A swarm of bats made their way in the Castle Volkihar courtroom where Harkon sat on his throne… patiently waiting.
This swarm stopped shortly just in front of the throne and slowly turned into a Volkihar Nightmaster. He was breathing heavily, his hand cupping a wound on the side of his stomach.
"Liege… Forgive my manners. I came back as soon as I can to report…" the vampire knelt in front of Harkon despite the difficulty with his wound.
"Speak." Harkon commanded, a still expression on his face.
"We've- we've failed. The Dragonborn lives. Wiped out almost all of us… only I managed to escape… everything… everything they say about him is true…" the vampire reported weakly as his wound started to bleed profusely.
"And what of my daughter?"
"She… she wasn't with him… she might be…"
"Silence. I've heard enough." Harkon ordered before standing up from his throne. He smiled before gesturing the Nightmaster to stand up and to come over.
The vampire complied as he staggered to approach Harkon.
"Is it painful?" Harkon asked.
"Y-Yes, liege. I must tend to it before—" the Nightmaster wasn't able to finish his sentence as he coughed a huge amount of black blood. Looking downwards, he realized that Harkon's hand has punctured his stomach.
"It pains me even more... knowing all of you who I've granted with the gift of my blood are continuously failing me." he growled. "Dragonborn… Not Dragonborn… he is mortal, is he not? All mortals are sheep alike – sheep that we lions drink from. Sheep that we break and tear. And we… we're not supposed to fear death. Do not taint my court with your cowardice and pathetic existence."
Pulling back his hand covered in blood, Harkon kicked the vampire's lifeless body down before shooting a nearby servant a look, "Get him out of my sight."
Harkon bit his lip fiercely that it bled while he walked back to the Cathedral.
He underestimated him.
The early assassination of Dawnguard leaders.
The attack at Morthal by the remnants of Movarth's coven.
The raid at Dawnstar.
The retrieval at Ancestor Glade.
All of them… failed.
All because of him. For every move he placed on the table, he was always a central figure for every failure.
He always intervened.
He knew that there was something off with him the moment he'd stepped into the Castle. His first instinct was to either kill him – or to make him one of their own.
But to stop multiple vampire attacks? To have killed an entire squad of his Nightmasters just by himself?
Impossible. He will not accept this.
He walked slowly and approached the shrine at the end of the huge hall.
The Shrine of Molag Bal – constructed to the likeliness of a fountain.
Behind the shrine was a magic circle engraved on the floor – all of which were connected to the bases of seven sarcophagi.
It is time for this sham to end.
He stood in the middle of the magic circle, before slowly cutting his arm with a dagger – his blood constantly dripped at its center.
Gaining enough volume for movement, his black blood slowly flowed to the seven tombs through the engraved circle. Once the blood reached the sarcophagi, their bases lit up in purplish flame.
Seeing this, Harkon smiled – the huge wound on his arm already gone as if nothing happened.
"My servants… it is time you've awoken from your slumber. It is time you forward our cause… the end of the sun's tyranny…" he sneered.
"Arise."
As Harkon spoke, a sound could be heard from within one of the sarcophagi.
A thump.
Then a growl.
Two weeks after Remus' departure.
There was still an hour until nightfall but Serana and Sissel had to finish their lesson a little bit early because of an impending snowstorm… possibly even a blizzard.
Once they were inside the manor, they could clearly hear the wind howling from outside.
Serana looked down at Sissel. "You're quiet. Tired?"
The little girl shook her head. "I… I don't like snowstorms…"
Despite being a little curious, Serana ultimately chose to just give her a warm smile. "At least we're inside. Come, rest a bit before the fire. I'll whip something up in a bit."
All the child could do was give her a weak nod before going to the main hall. Serana made it straight for the kitchen but was surprised to see Jordis already there.
"You're back early." Serana said.
The housecarl momentarily turned her head to give her a smile. "You were too busy training with her, so I thought best not disturb you two."
"We're not exactly doing much really." Serana chuckled before approaching the stove and counter. "Can I help you with anything?"
"No, I'm almost done." Jordis smiled. "Just sit back and relax. Don't worry, I've prepared something warm. Just wait a little bit."
"Alright. Thanks, Jordis." Serana replied gratefully before going back to the main hall to join Sissel.
The moment she sat down across the little girl, she noticed that her mood seemed a little different from her usual self. She wasn't sure whether her eyes appeared worried… or sad.
"A septim for your thoughts?"
