Chapter 36: The Chantry of Auri-El

Alessia

Alessia didn't see the arrow fly, though she hadn't expected to against the darkened ceiling. Nor did she hear it over the din of wailing Falmer. The effect, however, was detected by all of her senses. There had been a bit of a delay, but the scrolls had been designed that way. At first, Alessia feared that perhaps there wouldn't be enough time from the point the arrow was released to the moment it struck the hanging dwellings high above. Gelebor insisted it would. Trusting to his word, they continued on with the plan.

The explosion of flame and sound was a shock. The light hurt her eyes and the resulting boom echoed throughout the cavern. Fire engulfed the first hanging hut within moments, bringing the burning debris crashing down onto the city below. That section of city also caught fire. The second shot was aimed a bit further away from the first. Alessia had wanted to draw as much attention away from the pens as possible, preferably in multiple places. The third, and last scroll, seemed to fall short its intended target. The scroll detonated before striking the hanging hut. Either way, the blast was close enough to catch some of the hut on fire and knock it from the ceiling.

All in all, their distraction seemed very effective. Panic and chaos took hold of the Falmer, leaving little room for them to be worried about two escaping outsiders. Alessia broke from her hiding spot and sprinted towards the outer city limits. Only a handful of Falmer concerned themselves with her. They fell quickly to Alessia's Thu'um. Not wanting to attract more attention than necessary, she resisted using her more powerful Shouts. She instead used the far more silent Thu'um, Drain Vitality. It quietly dropped all attacking Falmer within a twenty foot radius, with the added bonus of giving Alessia a slight boost in energy.

When at last she was out of the city, Gelebor was there to meet her. A look of surprise fell across the elf's face when he caught sight of all the blood coating Alessia's body. Gasping for breath, she said, "Not mine."

Relief flooded of the Knight's face. That was, it did before he looked closer at the still lifeless body in her arms. "How fares your wife?"

"Not well. I need to get her somewhere safe." Alessia looked down at Serana, her worry obvious.

"Come with me. I have a place where the Betrayed will not follow."

The Falmer did follow for a time, tracking them through the tunnels. At a certain point, Gelebor led her past a strange shining barrier of golden light. A low hum came from the barrier. She paused before entering, worried that it might harm Serana further. The elf promised it would not, and the snarling shrieks of the oncoming Falmer gave Alessia little choice. She crossed the threshold. The energy from the barrier tickled at her insides and set her hair to stand on end, but suffered no ill effects. After that, Gelebor relaxed into a calmer, yet still fast paced, trot. Alessia followed, noting that the current section of tunnel felt… different. Somehow cleaner. The dirt and dust hadn't disappeared. More like it felt the same as walking into a temple of the Gods. That peaceful stillness that instantly calmed one's soul. Purer, almost.

They crossed a few small, flowing streams. Probably off branches of the much larger river, but no where near as deep. It barely came up to Alessia's ankles. The cold of it rushed over her toes, and she remembered just how filthy both she and Serana were. When she asked if it were possible to wash, Gelebor promised that could be seen to where they were going.

"And where is that exactly?" Alessia asked.

"The Great Chantry of Auri-El. We will be safe there." The Knight answered, reverence in his tone.

Somewhat surprised, Alessia asked, "There is a temple to Auriel all the way down here?"

"Auriel, Auri-El, Alkosh, Akatosh… so many different names for the sovereign of the snow elves. But yes, there is a temple here in the depths of the world."

Surprised again, Alessia latched onto the name Gelebor had used. It rang a bell, something she'd read in the wee hours of the morning by the soft glow of candlelight. Something from Kodlak's many, many, tomes on the history of the Companions. "Snow elves?"

"Yes. Very few of my kind remain in the world."

Going on some instinct, Alessia asked, "You mean the Falmer?"

"I am not a Falmer." The Knight snapped, coming to a complete stop and turning to her. It was yet another surprise. Up until that moment, the elf had been so soft spoken and calm despite all they had just done. Seeming in better control of himself, Gelebor continued. "Forgive me. The name 'Falmer' usually holds a negative meaning to travelers. If you would, I prefer to be called a snow elf."

"As you wish." Alessia nodded, and the elf started moving again. "I noticed you referred to the Falmer as the Betrayed. Why is that?"

Her question was an attempt at distraction, as well as a covert attempt to learn more about the elf. Gelebor didn't take the bait and replayed simply, "That is a long story. For now, I suggest you focus your energy on the wellbeing of your wife."

Alessia noted Gelebor's clipped words. Perhaps she had offended him far more than she'd thought by calling him a Falmer. Cautiously, she spoke. "Please forgive my misunderstanding, Gelebor. You have done me a great service, and I didn't mean to offend."

