Chapter 16: 16

Chapter Text

The next day passed quickly. Serana ran around Sky Haven with her undead making sure everything was set up, and Svar continued with her training.

I kept an eye on them whenever I could with my soul magic. Just to ensure neither of them got attacked by some unseen vampiric assassins.

Screw Potema.

As for what I did for the past day, I worked on the portal through the night, but eventually had to stop. I was getting too anxious, and needed to hit things. Not wanting to damage Sky Haven, I grabbed Mr. Rogers and we spent some time in ID's.

Everything went pretty well all considered.

The demon's main attacks almost all were based in fire, but with my lightning form and Godspeed I was able to keep myself safe. I would pull my punches, and let some attacks hit me to take advantage of Adaptive. The perk is slow to take effect, but after a lot of fire damage, I've gotten my resistance up to seven percent, which dropped the weakness down to ninety-three percent. Still horrible, but it's something I guess.

Wanting a little bit of holy resistance as well, I finally jumped into my angel dungeon to do the same thing. I avoided taking on large groups by speeding around the cloudy heaven area I was dropped in, and let the angels hit me. I only got three percent resistance out of that, but again, it's better than nothing.

By far the most important thing to come from this little escapade, was the level advancement. While I only got six level ups, that was enough to finally max out Saber.

Level up x6!

Gain 60 stat points!

For reaching Level 100 Saber you have gained a sword style that will complement your most used sword!

Sword style, Iaido, gained!

[Congratulations!]

[That's two combat classes down!]

[Time for a new one!]

[Please select a specialization!]

[Mage/Warrior/Thief]

Mage. Martially inept really slowed down my progress, and if Potema is really going to be sniffing around our headquarters, I can't afford to develop slowly.

[Please Select a specialization!]

[Elementalist/Illusionist/Conjurer/Necromancer/Abjurer/Diviner]

Hmm. Any reason they're the exact same as last time? I would've thought there would be more options this go around.

[More advanced classes unlock after you master three other specializations within the same tree!]

[You must max out two more mage classes before unlocking more potent magical classes!]

Eh, makes sense I guess.

Ok, so what class? Between Saber and Electromancer, I have plenty of offensive potential, so I need something with a little more variability. Serana is a master necromancer already, so that's unnecessary at the moment. Same with Conjurer. Svar can handle that between her thu'um and alteration magic. Diviner is still bad, and I'm not too keen on being an illusionist.

I guess I could go elementalist again as either a wind or water mage to take advantage of my storm perks, but I already have enough attack power. I really need versatility right now.

So Abjurer? It'll give me a pretty decent defensive option, and I'll be able to ward Sky Haven. Plus, it's a magic class. Even if I don't like it, my EXP gain will be so insane I'll be able to move on quickly.

I'll take Abjurer.

[Class] (Abjurer) - LVL 2/100

Gain 5 INT, 5 WIS, and 2 END per Level

[Create Shield]

Costs 50 MP

Conjure a stationary shield of pure energy to block attacks(Can be destroyed by enough force)

[Conjured Ward]

Costs 200 MP

Create a violet shell of energy around yourself to absorb attacks until broken

[Shield Area]

Costs 500 MP

Takes 1 minutes to cast

Create a ward to protect the desired location from scrying, teleportation, and damage. This ward lasts for 1 hour

[Gifted Ward]

Costs 150 MP

Create a shield of energy around an ally until destroyed

[Defensive Guidance]

Costs 300 MP

Buffs all of the targets defensive stats by 5 for 1 hour

Dusk the Master of the Storm

Level- 200

Class- Abjurer - LVL 2/100 [6%]

Crafting Class- N/A [0%]

Race- Vampire Lord

Tier- Immortal

Alignment- True Neutral

HP- 15600 [4680 per minute]

MP- 18320 [13740 per minute]

SP- 15600 [4680 per minute]

STR- 774

END- 780

DEX - 565

INT - 916

WIS - 916

CHA - 545

LUK - 549

MP Regen= WIS x 15

MP= INT x 20

SP/Health Regen= END x 6

SP/HP= END x 20

Pretty underwhelming, but it is only level two. I'll have to see what I can do with it when it gets stronger.

With one last look at my stats, I open the broom closet door so Mr. Rogers and I can leave.

Mr. Rogers trots off to wherever he spends his time, and I start walking the halls.

I should probably go work on the portal some more. If anyone needs me, they'll be able to find me easily enough.

(Svarline)

"Vosaraan Dovahkiin. You are too slow." Paarthurnax says before he fires another blast of ice at me.

"YOL!" I coat myself in flames to try and melt the ice, but his thu'um proves stronger. My flames die out, and I become encased in ice.

My wings lock up and I begin to fall.

Shit.

I use my alteration magic to heat up my cloak, and begin to melt through the ice. The ground grows closer far too fast for comfort.

This isn't working.

I growl in frustration and shout, "FEIM!" The ice falls away from me, and my ghostly form connects with the ground.

Damnit.

I hear a large rushing of air, and turn to look at Paarthurnax as he lands. "This krif is over Dovahkiin." He says calmly. "Rest for the remainder of the day. You pushed yourself too hard yesterday, and are continuing to do the same this day."

I scowl as my ghost form fades away. "I need to get stronger. The only way to do that is to train, so shut up and train me Overlord." I cringe as soon as the word leaves my mouth.

The book Serana gave me to read while we walked to Labyrinthian was eye opening, but it didn't really change my opinion of my mentor. Sure he's got a past, but so do I. Why should I judge him for his?

"Sorry." I mumble as I look to the ground.

