After leaving Solitude and passing through the harbor, the trio continued on their path to the island that Serana's family called home; everyone had been noticeably quiet after leaving the city for one reason or another and it made the air around them seem a little more tense than it really was.
Serana would occasionally look to Atreus to make sure he was doing okay after their moment outside of the tavern, which still seemed like it may have just been a random thing to her, but despite her efforts, she still found herself thinking about it whenever she wasn't thinking about what she had waiting for her at home; part of her even considered whether or not going there was the best idea, especially considering that Atreus and Ysmir seemed to treat her better than her family had most of the time.
She quickly abandoned the trail of thought and tried to find something to talk about so that she wouldn't start following it again before she found herself thinking back to the dragon they ran into on their way to Solitude, which was a curious encounter to her considering dragons had been extinct or assumed to be myths before she was locked away; with this in mind, she decided to break the silence, get her answers and hopefully coax everybody into talking again so nobody got trapped in their own heads.
"So, can either of you tell me about that dragon we fought...?" She asked in a simple, but noticeably curious tone before both men looked to her as they considered thought on how to answer her question. "I'm guessing they weren't around in your day..." Atreus suggested simply, making her glance to him for a moment before shaking her head lightly.
"No...everyone always assumed that they were myths...or at least extinct..." She answered, making him give her a light nod in understanding before looking to Ysmir, who seemed like he knew much more about the subject than Atreus himself did, especially considering that there weren't any around during his first fifty years in Tamriel and only started showing up recently.
"They were either extinct or damn good at hiding...I can't really tell you much about how or why they're coming back other than it being something of a recent occurrence, though; it's like they just started randomly appearing out of nowhere one day." Atreus explained simply as she listened intently before she noticed him glance to Ysmir, which made him glance back at them and give a light shrug in response.
"It started when one attacked Helgen and burned it to the ground, along with everyone in it...the second sighting was near Whiterun, but me and the local guards managed to kill it, which is when I first learned about my being Dragonborn..." Ysmir began simply, making Atreus and Serana listen to him with a noticeable intrigue as they continued their stroll along the coast line.
"Anyway, they've been appearing in larger numbers ever since and from what I can tell, it's turning into a pretty big problem...one that I intend to deal with as soon as possible." Ysmir finished, a statement that made both of them study him curiously as Atreus raised his eyebrow curiously. "You know what's bringing them back..." He suggested simply, making Serana look to him as Ysmir just remained silent for a moment before taking a breath.
"I have a hunch, yes...but, let's not worry about it right now...it's basically a long, cryptic and incredibly vague story..." Ysmir answered simply before Atreus just gave him a light nod and left the subject alone. He could tell that there was more to the story that Ysmir didn't feel like sharing, but considering how he had been about his own past, he chose not to pursue it any further and let the man explain in his own time.
"You may get to see it for yourself, though...I should be able to handle it alone, but honestly I'd appreciate having you watch my back when the time comes." Ysmir said simply, looking to Atreus when he did and making the young man raise his eyebrow lightly; part of him had hoped that his days of traveling with others would end again after he and Ysmir made sure Serana got home safely, but at the same time there was something tempting about jumping head first into an army of dragons.
"We'll see...let's just focus on this whole 'vampire crusade' for now and work from there..." Atreus answered after a moment, earning a content nod from Ysmir while Serana just listened to them while they discussed the prospect. "Fair enough...just know the offer stands if you decide to accept it." Ysmir said simply, although Atreus didn't comment either way and the trio turned their attention back to the path ahead of them.
As they walked along the coast, Serana's eyes scanned the world around her despite occasionally drifting back to Atreus only for her to avert her gaze before he could catch her, however after a moment, her gaze lingered a lot longer than she wanted it to until he looked back, which made her quickly look away in the hopes that he didn't notice; after a moment, she looked back to him and took a subtle breath.
"You alright back there...?" Atreus asked curiously when he caught Serana's glance before she started looking around again, although he chose not to call her out on it considering he had worked in a few glances himself.
"I'm fine...just wondering if you had any stories to tell...you seem like someone who has plenty." She said simply before Ysmir tensed up a little bit due to the response he was usually met with whenever he asked him about his past, although rather than showing any anger or frustration, Atreus' eyes softened a little as he just took a breath and shook his head lightly.
