Chapter 6: A vampire's warning, An elf's threat...

As the night crept through Dawnstar, Hira was plagued by nightmares of blood, rage, and death. In the end she only got a few hours of restless sleep before, with a sigh, she finally decided to step out into the early morning and take a walk to the light tower on the hill. The tower overlooked the small fishing village: a beacon in the dark. As she climbed up the slope to the tower Hira smiled at the sight of the stars dancing in the night sky. Grey stone stood tall against the cold winds and icy snow, greeting her in its own way. The freezing air began to dig into her skin and Hira chided herself for not bringing her cloak, but as she stared down from her perch she smiled again and forgot all about her chilled skin.

While she looked down at the village she began to get the feeling that someone was staring at her. Turning around her fears were confirmed as she looked into a pair of golden iris' floating in pools of black. Instincts took over and she pulled out her dagger and lunged at the unknown figure before her. A soft chuckle came from the vampire as it deflected Hira's attack and pushed her against one of the towers pillars.

A feminine purr reached her ears as Hira struggled against her attacker. "I see you haven't lost your touch, Hira."

Hira gasped in pain as she stared into the vampire's eyes. The vampire's Dunmer origins were clear with coal black hair and dusky skin showing her old elven nature. However, there was a lethal sharpness to her looks. This proved to be more so after she smiled, showing off a pair of white fangs.

Hira's lips tightened into a frustrated grimace. "Tabiah, it has been a while. You look ill are you eating alright?"

The vampire sniffed and released her stunned victim. Her hips swayed giving her an almost sensual aura.

"I have stopped drinking from humans if that is what you mean." She sighed and looked down at the village below. "The people here have been good to me; I could never harm them."

Hira nodded and stepping closer, she placed a comforting hand on the woman's shoulder. Tabiah looked back and smiled at her for a second then scowled.

"You must be careful Hira; the Blackclau's don't take kindly to having their elders harmed." Tabiah's eyes hardened like ice as she stared into Hira's. "My suggestion, run or attack there won't be a third option."

Hira stiffened and looked away, breaking the gaze. "There is always a third option."

The vampire just smirked. Turning she began to walk down the hill toward Dawenstar. "Not this time Book-lust, not this time."

Hira watched as Tabiah walked away, her frown deepened and she shivered as the cold worked its way back into her thoughts. As this new information played in her mind Hira sat down and began to meditate. A grim smile ghosted over her face as the words of what her nocturnal friend sunk in.

"No third option, that sounds strangely familiar."

-xox-

The cold wind bit into Hawke's skin like wasps. As she stood in front of the tavern she wondered how both Valgus and Hira appeared immune to this bitter cold. She shivered at the thought of living here as long as they have and brought her fur cloak closer to her body. The morning sun was just beginning to touch the edge of the snowcapped mountains, and the wind was making her feel vulnerable and alone.

They said it was spring but it feels like it is the middle of winter.

"I thought I would find you here."

Hawke smiled and looked down at her dwarven friend. His hair was out of place, and the shirt he was forced to barrow was about one size too big for his short body. He smiled and offered her a warm mug of ale to wash away the beginnings of her hangover headache.

With a thankful grin she accepted the drink and took a sip. "Oh and how did you know I would be here Varric?"

Varric shrugged. "Normally I would say it was my amazing intuition, however in this case I say being around you for a few years has made me a wiser man."

Hawke sighed as she drank her ale. Their silence continued for several minutes as they watched the sun, its rays painting the ground in colors of yellow and orange. The two early birds smiled as they watched the sun rise higher into the sky.

"This place is sure beautiful, isn't it Hawke?"

"Not like home."

Varric nodded and watched as people started to wake up, they all looked haggard and half dead. As if this land has bled them dry.

"You're right, it isn't home." Varric shivered and held out his arm toward Hawke. "It feels a little chilly Hawke shall we go inside?"

Hawke smiled and clasped his arm. "Let's."

-xox-

The smell of charred meat and ale hung in the air inside the tavern. The fire was burning low from last night's feast and the room had a comforting feeling to it. Valgus was sitting in his usual corner by the fire, arms crossed and eyes roaming the large dining hall. His gaze finally settled on the tavern owner, the Nord was scrubbing the counters for approximately the tenth time that morning. Valgus wondered if it had anything to do with last nights near scuffle. Thoring didn't like fights in his inn.

Slowly Valgus looked away from the man and gazed at the group of outsiders he was now traveling with. There was only four at the moment and they all sat close to the fire, their backs facing the wall. Valgus smiled at the sight of their goose flesh and chilled pinked skin. They'll get used to it he thought calmly.

