Raven and Malik walked side by side near the edge of water. Bodies of the forsworn lay behind them; all mangled and bloodied. Raven squinted towards shore and saw a short woman standing on the side. The dragonborn slowly realized who it was and groaned.
"Does something trouble you?" Malik asked and Raven heaved a sigh of annoyance and exhaustion.
"She does," Raven muttered and the woman up ahead turned in their direction.
"Dragonborn," the woman called and Raven shut her eyes.
"Delphine," she muttered and looked at the armored woman with disgust.
XXX
Chapter 11: The Great Hunt for the Moth Priest
XXX
Malik stood in the great temple and whistled. "This is quite the place," he said and Raven gave him a false smile.
"Great place, not so great people who dwell in it," she replied and he raised an eyebrow. "You'll see," she said and walked through the quiet temple. Her eyes scanned the slightly dark room and she passed a number of Blades members. They all greeted her the same way. Dragonborn. She nodded and continued walking. "We'll be off soon, but be ready for the greatest battle of all time," she warned and he gave her a startled look.
The short woman who invited her in looked Malik up and down. He nodded politely and she sniffed. "Yah, he's good Blade material," she spoke highly and Raven returned the comment with a sneer. Malik watched the two women and soon understood what Raven meant by the battle.
"A shame he's not going to be one," she replied venomously and the woman, Delphine, gave her a tight smile in return. "What do you want?" she asked and Delphine placed her hands on her hips.
"What I want is Paarthurnax's head on a platter," she growled and Malik looked towards Raven and she snorted.
"You can do it yourself," she replied and Delphine glared.
"How mature," she rolled her eyes and Raven clenched her fists, "You know we can't go there," she replied and Malik shifted. This was getting slightly awkward for him. "You are the dragonborn, it's your duty to slay dragons," she ordered and Raven laughed.
"And you're supposed to follow whatever I'm supposed to say," she regarded and Delphine clenched her fists.
"The Blades are supposed to protect the-,"
Raven chuckled, "Nope. Protect and serve the dragonborn." Delphine put her hand on her sword.
"Times have changed," Delphine said and Raven rolled her eyes.
"And you are telling me that I have to follow role, while you don't. That makes sense," she countered and Delphine glared. Realizing that this fight may take a while, Malik sat down on a bench. His eyes snapped to the side when he saw an old man slowly take a seat next to him. He sighed and pulled out a book from his satchel. It was something on dragons.
"These two at it again?" he asked and Malik shrugged. The old man chuckled and shook his head. "Every time the dragonborn comes to visit, we never get anywhere," he mumbled over his book and Malik laughed.
"I took her as a woman who just went along with what she was told," he admitted and the old man smiled.
"Honestly, she probably is," he marked his finger on a word and looked towards the two women, "but not when it comes to our Delphine," he smiled and looked down again. Malik leaned forward and clasped his hands together.
"Am I to believe that you are a Blade as well?" he asked and the man nodded. He extended his hand formally and Malik took it.
"Esbern," he introduced himself and Malik nodded.
"Malik," he replied and Esbern nodded and returned to his book, although he continued to talk to the vampire.
"An old name," he replied and Malik nodded.
"That it is, although most people don't comment," he replied and Esbern shrugged. "Not to be rude, but you don't look like the dragon slaying type," Mali said and Esbern laughed again.
"My boy, I'm probably not as strong as Delphine through blades and weapons, but I am rather impressive when it comes to magic," he answered and Malik nodded. "Am I to guess that you are skilled with the blade?" he asked, looking at his sword.
"I'm a bit of both, really," he said and the old man lifted his head and nodded.
"I see," he looked over to the women and Malik followed his stare. Raven was raised her hands and Delphine was pointing up. He watched for another minute before turning towards the wall behind him. The vampire stood and analyzed the carvings. He heard Esbern slowly walk beside him and he traced a finger over the man that was holding a shield. "This is to be the dragonborn," he explained and Malik laughed. Raven definitely did not fit that description.
"I can't see Raven being as serious," Malik mumbled and Esbern rubbed the back of his head.
"No, the girl doesn't take this responsibility as importantly as she should. She always seems to have something to do than being the dragonborn," he said and Malik rubbed the hilt of his sword and Esbern sighed. "She just wants to be with her sister, you see. She and her were partners, as I have heard, and when she became the dragonborn they were split up. I think she holds that against us, mostly Delphine," he placed his hand over the head of a dragon.
"She even considered taking her sister with her to destroy the world eater," he chuckled and Malik smiled.
"She must believe in her family a lot," he said and a huge sound rattled the temple. Malik turned in surprise, wondering what was going on.