Paarthurnax hums patiently as he leans towards me. "You need not apologize. I am aware of what I have done, and I am glad mortals domaan as well. You should concern yourself, with yourself, and your mates. You are unbalanced Dovahkiin. Your most recent krif sits ill with you. Recover for today, and ensure your partners are well. I will busy myself with seeing to the qah of your home. Return to me tomorrow."

He nods at me, and takes to the air once more.

I let out a long sigh as he flys away. My cloak knits itself back together, and my scales fade.

I'm really screwed up right now.

I let out another sigh and re-entered Sky Haven.

As I walk the various staircases and hallways on the way to the mess hall, I allow my mind to wander.

It hadn't really sunk in until today, but that fucking lich nearly killed me. He would've killed me if Serana hadn't taken that hit. He would've killed me if Dusk hadn't blocked that spell.

Serana nearly died.

Dusk nearly died.

And I couldn't do a damn thing for either of them.

I lean against a wall, and take a deep breath.

I need to get stronger. I haven't been taking this seriously. Before, I only bothered training because it was something to do. Now? Now I've been training to get better than Dusk, so I could hold it over him.

I chuckle as I remember a conversation we had on our way here from the tomb. Divines that feels like a decade ago.

I said my goal was not to stick by him right? That's changed.

Before when I said I didn't want to lose him, I meant I didn't want to watch him die. At the time though? I could've handled it. I would've been able to move on. It would've hurt. No, it would've hurt a lot, but I've gotten used to hurting.

I'm not used to hurting like that though.

Watching Serana collapse had filled me with terror I haven't felt since I watched my mother and sister die. I was powerless to help her, and I hated that. Then Dusk acted. He saved her life, and almost killed himself in the process. Again, I was filled with dread, but I couldn't do anything. I had to hope while Serana acted.

I chuckle ironically.

I suppose I should thank that asshole lich for making me realize something important.

I couldn't take it if one of them died. I don't know if that's the dragon me talking, or me me talking, but I could. Not. Take it.

It doesn't really make sense. I haven't known either of them all that long even by mortal standards, and they're both immortal now.

I allow myself a smile.

I guess it doesn't really have to make sense. This is how things are now, and if anyone tries to take them away from me, I will burn them.

I take a deep breath, and push off the wall. I smile as I continue down the hallway.

"Kogaan In." I say to the air. "I needed the time to think."

"Aaz Dovahkiin." The air around me replies in Paarthurnax's voice. "Rest well. I will watch over your home from the lok."

The voice fades, and I continue on my way.

Dusk and Serana are mine. I will not allow anything to threaten them again.

I'll grow strong enough to fight on even footing with them, I'll tear apart anyone that harms them, and I'll beat mortality so the three of us never have to part.

I continue down the hall in the direction of the mess hall.

For now, I'm going to get something to eat, then go to sleep. Tomorrow, I work my ass off.

(Dusk)

Ok, got the circle ready, but we still need to stabilize everything. I guess I should start on...

"Dusk." A weary voice at the door draws my attention from the iron rods in my hand.

I turn to find Serana standing in the entryway.

"What's up?" I ask.

She looks around the room for a moment. "How long have you been working down here?"

I go to respond, but stop myself.

I haven't really been keeping track of time have I?

"Uh…" I say dumbly. "What time is it?"

Serana narrows her eyes at me. "Evening. I take it you didn't sleep last night?"

Huh, I've been down here awhile.

I raise an eyebrow at her. "I don't need sleep anymore, and I'm guessing you didn't sleep either, so don't go throwing stones."

She tilts her head, confused. "What?"

I wave her off. "It's a saying. 'Those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.' Essentially, don't be a hypocrite."

She hums. "It must have been created while I was imprisoned."

I shrug. "It's possible. Anyway, what's up? You need me for something."

Serana shakes her head. "No. I was merely seeing if you had rested. Svarline would not take a break until Paarthurnax forced her, and now she is working harder than before. It would not do to have the both of you overwork yourselves."

I give her a disbelieving look. "This from the lady who just spent the last however long running all over the place? I checked in on both of you from time to time with my soul magic, and you were always in a different area of the Temple. Don't tell us to take a break while you burn yourself out."

She holds my gaze for a moment, before sighing. "Very well. I will rest for a short while, but I am not yet done with my preparations. If our location is discovered, we will need every advantage available to us." She takes a seat in a nearby chair, and leans back comfortably.

I shrug and get back to work.

"Hey." A new voice says from the entryway. "You're taking a break too. We all need a minute."

I turn and see Svar walking in with a charred chicken breast in her hand.

"Fine, just let me…" I'm cut off.

"No." Svar says. "I might not have vampire ears, but I can hear pretty well thanks to alteration magic. If you've been working for a day and didn't notice, it's time to take a break."

She's kind of got a point.

I hear chuckling and turn to face Serana.

"What was that you said about glass houses and stones?" She says with a smile.

I let out a sigh, and set everything down.

We've still got time to work on this thing, so a little rest isn't going to hurt anything.

I grab another chair, and carry it over next to Serana where Svar has already set hers up.

"So." I say as I sit down. "We're taking a break."

Svar nods, and Serana hums.

The three of us sit there, and just enjoy sitting around doing nothing.

Honestly? After the everything we've been doing for a while, this is pretty damn nice.

Svar is the first one to break the silence.

"Thank you both." She says quietly, but firmly.

Serana and I turn to her in confusion.

"Thanks for what?" I ask.

She takes a deep breath, and leans back to look up at the ceiling. "That lich nearly killed me. Twice. He would've killed me if not for you two, so thanks. You both nearly died because I messed up." She sits up straighter, and looks between us. "I'm sorry I couldn't help save you, but I won't let anything like that happen again."

I shake my head at her. "Don't apologize. That was a damn dragon priest. I get that you don't like feeling helpless, but you weren't. If you hadn't been there, I wouldn't have had an opening to use the soul stone on him."

