Chapter Seven: Night and Day.
"Do you need anything?" Raven asked as they headed for the Bee and Barb inn, being Mortal he did get hungry.
Serana shook her head a little "No…I'm alright." She said as he held the door open for her.
Raven rolled his eyes a little "Well, Let me talk to Balimund see if he's got some ingots…I'll get you an Ebony Dagger" He said taking a seat at the bar "Keerava, Mead, Beef blooded and a potato please."
The Argonian nodded glancing over at Serana "She going to cause trouble? Wraith, you know I hate trouble." She said with a glare at the man.
Raven smirked behind his ebony mask "Relax, she's house trained." At that he received a sharp punch in the shoulder. "Couldn't help it." He said casually, winking at the vampire.
Serana huffed and flipped her hair a little, leaning on the bar.
Raven glanced around, no one was really watching them. He grabbed a clean flagon from the bar, pulled out his small wrist dagger and slit into his palm. When the flagon was relatively full he passed it to Serana and focused a little magic into his hand.
"Thank you." She replied meekly, she was hungry but she didn't want to worry him.
"Drink it." Raven said cutting into his steak, not looking over at her.
With a glare the Vampire started to drink lightly, she still couldn't get over the fire his blood had. It was like fire in the tundra, cold and hot at the same time, it burned her tongue but she loved the feeling.
When they had finished their meal, Raven paid for the Blacksmith for an Ebony blade being that he didn't have any ingots to sell. After that they had left for the Nightingale Hall.
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The Nightingale Hall was beautiful; the walls were covered in Stone, Ebony and Carvings. Raven mentioned that he spent a lot of his time repairing the structure, being that Mercer Frey had let the Sanctuary stew for nearly 25 years. It had been rebuilt from the ground up for the most part, he had a carved statue of Nocturnal with her crows and three figures warped in shadows kneeling to her at the center of the hall, water streamed around the stone.
"Who are the three figures?" Serana asked looking over the craftsmanship.
Raven shrugged "Only three Nightingale's can exist at a time. We are the Trinity." He explained.
"I see."
Raven smiled over at her "Come on, the inner sanctuary is this way." He said brightly, in fact this was the happiest she had seen him. It was slightly odd to see a 20 something year old with a grin like that.
He led her through a few halls and to a small room, it had an Archway with Daedric runes inscribed along its frame. The Door was ebony with a crow knocker, to which Raven knocked three times.
The Door opened slowly, as the room was covered in shadow so only the candles could fight against the darkness that spread through the room "Normally, the Daedric Princes can't come into this realm nor can most Humans." Raven explained, placing his hand to the shadow wall, his other extended to her "But, we are not Normal are we?"
Serana gave him a small fanged smile "No, we aren't" With that she took his hand.
Though the Nightingales used the Area known as the 'Ebonmere' to gather their powers as Agents of Nocturnal using the moons powers at will. Raven was special as he was pulled directly in the 'Evergloam' which was Nocturnals realm of Shadows, everyone who had a tie to her was there, while in most realms of Oblivion their masters were cruel and violent. Nocturnal was exactly like a mother, while normally cold and distant, the servants of Evergloam would go out into Nirn to walk with the shadows.
Nocturnal's castle, was named simply Shade Perilous or as Raven called it Dusk. Raven himself had only been allowed in a few times, which annoyed him to no end. Nocturnal would always reply with 'You can stay when you're dead, no that doesn't mean piss off the giants.' Or something to that effect.
When they passed through the portal, Serana first noticed she was wearing different clothes by the feel of them against her skin. Looking down she found herself in a midnight black dress with purple hues, touching the floor and her curves in the right places, like it had been tailored for her and only her.
Serana glanced at Raven, he looked clean shaven the dark rings around his eyes were missing and the hair that normally hid them was pulled elegantly into a pony tail. He was wearing robes much like her own but his hues were a dark silver in color.
Then Serana noticed their weapons were gone, all of them even the small dagger she kept tied to her inner thigh. "What just happened?" She asked nervously, which was greeted by a cold, yet pleasant laugh.
