~*Chapter 29*~

It was a feeling that had eluded Calder for thirteen years.

Purpose.

For the first time since Solstheim he had purpose. The gods, in their benevolence, had gifted him a second chance to live out the life he'd always dreamed of. A quiet simple one. Away from it all. A wife that loved him for who he was not what he was. The fact that Serana was the most beautiful busty woman in Skyrim was but the powdered sugar on top of the most delicious sweet roll.

Harkon was as good as dead.

She won't marry you.

The loathsome daedra's words were promptly ignored. Mora was losing his grasp on him. He could feel it. That oppressive soul consuming presence was being outshone by Serana. He laughed at the Prince of Fate. Nudging his horse to leap over the small cobblestone wall at the edge of Aevveld's property. Dismounting when he was on the other side before leading the horse down the path to the house. He nodded a greeting to Aevveld's sons as he passed them by. They, however, were not the person he was here to see.

It wasn't just the Divines that he needed to thank.

As fate would have it she was already up and about. Wrapped in those signature silvery white mage robes. Hood down with her red hair pooling on her shoulders. In her hand was a wicker basket that held the chicken feed she was spreading throughout the family's coop. It was an odd sight, to see her doing something so…mundane, but he didn't dwell on it too long. Tying his horse to the porch Calder double checked his belt pouch before approaching the coop.

Meeko's whining got Emily's attention. Having been shut out of the coop he was determined to gain reentrance. Playing at her heartstrings till she relented. Emily turned, ready to offer him some calming words, when she noticed Meeko was no longer there. The dog had leapt into the recently arrived Calder's arms.

Without the additional weight his armor afforded him, the hound had nearly knocked Calder over. Licking his freshly shaven face with that big pink tongue while whining excitedly. It was always a pleasure to see the dog and Calder happily ran his hands through the mutt's thick brown coat. It took a minute for Calder to calm Meeko down enough to enter the coop, while keeping the dog outside.

"Good morning," He greeted her.

"Morning," She mumbled back before returning to her work.

The glum tone was unexpected and it made Calder concerned. He wondered if maybe she was just tired.

"Did you have fun at Harvest's End?"

He expected her to perk up and regail him with tales from the festival. She just shrugged. An awkward silence, broken only by the clucking chickens filled the coop.

"What's wrong?" He asked her.

Emily hesitated. Casting a glance at the house and the big, warm, happy, loving family that lived within. A family that didn't have to risk life and limb to make ends meet.

"I don't want to leave," She stated simply.

Calder chewed on his lower lip and looked down at the coop floor. It suddenly occurred to him that Agmaer's family was probably reminded her of her original Vigilant family.

"You don't have to come with…"

"Yes I do."

Calder sighed not wanting to press the issue.

"Fine. Are you two ready to go?"

She nodded. Tossing another heaping of seeds from the basket.

"Agmaer's helping his dad dig up some peat," She explained as she watched the chickens peck at the food, "But we're both packed and ready to leave."

Calder waved off her words.

"There's no rush. There's been a change of plans. I want you and Agmaer to go on ahead to Morthal. Serana and I will meet you there at the Moorside Inn there."

Emily frowned and looked up from the feasting chickens. Before they'd recalled from Fort Dawnguard Calder had been adamant about leaving at the earliest possible time. This sudden change in plans made her concerned.

"Where are you two going?" She cautiously needled.

"We're going to see Falion," He flatly replied.

Just as Calder had expected Emily could barely contain her shock or excitement. He didn't expect her to drop her wicker basket full of seeds. Causing a great clucking mass of chickens to gather till she managed to pick the now half empty basket back up. Not that she seemed to care. The little redhead looked about ready to jump for joy right there. Calder held up his hand in a futile attempt to stem the tide of her enthusiasm.

"She's still thinking it over," He carefully pointed out, "After we defeat Lord Harkon she'll make her choice."

Emily could scarcely hear a word that Calder was saying. She'd done it. She'd done it. Serana was going to cure herself, Harkon was going to be defeated and one of the most powerful vampiric bloodlines in the world was going to get snuffed out. All the misery, pain, and death had led to this very…

"...want you breathing a word of this to Agmaer or anyone else. Understood?"

