Blood Moon Rising part 2

-Northwest edge of Whiterun Hold-

Slowly but steadily the two rode over the roads to the north of Rorikstead. Both of them were clad in dark cloak with a hood. Underneath that, she wore light, flexible armour, with sturdy gloves. He wore different clothes, as he was clad in sturdy clothing, but with plated steel on his shins and lower arms. Both wore this when they would go on longer journeys, as it offered protection, and yet did not restrained any movement. They knew they were nearing the Reach, and thus getting closer to Forsworn camps. But neither of them feared the Forsworn. It was the Forsworn that needed to fear them.

They had passed Rorikstead not too long ago, but they didn't stay there for the night, but instead rode on. And now, as the night was falling they rode silently, next to each other. Far in the distance they could see small lights flickering.

'A Forsworn camp.' Tarrion thought.

They decided to stop and seek cover for the night under a large overhanging rock and make a small camp there. They tied the horses to a nearby tree and leaned against the rocks. As he looked at her he could see her eyes slightly glowing. He found them beautiful and calming, and every time he looked in them he saw love.

"Are you sure about this Falion guy?" Serana asked.

"I am." he nodded.

"And you know for sure that he knows what he is doing?"

"Yes, I do." he nodded again.

"Alright, if you say so…"

Tarrion could hear the hesitation in her voice, and he thought he understood why. It was not something trivial what Serana was about to do. It was something life-changing.

Last week the two of them had a long conversation about her. Serana had explained to Tarrion what she felt, and Tarrion explained to her that it was completely normal for her to feel conflicted. And he had offered her a possible solution.

Serana was not sure anymore if she wanted to remain a Vampire. All her life she had been a creature of the night, and a part of her wanted to stay that way. It was the only life she knew and remembered and she could not deny that her Vampirism had saved her on too many occasions, not to consider it. She knew that she was what she was, a Pure Blooded Vampire, in heart and soul. And yet, during the last few months, a small part of her started to want something different, and that part had become stronger and stronger almost every single day. That part, that started only small, now shouted in her to become human again. To give her Vampirism up…. become mortal… to really live once again. She had ignored it for as long as she could, but no longer. She knew that she would have to make a choice, even if it were only to end her own impasse. But it was more than that. She wanted to make a choice… she wanted to know for herself what she truly wanted… which side she would pick… who she truly was.

Tarrion had listened to her for hours, only nodding and mumbling when he understood. He had listened to her as she explained, let her rage as she felt her anger boil up, and comforted her when her emotions became too much. She had poured her heart out to him and he had listened to every word she had said, trying to understand her as best he could, until finally, after she explained everything, he had offered her advice and a possible solution.

"I know of only one man that might be able to help you with this." he had said. "His name is Falion. He is a powerful wizard who lives in Morthal."

"How can he help me then?" she had asked him.

"Falion is an expert when it comes to Vampires, and he even knows of a way for Vampires to become human again. He has studied Conjuration magics for longer and more than anyone else in Skyrim, and he even claims to have met with Dwemer. He can help a Vampire to become human again, and he knows what that will mean for that person. He knows the consequences of that choice and what it will do. If anyone can help you to better understand your choice… it is him."

Serana had long thought about those words and ultimately she decided that she would meet this Falion. She discussed it with Tarrion and he decided to go with her, but she initially turned him down.

"I know you want to come with me, and I'm glad that you do, but… this is something that I must do alone. I'm sorry but… I just have to do this… for myself."

In the end, Tarrion promised to help her to get to Morthal, but would then return home, where he would wait for her. And so, after another day, they left for Morthal. They grabbed two horses and now journeyed to the north, to the hold of Hjaalmarch. The journey would take long but neither of them was in a hurry. Serana took her time and wrestled with her thoughs, and Tarrion would be with her, and help where he could.

They both sat close to each other, but they did not light a fire, as it would only attract unwanted attention, and so they waited. Tarrion had his eyes closed as he tried to sleep, and Serana tore a few grass blades from the ground only to drop them again.

"Tarrion?"

"Hmm?" he answered and he opened his eyes.

"I… I don't know how long this will take… but… what will you do?"

"What will I do when?"

"While I… do my business in Morhtal, what will you do? Will you wait back at home, staying there with bated breath?"

Tarrion chuckled. "Acutally…. I, eh…. There is something that I wanted to do. I wanted to ask you but, I guess I forgot about everything else for now."

"What will you do then?"

"Well.." Tarrion hesitated and he scratched his head. "I do have to ask your permission for this…. Because… my plan is to go to Castle Volkihar."

Serana furrowed her brow in surprise. "What? Why?"

"Well…. With your father gone…. Do you think we should let Valerica know?"

Serana had no answer to this. It was true that without Harkon, Serana's mother Valerica could come back from the Soul Cairn. Serana had completely forgotten about it and now thought about it. It came a bit as a shock, that she forgot about her own mother, but after reconsidering again, she knew it wasn't that strange.

