Yaaaaaay more Skyrim. Enjoy, review.

I do not own the Elder Scrolls nor anything affiliated with them, merely my own ideas.

The sun set over the horizon and with it went the snowstorm that had imprisoned Despair and Serana within Nightcaller Temple. As night descended upon the land of Skyrim the pair stepped out of the tower and back into the outside, admiring the scenery.

'Wow, look at this.' Serana gazed out at the snow-covered land, having been reformed into a smooth, majestic texture in the wake of the snowstorm. Behind her Despair whistled for Shadowmere and made his way to her side. 'You sure you're ok to ride with that arm?' She asked him.

His left arm was hanging loosely at his side – the bones broken from the fight with Ancanor. 'When we get to Winterhold I'll ask the mages to fix me up. Colette should be able to get it right, or at the very least put it in a sling.'

She punched him lightly. 'As if I could have done a better job, I'm better at raising the dead than tending to the living.'

'Hey don't be like that, you did great.' He smiled warmly at her. Morokei was tucked into the folds of the Arch-mage robes, letting Serana see his face. At that moment he saw a dark shape with glowing red eyes galloping towards them. Shadowmere slowed down as the horse neared, stopping side on to his master.

'You go first.' Despair said to Serana. With his right arm he helped her up, and with some difficulty he followed – sitting behind her while she took the reins.

'Um…I'm not very good with horses.' She said nervously.

'Don't worry…he doesn't bite.' Despair reassured her, wrapping an arm around her waist to keep steady. 'But he does have a mean kick.' He kicked his heels at Shadowmere's rear and the horse set off at a slow pace, letting both vampires relax as they set off for Winterhold.

Winterhold.

Two hours, three bickering necromancers, a pack of bandits and a frost troll later; the duo made it to Winterhold, riding slowly into the disheveled town from the west.

'Hey…why are they acting that way?' Serana asked as they passed the civilians, the northern inhabitants of Skyrim scowling and turning away from the horse-mounted pair.

'It's me, the folk in Winterhold aren't too fond of the mages – let alone their leader. That coupled with the fact I brought the Empire into their Stormcloak pocket in the north is more than enough reason for them to dislike me.' Despair whispered into her ear, leaning over her shoulder.

'That's not good, you saved them – multiple times if you're to be believed.' She whispered back.

'Ha – are you insinuating that I'm untrustworthy? Anyway, that's just how the sweetroll crumbles.' Despair said. 'Come on, we'll go the rest of the way on foot.'

He beckoned Shadowmere to stop just as they reached the ramp up to the bridge. He took Serana's hand and slid off the horse, using her to help him. She dismounted after him and together they climbed the ramp – Serana supporting Despair's injured arm, leaving Shadowmere to leave and trundle about Skyrim in his master's absence.

'Faralda.' Despair regarded the Altmer woman standing guard before the bridge.

'Arch-mage.' Then Faralda noticed the pale woman holding onto the Arch-mage's left arm. 'Who is…?'

'Serana. She's a friend of mine.' Despair finished. 'Could you please send a message for Colette? And tell Urag I want to see him in my quarters.'

'Arch-mage I can't leave the bridge-' Faralda protested.

Before she could finish Despair conjured a single Dremora Lord, standing tall and menacing in red and black armour.

'Stand guard until Faralda returns.' He ordered the Dremora, indicating at Faralda. '…And don't kill anyone.'

'My lord.' The creature nodded, turning to face the ruined city.

Faralda bowed to the Arch-mage and his companion, and then turned to run to the College itself – fulfilling Despair's requests. Slowly Despair and Serana made their way across the perilous state of the bridge, her stabilizing him over the more wrecked places with the loss of the use of his arm.

'You should really get this thing fixed and think about mending the rest of Winterhold – it was nowhere this bad when I was last awake.' She told him.

'I know; I know…I've just been busy with…' He trailed off, trying to think of an excuse.

'Saving the world?' She suggested sarcastically

'That works.' He laughed lightly. By this point they had made it to the gates and had walked into the main forum. Before they had even made halfway to the centre-statue they were approached by a couple of mages.

'Arch-mage…' Colette began as she approached, then she saw Serana and how she was holding Despair's arm. 'Oh by the nine Despair, what have you done to yourself this time!?' She huffed.

'Hahaha, always a pleasure to see you too Colette – how's everyone been?' Despair replied.

'Sigh, Tolfdir is the only one actually trying to teach the initiates – though they seem to be doing well for themselves; Jzargo blew himself up again though – luckily he was off-campus.'

'Is he alright?' Despair was fond of his fellow student/rival/underling.

'Yes, yes – nothing serious. Anyway – you go up to your quarters and I'll fetch some of my tools.' She turned and went to the Hall of Countenance, leaving Despair, Faralda and Serana in front of the statue.

'…I havent even told her what was wrong with me…' Despair moaned.

'Shut up, she knows.' Serana said, to the amusement of Faralda.

From there the three moved in silence into the main tower block. Upon entering the Hall of the Elements Despair gave an instinctive glance to the middle of the room – the magical well.