Sissel seemed a little bit shaken before giving Serana a confused look, "Um… what? Septim…? For my thoughts?"
Serana chuckled. "It's an idiomatic expression. It means 'Tell me what you're thinking'."
The girl sighed. "Could've just said that from the start."
Serana pinched one of the little girl cheeks. "We can argue about this again or you can tell me what's wrong."
The girl pouted as she rubbed her pinched cheek. She looked up the very moment the strong wind smashed against the roof. "N-No. It's nothing really."
Serana silently stared at her struggle to combat uneasiness. The loud blowing of wind was once again heard from outside, and she was sure she saw Sissel flinch.
Seated at the table near the hearth, the typical scenario would be Sissel trying to talk her up about various of things while she tried her hardest to concentrate on whatever book she was holding. This was the first time in days Serana was granted a much-needed peace and quiet, but she could not help but feel sorry for the girl.
"You weren't lying when you said you didn't like snowstorms."
Another weak nod. Serana smiled warmly before placing her hand over head, stroking her golden-brown hair.
"We'll be fine. We're safe here." She reassured her softly. Sissel looked up at Serana hopefully but before she could even respond, Jordis has entered the hall carrying the food she'd prepared for supper.
After eating their food, Serana ordered Sissel to wash up and get to bed while she helped Jordis with tidying up at the kitchen.
"So, how's this life suiting you?" Jordis suddenly asked.
"Huh?"
"Oh, s-sorry. You've been smiling a little more than when you first set foot here. I-I just thought everything must've felt peaceful and… light… I-I mean… around here…" Jordis replied softly. "I'm sorry, I'm not making any sense…"
"No, no. I get it." Serana giggled. "It's just as you say. Staying here has been very pleasant… more pleasant than my actual home… a hundred times over."
Though a little bit lacking, without that red-headed oaf here, Serana thought, but she wouldn't tell Jordis that of course.
"That's good." The housecarl chuckled softly. "Especially since you've taken quite the liking the on the child… and her to you."
"What do you even mean?" Serana laughed. "I think you're seeing things."
"Please, don't even try to deny it." Jordis answered with a chortle. "Anybody would mistake you as a mother and daughter. Well, not taking into consideration that both of you are polar opposites." She laughed again. "Still, it's a good dynamic."
"A mother and daughter? Jordis, please."
"How do I even begin…" Jordis answered dryly, "Despite that frown on your face, you almost always cater to whatever she wants – as if you're doting on her. You educate her, train her with magic, even cook her food. And I only listed what I've seen in the miniscule amount of time I've stayed here… who knows at what lengths you go while I'm away. You're probably playing with her or something of the sort."
A few seconds of silence. Jordis' eyes widened in disbelief as she gawked at Serana who clearly averted her gaze.
Serana suddenly felt something on her gut, suddenly facing the housecarl, "Wait… what, no! No, I don't!" she awkwardly denied.
"Okay, okay! If you say so…" Jordis laughed as Serana just clumsily stood there, trying to fix her expression to appear even more convincing. "I'm going to finish up here. I advise you rest. Both of you probably had a long day."
"I won't really be resting because I don't need to… but yeah, I might have to freshen up. Thanks, Jordis." Serana replied before leaving the room.
After taking a much-needed bath and wearing her nightgown, she sat silently on the bed.
A sigh. She looked down at the nightgown that she was wearing. It was only one of the many clothes Jordis brought for her two days back, saying she should wear something more comfortable. All of them fit her just right and of course, were very cozy and comfortable.
She sighed. Admittedly, she's been sighing a whole lot lately.
More importantly…
She turned her head and looked over the empty bed.
When will he come home?
She exhaled tiringly before lying down the bed. How long has it been?
A lot seemed to happen over the past few days. As she continuously trained Sissel with magic, so did their relationship grow. The girl had also been a little too… clingy? The first time she successfully managed to cast Oakflesh, she was quick to run up towards Serana and hug her because of pure joy, plunging both of them on the snow.
Ever since then, Sissel had been comfortable with skinship – everytime she'd drag her outside, she'd be pulling her by the hand instead of tugging on her clothes like she used to at first. Sometimes she'd hug her again whenever she'd successfully cast a spell during their training.
It wasn't… bad. Serana was uncomfortable about it at first, but later on she found herself welcoming each one of them even though she spoke not a single word to affirm it.
How's this life suiting you?