"My dear girl, do you really think I would allow you to see me wearing armor and carrying death's tools? No, I am more…classy than that." A female whisper spoke with a calm draw, then it turned loving and motherly "Welcome Home, Little Raven."
Raven let out small sigh with a calm smile "It's good to be home, Mother." He said softly.
Serana looked around, the stone walls were dark almost black and the metal fixtures were ebony or iron, a few small purple flamed candles burned here and there allowing just enough light to see but not enough to look around fully.
A figure walked down a set of stairs nearby, which were made of stone but wrapped in leather and fur. The figure was haunting, yet beautiful and looked like an older sister to Raven than his Mother. She was wearing the famous robe and a crow was resting on her shoulder; however her hood was down so you could see the length of her hair as it nearly kissed the floor.
"Lady Nocturnal." Serana said bowing deeply in her presence.
Raven didn't bow as one should, but he did lower his head a little a symbol of respect.
Nocturnal smiled a little "Come, we have much to discus." She said turning, wrapping herself in shadows and then reappearing next to Serana "Raven, go to the dining hall…we shall be there momentarily."
Raven bit his lip and nodded his head in acceptance, turning on his heel and leaving the two women.
Nocturnal smile turned cold and distant "Serana, one of Molag Bal's conquests." She said with a small amount of distaste "Why are you so worthy of him?" She asked with look of confusion.
"I'm sorry?" Serana said not moving allowing the Daedric Prince to walk how she pleased.
"My Raven…while he has had many…conquests of his own, never has he felt the need to share myself with anyone…to my knowledge there are only two others who know….my Nightingales." She whispered to Serana, leaning in looking her dead in the eye, blood red squirming against nightshade. "Why you?"
Serana pondered her words for a long time "Because I'm open with him, I have nothing to hide."
Nocturnal gently raised a brow "Really? Maybe…just maybe…you are the only one he has found he can relate to…" She whispered, taking a few steps back "He did not have an easy life, he has fought tooth and nail to be where he stands."
Serana growled "And you think I was a princess?" She snapped at the Daedric Prince, knowing full well that she had the power to turn her into a stain on the wall "I had a roof and food, that was it. No friends, family or anyone close….not until him." She muttered looking down.
Nocturnal nodded softly "I think you'll bring the best of him again." She said simply.
"What do you mean?"
"My Raven was once a gentle thief; he might harm someone but never kill." She explained, playing with her crow a little "But then it all changed….something inside him snapped, he became cold, mouthy and….violent."
Serana rose a brow "And you think I can fix that?"
"No…" Nocturnal replied in a dull voice "I merely think you can bring him back from this Dragon personality he's got."
"I've noticed he's a lot like a Dragon."
"That he is, while one in spirit he is my son not Akatosh's."
Nocturnal sounded truly worried for her kin, though that didn't surprise her being she was always watching out for him.
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Raven sipped the spiced wine he was offered from a shadow "Mother, I hope you weren't planning on us eating, as we have already eaten." He explained softly, looking over at the pair.
Nocturnal shook her head "You worry too much." She said offhandedly. "I merely wanted to help you both on your quest."
Serana turned to look at her "A world covered in shadows sound just like you though." She said with a confused look on her face.
The Daedric chuckled "Yes, it is." She said sipping her own special wine "However, if Molag's servant does this deed then, it his conquest. I have a Sister to protect as well, in eternal night Azura will lose all of her powers." She explained with a small sigh.
Raven growled "I'm not going to let that bastard win. Or hurt my Aunt." He said in a snapping tone of voice.
Nocturnal nodded her head and placed a hand on his shoulder "Do not let your anger rule your heart." She said soothingly.
Raven grumbled a moment before taking a deep drink of his wine glass.
Nocturnal sighed once more "Anyway, you've already heard part of this 'Prophecy' you two are in this together for now. Like Dusk." She pointed to Serana "And Dawn." At this she pointed to Raven.
Raven bowed his head a little "What do you suggest?" He asked leaning on the table.