"None that I care about telling..." Atreus answered in a rather low tone, one that told her that any stories he had most likely brought up horrible memories, which made her give him a light nod in understanding, but peaked her curiosity more.
"They bring up memories you don't want to revisit..." Serana said in a soft tone before letting out a light sigh, making him give her a light shrug as he just looked around for a moment so that he could keep himself from getting caught up in his worst memories and nightmares.
"My stories tend to remind me of..." Atreus said, making Serana and Ysmir look to him when his eyes dropped for a brief moment as he recollected his reserve and shook his head lightly. "It's not important...making sure you get home safe is..." He said simply, earning a light, yet somewhat reluctant nod from her as they kept walking along the coast line and looked around for the boat she mentioned in the tavern.
Before long, the trio came across a battered and broken down dock that looked entirely out of place in the wilds with a noticeably aged and worn boat resting next to it. "I guess this is the boat we're looking for, huh...?" Atreus said simply, making Serana give him a light nod in confirmation.
"That's it..." She said simply as she, Ysmir and Atreus approached the vessel and looking to the fog-shrouded island directly across from their location. "Alright...ready when you two are." Ysmir said simply as he stepped onto the dock, making Atreus look to Serana for a moment before motioning for her to get in.
"Ladies first..." He said simply before she gave him a light nod with a brief, subtle smile threatening to tug at her lips as she stepped on to the dock then got into the boat, leading Ysmir to step in behind her when she was seated; Atreus took a moment before he pushed the boat off into the water, jumped in when it was stable enough to sustain the impact, grabbed the closest oar and started rowing.
Once they made their way across the sea and landed on the island's shore, Atreus and Ysmir studied the ancient, massive castle that greeted them upon their arrival before they looked to Serana for a moment, who acted like she had mixed emotions about the place. "This is your home...?" Ysmir asked curiously before she looked between them and noticed how surprised they looked, making her give them each a light nod in confirmation.
"This is it. Home sweet...castle." Serana answered simply as the two men just looked between her and the castle for a moment before Ysmir shook his head lightly. "Why didn't you tell us it was this big...or a castle?" Ysmir asked simply, making her give him a light shrug.
"I didn't want you to think that I was one of those...you know, the women who just sit up in their castles all day? I don't know, coming from a place like this, well...it's not really me; I hope you can both believe that." She explained before Atreus gave her a light nod in understanding.
"Which is why it's so surprising...can't really speak for Ysmir, but you strike me more as a woman who enjoys exploring..." Atreus said with a light shrug, making Ysmir and Serana look to him before she gave him a brief nod in response.
"I do, actually...it's better than staying stuck in a castle all the time..." She said in a kind of soft tone, which made Atreus watch her for a moment before she shook her head lightly and looked to the castle. "Let's go..." She said quickly as the trio strolled up to the castle.
Atreus and Ysmir scanned the environment around them and couldn't help noticing how dead everything looked, which made sense in a way considering the entire island was more or less ruled by vampires; as they made their way up the bridge leading to the iron gate, Serana reached out and lightly tapped both men on the shoulder.
"Hey so...before we go in there..." She starts in a noticeably reluctant tone, making Atreus and Ysmir study her for a moment before asking her what the problem was. "You okay...?" Atreus asked in a simple, but noticeably concerned tone as she looked to him and gave him a half-hearted nod.
"I think so...and thanks for asking..." She said softly before taking a light breath so that she could tell them what was troubling her. "I just wanted to thank you both for getting me this far, but after we get in there, I'm going to have to go my own way for awhile..." She explained, earning a curious look from both men.
"We do something wrong...?" Ysmir asked curiously before Serana looked between them and quickly shook her head to assure them that they didn't do anything wrong. "It's nothing like that! You and Atreus have been great...you kept your word and even went out of your way to make our journey comfortable...it means a lot." She said in a quick, but genuine tone that made an actual smile threaten to tug at Atreus' lips as Ysmir gave her a light, appreciative nod.
"Oh, it's nothing...glad we could help out as much as we could." Ysmir said contently before Atreus gave a light nod in agreement as he hid his brief, but subtle smile. "And truth be told, it's been kind of nice having you around..." Atreus adds simply, earning a noticeably amused smirk from Ysmir as a light smile crept across Serana's lips.
