"We're almost there, I can see the canyon in the distance." said Serana.
Whitland squinted but couldn't seem to see what she clearly could, but he had spotted a few landmarks and knew they would be there soon. He didn't need supernatural sight. He wasn't jealous either. Not one bit.
"I suppose we'll start planning to attack my father and his fortress when we get back." she said somberly, her fiery eyes dulling slightly.
He sighed. "Yes, but you don't have to do anything you don't want to. You don't need to take part in the attack, it's perfectly fine." He couldn't ask of her to fight against her father or the rest of her kind. She had most likely grown up and lived with those people.
"You can't get rid of me that easily. I'm not leaving your side." stated Serana firmly. He hid a smile at her words.
In another hour, they had entered Dayspring Canyon. Whitland had always thought Isran had picked a beautiful spot to build his fort, but the old warrior hardly seemed like the type to care about something like the view. Yet a person just had to walk down a hill before they were hit with a breathtaking scene of waterfalls and foliage. It was like something out of a fairytale that mothers would tell their children before they went to bed. And no fairytale would be without its castle.
"I'm going to refill the water skin." he said and Serana followed him wordlessly over to the lake's edge. He filled it up to the rim and took a long draught. The water was ice cold running down his throat.
"Water's refreshing." he commented, refilling the skin and standing up to study the waterfalls pouring into the lake. He could hear Serana coming up closer to him from behind.
"You don't say." she said and he recognized too late the playfulness in her tone.
She shoved him and he toppled headfirst into the water. He resurfaced a moment later, spluttering and watching Serana laugh at his predicament.
"What was that for?"
"That was something I call revenge." she answered with a wicked smile.
"For what I said about how impossible you are to travel with?" A dangerous smile took hold of his lips. "Then the repayment was far too much for the crime." Serana's eyes widened, but she was far too slow. With a sharp tug and a splash, she joined him in the water. It was his turn to laugh.
"How dare you!" she exclaimed, sopping wet but with a smile shining brightly on her face. "What a pair we will be, walking into the fort and dripping water everywhere!"
"We'll suffer together." he said and helped her out, only for her to push him back in.
"There, now were even."
He shook his head and accepted the forgotten water skin from her hands as he got out for a second time.
They were let into the fort with a few eyebrows raised, but the pair didn't feel the need to explain why they were in such a state. Inside Dawnguard, they sought out Isran and found him talking to Gunmar in gruff tones. Gunmar saw them first and let out a great, booming laugh at the sight of them.
"It appears the wet duo has come back!" he said gleefully.
Isran turned around and studied the two of them with the usual iron in his eyes, but he chose not to comment on their appearance. His gaze lingered on Serana, but it was well known fact that Isran wasn't the trusting type.
"So you have returned," he said in his deep voice, "Was your mission successful?"
In answer, Whitland slipped the bow off his back and presented it to the battle-hardened warrior. Isran's eyes gleamed.
"With Auriel's bow in our grasp, we can finally kill Harkon and the rest of the bloodsuckers in that castle of his," his gaze shifted over to Serana, "Except for present company, of course. No objections, I assume?"
Serana stiffened. "As long as those who show no will to fight are given mercy." The two stared at each other challengingly before Isran grudgingly nodded. "I suppose we can spare a few of them for another time. My sense of purpose shouldn't be eliminated all in one go."
"What's the next plan of action?" Gunmar interjected, hoping to ease the rising tension.
Isran focused his attention on him. "We storm the castle and attack. Kill them."
"You're such a complicated man." said Gunmar dryly.
"Simple plans work the best."
"We don't have the numbers to take them." Whitland interrupted, sensing this could drag on for awhile. Everyone turned to stare at him so he continued. "They have triple our numbers. We would be lucky enough if we could make it across the water to their front door without all of us dead."
"So what are you proposing?" asked Gunmar, crossing his big forearms in interest.
"Force them to come to us. We have the upper hand right now, they need the bow if they wish to fulfill the prophecy so at some point they'll have to come and get it. At Fort Dawnguard, we would have the advantage of being familiar with the land and we've got our own fortress to cozy up in."
"That still doesn't change the fact that they've got more numbers than us." Serana pointed out.
"No, but I think I can change that." said Whitland. "A fair amount of people owe me some favors and there's quite a bit of people I can actually command." Serana and him shared a knowing look as they knew who those 'people' could be.
Isran and Gunmar exchanged a look. "It's a simple plan if you think about it," said Gunmar with a grin, "Wait it out, gather strength, and destroy them once they get here."
Isran grunted. "Fine, but I suggest hurrying and calling out those favors of yours. I'll start stocking the fort to prepare it for siege." With that, Isran turned sharply on his heel and left.
"He just hates being up classed when it comes to things like this." said Gunmar, joyfully watching Isran's retreat. "I haven't seen him this put out in years." He grinned at the drenched couple, sensing there was a story. "So what happened here?"
"Just a small mishap." Serana answered vaguely.
"Right, I'm supposed to be believe that."
"Believe whatever you want to believe." Whitland stated loftily. "I think I should set off soon, care to accompany me, my wet lady?" He offered her his arm.
Serana expression was equally serious in its mocking. She accepted his arm graciously. "Of course, wet sir."
With whatever dignity they had left, the pair exited the fort together.
***A/N I can't think of what I should write for the next chapter. Any ideas? Mainly I just need inspiration for some Serana and Dragonborn moments. Did anyone notice in the last chapter the special stealth kill Whitland did? It was supposed to be like in the video game when you sort of go on autopilot and kill the person. Also I'm changing the number of vampires that Harkon has to around thirty, maybe less (plus any creatures etc.). Makes it more interesting. Lastly, thanks for the reviews. This is my first story, so it really makes me giddy when I get one.