An: Sorry if this chapter came rather late. The holiday week kept me pretty distracted, as did all my work and school woes. Anyway, thank you to everyone reading, following and reviewing. You guys keep me going! It is very encouraging to see such a positive response to my work :). Also I have a little twist I am curious to see your reaction to, so some feedback is much appreciated. Now, enough of my babbling, on with the story!

Elvi was left standing at the main table, not knowing what to say or do. A million and one possibilities were running through her head, most which did not end well. If she was expected to just sit patiently and await for one of them to return well..she just couldn't abide. She had to know why Serana wanted to come back to the castle. It's not like she could really desire to return to her father's good graces, and she had confessed that the castle had stopped feeling like 'home' centuries before her long sleep. Elvi had this feeling in the pit of her stomach, that suggested Harkon wasn't going to be ready to forgive his daughter. Not after she abandoned him a total of three times now. What was she supposed to do? Feeling far to uneasy to even pretend to remain the quiet and well behaved solider she walked towards the corridor she had seen them walk down. Taking a quick look over her shoulder to make sure she wasn't being watched to carefully. Last thing she needed was for one of the Volkihar vampires, to snitch and tell Harkon that she had quickly followed after him and Serana when they left. Assuming that they had retreated to Harkon's chambers, Elvi contemplated what to do now. It's not like she could knock on the door and say "Oh don't mind me, I'll just be sitting over here in the corner." She noticed that just before you got to Harkon's chambers there was a decorative gargoyle hanging on the wall. She judged the distance between it and the door then concluded that would be the perfect spot to listen in on their conversation without doing the obvious and pressing her ear against the door.

Only she was sure she would look ridiculous if she was spotted standing on top of a gargoyle statue and not only that but it would be obvious what she was doing. If only there was a way she couldn't be seen! Then it clicked with her. That's it! Her vampire...power...thingy! She had almost forgotten that she could turn invisible which she thought was a dumb power to begin with, but now she was very thankful for it. Trying her best to concentrate she was surprised with how easy it was this time. Without wasting anymore time she jumped, grabbed the gargoyles neck then pulled herself up. Believe it or not it was extremely difficult for Elvi to find her balance atop a wall decoration. She prayed silently that it could hold her weight long enough without it crashing to the floor. Once she was stable she pressed the side of her face to the wall. Focusing only on her hearing and nothing else, yet all she heard from the room was silence.

Inside Harkon's chamber's Serana and he continued to stare daggers at one another. The few fond feelings Serana held for her father had vanished now that she knew the truth. She wanted to believe that he wouldn't kill her for the sake of the prophecy, letting her blood taint the ancient weapon, but he proved each and every night that he was not the father she once knew. This man...he would. He would destroy everyone and everything that got in his way. In his eyes she had stopped being his daughter long ago. The only time she would be of worth to him again, was when he found out her place in the prophecy. After the two only stared at each other, Serana raised an eyebrow impatiently. Expecting to hear a long condescending speech by now. Harkon took a single step towards her in response to this.

"I am awaiting an apology Serana. I think after all your rebellions against me, I am owed that much. So, did your mortal companions abandon you or have you finally come to your senses? I assume only one of those two outcomes could have occurred in order for you to return here." At his words Serana felt the fury only he could bring out in her flow through her veins. She really shouldn't have been surprised but his audacity stung freshly across her skin as a sharpened knife would. That same knife would see her drained of her blood for his purpose. Yet to demand an apology? Now she started to understand why Elvi stayed in her cage as long as she had, when she was tasked with the same objective.

"Am I not welcome in the place I have called home for countless centuries?" Serana fired back, crossing her arms. Trying to recall a time the two of them could speak to each other without the bitter resentment that hung in the air.

"That remains to be seen." Harkon too crossed his arms as he narrowed his eyes at his daughter. He knew she would return eventually but he assumed that time would only come when the sun had been shrouded at last. His heart was lifted slightly knowing she was well, only for it to become heavy once again when he saw the look in her eyes. He had seen that very look in her mother's eyes to often to not know it's meaning. He could have forced Serana back the same night he had captured Elvi, but he knew it was pointless. She would just leave again whenever she deemed it necessary and probably try and take Elvi with her. That he could not allow. He wasn't going to be without both of them.

"Of course. There's always some sort of price to pay, or a punishment when it comes to you. What do you plan on doing, father? Am I to be punished? Exiled? Trust me father, you can't hurt me anymore then you already have. So don't hold back on my account."