"Thanks..." She said in a soft tone before shaking her head lightly and recollecting her reserve. "Anyway, this is touching, but we need to focus...I know I can trust you to show restraint and not kill everyone inside, but once we're inside, just keep quiet for a bit...let me take the lead." She said simply, earning a light nod in understanding from both men.
"Aye, we can do that..." Ysmir said simply, making her give him a content nod as the trio made their way to the gate with Serana leading them in before an elderly man approached the gate in order to stop them. "You're trespassing! No one's supposed to..." The old man barked before he noticed Serana with them, which made his eyes widen in surprise.
"Milady? Is it really...?" The man asked in disbelief before collecting himself and retaking his post. "Lady Serana's back! Open the gate!" He called out enthusiastically as the aged iron gate creaks against the stone that held it before opening completely, making Serana, Ysmir and Atreus stroll past the old man and enter the castle.
Upon entering the castle, the trio were approached by a golden-skinned elf with white hair and the trademark amber eyes that alerted those who recognized them to his vampirism; the elven man glared Atreus and Ysmir with a distinguishable hostility, although Atreus returned the glare quickly. "How dare you trespass here?!" The elf barked before he noticed that Serana was with them, which made his entire demeanor change as she lowered her hood.
"Wait, Serana? Is that really you...? I can't believe my eyes..." The elf said in disbelief before strolling to the balcony that overlooked the castle's dining hall as Serana looked to Atreus for a moment, who looked like he was maintaining his reserve well enough, although part of her wasn't sure how long it would last if they learned that her father was anything like he was before she was locked away.
"My lord! Everyone! Serana has returned!" The vampire announced, drawing all eyes in the dining hall to the balcony as the vampires within whispered among themselves about their disbelief and surprise at the news. "I guess I'm expected." Serana said simply, although she sounded a bit surprised herself as the trio made their way to the balcony then descended down the stairs leading into the dining hall.
As soon as they entered the room, Atreus' eyes landed on Harkon and he took a moment to study the man to see if he could figure him out a little more before actually deciding whether or not he was worth respecting; when he noticed the power hungry look in the vampire lord's amber eyes and saw how this apparent lust for more power became more obvious when he saw Serana as opposed to any signs that he had genuinely missed his daughter, his blood started boiling, but he took a quiet breath to keep himself from making a scene.
"My long lost daughter returns at last. I trust you have my Elder Scroll...?" Harkon said in a simple tone that hinted at his obsession with the Elder Scroll when he asked her whether or not she had the relic with her, something that seemed to disappoint Serana distinctly, although she tried to keep it from showing and shook her head lightly.
"After all these years, that's the first thing you ask me...?" Serana asked in an almost hurt tone, although she kept her reserve and took a breath before letting it out in a noticeably disappointed sigh before looking to her father again. "Yes, I have the scroll..." She said, her disappointment in her father's obsession becoming more noticeable when she answered him as everyone in the room murmured among themselves in surprise and excitement when she confirmed that the Elder Scroll was in her possession.
Upon hearing this and noticing how much it seemed to hurt and disappoint her, Atreus felt his blood boil more as his knuckles cracked when he balled his fist, something that Ysmir noticed quickly and made him get ready to try and hold him back if his anger possessed him to strike Harkon. "Of course I'm delighted to see you, my daughter...must I really say the words aloud...?" Harkon said in a half-hearted tone that sounded rather bitter when he essentially muttered the last part.
"You mean admit whole-heartedly that you missed your daughter...and let her know that you're genuinely happy to see her again? Yes, you must..." Atreus states in a noticeably cold, frustrated and venomous tone as all eyes went to him; Serana was a bit caught off-guard by the comment and while there was a part of her that knew it was out of line, especially after she asked him and Ysmir to wait before saying anything, deep down she knew he was right in observation and that for the most part, his outburst was justified.
"You dare openly insult our lord in the heart of his keep?!" The elven vampire scolded in a noticeably angered and flustered tone as Atreus turned his icy glare to the vampire with a noticeably unamused glimmer in his eyes; everyone else watched the scene and even Harkon studied the young man with an intrigue that suggested he could consider him a worthy rival if nothing else.
