At Dawn's Light

by Akari78

Sequel to Two Thieves and a Lioness. It's been half a year since what happened in Windhelm, and Yosa'Min is far from fine. A heist goes awry, and the Dragonborn finds herself thrown into a whole new adventure she would've never wanted a part of. Spurred on to adventure, her friends must try to save her before it's too late, even if it means working with those they cannot stand.

54. Chapter Fifty-Four

Chapter Fifty-Four

The gates of Whiterun loomed before them, guards posted more often than Yosa'Min last remembered. They'd already passed the first barrier, the open archway where the khajitt liked to camp out, and made their way up the path to the drawbridge which was shut for a change. She squinted with thought, a hollow sensation filling her chest as she realized the last time she'd been here was when she'd returned to Lydia after joining the Thieves Guild. Sighing as she approached the men who stood in their way, Yosa'Min lowered her hood and revealed her face. "Let us pass," she ordered.

"Who're you to give us orders midget?" Snarked one guard.

"That's Thane Yosa'Min!" The other hissed in alarm.

"She doesn't look like her, Yosa'Min has long hair and white face paint," retorted the first.

"What other redguard woman do you know that's that short," the second replied briskly, turning to Yosa'Min and dipping his head apologetically. "Please, forgive him, his mother dropped him on his head as a child."

Yosa'Min squinted at the rude one, making him fidget nervously, before giving a tired sigh. "What I can't just get a haircut?" She joked weakly, running a hand through her hair, noting it had grown out some, not near as close cut as it previously was. "Let us in."

"Right away!" They said in unison, calling up to those on the wall to lower the drawbridge, revealing the rest of the path up into the city. Moving swiftly to the main entrance, a set of massive, heavy wooden doors, they were stopped once more as they were opened up.

"Dragonborn," a guard said slowly, "you may want to speak to Arkay's priest, Andurs."

She frowned softly. "Already?"

"The letter you sent with… it was enough for him to begin the process. Jarl Balgruuf did not wish to begin without you however, it would be disrespectful to bury a housecarl without their thane present."

"Right, of course," she replied, uncertain what letter he spoke of, "where might I find him at this hour?"

"I'd try by the Gildergreen tree."

Nodding her head, Yosa'Min and her companions entered the city. She'd not gone more than three steps before realizing everything was different. The blacksmith Adrianne rarely was working at this hour, the night heavy in the sky as clouds threatened to hide the stars. Yosa'Min squinted up at them, trying to remember just how crystal clear they had been before turning her attention to Adrianne. She was working on a sword, sporting fresh scars and pouring herself urgently into the blade but being mindful not to ruin it with her speed. It was quiet otherwise, the smith working while the rest of the city slept unless they were one of the many guards who roamed the streets. Serana tugged her mask closer, making sure her hood concealed her vampiric features.

They moved down the streets, each step loud as they advanced towards the marketplace. As they walked past Breezehome, Yosa'Min stiffened with alarm and stared at the hollow ruins of her house. It looked as if it'd been set aflame, only for rain or guard to put it out halfway, blackened wood pillars barely supporting the upper floor. The door was gone, revealing the chaotic interior, untouched since whatever had destroyed it. "When did…" She whispered, trying to piece together what had happened.

"Orthjolf," suggested Serana, "in the battle he caused?"

"But this is…" She struggled to find her voice, staring at the bones of what had never truly been home to her and yet it was something special, a safe place perhaps. At least there she was able to hide from her troubles for a few hours, until Lydia would urge her to get out and hunt. "It's gone." It felt as if a part of her, at the very least her connection to Lydia, was torn asunder. "How could he just, I-"

"I know what you're feeling," said Mjoll comfortingly, a hand on Yosa'Min's shoulder. "When I came back to Riften and my home was gone…" Golden eyes flickered to Vex who averted her gaze shamefully. "It's only a building, the memories you have of it and all that happened inside are still yours. No one can take them from you."

