At night in front of a cave…

Ronel approached the cave cautiously, it was dark and he knew that this was when vampires were at their strongest point. He pulled out his heavy sword and rested it on his shoulder, his body tense and waiting for an attack. Phoenix sniffed the air and he raised an eyebrow, causing her to shrug.

"You could smell blood, right?" she replied to his confused look. He shrugged his shoulders and they both walked in.

"How do you wish to take these vampires?" he asked her timidly and she pulled out two swords and swung them by her side. He noticed that her breathing was slightly faster and her heart beat was at a face pace. Her blood pumped thoroughly in each vein and he could hear her heart pumping the blood through her. "And are you sure you wish to be doing this?" he asked and she gave him a brave smile.

"I need to face my fear, right? And I need to be able to protect myself," she nibbled on her lower lip and Ronel nodded. His eyes slowly lowered to her neck and he looked the other way. His breathing became short and he began to breathe silently through his mouth. This had only happened once before, but then he could control it. Since he wasn't used to this feeling, he wasn't ready to control himself. "What's wrong?" she asked and he felt his illusion slowly lower. His red eyes brightened and he could see straight through the dark cave.

"N-nothing," he answered back quickly and shut his eyes. Her hand landed on his shoulder and he could feel her pulse through the simple touch. He felt his fangs prick his tongue and he brought them down on his tongue. His own blood stopped the hunger and he was able to bring the illusion back. With bright blue eyes, he gave her a smile. "How do you want to take them? Silently, or…?"

She rubbed the back of her head, sword still in hand, and furrowed her eyebrows. "I know that vampires have very good senses, so with your armor and my terrible sneaking abilities, we'd get noticed right away," she said and he nodded. "But, we can still be quiet and take them on head on, as long as we kill them fast."

Ronel pursed his lips and tilted his head to the side "Killing a vampire quickly is no easy feat," he warned her and Phoenix nodded.

"I know that, but I think that this would be the best way. I don't know, but I have a feeling that you can use that sword," she nodded towards the heavy weapon, "and I can use these," she twirled the blades again for extra effect and Ronel looked inside the cave again.

"Are you sure?" he asked and she sighed.

"Gods, you are acting just like my sister," she rolled her eyes and walked into the cave without looking back. Ronel stared at her for a second and then jumped in after her.

"Don't go running off on your own," he whispered fiercely and she laughed. Ronel stopped for a second, realizing what he just said. It took him a couple seconds to fully realize what he was thinking and he ran his fingers through his hair. This was not happening.

"Damn kid," someone muttered below them and he grabbed Phoenix's arm before she took another step. He pointed down and she nodded. "Had to call his mother, couldn't stay quiet…" the vampire continued and he saw Phoenix clench her fists. She jumped down the ledge and Ronel cursed. He heard the vampire shout in surprise and a sickening thud made him sigh. The vampire jumped down the ledge and stared at the head of the vampire, which was currently impaled on Phoenix's sword.

"Feel better now?" he muttered in annoyance.

XXX

Chapter 12: The Great Hunt for the Moth Priest-Part 2

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In a cave, somewhere near Whiterun…

Graysling watched her sleep, his body aching from the sunlight. He had to drink someone's blood to stay out that long and he still felt like his skin was going to peel off. Thinking of the blood made his stomach churn and he spat into the fire once again. Laid across his arms was a thick and long jacket with leather armor here and there. He made it himself. It held an enchantment that would let her go out in the sunlight for about four hours a day, fire resistance, speed and strength. He crafted her an elven sword as well.

This one held a frost enchantment. The word's Frostbite was inscribed on the blade as well. He grabbed the knapsack and checked for magicka potions, health and stamina. As he reached in the bottom, his hands fell on an amulet of Kynareth. He held it above his face for a moment and sighed. Her boots and gloves were in here too. They mainly looked like his. He included a hood in case she was outside for too long. The elf growled and slammed his fist into the dirt covered ground.

What was the point? Not that he didn't want her safe, but for once he wanted something. And it was something he could never get. The vampire stared at Snow, his memory bringing him back to the embarrassing moment. He knew what she was going to say and he didn't want to hear it. So he fled to Whiterun so he wouldn't. She shifted and he walked to a darker part in the cave, leaving the clothing there. When he returned, it was closing in to the night. Fren snorted in the corner and trotted to him.