If she was to answer Jordis' question earlier in detail, she would've said that she really didn't expect that she'd actually be able to experience living in comfort and ease… the calm and the quiet.
Still, there were times a tiny voice at the back of her head kept on saying that she doesn't deserve any of this.
Not until this 'war' is over.
Suddenly there was a soft knock on the door.
"Come in."
The wooden door slightly creaked open, before Sissel's head peeked shyly behind it.
"What is it?" Serana asked, trying to sound as concerned as possible.
"I… well…"
Sissel struggled with her words and refused to meet Serana's gaze. The vampiress noticed that the little girl was holding her pillow. She patiently waited for the girl's response.
"T-The wind outside… it's too strong…" Sissel explained. "…And the sound… I can't sleep."
It's true. The wind's howling outside because of the snowstorm… no, it's probably a blizzard already.
"Can I—"
Serana chuckled before giving her a warm smile. Before Sissel could carry on, she responded, "Of course, you can stay here."
Sissel's face lit up and ran inside the room with a bright expression. She made straight for the bed, jumping on it with face first just beside Serana.
"Ahhhh this bed is really comfortable…" the girl whimpered. "I feel like I could sleep here in no time." Suddenly, the wind crashed against the manor's roofs even louder than before, making little Sissel squeak.
"It's only natural for it to be this strong, it's a blizzard after all. Still, like I said earlier, we'll be safe here. This manor's very well-built." Serana shrugged.
"It's scary…" Sissel whimpered gripping her pillow ever so tightly as she lied down. "Can you… come closer…?"
"Sissel…" Serana started to protest.
"Please?" the little girl implored, slightly tugging at the hems of Serana's night gown.
Serana sighed. Whenever she makes that face, she really couldn't say no.
She eased her whole body unto the bed before lying awkwardly next to Sissel.
The girl playfully touched her hand. "Hm. Cold."
"Sorry."
"It's okay!" Sissel beamed with a grin. "It's weird… cold… but it doesn't feel cold at all."
Serana laughed. "Yup, that's weird… since I've no idea what you're talking about."
"Haha! Me neither!" Sissel gurgled. She asked yet another question. "How're you holding up?"
"What do you mean?"
"You know, he's been gone for two weeks now."
"…Really?"
"Yeah… you really don't know?"
Serana's eyes became evasive. "I try not to count."
The little girl's bright green eyes looked up at Serana in wonder. "Really? You've been spacing out a lot recently."
Serana's brows furrowed. "I just like look like it, but I'm actually thinking about other things."
Suddenly, a gust rocked the manor's roof, making Sissel flinch. She closed her eyes shut, firmly clutching the sleeves of Serana's clothes.
The woman smiled. "I'm here."
The little girl found comfort in her words and settled down immediately. She looked up to Serana, stared right into her feline eyes.
"You really have strange eyes…"
"Does it bother you?"
"No, not really. Just… curious. You're still very, very pretty."
Serana chuckled. "Points for trying."
"I'm… I'm starting to get sleepy…" Sissel yawned before shutting her eyes.
"Why don't you go ahead and…" Serana heard light snores escaping from Sissel's nostrils. "… sleep."
She smiled warmly.
"Good night, Sissel."
"Hey. Wake up. It's time for breakfast." Serana sat beside Sissel, gently shaking her from her sleep.
Subconsciously, the little girl flicked her hand away before turning over to the other side. "Hrmm… five more minutes."
Rolling her eyes, she lifted herself up and made way to the door. "Well, I guess I should just eat all those sweetrolls Jordis prepared before she left."
Hearing this, Sissel was quick to sit up. Despite her eyes being half-closed, her voice was far from that of a holler. "Did you say sweetro—"
Her voice was immediately cut off just in time when Serana immediately closed the door before making her way to the main hall.
During breakfast, Sissel hastily gobbled up the sweetrolls while Serana calmly went through her stew.
It was another quiet morning with the blizzard's passing last night and Jordis had gone early for Dawnstar. Gregor's absence was rather expected since he was either always out on a hunt or supervising the village's construction. He also mentioned about having duties at the capital from time to time.
Serana glanced at Sissel who continuously munched on her breakfast. She smiled a little before carrying on with her food. After finishing, she stared off in blank space.
She thought how this setting provided her a strange feeling of satisfaction… somewhat a renewal of life.
Yet, there was familiar longing.
Where is he?
"You're staring off into space again…" Sissel chimed breaking in Serana's thoughts.
