Forging the Past part 1

The two of them lay in bed next to each other in a spooning position. His arm hung over her waist while her head rested on his other arm. The covers reached to their waists, as the nights started to get warmer as well. The day was not yet dawning, but he started to wake up. Her black hair tickled his nose and he took a deep breath, his chest pressed against her back. He looked at her and a slight smile appeared on his face. She lay there asleep… so calm and peaceful. Her hair surrounded her pale face. She lay perfectly still, her chest only slightly moving under her breaths.

He stroked her waist and gave her a small kiss on her shoulder. He saw how she smiled and snuggled against him, pressing her body against his and she grabbed his arm and hugged it, pressing it between her breasts. He felt how he was about to fall asleep again, and he kissed her, before placing himself against her and closed his eyes.

They lay in Tarrion's bed in the Archmage's quarters in the College of Winterhold. A large, round room with high windows that looked out over the Sea of Ghosts to the north, and the icy lands to the east and west. In the middle there was a garden, filled with scented flowers and herbs and a rare Canticle tree. The Arcmage's desk was placed in front of it, facing the doors to the south that lead downstairs and upstairs. On left side of the room, there was a large alchemy table, and shelves filled with books on alchemy and ingredients. On the right side, there was a large Arcane Enchanter, surrounded by shelves filled with scrolls, books and gems beyond count. The walls of the entire room were covered with dozens of bookcases, filled with countless books. The northern area of the room was surrounded by a separate wall, with a door on either side. There stood a table with two chairs, several wardrobes, cupboards and a large, decorated bed on which the two lovers now lay.

They had received a letter from Tarrion's assistant Faralda, asking him to come to the College, as new apprentices would be arriving soon. They arrived a few days before any new apprentice would arrive, and now enjoyed the rest after a long journey.

Ever since the Blood Moon, everything had been calmer than before. He had felt better than ever before, as the apparent peace throughout the entire province of Skyrim seemed to last after all. He still had his duties to the Jarls, his responsibilities as Archmage and position as Harbinger for the Companions, but it seemed, with the absence of real trouble, there was not a lot for him to do. But more than that, it seemed everyone had allowed him some time for peace and quiet. He had spent years working, fighting, advising and consulting for almost everyone that he never had any time for himself. And thus it seemed that the Jarls would only contact him on accounts that would really matter, and then only via courier and letter. Luckily for him, these matters hardly ever came.

The College of Winterhold seemed to run smoothly without him being present, as most that would want to talk to him, would either send a letter, or be handled by Faralda. She had succeeded Mirabelle and had become the replacing authority in the College, much to the annoyance of Nirya who thought she would have been, or rather 'should have been', the one to succeed Mirabelle. But Faralda had handled it quite aptly and now bore the responsibilities of Destruction Mentor and assistant to the Archmage with pride.

The Companions were the ones that required the most attention from him. In the last few months he had made almost a dozen travels to Whiterun and back for the Companions alone. There were many things to discuss there and most of them included people wanting to join. Almost twenty young men and women came to Jorrvaskr wanting to join, but in the end only five were allowed into the ranks of the Companions. Two Nord women, a young Breton man, a Redguard man and a lone Khajiit. Especially the Kahjiit was a matter of debate, as no Khajiit had ever joined the Companions before, but in the end he was allowed to join.

"Dar'Hisa considers this a great honour, and he will do his best to prove himself." the Khajiit had said.

The one that had changed the most was Serana. When she would be calm or reserved, she was now open and carefree. When she would be mournful or sad, she was now joyful and happy. She would laugh and smile more often, and seemed full of energy. Sometimes she would wake him up in the middle of the night to go for a swim in the lake or in the bath in the cellar. He had asked her why, but she would only say that she felt like doing it and then proceeded to almost drag him out of bed.

On moments he would just look at her. While she would read a book, tend to the herbs that she had planted in the garden, or make an attempt at cooking… he would just watch her and smile. Feeling lucky… feeling blessed… feeling happy. And when she would turn around she would smile back. Her fangs would be visible and her eyes were softly glowing.

