Wrath of the Dragon part 2
A new day was dawning over Skyrim. As the sun peaked over the eastern mountains, setting the sky ablaze, its rays shone through the morning fog. The shadows of the mountains started to recede over Eastmarch, and two companions could see this spectacle from the edge of the high vales of the Rift. Far below them the volcanic tundra of Eastmarch stretched out to the north and east. The warm springs of this land created a thick fog that covered most of the land with a few hills reaching above the mist, almost like small islands. Far in the distance, amongst those tiny little islands, Tarrion saw Crowstrewn Nest, where he had learned a new Word of Power from its Word Wall. Near the foot of the high vales, far below them they could see the small town of Darkwater Crossing where Annekke Crag-Jumper had her mine. He wondered how they were doing.
As they followed the path down to Eastmarch, Tarrion frequently looked up to the skies, yet what he saw was strange. The skies were empty. If what Mjoll said was true, he would see Dragons fly over the land, yet nothing could be further from the truth. The skies almost seemed abandoned, not even birds were flying overhead. This troubled him, yet he said nothing as he did not know whether to be relieved or worried.
They had promised Mjoll they would send help for Iona and they would be back to deal with Maven Black-Briar. However, Tarrion first wanted to assess the situation in Skyrim and gather more information, before he would act. His time as thane and harbinger has taught him as much. Mjoll thanked him and promised to stay with Iona and help her as best she could.
As they continued they found signs of small battles along the road. Patrols that were ambushed, attempts at taking small forts and fortified points. The ground would be blackened with dried blood and the stray arrow still lay there, covered in dirt and barely visible. The more the two examined sites like this, the more they hurried. They did not know often this happened, yet both knew it had to stop.
As they continued along the main roads, they found themselves passing Fort Amol where Tarrion stopped. He felt like he was back to where he was almost eight years ago. Taking Fort Amol was one of the bloodiest battles he had been in, where the rebel Stormcloaks defended it to the last man. Even after they knew they had no chance of winning, they still continued and fought on. Fanatic and beyond reason they were and Tarrion hated the memory. As he stared at the walls, he knew it should have been repaired by now, yet it seemed that this new struggle between the jarls had caused it to be abandoned again. It would not take long for bandits and warlocks to claim the place for themselves.
He felt Serana's hand grabbing his and he woke from a trance.
"You're alright?" she asked him.
"Hmm," he grumbled neither nodding or shaking his head. "This fort… there are bad memories here."
After a short pause he turned around. "We should leave."
He was quiet for a while after the fort had disappeared behind them, and Serana knew he did not want to relive the memories of the Civil War. She knew they had to put a stop to this new war in Skyrim before it would get any worse.
When the road started to climb they knew they were nearing the border between Whiterun and Eastmarch, and the for that guarded it; the Valtheim Towers. Two large towers positioned on either side of the White River with an old, but strong bridge between them. the surrounding area had been fortified after the Civil War when Jarl Balgruuf saw the importance of this fort. Now a wall had been erected to cover the immediate area and a palisade could be placed quickly when needed. Although it was placed on the border between the two holds, it was manned exclusively by Whiterun soldiers.
At nightfall they reached the fort and in sharp contrast to their arrival at Riften, they saw dozens of torches lit on the battlements. It seemed the guard in this fort was still very much awake. Yet this did not slow either Serana or Tarrion down, and both became like shadows and snuck past the river and under the bridge and entered Whiterun Hold.
In front of them lay the open and flowing plains of Whiterun Hold and both could feel a subconscious smile on their faces as they saw it all. The tall grass and flowing hills of Whiterun were beautiful by day, and looked like a blanked of green and gold that lay over the land. But at night Serana, and now Tarrion as well, could see the beauty of it like only few could. The grass seemed to glimmer and sparkle in the light of the moon and the thousands of stars. An ever-changing pallet of colours flew over the hills in the breeze, changing each time they blinked. In the far distance to the north and west they saw the eternal snow of more mountains and they seemed to shine with a silver glow in the moonlight. Tarrion was once again reminded of the beauty of the night.
After several days they finally neared the city of Whiterun. Positioned on a high hill and looking over the plains that stretched out all around it, it was impossible for any army to sneak up on the city without being noticed. Yet Tarrion and Serana used the cover of night and their vampiric abilities to near the city, yet they found the gate closed and locked tight. And endless patrol of guards walked the battlements above the two outer gates and the drawbridge in front of the second gate was raised.