Ancano…you stupid fool. He thought, giving a sparing moment to remember that conflict before turning

and heading up the stairs to the Arch-mages' quarters. They got halfway up before Despair turned to Faralda and said; 'Go and get Urag now…and Enthir.' He added.

Faralda blinked at the last part but turned back down the stairs to complete her leaders' orders. Serana and Despair continued up in silence, eventually getting to the top and going through the door. Serana almost dropped Despair's broken arm as see saw the room inside.

'Wow…' She said as they entered. 'You live here?' She beheld the centre of the room – the magical display captivating her.

'I don't actually, but it is certainly nice.' Despair replied, leading her to a chair and slumping down in it. 'Take a seat.'

Serana frowned and stood before him, ignoring his offer. 'How can you not live here?'

Despair sighed. 'When one amasses the fortune I possess it is difficult to spend it. In light of that, I own property in every hold.'

Serana stared at him, silenced. Then she brought her hand up and massaged her temples. 'Gods Despair, because being Dragonborn wasn't enough for you was it?' He couldn't help breaking into a massive grin, smiling stupidly at her. 'You have no idea.' He said.

At that moment the door to the holdings opened and in came Colette, walking briskly in with a satchel over her shoulder. She walked up to Despair and took him by the arm.

'Bed, now.'

'Wha-what?' He protested, only to be pulled mercilessly and forced to lie down on the bed in the Arch-mages' quarters by the stern Restoration mage. 'Serana, help!'

'Oh be quiet you, be grateful you're getting this for free – most people I heal have to pay in multiple parts.' Colette leaned over him, making him remove the Dragonscale Armour and pushed the Arch-mage' robes away from his arm.

'Ah ouch!' He winced as the healer fiddled with his arm, trying to remove the assortment of gear.

'Stop whining.' She tossed the dragon-make armour aside and pulled his sleeve up, only to gasp at the pale pallour of his skin. 'Despair…' He grunted, turning away. Behind Colette Serana shifted uncomfortably.

'You should have come to see me right away…or Falion, I'm sure he's still in Morthal-'

'I chose this.' Despair cut her off.

'…What?' Colette said in stunned shock.

'I chose this. Now, as your Arch-mage I'd like you to drop it.' He said sternly, commanding. 'Secrecy is part of a healers job isn't it?' He reminded her.

Colette was quiet for a little bit, when she opened her mouth again she asked; 'Is she…?' Indicating at Serana.

'Yes.'

'Did she…?'

Despair hesitated for a moment. She hadn't bitten him strictly speaking, but she was a large part of the reason as to why he had chosen to become a vampire – she could be held responsible for his choice, but not in a negative light.

'No…she didn't bite me.'

'I see.' Silently, Colette went back to treated Despair.

First she held his arm into the air with Magicka, letting it float of the bed a few inches. Then she began to cast different Restoration spells over Despair's arm. First one to numb the pain, then another to move the bone back together.

As she worked however, the side of the bed that Despair was lying on forced her to lean over him to treat his left arm. As she worked her body came tantalizingly close to his – never quite touching. Despair looked up at Serana, who in turn appeared to be glaring daggers at Colette's back.

Is she…jealous?

'There, it should heal on its own if you leave it. Let me just put a cast on it.' She got up and went to where her satchel was, rummaging through it. 'Got it, now hold still…'

Several minutes later Despair was sitting on the edge of the bed – left arm in a cast. Colette looked down at him disapprovingly. 'No more fighting.' Despair scoffed. 'Sigh, at least stay away from the Nordic Tombs until you're better.'

'Sure.' He smiled up at her in mock-affection, though there was sincerity behind it.

As she began to pack up her stuff she gave a withering look to Serana before turning back to Despair. 'About your…'

'Not a word.' He said sternly. 'The College is known for lax rules but we wouldn't last long if the people of Skyrim knew that the only mages they could trust were led by a vampire.'

The healer nodded. Unceremoniously she turned and approached the door – only for it to open in front of her and two males to step into the room.

'Arch-mage.' Urag Gro-shab entered the room with Enthir behind him, addressing Despair. As he and the Elf walked in Colette made her exit. As a pair they approached Serana and Despair, standing before their Arch-mage and waiting for instructions – though Enthir shot a quick smile Serana's way.

'Urag.' Despair smiled at the Orsimer librarian. 'I need my Elder Scroll.'

'Wait you have a-' Enthir began, but he was cut off.

'Arch-mage!? Whatever for?' Urag began to protest, but Despair raised a hand.

'You already know my relationship with Elder Scroll's. Please don't complicate this.'

'Fine.' Urag reluctantly agreed. 'But you'll have to pay me.' Despair frowned and pulled a small sack of gold out of his robes, tossing them to the Orc.

'Go.' At Despair's words the Orc set off to the library below, leaving the Elf.

'Enthir, have either you or any of your contacts heard anything about a Moth Priest in Skyrim?' The Dragonborn asked the less-than-noble merchant.

'A Moth Priest…? Uh…I think so…but what do you want a Moth Priest for?' Enthir said.