"I have brought you pain and misery? Have you ever asked yourself how your actions make me feel? What awful positions you put me in? No, I am only the enemy in your eyes, aren't I Serana? Not your father, not the man that has stood beside you since the moment of your birth."

"Stood beside who?" Serana questioned and on the other side of the wall, Elvi held her breath. She didn't like this. She hated it, as a matter of fact. She cared very deeply for both of them, and hearing two people so close to your heart tearing each other a part was painful.

"How dare you." Harkon stated in a low and almost inaudible hiss. Elvi worried if her presence was known or not because even with a thick wall separating them, she could still feel Harkon's anger and disappointment. "Harbor whatever pathetic grudge you will for me, but do not stand there and claim I haven't been there for you! That I have never provided for you! Were it not for me, you would have perished countless times before now! Were it not for me, you wouldn't have the very clothes on your back!"

"And were it not for you, I would still have my family."

"Don't start." Harkon warned. "Your mother is the reason our family is divided. If she wanted to leave, she was free to. Trust me, I made that very clear to her each and every time she threatened it, The only stipulation being that you remained in the castle with me. Instead she decides to turn my only daughter against me and take you away. So stop blaming me for the division in this family! She is far more at fault then I am. All I have been trying to do, is free us from our greatest weakness. To have our family back where it belongs in it's seat of power. I despise having my daughter being forced to hide away from the world, from the sun. I strive to free us from this prison of mediocrity and indifference, yet I find I get damned."

"Go ahead, father. Blame mother for my views, blame her for our family's separation. I know reason escaped you long ago." Though Elvi could not see it Serana was taking daring steps towards Harkon, and she didn't stop until she was inches away from him.

"Do you remember the words I spoke to you, the night you captured Elvi for the first time? The night I told you I would never forgive you for turning her? I plan on sticking to that very statement. You can't pass off the blame on anyone else, that was something you chose to do despite how I or even she felt, so reap the repercussions."

Harkon clenched his fist and let out a long exhale of breath. This had to stop. He couldn't keep worrying himself over his daughter's rebellious attitude and most importantly he couldn't keep having these same arguments repeatedly. He had far to many concerns on the horizon to keep a watchful eye on his daughter as constantly as it was needed. Something he shouldn't have to worry about to begin with. Eventually Valerica's influence would fade from time but he lost his patience for it. In anger he covered his face with his hand and hissed another sigh. Did all father's have these kinds of woes from their daughters? He wondered if he had a son instead, would things have went more smoothly for him? Before he spat out his next insult Serana caught a troubling sight. Was that...a different ring on his finger? She could understand finally riding himself of his wedding band but why wear a ring on that hand at all...?

"You cannot accept authority, can you daughter?" Harkon asked, not allowing Serana to contemplate the oddity on his hand any longer. He was almost chuckling to himself. He supposed that trait very well could have been inherited from him. It was obvious that he was not exactly the type to take orders or direction either. Alas, it just had to be thrown back at him ten fold, didn't it?

"And you cannot accept the truth." Serana shot back snidely. How they could play this game until the end of time. She even considered taking a seat, because they could actually be at this for awhile.

"But what is truth? The very definition lacks certainty. We both have truths, are yours the same as mine?" At that the room was filled with the dreaded silence once again. Harkon searched his daughter for some kind of sign. Something that could tell him what exactly was needed for her to become more compliant. When he found none he continued,

"What do you want Serana?" Harkon asked. Only to watch his daughter roll her eyes in response. Serana hated how he would try and simplify everything. As if he could just hand her something like a new dress to make her happy and obedient again. When she turned on her heel to go somewhere else, anywhere else, just away from him, she felt his hand grip her arm. Not strong enough to hurt her, but enough to keep her in place, which was just as infuriating. When she turned her head back to face Harkon she didn't even try to keep her anger hidden. Before she could seize her arm back he continued "Seriously Serana. What do you want?"

"You know what I want." Serana said viciously. Breaking from her father's grip to pace back and forth in front of him. Harkon watched her movements like a hawk. Unsure if she was going to react violently or not. The two of them had yet to engage in any physical altercations and if he had it his way it would remain so, but if she thought he wouldn't reciprocate if she decided to lash out at him in this way, she was gravely mistaken. It was more...troubling then he ever cared to admit to see his only child look at him with such hatred. To know the two of them could only speak venomously to each other. There was some sort of resolution that could fix this but she had to be willing to cooperate in order for that to ever happen.

