Cold Madness
Skyrim
The Dragonborn has gone missing and Skyrim's skies are still filled with dragons. Where has the Dragonborn gone? Does anyone care about the fate of Skyrim and it's citizens? Serana begins her search for the Dragonborn while accidentally teaming up with an unlikely fellow.
Chapter 11: The Vampire and Werewolf
Serana awoke on her back staring at the ceiling. She did not move but she didn't need to move to know that she was being used as a pillow by Cicero. She blinked a few times as she steadily looked down to see the red-headed jester's arm lightly wrapped around her and that he had drooled on her chest. Serana grimaced as she sat up shoving him off of her, forcing Cicero off the bed. He landed with a loud thump as she began wiping off the drool.
"Grrrr," Cicero growled reaching for his blade as he frantically looked around.
"It's morning," Serana replied simply as she turned away and stood up. Cicero smirked as he held back a chuckle. He soon stood up as he threw his arms out and stretched. He walked around the bed making his usual clicking sounds with his tongue. He made his way towards the table took another ale and made his way outside. Serana smiled relieved that he wasn't too upset about the rude awakening. Maybe the Dragonborn or other Brotherhood members did the same as well. Serana shrugged as she followed him outside and raised her hand up blocking the morning sun from her eyes. With her other hand she pulled up her hood grimacing. Cicero chuckled.
"Ho ho ho. You are hundreds of years old and yet you still forget?" he teased. Serana pursed her lips, he did have a point. She was usually pretty good about these things and she wondered why she was forgetting about little things lately, like time of day.
"Let's go," Serana replied simply as she started walking towards the path. She wasn't in the mood to argue. They began walking along the same path that led to Falkreath. During the morning it was easy to see how green and beautiful the place was. The total opposite of what it was hours ago. A bunny skipped passed their direction and Serana smiled. "This place it's…spectacular," she said out loud.
"Awe you let it get away," Cicero noticed the bunny hopping hastily toward the forest.
"Yes, it's cute," Serana replied as she kept walking.
"That cute was breakfast!" Cicero whined.
"Hmph," she let out simply ignoring him. Soon they ran into a broken wagon, with charred bodies that died in very specific poses. Serana stopped for a moment startled. "I wonder what happened?" she asked as she carefully walked up to the bodies and examined them.
"Roasted, toasted, and well done," Cicero let out as he ignored them and continued walking, not the least bit concerned. She looked at the wagon, the chest looked empty. Maybe bandits? Mages? Mage Bandits? No, maybe it was a dragon and someone looted them afterwards. Either way it was a tragic way to go or she hoped they weren't in pain for too long as she continued walking as well. She followed Cicero silently as he suddenly stopped off to look at something on the side behind a brush. Serana walked up to his side confused. After a couple of seconds she could see various corpses of soldiers and other various people that looked like that could be Dark Brotherhood.
"What…happened?" she asked out loud. Cicero just starred silently at the scene, ignoring her question and her presence altogether. He looked down and smiled. Serana stared at him as she noticed his hands turn to fist.
"Serves them right," he let out bitterly before continuing his way again. She looked back at the scene, no burials for these people. It was sad, it was a mess, and it smelt of death. She continued to follow Cicero a small distance from him as she wondered what had happened. Though she wanted to ask Cicero what happened, she figured it wasn't her place to know. After a few minutes they finally walked into the town of Falkreath. It reminded her a little bit of Morthal but in the forest.
"I've never been here before," Serana said to herself as they walked around. It seemed like a normal town except the stores had a running gag name to them related to death. She wasn't sure why but she figured she would find out soon enough. After a few minutes, they ran into a small group of people talking to a few guards.
"Are you sure?" a woman with war paint asked.
"Positive," replied a guard. "They were here just a couple of days ago," he added. She turned to face her companions.
"You heard the guards, they still could be nearby," the woman replied.
"They could be long gone by now," the Dunmer replied.
"It's possible but it's our jobs to protect the people of Skyrim," the auburn-headed replied. Serana walked up to the group.
"What's going on?" she asked simply.
"It's none of your concern," the woman replied. Cicero chuckled at Serana's failed attempt to gather information.
"We could use the help," a female suddenly spoke to the woman.
"They're not one of us," the woman replied back crossing her arms.
"One of us?" Serana asked crossing her arms as well.
"Yes, we're the Companions-our duty is to protect the citizens of Skyrim," she answered.
"The Companions? I've heard of you, do you by any chance know the Dragonborn?" Serana asked immediately. The woman's face went blank as she looked at the girl next to her.
"Yes we do, why?" she asked.
"We're friends of hers," Serana added.