"What? Oh, sorry. I was just thinking what we're going to do today."
"You're fooling no one here." The little girl giggled.
Serana raised a brow. "I'm serious… I'm thinking of other things we could. We're not training today, remember?"
"What?! Why not?!" the girl whined.
"You've been training for days on end. Sometimes, you'd even have your way and train on a rest day." Serana placed a chin over her thumb. "Maybe we should just—"
"—No, reading is boring." Sissel interrupted with cross arms, quickly able to discern what Serana is on. "Think about something else."
"Uhhh… do chores?"
"Nope. Jordis and I did just that the day before yesterday." Sissel refused.
"Chores don't skip days, Sissel."
"Jordis was here yesterday, all-day long. We don't have any more chores left."
"Fine." Serana paused in thought. "Maybe, we can go outside and… hunt… maybe?"
Sissel slammed her hand over the table loudly, startling Serana.
"LET'S GO!" she cried.
The vampiress sneered. "You hurt your hand, didn't you?"
"No!" the girl strongly denied while casually stroking her hand with a fake smile.
It was late in the afternoon, yet the sun was already nowhere to be found as light snow started to fall. They walked through the deep pine forest in the hills northwest of Heljarchen Hall.
"I'm spent… Still, we couldn't even hunt a single thing…" Sissel groaned after a long trek during the hunt.
"You're the one who suggested we go here."
"But Uncle Gregor might've hunted everything in the plains! And there are other hunters out there too!"
Serana just shrugged in response. "Still, who's going home empty-handed? Definitely not them."
The vampiress looked around the empty woods. "Just because this place is wayward doesn't mean it's teeming with game." She sighed. "Well, whatever. Go on, prepare the fire. I already have the wood stashed right here." she ordered as she gestured on the wood they'd gathered while walking through the woods. "We should rest for a while before going home – you look spent."
Sissel groaned even more yet she complied to Serana's order with no questions asked, making the latter smile dryly.
Serana found it strange and impressive how fast Sissel's progress in learning magic was – not to mention that she already knew how to cast the Waterbreathing, a spell of adept level. The child also had incredible reserves of mana, being able to withstand day-to-day training on occasion. Serana knew that if she was serious in pursuing her dream to become a mage – she'd have no trouble becoming one of the best out there.
Afterall…
Serana stared at Sissel casually lit up the campfire with a steady stream of flames from her hand.
…She's able to control the most difficult element among the three energies of Destruction.
"What?" Sissel asked after seeing how Serana stared intently at her.
"No, nothing."
It all started when Sissel continuously pestered Serana one day, repeatedly saying that she's ready to do magic other than that of Alteration.
It was a training day, so Serana just shrugged it off, thinking it'd be a long time before she finally gets it – that there's no harm in explaining the basics and seeing her try.
To her disbelief, when Sissel tried to cast a spell during the candle-lighting exercise, she managed to light it directly with flame.
A natural affinity with fire.
Serana didn't tell her what it meant to have the power to wield the element of fire and only acted as if it was something normal. She wouldn't grow otherwise.
Sissel has an incredible gift… and she shouldn't waste it by growing lenient.
Suddenly, the vampires felt something was off. Sometimes, there are bad days during hunting where you couldn't find a single game.
But right now, something feels terribly strange. The chirping of birds had stopped.
"Sissel, snuff the fire. We're going."
"But I just started it!" Sissel whined.
"Just do as I say and keep moving." Serana calmly ordered. Suddenly, with her vampiric hearing she heard the rustling of snow.
Something's coming towards them. Fast.
She suddenly grabbed Sissel's arm and started to run.
"Serana! What is it?" Sissel called as she struggled to keep up with the vampiress.
"I'm not sure… but we have to go!" Serana momentarily stopped before urging the child to hop on her back.
To Sissel's surprise, Serana ran in a sudden burst of speed.
"Whoa!" Sissel quickly latched tightly on the vampires. "How are you running so fast?!"
"I'm… I'm using a spell!" she called back.
"You should teach me when we get back!"
If they weren't in danger as Serana sensed, she would've rolled her eyes over how complacent Sissel could be.
The vampiress' ears perked up as she sensed even more movements from the trees – from all directions.
They're being pursued.
Suddenly, Serana pressed into a halt. They were at the foot of a mountain. She could've scaled it but it's too steep. Besides, she has Sissel with her.
She shouldn't have run blindly.
They're at a dead end.