"All I want, all I have ever wanted is to be with my family. That option has been taken from me. Accept, that I do not support you in this god awful plight of yours. Accept that you are the reason for my misery and most of all accept that you think only of you in every step you take. Maybe then Father, we could find peace in each others presence."

A irritatingly long silence irrupted in the room for the hundredth time and Elvi wanted to shout from the other side of the wall for one of them to say something! Anything! She wondered if she would be able to console either of them after this. She also wondered if Serana would remain in the castle long enough for her to attempt to. She suddenly felt like she was caught in the middle of a feud concerning two people that meant a lot to her. That feeling only intensified when Harkon finally spoke. Clicking his tongue and narrowing his eyes once again at Serana.

"Why can't we be a family?"

Serana raised her head slightly at his words. The way he emphasized 'we' made her leery. Knowing he had to mean something other then just the two of them.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Why can't we be a family? You, Elvi and I?" Harkon asked and Serana looked at him as if he had maggots crawling all over him. Harkon smirked at seeing this. He had to stifle a chuckle that wanted to escape him. It wasn't as ludicrous as she thought after all. When one accepts immortality far stranger things occurred then this.

"Come now, one of us was bound to mention her at length. I do not doubt your intelligence Serana. I'm sure you have come to realize that she and I have a far more intimate relationship then any I have had after your mother. I don't care your opinion on it, nor will anything alter it. Elvi may have been reluctant in the beginning but now she is how she was always meant to be. Whether you realize it or not, she is finding a peace unlike anything she has ever felt before. One she could not have experienced if she had remained the Divine driven crusader. So why beholden me for turning her, if she is happy? That is why you hold the hatred you have for me in your heart, is it not? That is your claim. So answer me Serana. Why can't the three of us be a family of our own? Does your mother's absence strip the right and title of being your father from me?"

"If Elvi had came to you asking for the dark gift or accepted your offer the first time you asked her then perhaps that could be a possibility. Only everything is tainted with your selfish act. Would you have let her die father? Or was that just another way to make her feel miserable? Forcing her to accept it, or die. And yes, no matter what you do, no matter how much chaos and misery you inflict upon this world, you are still my father. Nothing can change that. Even now when I feel the most disgust I have ever felt in your presence, I still love you." Why was that so painful to say? Why did it feel like countless daggers were being plunged in the center of her heart? She feared her father in the past, she had to be true to herself about that. After knowing her place in the prophecy...she was terrified of him. The very idea of her own father willingly taking her life, so he could have his eternal darkness shattered her heart into pieces as if it were made of glass. They had never been really close, but he was her father and the few times they had lived in harmony were among the happiest moments of her life. She wondered if in his insane and bloodthirsty mind he could recall those times.

"How kind of you." Harkon hissed in a low voice. Rather tired of such words as 'disgust' being thrown out, concerning him. He was doing nothing wrong. Other weaker vampires would bow at his feet whilst begging to be called one of his own once he accomplished his goal. She could be a princess in this new and glorious world but she couldn't look past her fears to see it. Had he ever let his family down before? No, he hadn't. He had always provided the very best for them. Now they turn from him. In a time he needed their support the most, but no, neither of them cared about his thoughts on the matter. No one cared about the pain they inflicted on him. He spent...so long awake and alive, alone. Abandoned, rejected by the family he fought so hard to preserve. The only breath of life that had been breathed into his body was his Elvi.

"And yes Serana, my intention was to let Elvi die, in fact if everything had gone according to my plans she would be dead. I wanted her to suffer, I can admit to that. That was before I knew her. Before I heard my blood coursing through her veins, before I felt her emotions in my body. I do not need to justify anything to you, but if it eases your mind I can confess that my progeny is very dear to me."

"Liar."

Elvi placed her hand on her forehead then began to massage her brow. Hoping the tension would ease as she did so. She knew she should probably leave, especially when her own name was mentioned as often as it was. It was the polite thing to do, right? Only that nagging curiosity and the chance to know how Harkon truly felt about her kept her put. But it was just one harsh lash after another in that room and Elvi honestly didn't know where she stood. She had decided to stay out of it since she was sure that all their nasty words to each other came from endless years of pent up aggression...well it had to come out at some point. She knew that much, personally. She just hated that she could do nothing but sit back and watch this without being able to help. Well...sit back and listen more or less. Now...she could feel Harkon's rage through the thick brick wall. As she also heard his heavy and angered foot steps towards Serana.