Serana hums and looks at Svar. "What occurred was not your fault, and Dusk is correct. Without all three of us, I doubt we would have survived that encounter. Do not blame yourself for being incapable of helping us either. We are a team now. Where you fall short, we will support you. Just as you will support Dusk and I where we stumble."

Svar looks between us, and swallows a lump in her throat. She gives us a sharp nod. "Thank you." She repeats.

Serana nods back at her, then turns to me. "Now that we have finished that topic, I have my own I would like to breach."

I raise an eyebrow at her. "And that would be….?"

She smiles at me. "I am curious how your 'daedric ass pulling' works. Would you be willing to share?"

Svar's face lights up. "I'm curious too. So how's it work?"

Both women look at me expectantly.

Eh, I trust them. Besides, it's not really much of a secret. I'm leaving out the Gamer bit though.

I shrug at them. "Every once in a while I get the ability to pull stuff from other places. I don't know how it works, all I know is that it does. I don't know when I'll be able to get more stuff either. I typically only get anything after I've done something pretty major."

Svar tilts her head. "Killing a dragon priest is pretty big. Can you get anything right now?"

I nod. "I've got three attempts right now. I could get something like Yamato, or I could get something like this." I pull out my pet rock and show it to them. "This is literally just a rock someone drew a face on. I got a ghost cutting sword from one pull, and this from another. It is that random."

Serana hums. "You've also mentioned you know where Yamato originally comes from. Is it the same for other things you receive, and how do you know?" She asks curiously.

I shrug at her. "I know where some of the things I get come from, and I know the same way I know things about Skyrim. Tamriel in general really. I just do."

Serana tilts her head at me, but accepts my answer. "Would you be willing to retrieve the items while Svarline and I are present? I would be most interested in watching this."

Svar nods in agreement. "I would too."

I shrug again. "Might as well."

I activate Felix Felicis while the two of them lean over to watch me.

Give me something good please.

Item Added

The Golden Infinity Gauntlet

Common Item

This item resided within Odin's vaults until it was acquired by you.

Made from solid gold.

I jump to my feet. "Hell yeeeeeee…... this isn't real is it?"

Svar and Serana look at me with confused expressions.

I give a long sigh, and pull it out.

Yep. It's made from gold, and is from Odin's vault. This is the fake one from Ragnarok.

I take several very deep breaths as I get Greed under control.

"Svar? You want a really shiny glove?" I say through clenched teeth.

She regards me warily. "Why does it seem like you want to smash that thing?"

"Because I do." I say honestly. "This is a replica of a very powerful artifact, and I thought I got the real one. If you don't take it, I'm liable to disintegrate it."

Svar looks at me for a second longer, before she says, "So long as there's no curses or anything on it, I'll take it."

I toss it to her, and take another deep breath to relax.

Serana hums. "That affected you quite strongly." She observes. "Is there anything we can do to help?"

I wave her off. "Side effect of the power." I say. "It makes me incredibly greedy. Not the same as Svar's dragon side, but comparable. I'll be fine in a minute."

Serana nods, and waits patiently.

Svar puts the damn glove on the ground next to her, and waits with Serana.

"Ok." I say after a little bit. "I'm good. Let's see what the next one is."

Item Added!

Basilisk Hide Cloak

Rare Item

This cloak was made from basilisk hide. It is extremely difficult to tear or rip, and is resistant to weaker magic.

Not willing to get my hopes up only to have them crushed a second time, I pull the black cloak out and cast a weak lightning bolt into it. The bolt hits the material, but fades away harmlessly.

I grin.

"What the hell is that?" Svar asks. "Did that thing just eat your spell?"

"No." Serana says contemplatively. "The Staff of Magnus 'eats' spells. That cloak resisted the effect, but it could be overpowered by a strong enough attack." She turns to look at me. "What is it made from? I don't sense any enchantments from it, so that property must exist within the material itself."

I nod, impressed with the deduction. "It's basilisk hide. Think giant snake that can petrify people who make eye contact with it, and you've got the right idea. Where they come from, the things are mage killers. They're a pain to deal with due to the sight thing, and the fact that magic is less than effective against them."

Svar nods along. "So that's pretty good right?"

I smile. "Best I've gotten since Ascalon probably, so ya. Pretty good."

Svar looks at the cloak then back to me. "You gonna wear it? You'd look pretty badass in that thing."

I raise an eyebrow at her. "You just want to see me in scales don't you?"

Svar whistles innocently.

Serana chuckles. "I concur with Svarline. While you would look dashing in that garment, it is also quite practical. You have proven an accomplished enchanter, so I'm sure you could create the same enchantments on that cloak that I put on your current ones."

I nod. "Not a bad idea. I'll do it when I've got some free time." I throw the cloak in my inventory for later.

Serana hums. "You have one more attempt, yes? I'm curious to see what you obtain next."

Not needing any more prompting, I use my final gacha coin.

Item Added!

Orb of Death

Level- N/A

Tier- N/A

HP- N/A

Thoughts about you- You are likely the strongest undead who has ever possessed it. It is impressed with you.

Uh… what?

A violet hued ball of darkness settles into my palm, and I hear a voice drift into my thoughts.

You are far superior to the last being who held me. May I have your name mighty…..?

I drop the ball and jump away from it.

"No one touch that!" I say as I back off.

Serana and Svar stand and prepare for a battle as they look at the orb.

"What happened?" Svar asks urgently.

"That… thing." Serana says confused. "What is it? It's alive, but has no soul. I don't understand."

I take a few moments to make sure my mind isn't being taken over.

Game? What the hell?! I thought Gamer's Mind protected me from mental attacks!