They watched the patrols for a few moments and saw that Balgruuf had taken no risks when he had given orders. There seemed to be no safe way in, not even for a powerful Vampire like Serana… at least not without raising suspicion. But even after two years of absence, Tarrion knew the secrets of every city in Skyrim, and he knew of another way to enter Whiterun. Leading Serana away from the main gate he moved to the eastern end of the city, near the high walls behind which Jorrvaskr was built. There they found a barely visible crevice, hidden behind bushes and long strands of hanging moss and vines. A secret entrance that was used only as an exit for the Jorrvaskr Werewolves during their first transformation. It lead to the Underforge, yet it was almost impossible for a normal person to make it there, since it was designed to be a one way exit. But neither Tarrion nor Serana was 'normal' and after a tricky climb up they found themselves in the Underforge.
Serana had been here only once, after their disastrous adventure on Solstheim, and she hated the memory of this place. It reminded her of what drove her and Tarrion apart and when she voiced this to him, he agreed to leave immediately.
Outside the city was asleep and only a few guards were patrolling inside the city. The area surrounding Jorrvaskr was empty and dark as not even a few torches were lit. staying away from the rest of the city, Serana and Tarrion moved to the training grounds behind the mead hall and entered through the back door.
The mead hall was still the same, yet fewer candles were lit and the central fireplace was only filled halfway through. There they saw one man warming himself and Serana immediately recognized him, more my scent than sight, and saw it was Farkas. As soon as he hear them he turned around and jumped up.
"WAKE UP EVERYONE! INTRUDERS IN THE HALL! AT ARMS!"
Tarrion raised his hands trying to calm him but Farkas had already grabbed his sword and readied himself. It was then that he recognized them and he froze while his eyes widened. Tarrion and Serana stepped into the light of the few candles and Farkas slowly lowered his sword in disbelief.
"Tarrion?" he asked hesitantly. "Serana? H-how… "
He then dropped his sword and walked toward them both and hugged Tarrion tightly.
"Damn! It is good to see you."
Tarrion hugged him back. "It is good to see you too, my friend."
Farkas let go of Tarrion and hugged Serana. "You're both still in one piece? I should have known."
Serana smiled at the friendly face and warm welcome she was given and hugged her friend back.
From the far end of the hall a number of people came running up the stairs from the quarters below. Aela was leading the charge and held a long knife in her hand as her long, brown hair had fallen over her face. Ria and Njada both had managed to grab an axe from below and jumped next to Aela. Tarrion saw how Ria almost instinctively bared her teeth, something he remembered doing as well. With a lot of noise Vilkas came barging up the stairs while shouting.
"Who in the blazes comes looking for trouble here?!"
A sleepy look was in his eyes as he peaked just above the floorboards at the two 'intruders' and after a few moments he smiled.
"Nevermind," he barked loudly. "you two don't tend to find trouble… trouble tends to find you."
All three women dropped their weapons and rushed at the two while Vilkas tried to wake himself up.
In a chaotic exchange of hugs and pats on the back were the two welcomed home, Serana not any less than Tarrion. Njada had a few tears leaking from her eyes when she saw they were still alive, tears she quickly wiped away and denied ever existed. Vilkas' face was nearly glowing with happiness and Ria hugged Serana three separate times. The tables in the centre of the hall were moved aside and all gathered around the fire as their welcome continued, and all desperately wanted to hear what had happened.
Tarrion and Serana told them of Akavir and all that had happened there. They left no detail unsaid, except for one. Neither spoke of Tarrion's newfound power and their return, excusing it with a story of how they stole a ship from the Ka Po Tun and left Akavir under the cover of night.
All listened to them with bated breath and when Serana told of Tosh Raka, Ria gasped audibly and Njada whispered to herself 'no way'. But when Serana told them of how she turned Tarrion, all became quiet. Aela knew full well that Serana was a Vampire, yet the twins, Njada and Ria did not know. None of them recoiled when the heard it, yet they were still shocked to hear it, and even more so when she answered their questions. When they realized Serana had been a member of the same clan they had attacked at Volkihar Castle all those years ago, Ria asked who Harkon was to her. When Serana revealed she was his daughter Ria covered her mouth to try and hide her shock, but Serana calmed her.
"It was years go… and many years before that had led to this. I do not mourn the Vampire that died that day… I only mourn my father that I lost two millennia ago."
Ria composed herself and nodded, yet the shock was still visible on her face as she looked at Serana with a deep sorrow and pity.