'None of your business.' Despair reached over to where Colette had put his Dragonscale Armour and set to putting it back on. In the meanwhile Enthir was regarding Serana, watching her up and down.

'So…how long have you been in Skyrim? I don't think I've seen you around before.' Enthir smirked at her.

'Back off.' She said aloofly.

'Ooh, don't worry, I'll make sure-'

'Enthir.' Despair warned menacingly, not looking up from adjusting his armour – but putting heavy emphasis on his less-than-accepting inflection.

'Sorry boss.' He hastily apologized.

Despair sighed, looking up. 'Anyway, where is the Moth Priest now?'

'Um…Somewhere in Hjaalmarch I think…not Solitude though.'

'Dragon Bridge.' Despair said.

'Possibly, but I think-' Enthir began.

'Enough, thank you for your help Enthir.' Despair rose to his feet, stretching out. 'So how is Karliah, is she well?' Despair asked.

'Oh she's fine. She says she isn't interested in what the Guild does – but she's still a thief through and through.' Enthir said happily.

'That's nice.' Despair turned to Serana, then to Enthir. 'Now get out.'

Enthir didn't hesitate and left the room swiftly, he knew better than to disobey his boss's orders – let alone someone as powerful as Despair. Arch-mage andNightingale…as far as Enthir knew anyway.

As soon as the door closed Despair fell back and flopped onto the bed, his knees hitting the sides and his feet on the ground. 'By Oblivion he annoys me.'

Serana laughed, sharing his opinion. She moved to sit down next to him when suddenly Despair got up and started walking out – taking her with him. 'Hopefully Urag has my scroll.'

They went down to the Arcanium and saw the Orc holding the Elder Scroll gingerly – watching the vampiric duo as they approached him. 'Here.' He said, giving Despair the scroll. 'Return it when you're done using it.'

'This isn't a book, Urag.' Despair deadpanned. 'But thanks.' He turned and left, robes swishing behind him. He and Serana left the main tower and eventually the College of Winterhold altogether.

'They were…interesting.' Serana said.

'I like to use the word; "diverse". But don't worry – they're a good group of people.' Despair said. He was about to whistle for Shadowmere when Serana stopped him.

'Come on, let's walk together – I want to see more of this Skyrim you keep talking about.' She told him, smiling.

Despair didn't reply for a moment, and then suddenly he grinned. 'I have a better idea.'

He took the lead and brought Serana to a secluded spot between Winterhold and Dawnstar, somewhere flat and out of the way so that no one would notice. She looked at him; a bit confused – when suddenly he looked up to the sky and shouted;

'Od! Ah! Viing!'

Several moments went by quietly after that, until Serana asked Despair; 'What was that…?'

Suddenly a roar filled the sky and Serana jerked her head up, looking for its source. She saw it – flying from the south – the great form of a red dragon approaching them. She readied Destruction magic in her hands, suddenly realizing that Despair was just standing there – grinning like an idiot.

'Despair! What are you-!' She was cut off when she suddenly heard the dragon speak to them, a deep and powerful voice filling the sky.

'Hail, Dovahkiin. What purpose have you called me for today?' Odahviing said, landing heavily nearby them – sending snow flying.

'That's a…' Serana said in awe of the close proximity.

'Odahviing.' Despair said warmly to the larger dragon. 'I need you to take my friend and I to Dragon Bridge. You know where that is?'

'Geh, Dovahkiin. I can do that.' The red dragon turned his head to regard Serana. 'And who is this…Fahdon Dovahkiin – your friend?'

'This is Serana, say hello.' Despair said.

'Drem Yol Lok, Fahdon Dovahkiin; Serana.' Odahviing breathed a hot gust of air into Serana's face, signaling hello in the form of "Yol". She staggered back in the force of the heat-wave and Despair reached out to Serana instinctively – aware of the weakness vampires had to fire – but she seemed fine.

'It's nice to meet you too…dra-' She began nervously.

'Od-ah-viing.' The old beast said slowly for her.

'Odahviing.' She smiled, addressing him by name.

Done with the pleasantries', Odahviing lowered his neck and allowed the two to climb atop him. Despair took the front while Serana sat behind him, holding on tightly around his mid-section. Despair put the mask of Morokei back on as he sat on Odahviing's neck – remembering the last time how harshly the wind whipped his face.

'Krosis, Fahdon Dovahkiin – after this your envy of the Dov shall only increase.' Odahviing said to Serana. Despair chuckled at the comment.

'How amusing that must be for you, Joor. Considering your Sos Kopraan gives Viing Dovahkiin – wings to you…you have nothing to envy of the Dovah. Truly, you are as much Dovah as you are Dovahkiin.' Alduin mused within his consciousness.

Perhaps, my dear World-Eater. But there's always something I'll envy you dragons for. Despair thought back.

'Oh?' Alduin thought.

Bodies like a battering ram. Despair told the inner-dragon.

'Hahahahahahahahahahahaha.' Alduin rumbled with laughter at Despair's joke.

It wasn't that funny…

At that moment Odahviing decided to lift off, beating his wings heavily and rising off the snow-covered earth.