"I believe you will be leaving now," Esbern sighed and Malik turned around to see Raven storming out. Delphine was breathing heavily. "It was nice meeting you," Esbern turned around and sat back down on the bench. As he began to walk towards Raven, who was leaning against a wall, he heard Delphine call out to him.
"The deal still stands, become a Blade," she shouted through her angered breaths. Malik looked at Raven, who was currently glaring daggers at Delphine.
"I'll have to pass," he replied politely and walked out with Raven, whose smile slowly returned to her face as she put distance between the short blonde. Malik smirked and asked, "What was that about?" Raven shook her head and sighed and he ran his fingers through his hair.
"Let's just say that there won't be any more delays," she retorted. As they exited the temple, the two looked to the stars. He wondered how Banning was doing. A stealth master and a warrior. That would have been interesting.
XXX
Banning moaned and drank the last of his ale, while Jora talked to some red headed guy. He was huge and seemed confident. A lot like Jora, the confident part at least. Jora laughed through the mask and the man handed her a few slips of paper. She took her time reading it and then nodded after a few seconds. He heard her thank the man and he bowed mockingly. They looked like old friends and he watched his theory fall apart when the red head leaned in and whispered something into her ear.
The warrior watched in shock as she giggled. If he knew anything about Jora, she did not giggle. The thief waved her fingers at him and walked over to the table. The argonian filled his tankard up again and as he sipped the alcohol, he looked over at Jora. She shook her head and stared at the papers for another moment.
"So, who's your boyfriend?" he asked and she sighed under the mask. He watched as she slowly took it off and threw back the hood. Jora's black hair fell behind her, her pale skin glowing in the candle light. Most men would fall head over heels for this woman, but not Banning. He thought of Jora as a friend and the same went for her. She laughed and rolled her eyes. The brute only leaned in closer and smirked. "Are those his love letters?" he asked and she blushed.
"Oh shut up," she mumbled and the man leaned back.
"O-kay," he took a gulp of his ale and grinned. "But was that you flirting back there? And did you giggle?" he asked and she lowered her head into her arms and muttered something. "Sorry what was that?" he asked playfully and she glared.
"Honestly, no one here has heard of this damn moth priest!" she groaned and he took another drink from the tankard.
"Don't change the subject," he said and she tried to hide a smile. "You like him," he gasped dramatically.
"No. I. Don't. He is a formal business partner-,"
"-so he's your partner?" Banning interrupted and she moaned and placed her head on the table in annoyance. "Let's see what's in this letter," he picked up an unopened letter and she lunged to grab it. "Jora," he read aloud, "do your eyes shimmer in the moonlight. I want to hold you in my arms," he continued in a mocking tone, "and-hold it. Miss Jora, I don't believe you should be reading something of such language," he said and she tackled him over the table. "Young lady, this is inappropriate!"
"It does not say that," she shouted and he waved the paper over his head.
"That's not what this guy says!" he replied and she reached for the paper. He held it just out of her arm's reach and she slammed her hand into his face to get it. As she finally grabbed it, she jumped away and read it. Everyone was staring at him and he waved them away. "Don't mind us," he said meekly and everyone grumbled while returning to their drinks.
Jora's face reddened in anger. "IT DOESN'T SAY THAT!" she shouted and he shrugged.
"So why is it that you sound disappointed?" he asked and her whole face was bright red.
The next morning, they left Riften and continued towards Ivarstead. A small town, farming and lumber mainly, but Jora said that there was a bar there. Banning continued to pick on her about her red headed friend the whole way to the town, her face unreadable from the mask. As they closed in to the Inn, Banning stopped her. The sky was beginning to brighten and she growled. Jora was easily angered when she didn't sleep.
"You better take off the hood and mask," he warned and she placed her hands on her hips.
"Why?" she asked in an insulting tone.
"Because unlike Riften, where people see hooded men and women all the time, this place is full of farmers." He explained and she snorted.
"And travellers," she countered and he rolled his eyes.
"Travellers aren't armed to the teeth and have hoods on. It would look a lot suspicious," he continued.
"What about Raven?" she argued and Banning screwed up his face.
"What about Raven?" he asked, clearly confused.
"She comes into bars wearing dragon skin," Jora said and Banning rolled his eyes.
Jora huffed in annoyance and he held his head in his hands, "She's the dragonborn. People would be nervous if she didn't wear it," he muttered and Jora sighed.
"Fine," she replied in defeat, "But don't think that I want to do this," she mumbled and he opened the door once she took off her head gear. As they walked towards the bar, Jora brushed past him and he sighed.
"Was that really necessary?" he muttered. She smirked over her shoulder and asked for two bedrooms and a meal for two. He noted how she added in expensive food and drinks. He glared at her, wondering what she was up to.
"Alright, that comes out to one hundred and fifty gold," the bartender said, rubbed his eyes. Jora smiled and motioned to Banning.
