I managed to escape from the pitchfork wielding reviewers for the time being...I guess that cliffhanger was a little unexpected? Hehe...

Thanks for the feedback...and for the few people who asked me about Elissa, she will become a major thorn in Morgan's side for a very long time for one reason. As will be explained next chapter muhahahaha ;D

Serana moved forwards, here eyes shifting between Elissa, Morgan, and the four hagravens that were still channelling their foul magics through the chains and into her lover. She kept her shock spell fully charged, and she could feel the magic flow through her skin as the spell began to overcharge. The dagger was held in a firm hand, the tip of the weapon always aimed at her target, who was smirking at her.

"Look what we have here," Elissa drawled as she stood up, running her hand through Morgan's hair as she passed her."A pathetic excuse for a pure blood."

"Stop stalling and fight, you bitch," Serana growled angrily.

"You have the power right here, in this woman, yet not once did you take her for your own gain. Instead, you turn her by accident and then think that it is love. My dear girl, all you did is enthrall her, nothing more."

"As if you would know, no-one would ever love someone who rides every person she meets," Serana replied with a smirk of her own.

Elissa narrowed her eyes, and in the blink of an eye, she held two conjured blades from Oblivion in her hands.

"Enough talk. It is time you went to the Void in person...alone. You will be waiting for this little treasure for quite some time, Lady Serana."

Serana could take no more and she leapt forwards, roaring as her anger finally overcame her senses...

Morgan sagged back onto her knees and shivered. She felt so cold, so alone. The thought of being under Elissa's commands frightened her to a degree she never wanted to think about. She had fought off her compulsion spell once before, but she had been at full strength back then. Now she was weak, only enough blood to keep her body going, not enough to mount any form of attack.

She vaguely heard Serana and Elissa battle out of her view, the air charged with magic and foul language as both women fought to end the other.

And then she felt something, a feeling that she had felt only a few times. It was like that when she had walked into the Void that time, seeing the world in a completely different view.

Could I do it again?

Morgan still wasn't sure how she had managed to transfer herself into the Void. Communing with the Night Mother had been an illusion, the Unholy Matron using her power to project Morgan's consciousness into the Void.

She staggered to her feet, hearing the four hagravens exchanged startled cries of anger and alarm at her movement. Morgan tuned them out and thought of the one constant in her life.

Battle. Fighting. Being fully at ease with the death of others.

She closed her eyes and focused on these feelings and thoughts, feeling her meagre supply of blood churning through her empty veins. And then she shifted into the Void...

Serana knocked one of Elissa's blades out of her hands, watching the conjured weapon disintegrate before it even reached the ground. But she watched the weapon vanish for a split second too long, and Elissa kicked Serana in the jaw, sending the ancient vampire crashing onto the table.

Serana sat up, only to be punched down again, Elissa mounting Serana and laughing as she twisted Serana's arm and breaking her elbow, forcing her to drop her dagger. She cried out in pain as Elissa drove her blade into her right shoulder, pinning her injured elbow under one of her knees.

She glared at the other vampire as she leaned downwards and laughed.

"So much for the power of the Volkihar. I am Lord Bal's new favourite while you are one of his largest disappointments. I must admit, I am rather upset you weren't much of a challenge either," Elissa grinned, leaning her body forwards and pressing all her weight on Serana's arm.

Serana screamed in anger and pain, but Elissa merely laughed, pushing her blade a little deeper into her now bloody shoulder.

"I'm sorry, did that hurt?" Elissa cooed.

"Not as much as this will," Serana growled.

Elissa raised an eyebrow.

"FUS!"

Elissa screamed as she was catapulted off Serana, crashing into the wall with a heavy thud. She scrambled to her feet and watched as Serana stood up and pulled the conjured blade out of her shoulder before throwing the weapon to the ground and allowing it to vanish.

"How..."

Serana grinned.

"You know nothing of the true power of blood. Nor do you realize that Morgan and I are joined, by soul and blood. I can use a little of her power while you cannot," Serana explained, twisting her elbow pack into place with a grimace.

Elissa giggled.

"It matters little. All I have to do is kill you and my pet is...gone. MY PET IS GONE!" Elissa shrieked, staring at the four magical chains left lying on the floor, the hagravens all watching her with fearful eyes.

Serana felt the air get colder and she shook her head.

She did it again, she walked into the Void. But where is she now?

I did it! It looks so different here, Morgan thought as she shifted into the Void. the walls of Understone Keep remained the same, but the colours were all gone. The brightness of the torches were now a dull grey, as were the walls themselves. She looked around and saw the hagravens were a yellowish hue, and Elissa was a deep, vibrant red.