Though she nodded vigorously Calder could tell she'd not been listening. He briefly considered calling her out on it, but in the end decided against. Maybe a few weeks ago he would have. But not now. Not when he was as content as he was.

"So um…" Emily swallowed hard and a hint of a blush tinged her cheeks, "You're…engaged?"

The blunt question caused Calder to purse his lips. Rubbing the back of his neck while he thought of a reply. Of course there was only one answer, but actually saying it out loud caused the seriousness to sink in.

"Well I…haven't asked her yet, but that is my intention," A rare wry grin cracked his lips and he added, "Though that will stay between us."

A small but sweet smile spread across her face. For a moment she looked just like the young woman she'd been a year ago in her cabin. It made him feel oddly old.

"I'll pray that you two have a long happy marriage," She offered sincerely.

Well this was going much better than he'd expected. Her well wishes were received with a nod. That brief grin of his vanished and that perpetually seriousness returned.

"We will," Calder authoritatively replied, "Thanks to you."

When she cocked her head in confusion Calder decided to elaborate. Stumbling over his words as he tried to convey just how much her actions meant to both him and Serana,

"Serana told me what you said. About the Oblivion Crisis. I can't believe I hadn't realized it…how important…," He let out a sigh before continuing, "The important thing is that you did. If it hadn't been for your words I don't think that Serana and I would have…"

A shudder ran down Calder's spine and for a brief horrifying moment he imagined what his and Serana's paths would have been without Emily's intervention. He knew himself, he knew Serana, and he knew what their respective daedric lords would have influenced them to do. They'd have parted ways. Angrier and more bitter than before they'd met.

That is still your fate. You will not get the life you want with her.

"You've guaranteed my future," Calder abruptly declared before his tone softened considerably, "I feel it only fitting I do the same for you."

With that he reached into his belt pouch. Withdrawing a small letter that he held out to her. Emily curiously took the paper. Being a mage she knew premium stationary when she saw it, and this was premium stationary. The letter was sealed with a red wax stamp with a crest she didn't recognize.

"I want you to take this to the Jarldom archives when you get to Morthal."

Again her brow furrowed in confusion. Before Emily could ask the question, Calder answered it,

"It's an addendum to my will as well as an intention of transfer. If Serana and I marry, and if we do end up living on the Volkihar isles then," He paused. Prompting her to look up from the letter, "My homestead in Rinis is yours."

It had been a simple decision for Calder to make. One that he'd discussed with Serana the night before. For a moment it seemed like Emily was about to faint. The color drained from her face and she wobbled a bit back and forth. Calder braced himself to catch her but she quickly steadied herself. For a long time though the power of speech was robbed from her. Opening and closing her mouth several times. Calder waited patiently and she finally croaked out a hoarse,

"I can't…"

"There were two big ifs Em," Calder matter of factly pointed out, "Thank me when you have the deed in your hand."

He made to leave the coop but Emily, in a flurry of speed, got between him and the door. Barring his exit.

"No I can't Calder!" She protested holding the letter back to him, "You can't give me this. I-I don't deserve it."

"Emily, I would have died on that land. Alone, miserable, bitter, and…"

A foreign, dark look crossed Calder's face. It was brief but something about it made a chill run down Emily's spin. Then just like that it was back to normal, and he continued talking,

"You saw how big the Volkihar Isles are. It's not like I'll be needing this land anymore."

Emily wanted to resist further but she was disarmed with a smile and a friendly pat to her shoulder. Calder gently pushed past her and opened the coop door.

"Remember, the Moorside Inn," He reminded her before marching over and remounting his horse. Trotting off back to his homestead.

~*B*~

It was a two-day ride to Falion's hut. Their first journey since their kiss in Rinis.

In some ways nothing had changed, but in others everything had.

For starters Serana was much more touchy feely. Insisting on sitting in front of him and not behind him in the saddle. Resting her head against his shoulder as they sat by the campfire at night. Wrapping her cool hand around his. Her smile, while still seductive and flirty was more…genuine. Relaxed. In fact, everything about her was more relaxed. Her eyes, her countenance, even the way she walked or sat. She was so…free.

Free from the fear of Molag Bal.