The elf nodded after a long moment's consideration. "I accept. Still, the story of my people's downfall is a long one. We will speak on it more when time permits."

Satisfied with that, Alessia followed in silence.

The Chantry of Auri-El was… Well, Alessia wasn't quite sure how to describe such an amazing piece of architecture. In all her wanderings, she had seen many different and beautiful structures from ancient times. The Chantry was most certainly one of them. It was a pleasant, and yet entirely unexpected, surprise.

The cavern they walked into was huge. Easily just as large as the space the Falmer had used for their city. The only difference was that it was possibly much higher. Though, Alessia suspected it simply looked that way because there were no huts hanging from the Chantry ceiling. The path that led down to the Chantry proper was crafted with great skill and great care. Each stair step was just so, polished to a glimmering shine that was almost painful to look at. Alessia almost didn't want to place her dirty bare feet upon it's surface.

Gelebor chuckled at her pause. "Do not worry. You passed through the barrier and as such you will not taint the purity of the Chantry. Come."

"Barrier?" Alessia asked as she place one careful foot on the first step. The stone was cool beneath her toes, and that sense of peace came over her again. Could it be some sort of spell? She looked to Gelebor again. "What is this place?"

"As I have said, it is the Chantry of Auri-El." Seeing that he hadn't quite answered her question, the elf smiled and explained while he walked. "The Chantry's effect on you is no cause for alarm. It is a spell, yes, but not one that will cloud your judgment or harm you in any way. Nor will it harm your wife. It simply would have not let you pass the barrier had malicious intent been in your heart."

Alessia started at that. "Malicious intent? You mean that light back there could tell if I meant you, or this place, any harm?"

They were still descending the polished staircase. One side of the stairs was a wall with detailed carvings upon it. Alessia only noticed a small bit of the figures, enough to know it told a story and that the words were in a language she didn't know. Across from the Wall of Stories were numerous large statues of armor clad elven soldiers. Each held a sword and shield in their hands and were facing outward looking over the Chantry. Sentinels was what came to mind. Guardians over the Chantry of Auri-El. They were beautiful and imposing figures.

"You, and your wife, yes. It is a defense I myself constructed over many, many years in this place. It is an effective means of keeping the Betrayed at bay." The Knight glanced up at the Sentinels, Alessia noticing the likeness right away. "The creatures cannot abide the light."

The two spoke no more as Gelebor led Alessia down the final flight of stairs and into the neat row of buildings. On the outer rim of the buildings, she noticed they were a bit less permanent. The homes were made more of wood and clay, while as they traveled further inward, the buildings were more carved stone and brick. Some of the wooden structures showed evidence of being renovated. Being made more permanent. She glanced from side the side, peering into the lifeless structures. Not a one held any signs of inhabitants. Not a candle flame. Not a sound. Nothing. The place was… empty. Dead.

Sensing the question before it was asked, Gelebor sighed. "No. There are no others here. You are the first visitors to the Chantry in many years. Decades, though you will forgive me if I do not remember how many. Passage of time here is difficult to maintain."

"You live here alone?"

"Yes."

"But, it looks like this place could accommodate hundreds of people. What happened to them?" Though she knew Gelebor had promised the whole story later on, Alessia couldn't help but ask. She couldn't imagine being alone for so long. Even Serana's predicament, being asleep and locked away for four thousand years, seemed unbearable. What Gelebor lived on a daily basis… Gods.

"One hundred and forty-two. At least three dozen women and children. Citizens, not fighters." Obviously saddened by the question, Gelebor still answered. "All dead. Murdered by the Betrayed a very long time ago."

Instantly, Alessia felt guilty for asking. "I'm sorry."

"So am I."

Silence again overtook them. At the very center of the cavern was what Alessia guessed was the temple. It rose high into the air, nearly touching the ceiling of the cavern. Gelebor did not take her there, but instead led her to a nearby stone structure. Inside showed signs of living. A candle burned brightly in the small window, and the place smelled of a fairly recent meal. Inside was fairly small, enough for one, perhaps two people to live comfortably. It boasted a single bedroom, small wash basin and bed, a kitchen with small hearth, a table and a single chair, and a small bookshelf with tomes and some personal items belonging to the elf.

"Please, rest here. There is water in the basin. Feel free to wash. It isn't much, but you are welcome to it until I can prepare the dwelling next door. It will not take but a few minutes." Gelebor motioned for the bed, and Alessia carefully laid Serana upon it. And with that, the elf hastily left the room.

