A/N
Hello guys! This is my first fanfic so first things first: I do not write good. English isn't my native language so expect grammatical errors every now and then (however minor). Second, for Dovahkiin/Serana pairing lovers, I'm going for a slow burn because it wouldn't feel too real if I rushed things. So I guess things will pickup later in the story (plot & romance-wise).
Third, the Dawnguard storyline may or may not be the only focus of this story. I'm thinking about incorporating the other story lines from Skyrim. I still don't know so, if you keep on reading, you'll see soon enough. Lastly, Remus's background will progress along with the story. There's definitely OC written in this work.
POVs are not stuck to the Protagonist's.
I hope you guys enjoy my work! Please leave some reviews so I could see how I'm doing.
Southern mountains of the Pale.
Shearpoint.
Sigh.
It's been a while since I was last in Skyrim, and I'm sent to one of the coldest and farthest areas in the province.
Home sweet home.
But, no matter. I've already been here a few years back. When I fought with the dragon priest Krosis.
A dragon has been attacking villages and areas within Whiterun hold. So, thanks to Hulda, the innkeep of the Bannered Mare Inn, I had a deal with Proventus Avenicci, Steward of the Jarl of Whiterun.
I stay hidden, and the dragon gets killed. Of course, I'd also get paid.
A dragon attack in Skyrim… first I've heard about one in a while.
Afterall, Alduin… is dead.
Slowly but surely, I made my way to a nearby rock. This was hard to do, considering the level of the snow. Once I was in position, I scouted the area.
Perched up at the top of the dragon wall was the target. Its body was colored bronze and spots of black dotted its skin.
An elder. It's sleeping.
Carefully, I reached for an arrow from my quiver before notching it on my bow. I steadily aimed at the dragon's eye. With a deep breath, I let go.
The arrow pierced its target. The dragon howled in pain and its wings started to spread, ready to take flight.
Quickly, I notched another arrow and aimed for its other eye. Another hit.
Confused and blinded, the dragon flapped its wings taking flight. I unleashed several more arrows on one of its wings.
Rendering its flight useless, the dragon started to plummet to the ground. I strung the bow to my back and drew one of my swords before I started running towards where it fell.
Before the beast could recover, I plunged my sword deep in its neck before cutting through it with another swing. With one final roar, the dragon breathed its last.
Putting a dragon down usually takes at least a dozen men. Maybe more.
But… slaying dragons has been a part of my life for the last few years. I'd have to say that I'd do a better job of slaying dragons than a large party.
I glanced at the dragon. Its skin and flesh started to glow and crackle as if turning into ashes. These in turn spread into glowing streams of light before it flowed into my being. I took a breath and started walking away.
Another dragon soul claimed.
My name is Remus. I was initially known as a bounty hunter from the village of Riverwood. Then, I was known as the Dragonborn.
After killing the World Eater, Alduin, I was branded a hero. I was revered.
But deep inside, I knew I'm no hero. I'm far from it. Before I was a bounty hunter… before I was Dragonborn… I wasn't exactly the good man they make me out to be.
I thought I was over it, though.
But then, within the year of destroying Alduin... I committed another atrocity.
That's why I decided to live in isolation. A self-exile of some sort. I really didn't have anything more to do. I fulfilled my 'destiny'. I was no longer needed.
Still, I kept in contact with selected people - those who I really trusted. But, other than that… I was gone.
That was two years ago. And to my surprise, it was long time. During that period, I managed to travel across the continent. And among those travels were a lot of self-realizations.
I am no hero. But… this shouldn't stop me from helping in any way I can.
Besides, my sins need atoning.
And now, I'm back to Skyrim. Alduin may be gone, but there's still a lot of work that needs doing.
[Remus's POV]
It was already late in the evening when I reached the city of Whiterun. I didn't want to disturb the Proventus from his sleep just to claim the bounty so I decided to drop by the Bannered Mare Inn to spend the night before claiming my reward tomorrow.
I went inside and walked directly towards the bar.
"May I help you?" Hulda asked. It was strange, she was already cleaning and putting things into order. That's when I realized, the inn was... empty. Huh.