"I'm sorry, Serana." Tarrion said quickly. "I know I should have asked you sooner. I… I'm sorry. Maybe we should talk about this after all this is over."

But Serana shook her head. "No… I understand. We have indeed never even thought about it. I… I don't know what we should do."

She looked at him. In the dark she could see him perfectly, and she saw the worry and concern on his face.

"Do you think we should let her know?"

Tarrion took a deep breath before he answered. "If I may be so honest…. I think yes. After all that has happened in your family…. I think it is time for something good to happen. Valerica has stayed trapped in that accursed place for centuries…. So I think, for once something good can happen, for her as well."

Serana felt a slight smile appear on her face. Tarrion's voice was hesitant and yet resolved. She saw that he wanted the best for her, and even for her mother. She saw someone that cares, Vampire or not.

"Thank you." she said and she came sitting next to Tarrion, placing her head on his shoulder. She felt safe with him, and as he wrapped one arm around her, she felt his warmth again.

He gently caressed her arm and she lay her head in his lap, looking up at him and the stone walls. He gently played with her hair and she felt his warm hand against her cheek. It felt soothing, and she quickly felt her eyes grow heavy, and after a while she fell asleep.

-The next day-

After a short walk they reached a crossroads. Three roads came together here, and a small sign gave directions to the major towns that were nearby. It read 'Morthal' to the east, 'Solitude' and 'Dragon Bridge' to the north, and 'Rorikstead' to the south. They would split up here, Serana heading east and Tarrion heading north.

Both Tarrion and Serana felt nervous about it and Tarrion felt his heart beating faster as they stepped off their horses. He knew that today might be the last day he would see Serana as a Vampire, even though he knew not if she would indeed become human. Serana still did not know what she really wanted and she still felt two parts of her at war with each other.

"So…." Tarrion said hesitantly. "I guess this is it."

"I guess it is."

Serana knew what he felt, for she felt the same. She knew that today might be the last day she would be with him as a Vampire, and that scared her. Without thinking twice she grabbed Tarrion and hugged him. He wrapped his arms around her and she was lifted up. She felt his warm body pressed against her own skin as she pressed her face in his neck. This was likely the thing she would miss the most. His warm touch and the heat of his body had always exited her and it did the same now.

"Are… are you sure you don't want a last sip of my blood?" he asked.

"Yes…" she said and she kissed his neck.

They stood there for a few moments until they let go of each other.

"Just… be safe, alright."

"I will be. And… you look after yourself too."

Serana took a step backwards, and Tarrion wanted to say so many things to her. He wanted to tell her that he loved her… that she didn't need to do this… that, no matter what happens, he would be there for her… but he knew it would not make a difference, for she knew already. Serana nodded one last time and mounted her horse and headed eastward, while Tarrion stayed behind. The sun was rising in the east and she donned her hood, blocking the painful rays.

Tarrion watched as she disappeared in the distance and he felt conflicted. Half of him wanted to run after her, while the other half said 'no'. He knew this was a journey she had to make for herself, and he could not help her with it. He sighed again, letting it go, and mounted his horse. He took one last glance before giving his horse the spurs and headed north.

He rode fast, feeling his blood boil in his veins and he did not stop until he was far away from the crossroads where he left Serana. In full gallop he rode past lone camps and a courier had to step off the road to avoid being trampled by him. It wasn't until many miles later and the north-eastern mountains came closer when he reined in his horse. He followed the road further northeast and after a while, when the sun started to climb down he saw the town of Dragon Bridge in the distance. From where he stood, the massive stone bridge was only a small line across the massive chasm and the river below.

As Tarrion followed the road he noticed how the sky was darkening. Dark clouds came in from the west and he knew that he had to move before it would burst, and he donned his hood. His horse was panting as well and so Tarrion took it easy. He decided to rest at the Four Shields Tavern, the inn in the middle of the town.

A small hour later he crossed the large bridge that was built over the ravine, and he slowly rode into town. He saw a small group of Imperial soldiers standing near end of the bridge and he was approached by one of them.

"Hold there! Who are you and what is your business in Dragon Bridge?"

Tarrion said nothing but simply removed his hood, and the soldier immediately saw who he was.

"Forgive me thane. I did not see it was you."

"Don't worry about it." Tarrion said. "I will rest at the inn and I'll be gone as soon as the night falls."

The soldier made a small bow and let Tarrion through. As he rode past the houses he always had the feeling that there were more soldiers than citizens in Dragon Bridge, but that was not unusual. The town was home to the only Penitius Occulatus outpost in Skyrim, and so there would always be an Imperial presence in the town. But a part of him told Tarrion that it felt a bit different this time. There was nobody outside, and even if there were, they would only be out for a few seconds before running back inside.

As Tarrion approached the tavern he saw that it was mostly empty, for there were no horses stabled outside. He found this strange, but that was only for a few moments. As soon as he stabled his horse, and walked into the tavern he saw that the tavern was abandoned.

"Where is everybody?"