Yosa'Min's lips curled into a snarl, renewed hate for the nord vampire and joy Durnehviir had eaten him along with Vingalmo filling her. "What else did they ruin?" She uttered, finally tearing her gaze away and walking along the path. Each building they passed wore fresh scars, damage that could have come from a storm if not for the eerie red stains in the wood. The stalls were half destroyed, as if someone had been thrown into them in the fighting, only a few appearing as if they'd been repaired while others were ghosts, making Yosa'Min wonder who had survived Orthjolf's slaughter. They turned in the marketplace to the steps that lead up to where a beautiful tree blossomed, pink flowers speckling its snow laden branches despite the winter, stretching above the walls and reaching towards the sky. A faint bit of Yosa'Min was relieved to see they didn't harm the tree at least, having restored it with Lydia while she'd searched for a purpose after defeating Alduin.

It was late into the night, only a few hours before dawn would be upon them once more, making Yosa'Min doubt the priest would be where suggested but to her shock the bald headed man was there. He sat on one of the benches encircling the Gildergreen, stroking his long beard as he read passages from a book she assumed to be religious of nature. "You are Andurs, are you not?" Yosa'Min asked as she drew closer.

Andurs closed the book, looking up at her with tired dark eyes. "Thane Yosa'Min?" He inquired, "I see you have arrived as you said you would."

"Of course."

"I have looked over Lydia's body. Considering the damage inflicted upon her, and the fact that the Hall of the Dead is filled to the brim in light of this recent attack, I have decided to cremate her. Is that acceptable?"

Yosa'Min sighed softly, nodding her head. "Yes."

"Good. The Companions have agreed to hosting the funeral in the Skyforge for the event. I will tell them you have arrived and finish the preparations."

"How long do you think that will take?"

"Well they must be awoken," he said with a humorless smile, so used to death and yet clearly shaken by so much of it. "It will be at dawn, so that others who wish to attend will not have to be roused in the middle of the night either."

"Of course," she said, nodding with understanding. "Thank you for waiting."

Andurs gave her a soft nod, rising to his feet. "You are her thane, not to mention friend. She has no living relatives, Lydia devoted herself to serving you for you were all she had. It would be wrong to start without you."

She gave another dip of her head. "Even still, you have my gratitude." He smiled, exhaustion clinging to his form as he began to depart.

"Wait," called Vex, stepping after him. Andurs looked over his shoulder at her, arching a brow expectantly. "It's acceptable to leave… gifts or the sort right? Even with her being cremated? To pay respects."

"I can place them with her burial urn in the catacombs later."

Vex fiddled with her coinpurse, counting out a hundred septims. "We made a bet…" she said with a quiet voice, "She should have the winnings." Mjoll and Iona agreed with the gesture, and drew the coin each. Andurs looked between them, and gave a nod as he accepted the coin into a singular pouch. "Thank you." Andurs lingered for a few more moments, waiting to see if there was anything else they needed. When no one spoke, he waved a hand, and started towards Jorrvaskr.

Yosa'Min turned to her companions, taking in those who'd become so important to her. "I suppose we can only wait now," she said.

"If it's alright with you, I think I should find a place to lay low," said Serana, tugging her cloak close. "These guards keep giving me dirty looks."

"You want to stay?" Yosa'Min asked curiously.

Serana smiled beneath her hood, only the glow of her eyes and glint of fangs truly visible. "I'm in no rush to return home. I'll have eternity to deal with the clan, a couple hours more won't hurt."

"There's a few places that are great to hide in," Vex said, getting a quizzical look from the other women. "What?" She scoffed, "I have the occasional job here. I met Yosa on one of them."

Yosa'Min smiled at the memory. "Well if you want to go somewhere to keep from raising too much suspicion I don't blame you. I want to take a look at my home, see if there's anything left."

"I'll go with you," said Mjoll, clasping their hands together. Despite the sorrow that was working its way into her heart, Yosa'Min nodded gratefully. She wasn't alone in this. "Iona?" The golden haired woman asked, eyes falling upon where the woman stood.

She struggled to find her voice, averting her gaze. "I want to see her."

"They might have brought the body to the Skyforge already," suggested Vex, "but are you sure you want to see her alone?"

Iona nodded. "Before everyone else comes… Just one more time."

"She's probably still in the coffin I had her sent in," said Serana.

Yosa'Min furrowed her brow. "Did you send that letter too?"