I removed my mask and undonned my hood. The innkeep's eyes widened in surprise before softening up.
"... And so he returns." Hulda grinned ear to ear. "How did it go?"
"It wasn't much. I had worse." I replied with a smirk on my face. Hulda just laughed in response.
I sat near the fire at the center of the room to warm myself. That was the moment I really felt I was alone in what once was a very lively inn. Just what happened? The inn used to be full of people.
I approached the bar and asked Hulda for a drink. The innkeep just gave me a nod and handed me a bottle of Nord mead.
Even Hulda seemed strange.
"So Hulda... uh... any rumors?" I inquired just to break the ice. I liked to drink in silence, but in the Bannered Mare… it's just deafening.
"Not so much no. That dragon was the biggest word around here… but you've already dealt with it."
Suddenly, Hulda's face lit up as if struck with an idea. "Wait… actually there is something…" she started rummaging from behind the counter until she pulled out a small piece of paper. A notice.
"An Orc wearing strange armor just left this." Hulda said as she handed the notice over to me. "Never seen that kind of armor before."
The Dawnguard are recruiting. Professional Vampire Hunters needed.
Look for the old Dawnguard Castle at Dayspring Canyon, East of Riften.
Dawnguard? Dayspring Canyon? None of those rings a bell.
"Knowing what you can do, I suggest you consider on joining them." Hulda's eyes suddenly fell grim. "I didn't believe vampires existed but… Whiterun experienced two attacks just this week. Two guards on different days. Drained of blood."
"Really? How come I never knew of this?" I placed the piece of paper on the bar. I knew about vampires as I've encountered a number back then. But they're mostly alone… or in a small group. The largest I've encountered was in Morthal. But I never knew about vampires deliberately attacking cities… especially Whiterun. It's an open city, but it's well-guarded.
"You just came back. And you're no 'one city' man." Hulda sighed while fetching me another bottle of mead.
Point taken. Ever since I came back to Skyrim, I haven't been staying in the major cities too much. I was accustomed to living in the wilds or in seclusion. I was constantly moving.
"Besides, I knew you noticed." Hulda added. "People are too afraid to come out of their homes at this hour. I was even about to close when you arrived."
"Huh. That must be why when I arrived at the gates, the guards were pretty jumpy." I recounted as I remembered an incident earlier. The Whiterun guards refused to let me in. Although it might be because of my get up. I wore a dark-colored chainmail and a dark red cuirass to cover it. A also had a black hood and mask up to conceal my identity. I also had a dark red scarf tied around my neck. I wouldn't really blame them if they thought I'm not up to something good.
"I had to bribe them just to let me in." I sighed. That was when I noticed Hulda looking at me intently.
"What?"
"Why didn't you just show yourself to them? They would've easily let you in."
I stared at Hulda, darkly before drinking more mead. "You know why."
She gave out a big sigh. "I do understand, Remus. But, eventually... you're going to have to find a purpose."
"I do have a purpose. I'm helping you guys, remember? Dragon?"
"Well, you just can't keep on popping in for bounties, hoping to help."
That one stung. As expected of Hulda.
"Maybe you need to be a part of something bigger than yourself. I don't even know how long it has been since you associated yourself with..."
"... Two years." I interrupted. I've built relationships across Skyrim over the years. Been part of a handful of groups. Still, I haven't really thought about going back to any of them. As of now, I work alone.
"Hey! Are you even listening to me?!" Hulda cried as she slammed her hand on the counter which caught me by surprise.
"Uh, yeah? Sure, I was."
"So... you're going to join the Dawnguard?" she asked excitingly.
"What?"
"The Dawnguard! It might be a good place for you to start!" she gushed. "Besides, you aren't even doing anything right now, are you?"
"I told you, I'm just helping through accepting bounties. I kind of have a solo thing going on. Besides… I just got here. I'm tired you know?" I replied weakly.
Hulda gave me one last glare. She raised an eyebrow before she settled down. "I'll let it go. Still, just think about it."
"Fine." I finished my drink and placed it down the bar.
