New Friends
The trip into the Rift had been fairly uneventful. The occasional pack of wolves, a bear here or there. The event's that had transpired in Whiterun had kept Arkyns thoughts occupied. Vampires that were brave enough to attack in the open, albeit in the dead of night, but in a well populated city none the less. It wasn't something he'd ever dealt with. Most, if not all the vampires he'd come across, save for Sybille Stentor, had lurked about in caves and crypts.
Then there was Lydia, it was all he could do to convince her to go to Lakeview Manor and help Rayya keep everything in order instead of go with him. Not that he was overly fond with the idea of leaving his family to actively hunt down vampires, but these attacks seemed to be to random. Not after what he had seen in Whiterun.
By the late evening Arkyn made his way to Riften with Frost, or rather more specifically Riftens stables. Hofgrir was always happy to see Frost as well as hesitant to take care of him given the sorted history with the stead. Though as with every case, a big enough coin purse was enough to make up his mind.
The guards paid him no attention, though they knew who he was, almost every guard in Riften knew him by stature alone. Once through the gates he immediately made a right down an ally and headed straight for Honeyside so as not to draw any attention to himself. The house was quiet except for the small fire in the fire pit. Candles were scattered about lighting the place. Nothing much had changed with small home since he'd left to Iona.
Arkyn rounded the corner and was met with an axe to his neck. Iona stood just in front of him at the top of the stairs, her red hair lazily pulled into a pony tail with some of it covering her right eye.
The Dragonborn playfully put his hands in the air. "It would seem visiting one's home is becoming quite the hassle".
The red-haired maiden put away her axe and laughed. "If I recall correctly, you left this home to me". The two embraced one another. "It's good to see you again my Thane".
Iona pulled a couple of chairs up to the fireplace as Arkyn rummaged around finding some mead before joining her by the fire. "Thieves still dumb enough to try and rob this place?"
Iona chuckled as she popped open the bottle of Black-Briar mead he had handed her. "Only the newest, and the dumbest of them at that".
The two sat in silence for a few moments drinking their mead and watching the fire. Iona was the one to finally break the silence. "So, what brings you back to Riften sir. Business as usual I presume?" Arkyn downed his bottle and opened another. "Not exactly", he said grinning.
"Looking for a group called the Dawnguard". Iona starred into the fire, watching the flames crack and whip as the wood that fueled them begin to crumble and blacken.
"Seems I remember a fellow recruiting for a group going by that name", she said plainly.
"A man named Durak", he said as a matter of fact. The silence between the two Nords grew once again. However long it had been since last he'd seen Lydia, it had been that much longer since he had seen Iona. After his business with the guild had come to an end his need to visit the reach had become less and less. Iona wouldn't really admit it, but she missed seeing the man. She had only been on a hand full of adventures with him but she'd grown attached to him during that time. She was there with Lydia and Jordis when he married Ysolda at the temple of Mara. He had been so happy then. Iona worried she would never see that side of him again.
Arkyn looked down at his mostly empty bottle. "So how have things been around here?" Iona got up and grabbed a small crate full of mixed mead, it was looking to be a long night for the two.
"Not so bad, with the guild around most leave me alone, besides the occasional rookie that feels they have something to prove". Arkyn grinned to himself, the light of the fire dancing in eyes that were now a deep blue. "Is that so", he said calmly looking at the red-haired woman. The two busted into fit of laughter.
Hours went by as the night got darker and both Nords became more inebriated. Both sharing stories past and present. When the two realized how late it had gotten, they decided to just drink the night away. Of course both knew they'd regret it though neither said anything. Old friends and alcohol and all that. It was inevitable.
When midnight rolled around the two warriors were so engulfed in their stories to notice when the back door had opened. A figure cloaked in black made their way inside, creeping up on the two. The figure was small and slim. Their features hidden by their black leather armor and hood.
"Well I'll be damned, Maul was right". The two stumbled to their feet, empty mead bottles being shifted around and using one another to hold themselves up right. Doing their best not to fall over. As his eyes adjusted to the person in front of them, he realized it was none other than Vex. The Imperial hadn't aged a day from what he could see in the dim light.
Arkyn let out a sluggish laugh, Iona following suit though still unsure of the woman who had just broken into her house. "I'll be a son of a horker", he said doing his best to straighten himself with Iona's help.
"How in the hell are you Vex!". The red-haired maiden's eyes lit up.