"No, that was me," explained Vex, "I posed as you for it though, hope it's okay."

She shrugged. "It's fine, I suppose you saved me a lot of organizing. What did you say exactly?"

"I explained that you were searching for a means to combat the vampire threat, hence your absence during the attack. Jarl Balgruuf was upset you didn't defend the city. Lydia died protecting you, a noble housecarl to the end, and without her sacrifice the vampires would still be a serious threat."

"I see… Thanks."

Vex glanced to where a pair of guards were watching them closely, and she cleared her throat. "Serana? Perhaps I should show you to a good spot," she suggested in a hushed voice. The vampire glanced to where the duo stood.

"Sure," she agreed, "we'll see you after the funeral." The others waved them off, the vampire following the platinum haired woman back down towards the marketplace, only to quickly veer off into the shadows. The guards muttered between themselves, attempting to follow but they were quickly at a loss.

Iona lingered by the Gildergreen tree. "I can't believe she's gone," she uttered.

Yosa'Min gave a sigh. "Yeah… Me neither."

Turning to face the short redguard, Iona frowned. "Are you sure about releasing me from my oath?"

"Yes," instantly responded Yosa'Min, taking her by surprise once more. "I want you to live your life as you desire. Lydia might have accepted what being my housecarl meant, and dealt with what it entailed, but I know she was often unhappy with me. You deserve to be happy, and find it in whatever way you need to."

"What if I want to stay?"

"Then stay, I would love to be your friend and equal."

"And if I leave?"

"You may come and go as you desire. There will always be a place for you in my home, no matter what you decide." She placed a hand on Iona's shoulder, smiling up at her through the grief and pain. "I just want you to be happy, and free."

Iona swallowed dryly, averting her gaze for a few long moments. It was a lot of process, to understand. Everything was changing, and a part of her wanted to cling to what was left, but even that was fleeting. "I… I will need some time to think on it," she said.

"Of course."

Green eyes met with brilliant blue orbs, Iona feeling as if she was seeing the redguard for the first time. "Thank you."

Yosa'Min smiled. "Thank you for dealing with me, for enduring the pain I put you through, for fighting for me… for saving me."

"It was my duty as your housecarl."

"It was more than that."

She smiled brokenly. "I suppose it was."

"Go say goodbye to her," Yosa'Min said, "I'm living once more thanks to all your efforts, I can wait." Stepping away, Iona began up the steps to Jorrvaskr, only pausing at the top of them for a few moments before pressing on.

Yosa'Min turned to Mjoll, taking in her soft frown and the sorrow that weighed upon her shoulders. "Ready?" She asked, beginning back towards the ruins of Breezehome, Mjoll nodding and following suit. They walked silently, hands clasped. She idly stroked Mjoll's fingers, memorizing what it felt like, never wanting to forget again. As they drew nearer to Breezehome, it only being a short walk after all, Yosa'Min's chest grew tight. "Was this what it felt like?" She asked softly as they walked into the bones of her house.

"Almost," said Mjoll, eyes wandering over the place, taking in the broken furniture and toppled over cooking pot. "I wanted to kill Vex right then I was so angry, all I saw was revenge."

The redguard placed a hand on one of the few remaining walls, trying to imagine her home as it once was. "I'm glad you changed your mind."

"Well… letting that anger consume me was a mistake. I was turning into someone I'd hate."

Yosa'Min expected her to continue, but there was nothing but silence. Blue eyes flickered back to Mjoll, the nord staring at the ground. "Mjoll?"

"I'm so sorry," apologized the nord, voice wavering. "I became someone so mean and terrible in the end." A hand covered her face, unable to meet Yosa'Min's gaze. "There's no excuse for what I tried to do."

Yosa'Min tenderly took hold of Mjoll's hand, moving it out of the way so she could stare into golden eyes. She smiled softly. "We can't always be doing this," she said, "apologizing for past mistakes. We're human Mjoll, we're bound to fuck up. Just look at me, I'm a living example." She caught a disapproving look from the nord, and Yosa'Min cleared her throat. "Well, close enough."

"I want this to work Yosa," Mjoll replied, gesturing between them, "I want to be with you, I truly do, but I can't pretend like what happened didn't happen. I want to own up to my mistakes not forget them."

