Thanks for all your comments everyone! :D I updated my profile as well in case you are wondering about this story and future fics in planning...And look! Another quick update! (for me anyway :P)
Enjoy!
"Another cold night."
"Yeah, it's getting worse, be glad to get inside with a barrel of mead after our watch ends," the other replied with a grin, showing half of his missing teeth.
"Better yet, one of the slave girls," the first Forsworn guard said with a leer.
"Hah! As if Madanach would let any of us anywhere near them. The king likes them all to himself."
One guard glanced back over his shoulder and sighed, watching the other members of the Forsworn faithful swarm around the city streets. His fellow guard slapped his shoulder and chuckled.
"Not long now and we can get inside. You know why he posted us here don't you?"
"To stop any outsiders from coming in and taking what is rightfully ours?"
"Well, yeah, but there was another reason, remember?"
There was a moment of silence and both men looked into the sky as the rumble of thunder echoed through the valley.
"Oh! You mean what the King asked us to do in person?"
The other guard let out a sigh of relief and nodded.
"He said to watch for a specific person, someone most likely wearing black armour with a hood and cloak."
"He said it was the Dragonborn herself, you idiot. But yes, you get the idea. You have to wonder though...why would she come back?"
"Maybe because the intruders in that old temple were wiped out by our own? They shouldn't have been there, we were acting in our own defence. You know that they were involved in wiping out the forces at Karthspire Camp."
The thunder intensified and the first drops of rain began to fall. The two guards exchanged identical sighs of frustration and pulled their hoods over their heads before continuing their conversation.
"But they vanished didn't they? None could get through that door. Even the hagravens were saying that it involved blood magic that they did not command."
"Maybe...but what of the Dragonborn? Even Madanach stated that she was not on good terms with those at the ruins. So why would she come here? For revenge? For that matter, how does anyone know where the woman is anyway?"
"Because she was spotted only a few hours ago," came a voice from behind both guards.
The two guards spun around and placed their right hands on their chests in a bruising salute at the sight of the King of Rags standing there with a small smirk on his face.
"She found her 'associates' and I am sure she will head this way. The girl is predictable," Madanach said, walking past both guards, patting them on the shoulders as he passed.
"She is also dangerous," he continued as he stared at the rainy sky.
"Will she attack outright, my lord?"
Madanach laughed again.
"No, my boy. She will be angry but curious. After all, she would wonder at how she and her whore missed us in Cidhna Mine. She will also ask herself why I wanted the vermin in the ruins on the cliffs out of the way."
The guards waited for him to continue but another voice came out of the gloom behind them.
"She will come because her anger is great. I can sense her even from here."
They guards shivered as the woman dressed in red walked towards them, her blazing orange irises holding them in place. And when she looped an arm in each of theirs and let out a small laugh, they found their fears begin to fade.
"But fear not, brave men of the Reach," the woman said with a smile. "For that is the reason why I am here, at your King's request. I shall take care of our guest and you shall be free to pursue the women in the slave pens due to your loyalty to your King."
The guards sighed in unison as the woman kissed them on the cheek before walking over and wrapping an arm around the King of Rags.
"And I am certain that your King shall receive rewards of his own," Elissa grinned.
She held in a laugh as her thrall held her around the waist tightly.
Too easy. These mortals are no challenge. But my pet shall be a true test. She may have passed my first attempt at seducing her to my will, but I have grown stronger since then. And with my trap in place, she will walk right into the spiders web.
Elissa smiled now as she escorted the so called 'King of Rags' back to Understone Keep.
And the spider will be ready to pounce and devour her prey.
Morgan pulled her hood over her head as she approached the main gates of Markarth. The rain was coming down heavier with every minute yet she took her time as she walked. She could see at least twenty Forsworn guards manning the walls, as well as four standing at the gates.
There had been none stationed at the windmill nearby, and she had seen none near the mine nearby.
Odd, I would have thought that they would guard two structures that give them food and a steady supply of minerals and metals.
She walked closer, and she noted how the Forsworn suddenly stand still as she came closer. She had forgotten at how improved her vision had become after being given her gift, and at how poor a mortal's vision could be. Yet no blade was drawn, and no war cry was given.
Morgan frowned. Every encounter she had had with the Forsworn always started in a fight and ended in blood and severed appendages. This was the first time that no hostility was involved.
"What brings you here, outsider?" a Forsworn Briarheart said loudly as she approached. "You are not welcome here, the Forsworn rule this city now!"
"Who's in charge?" Morgan asked quietly, keeping her face hidden under her hood.
"Are you deaf, girl? Piss off!"
Morgan smirked.
She moved closer, close enough that she was pressing herself against the much taller man, and she chuckled as she ran her gloved fingers along his chest and over the gash where his heart used to be.