But then it was their turn to ask questions. Tarrion told them what he had heard from Mjoll and none of them shook their heads in disagreement.
"What happened here in Whiterun?" he asked. "Balgruuf wants the throne as well?"
Njada nodded. "He does. He thinks he deserves it for being the voice of reason, and since he is less hot-headed than the rest."
Balgruuf was indeed not hot-headed compared to some of the other jarls, something that earned him the position of jarl, and choosing the right side in the Civil War when he refused to take offense from Ulfric Stormcloak. As High King he would indeed be a reasonable ruler, who would welcome outsiders, as long as they obeyed the law.
"What about the rest of Skyrim?" Serana asked. "Have you heard anything from the other holds?"
"Very little," was Farkas' answer. "It is too dangerous to take on any new contracts, with the Dragons attacking at will and small battles that are fought at key locations. We know of a few battles that were fought on the border with the Pale and a few near the Reach… neither successful for either side, but we know nothing about any battles between other holds. If Mjoll says the Rift and Eachmarch are at war.. we are not surprised to hear it. Aela advised us to keep a low profile and only accept contracts in groups, not alone."
Tarrion looked at Aela and she nodded. "I am the new Harbinger," she said, yet there was little pride in her voice. "No-one thought they were suited enough, yet I am the most experienced. So the others decided I should be your successor."
Tarrion was surprised by this, but he nodded solemnly at her. "You gave them good advice I think."
She did not answer and only nodded as she stared into the flames. Ria glanced at her and there was a slight concern in her eyes.
"This does mean we do not know what is happening in the other holds," Farkas continued. "Our information stops there, and only the Jarls know more, yet I think even they do not know everything. I think all of the jarls keep secrets and plans to themselves. I am afraid no-one really knows what the status of each of the holds is, not even the jarls."
"Not even news out of Falkreath?" Tarrion asked.
Aela shook her head. "Not a word from Rayya. Maybe Riverwood knows something, but not us."
"Speaking of 'us'," Serana started as she looked around. "Where is everyone? Where are the other Companions?"
Aela summed up. "Athis leads Emnon and Lea for a contract near the border with the Reach. Torvar helps Greda and Dar'Hisa to get rid of a giant near Rorikstead. And Azzar is with Lydia."
"How are they?"
"They're good… all things considered," Aela answered. "In fact… Lydia might kill me for telling you this before she can, so both of you should act surprised when she tells you… they are planning their wedding."
"They are?!" both shouted in surprise.
"Even in all of this?" Serana asked.
"Especially in all of this," Ria said. "Lydia said that in times like these, love should not be moved to the background."
"That does sound like her," Tarrion chuckled and he smiled at the thought.
"We're still missing Tilma and Vignar," Serana remarked. She saw how the twins lowered their heads and Njada placed her hand on Vilkas' shoulder.
"Vignar left," Aela answered. "He seemed to be too busy with the affairs of his clan… and the 'Companions were in the way'. So he left… not loss there I think."
The bitterness in her voice was apparent, yet when she continued, her voice was softer. "Tilma…." and she sighed "Tilma passed away a few months ago. A fever at her age… she did not make it. We gave her a good ceremony and burned her body in the Skyforge."
Tarrion knew that a burial like that was something meant for the Harbingers, or warriors of the Companions that died defending their brothers and sisters… yet Tilma had taken care of this family for longer than any of them were alive. He nodded.
"She deserved that," he said and he looked at the twins. "I am sorry."
Farkas nodded and Vilkas wiped one tear from his eye. Tilma had been the closest thing the twins had to a mother during their childhood.
Outside the night ended, yet none of them were aware of it as they sat there around the fire. The reunion lasted for hours and all were happy to see each other again, after more than two years. But after the sun started to climb to its highest point, they knew they had to plan their moves. Tarrion knew he still had responsibilities toward the Jarls as Thane. Yet more than that he felt he had a responsibility to the people of Skyrim, regardless of any wishes from any Jarl. When the others wanted to go outside and spread the good news that the Dragonborn had returned, Tarrion stopped them.
"What? Why?" Njada asked. "I think this will do the people some good and make the Jarls stop throwing tantrums and question what to do next."
Tarrion nodded. "Perhaps… but for now I don't know what I can do. I am still their thane and I cannot really disobey them. I first need to think about what I can do about all of this… but trust me when I tell you; I will do something. I will not stand idly by."