After several moments of watching his new companions the fire suddenly caught his eye. Its red and golded fingers crackled and hissed as Valgus stared into its mesmerizing dance. His fingers began to tap to a silent rhythm on the wooden arm of his chair as if giving the swaying flams a tempo to move to. A strand of graying hair fell from its bindings and landed across his ash colored face as his brow deepened at the memory of last nights conversation.

-xox-

Sebastian stared at Hira in disbelief, as she tried to explain her realm to the outsiders.

"So… these dre-more-a are demons?"

Hira sighed for about the tenth time after realizing what she was saying was meeting deaf ears. She looked pleadingly at Valgus, but he only shrugged. "No, your demons represent sin, and take possession of peoples bodies correct?"

The group nodded.

"Well Daedra are different. They are spirits of great power. Ancient beings revered as gods. They are both beings of creation and destruction. They make up a large part of our religion. Their only rival are the equally powerful and ancient beings the Aedra, our creators."

Fenris who was sitting the farthest from the group made a noise that sounded like a growl. "These daedra sound like demons to me."

"And it was the Maker who created us not some spirits." Interjected Sebastian.

Hira who was purposefully ignoring Fenris smiled at Sebastian. "You are free to believe whatever you want around me. However, if someone asks you if you believe in the Eight or the Nine, you better say the former."

Many eyes narrowed at this comment and Sebastian had an almost betrayed look in his eyes. Valgus knew where this conversation was going and was prayed for both Hira and the traveler's sake.

"Why?"

Valgus could almost hear Hira hiss in annoyance. "Religion is an important part of this realm…" She looked down at her hands, and for a moment and he could see her eyes clouding over with hidden regrets. "It was religion and the lust for power is what started the Civil War in this realm."

Hawke who was staring into her tankard looked up. "Why would we say we believe in the 'eight'?"

"We are heading into Solitude, the Empire's capitol. It will be safer."

Hawke sniffed in annoyance, she was hoping for more of an answer than that.

Merrill looked at Hira her green eyes shown with curiosity. "What do you believe in Hira?"

"I believe in many things…" Hira looked at Valgus, her eyes pleading. "why do you ask?"

Valgus looked at the young elf and sighed. She looked at Hira with a cute "puppy dog" stare. Hira sighed; and Valgus joined her, this was the one topic he knew she wished to avoid. In order to explain her beliefs she would also have to explain her reasons behind them and they both knew two people in this group would become hostile toward her.

With a reserved expression Hira looked down at her hands. "I believe in all the Old Spirits, The Aedra and Deadra. They all play an influential role in our lives. Most conjurers believe this, at least the conjurers that follow the old ways. "

A wave of cold energy washed over Valgus's mind as he looked around. He could hear Hira gasp in shock at the murderous look in Fenris's eyes. His skin glowing from the ice-blue markings that moved across his skin. Valgus stiffened he knew that at any moment that elf would kill her and wouldn't think twice about it.

"You're a demon summoner?"

His voice was calm and the frozen look he was giving her made Valgus's blood run cold. He thanked the Divines for Hira's own stubbornness and determination which made her return Fenris's stare with a straight back and expressionless gaze.

"I can see you wish to kill me Fenris. I must represent much that you hate in this world and if it is your wish to kill me then so be it." Hira leaned forward and stared at Fenris. "But let me tell you one thing... I am not like those apprentices at the college. I… will… fight… back."

Fenris's eyes narrowed and his lips pulled back into a sneer. His markings glowed brighter as he leaned forward as well, his hand beginning to stretch out…

"Stop!"

Both elves turned their heated gaze at Merrill. She shrunk into her chair and her voice squeaked. "Please, don't fight."

Valgus placed a hand on Hira's shoulder and he gently squeezed. Her breath shuddered and she stood suddenly.

"Excuse me." She whispered and with a quick turn she dashed out of the tavern.

Fenris scoffed at Hira's retreat. His eyes were still alight with hatred when he gazed at Valgus. "She is a monster and she will turn on us the first chance she gets. You're lucky we're not in Thedas, she would have been killed on the spot."

"I'm not so sure Fenris." Hawke whispered. "This world is so different and our world is changing, maybe she isn't as monstrous as you believe?"

"I doubt it."

Valgus looked at the group then quietly stood and made his way towards the door, his eyes shrouded by the shadows. At the door he stopped. "Hira, that 'monster' you show so much distain for, saved your life."

With those final words he strode out to find his companion.

-xox-

Valgus's thoughts darkened at the memory of Hira, as she stood by the ocean with her eyes squeezed shut out of frustration and a curse of anger directed toward the gods. It took him two hours of soft words and gentle prodding to convince her to get some rest. By that time everyone else was in their respective rooms sleeping.

