Thanks again for the reviews and thoughts :)
-InuGhost, Happy belated birthday! Awe thanks so much! Yeah, I simply thought that Harkon sitting back and not even thinking of trying to find out what the DB and Serana were up to until the end was just daft, so I put my own twisted mind to another 'what if' storyline XD Hope that Odahviing doesn't eat your pizzas XD
-Lorrak, thanks again for your continued support and reviews :)
Dunno how I managed to find the time to type this, but I managed it...just O-o Anyway, hope you like this little surprise and some may notice that I left a few hints in this chapter about what could happen in a future fic... ;D
Merry Christmas everyone, hope you all have a good day :D
Jarl Elisif smiled at the sight of the sun appearing across the ocean. She loved waking up early to admire the way that nature itself could provide such beauty. She sighed a little as well when she recalled that her dearly departed husband used to tell her that she was the most beautiful sight in all of Tamriel.
"I think the gods must be jealous of you right now," Elisif muttered with a small grin at the thought of her husband arguing with the gods about what was beautiful to him.
"My Jarl…are you alright?"
Elisif turned her head and smiled in thanks to the young Dawnguard soldier that stood there. The Dawnguard had managed to begin regrouping, mainly thanks to the Dragonborns influence, and they had now posted a few dozen soldiers in Solitude as a result of the vampire attacks which were seemingly increasing at a phenomenal rate.
"I'm fine, thank you. What's your name?" she asked formally.
"Jorgen, My Jarl. Jorgen Windhammer," the guard replied.
"Keep up the good work Jorgen," Elisif said simply.
She smiled wider as the young guard blushed at her words, gave her a small head bob and walked around the corner. She liked to think that Morgan was becoming a good influence on her. Elisif had seen how the woman-turned vampire treated people so openly, and while many thought that she should remain aloof when talking to others, Elisif found that she liked talking to people openly and honestly.
Her thoughts now turned to the Dragonborn. Morgan and her vampire companion hadn't been seen anywhere in Skyrim for around a week now, and many citizens were getting a little nervous. Morgan had made a living out of travelling the country and helping out wherever she could, so when she vanished without trace for over a week, many thought that she had been captured…or worse.
She may have the power of a dragon' soul but she is still mortal in a sense. She can still be killed, Elisif thought sadly as she continued to watch the sun rise slowly. She hated thinking such things, but she knew that this was the case. Anyone could be killed unless they were a divine or even a Daedric Prince. A vampire was a formidable opponent but they could be killed, and Morgan, despite her abilities, had apparently cheated death once before.
As if in accordance to her thoughts, Elisif heard footsteps and she smiled as the Dunmer mage from the College of Winterhold gave her a warm smile, her orange tinted irises full of good humour.
"Brelyna. You are up early," Elisif commented.
Brelyna grinned wider.
"I've always been an early riser My Jarl…I just sleep more in the day time now," she chuckled.
"One day, I will get you to say my name openly…honestly, you are just as bad as Morgan used to be."
"No-one is as bad as her," Brelyna muttered jokingly.
Elisif laughed as she lightly patted the mages hand, ignoring how cold her skin was to the touch.
"For once, we can agree there."
Brelyna felt her smile fall as she observed the way that Elisifs eyes became a little vacant. She recognised that look. Savos Aren also had that look whenever he was thinking hard about something, and Brelyna had a feeling what she was thinking about.
"Still no sign of her?"
"No…I'm worried my dear. Theirs is no other word for it…I am worried about her."
"She's always getting into trouble. But she also has Serana, Jordis and Aela to watch her back," Brelyna reasoned as she held both of Elisifs hands in hers.
"Very true…I guess I am not used to hearing about her after a week is all."
"She gets around," Brelyna agreed with a small laugh.
A roar in the air caused both women to instinctively scan the skies. They were both aware of a dragons roar after they had returned over a year ago, and they also recognised every guard within sight were readying their bows in case they were attacked.
And then Odahviing suddenly flew over the Blue Palace a few times, and Elisif yelled at the guards when she recognised the dragon was the same one that was allied with Morgan.
"Leave him! He's an ally!"
Many of the Dawnguard gave her sceptical looks, but they did as she asked as she walked across the balcony and sighed in mock disapproval as Odahviing landed on the Blue Palace as though it was a roost and lowered his head so that she was close enough to feel the heat emanating from his breath.
"Drem Yol Lok, Jarl Elisif," Odahviing spoke loudly, dipping his head in respect.
"Greetings Odahviing. Although you could have chosen a better landing place than the palace…what will I tell everyone about the claw marks?" Elisif grinned mischievously.
"Tell them a large bird landed there."
Elisif burst out giggling as she shook her head.
"Morgan is a bad influence on you isn't she? And speaking of which, you come bearing news I take it?"
"Indeed she is, and indeed I do," Odahviing replied as he turned his head slightly to meet Brelynas gaze. "Greetings Brelyna of Winterhold."
Brelyna smiled as she lightly ran her hand along the red scales below Odahviings jaw.