'WAAAAHHHH!' Serana screamed, hugging into Despair tighter.

'Hold on Dovahkiin, Fahdon Dovahkiin – I shall show you the skies of Nirn.' Odahviing flew off, rising higher and higher until they were almost at cloud level. The dragon slowed to a steady cruise, taking his time over the area.

Despair leaned over to admire the scenery – while Serana still had her face in his back. I havent forgotten the view from last time I was up here – and I won't ever forget a view like this. He smiled, unable to help it. Who cares if I can fly with the Vampire Lord…this is completely different.

'Serana, it's alright, you can look down.' He turned his head over his shoulder and reassured the attractive vampire clinging to his torso.

'Come on, you won't fall off.' He said.

Gingerly she opened one eye, looking down at Skyrim. After a few seconds she opened the other and relaxed her hold on The Dragonborn, though she didn't move away at all. 'Wow…' She uttered in awe.

'Yeah. It has that effect.' Despair went back to admiring his homeland from their height. Then he leaned forward and whispered something to Odahviing.

'Geh, Dovahkiin.'

To Serana's shock the dragon beneath them suddenly shifted and descended down. She closed her eyes and began to scream into Despair's back as Odahviing moved. After a while of her screaming however, he stopped and Serana reluctantly opened her eyes. Suddenly she could see everything much clearer – they had gone closer to the ground. From where they were before the land looked beautiful, but now that she could see everything in much greater detail; it was simply stunning.

'This is what I wanted to show you.' Despair told her. 'And you wanted to walk.'

She punched him, and then pulled herself into his back for a hug.

'Thank you Despair, for this.' She paused. 'For everything.'

A warm feeling ignited within the cold, undead body of The Dragonborn. He was about to reply when Odahviing started talking.

'Dovahkiin, we are nearing Dragon Bridge.' The dragon said.

Despair was slightly taken aback, but responded to his dragon after a moment. 'Good, drop us off a little outside town.'

'As you wish.' Odahviing suddenly turned and descended, lowering the trio down. Eventually they hit the ground and Despair and Serana dismounted the dragon.

'Thank you Odahviing. Tiid Unslaad.' Despair bid his farewell to the dragon.

'Tiid Unslaad, Despair. Farewell.' Odahviing lifted off and soared away, leaving the two vampires alone in the wood near Dragon Bridge. It was the middle of the day and the sun shone brightly. They approached Dragonridge and entered the town quickly, looking around.

'So where is this Moth Priest?' Serana asked.

'I'm just supposed to know? Come on, let's check the inn.' Despair suggested. As they climbed up the steps, the door to the inn suddenly opened and three heavily armoured figures stepped out – knocking into Despair.

'…Sorry.' The leader muttered. He was about to continue on his way when he took a second glance at the man he had just bumped into, looking just long enough for Despair to begin to feel nervous. Then it dawned on him as he regarded the armour in closer detail.

Dawnguard Agents.

'Serana! Get back!' Despair shouted, pushing the Dawnguard Agent over and rushing back. He frowned – unable to use his left arm in combat – before summoning a Dremora Lord and sending it at the two standing vampire hunters.

'A challenger is near!' The Daedra roared as it charged the two enemies down – both of them smaller in frame than the one Despair had pushed over.

Despair placed buffs over himself with Alteration armour, then Lightning Cloak before resorting to a Bound Weapon. 'Bound Shield.' He muttered the name of the spell – with only one arm it'd be better to focus on defense.

'Vampires!' The leader called to his companions as he got to his feet, drawing a Crossbow.

At the sound of his words the other two drew their weapons; an axe and shield for one and a warhammer for the other. The one with the warhammer – a woman – ran to meet Despair's Dremora Lord, shouting a battle cry. 'FOR THE DAWNGUARD!' She yelled.

She lifted her warhammer up high – intending to smash it down on the summoned creatures' head – when suddenly the Dremora slashed a vicious arc across her chest with his black greatsword, drawing a fountain of blood. She dropped the warhammer and her throat gargled blood, her body collapsing. 'N-no…'

She hadn't even hit the ground before her companion had raced in, bashing the Daedra with his shield and swinging with his axe. 'HeeeaaaaaAAAAARRRGHH!' He shouted.

Meanwhile, Serana and Despair were fending off the leader Dawnguard. Despair had his Bound Shield raised over both of them, while Serana fired off Ice Spike's at him. His armour was thick though, and his movements nimble; the shots that managed to hit him barely glanced off of his huge shoulder plates. Despair grimaced.

'Serana, resurrect that corpse over there!' Despair jerked his head towards the recently-slain Dawnguard member.

'Got it!' She threw a blast of Necromancy magic at the corpse, reanimating it with unholy life.

Immediately the zombie rose to attack her ally who was already sparring with the Dremora – and losing. She swung her warhammer sideways and caught the Dawnguard in the back of the knee – knocking him down to his knees. 'What, no!' He exclaimed, realizing the resurrection of his ally. She lifted the warhammer again above her head and brought it down, the living Dawnguard blocking it with his shield – but only just. He tried to wildly swing his axe at her from the ground and managed to embed its blade in her thigh – bring the zombie down. But when he tried to pull it out he couldn't, the axe stuck in his still-reanimated companion's dead flesh.