"Oh, I'm sorry...I just don't think it's very appropriate for your lord to be more concerned about the condition of some damn scroll than he is his own daughter..." Atreus retorts with a distinct sarcasm, although his tone seemed to become noticeably more venomous when he said it, something that further angered the vampire to his left and made Ysmir and Serana prepare to step in to prevent a confrontation.
Harkon, however felt an amused, yet wicked grin tug at his lips as he watched the display and saw how much of a fire the young man had in his heart, which concerned Serana a little more considering that this was a sign that her father was most likely trying to size him up and see if he would prove to be as worthy an adversary as his attitude suggested.
"Listen here, you..." The vampire snarled as Ysmir and Serana started moving in to try and hold Atreus back just in case he was pushed far enough to kill him before Harkon raised his hand to stop the confrontation from escalating further.
"Stand down, Vingalmo...I'm sure our guest means well in voicing such a...fiery observation..." Harkon said simply, making the vampire, Vingalmo, give him a light nod before reluctantly returning to his post as Ysmir and Serana let out quiet sighs of relief while Atreus took a breath in order to collect himself, although there was still a part of him that wanted to give Harkon a piece of his mind.
"Now that we've settled that dispute, tell me...who are these strangers you have brought into our hall?" Harkon asked, although the tone in his voice made it sound more like a demand than a question as he looked between the two men and his daughter, who gave a brief nod before turning her attention to Atreus and Ysmir.
"These men are my saviors...the one's who freed me from my prison..." Serana answered simply as both men gave Harkon a light bow while the rest of the vampires questioned the claim among themselves, although when Atreus bowed, he kept his eyes forward and watched Harkon's every step as he approached them.
"For my daughter's safe return, you have my gratitude...and to learn that her safety was placed in such capable hands warms my heart." Harkon said contently, although both Atreus and Ysmir could tell that he was putting on for the sake of keeping things within his hall civil; regardless, they each gave him a content nod.
"It was the least we could do to make sure she made it home safe and sound, my lord." Ysmir said in a simple, civilized tone as Harkon looked between them and realized that this sentiment was genuine, but he couldn't help noticing that something in Atreus' eyes whenever he looked in Serana's direction suggested a little more than bringing her back out of common courtesy.
"I appreciate your manners, but it's not necessary...especially considering how honest your comrade has been concerning his opinion." Harkon said simply before looking to Atreus for a brief moment, who met his eyes with an icy stare that let the vampire lord know he wasn't threatened by him or whatever power he boasted.
"Oh, don't mind him...he's not really used to dealing with others and...has something of a soft spot for family values; it tends to strike a nerve whenever he feels like the sentiment isn't respected properly." Ysmir explained in a respectful tone, drawing Harkon's gaze back to him for a moment before he gave Atreus a brief nod in understanding; when Serana heard Ysmir's explanation for Atreus' outburst, her demeanor softened significantly, but she made sure it wasn't entirely noticeable.
"A truly underappreciated sentiment...and an admirable trait for any warrior worth his heart to possess." Harkon observed with a noticeable intrigue before Atreus gave him a light nod in agreement. "Now that, we can agree on..." He said in a dull tone that was meant to let Harkon know that he wasn't buying the act and had already seen through his façade, although the vampire lord chose to ignore this and took a moment before addressing them again.
"Ah, but, I've forgotten my manners...what are your names...?" He said in a simple, but genuinely curious tone as Atreus and Ysmir looked between each other before Atreus nodded for the Dragonborn to introduce himself first. "I'm Ysmir of Whiterun." Ysmir answered in a simple, respectful tone before nudging Atreus to let him know it was his turn, which made him give a light shrug before responding.
"Atreus...of Jötunheim." He said simply, causing Serana and Ysmir to study him with peaked curiosity when he mentioned 'Jötunheim' considering it was the first time they had ever heard the name, although at first, they figured he was most likely making it up, but when Serana noticed the look in his eyes when he said it, she wasn't so sure that was the case; it struck her as a name that had some sentimental meaning to him.
Harkon bowed his head lightly when Atreus and Ysmir introduced themselves. "I am Harkon, lord of this court...I assume that by now, my daughter has told you what we are." He said simply, earning a light nod from Ysmir while Atreus just ignored the observation and decided to hold his tongue for the moment considering he didn't have anything civil to say to the vampire lord.