Serana let Sissel down from her back before whispering, "Hide there." She ordered, gesturing towards the sole tree that grew beneath the mountain. "And whatever happens, do not come out of there unless I tell you so."
"But—" the little girl was obviously confused. Serana just gave her a reassuring smile and a small pat on the head.
"—And don't come out until it's safe… Please…?"
Serana's plea sounded so genuine that Sissel had no choice but to give her a nod and do as she says.
The vampires gave her a smile before drawing her sword. She took a deep breath and fixated her senses at the woods – particularly to where the strange sounds were coming from.
Suddenly, a huge figure emerged from the woods from behind a tree.
A wolf-humanoid hybrid.
A werewolf.
Moments later, four more werewolves emerged from different directions accompanied by a pack of wolves. They were growling heavily and looked at her as if she were a piece of morsel.
The wolves grew impatient and rushed towards Serana. The vampiress, on the other hand, had no difficulty in dispatching them. The first wolf was knocked to a nearby tree with a powerful kick while the second met the tip her of sword. So did the others who followed them.
As the wolves lay dead, so did their masters become restless.
They're in danger and Serana knew that very well.
In her head, she's already exploring options.
Summon undead from the Soul Cairn? No. That shouldn't even be an option with Sissel around.
She'd have to fight out of this one out without necromancy. She can handle this… as long as they don't sniff Sissel out.
One of the werewolves rushed towards her, snarling like a rabid dog. Before the monster's claw could reach her, Serana stepped aside before cutting its entire arm off. Howling in pain, the werewolf turned towards the vampiress again, but before it could react, Serana plunged her blade right through its mouth.
The other three werewolves rushed to attack her while the biggest stood back – unmoving.
Serana rushed forward to meet the monsters. With fangs bared, the first werewolf swiped with claws. The woman leapt over it to avoid its strike. Before landing, she cast a Lightning Rune on its back. The beast went hysterical before the rune burst into a thunderous explosion.
That's two down.
The other werewolf pressed forward and slashed at Serana but she was able to parry its attack with her bare hands thanks to her vampiric strength. The beast quickly stepped back, much to Serana's surprise.
It seems the remaining ones were forced to adapt to their fight – having observed how she quickly dispatched of the others.
The two werewolves started weaving around her as if sniffing her out – both seemed full of inhuman hunger, but they were cautious as they wouldn't want their lives to be brought to an abrupt end.
The other one, which Serana found strange, still stood motionless behind the other two.
One of the werewolves lunged forward. There was no room for a counterattack so Serana quickly put up her guard to block while maneuvering to dodge a fatal strike.
The werewolf swiped a little too close, tearing a part of the cloth on Serana's arm. It was relentless and provided no opening which forced the vampiress on the defensive – slowly inching backwards and backwards.
Suddenly the werewolf let up, much to her confusion – when she heard a snarl from behind her.
The other beast was waiting for an opportune moment to strike.
Damn it!
The vampiress managed to dodge but the werewolf's attack was so fast that it knocked the sword out of her hand.
The other werewolf's claws were also about to reach her but she quickly casted a ward to soften the blow.
Disarmed and pissed, her hands crackled with lightning. Fully unaware, the werewolf attempted to deliver a finishing blow to the unsteady Serana – only to be hit with a fully charged Thunderbolt right through its face.
Only two remaining – Serana thought. All of a sudden, she heard a slight gasp from behind Sissel's hiding place.
Soon as she turned her head towards the sound, so did the werewolf close to her proximity. Both saw the little girl's head peering from behind the tree.
The werewolf slowly approached Sissel.
"No!" Serana cried as she kicked her sword back to her hand and rushed towards the aggressor – when she was slammed right unto a nearby tree by the towering werewolf who until now, was only staying behind waiting for a chance to strike.
Sissel's aggressor let out a light snigger, sounding like a hungry hyena as she slowly approached her. The little girl huddled tightly unto her corner at the tree's base closing her eyes shut.
Before Serana could recover from her fall, the large werewolf's claw quickly found its way through her neck, pinning her against the tree.
The vampiress struggled and tried to forcefully tear the manbeast's claws wrapped around her neck but it was to no avail.
The creature is strong… too strong.
"Hrrrhhh… You're not… human… not living…" it growled under its breath.
Serana couldn't care less about what the creature is trying to say, her eyes were completely engrossed on the other werewolf approaching Sissel – it moved leisurely knowing its prey is helpless.