Suddenly the black Daedric Greatsword pierced clean through his head, cleaving it in half.

Good. Now we can focus on him. Despair thought, regarding the Crossbow-wielding agent.

'You'll die this day, vampires!' The leader screamed as he reloaded his weapon. He suddenly turned from firing on Despair and Serana and moved to shoot at the Dremora and zombie. He fired a bolt into the undead Dawnguard girl's chest and brought her to dust.

'…Thank you…'Escaped her lips before she fully disassembled.

The Dremora charged hard. The Dawnguard leader fired an arrow at Despair's summon, but the Daedra swatted the bolt away with his huge sword. With the monster closing in, the Dawnguard put his Crossbow away and raised his fists.

'He isn't going to fight that thing barehanded is he!?' Serana exclaimed.

Turns out, he was.

The Dremora Lord swung down in a vertical arc and the Dawnguard dodged to the right. He jabbed twice at the Dremora's face, stunning the creature. Then he moved in close, swinging with his elbow into its nose – breaking it. The Dremora threw him off however and took another wild swing at the vampire hunter – the black blade's edge barely skimming the "chin" of the Heavy Dawnguard Helmet as the man leaned back.

Suddenly the Dawnguard lunged and double-punched the Daedra in the chest with both fists. The Dremora went flying, getting at least two or three feet of air before hitting the ground – de-spawning and returning to Oblivion.

Shit! He's strong! Despair cursed inwardly.

'He just…how…?' Serana stared in disbelief. Even Harkon – albeit in his human form – had never displayed the strength to beat a Dremora Lord down with his bare hands.

'Perhaps we vampires underestimated the tenacity of humans.' Despair mused. 'Or perhaps…' He suddenly turned his head and barked at Serana; 'Serana! I need you to cover me.'

'Got it!' She called back.

Despair stood up and ditched the Bound Shield, regarding the Dawnguard. He made his presence know, standing still and pushing his shoulders back.

Come and get me. He thought.

The Dawnguard frowned behind his helm – unseen to his foes. He pulled his Crossbow from his back and began loading it and Despair jumped into action.

'Now, Serana!'

'Tiid! Klo! Ul!' Despair shouted out, slowing time to his will.

Ice Spike's volleyed from behind Despair as he charged forth – this is what he'd been waiting for. The first bolt sailed past Despair harmlessly as he sidestepped it. The Dawnguard hadn't even reloaded before the first blasts of ice pummeled into him. However he barely flinched. Time still slowed – Despair evaded the second bolt with ease, nearing his prey now he held his right arm out to the side and splayed his fingers.

'Bound-'

Time resumed.

'SPEAR!' Despair lunged forth – clutching the spear near the blunt end of the shaft – even with time at normal speed he was faster than the eyes could see. The Dragonborn plunged the bladed tip into the Dawnguard Agent's eye, pushing down until almost half the long shaft had passed through his head.

'GAH!' The Dawnguard yelled out, his last breath curdling with his blood. Despair grunted and twisted the spear deeper into the man's head, causing blood to squirt out all over the vampire's arm. Several moments went by and neither corpse nor killer moved, simply standing perfectly motionless. Serana approached behind Despair, coming to his side.

'…Despair…?' She asked.

He moved, his hands letting go of the ethereal polearm. The figure began to fall back and the weapon faded inside his head, no longer connected to a source of Magicka. The body hit the ground with a dull thud, blood splashing everywhere.

'Despair…?' She asked again, placing a hand on his shoulder. She tried pulling him to face her, but immediately wished she hadn't.

There it was again; that hateful red glow in his eyes, that battle-lusting monster within him; the berserker inside Despair. Serana stepped back without thinking, afraid. She almost fainted when he reached out for her with his bloodstained right hand – until he touched her shoulder and the glow in his eyes disappeared.

'…Serana?' He called her name. It was his voice, the voice that comforted her.

She unfroze and looked at him, trying to make sure it was her Despair that she was seeing. 'Yes, I'm here.' She smiled. Despair took his arm off of her and regarded the blood from the Dawnguard member, taking a deep whiff before making a grimacing noise.

'Werewolf blood.' He flicked the crimson fluid from his forearm and wiped the rest of it off. 'That's why he was so strong.'

'Oh.' Serana looked down at the corpse in shock. 'That's how strong they are?'

'In Beast Form, they're a lot stronger…oh, what's this?' Despair suddenly noticed something on his victim's person, kneeling down. He reached over and pulled a small slip of paper from the Dawnguard's armour, flipping it open and reading it.

'Good news.' He looked up at Serana. 'We've found our Moth Priest.'

'Oh, where?'

'Some where south of here…called Forebears' Holdout.' Despair reread the piece of paper before putting it away into his robes. 'Come on.'