The two of them had also explored every part of each other, and it did not matter if it was already night-time, dawning or high-noon. Spring had passed only two weeks ago, and Serana had found that she now loved that season the most. With his Werewolf blood, Tarrion would have nigh-uncontrollable urges and Serana would only have to wink at him for him to grab her, no matter where they were… in bed, in the bath, on a small island in the middle of the lake, or even just behind the manor… there was nearly no place where they would hold back.

When Tarrion woke up he saw two glowing eyes stare at him. They did not blink, but the mouth below them was curled in a smile. He lay on his back and Serana had climbed on top of him. Her legs were wrapped around his, her waist and breasts were pressed against him and her head lay on her arms, leaning on his chest. A lock of her black hair fell over her eye, and he stroked it behind her ear and caressed her back, his fingers gently stroking her spine. Her skin felt cold as always, yet it was a cooling cold, not a freezing or icy cold. His skin felt warm against her, yet it was not a burning heat, but a soothing warmth. The covers lay over their waists and a slight breeze blew into the room.

"Whatcha thinking about?"

"Hmm.." Serana shrugged. "About a lot. What a nice day it is going to be… how I could use a nice breakfast… how I could just lie here all day… how much I love you…. What are you thinking about?"

"Hmm.." Tarrion shrugged. "About a lot. What a nice day it is going to be… how I could use a nice breakfast… how I could lie her all day with you beside me… how much I love you…."

She smiled at him. "So, how about we do just that and not do anything for the rest of the day?"

"Do absolutely nothing? Just lie in bed, not doing anything?"

"Hmm…" Serana teased him and she kissed his nose. "Who knows what the day may bring."

Tarrion knew what she meant and he smiled. "You've gained an appetite for me, haven't you?"

"How could I not? For the last few months you haven't been able to think about anything else, and… well, I thought it wrong to refuse."

"Mhm… sure. Except you have been wanting it just as much as me, remember? There was this one day where even I had to take a break."

Serana chuckled and she grinned seductively. "Vampiric blood. You're not the only one with stamina, and don't think that I was the only one to blame here. I've seen the look in your eyes when you look at me… and that was even before spring arrived."

"I can't help it. You're just too good-looking."

"Then tell me… what about me is it that draws you?"

"What draws me to you?" Tarrion asked surprised. "You mean beside your soft legs… lovely hips…. and slender waist?" and as he spoke, he gently caressed every part of her he spoke about. "Or your soft back… ample bosom… and supple neck? Your soft, rosy lips…. deep black hair… and your eyes…. That always glow with a beautiful, soft glow."

Serana bit her lip as she felt his strong hands softly stroking her body, the touch of his fingers on her skin, and she closed her eyes. His touch felt soothing and arousing and she started to feel warmer.

"Or maybe it is what we have been through together… what you have done for me, knowingly and unknowingly… The fact that I think you are beautiful… wonderful… loving… caring… and just the person I love more than anything…. Or maybe it is the combination of it all."

He wrapped his arms around her and pushed her close, feeling her body against him and he felt warm. "I joked that you can't get enough of me… well… I can't get enough of you either….. And what about you? What is it about me that draws you?"

Serana grinned. The gentle touch of Tarrion's hands on her body, made her feel good, and she fully intended to repay the favour.

"Well… it might be your firm waist…. Your strong back, or your large chest." and she felt how his skin flinched under her touch. She felt the scars on his abdomen and chest. "Or maybe your muscular arms… strong hands and gentle fingers…. Your dark hair, or your deep eyes… that always give me strength when I look in them."

She smiled at him and stroked his chin. "But it might also be of what we have done together. All the times we helped each other… when I could ask you for help, and never have you turned your back to me…. the fact that you never said anything against me being a Vampire, something that no-one else would do… that I can trust you completely, that you helped me in ways I cannot even describe… For being so handsome… for being patient with me…. understanding…. Loving…. For being my shoulder to cry on and the arms around me to comfort me…. The fact that I love you, and making me feel loved."

They looked in each other's eyes for a few moments, smiling. They lay in each other's arms and both knew that they were where they wanted to be.

"So…. Shall we have breakfast then?" Tarrion asked. "Or can breakfast wait?"

"Well… beside that, shouldn't you have gone downstairs a few hours ago? As Archmage you should tend to… matters of some import."