"Excuse me?" it was pure acid. His softened voice the lowest she had ever heard from him, which made Elvi fearsome for Serana. She even changed her position on the gargoyle so that she could jump down to her feet and bust into the room if there was call for it.

"You heard me." Another new volume and tone was heard in Serana's voice. It was thick and heavy with malice. Elvi was rather impressed that not even a quiver of fear was heard in it.

"If you really cared about Elvi, if she was as dear to you as you claim you would have never hurt her. Mother had wronged you far more often, and in more drastic ways but what would you do? Nothing. You would argue, yell, then avoid each other like a disease. Yet Elvi get's the lash? I know what you have done, father and it makes me sick. The burn on her chest is another constant reminder of your crimes. She may one day forgive you for it but as sure as I am standing here I promise you, I won't. So you can lie to her, and you can even lie to yourself but you can't lie to me! This facade of care, companionship and love only makes this harder on her. So drop the act father. You have proven on more then one occasion that the ruthless Volkihar Lord does not give love or share power."

It felt good to get her true feelings on her best friend's and her fathers relationship out at long last. She had to remind herself that she absolutely had to stay in this castle, at least for a little while to find her mother's secret laboratory but it was becoming almost impossible to keep it all to herself. She knew no real resolution would miraculously happen between the two of them so in the end it was pointless to even have this dreadful conversation. Now she had to wait for him to spout out his demands, pretend she agreed, then everything would go back to normal. What she did not expect on the other hand was what happened next. Harkon turned his back to her as he strode over to his throne by the fireplace. He leaned on it slightly and Serana watched his shoulders relax, which was odd enough but the words that came next was all the more alarming.

"Do you think I am unaware of my own flaws, Serana?" for the first time since they had entered his chambers Harkon's voice resembled something close to his normal speaking one. Serana was unsure what to take from that.

"I know I am cold. I know I am ruthless. It is my nature, something that I cannot fight. I am also aware that any love that I have to offer is a selfish, demanding and maybe even a silent one. That does now mean I am incapable of love however. I am very demanding of Elvi, I have to be. I do what is necessary for the obedience that I require. It is not something I always enjoy, but it is something that has to be done nonetheless. Answer me this Serana, do you not wish for me to be happy? Am I meant to walk this world alone because your mother left me? Did you think that I would never find happiness or comfort in another woman?"

He kept his back to her as he asked her his series of loaded question. Making Serana all the more furious.

"This has nothing to do with your happiness father. I just do not understand why you had to find such things in the only being I can call friend."

"Yes, I see your perspective but it was not intentional on my end. I didn't scheme ways to steal your confidant from you but it's not as though I plan on altering my course simply because you are close to her or because you dislike it. So for the last time I will ask you, if you are fond of Elvi why can't the three of us be a family?" He turned around to face her before she could answer.

"You are my daughter Serana. I want what is best for you just as much as I want the best for myself, and I believe fulfilling this prophecy will bring our family to prosperity. It's not just about me. I won't keep fighting with you on this matter. I have heard your concerns as well as desires. Whether you believe it or not, you too are very dear to me, Serana. I will not let anyone hurt you if it means I have to destroy the armies of men single-handedly. We will not be as easily over thrown as you suspect. I realize we have not resembled a family for a very long time, and I will take responsibility for my part in it, but my family has seen harder times then this and I have seen us through it haven't I? Now, are you willing to let me do so again or is our family truly lost. I will leave that up to you. I can wipe the slate clean one final time, but it is the final time. I have three requirements that you must follow in order to remain in this castle. You will not leave without my consent. You will cease your attempts to stop or hinder my plans in any and all matters. Most importantly you will not conspire to turn Elvi against me and you defiantly will not be taking her from me. I have made astounding progress with her, and I won't have you mucking it up with your rebellious tendencies. If you defy any of these orders you will be exiled from this castle, as you will be from my life. If I punished you all that would do is fuel your actions further. I know you Serana. So the only option is complete exile. I do not desire this outcome but as I stated I always do what is needed to be done for the betterment of my kind. I love you Serana, only I have someone else that carries my blood as you do. Both of you are my family. I want you to be a part of that family, but I will not force you to be. If you break from me, you will become just another threat."