"Good! Those vampires are bad for my business!" she exclaimed as she grabbed the empty bottle.
I ignored her and started walking towards the stairs to go up and find myself a good bed. I paused.
"By the way, just tell Proventus that the dragon has been dealt with. Just claim the bounty in my stead."
"Wow. Awfully kind of you." Hulda teased.
"Please, you're barely going under. I'm just doing this because I haven't been around… for a while." I paused for a bit. "I just might pay this… Dawnguard a visit for you."
"You will?!" the innkeep cried excitedly. "That's great!"
"Aish. Just…" I gestured my hand over my lip like zipping it close.
Hulda just gave me a blank stare before shooing me away.
I stopped in the middle of the staircase and turned back to the innkeep.
"Oh-" I muttered as I remembered something. "- and Hulda?"
"Yeah?"
"I was never here." I said darkly. I stared at her intently to imply that I'm being serious. She gave me one look before letting out a sigh.
"Alright, fine. An agreement is agreement. I'll honor it."
"Thank you."
"Still, how long are you going to keep this up?"
I turned my back on her and proceeded towards the empty bedrooms before I replied,
"As long as the people of Skyrim are still clamoring about the Dragonborn."
Just what am I doing here?
Hulda actually managed to have me do it. I found myself standing at the entrance of Dayspring Canyon after travelling for around four or three days. Everything looked so... peaceful. After walking through the gorge, I came upon a small stream beneath a waterfall. The trees have quite the color, unique to the flora in the Rift. I've always known that the wilderness of Skyrim was beautiful in its own right, but this... this is something else.
It's nighttime… torch bugs were everywhere, like little lights in the darkness. As I walked on, I noticed more of the canyon's beauty: the pine trees bathing in moonlight, elk running through the woods with no worry. How can something be so beautiful be a home base for something called the Dawnguard?
After a minute of walking, a towering fortress came to sight. That must be the Dawnguard's headquarters.
I picked up my pace and ascended the stairs leading to the building. Carefully, I pushed the fort's doors open.
At the center of the room, I saw a Redguard donned in heavy armor I've never seen before. A huge war hammer was strapped on his back. He was talking to another man, a Nord, equipped with the same weapon. Only difference was the latter's wearing familiar robes. A vigilant of Stendarr. They were in a heated argument.
I decided to lean against the wall and wait until their argument was over. And maybe, eavesdrop a bit.
"... And now you come running to me because the vampires ransacked the Hall of the Vigilants? I told everyone what's coming for us... and no one believed." The Redguard said in an angry tone.
"Isran, everyone's dead. The Hall of the Vigilants... everyone...! They're all dead! You were right, and we were wrong. Isn't that enough for you?!" the vigilant lashed out.
The Redguard called Isran went silent. His angry disposition changed after the vigilant's words.
"Yes... well, Tolan... I never wanted any of this to happen... I am sorry..."
Taking notice of my presence, Isran's eyes shifted towards me.
"The man in the shadows. Who are you? And what do you want?" the Redguard asked in suspicion.
Same question. What do I want? Am I really doing this? I slowly moved from my corner and started walking towards them. I could see their faces and their hands were starting to get cautious.
"I'm not exactly sure. I guess, I'd want to help." I answered half-heartedly.
"You don't look like you've really come to help." Again, the fact that a mask and a hood is obscuring my identity really gets to some people. "I'm going to need a name." Isran stated as his eyes narrowed with distrust.
I just shook my head in response, causing the Redguard to furrow his brows.
"You wouldn't even give me your name? As far as I remember my ma' told me that it is very rude not to lower your hood and remove your mask when you're going to introduce yourself." Isran glared.
"Do I really have to?" I looked at the two. Both were eager to know what's underneath all… this.
I let out a sigh. I've decided.
I do want to help. But if I do, they'd have to trust me first.
"I never said anything about introducing myself. But, fine. I should observe my manners."
I slowly lowered my hood and removed my mask. I let out another sigh of relief. Wearing a hood and a mask doesn't exactly feel good.
Once I did so, I stared at Isran and Tolan.
They just stood there in shock. They looked at each other before turning their heads towards me in unison.