"You are an important matter." Tarrion answered smiling. "Besides, there is no rule that makes the Archmage get out of bed, and even if there is… I'm Archmage, I can do what I want. I can break a few rules."

And before Serana could say anything, he smothered her with a kiss.

After another hour, Tarrion finally went downstairs. In the Arcanaeum he found Urag Gro-Shub sitting on his usual chair behind a large desk filled with books. Faralda sat in a quiet corner, calmly reading a letter. As soon as she saw him, she jumped up.

"Archmage… good morning."

"Good morning, Faralda. How are things?"

"Normal… or 'as usual'. Meaning Onmund is again at odds with Enthir, although he never explains why…. Colette is complaining about everyone and everything… Brelyna keeps asking me if I can help her, although I keep telling her that I am too busy… and, as always, Nirya still treats me with disdain and jealousy."

"Small wonder." Tarrion chuckled. "You two have been butting heads for years."

"True…" Faralda sighed. "and I fear it has only gotten worse. But I did receive a letter from a few of the upcoming students. They write that they are staying in Winterhold, at the inn. They will wait until all have arrived and then arrive at the College in one group. Oh, and the Jarl has asked you for an audience."

She gave him a letter from Jarl Kraldar, in which he indeed requested Tarrion to appear for an audience.

"Mhm…" he nodded. "Very well. If there is nothing else, I will go to the Jarl right now. Let's resolve this as soon as possible."

Tarrion left the College over the stone bridge that spanned over the chasm that was left by the Great Collapse. The bridge ended at the edge of the town of Winterhold, a modest size city, which did not have many houses. The sun was slowly rising in the east, and early rays of sunlight appeared over the edge of the mountains far to the east. Half the town was already awake, and Birna had opened her shop already.

When Tarrion appeared in the jarl's longhouse, he noticed the mixed reactions he received from those who were present. A few guards made a respectful nod toward him, while a few others gave him a nasty look. Some still hated the College and Tarrion knew this but he did not care. Kraldar sat on his throne and looked up as Tarrion approached him.

"You requested an audience, my jarl?" Tarrion said, as he was still a thane of Winterhold, and thus the jarl was still his superior.

"Yes I did, Tarrion. I have heard that a group of new students will soon arrive at your College."

"You have heard correctly."

"Well then." Kraldar said quickly and he leaned forward. "I know that you are a good Archmage, and that you also have the best interests for Winterhold in mind, but I must still ask that you keep your students in check. Not many in Winterhold are fond of the College, in fact hardly anyone is, but trust that we can change that view by making sure that there will be no incidents with the College."

"Of course, my jarl." Tarrion answered respectfully. "I will make sure that all the students will behave according to the laws…"

"Ah, good…. That is good…"

"However…" Tarrion said, and although his tone kept its respect, it also became stronger. "You were right to say that many still hold no good will to the College, and thus I must say this. I will keep my students in check, but I will not allow the people of Winterhold to harass them, or the College, in any way. As thane, I am sworn to obey you… but as Archmage, I have the safety of the College and my students in mind."

Jarl Kraldar nodded. "Of course, of course. I understand perfectly, now how about we toast on it? On our mutual agreement?"

Tarrion smiled. "I thank you, jarl, but I must decline. I must go back to the College, as there are still many things that require my attention."

This was not true, but Tarrion just wanted to go back and be done with politics, and the jarl let him go.

Back at the College he found Serana talking to Brelyna, a young Dunmer who came to Skyrim to study Conjuration. They were both having themselves a gentle conversation in the Hall of Attainment. The rest of the students were not present, and Tarrion assumed they were most likely in the Arcanaeum or in the Hall of the Elements.

"… so, no." he heard Serana say. "With Conjuration it is not about the focus or the concentration of your spell, it is about the will that you have. With willpower you will achieve more than study."

"But study gives you the knowledge you need, right?"

"True, but if you want to summon an Atronach, it will not obey you through your knowledge alone. You must have the will to make it your ally, or else it will turn on you. And that is something you will not find in any book."

Brelyna nodded in understanding. "I see, so it is…. Oh, hello Archmage."

"Hello Brelyna. I see you have met Serana."