"So are we!" the girl next to the auburn head leader revealed. Serana smiled.
"We're looking for her, we haven't seen her in a while we're worried about her well-being," Serana added. They all exchanged looks for a moment.
"We haven't seen her either," they finally revealed.
"It figures," Serana replied.
"Psh, where are you Listener? Why are you hiding from all your friends? Why are you hiding from dear old Cicero?" he asked as he walked away sadly.
"He doesn't seem that old," the girl replied.
"Uh… I don't think he is either but I really don't know," Serana replied. "I'm Serana by the way, the jester is Cicero," Serana introduced.
"Jesters, in Skyrim?" the Dunmner asked confused.
"I'm Aela, they call me the Aela the Huntress, this here is Ria and the Dunmer is Athis," Aela introduced.
"So what brings the Companions from Whiterun?" Serana asked.
"We're out here for a mission…" Aela paused. "Since you're friends with the Dragonborn, I'll trust you," she added. "We're hunting a rogue pack of Werewolves from Hammerfell," Aela revealed. "They've committed many crimes and they have a high bounty on their head," she added.
"I see," Serana replied.
"The money is useful but we're more concerned about the safety of the citizens of Falkreath. The guards suspected they were here and contacted us," Athis jumped in. Serana was silent.
"I'm not really one to kill for money but it sounds like you guys could sure use the help," Serana added.
"I'll be frank, this is a dangerous task, I don't blame you if you don't like to join our hunt," Aela replied. Serana looked back to Cicero who was eating a carrot leaning against a wooden pillar.
"What do you think? Up to make some new friends?" Serana asked slyly. Cicero munched on his carrot and grinned.
"Does it involve….murder?" he asked. The others looked at each other nervously.
"Yes," Serana replied.
"Well of course! Cicero could use some fun," he said taking another bite of his carrot.
"Are you sure you can handle yourself?" Aela asked towards his direction.
"Positive," Serana countered before he could answer. "He's dealt with Werewolves before," she added as she remembered what the Dark Brotherhood told her.
"Alright then, we'll meet up here again in an hour," Aela said. "Until then," she said and the group walked off. Serana walked towards Cicero.
"Come on let's get you fed, you're going to need your strength," Serana said as they walked into Dead Man's Drink. It was a small inn like the one in Riverwood with a few people. They made their way towards the nearest table. "Well well, what is up with all these beautiful strangers in Falkreath?" the barmaid said as she watched them both pass her.
"Stop your flirting Narri and ask what'll be?" the owner scolded.
"So need anything?" Narri asked.
"Yes, some fresh food," Serana said taking out some coin.
"Fresh food, coming right up," Narri replied taking the coin. Serana stared at Cicero who was casually starring at her, grinning as usual. Serana looked away. After a couple of moments, Narri brought back some bread, soup, and an ale. Serana slid them towards Cicero's direction, he immediately started eating, a smile plastered on his face.
"Do you have any sweet rolls by any chance?" Serana asked. Cicero snapped his head in her direction and gasped.
"Sure, how many?" Nari asked.
"One will be fine," Serana replied.
"Just one?" Cicero asked in shock. Serana held back a chuckle. After a moment Nari came back and handed Serana a sweet roll. She slid it in front of Cicero next to his bowl of soup. "What's this?" he asked confused.
"It's yours…I figured you were tired of carrots by now," Serana replied simply. He looked at her confused for the moment before smiling. "Besides who knows you might die today," Serana teased. "Think of this as your last supper," she continued. Cicero took a bite out of his sweet roll, his face turning into a grimace.
"You jest silly vampire, you know Cicero is far more skilled with a blade than you," he replied smugly before returning to his meal. Serana looked away just as smug. She sighed hoping he was right as a sudden wave of a guilt rushed in. She sat there ignoring the sounds of slurping and crunching Cicero made next to her. She wondered how many werewolves they were taking on to be exact. She shook her head, the Dark Brotherhood even said it themselves that Cicero took on a werewolf. She even seen him take on the Forsworn and that was no easy task. Logically her brain told her he was up for the task and yet something was nagging her. Why did she feel guilty? I mean it wasn't like she really cared for his well being. It was more out of respect for the Dragonborn and the Dark Brotherhood. Serana stood up and walked across the room staring at the fire. She was treating Cicero as if he was property. Property of the Dark Brotherhood, property of the Dragonborn, as if he was on loan and if she returns him damaged they might retaliate. She turned and paced the room once again letting out a frustrated growl. Why was she thinking like this? She felt confused, maybe it was just some jitters. She shook her head as Cicero let out a loud burp.