[It does Gamer!]

[The Orb of Death wasn't attempting to harm or influence you in any way, it merely wanted to talk to you!]

[Had it tried to influence or hurt you at all, I would've crushed it into a shard filled pulp!]

Um… glad you got my back Game, but from now on can you block telepathy unless I ok it?

[No problem Gamer!]

[I'll remember that for the future!]

Thanks Game.

"Dusk?!" Svar almost shouts as she continues to eye the ball.

I take a deep breath, and wave them off. "It's not going to attack, so you can relax. Just don't touch it."

Svar relaxes, but Serana continues to study the orb in interest.

"This thing is very peculiar." Serana says as she leans closer to the ball. "What is it?"

"It's an Orb of Death." I respond as I fall back into my chair. "Fully sentient ball of necromantic angst. I'm not sure what all it can do, but I know where it was used by weaker necromancers in the world it comes from. I'm repeating myself here, but don't touch it. It can talk telepathically to anyone touching it, and if I remember correctly it can even influence your thoughts subtly."

Serana grasps her chin and hums. "I have dealt with items of a corrupting nature before, but never a fully sentient one. I would be interested in studying it when we have time for such endeavors."

Svar looks at the orb suspiciously. "What're we going to do with it until then? I'd really rather not have a death ball talking to me in my head." She turns to me. "Can you just keep it where you keep Yamato?"

Game? Can I store this thing in my inventory?

[Nope!]

[Only non-sentient items may be placed in your inventory!]

[You'll have to find another way to secure the Orb of Death!]

Great.

I shake my head at Svar. "I can't put sentient things in that space, so we'll have to find some other way to lock this thing up."

Serana straightens. "Leave that to me. The Blades stored several dangerous magical artifacts within this Temple throughout its existence. I have found quite a few of their secure holdings, and while most have deteriorated, there are some that I feel will be sufficient to hold the orb. It is strange, but I do not believe it to be very powerful."

I look at her. "Just don't underestimate the thing ya?"

Serana nods at me. "Do not worry. The Blades's defenses are quite secure." She holds out her hand, and a portal opens up beneath the orb and swallows it.

Svar sits back down. "Don't go experimenting on that thing without telling us Serana. I like you, so it'd suck if you get puppeted by a weirdly colored rock." She says tiredly.

Serana chuckles. "Don't worry. I will inform both of you about any experiments I conduct before they happen, but those are a long way off. I know we are taking a break, but since Dusk's ability has been exhausted, should we discuss our plan going forward?" She sits back down in her own chair.

Svar shrugs. "As far as I'm aware, our current plan is, 'Get stronger so Alduin can't eat us, and let everyone else take care of their own problems.' Granted, we might have to alter that a bit because of the whole Potema situation, but the general plan should remain the same right?"

I look from her to Serana. "That's kind of my thought process too. Is there anything besides Potema you want to talk about?"

Serana hums, and turns to me. "You knew the location of The Staff of Magnus. Would it be safe to assume you know the location of other such artifacts?"

I nod. "A few, but a bunch of the ones I know about are either in pieces, or have something else wrong with them that's keeping them from being used. I'm guessing you want to track down a bunch of artifacts then?"

She nods. "It is not something we must do with any haste, but it is a goal we can move towards."

Svar tilts her head at Serana. "This is long term right? I mean, we still haven't gotten your mother out of the Soul Cairn, so I'd guess that's your number one priority right now."

Serana shakes her head. "My number one priority is ensuring the three of us stay alive. Freeing my mother is next on that list, but so long as we are careful, we will have time enough to free her. It is merely a matter of patience."

"So…" I begin. "we're not going to be hunting down powerful items for awhile yet?"

Serana nods. "For now, I think it best we deal with Potema. I apologize once again for placing us in this situation."

I wave her off. "Don't worry about it." I turn to Svar. "Does Paarthurnax have any illusions that can help us stay hidden?"

Svar nods. "He already put up everything he thought would help, and said he'd keep an eye out for anyone scouting around the area." She turns to Serana. "Out of curiosity, what specifically are you hoping we'll find when we go artifact hunting?"

Serana smiles. "Anything that can help us. Whether it helps us survive, or makes our lives more comfortable doesn't matter. I'm merely interested in acquiring anything that has the potential to help us."

"So our only long term goal right now is to find artifacts?" Svar asks. "I don't have a problem with that, I'm just curious."

I don't have a long term plan in place right now, but Serana might…

I raise an eyebrow at Serana. "Before we left for Labyrinthian you said, 'the three of us could grow to accomplish much in this world'. Mind explaining what you were referring to?"

She bares her fangs at me in a smile. "I was not referring to anything malicious. I just believe the three of us could grow to be a force to be reckoned with. You are both strong, and have the potential to grow even stronger. You might even be able to elevate me above my own current strength. I care for the both of you, and the both of you care for me. I'm very interested in seeing where this leads. That is all."

Huh, I guess I kind of want to see where things lead too. Once we deal with Alduin, and Harkon, and Miraak, and….

You know what? I'll worry about them later.

We can afford to rest for a bit.

"We've got company." Svar suddenly says, her eyes unfocused.

God. Fucking. Damnit Murphy.

Serana narrows her eyes. "They are here then?"

Svar nods, but doesn't answer.

I let out a sigh as I stood. "I didn't think they'd get here this fast."

Serana stands. "Vampires travel quickly when they have a purpose. We need to learn where they are located."

"We just did." Svar says as she shakes her head. "Paarthurnax can see them. They're poking around the old forsworn camp."

I cringe slightly.

We had dismantled everything in that camp. We'd taken what we could salvage, and gotten rid of everything else, but it was still apparent that something was there.