"Hello dear." Serana said with a smile. "You were gone, so I was walking around a bit and met Brelyna. It is nice to meet a young woman interested in magic."

"The jarl had some questions for me, nothing serious. But how are you Brelyna? Are you making any progress here?"

"Yes I am, Archmage. Yet it would be better if my fellow mages would be more cooperative. I have asked them if they could help me, but they always have something to do. Onmund is always hesitant when I ask… Enthir never even bothers to give me a straight answer… Nirya hardly seems to acknowledge my presence…. Faralda is nice to me, but she seems busy all the time…. And the others are never available."

"Have you asked J'Zargo? Maybe he can help."

The young Dunmer seemed to be uncomfortable with this idea. "Ehh.. no. I have asked him once, but he said 'J'Zargo is too skilled a mage to be helping those who are far below his skill.' Needless to say, I did not ask him again."

'That sounds like J'Zargo.' Tarrion thought to himself.

Serana looked from Brelyna to Tarrion and gave him a stern look. He looked at her and saw her eyes flash from him to Brelyna, and he sighed.

"I can help you, Brelyna. What do you need help with?"

He gave Serana a gaze that said 'Happy now?' and she smiled innocent at him.

"Really? Oh, thank you… yes I could use some help. Well… I need someone to practise a spell or two on. If you are willing… just stand there and don't move. I just need to…."

She turned around and ran toward her room, and after some rummaging around, she came back with a book in her hands.

"I wrote it down somewhere…. No, not here…. Where does this stain come from? Never mind… Ah! Here it is."

She placed the book on a nearby table and Tarrion stood perfectly still.

"This won't hurt…. Probably…" and she cast a small golden orb at him.

Tarrion felt nothing change, but Serana nearly chocked herself laughing.

"There now I…." and Brelyna's face turned sour. "Oh, no… that was not supposed to happen."

"What happened?" Tarrion asked, and he looked at his body. He noticed that his hands were green.

"Ehh… you look a little… ehh, green." And Brelyna started apologizing profusely. "I am so sorry.. I went over this again and again…. It just seems like a minor miscalculation on my part….. don't worry…. I am sure it will wear off soon."

Serana, in the meantime, had her hand over her mouth as she tried to contain her amusement. She saw how Tarrion stood in front of her with a bright green skin, which did not go well with his black hair. She snickered behind her hand.

"Stop laughing." Tarrion told her.

"I… I'm not." she answered, while still smiling.

Luckily the spell wore off after a while, and Tarrion's skin returned to normal. Brelyna had checked and re-checked her notes and seemed to find out what she did wrong. Thus, after the spell wore off, she asked if she could try again.

"Don't worry… it will go perfectly this time, I'm sure. I just need to know for sure if I am to become a better mage, right?"

Tarrion sighed, while Serana took a step back, and it was clear she was hoping for a show. "Alright… try again." and he hoped he had not just signed his death sentence.

"Alright… now don't move at all." And Brelyna cast another golden orb at him.

This time, Tarrion did feel himself change, and it seemed everything had become larger, or he had become smaller. Brelyna's face turned pale in shock, and Serana fell off her chair and started laughing.

"What happened?" is what Tarrion wanted to say, but instead of words, a long and deep 'Muuuuuuuhhhhh' was heard.

"Oh, my!" Brelyna stammered in panic. "That isn't right…. just wait, I can fix this!"

Before Tarrion could react again, she cast another orb at him, and everything became smaller, or he became taller.

"Oh, no!" Tarrion heard her beg, and he saw how Serana rolled over the floor, not being able to contain her laughter.

Tarrion looked down, and saw how his hands had turned to hooves, and he whinnied loud.

"Just let me try again!"

Another orb flew at him, and Tarrion felt his body shrink down so far, he couldn't even look over the table. He wanted to tell Brelyna to stop, but instead a loud bark escaped from his mouth. Serana held her hands over her stomach, as she clearly laughed so hard her stomach started to hurt. Tarrion quickly ran over to her, and he noticed how he, once again, stood on four legs. He barked loudly, but Serana had tears in her eyes from laughter and even when Tarrion growled at her, she only looked at him and laughed.

"Just wait! I can… I'll get it right this time, I swear!" Brelyna cried out, and before Tarrion could stop her, she cast another orb at him.