Serana knew this was her opening to just nod her head and agree, but it was so aggravating. The way he continued to act as though Elvi was something he truly cared for made her see red. He had already shown he couldn't care the slightest bit about her. Now he is claiming Elvi to be family? Serana smiled bitterly. Vilkas could be a jerk. His stubbornness knew no bounds but all that aside, she knew he would never hurt Elvi. She wished her father's hold on her would cease to be so she could see Vilkas a little more clearly. This was the man she had been torn up about for so long after all. She could have the relationship that she chose were it not for him. No matter...the way Serana was beginning to see this whole dark ordeal was like this, it was either her or him. He was right about one thing, they couldn't continue their confrontation. Not if she really wanted to stop him. To do that she had to fall back into the same pattern of negligence and slipping into the background. Not that he would even notice if she remained in the castle or not, he just wanted her there so he could feel like he was in control. Which is what he always wanted. Control. Swallowing all the bitter feelings she decided to approach the situation the best way she knew how, without handing over to him the complete control he desired. It was challenging to hold her current mind frame the longer she was in her father's presence. How long...how long had it been since she had heard him say aloud that he loved her? Even if it was followed by a threat, which was classic him. She reminded herself of everything he had done, and that he would see her dead in order to further his deeper desires for power. Yet those words buzzed throughout her head as she looked into his eyes. She of course loved him too, that's why this was so damn hard.

"I don't intend to interfere further, father. I know it is fruitless, but can you blame me? My fears, my concerns are very real. I know you have protected as well as provided for me as long as I can remember. You needn't remind me of that. Did you ever consider my defiance of you was my way of trying to protect our family? This prophecy is something that we barely understand. You have obsessed over it for so long, I am frightened that if we see it complete you will go to far. I also believe we as vampires are meant to live in the shadows. It's what has preserved our kind for generations. With that said no matter who's wrong or right I meant what I said. I can accept your terms, and I know the consequences if I disobey. I really do hope...we never have to break from one another."

Harkon looked upon her for what felt like hours. Especially to the unknowing Elvi's whose legs were going numb from her crept position on top of the wall decoration. Well at least they were able to kind of...resolve their issues peacefully. When she took a quick glimpse down at herself she realized that she was still invisible. Wow...that was unexpected. Father and daughter had to have been arguing for almost an hour now. Well, she wasn't going to question it. Any advantage she held, she'd be thankful for. Harkon sighed, as if he had found whatever it was that he was looking for in his daughter's eyes. He wanted to believe that Serana was sincere, but that feeling in his gut told him that she still couldn't be trusted. Despite this...he could give her one final chance.

"Very well, I can accept that. Considering it is the closest thing to an apology that I will receive. You would do well to heed my warnings, Serana. Now that we have said our peace, let's move forward from the past. I know you are uncertain still, but that's okay. You will see very soon, that I was always in the right."

So there it was. The false sense of security that tainted the air between the pair. Neither putting their entire trust in the other, and Serana doubted they ever would. She would have to walk on egg shell's around him, and his entire court for a good while if she was going to be able to get to the courtyard and find her mother's secret laboratory. The pieces to the moon dial were actually hidden in the castle it's self or else she may have tried to sneak around the castle as she and Elvi had when all the bigger problems started. So she could have avoided all of this but now she could at least be with Elvi again. She wasn't going to let her father have her. He didn't deserve a woman like Elvi in his life, and his corruption wouldn't take over her. Serana would make sure of that. Keeping that in mind...Serana decided to ask one last thing, then leave what was well enough alone, for now.

"Father before I depart to my bedroom and leave you to your business I have to ask you something. I want you to answer this question with honesty. Can you do that?" Serana looked into her father's eyes where she could already see the gears turning in a guarded position. Father never liked discussing his true feelings on anything, but the concept of her being wrong about his real intentions was starting to eat away at her. She couldn't believe he felt anything real or substantial for Elvi, but if he did she wanted to hear a straight answer so that she would judge his response to see just how much truth was hidden behind it. She knew him too, better then anyone else. She'd know of he was lying to her this way. Harkon raised his head slightly just to show he was listening, so Serana thought carefully on how she should word her concerns.

"Elvi...she is your progeny. It is natural for you to feel fond of your own creation. It is natural for her to feel something for you too considering the blood bond. I suppose my question is...what is she to you? One moment you act as though she is your warrior, another you speak as though she is a treasured member of your family. So which is it? Is she your servant or is she something more?" Serana could have shuddered a sigh from the tension that suddenly filled the room. That was very, very troubling. Simply because it was a sign that something real could actually be between Elvi and her father. He wouldn't be putting up the walls of defense that he had expertly crafted if he didn't feel something deeper, he would have just answered by now. His face was blank but those ancient dark eyes were beaming with contemplation. With the anticipation mounting whilst knowing her father would be content to stand with his thoughts for ages, Serana continued her questioning to help him come to his answer.