Alessia quickly used the basin to clean her hands and face, but dared no more than that. Carefully, she used a clean cloth and did her best to clean out the worst of Serana's wounds. They were far worse than she thought. Deep and angry. Even though the process must have been painful, Serana still did not wake. It was hard for Alessia to tell if her mate was still even alive. Her heart did not beat, but Serana could control that at will. As could she her breathing. Quite possibly, Serana had placed herself into some deep meditative sleep to fool the Falmer into thinking she was dead. Alessia prayed that was the case. Prayed with all her might. Prayed to the Gods, both of the Nord and Mer Pantheon. Prayed to Azura and Meridia even. Though she doubted the two arguably benevolent beings would be able to help, or even cared.

By the time Gelebor returned, Serana was fairly clean. Her hair carefully braided back and out of the way. The elf, keeping his eyes averted from Serana's nakedness after Alessia had snarled at him, offered a soft blanket to wrap the female in during the very short walk to their new dwelling. It was an exact copy of Gelebor's home, save for one or two more chairs by the fire. Though the Knight had only been gone for perhaps half an hour, the place was well stocked with firewood for the small hearth, blankets, water in the basin, and fresh linens for the bed.

The elf had even gone so far as to place what little remained of the female's personal items on the table, along with a few bits of fresh food stuffs. Namely potatoes, carrots, and other root vegetables, a strange type of bread, and, to Alessia's surprise, a freshly roasted chicken. Alessia stomach growled hungrily, but she ignored it for the time being. When asked about the food, Gelebor explain he had his own garden and livestock he'd diligently maintained over the years.

Amazed, Alessia bowed low to the Knight. "Thank you, Gelebor. I am forever in your debt."

"The Chantry is open to you. Go wherever you please. For now, I bid you goodnight and wish your wife a speedy recovery. Do not hesitate to call upon me should you have need of anything."

Grateful, Alessia bowed again before he left. She returned to the bedroom and settled for a very long night of healing. Or… was it a very long day of healing? It didn't matter anyway. First, she downed as much of a healing potion as possible, readying herself for the task ahead. She even set aside a few of Serana's magicka potions just to maximize her own ability. Before they'd left Whiterun, Alessia had insisted Serana teach her the Necromantic Healing spell. According to her mate, the spell worked the same way as Alessia's own healing spells. The Necromantic Healing would repair damage done only to an undead individual such as a vampire, or a draugr. Not much use to her before she and Serana met, but now it was essential. Thank the Gods she'd insisted.

Alessia placed her hands on Serana's bare chest and focus her energy on repairing what the Falmer had done. The light that came from her hands was not the golden glow of her normal healing spells, but a bit duller. More blue than gold or white. Much like she had done for Master Wulfgar, Alessia worked from the inside outward. Serana's internal organs were badly bruised, but intact. Regardless, Alessia spent a few moments repairing them. There were few cracked ribs, the broken nose and a crack in the zygomatic bone, the bone just below the eye socket, a broken collarbone, and broken femur on her right leg. There was an audible crack when those were mended. To Alessia surprise, Serana seemed to flinch. Though she didn't want to cause her beloved anymore pain than was necessary, it made her heart swell with hope.

Next was the muscles and tendons. Before she could even start, her magic sputtered and died. Alessia downed a magicka potion, ignoring the taste, and continued. This stage was by far the most time consuming. There were just so many deep bruises and torn muscles. By the time she was done she had taken three more potions. But, fixing the muscles had greatly improved Serana's overall appearance. The bruising gone, and the muscles mended, it took care of a majority of the cuts. All that was left was to close a few of the smaller ones. That done, Alessia took a moment to catch her breath. Sweat trickled down her forehead, neck, ribs and spine and dripped onto the stone floor.

With a wet cloth, Alessia mopped up the perspiration. That also did a great deal to remove the dirt and grime from her own body. That was when she realized she was still wearing the smelly, horrid Falmer scraps. Quickly, she padded out of the bedroom in search of her own articles of clothing. Alessia was surprised to find not only her armor and padded under-garb cleaned and neatly folded on the table, but also another two sets of clothes. Had Gelebor left the attire for them while Alessia had been so focused on Serana's healing? She would need to remember to thank him for that the next time she saw him.

Again grateful to the elf, Alessia peeled off the Falmer scraps and pulled on the clean loose fitting shirt and breeches. Her stomach rumbled at the smell of the food still on the table. How long had it been since she'd eaten? A day? Two? It was hard to tell. Her belly told her it had been a great while. Her own healing would require a substantial amount of nourishment. As would the next step in Serana's recovery. Hastily, Alessia scarfed down the bread and the whole chicken, plus an entire pitcher of water. Manners were thrown out the window in her hurry, but there was hardly anyone around to complain.