"So you're thinking about starting a little rebellion then?" Njada asked and she smiled. "Good to hear."
Before Tarrion could say anything to correct her she left downstairs and Aela couldn't help but chuckle at his face. Njada had always been straightforward, often in a blunt manner, and he saw this had not changed.
After that he retreated himself back to the Harbingers quarters that Aela gave him back in a heartbeat, saying only that she was not suited to be Harbinger, and that Harbinger is something you are for your entire life. She excused herself when she said she was only an interim Harbinger, while they waited for him to return… something Tarrion knew she meant, but was not true.
A few hours later Tarrion had made his decision when he and Serana left the Harbinger's quarters. Serana left her backpack there, hidden in a small corner behind a cupboard. The last of the vials that Shazra had given them were emptied and both felt strong enough, yet both also knew their next move.
He asked Vilkas to bring Lydia and Azzar to him, and it did not take long before both of them entered Jorrvaskr. Lydia was beyond ecstatic when she saw them both alive and well and she jumped around their necks, softly sobbing. Azzar walked up to them and hugged Tarrion and nodded at Serana. They gave her a summary of what happened in the last two years, yet revealed less to them, since they though it unnecessary that Azzar knew of Serana's Vampirism. It was still something only a few knew, and the less that knew, the better. She had known the others for longer than him and they had not gotten that close yet.
After the exchange of hugs and stories, Tarrion brought all present to him and explained his plan.
"Are you planning a small rebellion?" Njada asked eagerly.
"No, I am not," he answered and she made no effort to hide her disappointment. "But I am planning the next best thing," and her face brightened a bit, eagerly looking at the prospect to fight. "I need a small group of people that I can trust in each of the Holds. As of now, only Mjoll and Iona know of our return… but Iona is sick."
"What happened?" Lydia asked shocked.
"Mjoll will explain," he calmed her. "but I need something from each of you."
All nodded and were ready to do their part. Not for their harbinger or thane, but for their Dragonborn and hero. The man that had always put the needs of the people before his own, and they all knew they could trust him with their lives.
"I need each of you to go to one of the holds and inform my housecarls. Tell them to be ready and gather a small group of people… but only those that they trust and that can keep a secret. I am not sure what is going on in each of the holds yet, but if things are as bad as we fear… we need to be swift and discreet."
All nodded again as he paused and took a deep breath. "Lydia," and he directed himself to her. "You have more experience with healing than the others. You have patched me up more times than I can count. Can you help Mjoll take care of Iona? She needs care and time to recover."
Lydia nodded solemly. "I will do everything I can."
"Thank you," he said and he meant it. "Know though… I am no longer thane in the Rift. Maven removed me as soon as she was able and Iona is no longer my housecarl there… only a good friend that needs help. You cannot act on my authority there, so it will be difficult."
"I am not discouraged," she said and a slight smirk was visible on her face.
It made Tarrion smile to see her as her old self. After the harrowing experience she had been through three years ago, she seemed to have picked herself back up, despite it all. He nodded.
"Shall I go with her?" Azzar suggested, but Tarrion shook his head.
"No… I need you, and the rest of the Companions to go to the other holds," and he looked at each of them as he addressed them. "Farkas… can you go to Markarth and tell Argis? Ria, can you inform Jordis in Solitude? Aela-.."
"I'll go to Morthal," she nodded before he could say anything. "I ehh… I know where Valdimar lives and he and his husband helped me on a hunt once."
"Husband?" Serana asked and Aela nodded.
"Yes, he got married last year."
"Good," Tarrion nodded and he was happy to hear his housecarls were living their own lives. "Then you go there. Njada, can you inform Calder in the Pale? You know where he lives?" and she nodded. "Azzar.. can you inform the College of Winterhold. Ask for Faralda… she will know what to do."
"That leaves Winterhold or Falkreath for me," Vilkas said and Tarrion nodded. "I'll tell Calder… it is good I go there.. he still owes me a purse of septims."
"Very well," Tarrion nodded. "Balgruuf will be informed later and we will go to Falkreath ourselves. But all should be careful, especially you Farkas. The Reach has always been dangerous with the Forsworn, and I doubt they have become less dangerous in the last two years. Also, I do not know if the other Jarls have replaced me with a new thane, so none of you can act on my authority. But all should rest first and take some time to prepare to leave tomorrow at dawn."
"What will you have us do after we inform them?" Vilkas asked. "Should we hurry back to Jorrvaskr or help them?"