He held the green horse's snout and rubbed the bones. "Don't you get it?" he whispered to her. Snow didn't move. After another moment of waiting, he decided it was time that the two get moving. He approached the young vampire slayer and shook her shoulder. He watched her turn and mumble something. Graysling stopped and stared at her eyes. Tears were spilling out of them and her face was slightly red. Her body slowly began to shake and he blinked. She was crying in her sleep?

"Snow?" he whispered and her eyes opened. They were red and she began to blink rapidly. Her one blue and red eye wide.

"Oh, hello Graysling," she smiled and he gave her a weak smile back.

"Hey," he muttered and she wiped her hand over her eyes. "Are you okay?" he asked and she licked her lips and looked away.

"Yah, I'm great," she laughed and cleared her throat. The vampire wanted to demand what was wrong, but it was obvious that she didn't want to tell him anyway.

"I have your new clothing," he lifted his arms to show her the clothing. Her eyes widened and she smiled awkwardly.

"Oh, thanks," she said and he shrugged.

"Yah."

XXX

I felt terrible. He was in a sour mood, I had a nightmare and I wanted to talk about it. For once, I thought I could open up to someone and then this happens. I wasn't even sure what 'this' was, but I know that what it was is over. Before, Graysling listened to me blubber and cry, now he seemed to not care at all. It felt like a punch to the gut, like I was an idiot. This is what happens when I get close to someone. Graysling walked out the entrance and I looked over to my clothing.

To say it was nice was an understatement. He must have paid a lot of money for this, it looked like it was enchanted too. I made a mental note to ask him about it. I threw the jacket over my thin shirt. I buttoned the coat and felt warmth immediately, my body felt well rested and I physically was prepared for anything. I noticed in one of the boots was a sword. It read Frostbite. I touched the blade and my finger was slowly blanketed by frost.

I placed it in its sheath and strapped it on, my dagger now strapped around my tailbone. My gloves were comfortable and I stretched my arms and was impressed by the flexibility of the coat. There was armor and I threw the hood up and smirked. He really knew how to impress. I walked out and Graysling sat on a rock staring at his hands in his lap. I instantly felt even worse and ran my fingers through my hair, making the hood fall back down.

"Thanks again," I called to him and he looked up and shrugged. I couldn't even read his mood with those goggles on. My fingers scratched my face in frustration and I licked my lips once again. "Sorry, okay?" I shouted and he looked up again. His eyebrow was raised and I looked down.

"About what? You did nothing wrong," he said casually. I watched as he calmly stroked Fren. I raised my hands and then dropped them. They smacked loudly enough against my thighs to get his attention.

"Sure, you're right, Graysling," I growled and he cocked his head to the side. "That's why you are acting so cold to me, right? Because I did nothing wrong," I shouted and he flicked his goggles up. He jumped down from the rock and walked towards me.

As he began to draw closer, I felt intimidated by his height. He was really tall for a dark elf. "No, that's not why I'm pissed," he growled into my ear and I shivered. "Do you want to know why?" he clenched his fists at his sides and I looked away. He blew out in frustration and he grabbed his goggles. He pointed to me and then shook his head, "You-I am just…ugh!" he turned around and kicked a rock. I didn't know what to do. I couldn't get what he was doing.

"Why do you waste your time on me, Graysling?" I asked him and he stopped and stared at me. His eyes were wide and I took a step back. "I'm nothing but a freak, you have-you don't need someone like me," I whispered. "I know what you were going to do back there, but I have to know if-," I shut my mouth. "We better go," I began to walk towards Fren and he was in front of me in a second.

"How do you judge someone?" he asked and I felt his hot breath on my cheek. He was holding my wrists. "Tell me," he whispered into my ear and I tried to break free from his grip.

"What do you mean?" I asked and his straight nose was inches from mine. My heartbeat increased drastically.

"How would you see me? How do you see me? Do you consider me someone close to you? What am I to you?" He threw questions at me rapidly and I looked at his feet.

"Graysling, I-,"

"Just tell me!" he shouted and I flinched. He'd never acted so angry before. He always seemed to be alright with everything I said, he went along with it to. I think that's why I trust him; because he trusts me. Thinking back though, I have no idea who he is. I had to stop thinking like this though. How could I possibly make friends by thinking I have to know them first? I know no one. He is the first person, aside from Raven, who actually listened to what I had to say.