The vampiress started charging the Thunderbolt spell on her hands, however, the creature was quick to catch on as it abruptly pummeled Serana unto the cold ground.
Before Serana could react, the werewolf quickly sunk its teeth down Serana's shoulder. The vampiress instinctively stiffened her limb muscles to minimize the damage but the beast's jaws were strong, too.
The creature pulled back in disgust. "...Cursed… Not worth eating…"
Knowing Sissel remained in danger, the vampiress' resilience was unwavering – but the werewolf's claws are tightening their grip.
"You… you will die… and the girl… hrrrhhh…"
Her vision struggling to get a hold of Sissel or her aggressor... She has to do something…
Serana's eyes rapidly turned pitch black and dark veins had started to appear just behind them. Slowly gaining the vampiric strength coming from her blood, she riveted her fingers round the creature's arm before starting to pull back forcefully.
But before she could, the loud sound of an arrow zipped past them both before quickly sinking unto the flesh of the werewolf hounding on Sissel.
A black arrow lodged right through its neck – its whole frame sizzling with electricity.
The werewolf's dead.
Slightly distracted, the towering werewolf perked its head up. Taking the chance, Serana immediately conjured a Bound Dagger and plunged it through the beast's jugular.
Releasing its grip, the werewolf collapsed on the ground – also dead.
Only then did Serana felt the need to gasp for air as she in turn knelt down right in front of its corpse. She'd only started to feel the fatigue from combat and her injuries.
"Serana! Serana! Are you alright?"
A familiar voice… and a familiar scent.
But Serana's mind was wandering elsewhere.
"Sissel… Please, tell me she's okay…" she weakly answered, eyes still fixated on the snow as she tried to compose herself.
Her senses were starting to fail, and her consciousness was starting to wane. Still, she stood up – cupping her forehead with her hand. She wasn't entirely sure how many minutes have passed before she managed to stand on her own.
She couldn't feel the injury on her left shoulder anymore, but the fatigue is overcoming her senses. Her vision was spinning and soon enough, she started toppling over – only to fall gently on another's back.
"Is she going to be okay? Did she hurt herself?" the shrill voice of a little girl rang through her ears. "HURRY! Cast some healing magic on her!"
Sissel. She's safe.
"No, no. She'll be fine. She's strong." the familiar voice answered. Then, she felt herself being lifted from the ground and carried on his back. "In fact, she's so strong that she could've handled them all at once even if I hadn't come."
"She was! I can't believe she handled all of those… wolves… like whoosh! And lightning!"
The man's soft chuckle tickled Serana's ears, probably in response to the little girl's antics.
Her eyes remained shut but… she knows this… warmth. Her arms reached out and gently wrapped around his shoulders– her nostrils filled with his scent.
Is this… real? Is she not dreaming?
"You're late." She whispered.
"Did you wait long?"
"… Not really… I couldn't care less… It's only been two weeks…"
A soft snicker.
"Rest for a while… we'll be home soon."
"I'm very sorry!"
Serana woke up from Jordis' voice from behind the door. She was back in Heljarchen Hall – lying down the couch inside the master bedroom. The wounds on her shoulder have already been wrapped by a clean bandage – not that it was needed.
She had passed out. Using her innate vampiric power took its toll, she'd probably have to use it less from now on. But thinking how the supposed big battle is just right around the corner – it worries her.
The vampiress carried on with eavesdropping on the conversation behind the door.
"It isn't really your fault… who would've thought they'd go to the Whispering Hills to hunt..."
"I should've told them—"
"Relax, Jordis. I told you it's not your fault."
"Please let me tend to her and I'll—"
"Jordis. Thank you for helping out, but… just do as I say, check if Sissel's already sleeping then go to sleep. I'll take care of Serana."
Serana's ears went red upon hearing that.
"—As you wish, but please tell her I—"
"Yeah, yeah. I doubt she's even blaming you in the first place. Go on, scat!"
With an audible sigh, she heard Jordis' footsteps as she followed her Thane's orders.
The doorknob slowly turned and in came a face she hasn't seen for quite a while. Serana was quick to turn her head the other way – despite not being sure why she did so.
"Have you been up long?"
"No, just now…" she weakly replied, placing a hand on her head. "How did we get here?"
"What do you mean? I carried you."
They were on the way to Heljarchen Hall when she passed out it seems. Using her innate vampiric power took its toll – she would probably have to use it less from now on. But thinking how the supposed big battle is just right around the corner – this worries her.