A stream of air hissed as it escaped from a burning log, it's jet of flame looked like dragons fire. With a tired sigh Valgus closed his eyes and leaned back into his chair.

"I see you have gained new company, brother."

Valgus smiled at those words.

"Erender…"

Opening his eyes Valgus looked up to see his Dumner friend standing beside him with a weak smile on his weathered face.

"Please, sit."

Erender bowed slightly at the invitation and sat down in the chair beside him. As the elf relaxed back into the wooden chair Valgus noticed how loosely the man's burnt-orange robes hung around the elf's body. He was even more alarmed at the sight of his friend's thin face. Like most dark elves, Erender had gray-toned skin, piercing red eyes, and an angular face. But contrary to his normal state, the man's skin looked a few shades lighter than his usual granite tone. His eyes had deep purple bags under them, and his skin appeared to be stretching over his bone structure, making him look malnourished. The only thing that looked normal were his eyes.

Valgus's brow creased with worry. "Have you gotten any sleep since we last visited my friend?"

Erender grimaced. "No, not much. Vermina has yet to forgive me for my betrayal. However it matters not." He looked over at another dark elf sitting in the corner of the tavern, her golden eyes watching everyone with great interest. "Of it wasn't for Tabiah I wouldn't be the only one looking like this. It's thanks to her that the Deadric prince holds no sway in this town anymore. It was with her help that has everyone sleeping easier at night."

Valgus nodded. Vermina was the Deadric prince of dreams. At night she would look into the minds of man and mer and leave nightmares in her wake. They were said to be so terrifying that the victims would fear sleep. Erender appeared to prove this; the poor mer obviously hasn't slept for days.

Erender smiled solemnly at Valgus. "Don't looks so sad my friend. I will be fine. Now," he leaned forward and indicated toward the group of outsiders "who are those people?"

Valgus sighed as he too looked at his new companions. At the moment there was only the two mages, Hawke and Varric. They all sat with their backs against the wall and their weapons lying by their side. All of them were whispering in earnest and making small gestures.

"It is an interesting tale brother."

The priest leaned forward. "I have time."

Valgus smiled at the elf then the smile faded as he began speaking. "It was three days ago…"

As the tale unfolded of how he and Hira ended up with the small group of ragtag fighters, Erender listened. His mouth thinned from concentration and his eyes closed, his lids moving with his thoughts. When Valgus reached last night's conversation Erender frowned. His eyes slowly opened as he stared at the group of people sitting only a few feet away from him.

Erender's voice sounded soft like a feather drifting on the wind as he looked down at his hands. "Interesting company you keep."

"You have already said that Erender…"

"I know, however it is true is it not?"

Valgus's lips pursed in agreement.

"Tell me, did they say anything more about the 'fade'?"

"No, I suspect that they won't be saying anymore, considering their reaction to Hira being a conjurer."

Erender nodded at this thought, he slowly stroked his goatee. "Makes sense with what you mentioned about these 'demons' I suspect that they feel frightened or even threatened by the idea of having someone near them that can summon those beasts."

"I don't think that is the case…" Valgus whispered, his hands gripped the wooden arms of the chair like it was the only thing keeping him grounded. "I think there is more to it than that. However, I will not pry; it isn't my place."

The elf nodded then stared at his friend, his eyes narrowing in concern. "Can you trust Jyggalag? He is a Deadra, and a Prince at that, they have their own agendas."

"I have been thinking the same things, however, I trust Hira and I will help where I can."

Erender stood then placed a calloused hand on Valgus's shoulder. "Send word to me when you have learned more about this 'fade' I might be able to help you."

Valgus smiled and patted Erender on his arm. "Thank you my friend. May the stars guide your path."

"And may Lady Mara's divine power guide yours."

-xox-

Hawke watched as the gray-skinned elf stood and pat Valgus on the shoulder.

"Hawke, Haawwkkke look at him! Isn't he amazing?" Merrill was practically jumping up and down in her seat, her voice was higher than normal and her breaths came out in quick bursts. "I talked to him, he says he's a Doo-n-mer an elf like Fenris, Hira and me. And…" She gasped for breath and her eyes widened, like she was about to reveal the greatest secret in the world. "And he is four hundred years old!"

"Now Daisy…" Varric chortled. "That's not possible…"

Merrill looked down at the table and started tracing patterns in the wood grain. "But he said he was…"

Anders made a disappointed noise and looked down at the small elf. "Don't be so naive Merrill… However" He rubbed the stubble that was beginning to form on his chin. "it would be interesting if it was true."

"It's true." A soft voice answered.