"I can talk to you," I said and he let go of my wrists. His face was full of confusion and I sputtered to keep up with my last statement, "I can trust you, and I don't ever-I've never trusted anyone," I whispered, more to myself then him. It was true though. I didn't let myself get close to anyone. I never was nice to people I was new to because they instantly judged me. Graysling didn't. He flirted with me outrageously and that usually enraged me. And yet, somehow from the two to three hours I knew him, I could trust him.

That never happened. I've known some people my whole life and still didn't trust them. Now, I don't know. Graysling was so…easy to talk to. He seemed to care about me, and yet I've only known him for a couple hours. There was something about him that was odd. Something that made me able to talk to him. To be myself around him. He was a friend to me.

He smiled lightly to himself and shook his head. "Then we better go," he said and throughout the whole speedy ride he was smiling.

XXX

After that night, somewhere in the Reach…

"You're joking," Raven gawked at the proper man and he looked towards the sky. The dragonborn watched as he made a complete circle and nodded.

"You are correct," he stated and Raven sat down and sighed, "I have no idea where we are," he finished and sat down on a rock after making sure it was clean. Raven sighed and held her head in her hands. They were in the middle of the Reach, by a river and surrounded by plains. Not only that, they had been side tracked by a group of forsworn that they were trying to rob and kill a peddler. Once they got the peddler out of their way, which took far too long, the forsworn led them into a trap-straight into their own camp. That made them not only lose track of time, but also lose the road.

Raven walked towards a juniper berry tree and plucked a couple to eat. As she ate them, Malik watched her with slight interest. "Okay," she said with a mouthful of berries, "I think that we should set up camp now," she announced to him and then swallowed the mouthful. "Vampires won't attack us, we already wiped out this forsworn camp and we can use their beds, too."

Malik scrunched his nose in disgust. "Sleep in a dead man's bed?" Raven rolled her eyes and popped another bunch of fruits in her mouth.

"We didn't kill them in their beds and if you are so upset about it, we can sleep outside," she replied, "but I don't think you'd want to sleep in the sun, right?" she asked and Malik looked at her with surprise. Raven gave him an innocent look and shrugged, "I wouldn't either, how could I fall asleep with light all around me?" she asked, "I would stay awake," Raven added and Malik sighed.

"I guess you're right, vampires wouldn't attack us in the light. It may not totally hurt them, but they would still be rather weak," he agreed. Raven noticed his nervous look and she smiled.

"So, should we go inside?" she asked, the dovahkiin taking advantage of Malik's moment of panic. Obviously, he caught her doing it and rolled his eyes.

"Fine, but I'm sleeping on the floor," he mumbled and made his way to the forsworn fort.

XXX

In the beginning of the night before, leaving an inn in Ivarstead…

Banning stared at Jora in shock. Not only had he been under the impression that she was a brave woman, but also a woman of common sense. The female vampire stood as stiff as the wooden boards underneath Banning's feet. She was paler than normal and wide eyed, staring at the bartender nervously.

"A-a ghost?" she whispered and Banning rolled his eyes. He grabbed his hammer and tapped it impatiently on the floor.

"Come on, Jora," the huge Nord moaned and she looked at him, her eyes still as wide as before. "We need to get to that moth priest," he muttered and the bartender snapped his fingers.

"I forgot to mention," he said, catching Banning's attention, "there was another fellow and a woman with him who were asking the same thing," he told the two and both of their attentions snapped to him.

"WHAT?" the shouted in unison and the man jumped.

"Was one awkward and took to herself, weird white hair and probably in shabby clothing?" Jora asked and the bartender opened his mouth to respond, only to be interrupted by Banning.

"Was she with a guy who was flirting with every female in sight, dark elf, scruffy looking, and a total ass?" he interrogated and the bartender put his hands up.

"No, neither of those descriptions," he said, his eyes fearful of the two. "The woman was quite a looker, black hair and as pale as you," he motioned to Jora and she glared at Banning. He nodded. "The other was pale too, but he had long black hair, probably good with the ladies, but he was a Nord. He seemed rather uninterested with his lady friend, you two had already passed out when they came," he explained and Jora rubbed her chin.

"Who would be looking for a moth priest?" she asked Banning and they walked out of the bar.

Banning rubbed his chin and thought of who would need one. But the thing was, they didn't even know why they were looking for a moth priest. Thinking back to it now, why did they? "Jora? Did Isran ever tell us why he wanted a moth priest?" he asked her and she furrowed her eyebrows. After another moment she shook her head silently.

"Whatever it is, he sent a lot of us to get him," she replied and Banning nodded. "And the fact that someone else who we don't know is looking for it, obviously vampires, means that we need to get it first," she smirked devilishly and Banning rested his hammer on his shoulder.