-Hjaalmarch-

She slowly followed the road, lost in thought and her horse almost rode without her knowing. It simply followed the paved road wherever it lead, for it was clear that its rider had her mind on other things. She was in no rush and it wasn't until a few hours later that she reached a fork in the road. The one lead to the north, to an old fortress, and the other lead further eastward. On these small moments Serana pulled the reins and made her horse go right, before sinking back into her own thoughts. She hardly noticed how the skies were darkening and how dark, grey clouds slowly blotted out the burning sun. Only when she fully rode in the shadows of the clouds did she look up and was she finally able to pull herself back to the here and now.

"Stop right there!"

Serana looked to her left and she saw two figures walking toward her. The one that spoke had a large war hammer in his hands and his voice sounded deep and raw.

'An Orc' she thought.

The other character was a bit smaller than the orc but not much smaller and seemed to be human, and by his size he seemed to be a Nord, as Nords had a larger build than most other humans.

"Look at this, Orog!" Serana heard the man say. "It seems it is our lucky day. A young woman… and she's all alone."

"It seems so." the Orc answered and he grabbed the reins. "Are you lost, my dear? Where are you heading?"

Serana stayed calm and showed no emotion. She was surprised that neither of them had seen her eyes glow, but it was not night time just yet. She assumed her eyes did not glow bright enough to be noticeable during the day.

The Orc had stopped her horse while the Nord searched for any valuables.

"If you are looking for money or anything of value, then you are wasting your time." Serana said calmly. "I have nothing of value on me."

This was true, except for a small pouch with money to pay for hay to feed her horse. But this was hidden underneath her robes.

"Maybe," the Orc said. "but I don't believe you. I have to ask you to dismount."

Serana had no intention of doing that, but since the Orc had grabbed the reins she couldn't go anywhere, and she also knew that she could defend herself better if she were on foot. And so she pretended to obey the Orc and dismounted. She sensed how the man behind her was eyeing her, and it made her sick to her stomach.

"I will give you one chance." she said. "Leave now, and do not come back. If you stay, or lay one finger on me, you both die."

"Is that so?" the man behind her asked. "I'm afraid you picked a bad time to get lost." and he took a step toward her.

"Wrong." Serana said. "You picked the wrong one to rob."

She turned around and her eyes flared as she bared her teeth. The man saw her eyes glow and the fangs in her mouth and his skin went pale. He staggered backward and pointed at her with a trembling finger.

"Vampire!" he screamed, but before he could say anything else, Serana's dagger had slit his throat. His Orc friend grabbed his hammer, but before he lifted it, Serana had turned around and thrusted her dagger through his mouth. The Orc fell to the ground with a shocked expression on his face and his blood stained the road.

Serana looked at the two dead bodies lying on the ground, and she felt no pity for them, but she regretted what happened. As she cleaned her dagger and mounted her horse again, she felt like she was back to where it all began. Back to the root of her predicament and the main reason why she felt so conflicted. Her Vampirism had allowed her to defend herself once again, yet it was also the reason why she had to defend herself. Maybe without her Vampirism things would have been different for her, and she wouldn't be here.

She rode on and tried to understand it all better, but after another hour she was no closer to understanding it. She still did not know what she wanted, and she was slowly nearing Morthal. She knew that she could find Falion there, and that he could 'cure' her of her Vampirism, but she did not know if she wanted that. Slowly a few raindrops fell on her hood and mere moments later the rain was pouring from the skies. The weather now agreed with her mood. She decided not to extend her waiting and gave her horse the spurs.

She rode through the night, and although she felt how her horse began to tire. But she did not care. She wanted to reach Morthal as soon as possible, and end this impasse. She rode past an old shack and over a bridge. She rode through a small forest where snow lay on the ground and the branches. The road began to climb up and on her right high mountains raised up. She saw a small patrol but she rode past them.

It wasn't until many miles later when she finally reined her horse in. It was panting and Serana felt the heat that came from it. She knew that she couldn't get to Morthal in one day and she decided to look for a good place to stay. The darkness was all around her, but with her Vampire eyes, it was no bother for her. She saw everything, including a small fire that was lit far to the right side of the road, near the mountain slopes. She did not want to see what it was about, but since she wanted to stay the night as well, it was wise to know who was out there.

She carefully walked toward the light of the fire and she saw a small tent made form hides, with the fire in front of the entrance. If she were on her own she would be able to near the tent and sit by the fire without a making a sound, but now her horse made enough noise for the person inside the tent to hear them. Serana knew that her approach was no longer unnoticed and she sensed how the person slowly grabbed something. When Serana neared the fire, a small sound flew past her ear, and with her reflexes she saw that it was an arrow.

"Who is out there?! Announce yourself or the next one will be between your eyes!"

Serana froze. She had recognized the voice.

"Wait…. Aela?"

=End of Chapter=

=Author's Notes=

And that is it for chapter 2. I do hope you like it so far. The story does split up here. One part follows Serana, the other follows Tarrion. It is the first time I do this, so I hope I'm doing it right.

Stay tuned for the next chapter.