"I know. If we forget them we can't learn from them."

"So then what do we do?"

Yosa'Min stared up into Mjoll's eyes, a part of her overjoyed to even be able to look upon her face once more. Reaching up and cupping the nord's face with her other hand, Yosa'Min shrugged. "I don't know. Do better? Be patient and understanding when the other messes up? I can't promise I'll never hurt you but I can promise to try. We're not who we were before, neither of us."

Mjoll leaned into her touch, smiling down at her. "I can do that."

"So can I," responded Yosa'Min as she stood on her tiptoes to brush their lips together. Mjoll's arms easily wrapped themselves around Yosa'Min, pulling her closer as they kissed. "I like that," whispered Yosa'Min afterwards, lingering still. Just the two of them she could almost forget all her troubles and worries, standing in the blackened ruins of what once was her's. "I like you."

"I like you too," replied Mjoll, kissing her again. Yosa'Min gave a smile as they separated, Mjoll looking around them. "So, what are you going to do about this place?"

"Sell the lot back to the Jarl," Yosa'Min said, "I'm not going to be here much I suspect… I don't know how to fix a home either so unless I want to pay the coin for someone else to repair it when I don't plan on using it either…" She trailed off with an uncertain shrug.

"I could help you fix it," offered Mjoll, "Aerin and I have been rebuilding our home for a while now, if it weren't for this damn winter we'd have finished it a long while ago. If you'd like, I would love to assist."

Yosa'Min shrugged, nodding in appreciation at the offer however. "I just don't know, it would be so strange without Lydia." The sadness began to creep back into her mind, clenching her heart. "Divines everything will be strange."

Mjoll's smile faded, and she placed a hand on Yosa'Min's shoulder comfortingly. "There's no rush to make a decision Yosa," she said softly, "take your time, no one is demanding an answer."

"I'm sure Jarl Balgruuf will be after the funeral."

"Well you can tell him to sod off," said Mjoll firmly, "or I will, if you'd prefer."

"You do realize we're talking about the Jarl of the Hold right?" Yosa'Min inquired, arching a brow.

"For you, I'd tell Alduin to sod off."

Smiling toothily, Yosa'Min found herself gravitating towards the nord once more. "Afraid I already did that."

"Akatosh then, or Molag Bal. Whatever god, daedra or powerful being tries to harm you or otherwise command you I will shout at until they leave you be," Mjoll replied with a chuckle, wrapping her in a hug once more. They stayed like that for a good while, staring into each other's eyes, feeling the warmth of the other. It was possible to forget it all in the other's gaze for a few moments, but they couldn't stave it off forever. Mjoll watched as the sadness took hold, seeping into Yosa'Min and nestling itself upon her shoulders. The redguard slumped, closing her eyes and sighing. "I love you," whispered Mjoll, "and I'm here for you. If you need to cry, talk, whatever... I'll do it for you."

Blue eyes opened and stared at Mjoll, already reddened. "It feels like a part of me is gone," she replied, stepping away and looking at the house. She could picture herself telling Lydia what she'd been up to when she'd returned from Riften, how Lydia had listened and held her judgments until the end. She was such a good friend, even after everything she'd put her through. "Like when Vastin died."

"You're not alone this time," Mjoll replied, "we're all here, we're all hurting."

Yosa'Min clenched a fist, staring at the door that led to Lydia's room. She could almost feel Isran's skull as she crushed it again, a ghost of what she once had. "Is it bad that I want to kill them all over again? Orthjolf, Isran, Harkon?"

"No, they hurt you and your friends."

"But I want to do it." She gritted her teeth, fangs still to bare. "As if they didn't pay enough by dying once."

Mjoll stepped over carefully, blocking her sight of the remaining door. "It's okay to want justice, but you can't let it consume you. I learned that the hard way."

Yosa'Min snarled, shaking her head. "How could I even get it? How could I make her death… how do I honor it? Sacrifice!" Blue eyes widened and she began to pace, gesturing frantically. "She really did it, she really kept to that oath I hated so much. I can't believe she'd actually give her life for me, thane or no, after everything-" Mjoll silenced her ramblings with a hug, pulling her tight.

