Chapter 4: Best Served Cold

"My cousin's out fighting dragons, and what do I get? Guard duty…" The Whiterun gate guard muttered as he paced back and forth, and the torch cast shadows wherever he moved.

"Open the gate!" His counterpart cried out from up on the wall. "Travelers approaching!"

A long creaking sound accompanied the opening of the gate, and two guardsmen met the travelers, seeing as it was already dark.

"Hold! What is your business in Whiterun, travelers?"

One of them was small, a child, by the look of it. The other answered in a deep voice. "We wish to obtain lodging for the night. Do you have room?"

Upon getting a closer look, the guards noticed that the source of the voice was a Redguard male with red Hammerfell Garb, the other was a little girl.

"Yes, the Bannered Mare has some open rooms for you. Will any more be joining you?"

The Redguard shook his head. "No." His eyes darted to the left as two shadowed figures skulked away, and he glanced at the girl.

She nodded.

"Ignore Aela, Harbinger," Vilkas clapped Riordan on the back. "She just can't get over the fact that you told your wife about the Circle."

"Actually…" The Dragonborn shrugged. "I didn't tell her about the Circle until earlier this evening…"

The Companion raised an eyebrow. "How'd that go?"

"Well, I told her about the beastblood, and I imagine we'll talk more at length later." He sighed. "She is my wife; I promised her that I would keep nothing from her."

Vilkas nodded. "I can respect that. Anyway, thanks for being here. Vignar's death really…well, it hit some of the Companions really hard. Brill is taking it especially hard."

"I can imagine." Riordan looked on as Brelyna pulled Olfina into her embrace and allowed himself a small smile. "How's Farkas, by the way?"

A chuckle escaped Vilkas. "As thick-headed as ever, but still strong."

Ulfric Stormcloak walked up to the two of them with Galmor at his side. "I am so sorry for your loss, Companion. Vignar was a friend of mine."

Vilkas frowned. "He was a friend to many; he will be sorely missed."

The Jarl of Windhelm nodded before turning to Riordan. "Storm-Blade, thank you for coming. I hear that you'll be staying here in Windhelm?"

"Yes, at least to ensure a smooth transfer of power."

A small smile grew on Ulfric's face. "Good. We need to present a united front right now."

"Good evening, Jarl Ulfric." Brelyna's soft voice caused the Dragonborn to turn his head.

The Jarl coughed. "Yes…good evening, Lady Maryon." He quickly excused himself, and the Dunmer frowned.

"He still doesn't like me…"

Vilkas' gaze followed after Stormcloak. "I wouldn't worry; he has a lot on his mind."

She furrowed her brow and wrapped her arms around one of Riordan's. "You don't live in Windhelm."

Torches lit the path from Dragonsreach along the main thoroughfare in Whiterun. Brelyna looked on as her husband and Vilkas locked forearms in a gesture of friendship.

"We'll most likely see each other around, Vilkas. Let me know if you've got any jobs close to Whiterun I can handle."

The Companion nodded with a smirk on his face. "Will do, Harbinger; maybe we can find you some bandits to kill, eh?"

Riordan chuckled. "Sounds like a plan."

"Harbinger," Aela pushed Farkas toward his brother as she walked toward the Dragonborn. "In case you're a little rusty, I want to bring something to your attention."

He looked her in the eyes. "If you're referring to the crushing darkness that I feel permeating the city, I'm already ahead of you."

The Dunmer glanced between them. "What are you two talking about?"

The archer sighed. "Neither of us is quite sure. Usually when I feel something like this, it's either daedra or—"

"Vampires." Aela interrupted his train of thought. "I felt the same thing every time they would attack Whiterun a couple of months ago."

Riordan shook his head and pulled the Telvanni mage close. "There aren't any remaining vampire clans with enough strength to attempt entry into Whiterun. Serana and I made sure of that."

"So…what is it then?" Brelyna asked, dreading the answer. "Can't we ever just have a normal night, the two of us?"

"I'm not sure yet…" He turned to the Huntress. "At any rate, thank you for your concern."

She snorted. "Just trying to keep you alive, Harbinger."

As she made her way back to Jorrvaskr, the Dragonborn and the Dunmer shared a kiss. "Thank you, Brelyna…for loving me."

They stepped past the fountain and made their way into the Plains District; the Dark Elf grinned.

"You've been by my side for two and a half years, whether as a friend or as my husband. I am proud to be called your wife."

A hint of playful joviality crossed his face. "Even if it means dealing with Ulfric Stormcloak?"

She chuckled. "Even then. Nords are so stubborn!"

"Speaking of Nords, have we gotten any letters from Onmund? Or Tolfdir, for that matter?"

The Dunmer pursed her lips. "Not in a while…nothing from J'zargo either."

"Well, then, maybe when we're done here we can visit the—wait…"

Her heart began to race as she noticed his focus shift. "What's wrong?"