"Aye, she told us that you're vampires." Ysmir states simply before Harkon let out a brief, amused chuckle when he heard the rather simple observation concerning his nature and that of his subjects, which made Atreus roll his eyes lightly when he noticed the vampire lord's arrogance and sense of superiority come to the surface again.
"Not just vampires...we are among the oldest and most powerful vampires in Skyrim...for centuries, we lived here far from the cares of the world; all that ended when my wife betrayed me and stole away that which I valued most." Harkon explained before Atreus stifled a rather disgusted scoff and shook his head lightly.
'Great, another one of these pricks...' Atreus thought to himself as he took a moment to maintain his reserve before looking to Harkon with a distinct indifference concerning who and what he was. "So what happens now...?" He asked dully, drawing the vampire lord's gaze to him for a moment.
"You have both done me a great service and now, must be rewarded...there is but one gift I can give that is equal in value to the Elder Scrolls and my daughter." Harkon began as Atreus clenched his fist again when he spoke as if the Elder Scroll had more value than his own child. "I offer you my blood...take it and you will walk as a lion among sheep...men will tremble at your approach and you will never fear death again." He finished, making Ysmir raise his eyebrow lightly as Atreus let out a dull, unamused chuckle at the claim.
"I'm a werewolf...what will happen if I accept your gift?" Ysmir asked simply, making a noticeably disgusted look form on Harkon's face while Serana just brushed his claim off and figured it explained why the Dragonborn smelled like a wet dog when he and Atreus found her.
"Yes, I can smell it on you...the power of my blood will purge you of that filth and make you whole again." Harkon said in a rather distasteful tone as Atreus felt a somewhat amused smirk tug at his lips when he saw how disgusted he was by Ysmir's lycanthropy.
"And if we refuse...?" Atreus asked simply as Harkon looked between them for a moment. "Then you will be banished...I will spare your life this once, but after that, you will be prey." He answered before uttering a somewhat twisted chuckle that seemed to completely reveal his madness.
"Perhaps you still need convincing...? Behold the power!" Harkon boasted before a dark magic shrouded his body and caused him to writhe for a moment, a display that made Serana avert her gaze briefly as her father let out a monstrous roar when his transformation finished. "This is the power that I offer! Now, make your choice." He declared, making Ysmir and Atreus look between each other for a moment.
"I've already made my choice...you go first." Atreus said in a simple, yet noticeably quick tone, making Ysmir give him a light nod before turning his attention back to Harkon. "I appreciate the offer, Lord Harkon...the power you wield it truly tempting...but, I believe I will have to humbly refuse your offer." Ysmir said simply, earning a light, disappointed snarl from Harkon in response.
"So be it...you are prey, like all mortals. I banish you!" Harkon declares before using his wings to float above the ground for a brief moment before a dark energy festers in his left hand, which he cast at Ysmir and used to transport him out of the castle; once the Dragonborn vanished, he turned his attention to Atreus, who wasn't impressed in the slightest.
"And you...?" Harkon asked simply as Serana followed her father's gaze to Atreus, the look in her eye suggesting that she hoped he didn't accept the offer considering that while she wasn't ashamed of her nature and the power she earned, she really didn't want to be responsible for condemning him to this fate; especially if it was by her father's hands.
Atreus looked to Serana long enough to see the look in her eyes and gave her a brief nod before turning his attention back to Harkon. "Far stronger beings than you already shutter at the mere mention of my name, 'Lord' Harkon...I don't need your power..." He answered coldly, earning an infuriated glare from Harkon as Serana let out a quiet sigh in relief.
"Then you are banished as well..." Harkon declared in an equally cold tone as he raised his hand to cast the same dark magic he used on Ysmir to cast Atreus out only for him to raise his hand and shake his head in order to stop him.
"Spare me the dramatic flair...I can show myself out." He said bluntly before turning his attention to Serana and meeting her eyes as he bowed his head to her respectfully. "Lady Serana, it was nice meeting you and I truly wish you the best, wherever your path leads you...take care of yourself." He said in a simple, noticeably friendlier tone as she gave him a brief, but soft smile, followed by a content nod.