"We will never know why she really did it," Mjoll said, "but I do know one thing. She believed in you, and was willing to give her life in the hopes that it would save you. Not just in that moment, but from yourself. I think the best way to honor her sacrifice is to live."

"Just live?"

"It's harder than you think."

Yosa'Min averted her gaze, swallowing down the thought. It seemed too easy, to just go on with her life. She didn't know how to move on, how to let go or even cope with a drastic change such as death. Vastin's sent her reeling for two years, and even still she wasn't past his loss. Lydia giving her life to save her's was mind boggling, even if Lydia had said she'd do it since the day she became her housecarl. "How?"

"One day at a time," Mjoll said, remembering what it was like after she'd lost her family. "You have to find something to focus on, a goal perhaps, and don't give up on it. Experience new things, create something or give something a second chance…" She smiled softly at Yosa'Min. "Try things over with someone you'd thought you'd lost." The redguard found herself on her tiptoes again, Mjoll leaning down. "Think you could just live?"

Voice coming in a whisper, Yosa'Min nodded her head. "If I'm doing it with you," she uttered, before kissing the nord once more. "I know what I need to do… a purpose I can follow, a goal to reach," she added, pulling back with a bubble of fear, worried that she might be rejected or dismissed. "I need to save my brother."

"You really met him in that Soul Cairn?" Mjoll asked, Yosa'Min having informed them of her discovery along the way to Whiterun.

"I did, I'm sure of it."

"Then I'll help you," Mjoll said firmly.

Yosa'Min blinked. "You believe me?"

"Yosa, I saw a dragon vampire hybrid burst from your body, tear two vampire monsters apart and fly into the sky. I saw that very same creature appear as a ghost and strangle you with magic. Honestly, finding your brother's spirit seems more tame than anything else on this journey." Mjoll smiled at her. "And I know you wouldn't lie to me again."

"Never," vowed Yosa'Min firmly. Mjoll hugged her tight, stroking her hair with one hand. Blue eyes took in the burnt wreckage once more, and at last Yosa'Min could hold back the tears no longer. Mjoll silently comforted her, allowing the redguard to grieve for her friend.

---

"You don't trust me," Serana asked as she sipped a blood potion, "do you?" Vex neglected to answer, instead sipping from her own bottle and gazing down at the forge that was to cremate her friend. They were up on the wall, hidden by the shadows cast by the Skyforge onto the giant stone eagle that encircled it. They could see Lydia's coffin, Iona standing besides it weeping they suspected. A few of the Companions were moving wooden pallets into place besides the forge, a redheaded woman barking orders at a pair of similar looking men.

Vex took a long pull, leaning back on the stone and sighing afterwards. "You're not what I expected for a vampire," she replied at last. Amber eyes were settled on the thickening clouds.

"And what would that be?" Serana asked, watching her curiously. Vex didn't respond, making Serana huff, "Did you decide to tag along just to keep an eye on me?"

"A little," admitted Vex, allowing her gaze to meet Serana's. She was beautiful, not at all like the monsters she'd seen in Harkon's castle or the Dawnguard's books. Serana held herself with dignity and respect rather than skulked in the darkness desperately waiting for a chance to drink her blood. "Though it was also because I saw nowhere else to go."

"I'm sure Yosa would enjoy your company."

"She's with Mjoll, they're probably kissing and talking about emotions and mistakes." Vex crinkled her nose. "Pass, I've done enough of that to last me a lifetime."

Serana gave a soft laugh, "Kissing?"

Vex rolled her eyes, "No, emotions, especially talking about them. They just get in the way." The pair were silent for a few minutes, Serana mulling on her thoughts as Vex drank. "Why do you care?" Vex asked, staring intently at Serana.

"About what?"

"Yosa. She's leaving you behind, moving onto what's next in life… leaving me behind too." She whispered at the end, frowning with thought. "Why are you still here? The cure worked, you know she's alive and safe, why haven't you left?"