The group looked up to see Hira, her clothes covered in melting snow and her skin flushed from the cold. She looked around then waved at the tavern owner. He nodded and disappeared into the basement kitchen. As Hira lowered herself into the seat across from the small group everyone but Varric leaned away from her.

His eyes narrowed as he leaned forward and looked into Hira's face. "Did you get any sleep? You have dark circles around your eyes and it isn't that paint you're wearing…"

At that everyone leaned forward to look at Hira's eyes. And to their surprise under the caked-on face paint were deep bags that looked slightly puffy and irritated. If it wasn't for the dwarfs keen eye sight the group would have missed this detail about their new companion.

Hira's lips harden. "I slept fine, thank you for the concern."

Varric made a noise but said no more on the subject.

Looking at everyone for a moment Hira took a deep breath. "My partner and I are giving you a choice… In about a week we will be in Solitude, it's the Empire's capitol in Skyrim. We should be able to find a ship for you all. However, it will cost a great deal of money to hire both the crew and the ship to travel back to your home-land… Money that Valgus and I honestly don't have. The only reason we have been doing well thus far is the fact that Valgus and I pulled some favors. If you want to get back to your home-land you will have to work for it. Solitude tends to have some bounty work available or if that isn't to your liking you could always try joining their guard, they could always use the help. Of course…" Hira smiled. "You can always travel with me and my companion… We always tend to make a little extra from adventuring."

The four travelers sat quietly, listening to the crackle of the fire and their own soft breathing.

"You don't have to answer right away. You still have at least seven days of travel before we reach Solitude."

With that Hira stood and made her way to the tavern owner. The group watched as she smiled warmly at the man and accepted the food he presented to her.

"So, what do you think Hawke?" Varric asked. His eyes stared out into the unknown as he leaned back into his chair.

"I don't know Varric… I honestly don't know."

-xox-

"Alright here's the plan." Hira stated as she unfolded a large map on the table. She placed it so that the symbols faced the group rather than herself. With one of her long fingers she pointed out where they were staying. The sun was finally dancing through the windows and everyone was awake and eagerly eating their breakfast.

"We're here…" she tapped her finger on an inked shield with the label Dawnstar under it. "This is where we are going." Her finger traced a line along the map, letting it finally rest on another shield with the label Solitude. She looked at the group as they studied the map. "Normally, it would take Valgus and me three days to reach Solitude. However this is a large group, it will most likely take us ten days to make the trip. If we are lucky we may cut it down to only a week."

Everyone seemed pleased with the idea of getting to their destination sooner rather than later. They all began to talk among themselves, their voices growing louder with anticipation.

"You said 'If we're lucky' are you planning on using your demonic magic to get us there faster?"

Hira looked up from her conversation with Valgus and frowned. She stared a Fenris for several moments, trying to figure out if what he was saying was a question or what he believed to be a statement of fact. She felt anger boil in her as she stared at the elf, but under that anger was a hint of sadness; the knowledge she would never be trusted by this group, and more specifically this mer, made her feel like an unwanted animal.

"No…" She stated, she then leaned back and looked toward the taverns entrance. "We are taking horses. However, we will have to sell a few of them to help pay for the trip, we will need to double up."

The group grumbled and started to argue with her, but Hira held up her hand, "Unless you want to pay your own way and try to forge through this realm on your own. I will happily part with you all. But let me make this perfectly clear… I will be taking the horses and supplies. You will need to find your own way back."

The outsiders grumbled at their predicament but didn't argue. Her comments made Valgus frown, he didn't like the underhanded method she was using but silently agreed that their need justified the method. And at the moment that need was to keep an eye on these travelers and make sure they survived. If that meant playing with their survival instincts then so be it.

Hello everyone!

I am really sorry about the lateness of this chapter. I recently lost someone important to me (my Grandpa) and that has thrown me into a bit of a loop. Now... All negativity aside...

I hope you like this chapter, if there is anything you find weird or out of character please let me know.

A side note... I already have the first draft of chapter 7 written, so that means it has only 2 more drafts to go before being placed here.

Also due to major writers block I've started to write short stories involving all your beloved characters in "The Deadra Mistake" and a few other characters you might not have seen. My favorite story is how Hira and Valgus met. Now anyone who has played Skyrim with the Interesting NPCs mod attached knows how the Dragonborn meets our lovable healer but like any good writer would tell you... there is more than meets the eye. So keep a look out for all your favorite Skyrim and Dragon Age characters (Like the Grey Warden... who is a female elf... Bethany, Hawke's sister... or even Cullen whose opinion of both the Mages and the Templars change due to Hawke's persistence...)