"Excuse you," the bard let out. Cicero took out his ebony dagger and stabbed the wooden table threateningly as he eyed the bard. Serana smirked holding back a chuckle. After a while, they made their way back out towards the spot they agreed to meet. Serana took out a healing potion from her pouch and handed it to Cicero.
"Take this, use it wisely," she replied. He looked confused once again and narrowed his eyes at her.
"Why is fancy-schmancy vampire being so nice?" he asked as he hesitantly took the bottle. Serana looked taken aback.
"What do you mean? I've always been this…this nice," she answered. Cicero scoffed as he pocketed the potion and walked off. Serana swallowed. What was that all about? She thought confused. Maybe he was actually wisening up about their predicament. Perhaps she was being too nice or maybe she was treating him unjust all this time? Either way, it left her feeling confused. After a few minutes, Aela and her team showed up.
"Are you ready milk drinkers?" Aela greeted. Serana smiled as she knew she was teasing.
"Yes," Serana replied.
"Let's not waste any time," Aela let out. They walked back out of Falkreath. She was quiet as the Companions talked among themselves but the energy she felt among them was exhilarating. This must how it felt being a Companion, she thought.
"Which direction do you think they went?" Ria asked.
"Hmm I don't know," Aela said. "They could be anywhere around the area," Aela answered.
"Perhaps we should split up?" Athis asked.
"Perhaps, Athis how about you go with the Jester," Aela suggested.
"Oh, you're going to be that way?" Athis let out sarcastically.
"You suggested we split up," Aela said with a smirk.
"Hmph, fine," he said.
"Uhm, perhaps I should go with Cicero, he's a bit unpredictable," Serana suggested. Aela shook her head and smiled.
"Athis can take care of himself and besides if the Dragonborn can trust him, why can't we?" Aela replied. Serana looked away and swallowed before looking back at Cicero who stuck his tongue out childishly at her in return.
"Fine, take him," Serana replied immediately.
"Alright don't travel too far," Aela warned. "If you encounter the pack you find the rest of us before engaging, you got that?" Aela demanded.
"Sure," Athis replied.
"But of course, he he," Cicero replied. He walked up to Athis. "Let's go, let Cicero know if you heard this one before," he started as he steered Athis north.
"Fool stealth is key," Aela remarked.
"Maybe it's better they're loud," Ria suggested. "If they hear them coming the pack might run into us instead," she added.
"They can be human, they can be werewolves, we don't know, most likely human," Aela said and they started walking towards the forest. They wondered around the forest of Falkreath, it was refreshing to be with someone other than Cicero for once. They chatted lightly every once in a while, all the while Serana admired the beauty of the place.
"Did you hear that?" Ria asked.
"Yes, let's hope it's not Spriggans," Aela said bringing out her bow.
"Spriggans?" Serana repeated. "I haven't seen them in ages."
"They're all over the wilds in Skyrim, especially in Falkreath and if Spriggans are nearby there's bound to be Hagravens," Aela said bitterly.
"Ugh I hate Hagravens," Ria said shaking her head as she gripped her sword tightly.
"Don't attack anything, do not touch anything," Aela said strongly. "They revere nature and get upset when you disrespect it. It's dangerous to hunt in these woods," she said looking around cautiously. After wandering a while they ran into the lake, Serana was sure they were close to the mill they stayed that previous night.
"Maybe we should go back south, search some caves," Ria suggested as she made her way towards the lake and started filling up a bladder. Serana readjusted her hood as the sun was high above them heading towards mid-afternoon.
"How are you holding up?" Aela asked.
"I'm fine…it's just hot," Serana replied.
"With all those robes it's no wonder," she replied. Serana looked at her for a moment but stayed silent. Aela glared. "I know what you are," Aela finally admitted.
"What are you talking about?" Serana asked simply.
"Pale skin, thick heavy robes, sensitive to the light," she added. "You can fool the others but you can't fool me," Aela said simply.
"Does it bother you?" Serana asked.
"No, the Dragonborn has many strange friends," she added. "I should know," she said seriously. Serana wasn't sure what she meant by that but didn't want to push too far. Finally, Ria returned back from the lake.
"I wonder how the others are doing?" Ria asked.
"Still alive, hopefully," Aela said with a smirk. They continued searching the area hoping to run into the others when suddenly Athis appeared out of nowhere looking shaken.
"I lost him!" he said breathlessly.
"What? How?" Serana asked.
"We were near this spring and then he mentioned something about getting flowers for Mother before I knew it, he was picking up some flowers when suddenly a couple of Spriggans attacked," he said shaking his head. "We defeated one and the other started to retreat but he went after it," Athis finished.
"Mother?" Aela repeated as she looked at Serana. "What kind of nonsense is that?"
