twitch at the thought of her Lord. She knew he wasn't telling the whole truth, if he was lying it was for her own good.
They stopped just outside of Dawnstar Serana watched as Raven took a small amount of armor out of Shadowmere's saddlebags, the armor was light and dyed a deep blood red. He grouped his Ebony armor together and tied it to his horses back. He pulled a mask out from the folds of the chest piece, it was green, and a few streaks of Black paint spread across in a random fashion, though she figured it could be dried blood "Krosis." He muttered as he slipped it on, he slid his bow, shield and sword into the pieces of armor. He pulled out a folded, Elven bow from a side pouch and what looked like a dagger with a daedric O.
"From here on I am Crow." He said looking at her, his voice morphed behind the mask "Understood?" She nodded silently, stunned that he had admitted to being an Assassin. "Place this on."
In his hand was a shroud that would cover her face "Why? What type of armor is this?" She asked looking it over.
"Dark Brotherhood." He said simply "You don't want anyone to know we were here. I don't want my friends to end up being killed."
Serana nodded and slipped it on, it covered the lower half of her face and he slipped her a pair of gloves for the cold. The cloth was breathable but she didn't like it that much, it smelled like Death.
From here they walked through the Port City, people averting their eyes from Raven as he walked. A man muttered "Murderer." As they passed a smelter, a woman screamed at the top of her lungs "Just leave us in peace!" though Raven ignored her cries. A guard stopped them "Ah, if it isn't the famous Crow. What do you want? Here to murder someone else?" He said pulling out his iron axe.
Raven laughed darkly "And if I am?" He taunted "I doubt you could pin it on me."
The guard growled "It's a pity we can't kill people like you. You have to resist arrest." He muttered walking away.
Raven let out a sigh "That happens pretty often, people don't like me much from killing the Emperor."
Serana's eyes widened "You've assassinated a man that high of rank?" She whispered.
Raven nodded "I have." He led her passed the Dawn and towards the Black door. Once he arrived it whispered to them.
'What is the river of Life?'
Raven smirked 'Blood, My brother.' He whispered back.
'Welcome Home.' With that the door opened, they had to change the password every now and then or someone could figure it out.
Raven let Serana enter before him, he closed the door softly once they were inside "Cicero!" He shouted, looking for the murderous jester.
Like a Shot a man wearing jesters outfit appeared "Oh. Oh. The Listener! The Listener is back! Oh sweet Listener have you brought us a new sister?" He said doing a little dance.
"No she is a guest." He said walking passed Serana "I will commune with the Night Mother, Cicero watch over Lamia, this is an order. You are to do what she asks." He spoke to the mad jester.
Cicero nodded rapidly "Oh, I will not fail the kind Listener. Come Come Lamia, I will show you the garden, Nazir likes new people oh yes he does." He said grabbing her hand while she shot daggers at Raven for putting her with the jester.
Raven turned towards the Night Mother and got down on one knee "What is it you ask of me, Bride of Sithis?" He would never call her Mother, for he only had one.
"Ah, My Listener returns…I see the Lady of Shadows has been keeping you busy away from poor Cicero and myself." The Night Mother whispered to him.
"Tell me who has asked for us" He snapped not looking up from the floor, he didn't want to be listener maybe that was why she chose him or to piss off Mother.
"Yes…I hear many calling for their mother, a dozen higher contracts I have for you to deliver." She whispered silently giving him the names.
"Thank you for your aid, Bride of Sithis." He said bowing once more and standing.
"My pleasure Listener."
Raven shuddered as he walked away, he could stand his mother in his head or whispering in his ear but the other Daedric Lords he never quite liked the feeling. He approached Nazir "I have contracts for you." He said writing them down from his head.
"So tell me Crow, how has life been treating the Assassin who hides himself from his family?" The Redguard asked crossing his arms.
"It's nothing against you Nazir, you know who I am and you know what I am." He said crossly "But I like my privacy and so do you. Get these Contracts moving, the Night Mother has spoken and so I listened." He explained, walking towards Serana, as Cicero was trying to look at her eyes.
"We have other plans Cicero, send me word when Nazir has run out of the contracts and I will speak to the Night Mother again." He told the jester, with a knife at his heart.
"Oh. Oh. The Listener is so Cold, yes but well he did murder the Emperor did he not! Ah Ha Ha. Your companion is lovely Oh so lovely, I wouldn't stab her if mother asked me to… well I would but she won't for I do not listen…"
Raven was walking away at this point, the only reason he spared the Fool was because he needed someone to maintain the Night Mother. Without her they would fall apart again and then lose their new respect and power. He liked the members of his Family to a level, Nazir he figured for a brother and Babette as a 'Little' sister. Cicero…
He left the Dawnstar sanctuary quickly, giving a nod to some of the new members. Some bowed in respect, others saw him as a challenge and a few cowered in fear. It was well know he didn't speak unless he had a reason to and it was only to Taunt or cause pain.
Raven did his best to not let his ID pass through but the Night Mother, Nazir and Babette knew who he was, they had learned after their home was being burned and Krosis was removed from his passed out form. He gave the Emperor the kindness of knowing who he was and Delvin had figured it out quick enough. He swapped out weapons and never shouted unless it was the Whisper which people rarely noticed.
Serana followed Raven closely, she didn't like this place they had a tight knit group of so much more than just cut-throats or trackers. These men and women were full blown Assassins, who would only kill if the Listener or Nazir had ordered them to.
The Dark Brotherhood was the family she could never have even in her dreams. Raven was their leader, though the look on his face and the way he handled them showed he cared for them in a way but not like a brother more like a cruel father. He pushed them to do their best and to not disappoint him.