"He'll be paying," she replied and the man nodded. He waited for Banning to hand him the gold and the Nord rolled his eyes. He was saving up, but there goes that plan. As he reached for the coin purse, he came up empty handed. Jora tapped her foot impatiently and he held out his palms.
"I got nothing, I guess I forgot to bring my money," he replied and she shook her head in mock disappointment.
"Here," she handed him a coin purse that looked familiar to Banning. It slowly dawned on him that that was his money in the thief's hands. She handed the bartender the money and he held out the bag.
"Miss, this is definitely more than one-fifty," he replied, then yawned. Jora smiled pleasantly and waved her hand at him innocently.
"Oh, you go ahead and keep it. You have to stay awake this late you deserve extra," she replied and he raised an eyebrow and then shrugged. Banning watched as his money was slowly pocketed by the bartender. Jora sat down and smirked. The vampire sighed and lowered himself into the seat beside her. Her eyes began to slowly droop and he watched as she lowered her head onto the table. He shut his eyes and slowly leaned back, feeling the tired effects drain into his body.
"Here's your food," the man came around and handed him the four plates of food. Banning thanked him and ate, not tasting nor caring about the food. Since he was a vampire, this didn't fill his stomach or make him have any pleasure. Blood; that was potent stuff. Like having the Gourmet prepare a dish for you. Jora grabbed a wine cup and filled it with wine. He watched the woman down the glass with no shame and she took a bite of bread and chicken.
Once they neared a minute of sitting down, Jora was passed out and Banning was feeling his eyes begin to grow heavy. He grabbed the vampire and brought her to her room, laying her on the bed. He shut the door and retired to his room. As soon as his eyes shut, he fell asleep.
Had he stayed awake for another three minutes, he would have seen a certain vampire enter the room. A certain two vampires.
XXX
Lenor opened the door to the small town's Inn and let Serana duck under his arm. The bartender looked at them and rubbed his eyes. The vampire, Lenor, noted that two of the rooms were closed. He approached the bartender and asked, "Do you have any rooms open?" The man sighed and nodded towards a door closest to the door leading out.
"Just one left," he replied and Lenor rubbed his temples and nodded.
"We'll take it," he said and the bartender nodded.
"Ten gold," he replied and the vampire placed the coins on the counter. Lenor looked around the room and lowered his head.
"Oh, and one more thing," he asked and the bartender grunted. "Please keep quiet," and his eyes brightened. The bartender stood still and then his eyes glazed over. Lenor casually walked over to the man and sank his ivory fangs into his neck. His annoying partner gasped.
"Lenor," she hissed and he continued to drink his blood, taking sips and then gulps.
"I prefer doing this on women," he admitted, "but when you're hungry," he trailed off and she rolled her eyes. "By the way, I'm not going to be slowed by you because you haven't eaten. Which I have noted," he added and she looked away.
"No thanks," she mumbled and he wiped his mouth and pulled out a black cloth and wiped his hands.
"Serana," he called and she looked up nervously. This woman needed to understand that he wasn't asking. "I can tell you want his blood, but you're bent between rights and wrongs," he whispered and by the look on her face, he hit his mark. "But you do realize the reason that we're doing this, hunting the moth priest and all, is so that we can do drink mortal's blood in the day time, right? So don't play the holy card and keep up your damn strength," he growled and walked by her.
As she slowly walked towards the man, he whispered into her ear, "Unless you have different plans for our dear moth priest." She glared and turned to him.
"No, I don't."
Lenor smiled, "Good. Now I have to be going," he replied and she cocked her head to the side.
"Why?" she asked and Lenor smirked.
"Does it matter, besides, I think you might be squeamish if I tell you," he smiled, baring his fangs and she turned sharply. That got rid of the brat. He walked out and looked towards Whiterun. The rain that had been coming down had finally let up and he sighed. Alright, now was the time to check Whiterun out for any leads on this Moth priest.
XXX
Ronel sighed and sat down in the hall, his eyes running over everyone. He hadn't been with them for a number of days due to some jobs, but now that he returned, everyone seemed to be rather quiet. This was nothing like the Companions he had left.
The door opened and a chill wafted through the entire room. He slowly turned to see Phoenix, her eyes were darker than normal. In her hands was her odd armor, only it was mangled and tattered. Phoenix stormed past Ronel and slammed the door to the living quarters. He adjusted his helmet and looked around at everyone.
"What is wrong with her?" he asked and Aela's head snapped towards him.
"I didn't think you'd care," she hissed and Ronel grunted.
"I do." He glared at the woman and she huffed.
"That's new," she countered and he crossed his arms.
"You know what's funny?" he asked and she looked up, "You've never been so protective until now."