"Good to see you again Odahviing."
Elisif waited patiently as the dragon turned his head back to her. She remembered that dragons were incredibly formal when it came to speaking to allies, and she knew that Odahviing would tell her the news in due time…she just wished he did it a little faster.
"The Dovahkiin is back from her recent…adventure, and is now coming to you with a request," Odahviing rumbled softly.
"That is good news indeed. And what is this request she asks for? And while I appreciate the news, could she not have come herself to deliver your message and request?"
"The Dovahkiin asks for as many capable soldiers as you can spare Jarl Elisif. She feels a battle is approaching against the darkstalkers that terrorise the land…present company excepted of course," Odahviing replied with a glance at Brelyna, who shrugged in response.
"No offence taken Odahviing," Brelyna said simply with a warm smile.
"She was unable to come because of the distance an because of a…feeling, that she seems to have. Krosis, apologies Jarl. She is waiting at the fort northwest of here," Odahviing finished off.
"I will send a regiment to Northwatch Keep at once," Elisif declared, recognising the fort that Odahviing spoke of. "Morgan feels that a threat is that severe, I will not argue with her. I trust her with my life. And thank you for your swiftness Odahviing. Are you going back to her now?"
"I am Jarl Elisif. Was there a message you wished to send her?"
Elisif smirked as she and Brelyna exchanged a look.
"Tell her that I will kick her backside for not being in touch for so long," Elisif grinned.
Odahviing simply dipped his head in acknowledgement as Brelyna gave the dragon a beaming smile.
"Do you think you could take me back to her? I want to help."
"For a warrior that saved the life of the Dovahkiin, I would kill anything you wished me to," Odahviing replied.
Brelyna giggled as she easily jumped onto the dragons back and gave Elisif a warm grin.
"I will kick her arse for you, my Jarl."
"No Brelyna, I wish to do that myself," Elisif joked back before she gave the vampire mage a slightly stern look. "And Brelyna. Stay safe."
Brelyna nodded at her words before Odahviing took to the skies, his wings causing a draft of air to whip Elisifs skirts around before he began to fly northwest again. She chuckled at the looks of awe in the faces of the Dawnguard soldiers and even a few of the regular guards…and then laughed as she heard the voice of General Rikke booming over the mutterings.
"No time to start gawking! Back to your duties!"
Elisif watched as Rikke came over to her after a few minutes and saluted her, before raising her eyebrow.
"You know how to get them moving," she remarked.
"I don't want them getting lazy," Rikke said as she watched the dragon vanish over the hills before looking back at Elisif. "That was Morgans friend wasn't it?"
"It was…and I need a big favour from you General…I know I shouldn't ask after the civil war rages on but…"
"Ask me and I will do whatever is necessary my Jarl."
"I need you to send a regiment to Northwatch Keep as soon as you are able. Morgan thinks the vampire leader is making a move and she feels he needs to be stopped."
Rikke merely nodded, which took Elisif by surprise. She had expected her to rant and yell about the 'waste of resources and soldiers', like that traitor Tullius had done. But instead, Rikke gave her a small smile, which would be a large grin on anyone elses, before speaking.
"I will send them out this afternoon my Jarl. We have the Dawnguard and even a surplus of soldiers after news of the Dragonborns victories against Stormcloak forces in the eastern front, so I can afford to send a few dozen soldiers there. I wont make the same mistake that he did," Rikke promised vehemently.
Elisif found herself at a loss for words and gave her a nod for her to carry out her orders. Rikke nodded back having gotten the unspoken message and walked away quickly. The Jarl of Solitude looked back at the sun and ran her hand along the other gently.
Please Talos…let this end quickly, and the sons and daughters that fight be accepted in the afterlife she mentally thought before adding another prayer to her Divine.
And please keep Morgan safe…if Skyrim loses her…we all will fall into darkness.
Paarthurnax raised his head as he detected the telltale signs of an approaching dovah. He also recognised that it was not the young and headstrong young dragon that he had been used to seeing at the Throat of the World, Odahviing. This dragon was much older from what he could sense, and he wasn't expecting any visitors, apart from the two joor that were currently watching the skies.
"It is not Odahviing. Prepare yourselves."
Lydia and Farkas nodded in unison as they unsheathed their blades and waited to see what would happen next. Then they spotted the huge dragon that easily landed before them, bowing its head to the massive brown dragon.
"Drem Yol Lok, Paarthurnax. Time has treated you well," Durnehviir said respectfully.
"Durnehviir? The last I saw of you, you were flying south during the Dragon War," Paarthurnax replied confusedly.
"I was…but that story can wait. I bring news from the Dovahkiin."
Lydia sheathed her blade after a long moment and walked closer, not flinching at the sight of a dragon that seemed to be half dead. Instead she gave a weak smile.
"She's alive? I hadn't heard from her…"
"You must be the warrior known as Lydia yes?" Durnehviir enquired. "I can see why she speaks so highly of you, you have the scent of a battle maiden. Yes, she is alive and well. And she also wishes for you to accompany me back to Northwatch Keep."