Wolf's appetite sated for the time being, Alessia returned to the bedroom to find Serana still unmoving. Her hope dimmed a bit, but didn't die out completely. Her beloved would need blood. Lots of it. What little remained of the preserved Blood Potions wouldn't be enough. Mentally preparing herself, Alessia situated herself on the bed and pulled Serana up and into her arms. Before she pulled out her dagger, she made sure a large number of the healing potions were in easy reach. The next few minutes, possibly a lot longer, were going to be very, very rough. Dangerous even.

Careful not to cut too deeply, Alessia drug the blade across her inner forearm. The crimson liquid welled immediately and was held up to Serana's nose. Nothing happened. Not for a very long, very heart pounding few moments. Serana twitched slightly. So slight that Alessia at first thought she'd imagined it. Then Serana's newly healed nose sniffed. Again, Alessia thought it was simply a trick of the mind. Wishful thinking. But then the motion happened again, and she felt Serana's entire body come into wakefulness. Her beloved's eyelashes twitched, then slowly opened. Red, hungry eyes locked on the blood, and Serana struck.

The bite was a shock, despite Alessia fully expecting it. There was no pleasure in the feeding, just vicious hunger from Serana and an energy drain from Alessia. She did not blame her mate. It was simply her base nature. Instinct to heal and replenish herself. Alessia remembered what it had been like those first few moments when she had awakened as a newborn vampire. The burning hunger that would not be ignored. Alessia stifled her discomfort and took another long pull of the healing potion. It would help her body quickly replace the blood Serana took.

Slowly, the frenzy abated. Instead of desperate long pulls on Alessia's vein, Serana's grip loosened a bit and she took far smaller mouthfuls. When finally her mate seemed sated, they both drifted off to sleep. Alessia slipped in and out of slumber, awaking each time Serana moved even the slightest bit. Her thrum was loud, contented to hear Serana's breathing and sluggish vampire heart beating. A balm that calmed the beast within.

Gelebor

The Knight-Paladin had not meant to spy, curious though he was. Truly he had only wished to check in on his pair of unexpected guests. But what he had seen through the small, shutter and curtain-less window had struck something deep down in his heart. The werewolf had spent hours in a meditative state while healing the vampire. He'd felt the magic pouring off her. A substantial and deep well of pure power he hadn't expected from the female. Curious, Gelebor had decided to check in on the two, and perhaps offer some assistance. When the flow of magic suddenly cut off, he was standing just outside the window.

When Alessia appeared, his breath had caught in his throat. The female was quite stunning, a savage and powerful beauty that was far more than skin deep. She was courageous and strong. Obviously loyal and deeply devoted to her wife. Had he known nothing more about her, that alone would have been enough to win his favor. But it was not Alessia's inner or outer beauty that had struck him. It was the scars. She either hadn't noticed him at the window, so focus was she on her wife's healing, or hadn't cared. He suspected the former.

Though Gelebor realized the rudeness of spying, not to mention gazing upon the female as she stripped and changed her clothing, he simply couldn't pull his eyes away from the numerous scars on her back. Such treatment surely would have claimed the life of any lesser being. And yet, here Alessia was. He'd watched her carefully, saw how the female treated her wife. No doubt he believed her to be compassionate as well as strong. Gentle even. Not the usual characteristics of someone who had suffered such undiluted malice. For surely Gelebor couldn't see the female doing anything to deserve such treatment.

Finally, he'd come to his senses and left the two females in peace. Still, that sight troubled him so. He found himself climbing the steps up to the Chantry temple and kneeling before a carved statue of Auri-El. He said nothing, but simply let himself bask in his God's presence. It brought Gelebor some measure of peace, though he suspected he would have little of that in the near future.

Perhaps it was these unexpected guests who would grant him the eternal peace he sought. Not death, but maybe penance. The idea was tempting, and he may decide to broach the subject with Alessia when the time came. Perhaps ask it as payment for the debt the female believed she owed? He had never intended to demand anything in return for his aid, but it was an option. Though Gelebor found distaste for such things. Still, the request might coincide with the quest he suspected the two females were already on.

The Knight-Paladin sighed heavily and looked up at the carved face of his God. The white stone looked back at him unchanged from all that time ago when it was first chiseled into being. Gelebor smiled, "What is it you have in store for them, Auri-El? Are the Harbinger and the Daughter of Coldharbour at last to bring about the prophecy, or are they to stop it?"

Just as always, Auri-El did not respond.

Alessia

Alessia awoke suddenly, not for the first or even the twentieth time, when Serana moved. What kept her awake was when her wife groaned and started to lift her head from Alessia's chest. Instantly, Alessia rose, careful not to move too quickly, and grabbed for a Blood Potion. She wasn't certain her mate had taken enough before and wanted to be prepared in case she needed more blood.