"Finish it." She said clearly.
Serana rose a brow "Finish what?"
"It is clear Harkon wants the world under the cover of night, do you see any other options?" She was looking at Raven, who ran a hand through his hair.
"No." He whispered, a look of pain on his face.
"What options?"
Raven turned to Serana "He has to die…." He said sadly.
"Wh-What?"
"Harkon has to killed, has to be stopped. We can't hide the scrolls for they will be found, he has unlimited time and nearly unlimited resources. We have to finish this." Raven explained, his eyes burned white and his voice void of emotion.
Nocturnal looked at Serana, the words unspoken but were said 'This is what I was speaking of'.
Serana sighed softly, looking distant for a moment "He sees me as a means to an end…" She whispered a tear in her eyes "Nothing more…"
Raven leaned over a wiped the tear away with his fingers "I'm sorry." He spoke softly, with a calm smile.
Serana backed away from him a little, she was having emotional overload.
Nocturnal felt this was the proper time "Here." She snapped her fingers, summoning two small black boxes. They held the Nightingale symbol along the face, slowly she slid the boxes to their new owners.
Serana was the first to open the box, slowly at first though, inside was a bright polished silver choker. The fabric that would hold it around her neck was pitch black and it looked to be leaking shadows, the metal fixings were ebony and what jewels were there was sapphire. Along the face of the choker was Nocturnal's carving.
Raven opened his box next which was much smaller than Serana's, inside it held a silver ring with a large sapphire. It was carved throughout with bats, ravens and a dragon carrying the stone.
Nocturnal took a small sip of her wine as they examined their new gifts, Raven's was relatively simple in design, but Serana's was much more elaborate. "Yours." She said looking at the Vampire "Shrouds you in shadows, enough to remove the sun's rays from your skin and if focused can make you invisible for a time." She explained.
Serana nodded as she listened, removing her old choker it had been a gift from her father before they became vampires. Things were so much better then, now it brought back unwanted memories. She slipped it into her side pocket and slid the new chocker on, instantly she could feel the darkness spread along her skin, it was cold and comforting "Thank you." She whispered.
The Daedric nodded her head blissfully, she turned to her son "The Ring will help you direct 'it" She empathized the It "and it protects you from infections wither Lycanthropy or Vampirism. Remember, it cannot be controlled through emotions."
Raven nodded "I know" He said slipping it onto a free spot on his left middle finger. He went through a mental check list of his rings: Right Index: Magica Boost, Middle: Archery, Little: Pick-Pocket. Left Thumb: Lock-Picking, Index: Fire Resist. All the ring were small, silver or ebony and what jewels they did have were Sapphire or Diamond.
"Don't thank me or anything." She snapped at him, slapping him upside the head.
Raven rubbed the spot, she was stronger than she looked "Sorry Mother." He said softly.
Nocturnal huffed, sipping her wine for a moment "I bet." She drawled "Now, get those basted scrolls and then find the bow. The sooner the better."
Raven stood slowly, and then so did Serana "Is Jyggalag or Aunty in?" He asked, he did want to say hello and maybe spar with the old warrior.
"I can summon Jyggalag but Azura is busy at the moment, she's designing a new artifact." Nocturnal explained, crossing her arms.
Raven waved her off "No, leave them be." He walked over and placed a small kiss on her cheek "It was good to see you again, Mother."
Nocturnal cupped his cheek with a smile "Always a pleasure, Son." Then turning to Serana "It was nice to meet you, Vampire Madden."
Serana bowed lightly "And you as well, Lady Nocturnal. I thank you for the gifts." She said softly, with a small smile.
Raven and Serana turned back towards the hall and the door, Nocturnal glanced over her shoulder "Come out, coward."
A figure stepped forward, normally he hated this form it was too stiff. It was a man with slick black hair, a deadly sharp face and striking yellow eyes. He was dressed in pure maroon clothing and the pants seemed to shimmer with scales.
"You dare..Sister." He snarled, tossing himself into a chair "Call me a coward?"