Tarrion thought for a few moments before he answered. "Stay there if you can. And if you run into the others… tell them to head back to Whitreun as quickly as possible. Good people are needed here. Do not inform the Jarls though... Let's keep this a secret for now. But I have to ask you to hurry. Grab a horse from the stables and hurry. We need good people as soon as we can get them."
All stood up and made a slight bow out of respect or just a nod and returned to their rooms, while Lydia and Azzar returned to Breezehome.
Aela was alone in her room. Two adjacent rooms, one as a main area to sit in and calmly meditate as Aela liked to do. The other had a bed which had not seen much use, as Aela preferred the wilds over cities and even Jorrvaskr. Tarrion found her there meditating, yet he could see she had to force herself to keep calm
"I have to ask you a favour, Aela," Tarrion said as she opened her eyes.
She solemnly nodded and looked at him.
"I wish to regain the Blood of the Wolf," he said. "You were my Forbearer once… I was hoping you would be willing to be it again."
This was not an easy thing to ask, all both knew that and Serana understood it to an extent, but Aela was strong and more in touch with the Wolf inside her than any of the Companions, even more so than Skjor ever was.
"What I am about to do I cannot do as a Vampire," Tarrion explained as he sat next to her. "Not only that, but Serana has always fed on me… and whilst I remain a Vampire she cannot feed on me."
Aela thought about it before she answered, though not for as long as Tarrion expected, and she nodded.
"Meet me in the Underforge tonight. You should be there as well," and she looked at Serana, which surprised her, but she nodded.
But when Tarrion left Serana stayed behind and looked at Aela.
"I have to ask Aela something," she said over her shoulder. "I'll be there in a few moments."
Tarrion hesitated slightly, but nodded and closed the door behind him.
Aela looked at Serana who seemed nervous. This confused Aela since she was with a friend who would be willing to listen to anything.
"…. In the Underforge," Serana started hesitantly. "What will happen there?"
"He will become a Werewolf again," was the simple answer.
"I know, but… He will drink your blood again, right?" and Aela nodded. "But is there anything else involved? If there isn't… why do you want me to be there?"
Aela looked at her friend who seemed almost frightened at the prospect… yet there was a yearning in her voice she could not place.
"Nothing else is involved… nothing that you are uncomfortable with."
Serana sighed and nodded as she dropped herself on a chair. "I'm sorry… I hope you understand why I am suspicious."
Aela nodded. "I can guess… but do not worry. There are no Daedric Lords involved here. I'm not sure if there even is such a thing as a Pure Blooded Werewolf. But Tarrion will only go back to what he was before. Nothing more, nothing less."
"Good," Serana sighed.
"And…. You agree with this?" Aela asked carefully. "You don't disagree?"
Serana looked up at her friend who still sat on the ground. "Of course I agree… why wouldn't I?"
Aela scratched her head. "I'm not sure how Vampires feel about this… and I am not sure how you exactly turned him… but I still know that you willingly turned him. I don't think you did that lightly, so I don't know how you think about him…. I don't know… 'throwing this away'."
Serana gave a slight, scorning chuckle. "I do not think that. In fact… I am looking forward to the moment when he will be a Werewolf again. I practically suggested it when we were alone in his room."
"Why?" Aela asked. "You know that a Werewolf shares a bond with their forbearer. Do Vampires not have this?"
Serana shook her head. "I assume this 'bond' is instinctual for Werewolves, because animals have that instinct… Vampires are not like Werewolves in that regard. Any bonds are emotional... not instinctual."
"Perhaps," Aela nodded. "but still. Why did you suggest it?"
Serana looked away before she answered. "Selfish reasons."
Aela did not answer or respond and she only looked at her friend who after a few moments seemed to have a slight blush on her face.
"What are these selfish reasons," she asked after a while.
"They're… not only selfish," Serana defended herself. "I never really wanted him to be a Vampire… neither did he. I turned him, and he accepted it, out of necessity. We had to. I would never force my Vampirism on anyone… even after Tarrion agreed and said it was alright… I hesitated."
Again Aela did not ask why immediately and let the silence fill the room. Serana felt herself almost forced to continue after a long pause when Aela stayed silent very loudly. "Fine!" she blurted out. "I miss him, alright?" and the blush was now clearly visible on her face. "I miss his warmth, his heartbeat… I miss the taste of his blood in my mouth…I…... I miss the sex, alright!…. I miss him. Satisfied?"