"I am your daughter. She is your...?"

Serana's question hung in the air and Elvi could not have been pressed against the wall any closer without going through it if she tried. Serana had eloquently asked the very thing that she had been asking herself for sometime now. She was trying to calm the heartbeat in her chest because it was pounding loudly in her ears which could prevent her from hearing his response. She had been desperately pondering this for so long now, she never thought she would hear the actual answer. After another agonizing couple of minutes Elvi almost fell from her hiding place to the floor at hearing his deep whisper. A blunt, simple yet complex answer.

"Everything."

Serana herself had to bite her tongue until it bled in order to keep the unreadable expression on her face. She had not anticipated that response. From his quiet voice down to his guarded stance she knew he was speaking from the heart, which generally left him angry so the scowl on his face was understandable. It was also a typical answer from him. One that could still have more then one meaning. As much as she hated to admit it...she started to think that maybe he actually...

Serana gave a simple nod then turned on her heel to storm out of her father's chambers. If she stayed in there a moment longer she would go insane. All of this was becoming unbearable. Now that she knew that her mother was alive she wanted her to be here with her right now. Giving her the strength she needed to continue. The sound of Serana's footsteps was what broke Elvi out of her thoughts. She couldn't believe what Harkon had said. It was both clear and vague at the same time. What he had confessed was that she was his everything? What did that even mean? Did it mean she meant more to him then anything else in his life, or was it more she was his go to for any and all of his endeavors? Probably the latter if she was practical. When Elvi saw out of the corner of her eye that Serana was getting a good distance away from her she forced her self to return to reality. There was far more important things she needed to be prepare for then her predicament with Harkon. She got down from her hiding spot as quietly as she could and followed Serana. Her light armor must have aided her more then she realized because Serana would have heard her coming already if she was wearing her heavy armor. When Serana slammed her bedroom door shut Elvi barely had time to jump inside before having it slammed in her face. Realizing she was still invisible she let her power fade from her and Serana's startled look at seeing her would have been hilarious, if Elvi hadn't embraced her the very next second.

Serana let out a sigh of relief and hugged her in return. Not knowing if she could ever say goodbye to her again, so hopefully she wouldn't have to. If everything went as she planned they would retrieve the last scroll from her mother, then off to find the bow. When they did come back to the castle it would be...it would be to kill her father. There was no other option. When they parted Elvi gripped her arms and almost shook her in concern.

"What in Oblivion are you doing here Serana?! Did you do it? Was Jayston able to open a portal to Oblivion?" Elvi asked almost frantically. She was still to frazzled to really grip the change of events that was going on around her. Serana looked to the door nervously. They could not slip up this time. If they were caught it would be the death of both of them.

"I don't have time to explain everything right now, we will have to wait until morning or in a better secluded area. Just know that there is a very big reason that I am here, but to answer you...yes we made it." Serana strained her hearing to be sure no one was nearby to hear them, from what she could tell they were in the clear. Elvi placed her hand on her chest and could literally feel the weight of the world being relieved from her shoulders. She should have never doubted Serana or her Companions. They never let her down especially if the safety of Skyrim hung in the balance.

"Divines, you have no idea how good that is to hear. Harkon is very close to finding a way into Oblivion himself. Vingalmo apparently knows a trick that can find the scrolls location, so tell me it is safe. It's not with Vilkas and Farkas is it?!" Elvi's serenity again being interrupted by the cold harsh grip of these dark times. Serana shushed her and looked to the door nervously again. The fear of Harkon finding out anything about Vilkas was very frightening. If he found out that the man was trying to defeat him was one thing...but if he found out just how close he and Elvi had been in the past, there was nothing that could save Vilkas from his wrath. No Divine or Daedra alike. If she had it her way Vilkas' name would never be uttered in this castle in fear that the whisper would reach her father's ears.

"No it's still in the Soul Cain."

"What? Why would you leave it there, you know Harkon won't stop until he reaches Oblivion."

"Like I said Elvi, not now. I will explain everything to you very soon, you just have to trust me, okay?"

Elvi let out a shaky breath to calm herself. She did trust Serana. She trusted Serana more then she trusted anyone else in her life. If she said she had the situation under control then she would put that faith in her. Serana would never steer her in the wrong direction or lie to her. She knew that in her heart.