"Right. Thanks…" She said with a short smile, but still she didn't know how she'd first interact thus she kept averting her gaze.
"How did you two wound up being up there?"
"In the woods?"
"That wasn't some regular forest Serana… both of you were just north of here. Edge of Hjaalmarch." Remus' brows furrowed, possibly with worry. "You were at the Whispering Hills, and no one even dared to hunt there. Except for those werewolves you've encountered." He sighed. "It hasn't been always like that in that place but apparently it became home to those with the beastblood while I was gone."
Serana raised her brows in contrast. "If it was so dangerous, how come you're there?"
Remus seemed dumbfounded for a moment. His mouth remained open as if he were finding the right words. With a deep breath, he fixed his eyes on the floor. "I stayed there way back when."
"Stay there?"
"My teacher and I used to… it's a long story. I just had something to sort out."
An uncomfortable silence echoed in the room.
The vampiress wanted to squeeze him for details but eventually decided against it. For Serana, it is only natural that there is yet another detail about Remus that she didn't know or understand… it's just…
"It… doesn't matter. Thanks… for saving us."
"You could've handled it yourself even if I wasn't there."
"Right… I-I should probably freshen up…"
"Alright." Remus' brows furled "Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yeah… I'm fine." She softly said.
"Are you mad?"
There was no answer – even as Serana shut the door behind her.
She slumped down on the ground both of her hands atop her head.
WHAT WAS I DOING?! Congratulations, Serana… you've created an AWKWARD atmosphere.
The vampiress didn't know what to say – or do in that matter. She gently slapped both her cheeks, trying to calm herself down and prepare a bath for herself. She slowly removed the bandage from her shoulder and stripped naked before going into the bath.
As soon as she'd settled in, Serana steadily cleaned herself in the bath.
She touched her shoulder which was injured just a little while ago, all healed up nicely all thanks to her vampiric blood.
Her vampiric blood. The very reason of her immortality.
Immortality… something she had that made the passing of time seemed trivial. The passing of time – which in the end, gained importance once more the moment she fell in love.
The water may be warm and comforting but she knew deep within herself that she'd very much prefer to be beyond that bathroom door… on the bed… and cradled in Remus' arms.
Outside, Remus propped himself up the bed – wondering if there was any thing he did that might've wronged Serana in any way. She's been in the bath for a long time now.
Was I gone for too long? Is she upset? Should I have told her why I was there?
These questions continuously prodded his brain, making him extremely uncomfortable. He scratched his head in frustration and laid down the bed sideways.
What did he even expect when he got back?
He heard the bathroom door creak open, making him shudder a little from nervousness.
What's his next move? Pretend to be asleep?
If he pretended to be asleep, he'd probably save himself from a supposed argument with Serana. She probably wouldn't sleep tonight, too… she'd probably say something like she'd already rested on the way to Heljarchen Hall.
Suddenly, he the bed slightly give way beside him. It wasn't long before he felt Serana's body lying just right behind him.
Wait, what?
Slowly, Serana's arm slid through his and embraced him from behind, her soft body permeating through his.
"Hey…"
Serana's voice was so soft that Remus felt a tingle on his ear.
"Uh… hey…" he delicately responded. "Are you… angry?"
A short pause.
"No…"
"Really...?"
Serana's tightened her embrace.
"I'm not angry…"
Another pause.
"But let me tell you something, Remus… I want to know more about you… through and through. I don't want to learn about you just from some book, I want you to tell me more about you yourself. I miss… I miss your stories. I-I hardly know you, Remus… but my heart… it chose to trust you."
She exhaled, "I'm very sorry… I'm not making any sense. I know I did let you go when you said you had to go…"
"But, back when we've survived Ancestor Glade you… you had this look… this… demeanor." The vampiress' hand curled into a ball as she held him even more tightly and her voice was beginning to break. "And until now I didn't know it came to that."
"It was a look that someone who was ready to move forward gave. But I… I'm still struggling. I'm not sure how I could move forward… how I'd keep up with you. Without you here with me, I feel like I'm being left behind… that I couldn't move forward with you… and that makes me even more and more confused… and I feel…. lost."
The woman was starting to slightly shake, making Remus hold her hand close to his chest in an attempt to calm her down.
"So please… I need you to stay… please…"
This, accompanied by Serana's warm and mellow voice, was enough to make Remus' heart race. Not to mention he's feeling something soft pressing against his back…
"Serana— I—" Slowly, he turned to face her.