Serana's eyes opened, slowly, lacking focus and direction. She seemed to be struggling with deciding where she was. Gently, Alessia placed her hand on Serana's cheek, allowing their mixed scent to reach her nose. That seemed to do the trick. Sharply, as swiftly as she was able at least, Serana's head looked up at her. There was… surprise on the vampire's face. Surprise and disbelief.

"Careful not to move to quickly, Love. You've been through quite an ordeal." Alessia said softly, a warm smile on her face.

Serana's red eyes blinked. Then blinked again. She swallowed with some difficulty and tried to speak. It came out a bit shaky and rough, but understandable. "You- You're alive?"

"I am. As are you." Though her voice was light, Alessia's eyes narrowed. "You gave me quite a scare. Many of them, but we were able to get to you in time."

"We?"

Alessia nodded. "I made a new friend. He helped me rescue you from the Falmer and got us someplace safe."

It took a moment, but Serana seemed to struggle with getting her mind to work. Instead of commenting further, slow tears streamed down her cheeks. "You're alive."

With a wolfish grin, Alessia patiently nodded again and gently wiped away the tears with her thumb. "We've established that, Love. We're both alive."

"I saw your bow. I thought they had- I thought you were-" The words cut off in a violent sob. One Serana muffled a she buried her face into Alessia's chest.

Alessia held Serana as she released her pain and fear. She herself wept silent tears and didn't bother to wipe them away. It was some time before they both calmed down enough to speak, though there wasn't much of that until a bit later. Careful not to hurt her, Alessia gently kissed Serana. Serana was sore, but seemed to either not care or not notice. Within seconds she'd settled into a more comfortable position and returned the kiss heartily. Satisfied at last, Alessia ended the kiss before it turned into something else. Though she would very much enjoy being with Serana in that way, she didn't want to push the recovering female too hard. Instead they remained locked in an embrace. Alessia covered them both with a thick blanket. Serana rested her head against Alessia's chest while Alessia told what all happen after the fall from the rope bridge.

Serana seemed most interested in their snow elf rescuer. "I thought the snow elves had all died out."

"Apparently not. Or there is at least one left. He claims to have been down here for…" Alessia thought back. "At the very least a few decades. But I suspect when he said 'a very, very long time', he meant more than a few decades. What do you know about them?"

"Well, the snow elves were still around before Mother locked me away in Dimhollow Crypt. Shortly before my slumber, there was news that they were losing in their war against the Atmorans. Since I've heard nothing of them after my awakening, I figured they'd been wiped out." Serana said.

"Yes… Now I remember. Kodlak was obsessed with preserving the Companions' history. When it became known he wanted me to succeed him as Harbinger, I made it my business to learn everything I could about our history. Ysgramor, my predecessor, battled against the snow elves and eventually died during the campaign." Alessia paused, trying to remember the conversation she'd had before with Gelebor. Her mind was slow and weary from exertion. "Even though it was the Five Hundred who fought the slow elves, I don't think my people were responsible for their disappearance."

"What do you mean?"

"Something Gelebor said made me think he was actually a Falmer." Alessia noted the sudden rigid fear in the body lying atop hers. It took a bit of doing, but she was able to calm Serana. She did so while cursing the wretched beasts who had harmed her. Given Serana the unseen scar on her soul. Once her beloved was soothed, Alessia continued. "It's alright, Love. Even though we now know they are somehow connected, I don't believe he is a Falmer. He is kind, and well spoken. And without him we would most certainly be long dead."

Serana remained silent for a time, then said, "I guess I owe him a very generous thank you."

Alessia grunted an affirmative, allowing Serana to stretch her limbs. There was a slight wince which she tried to hide, but failed. "Take more blood from me. You need to recover and rest."

"I thought we agreed that I wouldn't feed off you." Serana said, a bit of sharpness to her words.

Alessia took no offense. By now she knew Serana could become quite snappy when she was worried. Instead of rising to the bait, she calmly pointed to the medicine pack laying on the nightstand. "That we did. But that was before a Falmer rummaged through your pack and damaged most of your Blood Potions. Even if you rationed the remaining potions strictly, it would last you maybe two days. Three if you really push it. You need blood to heal."

"You're injured too. Don't think I haven't noticed you wincing either."

"Gelebor already repaired my spine and ribcage. We have more than enough food since Gelebor was also kind enough to share much of his supplies with us. I am sore and tired, but I will live and recover whatever you take from me." Alessia argued gently. She knew Serana was only worried for Alessia's well being above her own. But an injured and hungry vampire was not safe.