Calder too was free. Or rather allowed himself to be free. Free to love again. It was a wonderful terrifying experience. To feel things again, things he hadn't felt in over a decade. Even the simple little actions like pitching a tent, gathering firewood, or cooking dinner felt more rewarding and fulfilling with Serana around.

Of course they talked. About everything and anything. Serana rather amusingly asked what other important events in history had he forgotten to tell her about. That conversation on the first night had led to a long discussion on the Arcturian Heresy and a certain ghost Calder had run into in Old Hroldan. Apparently he'd bored Serana to sleep before he'd finished the story.

One of their more important discussions was in regards to Emily, Agmaer, and the Dawnguard as a whole. Deciding it wouldn't be wise to flaunt or broadcast their newfound love to the other two members of their party. So this little sojourn to Falion's hut would be it. At least for a time. Serana seemed keen not to waste even a minute.

As they ducked under a gnarled willow tree branch Serana made to seem as though she were about to lose her balance and fall from their horse. Calder, who was sitting behind her, was more than happy to take the opportunity to catch her. Effortlessly righting them both after passing underneath the branch. Keeping his arm wrapped firmly around her midsection.

Serana responded by leaning back against him. Oh how Calder wished he was out of his ebony armor, so that he could truly feel her slender figure pressed up against him. Yet this little action wasn't a complete loss. Now, due to the new angle, Calder's eyes were free to roam the deep chasm between…

"Enjoying the view?" She quipped. A seductive grin curling on her full lips.

Of course he was, but she didn't need more ego stroking. Pretending as though he was looking past her and checking the bits in the horse's mouth before adding a shrug for good measure.

"I suppose."

As expected Serana did not take this well. Raising an eyebrow and cocking her head ever so slightly to the side.

"Oh," She dryly replied, "You 'suppose'…you know that I can sense where the blood is pooling in your body right?"

"Hey," Calder replied good naturedly but with narrowed eyes, "No fair."

"All's fair in love and war," She replied. That mocking smirk returning to her lips.

Darn it, she'd outmaneuvered him. It was time to fess up for his heinous crimes.

"Let's just say that there's a pair of twin peaks in the area I find most interesting."

"Wow," Serana giggled mockingly, shaking her head, "Going right for the obvious one huh?"

"Hey cut me some slack," He protested with a snort, "It's been a while since I've had to woo a woman."

This admission netted yet another raised eyebrow and a mock annoyed look from Serana.

"Is that what passes for wooing nowadays?"

That finally got a chuckle from Calder who passed the reins from his free hand to the one resting against Serana's side. Glancing ahead to make sure they were still on the path before offering Serana his full attention.

"Well how would the lady like to be wooed?" He asked of Serana.

Serana brought a finger to the tip of her chin. Eyes focusing on the boggy lands they rode through as she pondered his deep question.

"One can never go wrong with poetry," She excitedly offered, "In fact I've heard you're quite the fiery orator."

Again, Calder wanted to laugh at her dumb little jokes but he had a reputation to keep up.

"I think you know by now I'm not a man of many words," He gently informed her.

That got a chuckle and a shake of the head from Serana.

"Well you're going to have to learn."

"Oh?" Calder slyly replied, "And why is that?"

"Calder, this whole plan to get Haafingar's help hinges on Isran convincing the High Queen to support my claim for the isles. Which means we'll be part of her court. A distant, part but still a part. We'll be expected to attend events, weddings, funerals, coronations..."

A pit formed in Calder's stomach the more Serana prattled on. Her voice trailed off when she noticed just how withdrawn Calder had become.

"What's wrong?" She gently pried.

Calder didn't respond to her question. Swallowing hard while shaking his head. This was apparently the wrong answer. With lightning fast speed, Serana yanked the reins out of Calder's hand pulling the horse to a stop. Twisting her back as far as it could go so that she could face him.

"What's. Wrong?" She asked a bit more forcefully.

The mood whiplash coupled with awful memories he hadn't thought about in years caused him to blurt out the truth.

"Let's just say Skyrim's nobility and I really don't get along."

"In what way?" Serana asked, her curiosity now clearly peaked.