For the last time, he felt his body change and saw how his hands looked normal again. He felt his arms and legs again, and touched his face, and he seemed to be back to normal.

"There… all better." he heard Brelyna say, and she gave him an uneasy smile.`

While Serana was still laughing, Tarrion climbed back on his feet and gave Brelyna a stern piece of advice.

"We never speak of this again."

"Agreed." and she nodded quickly.

"That was amazing!" they heard Serana laugh. She managed to pull herself together, although her eyes were still wet with tears. "I can't remember the last time I laughed this hard…. Brelyna, you have got to teach me that spell."

"I'm not sure if that is a good idea…." Brelyna said hesitantly.

"Oh, don't worry about it." Serana smiled at her. "I won't use it on you."

"Brelyna, if you teach her that spell, I will kick you out of the College." Tarrion interrupted Serana, but they could hear he hardly meant it, and they saw a hardly visible smile on his face.

"O-of course, Archmage…." Brelyna stuttered. "I-I won't… I promise…"

"Come on, Tarrion… allow me some fun."

"No…"

And Tarrion left, and although Serana followed him, he noticed how she nodded at Brelyna.

At the end of the day, Tarrion and Serana left for his quarters. The new students would arrive the next day, and so Tarrion had the last few preparations taken care of, and now longed for some peace and quiet. As the two walked over the high walls of the College, the last rays of sunlight shone over the mountains, and Serana protected her face. On those moments Tarrion would be reminded of the fact that she doesn't like sunlight, something he would often forget as he saw her as a normal person, not as a Vampire.

"The students and teachers here seem to highly respect you." Serana remarked.

"Of course they do…. I am the Archmage after all." Tarrion smiled at her. "It is true that all of the teachers are here longer than me, but they all know what I have done for the College."

"You mean the Eye of Magnus events? That must have affected them in more ways than one, and you must have proven al lot, to be chosen Archmage before the teachers."

Serana chuckled. "Shame I wasn't there."

"We'll have events of our own, and we've already had plenty don't you think?"

"True enough."

When they reached the stairs that lead to the Archmage quarters, Tarrion stopped.

"You go ahead… I'll join you later. I have one last thing to take care of."

"Alright…. Don't be long." Serana said and she gave him a kiss on his cheek before walking up the stairs, while Tarrion left for the Arcanaeum.

As she neared the bed she looked forward to spending the night lying in the soft pillows and warm covers. A few Magelight orbs gave the entire area a silver glow, and after she doused all but one, she fell on the bed. For a few moments she lay there, staring at the arced ceiling and felt blissfully tired, like she could fall asleep any moment. She wouldn't even mind if she would fall asleep right now, in full clothing, but she decided it would be better not to.

Her clothes were mostly dark, and all had a hood to protect her against the sun, and covered almost every part of her skin. She first removed her flexible bracers and threw her cloak after them on a chair. She unstrapped her boots and kicked them near the chair, after which she started unbuttoning her tunic. The remaining light of the Magelight orb gave her skin a silvery pale look, and she saw how she almost glowed in the light. After she had removed her trousers, she dove under the covers, and felt the pillows and blankets on her naked skin. She felt how soothing it all glided past her waist and breasts, how soft it felt against her shoulders and legs, and she closed her eyes. The only thing missing now was Tarrion lying next to her, with his arms around her, his heartbeat sounding near her, and his warmth in her. She imagined it and smiled, and before she knew it, she fell asleep and dreamt.

Her dream, however, was not exactly pleasant.

=End of Chapter=

=Author's Notes=

And that is the first chapter of the new arc. I do hope you like it and, as always, stay tuned for the next chapter.

I do have to tell you that I will write far slower from now on, in case you haven't noticed it already. I have three stories that I have to look after, plus my book. I also have work etc. to consider. But more than that, I have no motivation. For the last months I am dealing with a lack of motivation or energy to do anything, depression etc. So my writing speed will go down by a lot… 1 maybe 2 chapters per month… in total.

I have no intention of stopping this story though. It is not finished, not by a long shot, it is just that I find it difficult to write anything nowadays.

I do hope you will stay as patient as you have been thus far, and thank you all for still being interested.