"Such a strong man. So much magic and power...the girls must like you here," Morgan murmured softly as she moved her hand downwards.
The Briarheart grinned and put his arms around her, holding her close.
"And what of you, little one?"
Morgan smiled.
"The girls here must be blind."
"What do you mean?"
Morgan grabbed the man's genitals and crushed them in her hand, making him drop to his knees.
"Because I doubt they want someone with a bent sword," Morgan chuckled as she let go, slapping the man's face gently as he passed out before meeting the amused faces of the guards at the gate.
"I wish to speak to the King," Morgan requested.
The guards laughed.
"The King will like you. Head on in, but these two will walk with you to make sure you get there. Some of these guys are rather crude."
"I noticed," Morgan laughed in return. "Thank you."
The guard shrugged and moved to let her pass.
Morgan walked through the gates, two Forsworn guards keeping pace with her angry steps. She flexed her hands as she walked, feeling the power of the blood coursing through her.
Nearly there...this place hasn't changed at all since Serana and I were here. Damn Molag Bal to Oblivion for what he did. And Vaermina for that matter, I never thought they would work together like that. I regret killing Erandur and taking the Skull now.
They moved through the city, and Morgan noticed how every single Forsworn member, adult and child alike, stopped what they were doing as she passed them and huddled close as though they expected an attack.
Now you know how all those who travelled through the Reach feel like, Morgan mused with a sadistic smirk. She had no intention of killing anyone but Madanach himself, but she still had to control her thirst to rip all these people apart for what they had done to thousands of people who had simply wanted to travel through the Reach.
"There will be another of us inside to lead you to the King," one guard spoke as they reached the doors leading into the keep. "She will ensure you will get an audience."
"Who is she?" Morgan asked.
"Our finest warrior, skilled with her blade and with a silver tongue to match," the other guard said with a grin, giving Morgan a view of an almost toothless maw.
"Sounds like quite a person," Morgan mused as she walked through the doors without so much as a backwards glance to the two men who had led her through the city.
She didn't see how the men vanished into piles of ash the moment the door shut, and how the ashes were only disturbed when a woman in a red dress walked through them, giggling softly as she kicked the ash into the wind...
"I have been expecting you, Dragonborn."
Morgan narrowed her eyes at the young woman standing there. She hadn't told anyone who she was.
"I heard about you," the woman continued, walking around Morgan as though she were sizing her up. "They tell tales of you, to keep the children quiet at night."
"What sort of tales?" Morgan asked curiously.
"They speak of how you move through the night, swooping down and taking people without a sound. They speak of the ease at which your blade, crafted from the fallen dragons you have bested, cuts through the thickest armour as though it were made of cheese."
Morgan held the urge to roll her eyes.
"They also speak of how two walkers of the night walked through this city and spilled the blood of hundreds, the stench of death following in your wake as you travel."
"I am a vampire, so yes, I like blood," Morgan growled softly. "May I speak to your King now?"
The young woman stopped in front of her and gave her a small smile.
"I didn't believe half of the tales, but is it true? Some say you are here to right a wrong."
Morgan crossed her arms. She actually liked this girl for her honesty at least.
"There are too many wrongs in this world. Having been to many forms of afterlife, I can say that it is this world that makes less sense than others. Apart from Coldharbour of course, but I am not going to get into that fucking place."
The girl flinched slightly and gave her a nervous nod.
"I'm sorry."
"It's fine," Morgan replied quietly. "Just take me to your King and I shall see what I can do."
The girl nodded.
"Shea, by the way."
"Morgan."
Shea grinned at her and motioned for Morgan to follow, cursing when her bow fell off her shoulder and onto the floor. Morgan scooped up the bow quicker than the eye could see and passed it to her without a word.
"I should take care of this bow. It belonged to my mother."
Morgan nodded, spotting how the wood was worn on the bow itself, the stains of oil visible in the fibres.
"She died when the Bear threw us out years ago. She passed this to me just before a huge man cleaved her head off and laughed at me as I ran away," Shea continued.
"Ulfric Stormcloak. And I am guessing the big man was his second in command, Galmar Stone-Fist," Morgan said quietly, her eyes constantly watching for trouble.
Shea nodded.
"I have wished for their deaths for a long time. I hope to pierce their eyes with an arrow from this bow."
"If I mess up my next chance, I shall let you know," Morgan replied.
Shea beamed at her as they came to a stop outside a new set of doors, which Morgan recognized would lead them into the Jarl's chamber. Shea then sighed heavily, meeting Morgan's gaze.
"Be wary, Dragonborn. The King has been acting odd these last few weeks. Sometimes he forgets what he is saying and it's like he tries to wake up."