"This is Vex?", she exclaimed with her free arm out and over exaggeratingly pointing at the pale Imperial woman. Vex walked over to the two drunks with the third chair from the table and sat back from the fire with her arms crossed. The two Nords eagerly sat back down and opened two more bottles.
"I must say Dragonborn, I'm a little disappointed in you. You finally come home and don't even stop in to say hi?". Vex smacked her lips.
It'd had taken her some time to get used to the fact that some recruit had just stumbled their way in and had in a matter of just a few months had completely turned the guild around only to become master of it and walk away. As far as thieves go, he was damned good, and terrifyingly quiet when he needed to be for someone as big as he was. Yet at his heart he far from just a lowly thief. There was purpose in everything he did, even if he never revealed that purpose.
It irked her and made her respect him at the same time.
Arkyn stared blankly at the woman for a moment before he tried handing her a bottle of reserve. Vex raised an eye at the bottle and huffed. "Is this supposed to be an apology?". Arkyn shrugged and took another swig of his bottle.
"Well, it's a start I suppose", she said popping open the bottle.
"I imagine you're here on personal business, unrelated to the guild?", Vex asked calmly between sips. Arkyn groaned, stretching his legs and unlatching the straps of his cuirass letting it drop to the floor with a thud. Seeing him partially undressed and drunk Iona blushed, causing her to look away. Only Vex noticed and grinned to herself. In all fairness she had only seen the man with his face uncovered.
"You would be correct. Looking for a group calling themselves the Dawnguard".
Vex looked over him for a while in silence as the two Nords carried on about some giant they had brought down. The man was, in every essence of the word, in peak condition. From his squared shoulders down to his abs. He was covered in scars in various places though the only one that had her eye was one on his left shoulder that crawled down his back. Naturally she wanted to ask him about it but she knew better. What caught her attention the most though was the necklace he wore. It shimmered dully in the light of the fire. She couldn't really make out the carvings but it was definitely Nordic and ancient at that. "I've heard of them", she finally answered once the two finished their story. "These supposed vampire hunters I mean".
"What do you want with vampire hunters?", Vex asked condescendingly. Arkyn was the only hero type she could stomach; it was just in his nature. Of course, he was very good at it too. But besides him she just couldn't understand why anyone would willing just throw their lives away over someone else's problems.
"A group openly attacked Whiterun a few nights ago. Need to find out why", he said bluntly and slightly slurred. Vex stared at him expecting him to say something else.
"By the eight you're serious aren't you", she said more as statement than a question. She already knew the answer.
Iona glared at him. "Hold on you didn't tell me about that".
Arkyn stumbled as he stood from his chair. "Because I handled it". Iona sighed as he made his way into living area of the house. "Is your old room still downstairs?" Iona blinked in confusion for a moment.
"Yea sure, but you-". She was interrupted by the sound of Arkyn tumbling down the stairs. Vex laughed hysterically as Iona tried standing again.
"Don't worry about it", Vex said between breaths. "I'll make sure the big oaf makes it to bed". Iona slumped back down into her chair as Vex's voice trailed off.
The red-haired Nord finished off her bottle before tossing it to the pile. She watched the bottle settle and sighed, slightly relieved that the Dragonborn had made his way to bed. "Every damned time", she muttered aloud.
The morning came quick. Iona was up just after first light. Arkyn was loudly snoring from the basement. The fire from the night before was nothing more than a few smoldering embers. On the floor next to the pile of mead bottles laid the Dragonborn's cuirass. Everything else seemed to still be in its place. "Guess there is honor amongst thieves", she muttered to herself.
"I wouldn't call it honor per say". Iona spun around on her heel, immediately regretting her decision as her head started to swim from last nights indulgences. The voice had come from Vex who was closing the back door as quickly as she had opened it.
Vex gave her a fox like grin. "Its more like crossing the Dragonborn is signing your own death warrant".
Iona only crossed her arms and stared at the Imperial. She had still broken in for a second time now. Sure Vex was a senior member of the guild and had the skills to back it, but the red-haired maiden hated just how easy it was for her to get in and out of her house undetected. Or she was getting rusty. She wasn't quite sure which notion she liked less. "Oh don't give me that look".
Vex walked over to the Nord and patted her on the back lightly. "If you really want to keep me out simply lock the doors". Vex gave her sly grin as Iona's eyes widen in realization that she never locked the doors after Vex had left. Come to think of it she didn't really remember anything after her Thane had fallen down the stairs. Vex started towards the stairs drawing Iona's attention back to her. "Not that locking them would do much good". The Housecarl rolled her eyes and started to clean as Vex picked up Arkyns armor and made for the basement.