We should have tried to cover that up a little better. No use worrying about it now.

"Can he see how many there are?" I ask Svar.

She makes a so-so gesture. "He can see four, but they aren't making any efforts to hide. It's safe to assume there's at least two more."

I let out a sigh as I stood up. "So they're probably trying to draw us out. Make us give up our location."

Serana nods. "That is likely. I would suggest none of us work major magics. It is possible they would detect them, and determine our location as a result."

Svar nods as she stands up. "Paarthurnax says a couple of them are coming towards the cave. If we want to do anything, now's the time."

Serana shakes her head. "I used the undead to completely cover the hidden entrance. It will appear overgrown, and all of the mechanisms within the cave have been obscured as well."

"Good." I say. "Everyone stay close. I'm going to try something."

I begin casting Shield Area to block people from looking in on our location.

"What are you casting?" Svar asks. "Will they notice it?"

I shake my head as I channel mana. "It's fairly weak, so I doubt they'll be able to sense it. It's a ward to stop people from scrying on us. If they have a diviner, we'll need this."

Serana holds out her hand. "Good idea, but weak or not, your magic could alert them. Give me The Staff of Magnus. I will ensure no evidence of your casting leaves this room."

I nod, and pull the Staff from my inventory before handing it over.

"While you do that, I'm going to see if I can find the ones that are hidden. Koraav." Svar finishes her statement with a soft shout, and begins panning her gaze across the walls.

I continue the spell while Serana uses the staff to keep my spell contained.

Soon enough, the minute is up, and the spell is cast.

"Done." I say. I turn to Serana, and she hands the Staff back with a nod.

I inventory it, then turn to Svar. "Finding anything?"

She shakes her head. "I can only see the four from the camp. They're in the caves now by the way."

"Have they reached the area we fought the mages in yet?" Serana asks.

"They're just getting there now." Svar says as she looks through the wall. "They don't seem to notice the pillars, and they're walking away."

I let out a soft sigh of relief.

I really don't want to deal with vampire armies right now. The sooner they leave, the better.

"Are they moving on?" I ask Svar after a few minutes of silence have passed..

Svar shakes her head. "They're out of the cave, but they're still looking around the area. I don't think they're going to move on any time soon."

Sitting around and waiting for them to leave is going to drive me crazy.

I look back towards the portal, and move over to it.

"What are you doing?" Svar asks.

I get to work before responding. "We can't make them leave without giving away our location, which means we need to wait for them to leave on their own. I'd rather get something done in that time, than sit around chewing on my nails."

Serana hums. "I suppose such a stance has merit." She stands for a second longer before she joins me and begins to work.

Svar looks torn, but she eventually lets out a sigh and joins us.

For the rest of the night the three of us worked on the portal. Every hour I would recast Shield Area while Serana covered me with The Staff of Magnus.

With all of us working together, as well as some of the non-combat undead Serana summoned to her, we were able to get quite a bit done. We're still a long ways off from finishing this damn thing, but we were productive with our time.

About an hour from sunrise, a tired Svar spoke up. "They're moving on. Heading west."

Serana nods. "They will pass by us again on their return trip, so we must remain vigilant. However, I believe we are able to rest now."

"Good." I say before turning to Svar. "You still need sleep, and you've been up for almost a full day. Get some sleep."

She yawns and nods her head. "Ok, but I'm cuddling with my vampires. Come on." She hooks an arm under Serana's, then mine, and begins walking back towards our room.

Serana raises an eyebrow at her. "I didn't realize I was invited."

"If you're with us, you're with us. You don't get to half ass this." Svar says as she continues to drag us behind her.

Serana looks across to me. "And your thoughts?" She asks.

I shrug. "What she said. If this is going to work, we can't only have you around on special occasions. That's not fair to you or us. Are you in or not?"

She gives me a predatory grin. "I am in."

Svar yawns again. "Good. I want vampire cuddles, so I'm getting some Oblivion damned vampire cuddles."

We make it back to our room before too much longer, and Svar pulls her armor off before falling into the bed.

I get out of my own armor, and crawl in next to her.

A moment passes, and Serana lies down on Svar's other side. Sans her cloak.

Svar rolls over and becomes the little spoon to my big spoon, while simultaneously wrapping her arms around Serana.

She lets out a contented sigh. "Dragons must really like cuddling, because this is nice."

Serana hums happily as she drapes an arm over Svar to hug me closer to both of them. "I can see the appeal." She says softly.

I smile. "Ya, this is pretty nice."

Svar's breathing evens out, and she speaks one last word as she falls asleep. "Mine."

Serana chuckles softly, and looks at me. "It appears we've been claimed." She says.

I raise an eyebrow at her. "You got a problem with that?"

She hums quietly. "Not at all."

I let out a soft chuckle. "Night Serana."

"Goodnight Dusk."

I wake up before Serana and Svar, and get up carefully so I don't wake them.

They need the rest.

I walk down the halls until I make it to the mess hall. I pull one of the dead bandits from my inventory, and slit his wrist over a wine glass. Once the glass is full, I sear the wound shut with my lightning magic and put the body back in my inventory.

I'm a vampire now. Might as well play to the tropes.

I sit down with a grin and begin sipping at my 'wine'.

I feel classy as shit right now.

I let out a contented sigh.

I suppose I should do something useful, but I don't really feel like moving. Serana wants to collect artifacts right? I guess I could make a list of everything I remember. Eh, sure. I'll do that.

I pull another blank notebook I got from the library out of my inventory and begin writing everything I remember down.

Really wish my perfect memory extended to my old life. What I remember is only the stuff I would pick up every other playthrough. Everything else is just general knowledge, and I'm not confident it's entirely correct.

I create a legend on the first page to let the reader differentiate between stuff I'm sure about, and stuff I'm not sure about.