"You aren't going in?"
Shea shook her head.
"I am forbidden to. I shall wait here, unless...well...some of us...no, many of us are tired of this fighting for nothing. Some wish to speak the the fair woman in the north for trade and help. If the King does not wish to help you, then we may talk in private later."
Morgan chewed on that for a moment.
It would be a huge advantage for Elisif if the Reach were stable again. And if they are given control of what they want, maybe they would help in ridding the land of the Stormcloaks.
"Let us see what happens in there. Take care Shea, something is not right," Morgan said at last.
Shea nodded.
"I know. Be careful Morgan."
Morgan nodded and opened the doors, slamming them shut a moment she stepped through.
"Well, well. Welcome back to Markarth, Dragonborn," Madanach said with a grin as he leaned into his throne...
Madanach grinned as he leaned backwards, feeling a pleasurable sensation run through his whole body. The last time he had felt this good was...
Huh, I can't recall. Odd, but it is of no matter. I need to gain my Queen's approval more than anything.
"How was your trip from Sky Haven Temple? Enjoy the handiwork that my brave warriors left for you to discover?"
He frowned a little as the Dragonborn approached him. She still hadn't said anything.
"Perhaps you outsiders will finally discover that we control the Reach now. I believe I shall march on Solitude when our numbers grow and more follow our cause," Madanach continued, his eyes fixed on the woman that stood in the centre of the room, her face hidden from view.
He glanced at the ten guards, and they unsheathed their weapons as one at his simple hand gesture. He then looked back at the Dragonborn, and he smiled as she lowered her hood.
Then he saw her black eyes.
Black eyes?! I thought they were a reddish orange. Not as attractive as that of my Queen, but still...
"A new look?" Madanach chuckled.
"I have a new look in mind, just for you," the Dragonborn finally spoke.
He felt a small shiver travel up his spine when she talked. It was like someone had lowered the room temperature close to that of the cold in the Sea of Ghosts.
"And what would that be?" he laughed.
"An inside look," she replied with a smirk. "Literally."
He chuckled.
"Ah, threats are meaningless. Besides, you won't have the chance...NOW!" he roared, diving behind his throne and giggling madly...
Morgan advanced on the guards, laughing as they attacked. It was so easy for her to avoid their slow attacks, breaking limbs and impaling their bodies with their own weapons with ease. She sunk her fangs into the last one and laughed harshly as she threw the corpse to the ground and smiled when she saw his face peeking from behind his pathetic stone and leather clad throne.
Then she stopped when he started to giggle.
"If you would be so kind as to stand still, Dragonborn..." he laughed.
Morgan stepped forwards and snarled when a chain suddenly wrapped around her wrists and ankles. She made to break their hold when she felt a hideous sensation go through her skin.
Then came the pain.
She fell to her knees and gasped as the chains seemed to burn through her skin. She had enough sense to look up and growl at the four hagravens that appeared in each corner of the room, their hands alight with magicka.
"Now for the finishing touch," came a feminine voice from behind her.
Morgan snapped her gazed backwards and tried to Shout...but a mouthful of cloth stopped her from trying to form her thu'um into a Shout. A pair of smooth hands wrapped the cloth around the back of her head and then ran through her black hair in a loving manner.
"If anyone even harms my pet," the woman continued as she walked past Morgan, heading towards the throne and Madanach, who had stepped out from behind the throne and was now sitting on his throne once more as though his life were spared.
"They shall suffer my wrath," she finished, spinning around gracefully so that she met Morgan's eyes. "Hello again, my darling. It is wonderful to see you again."
Morgan screamed through her cloth at the sight of Elissa, who giggled at the sight.
"Now now, no need to shout. Just sit there and get comfortable while I take care of a few loose ends."
Madanach smiled as his Queen sat on his lap and shuddered when her hands roamed his chest and neck in a soothing manner.
"Your plan worked perfectly, my Queen," he said approvingly.
"It did," Elissa agreed with a grin. "But I still have one more thing to deal with."
"Any aid I can offer is yours, My Queen. You need only ask."
Elissa grinned wickedly as he arched his neck backwards when her fingers caressed his throat.
"Thank you for your service, Madanach."
Elissa lunged forwards and sank her fangs into his exposed flesh and giggled as he thrashed helplessly, his arms trapped in her unbreakable grip. The rush of blood coursing down her throat brought her to the edge of ecstasy, but she refrained from losing complete control...she wanted to savour that moment for her new pet.
The thrall under her went limp, but she fed until his body had none left to give before standing up and immolating the body in fire. She laughed as she watched the body burn and glared at the hagravens, who shied from her gaze.