The snoring had subsided and Vex nearly laughed at the sight before her. The man was quiet and sleeping sprawled out and halfway off the single bed. The Imperial grabbed his leg hanging off the bed and pulled the rest of his body off to the floor. The Dragonborn groaned, his eyes still glazed over from sleep and mead.
"What time is it", he asked. His voice hoarse.
Vex dropped his armor on the floor next to him. Dust scattering where it landed. "Its early. But the sun is up so meet me upstairs. Vex left him lying on the floor and made her way upstairs. Arkyn dressed himself and joined both women upstairs, where breakfast had been made and dug in. Once the three had full stomachs Vex started the conversation.
"So, down to business". Arkyn raised an eyebrow. I came by to give you the location of your Dawnguard". Arkyn shifted in his seat.
"They're in Dayspring Canyon", he said plainly. Vex grinned. "Sure, but you can spend all day looking for it, or you can let me finish". Arkyn sighed, he didn't like where this was going.
"How much do you want Vex", he said more as a statement. Vex mimicked a pout and clicked her tongue. "Now why'd you have to spoil my fun". The Dragonborn sat quietly, his arms crossed. Vex sighed.
"I don't want your money Arkyn. Just think of it as a favor for a favor". The man inhaled deeply. Owing anyone in the guild was never something he liked, especially someone like Vex. She could be unpredictable at the best of times and completely erratic at the worst. Like when they had found out about Mercer and plans. Though he couldn't really blame her for that one, it had everyone ready to chase the man down to the edges of Oblivion.
Vex could see the look on in eyes and knew he wasn't sure about her offer. "Relax big guy, its nothing pressing. Nothing to dangerous and best of all, you can come by whenever you're ready". Vex stood from the table and made for the back door, leaving a small folded note on the table in her place. Arkyn stared after her as the door closed behind her. "See you around boss".
Iona swirled the contents of her cup and watched Arkyn for a moment. He was silent, his eyes focused on the small note Vex had left on the table. At one point she couldn't even tell if he was breathing he was so still. Iona didn't want to watch him leave. Only the Divines knew when she would see him again. "I guess I'll see you then?", she asked half heartedly.
Arkyn nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving the paper. "Surely, whatever favor she wants isn't that bad". The Housecarl was trying to sound reassuring. "You don't know Vex".
Arkyn stood from the table, grabbing the note. He grabbed his swords that were sitting by the fire place and made sure they were fastened properly. "You know you're more than welcome to come by the Manor in Falkreath anytime Iona". The red-haired maiden nodded slowly and stood, embracing her Thane.
"May clear skies grace your path my Thane".
Outside Riften, Arkyn mounted Frost and headed in the direction on Vex's note. Within an hour Arkyn had found the entrance to Dayspring Canyon. Though it wasn't exactly horse friendly so Arkyn hid Frost in the tree line opposite the entrance. He hated admitting it to himself but Vex had been right. Without her note he would have started on the West side of the Rift. It wasn't as though the Orc had been specific
On the other side of the cave was a valley seemingly untouched by time or man. To his right was a small pond that was being fed by a half frozen waterfall. He stopped at the edge of the water, pulling out a water skin and filling it when he heard footsteps on the path he'd entered. Arkyn casually put away his water as a young looking Nord approached him. The kid was stout, likely grew up on a farm. Though the innocence in the eyes was unmistakable.
"Uhm, you're here to join the Dawnguard to I suppose", the boy said shakily. Of course meeting a masked stranger such as Arkyn would make most a tad nervous.
Arkyn only nodded, which only served to make the boy even more hesitant. "Ah, I see. Well the truth is, I'm a little nervous. I've never done anything like this". Arkyn almost scoffed but withheld judgment. "I hope you don't mind if I walk up with you?".
The Dragonborn grinned to himself, the kid was bold to have come out here, even if a bit misguided by the thought of glory in dealing with such creatures.
"Sure kid", his voice had startled the young Nord. Arkyn spoke softly but had always had very projecting voice.
The two walked made their way through the valley as the kid continued to speak. "Oh by the way my names Agmaer", he said a bit more confidently. "And could you maybe not tell Isran I was afraid to meet him?" The older Nord couldn't help himself and let out a brief chuckle. Agmaer slightly hung his head, watching the ground.