They walked through town together, though everyone they passed seemed to turn away from them and head inside their houses – considering what had just happened, neither Despair nor Serana thought anything of it, until one of the guards came up to them.

'Excuse me, did you-' He began.

Despair cast a shot of Illusion magic at the Hold guard, not even batting an eye or stopping his walk as he did so. Suddenly the guard seemed completely oblivious and ambivalent, walking around in a daze. Serana stopped for a few seconds to admire Despair's magical ability with Illusion before catching up with him.

'Hey, you never mentioned you were an Illusionist.' She said as she caught up.

'You never asked. Besides, having their prowess in the skill as a secret is half of the advantage.' Despair replied. 'Remind me to show you what I can do to a man's mind; I'm far better than any Illusionist you've ever seen before.'

She shrugged and gave herself a quick mental note to do so. After passing an overturned carriage with several corpses nearby, they soon reached Forebears' Holdout. Despair stopped in front of the cave for a moment, looking around – and then headed inside, walking through the dark passageway and then coming out to the main chamber.

As they entered the duo saw a large cavern filled with ruins at the centre. They stood on a platform from where they entered with an underground river flowing beneath them. To their left was a staircase leading down. Serana and Despair were about to head down it when suddenly they saw two shapes moving around in the distance. Focusing her vision Serana saw that they were dogs – with white fur and armour.

'The Dawnguard have dogs!?' Serana whispered, turning to Despair – only to find that he wasn't there. 'Despair? Despair!?' She crouched down, not wanting to be caught be the dogs. 'Despair where are you!?' She hissed into the darkness.

Suddenly one of the dogs let out a pained yelp and collapsed before her eyes. Serana stared in shock at the dead canine when suddenly the second dog howled painfully and fell, unmoving. Serana crept close to the first dog, finding it dead and with a gaping wound in its side.

'What was…?' A twig cracked behind her and she turned, brandishing a dagger.

'Whose there?' She said, holding an orb of Destruction magic in her other hand.

'Now, now Serana. Don't be like that.' Despair's voice said from nowhere. Suddenly the air shimmered in front of her and shifted into Despair's frame, revealing the mask-wearing wizard. 'Boo.'

She frowned at him. 'You don't have to show off your talents like that.'

'No…but I should put them to use when necessary.' Despair lifted a curved, black knife to chest-level and flicked it clean before putting it away. 'Dogs can smell us – I doubt Dawnguard employs them just to have an animal motif.' Despair crossed a small bridge over the scream – Serana following – and crouched, creeping around the ruins until they were at an arch, from there they could see a lit campfire and a couple of Dawnguard Agents, along with…

'A troll!?' Serana hissed, Despair nodded solemly.

'Wearing armour.' He added. 'Don't worry, they're normally pushovers.' Despair rose to his full height, preparing to cast Illusion magic again.

'Che, don't be so arrogant Despair.' Serana scoffed at him.

'I'm not, I'm being realistic.' With that he disappeared again, becoming invisible. Serana sighed in annoyance, and prepared to strike in her own way.

'Hey, bucket-heads!' She called out, gaining the attention of the surprised Dawnguard.

She began pelting them with Ice Spike, switching between the two targets every so often to keep them at bay. She grinned when they visibly flinched – proof that not every Dawnguard member possessed Lycanthropy. Shifting the spells in her hands from ice Destruction to necromantic Conjuration; Serana resurrected one of the dogs from earlier and beckoned it to attack its masters.

'Eat this!' She cried as the zombie hound raced passed her and leaped on one of the Dawnguard Agents, goring him. The other Dawnguard had gotten close to her however and was swinging his warhammer down on her.

Serana sidestepped to the left and drew her dagger – letting the heavy Two-Handed weapon swing passed her and hit the ground. Reacting quickly she sliced her dagger across the Dawnguard's arm – forcing him to reel back and let go of his weapon. In the next second she had lunged forward and screamed her short blade across the Dawnguard's throat, drawing a fountain of blood.

She chuckled and cleaned the blood off of her dagger, sheathing it. 'Now let's see you do that, Desp-'

She was cut off when a large shadow suddenly rose over her. Looking up she came face-to-face with the towering figure of the Armoured Troll, clad in heavy plating. It roared and spread its arms in an act of intimidation, Serana refused to be afraid – though she could see the hopelessness of the situation. She called her zombie dog – having made a bloody mess of the other Dawnguard's innards – to attack the Troll. Unfortunately the smaller animal was knocked away like it was nothing.

'Damn it.' Serana clenched her teeth and strafed back, blasting the creature before her with Ice Spike's. They slowed it down, but soon she found herself trapped between it and the ruined wall with no place to go.

'GRRAAAAHHHHH!' The Troll roared, bringing its arm up high to attack.

'Bound Scythe.'

Suddenly a violet, ethereal shape cleaved its way up the Troll's entire body – from the crotch to the head – and sliced it vertically in half. The beast stood still for a moment, before falling away into the two halves of its body. As the slain creatures halves fell away, Serana found Despair standing behind it – Bound Scythe in his good hand.