"He probably meant the Night Mother," Serana replied crossing her arms.
"You left me with a Dark Brotherhood assassin?" Athis asked in shock. Serana rolled her shoulders as she could feel their eyes, eying her.
"Well, I said he can take care of himself," Serana answered. "I figured it was of no concern," Serana admitted.
"No matter, take us where you last saw him," Aela demanded. Athis led them through the woods where a beautiful pond was nearby followed by some dead mage.
"Wow," Serana let out.
"Nice," Ria agreed. Aela sniffed the air as she bent low and looked at the footprints. She was quiet for a moment as she started tracking the footprints. Meanwhile, Athis looted the dead Spriggan's taproot.
"He went off this way," Aela said and they all followed that direction. Soon they found another dead Spriggan body but no sign of Cicero.
"Great," Serana let out frustrated.
"No body at least he's still alive," Ria said looking around. The same nagging feeling came back in when she realized she had lost Cicero.
"I should have listened to my intuition," Serana said to herself.
"What was that?" Athis asked.
"Nothing," Serana replied pushing back the guilt that was starting to bubble back up. They searched the surrounding area a bit longer before searching elsewhere.
"Let's head back to town and rest," Aela suggested. They headed back to Falkreath all the while on the lookout for Cicero. Once they entered Falkreath it was late afternoon. They headed towards the inn and ordered some food and drink.
"Aren't ya gonna eat?" Athis asked Serana. Serana shook her head.
"I'm not hungry," she answered. She was actually a bit hungry but she didn't want to talk about it.
"Probably too worried about your friend to eat, huh?" Athis asked.
"Leave her be," Aela interrupted. Serana was grateful for Aela cutting in.
"It's getting dark, we should hurry," Ria said finishing up her drink. After a few more minutes they headed back outside. Serana headed towards the outskirts of town.
"I better search for him," Serana said to herself as she felt a cool breeze send a chill down her spine.
"I'll go with you," Aela said.
"We'll go too," Ria added.
"No," Aela said suddenly.
"No? Why not?" Ria asked confused.
"I need you to stay here just in case Cicero or those werewolves return. There are many innocent people in this town and the guards could use your help," Aela added.
"Are you sure?" Athis asked.
"Positive, now keep alert and be on patrol. We'll be fine," Aela said strongly. Athis and Ria were silent for a moment.
"Alright," Athis said. "Come on Ria," he said as they turned back around. Aela and Serana headed back towards the area where the Spriggans were slain.
"No sign of him," Serana said lightly.
"No," Aela agreed. They headed back towards the road.
"Why did you left your companions in town?" Serana asked. "Wouldn't we be stronger in a group?" she added. Aela smiled.
"For a Nord you sure lack confidence in your skills," Aela observed. Serana was silent.
"Maybe…" she paused, thinking of what to say. "I had a close call with death, recently," she revealed.
"A vampire afraid of death, huh, now I've seen everything," Aela said as she held her bow tightly.
"I know that sounds stupid but I lived most of my life inside a coffin. What good is immortality if you spend most of the time…trapped," she finished. Aela shook her head.
"Well there's no time like the present to test your skills…push yourself to the limit," Aela encouraged as she took out an arrow and aimed at something in the distance. After a couple of seconds, it ended up being a deer. She sheathed her arrow and smiled. The moons were starting to rise higher and higher as they continued to search the woods. "I worry for your friend," Aela revealed. "He didn't look like the outdoor type," she added. Serana chuckled.
"You're probably right," Serana said when there was a sudden howl in the distance. "What was that?"
"A wolf's howl, a location howl, he's letting his pack know his location," Aela answered as she headed towards the location of the howl. Serana followed after using her vampiric site. "It's this way!" Aela said loudly as she took off in a run. Serana followed when something caught her eye. A person not too far towards her left. Serana stopped as she thought what to do. Could it be a hunter? Perhaps it was Cicero? Should she call out towards him? Serana looked back towards the direction Aela went and realized she had gone far as she was running. Serana inhaled and went towards the person. It was still a bit dark as she couldn't tell who it was. Finally enough moonlight shinned down on the person, he was wearing some red but then he turned around. It wasn't him it was a Redguard, Serana paused and started to step back.
"I smell you! Don't think you're getting away!" he yelled. Serana swallowed not sure what to do. Fight or run? Though after a few seconds her adrenaline kicked in and she went into attack mode. Immediately she attacked him with lightening. As soon as she took a couple of steps she could feel the swarm of bats surround her like the previous time. Serana smiled.
"I hope you're prepared to die!" she said hitting him. He took out his sword and started swinging it at her. She jumped back as she started draining him. He suddenly rushed and sliced her mid-section causing her to fall on her back. The Redguard stepped back as he suddenly started to transform.