The glare she gave Aela was slightly comical after she confessed this, and Aela couldn't help but smirk slightly.
"You miss the sex?" she asked amused. "When was the last time?"
Serana lowered her head. "When I turned him… about half a year ago now."
"So… about a lifetime for the two of you?" she chuckled.
"Ugh," Serana grunted, yet she did not disagree.
"Then you are in luck," Aela smirked. "Spring will end in two days."
"It does?" and Serana looked up.
"Wow… you look like someone who is showing signs of withdrawal from moonsugar or skooma."
"Great," was Serana's stoic answer.
"but I don't see how this is selfish."
Serana looked up in disbelief. "He is a Vampire only out of necessity. He gave up his Lycanthropy for me out of necessity. He changed himself into something he did not want to be for me. He sacrificed so much already… and he did that for me. And now… now that he can finally be the person he once was, because he wants it. He can be himself to help the people of Skyrim once again…. And I can only think of how this benefits me and how he can…. Pop my cork?"
"Is that what the kids call it these days?"
"How is this not selfish?!"
Aela chuckled again before she answered. "You want your man to be himself again… and this will benefit the relationship you have with him. Your relationship with him is not just based on emotions and your history together… but it is also physical. The intimacy is important for both of you… that is not selfish, that is who the two of you are. Is it selfish…, even if it is, it is only a bit, but looking at what both of you have done already and sacrificed for others… you can be selfish on occasion."
Serana did not answer and Aela stood up and placed her hand on Serana's shoulder. "It is clear he wants to be a Werewolf again as well. If that benefits you…. I see no reason to punish yourself over it."
Serana sighed, but nodded. When she stood up and left for the door she heard Aela laugh to herself.
"What is it?"
"This is the second time you open up about something like this to me," Aela answered. "The second time you open up to me about your feelings and conflictions. And it is the second time it ends with you confessing how much you can't wait to jump Tarrion."
"And I will tell you again not to tell him about it," Serana said and a slight smile was on her face.
"You know what," and Aela straightened her back. "Maybe I should. Maybe he will tell you then, and I hope you realize it as well, to not tell me about this, but to go to him. If you are going to marry him you should not be embarrassed to tell him these things."
Serana found that she had no response to this and closed her mouth. Her smile disappeared and she realized Aela was right. Eventually she only nodded and left the room, knowing she had a lot to think about.
When Tarrion and Serana entered the Underforge at midnight Serana saw a large Werewolf standing behind the large stone bowl. She, as Serana knew it was Aela, was not as large as Tarrion when he would transform, yet still larger than either of them now. Her ears were a bit more pointy than Tarrion's, and she was not as hairy. Still, the majority of her body was covered with thick, dark brown fur. Only her chest seemed to have less fur growing on it.
Even though she knew the large Werewolf was Aela, and Tarrion was with her, Serana could not help but feel a bit intimidated as she walked toward the stone bowl. Aela's clothes lay behind the basin and a long and sharp knife lay on the bottom and Tarrion nodded at Aela, who nodded back.
"After I transform," Tarrion said and he turned to Serana. "Try and drive me toward the exit over there," and he pointed toward the secret exit that lead to the plains outside Whiterun. "I will try to flee, just make sure I go that way and not the other way, and enter the city. I will give you trouble… but do not worry, I can take a hit if necessary. I will run. I don't know where to, but I will transform back at dawn."
He grabbed the knife from the large stone bowl and gave it to her. "Slit Aela's wrist with this and let her blood flow into the bowl."
Serana nodded and took the knife. Aela held out her front-right paw over the bowl and Tarrion took of his tunic.
"Before I do this," and he smiled slightly as he took of the black ring on his finger. "I made this for you… and you should have it back."
Serana took the ring from him and put it on her own finger. She felt the slight warmth entering her body again and it stirred much in her.
"Please… bring clothes with you when you come and fetch me," he said with a smile.
Serana nodded again and grabbed Aela's paw.
A large stream of blood poured from the wound as Serana drew her knife past the inside of Aela's wrist. The bowl started to fil itself and its scent entered Serana's nose. She felt no temptation to drink it, and for a few seconds she wondered if it would work on her if she drank it right now. She wondered if it could turn a Pure Blooded Vampire into a Werewolf…. But these thoughts were banished from her mind as Aela removed her wrist and the wound started to heal.
Tarrion took a deep breath as he stared at the blood and he remembered when he did this the first time. He hesitated then… he did not do so now. "I'll see you on the other side," he said and he dipped his hands into the blood and brought it to his lips.