Nocturnal glared "Molag…" She growled "What, are you doing here?"
Molag smiled cruelly "Tell me Sister." He said inspecting his nails "Did you think you could hide him from me?"
"I had hoped"
"Well, I have found him…I do not like it when my things are stolen from me, much less from a MORTAL" Molag roared, his true image fazed around him.
Nocturnal seemed unfazed, however her true form fazed around her as well. A white mask with black shadows, no true colors other than White, Purple and Black. "He had taken your mace, because you." She pointed at him "Pissed him off, he hates confinement and what did you do?"
Molag snarled "I am the Lord of Dominance, and I expect Submission." If looks could kill, his sister would be dead.
"That was your mistake; all of the Daedria know he is mine." Nocturnal glared back, slapping her goblet of wine across the room "He does not bend to anyone but me."
Molag growled "I shall break him, Dear Sister" He said with a piercing stare "Want to wager which of our little sides will win?"
Nocturnal rose her brow "Oh? What kind?"
"I get his soul, should Harkon win. You get the girls, Serana, should Harkon loose." He said knitting his fingers together.
Nocturnal laughed lightly "You think my Raven will lose?"
"I think Harkon has much more experience and power of your little bird." Molag sneered.
Nocturnal smirked "You're on."
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Harkon tapped away, standing next to the Altar of Molag Bal waiting for his Masters voice. Then he heard it 'Begin the Hunt, the Deal has been made…I want his Soul Harkon…do not fail me again.' His voice whispered.
Harkon grinned, walking out of the shrine room and to the speaking area "My servants! Our Lord has spoken to me! We shall look through every town and every hold, find me CHRISTIAN."
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The wind licked and whipped around two figures as they walked up the tallest mountain in the land. They hadn't been stopped much by bandits or animals because they stuck to the roads and Raven knew all the back ways. Serana was skipping she was so happy, she had always been weak to the sun even before her blessing and Raven was walking in pace with her. His bow ready for any wraiths, trolls or wolves though he was confident they would not be this high.
"Hey Raven?"
"Yes?"
"Why did you seal the Scroll away?" She asked simply.
Raven sighed "I have too much power as is." He said looking down at his hand, flexing it a little. "An Elder Scroll is well….unlimited power…in the wrong hands it can used for destruction and death…"
Serana rose a brow, looking at him strangely "So what if it was in the right hands?" She asked.
"You saw the priest, nothing but bloody riddles. I'll tell you what the old prophecy about me came to pass." He coughed lightly "When misrule takes its place at the eight corners of the world, when the Brass Tower walks and Time is reshaped, when the thrice-blessed fail and the Red Tower trembles, when the Dragonborn Ruler loses his throne, and the White Tower falls, when the Snow Tower lies sundered, kingless, bleeding, The World-Eater wakes, and the Wheel turns upon the Last Dragonborn." He recited from memory, the Grey Beards sanctuary came into view.
Serana made a face, asking him to explain with her eyes.
"The first line explains the shattering of the staff of chaos, back in the third era. Then you have the Numidium or the Dwarven brass tower. The Red Tower is also the Red Mountain erupted a few hundred years back, whipping most of Morrowind off the map. The Oblivion Crisis, two hundred years ago when Dagon tried to rip himself into this world." At that Serana gasped, he just looked at her dully "Then there was a civil war in Skyrim that started with the killing of the High King, then Alduin attacks Helgen and here I stand, The Last Dragonborn."
"So, everything that has happened in the last couple of hundred years was all signs and warnings for Alduin?" She asked as they started to climb the steps of the monastery.
"That's what some think, I don't buy into prophecy but idiots like Harkon do." Raven opened the large brass like doors.
After a few moments of standing there, the Grey Beards came into the main room. To greet their Dragonborn/ fellow speaker.
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Hello Hello, I hope you guys like this chapter. Setting up a little bit of depth and plot to it. We will open the Scroll next chapter and then head on the journey to the Soul Carin, if you don't know what that is then I suggest playing the Dawnguard DLC.~ Sign 'The Demon'