"I can agree to that, but they already have a head start," he sighed and Jora smiled. "Guess we have to work extra hard," he stretched his arms and cocked his head to the side. They moved at a fast paced sprint, the two vampires ran towards Ivarstead, hoping to beat the unknown competitors in their race.

XXX

In Morthal during that night…

I could barely believe my eyes when I saw Morthal after three minutes of riding. How fast had we ridden? I slowly got off of the horse, while Graysling chatted with a group of Khajiits. I made my way through the town and adjusted my eyepatch, hoping that no one would be able to see. Fren had decided to follow me around, not helping me blend in. I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to see Graysling.

"What is it?" I asked nervously and he tugged my eyepatch down. What was he doing?! I snapped my hand to cover my eye while checking behind my back to make sure no one saw me. "What are you doing?" I hissed and his hands glowed with a green light.

"It's obvious that you can't use illusion magic, so I'm going to make it so that your eye looks blue," he explained and a warm, needle-like feeling prickled me from my toes to my hair. He snatched the eyepatch away and he removed my hand from my eye. His smile was back and he nodded. "Much better," he began to lose his grin and he raised an eyebrow. I heard the footsteps before I saw her, but I felt my whole body seize up.

"Vampire," I growled and Graysling stared at me. His whole body was tense, too. He could sense one. Good.

XXX

Oh shit. Graysling began to panic. His illusion magic was strong enough to cover his identity, how could she see past it? Her eyes were glaring at him and he felt his hands begin to shake. This wasn't supposed to happen. He began reciting every single curse in his head and Snow placed her hand on Frostbite. He would have been happy had the attack not been focused on him.

XXX

"Can you sense it to? I think there's a vampire here," I whispered and checked over my shoulder, the woman began walking towards us. Every muscle in my body was telling me that this was a vampire. Graysling seemed to be slowly paling. Was he really that scared of vampires? "Graysling, that woman behind me, I think, not sure though, that she's a vampire," I told him and he laughed. He actually. Just. Laughed.

XXX

Thank the gods.

XXX

I watched in horror as Graysling collapsed in a fit of laughter. His goggles even slipped off his face and he wiped them of tears. "Wow, that's rich," he said while looking down at me. "I thought-hahaha, wow," he wiped his brow and then his face grew straight once again. What in the gods' names was wrong with him? He looked over my shoulder and then lowered his goggles. I watched as she approached us and stopped right in front of me, blocking me from Graysling. I began to pull out my sword and Graysling shook his head slightly. Was he serious? She was a damn vampire!

"Hello there, beautiful," she flirted and Graysling pulled down his bandana. I watched in annoyance as he looked her up and down. My fists clenched and I continued to watch as he gave her a grin.

"I could say the same, sweet talker," he took a step closer and I could barely watch. That was it, I'm done. I brushed past the woman and grabbed my eyepatch from Graysling's hand. He gave me a look and I returned it with a certain finger on my hand.

"I'm going to ask around," I grumbled and placed the patch back over my eye. I don't know why, but I felt safer with it on. As I opened the door, I heard the woman whispered into Graysling's ear.

"Is she jealous? Because that is definitely petty of her," she giggled and Graysling looked over his shoulder at me and winked. I glared back, enjoying the way his eyes widened in confusion and hurt. I slammed the door shut and bumped right into a familiar man. His hands grasped my shoulders and he looked me over.

"Snow?" he whispered and I nodded, a smile returning as I recognized a familiar face.

"Hey Falion." I smiled and he took a step back.

"I see you are faring well, that's good." His caring eyes, which used to be less so last time I met him, made me feel comfortable. "What are you doing back here?" he asked me and I flicked my hood back.

"Looking for a moth priest, you've seen one?" The wizard rubbed his chin and squinted into the roof.

"I can't say that I have, but maybe I just didn't see him. My sister might have caught some wind about him," he replied. I nodded and made my way to the bartender, who looked vaguely like Falion. She was talking to a little girl, whom I recognized as his daughter, Agni. The little Nord girl turned and her eyes widened.

Falion! It's-her!" she shouted and ran up to me. I backed away for a moment and Falion chuckled.

"No need to worry, Agni was very fascinated in you after you left," he explained and I thought back to when we last met. I was pretty sure she was cowering in a corner.

"Oh," I whispered and she tugged on my robe. "What is it?" I asked and she pointed outside.