Though Serana still resisted, Alessia's argument was sound. Serana sighed, "Alright, but first we both get some more sleep. I will feed after we wake up. Will that suffice, you stubborn mule?"

"Aye. That will do, Love." Alessia kissed her mate's forehead before leaning back against the wall. It was hardly as soft or as comfortable as the straw mattress, but she didn't want to have to move Serana at all. Either way, it didn't matter. Within seconds Alessia heard Serana's soft snoring before she herself slipped into blissful and safe dreaming.

She awoke some indeterminable time later to a soft knocking at the door. With a confused and groggy mind, Alessia forgot for a few moments exactly where they were. That moment passed and she remembered. The knocking came again and Alessia knew it could only be one person. Carefully, she scooted out from underneath Serana, who mumbled an incoherent complaint before rousing herself. Alessia stopped her.

"No, Love. Stay in bed. I'll see what he wants." Serana mumbled something else incoherent and yawned, sharp fangs fully exposed, then plopped down on the pillow. Alessia chuckled at her and kissed her forehead before going to answer the door.

It was, of course, Gelebor. The elf straightened as Alessia opened the door, arms carrying a tray laden with toasted slices of bread and butter, a jug of what looked like milk, cooked eggs and… bacon? Before she could respond, Gelebor's eyes widened, his face reddened, and he instantly turned his head upwards.

"Um… You- Your… um…" He babbled.

Confused, it took a moment for Alessia to realize what was wrong. Looking down, she saw that a fair portion of her chest was showing. Apparently, a few of the loosely sewn buttons had come undone during her sleep. She quickly covered herself, though she was only slightly embarrassed. Nudity was something a werewolf had to get over fast. There had been little choice after all. Honestly though, she was more embarrassed for Gelebor. It was then Alessia remembered Gelebor had turned his back to her at the sentry position while she exchanged her armor for the dead Falmer's. The poor elf had been alone for so long. Exactly how long had it been since he'd seen a woman?

"Sorry, Gelebor." She said calmly. Perhaps if she made light of the issue, it would help ease him. "Sometimes they have a mind of their own."

The Knight chuckled, though Alessia could tell it still bothered him. Instead, he changed the subject. "I thought perhaps you and your wife might enjoy a nice repast. Although I will admit, I seem to have forgotten Serana cannot eat our kind of food."

Alessia tried not to show her amusement. The male just looked so lost and unsure how to proceed. She smiled and held the door open wider. "Serana can eat normal food, and often does for the simple enjoyment of it, but it provides little as far as nourishment. I'm sure she would be delighted regardless. Please, come in."

With a nod of thanks, Gelebor came inside. He paused at the pile of chicken bones, all that remained of the meal he had left, but said nothing about it. "I trust your wife is healing well. I assumed that since you did not ask for my aid, you were able to manage her injuries yourself."

"Yes. Serana is doing well. Give me a moment and I'll go see if she's up for a visitor." Alessia grabbed the remaining neatly folded pile of clothes kindly left by Gelebor and went into the bedroom, quietly closing the door behind her. She needn't have bothered. Serana was already sitting up and carefully testing her weight on shaky legs. Alessia snapped a bit too harshly, "Don't do that on your own, Serana. Your leg was badly broken."

"You fixed it. And you did a good job. See?" Serana said, ignoring the tone and carefully placing more weight on her right leg with Alessia's help. It held, though it apparently caused her some discomfort. Alessia sighed heavily, but said nothing more about it as she helped Serana dress. That task mercifully done, Alessia bent down to pick her up, which was immediately protested. "You are not carrying me."

Wolf growled a bit, agitated. It came out more as a pleading whine, but Serana still shook her head. Sighing, Alessia asked, "Will you at least lean on me then? And let me feed you?"

Hunger rose in Serana's eyes. Plain as day. And it seemed a struggle to fight it off. In a controlled tone, Serana asked, "Do you think our guest will mind?"

"He knows you're a vampire." Alessia confirmed. "I also think he's guessed at what I am."

"What? How did he find out about you?"

"The polished silver from a mirror shard. I needed it to signal Gelebor, but I touched it with my bare hand not knowing what it was at first." At Serana's suddenly look of alarm, Alessia calmed her with a smile. "I'm alright. It didn't break the skin. Just a slight burn on my hand is all."

"That's good. Last thing we need is another repeat of Volkihar Castle." Satisfied, Serana nodded. "Alright then. Help me into the other room. Don't want to be rude and keep our host waiting."

Not to be distracted, Alessia questioned her wife further. "And the blood?"

"Fine." Serana groaned. "I will have a little. But no more than a cup until I've seen you eat something substantial. And I check to see if the disease potions have survived."