Serana frowned, taking her time to respond. She reached over to where Vex kept the bottles of mead she's stolen along the way to the hiding spot. It was impressive how they'd been walking in the shadows, and in the blink of an eye the imperial had a crate of bottles and needed Serana's help carrying it onto the wall. Though truthfully her eyes hadn't been on the crate as Vex scaled the stone. Removing the cork from the bottle, she drank a few swigs, the mead giving her a funny feeling that was pleasant. "She's my friend," she replied simply, looking back at Vex.

Not finding that answer good enough, Vex scowled. "You're scared," she accused, "aren't you? You mentioned it'll be lonelier without her. Can't bear the thought of life without her?" Serana couldn't help but wonder if she was projecting, the drink loosening her tongue enough or the grief on her heart opening her mouth more than Serana expected of the imperial.

Silence passed between them, making Vex think she wasn't going to get an answer. She was curious about the vampire, she was nothing like she'd thought she'd be. Not fighting against her was also a relief, Vex quite glad she didn't have to compete with her over Yosa'Min anymore. "A little," confessed Serana at last, "it's hard to let go… I know it's only been a month since I met her but she's very important to me. She's the only friend I've ever really had." She averted her gaze, clearing her throat awkwardly. Drinking more of the mead to try to lessen the tension, Serana noted that Vex was staring at her now. "I'll miss her."

"She'll write," replied Vex, "I'm sure she'll keep her word."

Serana sighed, allowing the dismal shrug to roll off her shoulders. "I know it's just… ugh." She gave up trying to express the sadness that burrowed in her chest and drank more of the mead. It would take an awful lot for her to get drunk, even buzzed, but she liked the taste and it felt a bit more appropriate besides the mortal as Vex finished one bottle and started on another.

"Moving on sucks," complained the imperial in agreement, "but you have to, else you're just stuck... Waiting for nothing, lingering in sorrow… Nothing good there."

"The question is," countered Serana softly, "what do you move on to?"

Vex was quiet for a little while, thinking and drinking her mead. "You have a clan to lead, I have a guild. Life carries on, whether we want it to or not. We can either fight it, try to stay where we are, or see where it takes us." She paused for another drink, looking at Serana with a conviction the vampire found inspiring. "Neither one of us can afford to get stuck, people depend on us, we have to be there for them."

"I don't know if I'm doing the right thing by becoming the leader. Maybe I should just turn it over when Mother returns."

"I felt the same when I became Guildmaster, like anyone but me would be better qualified. Sure, you'll slip up in the beginning, but you'll figure it out in time."

Serana narrowed her eyes suspiciously, orange slits watching the imperial who smirked in response. "Why are you trying to make me feel better?"

"Because I don't want another Volkihar civil war," she replied easily, "especially one because you're crippled by self doubt. If you lose control of your clan, who know who'll usurp you- someone crazier than your dad? I don't think the war-weary citizens of Skyrim will be able to survive a vampire-apocalypse after a near dragon one."

"I'm not in charge of all the vampires out there Vex, there's plenty of other clans."

"Like the Morthal one," replied Vex, "but they're gone now. The Dawnguard exist for a reason… I just don't want your clan to be that reason."

Serana found herself leaning towards the imperial on the stone. "Why's that?" A smile pulled at her lips, daring to wonder. "I'd have thought you'd want all us vampires gone."

"I'm no fool," replied Vex with a roll of amber eyes, "I'm sure that just like thieves, vampires will always exist. If anything, Molag Bal will make more of you. But with you in charge, maybe there's a chance the Volkihar won't be monsters like the rest."

"You trust me to lead my clan in such a way?" Serana asked with shock, arching a brow.

The imperial averted her gaze, thinking of the proper way to phrase it. "I trust Yosa, and she trusts you," Vex said slowly, "so I trust the faith she has in you. She might make terrible decisions but she's not a bad judge of character."

"So what you're saying is, you trust me?"

"...I guess I do, enough anyways."

Serana blinked, trying to process the admission, a smile pulling at her lips as she leaned back, staring at the clouds that had conquered the sky. "Well now that we're not competing over Yosa," she said, "I guess it makes some sense. We don't have a reason to be against each other… aside from the whole vampire mortal thing. Maybe… Maybe we don't have to be enemies?"

"What would we fight about?" Vex said with a half chuckle, drinking more mead. "Aside from the obvious, that is."