He was able to bring the blood to his mouth three times before he froze and fell to the ground. His gritted his teeth as he clawed at the rocks and Serana heard a deep grunt that turned into a growl. Aela moved toward him and watched how he lay on the ground and clawed at the rocks and she knew, something was wrong.
Serana stared at how his body moved erratically. She saw the muscle spasms and contractions. His chest refused to go up and down and he clawed for breath.
"Did this happen last time?" she asked in a panic and she saw Aela's head shake.
She jumped on Tarrion and could feel her panic take over. He breathed again, but a deep gurgling came from his throat that sounded almost unnatural. A cough was barely audible and Serana acted on instinct. Forcefully she threw him on all fours and she struck his back, in an effort to force out whatever was blocking his throat.
This worked and to Serana's horror he puked blood. More blood came out of his mouth than he had drunk and all of it was black. Again he coughed and more blood came and it seemed to gush over the stone floor in a strange and unsettling shape. An unnatural gurgle came from Tarrion's mouth again as he coughed one last time, and a sound almost like a voice came with it… a voice darker than Aela had ever heard before… yet Serana went pale at the sound and recoiled as she stared at the shape of the blood. But then it reverted to a formless shape and Tarrion shouted loud enough to ring their ears.
More painfully than ever his body changed shape. His hands and feet turned into claws and his nails became long and sharp. Thick, black fur grew all over his body as he grew larger and he ripped from his trousers. His face changed into a terrifying muzzle, similar to a wolf but far more monstrous. He howled and stumbled away.
Aela came standing next to Serana, preventing Tarrion from escaping to the city and she barked at him. The large Werewolf turned around and saw them both and barked back as Aela walked towards him. He clawed once at her, and Aela barked again and growled deep and loud. After another swipe Tarrion turned around, ran through the passage and disappeared.
A few moments later, when Serana had caught her breath Aela reverted back to her human form. Her long brown hair was messy, and she stood naked behind the stone bowl. She quickly grabbed her clothes and dressed herself.
"What happened?!" Serana almost screamed as she still stared at the large splash of blood on the ground.
"I don't know," was Aela's harsh answer. "This did not happen last time. I don't know what happened or why. Maybe his Vampirism interfered with the transformation. His Lycanthropy also interfered when you transformed him, didn't it."
"Y-yes, but…"
"Go after him," Aela interrupted her. "Get some clothes from his quarters… I didn't touch any… and go after him."
Serana nodded but turned around when she wanted to walk to the door. "I…. I left a small box in your room."
"What?"
"I left a small box in your room," Serana repeated and she felt herself breathing irregularly . "I dare not keep it in the Harbingers quarters, but I beg you. Do not open that box. It holds something I value above all except Tarrion. I hid it in your room… please," and she clearly begged her friend. "Do not try to find it…. the fewer people that know of it the better. If you do find it… guard it with your life. It means more to me than I can say now."
Serana left before she could respond, yet she understood fully what was asked of her, though she did not understand why… hoping it would be explained in time. A few moments later Serana came rushing back with a backpack filled with new clothes for Tarrion when Aela stopped her for a last time.
"He should transform back by dawn," she said and Serana nodded. But when Serana wanted to rush away, Aela squeezed her arm. "I mean he should. Something clearly went wrong, so I cannot say for certain. If something goes wrong… keep him away from towns and villages."
Serana nodded again and in a storm of bats she chased the trail of the Werewolf.
Aela was left alone outside Jorrvaskr and breathed heavily. This was likely the strangest night she had ever experienced.
Serana started to feel panic boiling up. As she flew over the fields of Whiterun in a storm of bats she followed the trail of the Werewolf she was chasing. It was not difficult to follow, only to keep up with him. He was faster than she expected and even in flight she could barely keep up.
When she finally neared him he seemed to rest near a small stream. The water flowed down from the mountains and would lead to the river White further south. The cold water seemed to calm the Werewolf down a bit, yet when Serana neared him he looked up. Catching her scent he howled and ran south. Serana followed him and saw he was slowing down slightly. The dawn would not be far away now, and she could see the slight glow in the far east. The Throat of the World already looked like a beacon that was lit and she now followed Tarrion and waited till he transformed back.