The wind seemed to carry a voice, and its source was directly behind her. "I believe he's noticed us." Two master vampires stepped toward them, with one grabbing Brelyna from behind and putting his claws to her throat. The other's hand glowed red with a vampiric drain spell. "Make a move, Dawnguard, and she dies. You will pay for scattering the Volkihar Clan!"

Riordan's mind raced; he was in no position to do anything. The bloodsuckers had the drop on both of them. I hate it when my instincts are right… Brelyna Maryon, however, was not easily deterred. She gazed into her husband's calculating eyes and winked before manifesting a firebolt in her right hand.

Before either of the beasts could react, she threw her arm back into the vampire's most sensitive area. He screamed as the flesh broiled, and the mage was able to pull away with ease. Riordan quickly conjured a bound sword and lunged for the other opponent, cutting off his left hand just before he cast his spell toward the Dark Elf.

The Telvanni mage's foe had yet to stop screaming, and the noise made Brelyna wince. I'll end this quickly; I promise. She followed through by putting a fireball through his head, and the body collapsed with a smoking hiss.

She turned just in time to watch the other vampire's head fall from his shoulders. Riordan glanced in her direction and smiled.

"Glad to see you're unharmed, my love." He pulled her close. "Nice move, by the way. I almost felt sorry for him."

She grinned. "It seems like living with you has forced me to pick up some very un-ladylike attack strategies, Dovahkiin."

His own smile widened. "By the Nine, I love it when you call me that!" A purple light formed in his hand, and seconds later, a Dremora Lord appeared.

"How may I serve, Master?"

The Dragonborn motioned toward the bodies. "Burn those and throw the ashes in the moat; we don't want to cause a panic in the morning."

"AH! Why must I be reduced to such things?!" The daedra cried.

Riordan ignored his complaints and turned to face his wife. "Okay…so maybe I was wrong about the vampires. It seems as though revenge can be a powerful motivator. At any rate, shall we dine in Breezehome tonight?"

She giggled. "Of course, that sounds lovely!"

As they made their way past The Bannered Mare, the Redguard and the girl watched them go by.

"I don't like this…" The girl watched as the daedra incinerated the bodies. "They might be too much for us."

The man snorted. "Getting cold feet, Babette?"

She rolled her red eyes. "No, Nazir, of course not. We have to do this…but I don't know if we'll succeed."

He gritted his teeth. "Neither do I."

Rabbit stew took a little getting used to, but Brelyna didn't complain whenever Riordan offered to cook. He wasn't even half-bad, either. Both of their plates steamed as they sat across from one another at Breezehome's dining table.

Riordan had changed into a simple tan tunic with black pants as soon as they arrived home, and Brelyna, likewise, had gone from her blue dress to simple mage robes, an old holdout from their days at the College.

"It's been a day, hasn't it, love?"

She nodded and sighed. "I'm just ready to get some rest…and some quality time with you, of course." A mischievous grin accompanied the remark.

The Dragonborn smiled warmly. "Now, I am a man of my word, Brelyna Maryon. Is there anything about me that you have questions about? I will not hide anything from you."

"You're sweet, but I think we can save that kind of thing for another day." She pursed her lips. "But…I did have something to ask of you…"

His expression grew serious. "What is it?"

The Dark Elf bit her lip. "I know we've tried in the past…but…I would like to try and have a child again. Would you like that?"

He nodded and flashed her a smile. "Of course I would! I know how important this is to you, and I will do everything in my power to see it made into reality."

She chuckled. "Only one thing on your mind, my Dovahkiin…"

A playful light grew in his eyes. "Perhaps more than one, Briit Kulaas."

A knock sounded at their door, and Riordan raised an eyebrow. "An odd time of night for visitors…"

The Telvanni mage got up quietly and retrieved her Staff of Firebolts and Auriel's Bow, but the archer held up his hand.

"Not yet…Laas Yah Nir…" The wave of energy flowed outward, highlighting Brelyna and Riordan, as well as an adult form leaning against The Drunken Huntsman. He cocked his head. "That's odd…"

"What? Riordan, what's wrong?"

He opened the door to find a little girl, who looked about ten years old, standing just outside.

"Hello, sir…" Her voice was light and sweet, and her smile more so. "I…I hate to intrude, but…I haven't eaten anything in days. If you could just spare some septims so that I can get some food from The Bannered Mare, I would be grateful."

Riordan smiled. "Nonsense, my wife and I were just about to eat dinner ourselves, and it wouldn't be right if we left you to fend for yourself. Please, feel free to come inside." He turned to his wife. "Could you get her a plate, love?"

The Dunmer held a perplexed expression for a moment, but quickly masked it with a grin. "Sure, Riordan."

"Oh…well, thank you both!" The girl made her way past the threshold, and the Dragonborn closed the door. "This is so much more than I could hope for!"

His beastblood senses picked up on it as soon as he'd opened the door. He would give it time and see how things played out.