I really need to make sure this doesn't wind up in the wrong hands.

"What're you working on?" Svar asks as she walks into the room. She grabs some dried meat, and walks behind me to look over my shoulder.

I lift the book up to her. "List of all the items I'm aware of. I've got a good memory, but I figured you guys could use a copy. Don't lose this thing though. I'd prefer it get destroyed than lost."

Svar nods seriously. "I can see how that would be a problem. Be sure to tell Serana when you give it to her." She tosses the book back to me.

I raise an eyebrow at her. "You don't want it?"

She shakes her head. "Ascalon is the only weapon I need. Sure the invisibility ring is nice, but I don't want to over rely on magic items."

I nod in agreement. "Same here. They're useful, until you don't have access to them. Then they become a crutch."

Svar nods. "Exactly." Her eyes unfocus, and she hurries to finish her meal. "Gotta go. Training."

She gives me a quick kiss, then leaves the room.

I turn back to my book, and finish writing down all the items I can remember. I finish up right as I hear someone approaching.

Vampire hearing is great.

"Dusk." Serana greets. "I assume Svarline has already begun her training?"

I close the book and stand up. "Yep, and here. Don't lose that. Destruction is far preferable to someone else getting their hands on it." I say as I hand her the book.

Her crimson eyes scan over it, and widen slightly. "I will memorize this, then burn it." She looks at me with genuine gratitude. "Thank you Dusk."

I nod. "You're welcome. Now, I'm going to go enchant the basilisk cloak, so I'll be busy for an hour or so. I'll meet you at the portal after the fact."

Serana gives me a sly smirk. "An hour? I made yours in ten minutes."

I give her a deadpan stare. "I'm still improving, whereas you've been perfecting your magic for thousands of years. I'd be more concerned if I could beat you. Anyway, see ya later." I give her a light kiss before I head off to find a place to enchant my cloak.

Serana hums contentedly and sits down at the table with her book.

The rest of the day went by pretty quickly.

I finished my cloak, which actually turned out pretty well.

Enchanted Basilisk Hide Cloak

Rare Item

This cloak was made from basilisk hide. It is extremely difficult to tear or rip, and is resistant to weaker magic.

This cloak has been enchanted to be even more durable, and to provide much more shade than normal.

Aside from that, I just worked on the portal. Serana joined me after a couple of hours when she had finished memorizing the book I gave her, and Svar trained with Paarthurnax for the entire day.

The next few days passed much the same way. Svar trained, and Serana and I worked on the portal some more.

Four days after their original passing, Paarthurnax spotted the four vampire scouts, as well as three more we couldn't find last time, once more. They didn't stop this time though. They just ran right past us in the direction of Morthal.

We all breathed a sigh of relief at that. It seems our location is secure for the time being.

Vizier also became available again, but I haven't used it yet. I'm fairly certain I want to stay a vampire, but I'm not completely sure yet, so I decided to wait a little longer.

Currently, it's been a day since the vampires ran past, and Svar, Serana, and I are sitting around a table discussing what we want to do next.

"I'd really prefer we not leave the Temple for awhile. I'm not as interested in going treasure hunting as you two are, and I'd rather spend the time training." Svar finishes her statement with a sigh.

I look at Serana. "I'm with Svar. We've dedicated a lot to the portal. I'd prefer we get it done while we've got time, rather than later. I'd also like some time to work on abjuration, and I can't really do that if we spend too long on the road."

Serana hums. "True, but several of the items you wrote of were simply laying there. When I originally broached this idea, I had anticipated a battle much like our duel with Morokei. With both The Staff of Magnus and Yamato however, it is possible we could attain several items with little to no effort. I wish to complete the portal quickly as well, but I feel we should take advantage of this knowledge."

I let out a long sigh. "I'm pretty sure I made it clear that I can't guarantee anything is where I said it would be. If we go galavanting around Skyrim and come up empty handed, we'll have done nothing but wasted time. Whereas if we finish the portal, we'll not only be able to free your mother, but we'll have a working connection to the Soul Cairn to do whatever the hell we want with."

Serana grips her chin, and leans back to think.

After a moment she nods. "Very well. My desire to see my mother again outweighs my desire to obtain any of the items on your list. I believe it is best we stay here. Both to work on the portal, and allow the three of us to train."

Svar raises an eyebrow at Serana. "What do you need to train for? You're by far the strongest woman I've ever met."

Serana smiles at her. "I am immortal Svarline. If I allow myself to stagnate merely because I have time to spare, I will soon find myself surpassed, and likely dead. Since I quite enjoy my unlife, I will endeavor to ensure it lasts as long as is feasibly possible."

I sit up straighter as I take in a deep breath. "Ok. So we're staying here, working on the portal, and training. Did I get that right?"

Svar and Serana both nod.

"You and I will need to venture outside the Temple every two or so weeks in order to feed." Serana says while looking at me. "However, that will not prove too difficult so long as we are cautious."

"I'm going with you whenever the two of you leave." Svar says in a tone that dares us to refute her. "I stayed out of it the first time because Dusk was still getting used to everything, but now that he has, I'm going with you."

Serana and I nod at her.

"Good." Svar says as she stands. "It's late, and I'm tired. We'll get started on everything in the morning." She leads the way down the hall, and the three of us turn in for the night.

(Interlude: Farengar Secret Fire)

It's all his fault. Everything. All of it!

I'm better than him! He's weaker than me!

I don't know how he did it, but it had to be a trick of some kind. There's no other logical explanation!

I scratch under my eye patch as the irritation returns.

I need to get the Jarl back on my side. I don't know how that filth was able to sway his opinion, but I have to undo whatever enchantment has been placed on the Jarl. Whiterun can't afford to be influenced by him.