"Back then pretty much every Jarl tried to get me to marry into their house. Elisif, well I say 'Elisif' but Falk Firebeard was the one who was running the show back then, he put it in her head that by marrying me she might secure a sliver of legitimacy. I mean marrying the last dragonborn…a hero to not just both sides of the civil war but the whole Empire?"

He shook his head and breathed out a sigh. He almost stopped talking right then and there. Serana's full attention kept him going.

"I've never wanted anything to do with high society, but she might have been able to convince me. Had she not been so naked with her desire to use me to end the civil war. She didn't even pretend to care about me, nor did she care to get to know me. She just wanted my power. They all did. That's…"

A smile curled on his lips,

"That's actually when I started developing feelings for Lydia. It was quite the scandal when they discovered I'd married a lowly housecarl. So I…don't think she'd take kindly to seeing me again. Nor would the other Jarls if they discovered the Dragonborn didn't just disappear on Solstheim."

With that Calder wrapped his hand around the reins. Serana who seemed lost in thought let them go without issue and twisted back around. Calder nudged the horse onwards down the path. They passed about three or five trees before Serana spoke again,

"We're going to have to figure something out."

Calder nodded in agreement, though she didn't see it.

"I don't suppose there's some…face changing potion or something?"

"No," Serana flatly responded, "And even if there was I wouldn't brew it."

"Why?"

In answer Serana twisted around again, placing a cool palm against Calder's cheek. Bringing those full ruby red lips a mere inch from his.

"I quite like this face," She purred.

Now that was too much. His lips found hers again. Calder never wanted to break the kiss, but it was too late. For in his peripherals he saw the tree line fall away and a breeze blew unhindered against them. There in the small clearing was a traditional Nordic hut.

They'd arrived.

Serana turned and that same tenseness, that fear that he thought had been exorcised from her came roaring back. Calder's free hand found hers and he gave it a small squeeze.

"We're just here to talk," He firmly reminded her, "Nothing more."

Serana squeezed has hand back, and Calder guided them down the path towards the old wizard's hut.

~*B*~

8.7 acres.

By the time Emily left the Jarldom Archives the sun had dipped behind the horizon. Fog, conjured by the bog in the wake of the sun's retreat, clung to the narrow cobbled streets of Morthal. Giving the capital an ethereal spooky atmosphere as she, Meeko, and the rest of the city folk meandered through the roads. All of them retiring back to their little homes within the safety of the mighty walls. Of course some were heading to the numerous taverns and inns that the city housed and Emily was amongst those.

The Moorside Inn was the name of the establishment and, according to Calder, it was one of the 'best.' Emily wondered if he'd been sarcastic. The noise from the tavern below was barely muffled and the room was drafty, sparsely decorated, and even with the fireplace going it felt chilly. The beds were certainly not twin sized. Something that was going to give Calder and Agmaer trouble sharing if the Nord and his vampire joined before night fell.

Plopping down onto the bed sent a jolt of pain up her spine. A grunt mixed with an angry sigh escaped her lips. Of course the beds were as soft as planks. Reaching behind she undid the straps on her back and dropped the heavy travel bag to the side of the bed. Meeko joined her, jumping up and curling at the foot of the bed. She gave her dog a few pets before pulling out the spell book she'd bought at one of the shops. Committed to distracting herself with magic. After rereading the same page twenty times over she finally put the book down with a sigh.

8.7 acres.

A house. Hers. Just like that.

Shock had led to elation but elation had quickly become stress. She couldn't work that much land on her own, even if she knew how. Selling it made no sense either. Even if she set up a healer's shop and integrated into a small hamlet one magical slip up would be all it took to see her chased out of town. Then she'd be even worse off. No. Farm first, healing as a little bit of extra coin. Which meant that she'd need beasts of burden, hired hands, and skills that she just didn't possess.

Or maybe she just needed one man.

A man who knew the business, area, and people. A man whose very friendly family lived nearby. A pious and moral man who loved to entertain his nieces and nephews with story and song. Yet was also a deadly serious man when it came to fighting and hunting vampires.

A man who'd already made his feelings towards her very evident.