It didn't take them long before they had reached a safe spot to change out of his gear, Ebony always felt more safe to him. It was dark, cold and edged, unlike the unnatural heat of Daedric armor even if it was better to wear for protection.
Serana was looking over his blade, it was razor sharp and had a few spots where the blood hadn't been cleaned off. It crackled with a frost augment or Enchantment, more than likely to slow an opponent down for more attacks.
"Who made this? It's well forged." She commented off handedly.
Raven looked over at her as he was clipping on his chest plate "I did, the only thing I didn't was the chest plate. It's a lot older than I am." He replied.
"You have talent for everything don't you?" She asked sheathing the blade and crossed her arms.
Raven laughed, tightening a few straps "Far from it." He said with a smile "I am Master of little, Skilled in few and Good in nothing." He quoted something his Mother once told him.
Serana smirked, it fit him well "Master of Stealth?" She asked calmly.
"No…I am but a walker of the shadows." He said cryptically, not feeling up to explaining to her.
Serana turned to the sky "Oh." She said as a Crow made its way down towards them, she watched the bird land on Ravens shoulder as he tightened his boots and lean in to his ear again. "It must like you." She teased.
Raven ignored her for a moment "We need to hurry." He said simply "I think the Vampires might have found a lead on that Moth Priest." He started to walk to Shadowmere.
"How would you know that?" She asked following him.
"My Mother told me." He said simply.
Serana rose a brow "Your mother?" She asked wondering if the crow had a note on its peck or someone taught it to talk.
Raven helped her on the horses back "We'll talk about this later." He muttered clicking once and Shadowmere took off like a black blur.
The rest of the ride was silent and didn't take too long considering they could be attacked by Dragons, Trolls or Bandits. Well that and the Dragonborn's horse was faster than all others.
Serana looked around the city of Winterhold with a small sign of shock, she poked him once to get his attention as they neared the steps of the College "….I was here before being sealed away…" She whispered "….It..It wasn't so crumbly….a city was here..what happened?" She whispered to him.
Raven pulled Shadowmere to a stop and stepped down helping her down after himself "Go, I will send her for you." He whispered to the horse, a raven landed on his shoulder.
Serana was still confused about why the birds obsessed with him, then she heard him speak "About eighty or so years ago…a great earthquake rippled the area…some blame the college, others blame bad placement being it is so close to the cliffs…I think it was Red Mountain." He explained, walking up the steps passed the gate. Twin Steel knights stood watch for the college, he had enchanted them to block all without access. "The city fell but the College was spared…they have yet to recover."
Serana nodded silently, it was a lot to take in. She was still having a hard time adjusting, she had skipped over a lot of information and time from her past to now. Three Empires had risen and fallen, Talos' empire was almost finished as well. She cast a look at the Dragonborn, he seemed to be a lot like Talos would be in his youth, stubborn and a cocky ass.
They walked up to the main building, Serana seemed to inspect anything that wasn't nailed or looked like something she wouldn't have found before. She had spent a few moments looking over the magic well and statue outside.
Serana and Raven entered the Library, an old Orc looked up from his book at the pair. A few students that were doing research quickly left being they knew if the Arch-Mage was in full armor it was bad news. "Urag." He said calmly.
The Orc let out a single grunt "How may I help you Arch-Mage?" He said getting on his feet.
Serana did a double take at Raven which wasn't unnoticed by Urag, who started to laugh.
"Yes this Nord, is the Arch-Mage." He said with distaste.
Raven preened the raven's feathers softly "You say it like it's a bad thing." He said with equal distaste. "I'm looking for a Moth Priest."
Urag rose a brow and noticed the scroll on Serana's back "My word! You found one! You actually found an Elderscroll!" He said leaning on his desk.
Raven stepped in front of Serana "I asked you a question." He said glaring at the Orc.
Urag sighed "I apologize, Yes one came in a few days ago from what I hear he's making his way to Dragon's bridge and Solitude." He explained.
Raven nodded, he pulled out a few tomes from a shoulder bag "Here, Nordic Tomes." He said giving him three books.
Urag smiled down at the Tomes and started to look through them "Thank you Arch-Mage, I hope you find your Moth Priest." He said not looking up.
Raven turned to leave and Serana followed him "So Arch-Mage?" She whispered as Students waited for them to leave the Library.
"I am a Master Enchanter, well skilled in Conjuration and Destruction magic and know some Restoration." He said as they walked out into a small snow storm.
"Impressive." She said casually, as he whispered something to the crow and sent it off "So why did you call it your mother?"
Raven smirked at her, which was a feral one "I was born on the 8th of Hearthfire." He said calmly "A Daedric Prince took me under her wing. Care to guess which one?"
Serana pursed her lips in thought, she knew it wasn't one of the one's he hated but he was the son of Akatosh, how could a Daedric Prince have that much hold on him.
"Whose Summoning day is the 8th of Hearthfire?" He asked turning to walk again, the shadows seemed to dance with him.
Serana stood there with wide eyes as he walked, the shadows formed around him, like an embrace, a cooling embrace that a mother would do with her child to protect him. A single thought went through her head "Nocturnal…"
Hello Hello, I was told that the last chapter seemed like a filler one. In truth it was, as was this to an extent. What I am trying to do is paint a picture, In the Game I don't like fast traveling and you cannot start a true conversation with Serana, yes a few things are brought up but she never comments on you or your ranking she just seems to comment on the weather. So Raven here shows that he spreads himself pretty thin with the Fractions he is part of. This Chapter will now start to dwell into the true DLC, I figured you could use some background with Raven. Leave me your love and hate mail- Sign with Regards 'The Demon'