"And you've never been so talkative," she glared over her tankard. Ronel's fingers twitched and he glared at the woman. He stood abruptly and walked towards the quarters. "Where are you going?" she called out and he ignored the woman. What could have happened to her that made her so angry?
He walked into the whelps' bedroom and saw her glaring at the armor. He slowly approached her and she looked away in distaste. "Are you alright?" he asked and she laughed, but not in the way that would convince him she was alright.
"Besides the only armor I've ever had and also the only thing my sister every made me is ruined, I'm fine," she growled and Ronel nudged closer to her.
"Then how come you seem to be particularly hateful towards me?" he asked and she looked down at her hands.
"I'm," she raised her voice, but then quieted down, "I'm not angry. It'd be foolish to blame you. I-after we were finished the job and we parted ways, I was attacked." Ronel stood and began to pace around the room. This wasn't possible, how could she have been hurt?
"What happened?" he asked nervously and she shuddered, causing him to worry even more.
"By a vampire," she continued and he stopped.
"Where?" he asked and she shook her head.
"I can't remember," she whispered and he looked down at her tattered clothing.
"He didn't…?" he whispered nervously and she shook her head.
"No, I escaped before he could get to me," she said calmly and he squatted next to the armor and raised it to his head. Nothing could make these tear marks. By the looks of the armor, it came out instead of in.
"How did you ruin your armor then?" he asked and she looked away. "Got it," he replied and she looked away.
"Ronel?" she was looking down at her hands again. "Why do you wear that helmet?" He touched the helmet and laughed nervously. "Don't tell me it's because you're self-conscious," she laughed and he tilted his head. He could show her his face, nothing would be wrong. Besides, it probably was dark enough that she didn't properly see his face.
"Would you like to see my face?" he asked and she rubbed the back of her head.
"I guess out of curiosity," she mumbled and he laughed. He unbuckled the helmet and slowly lifted the heavy head gear off. Then he flicked his long black hair that was tucked away in his armor out and looked at Phoenix. He watched as she sucked in a breath. Did she recognize him?
XXX
He was attractive. That was putting it lightly. Even with his black hair in tangles and his eye tired from whatever he was doing, he was good looking. His eyes were such a bright blue and he had long eyelashes. He skin was pale and flawless, except for the thin scar at his lip. He rubbed the back of his head nervously and she stopped. It dawned on her that she was staring.
"Um, is there a problem?" he asked and she waved her hands in front of her.
"Nope! No problem here," she laughed nervously again and he nodded his head. She watched as he returned his attention towards the armor.
"I can fix it," he said after a moment. "At seven I'll be able to, but for now I need some sleep," he said and she raised an eyebrow. No way could this guy be able to make a dragon scale and glass armor together. He couldn't be that good. She watched as he laid his hand on her shoulder and lowered his head.
"I hope you're okay," he whispered. She noted the tone in his voice. It was unusually soft. "You see I-," he started and the door opened. When Phoenix turned back to look at Ronel, his helmet was on again. Farkas walked in and tapped on the door.
"You need a job?" he asked and Phoenix shrugged. "Vampires," he said and she stopped. "There's a lair of them and we thought this would be a good test for proving yourself," he explained and Ronel stood.
"You realize that a 'lair of vampires' varies in size, right?" he asked and Farkas shrugged.
"I think she can take it," he admitted and Ronel clenched his fists. "Besides, she can take a shield-sibling," he explained and Ronel shook his head. "You still want it?" he asked her and she nodded, as Ronel turned to look at her with anger.
"Seriously?" he hissed and she nodded. He sat down on an empty bed and shook his head. "Fine, you won't make it, but fine," he stood and Phoenix shifted uncomfortably.
"Actually, I was wondering if you would want to be the one who'd be my partner," she said and Ronel stopped.
"You don't have armor," he said and Phoenix shrugged.
"You said you'd repair it," she replied and he threw off his helmet and ran his fingers through his hair in anger. Phoenix looked down and waited for his answer.
"I really am beginning to hate that damn helmet," he smiled over his shoulder and rubbed his eyes. Phoenix smiled brightly and he shook his head. "You-," he pointed, "are going to be the death of me," he moaned and she ran up and hugged him.
"Thanks!" she laughed and he stopped. He looked away and blinked. Phoenix felt his hands slowly wrap around her and he whispered, "I'm so glad you're okay." She looked into his face and he let go of her. Phoenix didn't realize he cared that much. A smile appeared on her bright face and Ronel looked away.
"What?" he asked awkwardly and she ran her fingers through her black hair.
"I just think that had you been there with me, I think that vampire would have been dead in a second," she admitted nervously. He looked away and shut his eyes.
"Yah," he muttered and walked towards a bed.
XXX