It's too late for Balgruuf. Just as you dealt with Proventus, you must deal with Balgruuf.

The gentle voice caresses my mind once more.

She's right. She's always right. Proventus was a traitor who consorted with him. He had to go, so I killed him. I can't afford to kill anyone else with Irileth sniffing around though. That seer bitch she drinks with might start poking around too, and I can't afford that.

Besides, I can't kill Balgruuf when he's not here. He sent Irileth back early, but he stayed in Solitude. Not only did he stay, but he didn't tell me why!

She's right. Balgruuf has to be in league with him. Why else would he exclude his most trusted advisor from his plans?

He abandoned you. Is it really betrayal for you to claim his life as payment?

No. No, it's justice.

I scratch my scarred skin once more as my face becomes irritated.

His fault, and I will make him pay!

Patience my Champion. My blade is not yet returned to its full glory. You locked it away for far too long.

Once more, I curse my own idiocy.

Had I not sealed the blade away to begin with, I would already have enough strength to retake that which is mine. I was foolish and weak in the past. Believing the sword to be evil because of its origin, but had I used the blade from the start, I would have slain that pretender with ease.

Do not lament the past Champion. You must look to the future.

She's right. I need to prepare. I need to throw Irileth off the trail, or take care of her too. Then, I only need to wait until the sword is restored.

Once it is strong once more, I will use it to return Whiterun to what it should be. I will free this city of his taint, and remove anyone who would try to destroy the paradise I will create.

Soon my Champion. Soon…

I grin.

Soon indeed my Lady.

(Interlude: Aela the Huntress)

We had been on the trail for almost a full week since we left the Hall of the Vigilant.

It's currently night, but we haven't stopped yet. It's not as if the lack of light will slow our progress, and Skjor and I can go days without rest.

Thinking of Skjor draws a soft growl from me. I'm still pissed at him for how we handled the Hall.

Sure, I didn't care for the people that were killed. Those pack killing pricks can rot for all I care. No, I care because something was happening, but Skjor paid it, and my counsel, no mind.

I'm pulled from my thoughts as I hear a figure moving off to my right.

Skjor freezes, and drops low.

He must have heard it too.

I join him, and the two of us creep behind a large bush.

I slowly raise my head to peer over the bush.

I see four figures lazily walking through the woods. They are lightly armored, but heavily armed. Each of them carries a bow, a quiver, a sword, and a belt of daggers.

What is most alarming however, is their eyes. All four pairs are red as blood, and filled with an obsessive hunger.

Very slowly, so as to not alert their finely tuned ears to my movements, I turn to Skjor.

I use hand signs to communicate what I see.

Four Vampires. Heavily armed. Three-hundred feet. Unsure of backup.

He nods calmly, and clenches his fist slowly.

I nod in turn, and close my eyes.

We would be hard pressed to defeat this group as we are. If there were only two? We could prevail, but since there are more, we will need to actually try.

I feel my bones snap, and feel elation as the change comes.

My weapons fall away from my form, and my furs tear off my body as they were designed to do.

Beside me, Skjor lets loose a challenging roar into the night sky.

I feel my snout elongate, and raise my neck to join his call.

We turn as one to face the oncoming vampires.

This is going to be fun.

Two of the vamps stop a little over fifty feet from us and draw their bows. The other two continue running towards us, their fangs bared.

Skjor and I drop to all fours and charge.

I feel a pinprick as an arrow digs into my body, but ignore it.

Once in range, I pounce at my opponent, but the nimble vamp dodges.

He dashes in towards my exposed left flank with his sword drawn in an attempt to land a strike, but I have him right where I want him.

As soon as he moves in, I bring my right forepaw around and slash through his pale skin.

I grin a toothy grin as I descend upon his downed form.

Stupid vamps. They over rely on their speed every time.

I tear his unbeating heart from his chest, and devour it whole.

Skjor joins me. A severed head in his maw. He growls towards the remaining vamps, and crushes the skull between his jaws.

Watching the vamps panic fills me with anticipation.

They begin to run, but werewolves are very fast when we want to be.

We catch them quickly, and bring them down from behind. Tearing into them with tooth, and with claw.

Soon enough, there is nothing left of them but two meaty puddles of blood and bone.

I revel in the taste of their flesh, but am broken from my revelry when my eyes focus upon their breast plates.

I force the change, and return to my humanoid form. I walk over to their breastplates, and pry the symbols off of their chests.

Fuming, I storm over to where Skjor is still messily eating the leg of one of the vamps.

"Skjor." I growl.

He ignores me.

I walk up to him, and punch him right in the nose.

He turns to me with a furious growl, but I ignore his display. Shoving forth the two symbols I pried off the vampire's armor.

"Do you still wish to turn a blind eye to this issue?" I seethe at him.

I throw the two symbols at his feet.

The green triskelion of Morthal shines up at him from its position next to Potema's wolf.

He freezes as he comprehends what he sees.

Slowly, he changes back. His matted fur giving way to blood stained skin. He looks me in the eyes. "We need to report this to the Harbinger."

I glare at him. "Had you listened to me, we already would have."

He holds my gaze. "Your opinions of me are unimportant right now. We need to retrieve our weapons, and make for Whiterun." He turns and walks away without waiting for my response.

I watch his back move further away, then down to the symbols at my feet. Finally, I look out into the woods.

I hope those two haven't gotten themselves eaten.

(Interlude: Sam Guevenne)

The jester scratches his head through his hat. "Well this isn't supposed to be like this." He says.

My friend scratches his silver adorned chin from the jester's side. "Maybe if we blow on it really hard it'll go away?"

The jester nods up and down. "Can't hurt to try!"

