Three days since Isran's talk with Valdimar.
The Dawnguard Leader sat uncomfortably on his chair as he scrutinized the plans before him, over and over again.
It is a good plan.
But will they even be successful?
A gentle knock could be heard at Isran's door, making him glance as it creaked open.
"You busy?" Celann's head popped in with a greeting.
Isran only responded with a grunt, gesturing Celann to come in.
"Hey, you're not even going to welcome me back after being gone for long?"
"What do you want, a treat?"
The Dawnguard Head Scout laughed. "Fine, fine. After all you couldn't even greet the Dragonborn nicely even after doing so much of the leg work for you."
Isran clicked his tongue in annoyance, making Celann smirk before looking at the tactical table for a moment, "So, do you think we'll win?"
"If we follow the plan, we might."
"Might? You're not sure?"
"You've noticed it, haven't you?" Isran asked glumly. "You've been out there. These… Volkihar vampires, they're a lot stronger than the vampires we are used to… they're a different breed. More and more men are dying out in the field each day and still… there are a lot of things we didn't even know. We managed to expand the area we could cover but… would that truly count as winning?" He sighed. "But with these unexpected allies… we might have a chance... to deal a huge blow even these monsters could never recover from."
Celann scoffed. "Might? There's more chance than you might think once you learn more about these guys."
"You found something?"
"Well, you did ask me to look into the Dragonborn's Housecarls before your supposed meeting. I guess I'm a little late since they'd already left from what I've heard from the guys… but hey! At least, what I've found out about them… you might find interesting."
"Fine. What do you have?"
"Nothing much." Celann scratched his head before placing some dossiers at a space on the tactical table. "I was lucky enough to find sufficient information about the Dragonborn at the Bard's College but the information about his Housecarls… most of them were rumors rooted from each Hold accordingly." He gave the Dawnguard Leader a sharp look. "However, these rumors aren't entirely baseless, Isran. I've heard about some of them when I stayed behind when you left for Cyrodiil."
He sifted through the documents one by one. "Let's start with the Housecarls."
Lydia – Whiterun's Battlemaiden. She was formerly a priestess of Kynareth at the Temple in Whiterun, but from what I heard… she wasn't exactly religious – all she ever wanted was to serve the people as much as she can with her healing abilities which was probably why she got herself inducted. She was mostly out in the field, taking her healing capabilities to where they're needed the most. That was until one day, her group was assaulted by a group of bandit insurgents. Only she managed to survive, and only upon reporting back to the Jarl was it discovered that she had great aptitude with the sword. She already had recognition due to her contributions as a priestess, so by the order of the Jarl he became a part of his court and her combat abilities have been honed to their best. She had become the Jarl's field agent, aside from his personal housecarl. Then the time came for the the Battle at Western Watchtower – when the Dragonborn slew his first dragon in defense of Whiterun Hold. Sometime after the Dragonborn was recognized as Thane of Whiterun for his efforts, Lydia became his First Housecarl, as appointed by Jarl Balgruuf the Greater. Apparently, the Dragonborn and Lydia had a rough start, for the former just disappeared in thin air after being recognized as Thane. He was assumed to be killed by the bandits at Faldar's tooth, but he returned a few months later and reconnected with her. They were good friends, and they've fought side-by-side for quite a while before the Dragonborn decided he's better of alone.
Rayya – Ex-Mercenary. If I'm not mistaken, she was the first housecarl the Dragonborn had who wasn't appointed by the Jarl's court. Not much is known about her but apparently she belonged to a group of mercenaries from Hammerfell who was in search of some woman – a criminal. Since mercenaries aren't generally welcome in the city of Whiterun, she was caught when she attempted to sneak the city. There are no records on of the Dragonborn was somehow involved with these mercenaries, but it was he who paid for her freedom. After some time, she became the Dragonborn's housecarl. As for the criminal – who went by the alias Saadia – and her pursuers… they're nowhere to be found. You might be thinking that how come someone who's caught trying to sneak in the city could become the famed Dragonborn's housecarl… but make no mistake, she is one of the best warriors in his group – wielding two swords just like he used to.
Calder – Ex-Stormcloak. There isn't much to say about this man aside from the fact that he served in the Stormcloak army, under direct supervision of Galmar Stone-fist. He was one of his fiercest warriors back in their prime. One day, he suddenly hung his commissioned sword and Stormcloak armor and left the army before living like a common man. The reason for his leaving was unknown, but there have been rumors that it's due to conflict in ideals. A housecarl chosen by the Dragonborn himself instead of being appointed by the Jarl Ulfric Stormcloak – how they came to meet prior to taking pledge is also unknown.