But as the day dawned he showed no signs of stopping. Running past the roads that lead back to Whiterun he started to head towards Falkreath Hold. The panic Serana felt grew as she saw he did not transform back to his normal self and the sun had just peaked over the eastern mountains. When he would stop the Werewolf would only howl and roar at the bats, only to run away from them. Adapting quickly to this she saw she could drive him away from towns and villages. She swooped down and pushed him further towards Falkreath, away from the main roads.
This went on for hours and hours, until both Serana and the Werewolf started to feel the fatigue of the long journey. Serana still saw he showed no signs of reverting back to human form and the day was nearing its end.
At nightfall they had entered Falkreath Hold and they passed Riverwood without trouble. Serana flew between him and the places she did not want him to go, and although he was fast, she saw his tongue hanging from his mouth and yet he did not slow down.
In everything she felt a sense of ease when she saw he was not feral. He seemed to avoid towns and villages without her help and this gave her some comfort. He was not a mindless beast now… more a mere wolf that wanted to get away from his attackers and go to the wilds to lick his wounds and rest.
To her great surprise he only ran faster until he she could no longer keep up with him. His new transformation seemed to give him nigh unlimited endurance and before long he disappeared from her sight. Through the thick forests she could not keep up with him as the branches of the trees blocked her. Eventually she found herself forced to break off the pursuit and hope he would revert back to human form the next day. Something she hoped for with everything she had.
At midnight Serana reached the eastern edge of Lake Ilinalta. Even under these circumstances Serana felt relief as she recognized the terrain more than ever. Every rock, every tree, every small shore of the lake.. she recognized it again and she once again felt home. Even though she was chasing a Werewolf who, although having travelled from Whiterun to Lake Ilinalta, showed no signs of stopping, she felt home.
Hours later Serana noticed the day was dawning again. Far away she saw the Throat of the World give the first signs of the rising sun and she hoped she would find Tarrion soon. The trail was easy to follow, especially the scent, and she followed it north of the large lake that covered the entire northern area of Falkreath. She knew every nook and cranny of this Hold like the back of her hand by now. Having spent years living there and sharing numerous hunts with Tarrion, she knew the best places to hide and expected the Werewolf to find one of the caves in the foothills of the mountains that separated Falkreath from Whiterun. But strangely the tracks and scent lead toward the lake and an hour later the forest ended and she saw a small peninsula. It was covered with tall, green grass and a few pine trees. Yellow, blue, red and purple flowers aimed their petals towards the sun and a few large, smooth rocks covered the shore.
There she saw Tarrion standing. Not the Werewolf she was chasing, but the man she was looking for. He leaned against a tree and she saw his chest go up and down as he breathed.
Tarrion felt his own body again. He could feel his heart pounding in his throat after his transformation and although he recognized where he was, he did not know how he got there. He wondered how long his transformation had lasted and what brought him all the way to Falkreath. He did not mind it as he had intended to go here anyway, but now he hoped Serana would find him quickly. He took a deep breath through his nose and he could smell life around him. The grass, the trees and flowers all around him. The lake in front of him and he smiled. He missed this. He knew he would not regret his time as a Vampire, yet he would not choose it again.
Behind him Serana slowly neared him and he noticed her and he turned around. His muscles were wet with sweat and he steadied his breath. The scars were clearly visible across his body as he stood there in the light of the rising sun. Serana found herself grow warmer as she saw him. His strong legs, his firm waist and large chest. His arms that she wanted to feel around her… his hands she wanted to feel touching her… his lips she wanted to taste. She saw him as he was before all this. The man she had grown to love over the years and her loins stirred more than ever before.
And as he saw her he felt how much he had missed her. His blood rushed down to his loins faster than before and he became light headed as he looked at her. So beautiful… so loving and he no longer tried to hold back. He sensed it was spring, yet his renewed beast-blood did little to incite the passion that overcame him.
Both lovers ran to each other. Serana nearly ripped her clothes apart, trying to get out of them, and as they flew at each other, her own passions overwhelmed her. The moment his naked chest touched her, and the moment their lips pressed against each other, her mind went blank and she felt delirious with anticipation. The sound of his heartbeat had quickened to the point where she could dance to the beat. His scent filled her nose as his arms were wrapped around her and she knew she would savour ever moment that was about to come.
=End of Chapter=
=Author's Notes=
It seems the transformation did not go as planned, but it did seem to work out in the end. Tarrion has returned to being a Werewolf… just like Serana wanted. I hope I explained at least a few of her 'selfish reasons' properly.
But that is it for this chapter. Leave a review if you liked it or spotted mistakes. Till the next.