He twirled the shaft between his fingers dexterously, before offering the blunt end to Serana. She took it and he pulled her over the bloody mound of the Troll and into his embrace.

'That's twice I've saved you now.' Despair said smugly, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Serana sneered. 'Please. I could have taken him.'

'I know, I just wanted to even the score.'

Serana tilted her head. 'It may have been bigger…but that still only counts as one, Despair.' She indicated at the two halves of Troll.

'True, but while you were down here…' Despair turned and pointed the Bound Scythe up at the battlements atop the ruined wall. After a second of scanning the shadows Serana saw the slumped corpse of another Dawnguard Agent, his head separated from his body by a shield that was embedded into the wall. A discarded Crossbow lay next to his dead carcass.

Despair let her out of his arms and began to climb the stairs up the wall, ascending. 'If there's one thing I've learned about combat Serana, it's to take out the archer's first. Nothing is worse than getting blindsided by an arrow…well, perhaps pissing off the Greybeards…' He muttered at the end. Serana followed after him and soon they were both at the top of the wall and standing on the edge of a circular platform.

'What's this…?' Serana asked as she observed a tower of bright green light and a lone figure within it.

'Don't know, probably a prison of sorts.' Despair took a moment to regard the figure within the magical barrier. 'That's our Moth Priest.'

Serana looked at him. 'How can you tell?'

'He's the only one in here that isn't a vampire, Dawnguard, or dead.' Despair said flatly.

He began circling the platform, looking for a way to release the man. As he walked around he saw a higher pedestal and the stairs leading up to them. Quickly climbing them Despair saw a hollow indent in a short plinth, spherical shaped.

'Serana – one of these guys probably has the key!' He called. 'Can you find something spherical?'

She came over to the corpses and rummaged through their bodies. After a little bit she lifted her head and held up a round shape. 'Is this it?'

'Probably, toss it over.'

Despair leaned the Bound Scythe against the railing to free his good hand. Serana lobbed the thing at him, who caught it and held it up to his face. It glowed with the same energy as the prison that held the Moth Priest. Satisfied, he plugged it into the hollow and looked up. The energy began to flicker and fade around the Moth Priest and Despair went down the stairs – picking up his weapon beforehand – to Serana and the captive's level. However as soon as the barrier faded completely, the Moth Priest roared in rage and attacked the duo.

'Die you monsters!' He called out, unsheathing his sword and flicking magic into his hand.

A blades sword!? Despair thought as he recognized the curved design of the blade, however he couldn't dwell on it because the Moth Priest had started firing Fireball's at them.

Despair jumped to the side, using his scythe as a vault to extend the maneuver by flipping over it. Serana dodged the other way, casting a resurrection spell on one of the nearby corpses. Frowning, Despair chucked the harvester at the Moth Priest, freeing his only usable hand – but the elderly man swatted the larger weapon away with his own effortlessly.

Despair buffed himself quickly with the usual cast of Alteration armour and Lightning Cloak, following that he conjured two Dremora Lords one after the other, having them attack the enemy. 'Do not kill him!' Despair ordered his Daedra, though they showed no signs of understanding the order.

'A challenger is near!' They shouted, bringing their greatswords down on the old man – but instead of falling the Moth Priest hardly flinched, raising his own One-Handed sword up and catching both of the black blades before they fell.

'-How!?' Serana exclaimed in shock – this elderly man had almost casually blocked the attacks of two powerful Daedra. Was everyone they faced going to be unnaturally strong?

However, the form of the man began to tremble after a few seconds of holding the Dremora at bay. He yelled out in struggle and suddenly the three of them were enveloped in a massive explosion of flame.

Firestorm!? With only one hand!? Despair paled behind his mask – he had expected a frail old man; not this. His lip curled and his mind raced, with only one arm there was so much he could do. He wasn't fast enough on deciding though, when the robed figure of the Moth Priest charged out of the flames and jabbed his sword at Despair.

Instinctively The Dragonborn turned on his heel – the blade almost hitting his casted arm, he avoided the sharp edge and spun around to face the Moth Priest. 'Zun! Hal! Viik!' He shouted, sending the sword flying from the Moth Priests hand.

The mortal snarled and raised his hands, holding two charges of fire-based Destruction magic. Despair's mind suddenly twitched at the sight of the flaming orbs and his body jerked – fear and adrenaline rushing through madly in an instant. He crashed his right elbow into the Moth Priest's gut, making the man double over. Following it up by a knee to the face forced the priest back up and Despair went in for the final strike.

He reached out and grabbed the Moth Priest's head in his hand – the man's face in his palm. Despair saw his victim's eyes widen in fear from between his fingers for a second, before he administered the attack.

Thunderbolt!

Despair blasted the Expert-Level Destruction spell into the man's face; point-blank. There was a brilliant flash of light as the spell discharged and the man's body jerked violently, twitching erratically. After a few seconds, Despair dropped the figure and let it hit the ground, landing bonelessly limp. The Dragonborn panted heavily and slowly his battle-rush receded, just as Serana got to him.

'Despair, are you alright?' She asked sounding worried.

'I…think so…' He panted out. He looked down at the form of the Moth Priest before him.