"Do you want to play?" she asked and I raised an eyebrow. Falion grabbed a piece of bread off the counter and began casually munching on it.

"I've been teaching her not to be afraid of the dark by letting her play at night, but what's the number one rule?" he said to the little girl and she raised a finger.

"Don't go to the swamp or run on the docks," she said and he nodded. Agni stared at me with wide eyes and I felt my will slowly bending towards hers. It was only then that I noticed no one else was in the Inn.

"Where is everybody?" I asked and Falion looked to his sister who shrugged.

"I heard a commotion outside," she offered and I bit m"y lip. I should probably check it out. Completely forgetting about actually my main mission, I raced back out. Not noticing before, a group of men were surrounding a rather nervous looking one. I could smell his sweat and as I approached I began to catch bits and pieces of the conversation.

"What's going on?" I asked and the man sighed and looked to me.

"Just the locals again. They don't believe in our Jarl and now we have a house fire to deal with. And to top it off, we have a new wizard that no one is comfortable with," he told me, his eyes carrying heavy bags. "That about sums it up," he replied and I blinked.

"A house fire?" The man nodded and craned his head.

"Over there, Hroggar's house," he replied and I looked at the house wearily. "Folk think the house is haunted or something like that. Nonsense, but no one is willing to check it out. Our own guard are filled with superstition."

"How did the house fire start?" I asked and he shrugged.

"If you want to help, you can ask the Jarl," he offered and I nodded.

"I think I do want to help," I agreed and he led me into the warm hall. The Jarl was sitting in her chair, her head in her hands. The woman was rather old and she seemed to be plagued with something, like something was really weighing her down.

"Who walks here?" she asks without looking up and I straightened.

"Um, Snow from the Dawnguard," I told her and she looked through her wrinkled fingers at me. She blinked and rolled her hand for me to continue. "Oh! Well, I thought you would want to have some help with that house fire," I said and she straightened suddenly.

"Truly?" she asked and I nodded.

"I'd love to help," I told her and she smiled.

XXX

I walked towards the house, wondering where Graysling and that woman went, hoping that he was alright. I didn't like getting separated from one of the two friends I had and I felt the need to drag him out of whatever hole he was hiding in. Thinking of Graysling and his personality, a horrible idea came to my mind when I thought of the term 'hole' and I crinkled my nose in disgust. "Gross," I muttered and humming made me stop dead in my tracks.

It was a little girl. "Agni?" I whispered and the humming continued. It couldn't be the…no it was definitely Agni, she wanted to play outside anyway. I grabbed the hilt of my sword and slowly entered the burnt building. "By the almighty shit…" I gawked and a little girl was humming to herself, bouncing on her heels and toes. She turned to me and gasped herself, as if I was the ghost.

"Is my father with you?" she asked me and I blinked a couple times. Her father?

"Is your father Hroggar?" I asked and she nodded furiously.

"Father says I shouldn't talk to strangers," she said and looked at her feet, "are you a stranger?" I licked my lips and shook my head.

"No, I'm a friend," I told the little girl and she smiled. "Is your name Helgi?" I asked and she nodded again. "Well, Helgi, I need to ask you a question," I told her and she nodded once again.

"Okay," she answered and I felt pity slowly take in. This poor little girl.

"What happened to you? Did-did your father set this fire?" I asked and she scrunched her eyebrows in concentration.

"It was really hot, so I hid and then I was cold," she told me mysteriously and I opened my mouth to ask another question, but she got to me first. "Do you want to play a game?" she asked and I thought back to Agni.

"If I play with you will you tell me who set the fire?" I asked and she nodded. The little girl furrowed her eyebrows and pouted.

"We have to wait 'til tomorrow to play the game because the other one likes playing too!" she explained to me and I blinked. The other one? Could it be that woman from before?

"What other one?" I asked her and she brought her finger to her lip and shushed me.

"I can't tell you," she shook her head furiously, "She might hear us, she's so close," the little girl told me and her body just disappeared into a ghostly mist. That other one made me nervous. Who could want to 'play' with her anyway? She's a ghost! But maybe if I confronted her I'd be able to find out more about this house fire. And who killed that little girl. Pain struck in my hand and I looked down to see a trickle of blood dripping onto the floor. I opened my hand to see deep crescent moon marks on my palm. That little girl did not deserve to die.

I know my mission here is to find the moth priest, I know that is more important than this right now. But if Graysling can fool around with a woman, I can find justice in a town.

XXX