"So," The Dark Elf began, "What's your name, little one?"

"My name…" She seemed to be focusing intently for a moment, as if unsure of the answer. "…is Babette."

"A beautiful name. Where are your parents, Babette?" The archer asked.

"Oh, well…they…they were…" The girl, despite what he knew she was, seemed genuinely upset.

"I'm sorry." He leaned forward as his wife put a bowl of stew in front of their guest. "I didn't mean to pry."

"Is there anything we can do to help, darling?"

Brelyna's apparently off-handed question almost made Riordan grin. She caught on to the rules of the game quickly!

"W-what?" The child's red eyes widened considerably. "I mean…well…I don't…"

"You know…" The Dragonborn stood and smirked. "If your shady companion needs food and shelter as well, we can certainly oblige."

The girl's eyes narrowed. "You played me…"

Riordan shrugged. "Partially. Had you actually been in need, we would've made the same offer…vampire. What is it you want with me and my family?"

The door swung open as the Redguard came smashing through, scimitar in hand. "Enough! I knew something would go wrong, Babette!"

A sizzle grew as Brelyna readied her Staff of Firebolts, and she also handed her husband Auriel's Bow and his quiver.

"So…" Storm-Blade offered a sad smile. "You were telling the truth in part, at least. Now, what issue do you have with me? You, Redguard, are not a vampire and also not a thrall. Then I can assume you're not with the remains of the scattered Volkihar Clan. Who are you really?"

The Redguard's voice was deep. "It does not matter why we are here, only that we have come to kill you."

"It does matter." An arrow was knocked before anyone in the room could react. "Because you will fail, and I want to know why you'd risk your lives to try."

Babette spoke up, revealing her fangs as she did so. "We don't have a home anymore, and our family is dead! All because of you!"

Brelyna raised an eyebrow. "Hey, Riordan, remember that time you said you'd tell me everything?"

"Yes…and I wish I could." The Dragonborn glanced at the both of them. "I have no idea what you're talking about; I don't tend to wantonly murder entire groups of people."

"No idea!?" Nazir roared, causing both husband and wife to aim toward him. "You destroyed the Dark Brotherhood; you took everything away!"

"By the Nine…" He exhaled. "I thought Maro wiped you all out…"

The Dunmer furrowed her brow. "Wait…the Dark Brotherhood? You wiped out the Dark Brotherhood?"

He drew back his arrow as Babette moved around toward Nazir. "Not exactly…Maro sent a squad of Penitus Oculatus guardsmen into their little hideaway and crushed them." He turned to face the two assassins. "I didn't destroy your family; the Empire did."

Babette shook her head. "When we found Commander Maro, we were able to get one piece of information from him. He said that you killed Astrid and gave him the means to get in to our home!"

Riordan nodded. "I did kill Astrid, but that was because she asked me to do something I couldn't. She asked me to take an innocent life." He narrowed his eyes. "I was twenty-two, I'd only been in Skyrim for three years, and I was on my way to the College of Winterhold. I was a good enough archer, but I was no warrior. So when she asked me to take a life to 'fulfill a contract', I refused. She attacked, and I ripped her apart."

Nazir growled. "Enough of this! We know the truth, and we will have revenge!" He rushed forward, raising his scimitar high.

"FUS RO!" Those two words were enough to send the assassin flying backward through the doorway, and Riordan set his bow and quiver down before following after his opponent.

A slight hiss sounded as two ethereal swords formed in his hands, and he calmly made his way past the threshold of the door. "What did you hope to gain by attacking me?"

He was aware of the vampire walking up behind him, but when he felt Brelyna at his back, all of his concern evaporated.

"When Astrid died, you took everything away from us!" The girl cried out. "We have nothing left but vengeance!"

"I have tried to tell you this, but you won't listen." Riordan frowned as he brandished his blades. "I. Did. Not. Take. Your. Home."

The Redguard let out a primal scream and charged forward again, and the two combatants clashed. Riordan's beastblood boiled, and the moon allowed strength to surge through his mortal form. He pushed Nazir's scimitar aside and kicked him square in the chest.

Two Whiterun guards finally noticed once the altercation was out in the open and attempted to intervene, but the Dragonborn glanced their way. "Go back to your posts; this is beyond you."

Anyone who didn't know him might have viewed the remark as an insult, but they knew better. So they stepped back. Brelyna looked on as the vampire circled around to help her ally to his feet, but something felt off. Heavy steps drew all eyes toward the Bannered Mare, where they noticed a massive armored figure slowly walking toward them.

The black armor glowed at points with an eerie red light, and Riordan's eyes widened. "Daedra…"

Nazir and Babette glared at the new arrival. "This doesn't concern you!"

A deep, baritone voice echoed from the helmet, not the voice of a Daedric warrior, when the figure drew close. The warrior focused entirely on the archer, ignoring the two assassins. "Dragonborn…I have come for you."