"Are you serious?" Serana let out as she struggled to figure out what to do next. She got up holding her center which bled pretty badly but was starting to heal. Suddenly the Redguard roared. Serana made a dash towards the road. She ran through the woods as she tried to petrify the werewolf but there were so many trees. So she turned around to get better aim and she got him. She sighed when suddenly two more werewolves appeared out of nowhere. Serana shook her head as she continued to run outnumbered. She made it to the road turned around once more petrified another werewolf but missed the other, before she knew it the second werewolf was on top of her. Serana yelled as she tried to kick the werewolf off as he began mauling on her arm. It hurt, as she tried clawing the werewolf's eyes out with her other hands, the swarm of bats kept her strength up but she was partially in shock from the pain from his fangs. When suddenly she heard a yell and the werewolf's looked up before being pushed off of her. She could have sworn she got stepped on at the process as she realized she was free and began to sit up. When she saw who came to her rescue. Cicero was hanging off the back of the werewolf stabbing it viciously with his Ebony Dagger.
"Die, Die, Die!" he yelled as the werewolf tried to fling him off. He roared again and from the distance, another wolf howled. The werewolf that was petrified started to stir up once more. Serana shook her head and petrified him once more but another one rushed out of the woods and she immediately ice spiked him out of her reaction before petrifying the other one. The two werewolves laid there frozen as Cicero fought the other. She sighed not sure what to do.
Summon
A voice spoke to her. Summon what? She thought but flung her hand out and concentrated when suddenly a Gargoyle appeared. Serana's eyes widen as she thought of her father. It began to help Cicero out as she looked back at the Werewolves on the ground. She thought about what to do as Cicero got flung off from the werewolf finally. Suddenly the two werewolves started to stir once more, Serana sighed when she heard another werewolf coming. Serana stepped back panicked as she petrified one of the stirring werewolves and closed her eyes as she thought she was going to get mauled once more. When the werewolf attacked the other. Serana opened her eyes to see nothing but the petrified werewolf in front of her. She turned to see two werewolves fighting each other. She turned around and saw that Cicero and her Gargoyle had just killed the other.
"Are you alright?" she asked as she re-summoned the Gargoyle but Cicero just ran past her and began stabbing the petrified werewolf behind her. The pain in her right arm came back suddenly as her wounds began to close. The gargoyle and Cicero managed to kill the petrified one before helping the other werewolf kill the other. After another minute the battle was done. The werewolf mauled the other before letting out a loud howl staggering off into the woods. "What was that all about?" Serana asked.
"He he he, ah he he he," Cicero chuckled. Suddenly her gargoyle disappeared and so did her bats. Her wounds were almost completely healed now but her clothes were starting to look tattered. Serana shook her head before snapping.
"Where were you?!" she asked bitterly. Cicero continued to chuckle before wiping his dagger off from his clothes and sheathing it.
"Why, I was eating merrily in the woods with a group of hunters. Oh yes venison and rabbit, so delicious. We sang and danced," he explained as he began to dance as well. "Such merriment, no thanks to that Athis," he complained. "Noooo, running away because of buzzing of Spriggans. HA!" he finished with a clap. Then a sound came out from behind them when they both looked to see a naked Aela coming out from the woods. "OH! Ho! Ha ha ha!" Cicero chuckled loudly holding his gut.
"Your clothes!" Serana gasped.
"Yes, they're across the woods," Aela let out.
"But why?" Serana asked.
"Why do you think?" Aela teased. Serana was quiet.
"You helped us, you were the other werewolf weren't you?" Serana asked. Aela smirked.
"That's right, now let's go get my belongings," she answered as she walked passed them. They followed Aela who apparently had no body shame as she walked back to her spot where her belongings were ignoring the chuckling Cicero let out every once in a while. Finally, they found her things as she got dressed and picked them up. Soon they headed back towards Falkreath where Athis and Ria greeted them.
"You're alright!" Ria let out happily.
"Yes," Aela replied.
"We were worried two Werewolves attacked the town," Athis informed. Aela smiled.
"And you're alive, I'm proud of you," Aela replied. Ria and Athis smiled. "We had a little run in of our own but it turns out these two have what it takes," Aela said as she wrapped her arms around Cicero and Serana. "We took on three werewolves ourselves," she added. Athis threw his head back and chuckled.
"You two must be amazing!" he let out.
"Yeah we had the help of the guards and it was still tough," Ria said in awe.
"Come let's go get a drink at the inn, we can exchange our tales there," Aela said guiding everyone towards Dead Man's Drink.