Gregor – the Hunter. About him… there's… nothing. Absolutely nothing. Not a single thing… not a single dirt can be found on this guy. He wasn't even anybody, just some hunter who lived around the Pale and sold game whenever he got to the capital. He was just a genuinely nice guy, and everyone liked him – including the Jarl Skald the Elder… and being liked by the old man meant something. He wasn't even a part of his court when the Jarl appointed him to the Dragonborn as Housecarl he just shrugged and went along with it cause the Jarl asked. The only weird thing about him was that he favored two weapons: the bow and the greatsword. Rather impractical, don't you think?
Iona – She was once a guard in the Jarl's court in Riften – and she was the best among them with the experience she gained as an adventurer from her earlier years. She volunteered to be designated as Housecarl to the Dragonborn when he once thwarted the assassination attempt on Jarl Leila Law-Giver years back. Not much isn't known about her relationship to him, and how she took it when Jarl Maven Blackbriar assumed the throne after the Diplomatic council held at High Hrothgar. But to many, she is regarded as an honorable Nord – and many were glad that her skills were not wasted as an idle guard in Mistveil Keep.
Argis – the Bulwark. A chosen housecarl. The story behind his relationship with him was that he was a runaway bandit who was imprisoned by Reachmen. He was rescued by the Dragonborn – and once they've managed to escape Reachmen territory he… respectfully asked him to hand over his coin. Obviously, you're seeing how that turned out. As to how I've heard about it, apparently he'd told people about their history in a drunken stupor in some inn at Markarth before starting a brawl with the other rowdy patriots. The young man had an indomitable will – but just as stubborn. He earned the epithet "Bulwark" because of his exceptional skill with the shield and defense, including the strength of his arm. Rumors say he'd once challenged the famed Njada Stone-arm of the Companions in an arm-wrestle… which ended in a draw as decided by the Harbinger, since no one wanted to give up even after two hours of struggle.
Jordis – the Sword Maiden. Pretty sure you've heard about her as she's one of the defenders at the attack at Dawnstar– a young, talented, and peerless swordswoman based in Solitude. Defeating countless of soldiers in mock duels held at Castle Dour, she was a force to be reckoned with. Even General Tullius himself couldn't hold a candle to her when it comes to combat. Her skills weren't only for show behind the city's walls as she'd also taken lead in the purge of bandit encampments in Haafingar a few years back, some of which are from the notorious Blood-Moon clan – when there have been active movements against Haafingar and Whiterun. All of this was prior to the slaying of Thorvang Blood-Moon in a supposed assassination by the Companions. She was in the custody of the Jarl's court mage by the name of Sybille Stentor, who's been receiving requests for her ward's recruitment into the Empire's Legion. However, the young woman had always refused. One day, when the Dragonborn was awarded the title of Thane for his efforts in aiding Haafingar and its people – the sword maiden approached him and immediately bent a knee before pledging her allegiance to him. Jarl Elisif did not deny her of her wish and was immediately appointed as the Dragonborn's housecarl on behalf of Haafingar. I haven't delved much into her background, but it is undeniable… that she is the best warrior among the Dragonborn's housecarls.
Valdimar – the Arcane Blacksmith. I don't think we need any more intel about him, since he's been famous ever since we were still members of the Vigilants of Stendarr. In youth, while being a top-notch blacksmith, he was an adventurer who'd delved into the most ancient of ruins in search of untouched ore. After a certain point, he quit being an adventurer before joining the ranks at the College of Winterhold and studied arcane blacksmithing. No one truly knew why he left the college back then, but he made way for Morthal and stayed there to continue… whatever he's working on. He and the Dragonborn were glorified as the slayers of the Ancient Vampire, Movarth – but according to the Jarl's steward, the Dragonborn wished Valdimar to keep the gold reward of the bounty prior to the hunt. As soon as the contract was completed – he vanished and didn't even claim his reward of Thaneship along with the gold. This period was around the time he was recognized as the Dragonborn and Thane back in Whiterun.
These people are arguably among the best warriors here in the province, either picked as the finest by their respective Jarls or chosen personally by the Dragonborn.
The alliance they've proposed… it works heavily in our favor.
After briefing Isran about the Housecarls, Celann placed a book in front of him.
The Last Dragonborn: A New Era, a New Hero. Written by Bard's College Headmaster Viarmo.