"Yes, Dear. Of course, Dear." Alessia's tone was mocking as she helped Serana stagger to the door.

Serana hissed, her own tone jovial. "Don't you 'Dear' me."

"Yes, Dear."

Shaking her head, Serana grinned and the two made their way into the living area. Gelebor was seated, fiddling with the Falmer bow Alessia had hastily tossed into the corner upon their arrival. When the two entered the room, the elf shot to his feet as if the chair beneath his rump had suddenly grown red hot. Though she found it funny, Alessia kept her amusement to herself.

She instead settled Serana into the nearest chair and made with the introductions. "Gelebor, this is my wife, Serana. Love, this is the male who helped me rescue you, Knight-Paladin Gelebor."

The Knight bowed low, placing a closed fist to his chest as he did so. "Lady Serana, it is good to meet you. I am glad to see you are recovering well."

Serana said nothing for a few moments, no doubt surprised by the formality, then mirrored the gesture. "I can never begin to repay you for what you've done for both myself and my wife. She is… everything to me. Thank you, Sir Knight."

"Please, Gelebor will do."

In the meantime, Alessia dug through the meager kitchen cabinets, thankful to find a small ceramic cup. With her dagger, she cut into her hand and held it over the cup. Serana visibly stiffened as the scent of the blood, but she controlled herself and reached for the offered cup without appearing overly eager.

"Thank you, Love." Serana said.

Alessia smiled warmly, planting a chaste kiss on Serana's brow before motioning for Gelebor to have a seat and then taking one herself. There was silence for a short while, the two serving themselves while Serana sipped at the blood. The meal was simple but good. The bread and butter sublime. The eggs over-easy. The bacon crispy. Curious, Alessia looked to Gelebor.

"How in the world do you have bacon down here?" Alessia asked, taking another large bite of the fried pork. "Not to mention the butter and milk."

Chuckling, Gelebor smiled. "I bred them myself. The pigs are simple enough to care for. As are the chickens, and the goats. There is not much down here, but I make due with what I have. Magic helps preserve the perishables, and to make the crops grow."

"It's quite impressive." Alessia admitted, but saw an opportunity to learn a bit more about the mysterious elf. "Exactly how long have you been down here?"

The elf chewed his current mouthful thoughtfully. "My people constructed the Chantry of Auri-El during the First Era. I joined shortly after it's construction and remained ever since."

Both females blinked. It was Serana who recovered first. "Four thousand years?"

Gelebor thought again, seeming lost in times long passed. "More or less I think. As I have said, time in this place is difficult to keep track of. It is far easier to tell time by… events that disrupt the unchanging calm here."

"By 'events', you mean two females dropping in and causing a ruckus?" Alessia said, a slight grin on her face.

"Yes." The elf chuckled. "You are not the first travelers to find their way to the Chantry. But you have most certainly made quite the ruckus, as you call it."

They ate in silence a bit more, Alessia thinking how similar Gelebor and Serana's situations were. The elf being tied to this place just as Serana had been entombed at Dimhollow. Four thousand years, give or take a few decades. Or even a century or two. Still, it did not explain why he remained, though Alessia imagined it was due to Ysgramor's return. Or how Gelebor was connected to the Falmer.

"You must forgive my straightforward question, Gelebor, but I must ask." Having no way to ask the question gently, Alessia sighed. Somehow seeming to expect it, Gelebor nodded for her to continue. "Was the Chantry constructed before or after Ysgramor, my predecessor, returned to attack your people?"

Something changed in the elf. Some piece falling into place in his mind. Perhaps he had suspected who Alessia was, but hadn't known for curtain until now. The male just looked at her for a few moments before answering. "Before, I believe. Though I am not certain. We were quite isolated down here, as you can imagine. So much of the worldly affairs passed us by. By the time we learned of the snow elves extinction on the surface, it was far too late to do anything about. We had our own troubles to deal with at the time."

"The Falmer." Serana said. Not a question.

"Not exactly, no. You no doubt have guessed that my people and the Falmer are somehow related, and you would be correct. But they are simply the symptom of my kin's greed, foolishness and desperation." Gelebor shook his head, suddenly looking every bit his age. "Your predecessor was justified in his vengeance, Alessia. My people, though it pains me to say, deserved what has been done to them. I can only pray that, eventually, we are forgiven and healed. Though I do not believe we will ever be as we once were."

Alessia felt the waves of sorrow emanating from the elf as if it were a physical or tangible thing. Shame. She felt for him, and his people. Not pity exactly, but close enough to it.