"Yosa considers us family," Serana replied, finding herself smiling, "maybe it doesn't have to just be how she feels… More friends would be nice." She glanced at Vex, feeling nerves rising inside of herself. "Of course I'd understand if you didn't want to associate with a bloodsucker," she added swiftly, voice wavering for a moment.

The imperial eyed her, not outright dismissing the notion. Serana could see the gears working in her head, debating the dangers and benefits. It felt like years had passed when she shrugged. "I suppose there's no harm in writing. You can't bite me through paper can you?" Serana shook her head. "Then sure, we can write."

Serana struggled with maintaining her cool, smiling as she raised the bottle of mead, still on her first while Vex had finished three others. "To moving on," she said, Vex smirking as she raised her own. They clanked softly together, eyes lingering on the other as they drank.

"To moving on."

---

Iona had been there for hours, watching as the Companions worked, a hand upon Lydia's coffin. She hadn't dared to open it, unable to bring herself to truly see her, and the damage she couldn't undo. The warriors had been respectful, allowing her to stand there whispering her goodbyes. Iona wasn't sure what else she could say, silence settling itself besides her. It was nearly dawn now, the stirrings of the city filling her absence of words. There was nothing more for her to say to Lydia, and yet she felt like there should have been.

Gritting her teeth with effort, Iona didn't bother fighting the tears that streamed down her face. "I'm sorry," she uttered again, something she would probably say for all eternity. "If only I'd been a better mage."

Suddenly a hand was upon her shoulder, and Iona blinked up at the fellow redheaded nord. "She's in Sovngarde," said Aela the Huntress, sadness in wild green eyes. "Always knew she'd die in combat, but never so soon…"

"You… you knew her?" Questioned Iona with a weak voice.

"Aye," Aela sighed, "tried to get her to join the Companions three different times. If she'd ever had decided to we'd have let her in easy." Her gaze flickered up to Iona's. "How do you know her? I've never seen you with her before. Then again she's been gone for some time… Or was."

Iona looked back at the coffin. "I loved her… Divines why didn't I ever tell her?"

Shock and realization swept across the Companion, and she cleared her throat. "I'm so sorry. I'll leave you to your thoughts then, I'm sure you have plenty of goodbyes."

"Wait," Iona called after her as Aela began to depart, "please, tell me about her. Who's the Lydia you knew? I don't want any part of her forgotten."

With a surprising tenderness, Aela gave a small smile. "A friend. She came and trained with us many a times to keep in practice when Yosa'Min would not travel."

"She was better than Farkas," put in one of the twin nords, his brother scowling deeply at him. "Better than me too," he added sadly.

"Lydia was an intelligent and strong woman," Aela continued, "beloved by many." She looked up at Iona, smiling, "though as far as I know, you'd be her first love."

Iona swallowed dryly, looking back towards the Companions' hall Jorrvaskr as she heard footsteps and voices. The many citizens of Whiterun were arriving, Andurs at the front while she could make out Mjoll's golden hair just above the crowd. Many of them were somber, grief heavy on their shoulders but Iona couldn't quite tell if it was just for Lydia, or all the suffering they'd endured since the vampire attack.

However it took only a moment for the Riften woman to realize they all grieved for Lydia, that it wasn't just a show or habit now from so much death. Children clutched their parents and wept, asking why the kind woman had to die. Adrianne approached the pyre that was prepared, placing the sword she'd been crafting earlier besides it, wiping her eyes dry as she returned to the amassed crowd. Yosa'Min stepped forward without a word, and placed a book a safe distance from the pyre so as to avoid catching flame. Many of them uttered softly amongst themselves, Iona catching snippets of memories with the deceased housecarl. Someone reminisced about asking her for help clearing skeevers out of their home, while another remarked about the one time Lydia drank them under the table. There was a laugh as someone shared a tale from her youth, only for it to turn bitter and sad, hanging in the air like a ghost.