He sat in one of the two chairs next to the fireplace. Out of his armor and clad in a leather gambeson. Brown save for the burgundy-red crest of the Dawnguard emblazoned on the right breast. When he'd arrived Emily couldn't tell. They'd agreed to part ways at the city gates and regroup at the inn. Both had had different shops to patron and different things to do. It seemed Agmaer had returned before her. His travel pack, laid to the side of the chair, was full of the provisions Calder had asked them to purchase. Currently he was hunched over the wobbly bare bones table. There he'd laid out a whetstone and was sharpening his glowing sunhallowed sword. The oddly satisfying ringing as he pushed the sword back and forth on the stone was a soothing sound.

For the first time in her life Emily looked at Agmaer. Really looked at him. He certainly wasn't unattractive, but she'd always compared him to Calder. A losing battle for most men, and a battle that no longer made any sense to wage. Whereas Calder was bulky, with arms the size of her thighs Agmaer was lean but in good shape. As someone who found the imperial style of 'beardless with short hair' the most attractive; Agmaer was a happy middle ground. Clean shaven but with his should length blonde hair pulled back into a little tuft of a pony tail.

It suddenly occurred to her that they were alone, in a room, at night, in an inn, by themselves; And at no point did she realize the impropriety. A slight panic overtook her and she had to…

"Beautiful isn't it?"

Apparently she'd been starring for a little too long and Agmaer had taken notice. Murmuring the words while tilting the sunhallowed sword in her direction. Eager for the distraction Emily nodded.

"I've got some extra soul gems," She dug into the satchel at her side and pulled out a small pouch, "If you need to recharge your sword."

"Oh thanks but the sunhallowed weapon doesn't need them."

"Really?" Emily asked intrigued.

"Yep," He nodded, "It's like a cat. Just has to get a few hours of sunlight every day."

He grinned at his own joke before holding the sword out to her one handed. Emily pushed herself to her feet and approached him. Gingerly she took the blade but struggled to hold it in both hands. Swords and other weapons were always so much heavier than they looked.

"Is it elven steel?" She asked, sinking into the seat opposite him.

"Yep, that Altmer…" His brow furrowed, "Calcemo I think his name was? He told me the book only explained how to enchant elven steel, and an older variant at that. We were lucky one of the blacksmiths had one. You're holding the first sunhallowed weapon enchanted since the 1st Era."

"It must have cost you a fortune," Emily mumbled as she stretched it back out to Agmaer.

His response was one of his laid back chuckles. Accepting the sword in one hand before returning the blade to its sheath.

"I'd say it's more than paid for itself," He placed the sheathed sword on top of his travel bag, "It did set me back on buying that land though."

"In Falkreth right?"

She mentally cursed herself as the words left her mouth. There was only one way she knew that. Agmaer responded with an "mhm" and an awkward pause followed.

"Why um," She cleared her throat, "Why don't you want to buy land here. Around Rinis?"

"Well Rinis and the marshes are dependent on cash crops and other resources. Pitch, Tar, Peat, that sort of thing. During the Civil War when trade collapsed…"

Though he tried to cover it Emily noticed the dark look that crossed across his face. In that brief moment he was the spitting image of his perpetually grim father.

"I don't want to rely on trade for food. I don't want my kids to go through what I did. Unfortunately, good growing land isn't cheap and, like I said a long time ago, I'm not exactly getting much of an inheritance."

Emily didn't know why she felt so shocked at his well thought out response.

"Is that why you joined the Dawnguard?"

Agmaer shrugged. Leaning back more heavily against the chair.

"Among other reasons," He almost nonchalantly agreed.

Maybe it was the question of land, or the atmosphere, or the warmth and joy his family had brought her. Whatever the reason, Emily made a choice. A choice to finally break down the walls and address the issue. Swallowing hard before quietly asking,

"Am I one of those reasons?"

Agmaer became still…his expression stone like even as those grey blue eyes shot to hers. Emily didn't shrink or back down. Resolute in her decision and with every passing second Agmaer was realizing it. Clearing his throat, he uttered one single strong word.

"Yes."

It was amazing how much information a word could convey. How many questions it could raise…and how it left Emily's heart thumping against her ribcage like a hyperactive rabbit. She didn't know what to do. What to say. Her mother had barely even given her the 'talk' and no Vigilant or Arcane training was relevant to this situation. Panic overtook her and she blurted out,

"Then why didn't you tell me sooner?"