"It was nice meeting you too...take care of yourself, Atreus." She said in a content, equally friendly tone that made a light smile tug at his lips as they reached out to shake hands. "And be careful..." Atreus mouthed to her when their fingers laced around each other's forearms, making her give him a reassuring look that let him know she would be fine before they reluctantly let go.
After a moment, Atreus turned and strolled out of the dining hall before making his way up the stairs leading to the castle's entryway then looked back briefly to see Serana's eyes following his movements, which made him give her another brief, subtle smile before turning his gaze forward and leaving the castle.
Once the castle doors opened again, the elderly watchman looked to Atreus for a moment before opening the gate so that he could leave and gave the young man a brief nod as he walked across the bridge where he found Ysmir sharpening his battle axe while he waited on his companion so that he could see what choice he made; upon noticing that he was still as human as he was when they met, the Dragonborn raised his eyebrow with a noticeable curiosity and surprise.
"Have to admit, I'm a bit surprised you didn't accept his offer..." Ysmir said simply as he stood and replaced the axe on his back before earning a light, casual shrug from Atreus. "Vampirism may sound like a tempting path to power for some, but not me...I can do enough damage without it." He explains simply, making Ysmir give him a light nod in understanding as they started making their way back to the boat.
"Fair answer, but the prospect of increasing your power isn't what I assumed would convince you to accept it..." Ysmir suggested before Atreus raised his eyebrow and studied him curiously when he thought on the observation for a moment.
"What are you getting at...?" Atreus asked in a dull, but curious tone, although after thinking on it a little more, he had a pretty good idea what he was talking about even though he didn't care anything about discussing it, especially considering they needed to focus on reporting back to Isran.
"Oh come on now, don't play dumb, I know you've developed a soft spot for Serana...you can keep trying to hide it all you want, but the way you've been acting with her around betrays you." Ysmir said simply as Atreus just watched him for a moment before letting out an amused laugh and shaking his head lightly.
"I think you had a little too much to drink back in Solitude...or took a few too many blows to the head in your lifetime." Atreus suggests in an amused and almost entertained tone, which made Ysmir give him an amused smirk before shaking his head lightly.
"Maybe, but that's beside the point...you've been much friendlier and more considerate with her than anyone else I've seen you deal with...you've even proven more than willing to put yourself in harm's way to keep her safe; not to mention the way you've been looking at her ever since we left Dimhollow." Ysmir points out in a noticeably witty tone, although Atreus didn't comment either way and took a moment to actually think on his behavior around her before Ysmir shook his head lightly.
"There's no shame in admitting that you care about someone, boy...it doesn't make you weak, either; if anything, the fact you even feel that way about her only proves that you have a strong heart and will go to impossible lengths to fight for what you hold dear. The strongest warriors are those who fight for what they hold dear regardless of the dangers and horrors thrown in their path." Ysmir states simply as Atreus just listened to what he said, but he still believed that even entertaining such feelings, whatever they turned out to be was a terrible idea; especially considering the lengths he went to after he lost everything and everyone he ever cared about.
Atreus shook his head lightly before responding. "What I think about her...whatever it maybe, it doesn't matter now...we brought her back to her home and her family like we said we would...which means the chances of us seeing her again are slim to none, so there's no point in talking about it, anyway..." He said simply before taking a quiet breath and letting it out with a brief sigh as Ysmir remained silent for the moment.
"Now that we've settled that, we should get moving...we still need to let Isran know what we found." Atreus adds simply before making his way to the boat as Ysmir gave him a light nod in agreement and follow him. "Aye, that we do..." He said simply before stepping into the boat and getting situated as Atreus pushed it off into the water, jumped in and started rowing back to the battered dock across from the island...
Well, we've finally made it to the new chapter. Yay!
I'm not really going to be creative with this Author's Note, because I honestly can't think of anything to say concerning this one other than I hope y'all enjoy it even though it probably seems pretty damn corny. (Also, hope that it was at least worth the wait for those of ya who have been waiting for me to finish my damned, random revisions. haha)
So, on that note, I'll see all of ya, both returning and new readers when the next one's ready; not sure how long that one will take, because while I have a general idea of where and how I want to start it, I'm still trying to decide where I want it to go and how long I want it to be.
Okay, till the next one...