"Alright, I'm sorry. Just this veil of confusion is making it very difficult to see anything clearly. Please, can you at least tell me where the others are? Are they safe?" Elvi noticed the coy smirk on Serana's face which eased her mind for some reason.

"I'd say they are somewhere on the outskirts of Solitude by now, impatiently looking for the castle. I can guarantee that aren't very happy with me, that's for sure."

"Why's that?"

"Well you know Vilkas. I couldn't bring him here or else he and father would have destroyed half the castle already if not well...you know. Jayston sustained severe injuries when he opened the portal to the Soul Cairn. After we got him to a town to have an expert healer check him out, I kind of...left them there. I placed a note in Vilkas' pack that stated for them to meet me in Solitude in about a week for an update. Figured it was the only way to come here without war breaking out. I'm sure he is furious but I'd rather deal with his fury over father's. Far less...destructive."

Elvi rubbed her temple and sighed. Looked like Vilkas and Serana becoming the best of friends was a more farfetched fantasy then blotting out the sun or becoming mortal again. At least those things were achievable after great effort. What Serana did not realize was, if Vilkas set out to find the castle...he would do just that. She had led them to close to the castle's location for comfort. Eventually she could just imagine both Vilkas and Farkas walking through the main door, demanding her release. If this was true and they were really close to where they were...

"Serana, you have no idea how happy I am to see you, honestly but I need your help. There is something I have to do...something that is stupid and dangerous but it has to be done. I need you to make sure I don't get caught."

Elvi went on to explain her plans and Serana agreed, it was very dangerous. Considering the circumstances she couldn't exactly say it was a stupid idea, but pulling it off would be rather difficult. She thought about it for a little while then smirked at Elvi.

"Leave it to me. No longer then a couple hours though, you hear me? Come, we don't have a second to delay. I didn't show you this particular part of the castle the first time you were here but now I find it quite appropriate." Serana's smirk grew as she led Elvi past her father's chambers to the cathedral. The oldest...and most difficult area in the castle to have the upkeep it so desperately needed.

(xxx)

It was the first time Vilkas had sat down in over twelve hours, and if he had it his way he would have kept searching but his bruised and aching feet wouldn't have it. Nothing could give him comfort now anyway. He'd even turn down a warm and inviting tankard of mead this night were it presented to him. The clever little letter Serana had left for him was rumpled up and clenched into his fist. How dare she? Like they weren't as much a part of this as she was?! Whatever the reasoning was for ditching them, it was inexcusable. He would have some colorful words to express to her whenever he and the bat were face to face once more. Perhaps she didn't know that being a companion his entire life meant he had learned the skill to unnaturally pay attention to detail. If she planned on going around her father's back whilst keeping them in the loop they had to be a fairly close to this vampire's lair, if she was going to leave and return without notice. Serana had told them the blonde male vampire had already backed out of their alliance, so it wasn't as though she led them astray on purpose to keep them confused. That and he doubted that she could get in and out of the Soul Cain in a week's time. She had also mentioned something about an island so therefore all he needed to do was follow the ocean until he had found this damned place. He could see that very ocean in the distance so it was only a matter of time.

When he exhaled he saw his breath leaving his body. Being a Nord he rarely noticed the cold but now with his mind so consumed with his revenge and what was to come he couldn't feel much of anything. Only longing. Longing to see the only girl that could warm his heart and heat his fury in a matter of seconds. He missed Elvi so much, there was a constant ache centered in his chest. A pain that was foreign, but recognizable. He knew if he didn't have her back soon, his heart may literally split in two. Funny how that old saying kept resurfacing to his mind. The one that stated 'You don't know what you have, until it's gone.' How very true that was. He always thought he had time. Time to tell Elvi how he felt, time to come to terms with it himself. In his line of work he really should have known better. He was used to seeing people come and go in this world so many times, sad to say he was numb to death and abandonment. Not with Elvi however. Everyday she had been gone after she left Jorrvaskr the last time, felt like a decade. Like he should be older then he actually was, but considering his stress he was amazed that white or gray wasn't already corrupting his hair. He was a hopeless, love sick little boy now wasn't he? Even now as Farkas slept peacefully in the tent next to him, he took the time of seclusion to write out Elvi's name in the mud underneath his boots with a stick he had found. Thinking it would give him some sort of comfort, but it was only more painful. To think that was the only tangible thing he had left of her, was disheartening.