They both inhale deeply, then blow upon the flaming structure.

Their breath does absolutely nothing.

"Well fiddlesticks!" My friend cries. "I thought for sure that would work!"

I tilt my head as I observe the devastation once more. The entire structure has collapsed. Every piece of wood is alight with dragonflame, and the stone has been melted to slag in some places.

"Maybe your family is waiting for us on the road?" I say.

Cicero shakes his head sadly. "Nope. They didn't know I was coming. They didn't know Mother was coming. Surely they would have waited if they knew Mother was coming."

I grip my chin, and turn to the box at my side. The fire licking at it leaves no marks.

"What would you like us to do madam? You certainly cannot be allowed to live here. As such, we have not yet seen you home. No one shall ever say Sam Guevenne and Sheo are anything but gentlemen, so where shall we accompany you to next?"

The box continues to sit in the fire. Not burning, and refusing to answer.

I nod understandingly. "Take all the time you need dear."

It can't be easy for her to see her place of residence in ruins, so it's understandable if she does not speak immediately.

"Look Sammy!" My friend calls.

I turn to him, and find him pointing towards a stone overhang. "It's a small You!"

He disappears, and I hear a high-pitched shriek. Moments later, a young girl who couldn't be more than eight years old flees from the overhang in terror.

I step in front of her and kneel down to her level. "Hello little one!" I say cheerily.

She runs into me and throws her arms around me. She begins sobbing into my shoulder.

She. Is. So. Cute!

I pat the back of her head with my hand. "There there little one. The crazy man won't hurt you anymore."

"Thank you!" My friend tips a freshly appeared hat at my compliment.

I give him a nod in return, before turning my attention back to the girl. "What's your name little one?" I ask with a patented Sam Guevenne smile on my face.

The little blond haired girl looks up at me with tear stained blue eyes. "A..a...Agatha." She stutters out.

I give her another pat on the head. "Do you want to come with me Agatha?"

"NO! She doesn't!" My friend appears at my side. "She wants to go with me!"

Agatha yelps again, and jumps back into my arms.

I turn to Sheo with a victorious smile. "I win."

He pouts slightly. "That's prettyness to cancer now." He says sadly.

"Nope!" Cicero calls from where he still sifts through the fire. "It's prettyness to pottery."

My friend gives him a grateful nod. "Thank you Cicero 'ol pal." He turns back to me. "Prettyness to pottery."

I nod triumphantly, and carry my new Agatha back to the box. "Agatha, this is a very dear friend of mine. Agatha, meet Raven. Raven, this lovely little lady is Agatha."

Agatha looks between me and the box with trepidation.

Poor little thing. Sheo probably scared her into silence.

I smile, and pat her head comfortingly. "Don't worry little one. You can meet Raven later." I turn back to the box. "Have you decided where you would like to go madam?"

Before she can answer, two very loud roars echo out over the area.

I sigh in annoyance, and turn to face our new arrivals.

At my side, Agatha trembles in terror as the two dragons land.

The mated pair move forward slowly as they study us.

"Zu'u nis saraan wah du niin." The male says.

I narrow my eyes at him. "You will not be eating anything lizard. You're intruding on our space, which is quite rude."

"Quite rude!" My friend reiterates as he appears at my side. "Why dontcha fly back to Fantastica so you can screw Falkor or something?"

The dragons pull back in shock. "You speak our tongue?" The female asks flabbergasted.

I let out an irritated sigh. "Just leave. Killing you will leave a mess." I wave them dismissed and turn back to Agatha.

The poor girl is stock still. She must be cold. There's no other possible reason for her to…

Wait…

aRE TheSE DraGOnS ScaRINg mY LiTtLE GirL?!

I robotically turn back to the dragons.

"You scared my Agatha." I say coldly.

At my side, Sheo's joyful demeanor is exchanged for one of sanity.

The box behind me begins to give off a terrifying aura.

The two dragons sputter as they come under the effect of our combined assault.

"Rah! Mu los krosis dreh ni…" The male tries to grovel.

"Die." Sheo, Myself, and Raven say as one.

Both dragons freeze in place. They stay that way for a moment, before they collapse into each other. The ground shakes as the two massive bodies fall.

"Aha!"

We turn to see Cicero with a note in his hand.

"I knew they wouldn't leave Mother without telling us their plans! Even without knowing Mother is coming they still allow Mother to follow!" Sheo and I crowd around the jester's shoulders while he reads the note.

"Let's see here…" He begins. "Two onions, five deathbells, six steaks, two spools of thread, three jugs of goat's milk, seven heads of lettuce, five iron ingots, two pounds of flour, and one whetstone."

"Hmmm." I scratch my chin. "As expected of assassins. It's in code."

Cicero bobs his head up and down. "Yep! They wouldn't want just anyone to know where they're going now would they?"

"It seems we are needed still Sammy Boy!" Sheo says. He runs to a flaming rock, and jumps atop it. He points his arm out to the horizon and speaks. "We must escort the lovely lady to her new castle! Last one to the moat loses seven bagels!" He takes off running.

I tilt my head, and turn back to the box. "He forgot to bring the coded message."

Cicero skips over to me, and wraps an arm around my shoulder. "He'll beat us there! Don't doubt 'ol red vest!"

A loud *pop* emanates from my left as my friend reappears.

He gives Cicero a deep bow. "Thank you for your confidence sir!" He disappears with a second *pop*.

Cicero turns to me with a wide smile. "See!"

I nod. "Yes, I see." I clap my hands. "Agatha. We're leaving. Make sure your shoes are tied or you'll trip."

The girl walks over to me in a daze, and takes my hand.

The jester, the box, the girl, and the god followed after the madman.

I love the mortal realm!