"Keep your magic working if you wish to live," she snarled, walking past them so that she could kneel in front of Morgan and gently lift her chin with her finger.
Beautiful. And she will be mine.
"You look as beautiful as ever, my darling. I liked your black eyes but now they are back to the better orange...it makes you much more attractive," she grinned, moving closer so that she straddled Morgan's lap and wrapping her arms around her neck.
"I missed you in Coldharbour after you were taken from my Lord's home. The boredom with the slaves and the lesser vampires all talking about you...I simply had to get out of there."
Morgan made to wrench herself free and she winced as another pulse of magic from the four hagravens stole her energy, weakening her further.
"You cannot get free my darling. Even you do not possess that much magic," Elissa whispered in her ear, kissing the lobe gently.
"You are wondering why the Blades were wiped out. The reason is simple...they were in the way, nothing more. You see, my Lord has no claim on your soul...but the ones that are around you are fair game. Even that fool of a 'King' now resides in Coldharbour and will be prey forever. But you..."
Elissa moved Morgan's head so their eyes met.
"Your soul is already out of bounds. But you cannot be free of your shell because I shall not allow it. Time is against you this time, my darling," Elissa cooed. "You shall be mine forever in this mortal plane. You shall experience pleasure beyond that Volkihar whore gives you. You shall have everything you desire."
Morgan felt herself getting weaker but she could not even get the energy to headbutt the vampire sitting astride her.
"I do have a confession to make," Elissa said after a few moments of silence.
The red haired vampire smiled coldly.
"I have been involved in your affairs for quite some time."
Morgan growled and Elissa laughed.
"Let me show you," she giggled, moving Morgan's head to one side.
Morgan tried to scream as the fangs found her neck, and she welcomed the darkness when it came, Elissa's lips on her neck the last thing she felt before her world went dark...
Elissa smiled as she watched the young girl skip down the street, the snow drifting into the walls of Bruma. This was the girl who would change the world, the one born with a dragon for now, she was a girl trapped within a nest of Thalmor and Elissa had her orders. Watch her but never interfere...
The dream shifted.
Elissa rolled her eyes a little as the young Dragonborn sprinted down the street of Whiterun with her burly housecarl in tow, both of them yelling loudly and bereft of clothing. She had no time for such trivialities, she had true destiny on her side. yes, she had defeated Alduin, but this was...rather funny to watch.
She had been keeping a close eye of the man who had suddenly appeared in Morgan Aureliu's life and she knew that the man was a fake. Yet the naive Dragonborn seemed to like him. Elissa's orders were still the same. Watch and stay silent.
Elissa giggled a little as Morgan crashed into the door of her home, the larger Nord slamming into her a moment later. Maybe these mortals did have some use after all...
Another dream came forth in the darkness.
Poor General Tullius, missing his homeland and his family so much. Yet here he was, stuck in this hole of a land and surrounded by idiots and the unworthy. It had been a breeze getting his trust, and getting him into a bed had been even easier. Her Lord had finally given her an order that went beyond watching, and Elissa was eager to prove herself.
He made a perfect thrall, not once did anyone suspect he was a puppet, not even the vampire at Elisif's side. He was tasked to join with the devil he knew in the Thalmor and while Elenwen had been suspicious at first, the fact he gave her every piece of information he owned about Talos worship in the land was an offer Elenwen could not refuse.
And then he had been killed as planned, and the Dragonborn had no clue of any involvement. Some suspected he had gone into madness, but the fact was that the man had been screaming inside, right up to the moment of his death. Her Lord was pleased with her work and granted her unique gifts, including being able to seduce all but the most powerful vampire.
Even the Volkihar bloodline would bend to her Lord's will, especially that of Harkon, who continually flouted his status and even went so far as to insult her Lord by not speaking at the shrine within his own walls. All over a silly bow.
Elissa smirked as she watched the young Jarl pierce Elenwen's chest with a blade. Maybe she should be one with the night, she certainly had the looks after all...but she would have to wait, she knew that a new set of orders would come soon...
Elissa smiled as her pet awoke, her eyes dazed over and confused. She licked the dragonblood off her lips and shuddered as an orgasm ripped through her. She then trailed her tongue across Morgan's cheek and smirked at her.
"You have belonged to me for a very long time my pet. It is time I collected on my prize..."
Elissa made to remove her dress when an angry snarl could be heard from the end of the room. She glanced over her pet's shoulder and hissed at the person that stood there, one had alight with a shock spell of some type, the other hand holding what looked like a razor sharp dragonbone dagger.
"Get off my love before I tear your heart out," Serana hissed as she stepped into view, her eyes a dark empty void of black...
A/N: hehehe I forgot to mention a cliffhanger was coming...*runs away laughing* XD