'Did you kill him?' Serana asked.

'I…I don't know…' Despair raised his hand and cast Detect Life.

Nothing.

He frowned and cast Detect Death, and the Moth Priest's body lit up. Despair's features tightened in frustration.

'Well…?' Serana asked.

'He's…he's dead.'

Serana slapped her face, groaning. 'You idiot!' She berated Despair, slapping him in turn.

'I'm sorry!' Despair shot back, though truly apologetic. 'He was going to kill me; I didn't have time to think.'

Serana sighed in frustration. 'Well what do we do now then!? We can't read the Elder Scroll's ourselves, can we!?'

Despair went silent, that time on the Throat of the World was probably a one-time thing. Though he could feel the hum of his Elder Scroll in his bags as he thought about it.

'Dovahkiin.' The voice of Alduin called out to him.

What? He said angrily.

'Perhaps I may be of use here.' The dragon said. I can bring Laas – life, back into Joor Kel Mindook – your "Moth Priest".

Suddenly Despair felt a rising sensation within him, like something in his stomach that wanted to come back out of his mouth. It climbed higher, going up his esophagus and forcing its way out of his throat. Without thinking Despair suddenly felt as though he was throwing up but neither bile nor blood came out of his mouth.

'Slen! Tiid! Vo!' The roar of Alduin returned to the mortal plane for a moment – shouted through the avatar of dragons. Serana flinched and jumped back a few feet in shock at the deep roar, falling on her ass. The effect of the Dragon Shout was instant however, and the previously dead Moth Priest began to rise to his feet in the wake of Alduin's resurrection shout. As Despair coughed in the Shout's backlashed he gave a quick thanks to Alduin for the help.

'Naan Tiid, Dovahkiin.' The dragon replied, slinking away deeper into Despair's consciousness for now.

'What…was that?' Serana asked tentatively.

'Alduin has a Shout that can resurrect dragons…I first witnessed it myself at Kynesgrove.' Despair cleared his throat. 'It seems to work well enough on men though too.'

As the priest rose fully he saw Despair and his face reeled in fear – though his body stiffly remained still. It appeared that he had been restored with all of his memories intact, though with a few restrictions on his ability to move. Despair regarded the man and spoke.

'You are no mere thrall, are you?' The Dragonborn asked.

'N-no…' The priest nervously said.

'Hmm…what is your name?' Despair asked.

The Moth Priest's throat clenched up then suddenly released. 'Dexion…Dexion Evicus…' He coughed out.

Despair witnessed the struggle and came to a conclusion. 'You are unable to disobey my requests, are you?'

'No…'

'Wonderful.' Dexion looked nervously at him. 'Don't worry, I won't make things uncomfortable if I can help it.' Despair reassured. He pulled both his and Serana's Elder Scroll's from his robes and handed them to the Moth Priest, whose eyes widened in shock and disbelief. 'I assume you know what these things are. I want you to go to…' His speech slowed and his eyes glanced at Serana. '…Heljarchen Hall, in the Pale just north of Whiterun.

Serana looked strangely at him but he continued.

'…Read them and when we return I want you to tell us what they say.' Despair ordered. 'Oh, and when you get there make sure to tell the redhead that I said you can make yourself at home.'

Dexion nodded, seemingly a bit more at ease – and left, leaving Despair and Serana alone. As soon as Dexion was out of sight, Despair suddenly collapsed and fell on the ground.

'Despair!' Serana called. 'Don't you dare do this again!' She shouted, kneeling down to check on him.

'Don't worry…I'm just a little tired it all.' Despair said, rolling over onto his back and looking up at her. 'The ground is more comfy than it looks, come join me.' He removed his mask, revealing a smile.

'Despair…' She complied, setting herself down next to him and lying on her side. 'You really are an idiot…' She let herself relax as she touched the ground. It had been a long day for both of them and only now could she feel it catching up on her. She hummed quietly to him as she pulled herself closer.

'…And we really need to start sleeping in beds.' He slid an arm around her, enjoying their closeness. Her face rested on his shoulder and she closed her eyes.

Again Despair found himself wondering whether this was a situation brought on by cruel circumstance, or something real between them. He had to know, he had to ask her what she thought – but doing so would be risky. Yes, no, yes, no…his thoughts juggled his brain and messed it up. Though if he wasn't so busy worrying he would have noticed the warm smile that was lit on her face as they held each other close, and the leg that she had curled over him and wrapped around his waist.

'Serana…' He began to say, but stopped as soon as he realized she was already asleep.

He exhaled and relaxed, letting his head touch the ground as he closed his eyes.

Quick word.

I've mentioned that I dont like guest reviews right...? Maybe on my F/Z fanfiction... Anyway - while I have no problems with criticism I dont enjoy reading something that states an opinion without backing it up with a reason. Furthermore it is hideously annoying when I cannot respond to said person or persons about their review and why they have said what they say.

Anyway - just keep that in mind dear readers, it'd be a huge, huge comfort for me and I thank you all in advance.

Hope you enjoyed. ^_^