"Lastly, of course, Remus – the Dragonborn himself, Slayer of the World-eater. Two years ago, during his fight in Sovngarde against the Devourer, the skies of Tamriel were pitch-black – ominous thunderstorms raged… but not a single drop of rain fell. Once the skies had cleared up, seers and sages from all around the continent were saying the very same thing – that the Last Dragonborn has triumphed over Alduin in Sovngarde and will soon descend back to the mortal realm from the Throat of the World. Only then was he widely-recognized outside the province, while some in Skyrim had even took on worshipping him like a god – that he was the incarnate of Talos. Every weapon known to man, he knew how to wield them – but he was renowned because of the unorthodox wielding of two swords. He was also pronounced as the Arch-Mage of the College too, replacing Arch-Mage Savos Aren due to his untimely death – all this, prior to Alduin's demise. He wasn't exactly a nobody prior to his recognition as the Dragonborn and you could just read the contents of this book for more of his feats. His very person along with the power he holds might be the only thing that keeps the Civil War from breaking out after the fall of the great Blood-Moon clan who kept both sides at bay until two years ago. Should he pick a side outright, that side would definitely win – and not Tullius nor Ulfric Stormcloak would risk that. Better drag the stupid war on for years instead of an absolute loss just because of one man."
Isran's eyes narrowed as he reached for the book but hesitated to open it. Celann only gave him a subtle smile.
"Honestly Isran, you've lucked out… having recruited the best field agent we could ever have. There is nothing this man is not capable of doing if he wanted to – even ending this vampire threat from its roots. I wonder how come he ended up joining us."
The Dawnguard leader's eyes squinted as he spotted an untouched dossier.
"What about that one?" he inquired.
"Oh… that…?" Celann faintly replied before reaching for the file. "This… was the eighth Housecarl."
"Hm. Now that I think about it, you've only mentioned seven. Winterhold's Housecarl was missing."
The Dawnguard Head Scout's brows furled in conflict.
"Her name was Rigel Strong-Arm. She was originally from Winterhold but went off to Falkreath, convincing herself that she'd make a lot of coin as a bandit – not that we could really call her that but apparently she'd plans in becoming one but in never truly came to fruition after meeting the Dragonborn. "Strong-Arm" wasn't necessarily because of a literal strong arm perse, rather it was because she strong-armed colleagues, who were normal civilians, to become "bandits" and get along with her plans in becoming highway men with a lumberjack's hut as a front. Apparently, the Dragonborn saw letters from her father as she slept when he sneaked into their base at Pinewatch "in an attempt to retrieve something". Jolting her from her sleep, he commented on how 'she should go back to her father, and he might be worried'. He challenged her into a game of cards on the terms of quitting banditry before she could even start if he won and end up as her slave if he lost. Rigel lost through a fair game followed through the terms – intel says the Dragonborn blinded her with the potential of making a huge amount of coin which was why she gladly went back to Winterhold with him to discuss business. She ended up being his Housecarl with the blessing of Jarl Korir. She was a guileful battlemage, adept with illusion spells while wielding a war-axe in battle. She was also very talented when it comes to earning money and is brilliant with logistics, making her the brain behind the rise of the village of Windstad, their current base of operations as you know it."
"Celann."
"What?"
"You keep saying was."
Silenced, the man bit his lower lip before carrying on. "She died two years ago. A group of Dragon Cultists came and burned down the village and she… was one of the victims. They all had to start over… without her." He cleared his throat. "I'm sorry, it's just… all of this information came from the Winterhold residents' stories. I happened upon them all being merry at the inn, but the moment I brought her up – there was… a sudden change in the mood. She was a beautiful young woman and was loved by many… her loss could still be felt in her hometown even after two years had passed."
"You mentioned a father? Any news?"
"He killed himself."
Isran drew a deep breath.
"Alright, let's stop. I've heard enough. Thank you, for… all of this information, I guess."
"Wow, you're actually thanking me? Are you ill?" Celann joked, but the Redguard's face was already contorting into a scowl so he was quick to change his reply.
"It was no problem." He followed through with a beam. "So, what do you plan on doing now?"
Isran stared back at the tactical table. "Well, you had nothing bad to say about them, do you? You pitched them as if they're Skyrim's only last hope." He grunted in annoyance. "For now, let's get to work. I'll brief you with the plan they came up with."
A/N
Chapter update to follow maybe this weekend or the next, just a little bit busy with work. I think there's two more official chapters (and maybe one bonus focusing on Serana and Remus' relationship development during travels) before the final arc begins. Would like to reiterate how sorry I am for the delays in updates because aside from work, I've really been struggling with "wholesome"(?) content as a transition. The Final Arc is more complete in my head than this very transition because there'll be a lot of fights. Very hopeful I'd be able to finish the whole story this year. If there's still anyone reading this, thank you very much for your support and time!