Then she saw Serana and her breath caught as she saw her in a brilliant white, her eyes a harsh red in contrast.

I should see the world like this more often.

Morgan knew deep down that she couldn't remain in this state for long, and when she returned to Nirn, she would pay a price for such power. She made her way over to the hagravens, who were watching Elissa and Serana look around for her without success. Then she heard Elissa's screech, followed by her mocking voice.

"Where are you dear? We have so much to do!"

Serana made to move forwards then stared as one hagraven suddenly seemed to snap, the back of the creature's head meeting her feet in an unnatural angle. The now dead hagraven fell to the floor, and Serana briefly spotted a black mist for a moment standing it it's place before it vanished.

Morgan?

"Oh! Such a pretty trick!" Elissa laughed, sending a barrage of fire spells in the direction of the deceased hagraven, her eyes constantly looking at the direction of where Morgan had once been. "Don't just stand there! Kill her!" she yelled, pointing to Serana.

Serana smirked. She could handle three hagravens.

She also noted Elissa slinking away towards the exit, and she made to block her off.

"You aren't going anywhere, you tart," Serana hissed.

Elissa laughed again.

"Speak for yourself," she retorted.

Serana barely managed to raise a ward spell as three fireballs slammed into it, the force of the attack sending her backwards a few feet...and away from the vampire, who was smirking.

Then another hagraven suddenly launched into the air, slamming into the ceiling and falling to the ground. Then came a sickening crack as the spine of the hagraven was severed by a shimmering black blade made of mist.

By the blood.

The two hagravens exchanged a look and they spilt, one heading towards Serana, the other moving back to the centre of the room, her cackling cries echoing through the keep.

Serana kept her eyes on the hagraven that approached, grimacing at the sight of the torn skin, the dark feathers and the insane looking eyes. She had to wonder just what the Forsworn were thinking of when they wished to 'ascend' to this state.

"Tear that pretty skin of yours, cook your flesh," the hagraven croaked, her hands alight with magicka draining spells.

Serana managed to reacquire her dagger and she shook her head.

"Typical so called magic user, thinking all magic is unstoppable," she remarked...then threw the dagger at the hagraven.

The creature screamed as the dagger embedded itself into her chest up to the hilt, a spurt of blood flying out of the wound from the impact. It gently held the hilt for moment...and then slumped to the ground, blood pouring out of it's mouth. Serana grinned and looked at the second hagraven...

Or what is left of it.

The hagraven had been pulled apart, all of the limbs splayed across the ground. The head had also been removed and was now sitting on the throne in a morbid way, as though Morgan had found it amusing. Serana shivered slightly as she hadn't heard a single thing while dispatching the other hagraven.

Then she realized something else.

Elissa was nowhere to be seen.

"Shit," Serana cursed, picking up her dagger and sheathing it.

"Such...language..." came a voice behind her.

Serana spun around just in time to catch Morgan as she fell...

Elissa cursed as she fled the city, her features hidden under her hood and cloak. The very few Forsworn that had tried to accost her were in pieces, their bodies hidden so none would know she was gone.

She had been so close!

The Dragonborn had been hers for the taking, her power drained to the point where a vampire had little chance of mounting any attack. And of course, the girl somehow gained a new ability, one that easily overpowered the hagravens and left her fleeing the scene like a scolded dog.

Elissa knew her master would not be pleased. In fact, she decided that she should disappear for a time. Time enough to shield herself from her master's wrath and for her gain power and followers. Skyrim would not do, she decided, glaring at a cave bear that decided to bellow at her.

She feinted left and then right, plunging her hand deep inside the bear's thick skull. Then she screamed in anger and tore the skull apart in a single movement, blood showering her as the corpse fell to the ground.

Elissa cleaned her hands of gore in the nearby stream, still cursing softly.

Morgan Aurelius would be hers one day, she swore it. But for now, it was time for her to vanish before Molag Bal sent someone after her to explain her failure. Elissa was not naive. She knew that this failure would be too much for Molag to bear, for he hated Morgan with a sickening passion.

She soon found herself heading towards the plains of Whiterun, and she nodded. She could hide here for a short time before moving to...

Solstheim sounds good. It's full of ash and creatures but it is also easy to find some prey and keep myself sated and safe for a while. And when Morgan and I cross paths again, she will be mine, Serana will be destroyed, and I shall have what I always wanted.

"My own little pet Dragonborn," Elissa sighed with glee, moving onto the plains with a spring in her steps.