The moment their eyes became lost in each other only then did he realize that the vampiress has been staring at him longingly. Remus saw something in her eyes that he hasn't seen this close for a very long time – need. All it took was this one look to rock Remus with guilt.
"Okay… I'll-I'll stay…" That's when he noticed that the vampiress' breathing has been unsteady for a while now.
"Serana…?"
All of a sudden, she was kissing him so passionately – so sudden that he wasn't even sure how or when it even started. More importantly, the kisses were getting deeper and deeper – their mouths were suddenly fused together, one kiss led to another and one touch linked to the next.
Each kiss was starting to become more intense. Serana's hands were already latched onto his hair and then they were under his shirt looking for bare skin.
Remus' mind was starting to reel, and he knew that emotions are starting to run high.
"Serana, maybe… maybe…" Remus sighed in between her kisses, "…maybe we shouldn't…" Before he could even finish his sentence, Serana clamped his mouth with her own – her hands once more under his shirt, nails digging on his back.
Resistance is crumbling away fast, and with each kiss, Serana made soft and beautiful noises in the back of her throat. She's been setting the pace since the beginning and it would take a lot of self-control for Remus to even stand a chance.
Serana had already made it atop of him and her kisses was becoming more and more demanding and so did her touch. She sat up for air and stared down at Remus. Her eyes were blank with fervor and desire. Her hips were already threatening to grind against his.
Remus was definitely feeling it. But he shouldn't lose, he is feeling something… down there.
The man closed his eyes and tried to distract himself.
Think of other things.
Miraak. Miraak in a sundress. No – I don't even know what Miraak looks like.
He needed to think of something else to distract himself.
Isran? Bald Isran in a sundress.
As soon as Remus thought that this funny image is starting to work, he opened his eyes – only to see Serana's nightgown slowly sliding down her shoulders throwing every bit of distraction he had thought up out of the window.
Her skin looked smooth, porcelain white… and soft. Very soft.
Serana slightly bit her lip before inching her face closer to Remus. With yet another passionate kiss, her hands raked unto his torso, making him shudder.
Her sweet scent permeated through his nostrils, he knew that his blood was getting hotter and hotter as his hands were already grabbing the hems of her nightgown as she's eased atop him.
His body was aching for her and he was getting twitchy with longing.
Serana laid above him, slightly rubbing against him – as if she wanted to feel more of him, with only thin layers of clothing separating their bare skin. Her mouth edged closer to his ear before whispering one word:
"Please."
Only one word – and this was enough to tear down Remus' self-control.
He no longer had the strength to fight it.
Remus couldn't deny her of what she wanted… of what they both wanted. He wanted to erase any doubts that have both nestled in Serana's mind and heart.
He wanted to let her know that from now on… he will be even more present – just like she wanted… that he was there to stay.
Gripping both of Serana's wrists, she reversed their positions – now he's the one eased on top of her, his hips settled just between her legs.
Remus stared, as there was enough time to drink her in. This time, Serana didn't falter under his gaze – her eyes are completely locked with his. She didn't try to cover herself up despite the fact that her nightgown was threatening to slip from her shoulders.
Seeing Serana all too vulnerable made Remus' blood rise even more. He started kissing her neck and followed the pathway to her ear. She made a lovely noise, an erotic combination of both a moan and a grunt which Remus absolutely loved.
He kept going slowly to give her a chance to tell him to stop – he wanted to give her the opportunity to say no without asking her outright if she wanted him to stop.
However, this doesn't seem to be the case. Serana was kissing him again and wrapped her legs around his waist coaxing him closer and closer.
He knew Serana might be trying her very best not to bite him again because of the tension fogging her mind.
But if she won't… he will.
Once more he buried his head on her neck, his teeth softly clamping down her soft skin. Serana let out a whimper, her eyes rolling backwards. Remus started kissing her collarbone and inch by inch, he was getting closer to her chest.
Serana's fingernails dug against his back once more making him groan. It came out as feral… husky – but he couldn't help it.
He wanted her… all of her.
Remus leaned in once more to kiss her, their tongues entwined with one another. The kisses were becoming more and more potent – her mouth opened against his, her breath was warm and sweet.
Serana was starting to lose to her senses as she gradually tore Remus' clothes from his body.
They stared at each other's eyes – both full of longing.
That moment… they knew that it was going to be a long night for the both of them.