The crowd breathed in agony, the clouds above descending upon them. Andurs made his way up the steps to the Skyforge, the Companions quickly setting about moving the coffin up. Aela and Farkas took places on either side of it, Yosa'Min at the head, a hole missing where a fourth could assist them. Yosa'Min gave an encouraging nod to Iona, who stepped forward and lifted her love with them. The weight was crushing, the four of them easily handling it but Iona felt as if she might collapse beneath it. Once they'd taken her to the pyre, the coffin was set upon the wood, closed still to the world. She lingered, staring at where Lydia's face would be, imagining her smiling and prepared to pass into the next world as the flames eagerly began to consume her.

"She'll be remembered," said Yosa'Min softly in Iona's ear, voice weak. Green eyes met blue ones, and Iona struggled to find her voice. Instead, Yosa'Min placed a hand on Iona's shoulder who instantly pulled her into a hug, the pair embracing for a long time. When they finally let each other go, Andurs waiting patiently besides them to begin the service, they descended to the crowd below.

Mjoll took hold of Yosa'Min's hand once she was besides her, squeezing it firmly to comfort her. "I'm sorry," whispered Mjoll to the both of them. "I wish I could have known her better." Regret was thick in her voice, and she sighed in defeat. "Been her friend not just fought besides her."

"There's no greater honor than to be one's shield-sibling," Aela said behind her, "do not ignore the blessing of having fought with her. We envy you." The Lioness blinked, averting her gaze.

"She saved me," whispered Yosa'Min. "Time and time again, she saved me."

"She was a great housecarl," croaked Iona.

"And was an even greater woman," replied Yosa'Min, Andurs beginning to give the rites of the dead. Blue eyes scanned the crowd, picking over the faces of those in attendance. It felt like the whole city was there, only faces missing she suspected were dead or had joined the Dawnguard like Amren and his family. Jarl Balgruuf and his housecarl Irileth stood nearby, one face awash in grief and the other guarded, always looking for danger. Yosa'Min caught sight of burning eyes in the darkness, suspecting that was where Serana and Vex were, watching the proceedings from the safety of the shadows. The sorrow in her chest was near to bursting as she felt the wave of grief rise through the crowd, the resounding loss of Lydia shaking them all to their core.

Mjoll's words, assurance that she wasn't alone in her grief, rose to the forefront of her mind. She could feel it then, the collective grief of those in attendance. Lydia had touched so many lives, be it by lending a hand or simply existing. How lucky they had been to know a woman such as she, one so generous and brave. Yosa'Min found herself thinking of the pleasant memories she possessed of Lydia, of how hopeful and excited she'd been when they'd first met. Even through the horrors they faced as they sought a way to defeat Alduin, that optimism had endured. The years of Yosa'Min's bitterness had done nothing more than dull the fires of the nord, unable to stifle such a brilliant flame. She had endured, never losing faith, never losing hope, all the way up until the end.

A chill ran down her spine, the heaviness lifting into the air. A ghost moved through the crowd, touching every gathered soul as it floated towards the coffin, Yosa'Min half imagining it lingering besides Iona who wept silent tears. The fires were devouring her, burning away the friend Yosa'Min felt so undeserving of. The ghost smiled at her, invisible to all even the redguard but she could feel its presence, her presence. Wiping her tears away, Yosa'Min smiled.

It was time to say goodbye.

End

The Legend of Yosa'Min will continue in the upcoming sequel "Lost Souls".

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AN: Once again we come to the end of the story, but not the end of Yosa'Min's tale. There's still plenty to come from our favorite little redguard, though things will certainly be changing. There's going to be a short story, "Dovahkiin" as a bridge between "At Dawn's Light" and "Lost Souls" which is the next major story. Additionally, I'd advise you keep an eye on "Tales from Tamriel" as there will be several one-shots to come telling brief stories about the characters and the paths before them.

With the formal business out of the way... Thank you. It's been an incredible experience writing this story just as it was with "Two Thieves and a Lioness". Your patience and understanding has meant the world to me, as well as your thoughts, feedback- all of it. From short reactions to long reviews analyzing what's to come, I'm grateful for everything. Whereas Two Thieves was big, Dawn was colossal (at least to me) at 10 chapters and 100K longer than the original story. It's almost sad to finish it, but I'm ready to move on to my next projects and I'm sure you're all ready for a conclusion after two and a half years. Thanks for sticking with me for this long, or for picking it up somewhere along the way or after it's completed.

Cya next time.