After some convincing they had talked Jayston into going to Jorrvaskr to be with Aela to keep him safe. As harsh as it was to say, the brilliant scholar was a liability to them now. Even Jayston realized that. They had already had one to many close calls with the man, and Harkon was best left in the dark concerning just how much skill he possessed. He couldn't go home, but he'd be safe in Jorrvaskr. Vilkas gazed up at the ocean in the distance again, but had to do a double take. He stood to his feet and unsheathed his loyal blade on his back. Someone or something was heading in his direction at a fast enough speed that they couldn't possibly be human. How he hoped it was one of the Volkihar vampires that he could beat into revealing their hideout to him. He dropped his sword when the being got closer. Realizing it was in fact a vampire, but the one that currently held his heart firmly in her hands. He couldn't believe it. Had he finally crossed that bridge into insanity? Well if this was a dream he would enjoy it as long as it would last. Retracting his previous thoughts, this was the very thing he needed to feel comfort. He ran at his top speed to meet her, and his heart sung when she all but jumped into his arms. It was real. She was here.

"Thanks the gods I found you." Elvi said softly, out of breath. Mmm...his scent was still the same. She couldn't help but adore it, as she did the feeling of his arms around her. He was safe. He was okay...for now. All to quickly Elvi pulled away from him. Making Vilkas sigh in discontent.

"Vilkas, listen to me I don't have a lot of time. If it is revealed that I have slipped out of the castle again it will be my head. I have come here to beg you to return to Solitude. You can't keep looking for the castle, someone might find you and you defiantly can't enter the castle. Whatever is going on me and Serana can take it from here. I promise I will not leave you out of this but while were under Harkon's watch we need you to stay safe. I can't lose you because of your stubbornness, Vilkas. It would tear me apart." Elvi said in desperation. Trying to keep the tears out of her eyes and the shake in her voice under control. Vilkas frowned. To weary to argue his point but he just couldn't let her go again.

"Please don't go back to that castle. Serana can claim the scrolls while we prepare to destroy that ancient beast once and for all! Please Elvi, I can't keep letting that monster have you. He is going to destroy everything that is so...wonderful about you. Don't let him!" he tried to keep his anger under control because he wasn't going to win her over if all they did was argue while they were together. Elvi rolled her eyes. She did not have time for this!

"I've told you Vilkas he's not going to let me go! If he finds out I left or if I remain gone he will not stop until I am dead. Trust me, he does not handle abandonment well and I would be breaking my oath to him. In his eyes there is no greater betrayal so despite whatever it is he feels for me, he will see me dead for it if it's the last thing he does. Now I am begging you, just go to Solitude and wait for one of us. We will decide then what we should do, then we all can find the bow together. No more separation then, I promise. I won't let you down, we can still beat this damn prophecy."

Vilkas should have been listening closer to her words but he couldn't. To him it was as though he was graced with a very Divine's presence. He couldn't focus on anything other then her beautiful face or whimsical voice. When Elvi realized the way Vilkas was staring at her, she didn't know what to think of it. It wasn't angry, that she could recognize easily especially coming from him. It was almost like he was in a trance or something. Maybe he had been drinking?

"Forgive me..." Vilkas said softly. Taking small steps closer to her. Elvi was about to ask why he needed her forgiveness when she felt...hot lips upon hers. She pulled back in shock but he brought her closer to him. Keeping his arm around her waist as his other hand explored the silk that was her hair. Elvi wanted to pull away again, but how long had she wanted him to do exactly what he was doing? The nostalgia and memories flooded her, and while she remained overwhelmed she began to kiss him back. Carefully at first but when she heard him whimper a sigh she returned the kiss just as passionately. That little voice in Elvi's head must have mustered some courage at long last for it was screaming at her to stop this. The consequences were...extreme. When he broke the kiss to judge her reaction Elvi blinked a couple of times to push past the old feelings that were taking over her judgment.

"Vilkas...we can't...it's to lat-"

"I love you, Elvi. I will never stop fighting for you. I just can't let you go." Vilkas said firmly before reclaiming her lips with his. Elvi closed her eyes, letting her mind turn to mush in his kiss. Her judgment compromised with his warm embrace and love filled kiss.

An: What to do, what to do? What do you think? Did Harkon and Serana's heated argument bring more clarity or confusion? Should she accept her feelings for Harkon or should Vilkas get a second chance? Interested in seeing your thoughts, so leave me some feedback. I appreciate it. :) Thanks for reading!