"Probably not the best first impression for a new vampire hunter I guess". Arkyn continued to grin to himself. "Yeah sure thing", he said quietly.
"You've probably killed lot's of vampires huh? I'm sure Arkyn will sign you right up". Arkyn nodded slowly, thinking back on all the covens he'd cleared, both with and without help. Movarth had certainly been the most difficult deal with.
As the two rounded bend a single tower had come into view. The tower was massive and well maintained, a walkway connected it to a much larger stone fortress that had been built into the side of the mountain. "Wow, that must be Fort Dawnguard. It's bigger then I thought". The kid was right. The Fort was massive. Arkyn wondered to himself how he'd never come across this place in his years in Skyrim.
As they walked up a gravel path that led to two massive doors a red haired Breton man approached them. "New recruits eh? Good, Isran will want to talk to you. Head on inside". The Breton went back to the ledge over looking the gravel path leaving the pair of Nords to enter the Fort alone.
Arkyn and Agmaer stopped just inside the corridor. In the center of the chamber stood two men, an older looking Red guard and an equally looking older Nord talking to one another.
"Why are you hear Tolan", the voice was gruff and belonged to the Red guard. "The Vigilants and I were finished long ago".
A vigilant? Ironic, Arkyn thought to himself.
"You know why I'm here, the Vigilants are under attack everywhere. These vampires are much more dangerous than we believed!". Isran crossed his arms. "And now you want to come running to safety with the Dawnguard, is that it?" Israns scowl grew. " I remember keeper Carcette telling me repeatedly that Fort Dawnguard is a crumbling ruin, not worth the expense or manpower to repair. And now that you've stirred up the vampires against you, you come begging for my protection?". Arkyn raised a brow at the last part of Israns little monologue. It was clear Isran struck a nerve with the Vigilant.
"Isran", Tolan said quietly. "Carcette is dead. The hall Vigilants… everyone… they're all dead. You were right, we were wrong. Isn't that enough for you?".
The Red guards face grew dark as he stared at the floor. "Yes, well… I never wanted any of this to happen. I tried to warn all of you… I am, sorry, you know". When Isran finished speaking it was as if he had just noticed the two strangers standing inside the corridor.
He looked between the two, quietly scoffing and rolling his eyes at the younger Nord. Isran approached Arkyn and looked over him with suspicion. "So who are you? What do you want?"
Arkyn walked into the light of the main chamber. "I heard you were looking for vampire hunters from an Orc". Isran raised an eyebrow, "Durak? Yes, well heard right. I'm glad word's finally starting to get around. But it means it won't be long before the vampires start to take notice as well". Arkyn shifted his gaze to the Vigilant who was becoming impatient. "Before I put you to work", Isran said, drawing Arkyns attention.
"I need you to remove your mask so I know who I'm dealing with". Arkyn groaned. "Why? My willingness to fight bloodsuckers not enough for you?".
Isran frowned. "Because you look like a bandit ready to slit everyone's throat the moment you have the chance". Arkyn rolled his eyes as he pulled down his mask, leaving his hood up. Tolans face lit up as Arkyn revealed his face.
"There, you happy?", the Dragonborn said condescendingly. Isran huffed. Though before he could say anything Tolan approached and spoke up.
"Forgive my assumptions, but you're the Dragonborn, aren't you?" All three men looked to Arkyn expectantly, even Israns expression showed curiosity instead of a scowl. Arkyn groaned.
"Yes, though I expect that knowledge to stay between the three of you", he said with authority that surprised all three men. Isran spoke next. "You have my word. I could certainly use someone like you". Isran looked over to Tolan.
Tolan, tell him about, what was it? Dimhollow?" Tolan explained the situation at Dimhollow crypt and after some choice words with Isran, told Arkyn how to find it. Isran huffed as the door closed behind the Vigilant. "Stubborn old fool". He turned his attention to Agmaer but Arkyn didn't stick around. Isran had given him the go ahead to look around for anything useful and before long he found a crossbow and an ample supply of bolts.
"Interesting", he said quietly while he inspected the contraption.
Later, Arkyn had made his way back to Riften to stock up on some rations before heading out. As he left the market he noticed Maul lurking in the shadows that clung to houses along the street to the main gate. Both men simply nodded to one another.
Once he had Frost saddled up he thanked Hofgrir for his services and set off for Dimhollow Crypt