"I- I've heard the stories..." Tolan said, as he stared at me steadily. "... I heard he vanished for a long time now..."
"A scar beneath the left eye... and that red hair... could you possibly be the Dr..."
Before Isran could finish, I cut him off.
"Yeah, it's me." I finally confirmed. It's surprising enough they knew me based on how I look. Just… what happened while I was gone?
"Just what is the famed Dragonborn doing here in the Dawnguard? From what I hear, you've been gone... for a long time - and you chose to show yourself here in all the places here in Skyrim..." Isran asked, his eyes were still wide in surprise.
I do not like the way he talks. But I also kind of like that he isn't too delighted like an idiot when I revealed myself. Unlike Hulda when she first saw me in a while.
"Just like I told you, I'm here to help."
Isran's face lit up and his voice boomed across the room. "Stendarr's Mercy! The Dragonborn himself!"
The way he keeps saying the word Dragonborn struck a nerve.
"I'm not here for what I am and what I did before. I'm here for what needs doing." I said in a calm yet strict tone.
After hearing this, Isran snapped back to his former stoic self. Tolan was still silent and I'm guessing that he's still trying to comprehend what's going on.
"You said you're going to help... so, I must ask. Are you certain that you want to be a part of the Dawnguard?" he asked determinedly.
I asked myself the same question. Then, Hulda's words echoed in my head.
Maybe, you need to be a part of something bigger than yourself.
She was right. I think it's been too long since I affiliated myself with anyone. If hunting vampires is the the Dawguard's main objective, then I assume it's for a good cause.
I took a deep breath before I gave my answer. "Alright. I'm in."
A smile curved on Isran's lips. "I'm glad that the word has been going around. That even you had come to help us. This is the headquarters of the Dawnguard. Well, it used to be, a long time ago. As you can see, we have some work to do to restore it to its former glory. But maybe you want to help me with that?"
"Sure." I briefly replied.
"Then I welcome you to the Dawnguard." he stated as he indicated for me to follow him next to Tolan. "To be honest, I need someone out there in the field... Someone to take the fight to those cursed vampires while we're getting the fort back to shape... Tolan, tell him about, what was it? Dimhollow?"
So, what, I barely just arrived and I'm already going out on a mission? Maybe I shouldn't have come here...
"Yes. Brother Adalvald said something about it holding a long-lost vampire artifact of some kind..." the Vigilant chimed in. Seems like he already had a hold of the situation.
"That's enough for me." Isran turned to face me. "Dragonborn, find out what the vampires are looking for at Dimhollow Crypt. Whatever it is, it shouldn't fall on their hands." Isran commanded. I pursed my lips in annoyance after hearing the word Dragonborn.
Tolan gripped my shoulder.
"I'll meet you at Dimhollow. It's the least I could do to avenge my fallen comrades."
"I don't think that's a good idea, Tolan." Isran interrupted. "You vigilants were never trained for-" But before he could finish, Vigilant Tolan was already walking towards the fort's exit.
"I know what you think of us, Isran. You think we are weak and that we are cowards. You think our deaths proved our weakness. Stendarr grant that you do not have to face the same test and be found wanting. I'm going to Dimhollow Crypt. I'll be waiting." He said without looking at Isran. With that he shut the door behind him.
Isran sighed. "I suppose we couldn't really stop him from doing what he wants. Go. Bring the fight to those filth."
"All right. But before I go, I have a favor to ask."
"What is it?"
"I'm going to do what I'm told during my stay in the Dawnguard. On one condition." I intently stared at Isran. "No one... and I mean no one should know that I'm working with you."
The Dawnguard leader scratched his head.
I added, "There's a reason Skyrim saw me last two years ago, so I'd prefer it if I don't become a talk around here." I paused as I put my thoughts on process. "But if worse comes to worse, should people recognize me, then let it be. But I don't want that scenario happening just because you talked."
Isran looked at me intently, before responding with a subtle smile.
"Understood. But if that's the case, I really am going to need a name."
I paused for a moment. But, I understood.
"Remus. My name's Remus."