"I promised to tell the whole truth, and so I shall." Gelebor sighed and continued on. "After the fall of my people, the remnants sought refuge with the Deep Folk. You know them better as the Dwemer. We had always maintained an uneasy alliance with the Dwarves, and when the snow elves faced total eradication of our culture, we turned to them for help. It was a mistake for the Dwemer demanded a heavy price for their aid. They forced my people to eat a toxic fungus which, after only a few generations, eventually rendered them blind. Helpless, the Dwemer then enslaved my people, slowly turning them into the savage, base creatures you know today."

"Gods…" Serana muttered, stunned.

"How could your people agree to such a thing?" Alessia asked, just as surprised and horrified as Serana.

"Not all of us did. There were many, those here at the Chantry included, who resisted and sought other solutions. Unfortunately, these splinter groups were either slaughtered, vanished, or gave in to the Dwemer demands after a siege lasting many generations. After the Deep Folk's mysterious disappearance, my people were then free. But…" A deep sadness overtook Gelebor and he could not finish.

Alessia did it for him. "The damage had already been done."

The Knight sighed and nodded. "Despite how far we have fallen, I still have hope that the Betrayed… that my people might remember who they were. Remember and somehow find their way back into the light."

"Is that why you have remained here alone, Gelebor?" Serana asked gently. "To… what? Help them remember?"

"No, though I would not complain if that miracle came to pass. I remain because I have taken an oath. It is my duty to guard and tend the Chantry. Were I to leave, travelers like yourself would not know the way forward." Both females seemed surprised, but Gelebor continued. "Yes, I know what it is you seek. Auriel's Bow. Why else would you have come to such a place? I have but one question to ask. What is it you intend to do with the weapon?"

An interesting question. Or so Alessia thought. Was it possible Gelebor didn't know of the Tyranny of the Sun? Likely considering he'd been alone in a cavern for the past near on four thousand years. But why else would he ask such a question? Was it simple curiosity? It was, after all, his duty to "guard and tend" the Chantry. "Guard" being the significant word there. Why guard unless he intended to keep travelers from getting the bow for nefarious means? The elf certainly wouldn't be pleased to find that Alessia had thoughts of destroying the weapon.

Before Alessia could speak, Serana beat her to it. "We intend to stop my father from possessing the means to destroy life as we know it."

"You speak of the prophecy. The foretelling of darkness eternal." At Serana's nod, Gelebor frowned. "Auri-El was kind enough to send me a vision of said prophecy. I know little of the specifics. Only that it involves a pure blooded vampire and Auriel's Bow."

Serana took a few minutes reciting the Tyranny of the Sun as it was given to them by the Elder Scrolls. Gelebor listened intently, interrupting only when he needed clarification. While they talked, Alessia took the opportunity to bleed a bit more for her wife. This earned her a narrowed glance, but nothing more. Alessia had eaten, as Serana had bade her do, and, just for good measure, she prepared a second helping of eggs, bread, and pork. It had gone a little cold while they talked, but it was no matter. Wolf was hungry enough to devour a whole side of beef were it available.

When at last the prophecy had been told, Gelebor's frown deepened. "I see. If that is the case then fate seems to have brought us together for a purpose."

"It appears so." Alessia said around a mouthful of egg.

The Knight's thoughts seemed to turn inward for a long while. Alessia focused on her meal, while Serana sipped silently at her refreshed cup of blood. At last decided, Gelebor nodded to himself before speaking again. "I recognize your need, and I will help you as best I can. However… I have a request to ask that I believe will serve us both. But before I ask it of you, there is more to the story that you must know."

Surprised yet again, both females motioned for him to continue.

"As I have said, the Betrayed attacked and killed those who resided here in the Chantry." Alessia nodded, though she knew this would be the first time Serana would hear of the massacre. "While this is true, there were two survivors. Myself, of course, and my brother, Arch-Curate Vyrthur. When the Betrayed stormed the Inner Sanctum, I believe they did something to him. Corrupted him somehow."

"Is he still alive?" Alessia asked, being a gentle as possible with her question.

"Yes. He is alive. I have seen him. But… something is wrong. He never seems in pain or under duress. He just… stands there looked out over the landscape as if watching, waiting for something."

Serana glanced at Alessia for a slight moment then asked, "Have you tried going to see him? Speaking with him?"

The question obviously frustrated Gelebor. "I cannot. Leaving this place unguarded would be in violation of my sacred duty as a Knight-Paladin of Auri-El. Even venturing beyond the barrier to aid you was dangerously close to a violation. And an assault on the Betrayed lingering in the Inner Sanctum would be akin to suicide."

"So, what would you ask of us?" Alessia had a good idea what it was, but hoped she was wrong.

"I ask that you kill Arch-Curate Vyrthur. I ask that you kill my brother."