"That place was an old Thalmor fort…she isn't going after them again is she?"
"No…she is currently marshalling her strength for the battle ahead against the nightwalkers…you know of her struggles with them yes?" Durnehviir asked.
"Yes…of course, I will come," Lydia vowed on the spot.
Farkas chuckled as he finally sheathed his blade.
"And what of me?"
"I can carry you as well, it is not a problem…"
Paarthurnax lowered his head to meet Lydias at ground level.
"I need to stay here for the Greybeards benefit. You understand yes? Give the Dragonborn my wishes, and ask her to kill well."
Lydia smiled as she allowed Durnehviir to grasp her and Farkas in his massive front limbs and she held onto the curved talons as she started to rise into the air. She was going to fight alongside her best friend once again…and the thought of that made her heart soar higher than what even this strange looking dragon could manage.
And then she noted they were heading directly east, and she could even see Whiterun from their height.
"Aren't we going the wrong way?!" she yelled.
"The Dovahkiin asked me of one more task," Durnehviir responded as he slowly made his way back towards ground level, the walls of Whiterun coming ever closer…
"I would be happy to assist her. Irileth, send a detachment to Northwatch Keep as soon as you able," Jarl Balgruuf said as he met the dragons gaze evenly.
Irileth nodded silently before stomping away to carry out her orders. Lydia smirked as she met the Jarls smile.
"She still has a sword up her arse doesn't she?" Lydia teased.
"Lydia…" Balgruuf warned half-jokingly.
"Maybe Kodlak may allow us to fight as well," Farkas muttered.
"That will be up to him," Lydia replied softly, her smile fading. "Aela is with Morgan and Serana, so they aren't lacking in strength."
"They aren't lacking in looks either…although you being there would make an even better view," Farkas stammered as Lydia simply raised her eyebrow at him…before laughing and punching the large Companion on the arm.
"You are too easy Farkas," Lydia grinned.
"Maybe," Farkas said as he held her hands. "Go with the…dragon. I will bring anyone who comes forward as soon as I can."
"Don't take too long…I wouldn't want you to miss out on the fun," Lydia smiled before softly kissing him on the lips.
Farkas nodded and ran off without another word and Balgruuf patted Lydias shoulder hard.
"Take care Lydia. I have known you since you were a babe, and to lose you now…"
"I'll be fine My Jarl…I will have Morgan with me after all."
"Why am I not convinced?" Balgruuf joked as he allowed Lydia to be grasped in the dragons paw once again. "Look after her!" he added to the waiting dragon.
"As she is an ally of the Dovahkiin, no harm will come to her…I give you my word as a dovah," Durnehviir said proudly.
Jarl Balgruuf nodded and stepped back as the dragon took to the skies before heading north. He sighed, and prayed to those that would end up fighting a swift death should it happen. He then made sure that the soldiers that would be travelling were well armed and well provided for, and then he sat down on his throne, looking up at the skull of the dragon Numinex that decorated the hall.
"Talos, keep an eye on the Dragonborn. She fights for the right reasons but…if she somehow ended up on the wrong path…"
He sighed again. He prayed that He had heard him. It was a fear that had always remained in his heart ever since he had met the young woman. Morgan was intelligent, fearless in battle and always fought for what she believed was right…but she also shared the soul of the fiercest creatures that had ever lived in recorded history. And she also shared the blood of that of powerful vampires.
Divines only knew what that mix would create in the long term…
"Nice of you to join us," Serana smiled as Morgan emerged from the trapdoor and gave both her and Valerica a small smile. She spotted the worry lines around her eyes and she knew that she shouldn't press her for information.
"Anything?"
Valerica had to wonder how this woman could change topic so fast without upsetting her daughter. But the way that Serana simply nodded and stood beside the other woman showed that she wasn't even upset…In fact, she had accepted the change openly.
"Nothing apart from a few Death Hounds…they have been dealt with," Valerica said.
Morgan looked at the ash piles that were slowly falling apart from the harsh winds that scattered the particles around at the base of the tower. They had clearly been sent as scouts, and because of the lack of bodies, no-one would know that they were even there.
"Harkon will know we are coming once we start to cross the water. Odahviing and Durnehviir can try and keep the beach clear on the island but for for a few minutes, we will be exposed," Morgan remarked after a few minutes silence.
"True. But even our kin will never face a dragons fire in open ground," Serana pointed out.
"Yes...but they will fight out of fear of Harkon. Fear makes even a vampire do strange things. We need to be ready for anything that the bastard tries," Morgan hissed, her thu'um shaking the ground slightly as her emotions spilled out slightly.
"We will," Serana promised as she ran her hand along Morgans fingers before lightly holding them in hers.
Morgan looked down at their entwined fingers and nodded once before looking back the the sea, her mind only focusing on one thing. To end Harkons miserable life. She stood there, enjoying the feeling of Seranas body leaning against hers, and the three vampires simply watched as the sun began to rise over a few hours...just as the dragons roar echoed across the land.
Odahviing had returned.