Of course it was the question that had been bubbling in her mind for weeks, but she hadn't meant to just…ask it. Certainly not like that. Her inability to communicate caused her anger to spike and Agmaer didn't help by asking with a hopeful puzzled expression,

"What do you mean?"

"Agmaer you just…" She sighed and shook her head. Taking a moment to collect her thoughts, "You can't just propose to someone without…"

"I didn't propose to you," Agmaer quickly but calmly butted in.

Emily was already annoyed by being cut off, but his flat denial pushed her over the edge. Her eyebrows knit together and an angry retort was readied. Agmaer, noticing her worsening demeanor, opened his palms and hastily continued,

"I wouldn't propose to a woman whom I couldn't support. I was umm I…I-I wanted to show interest. To declare my intent. Only after I own that land would I propose. That's…" A tired sigh escaped his lips and he seemed to deflate, "That's what I've been wanting to tell you."

With every word Emily's anger grew. Amplified by the flood of emotion pouring through her brain.

"What's a woman supposed to think when a man brings out two rings?" She harshly demanded.

"I know and I'm sorry," Agmaer emphatically pleaded, "I thought that…"

"You thought that what?"

It was a guttural challenge as she flew to her feet. Standing in front of and above him. Fists tightening as the pent up well of emotions, all the things she'd wanted to yell at him since that day began to spill out,

"That I would just swoon and accept? Right after being put through Coldharbor and learning that I'm the result of gang rape?" She whisper-hissed the last part. Wincing as a crack appeared in the great damn of emotions that she'd built for that particular subject.

Agmaer weathered her verbal lashing almost completely. It was the last word that caused him to flinch. It was enough to calm her down and she was about to apologize when he spoke again. This time just barely above a whisper,

"When Molag Bal revealed himself under Markarth…he..." Agmaer shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Opening and closing his mouth a few times before weakly tapping his temple, "…up here."

A chill went down Emily's spin and she remembered the awful grating voice in her head. It had never occurred to her that that Daemon had been in everyone's.

"He congratulated me on my will, my courage, my rage. He wanted, no, he demanded that I…" Agmaer swallowed hard and he broke eye contact. Fixing them on the flames, "…hurt…you. Then kill you."

He let the awful weight of those words settle on Emily. Despite standing a few feet from the fire she felt cold. It seemed that Agmaer too was affected by the spell, for an involuntary shiver crossed his being.

"In that moment it…" Agmaer continued, "…It hit me just how…fragile you were. How fragile I was,"

Those piercing grey blue eyes once more found hers,

"I-I didn't want to die without you knowing what I felt about you. It's how I locked him out. Kept him from taking over. So when we won I just…I couldn't believe it. I felt like the gods themselves had given me the go ahead to tell you. So I used my boon from the Jarl to ask for those two rings. If I had taken even a second to think…"

He growled the last word and slammed his fist against the hand rail of the chair. The thud caused Meeko to wake up from his nap. Quickly composing himself he concluded,

"It was a mistake to tell you then. I know that now. I hope that you can forgive me for that."

Emily remained silent for long after he finished speaking. Trying to digest the nine course meal of words, feelings, and emotions he'd just served her. His abrupt proposal, while still unwanted and stupid, made a modicum of sense now. Whatever she felt about him, whatever their future, In the end, there were only three words with which to reply.

Just as she opened her mouth to forgive him, there was a knock at the door. At once Meeko leapt off the bed and jumped up against the door. An immediate clue as to who was on the other side. Sure enough as soon as Agmaer opened the door Meeko leapt into Calder's arms. Serana was right behind him. Closing the door as Calder and Agmaer quickly began to talk.

Emily stood. Excited to ask without asking how things went with Falion. One look at Serana and Calder and her smile faltered.

She'd never seen either of them look so tired and defeated.

Author's Notes: Hooray I am now in the 100k words club! Also it took a bit (damn you !) but we finally got some cover art, courtesy of the lovely UltimateEmpress. You can find it here( ultimateempress/art/COMMISSION-Dragonborn-and-Serana-Fanfiction-922652971). Thank you as always to all my fans, you really mean the world to me.