Serana ran her hands through her hair and sighed heavily.

She had carried her love all the way to Solitude...with the assistance of Shadowmere of course, and Morgan had not stirred in three days. Serana had stayed by her side the entire time, Sybille Stentor keeping the both of them supplied with blood potions and also monitoring the comatose Dragonborn.

Elisif had stayed silent about her return, although Serana knew that guards would start whispering and before long, all of the city would know of what had become of the heroine of Skyrim.

"And then all of Skyrim," Serana muttered under her breath, squeezing Morgan's hand gently.

She has been well catered for with blood. Most vampires would have stirred by now, even after such draining magic spells that had been inflicted upon her.

Sybille had known about such magic, and she had explained to Serana that the magic only drained the magic, it never stopped regeneration. So Morgan would most likely have a full well of magic to use, as well as blood magic that the Volkihar blood gave her.

So why had she not even so much as moved in that time?

Serana frowned now, standing up and looking outside the window, the twin moons shining brightly in the clear sky above.

Elissa had vanished, and she had found no trace of her whereabouts. The only lead that had been found was of a dead cave bear, it's head torn apart from the middle. Serana had been thankful that Shea had introduced herself the second she and Morgan had left Understone Keep, and had explained everything about what the current Forsworn thought of her and the Dragonborn.

They actually wish for an end to the hostilities now that Madanach is gone and was proven to be a puppet and insane all at once.

Serana had informed Elisif, and she and Rikke had been discussing the option for the last three days, and she had not seen either since then. As if by hearing that thought, Shea came into the room, followed closely by Sybille, who was eyeing the young Forsworn warrior warily.

"My Lady, the Jarl has asked for you to join her in the war chamber," Sybille said after a second of silence.

"What if Morgan wakes? I need to be here," Serana insisted.

"I shall watch over her," Sybille replied simply. "I know how to take care of vampires."

Serana snorted, accepting the veiled vibe, and stood up, pressing a gentle kiss on Morgan's forehead before walking out of the room without another word. She hoped Morgan awoke soon, for all their sakes.

"How is she?" Elisif asked the second Serana walked in the room.

Serana glanced around the war chamber of Castle Dour, noting the guards posted at every entry, their armour reinforced with steel plate.

"Still unresponsive," Serana replied quietly, nodding in thanks for the question.

"She will recover, I am sure of it," Elisif said, gently taking Serana's hands and giving them a soft squeeze.

It always amused Serana at just how much heart this young woman truly had. She genuinely wished the best for everyone, not matter if they were alive or not.

"Thank you. You asked for me?" Serana said, changing the subject.

Rikke nodded and motioned to the map, pointing out the red and blue markers that indicated towns, cities and forts belonging to the forces of the Empire and the Stormcloaks.

"While the enemy was chased away from Solitude, I have no doubt that Galmar and Ulfric will have a new plan and will act upon it soon."

"What am I looking at?" Serana asked with a quirky smile.

"We control the entire western side of Skyrim, but we are spread thin. Falkreath and the Stormcloaks stationed there seemed to have left the town and are heading towards Riften. Because that imbecile Jarl is still in charge there, I have no doubt she will welcome them with open arms."

Serana nodded. From what little she knew, Laila Law-Giver was an idiot.

"There is two other items of interest," Rikke informed the members within. Serana spotted how the woman's heart rate increased, and how her eyes began to show concern.

"The first was a scout's reports from Winterhold," Elisif said. "The College seems to have been attacked by forces unknown, although the scout did say that an altmer was seen in the town shortly before some disturbance occurred."

"What kind of disturbance?" Serana asked.

"Strange lights that sucked two guards dry of their life force...like it stole their souls," Elisif replied, closing her eyes for a moment.

"What of the college?"

"The scout reported that a shimmering blue shield appeared around the College. none have been able to enter or leave. Jarl Korir has been telling all that 'the College has overstepped it's bounds once more and shall cause a collapse again'," Rikke explained while pulling a face. "The man is a dumb whore."

Serana grinned as Elisif coughed into her hand and Shea snorted with laughter.

"That is a major issue," Serana said when all in the room had calmed down. "What was the other?"

Rikke looked up at her.

"The ten legionaries I had stationed at the Pale Pass watchtower have all returned to Whiterun. The tower is what guards Skyrim from Cyrodiil's border," Rikke explained when she saw Serana's raised eyebrow.

"Why did they all come back?" Shea asked with a puzzled expression. "And why were they allowed to stay there if the area near Riften is controlled by the blue bastards?"

"They are covert operatives," Rikke replied, eyeing the warrior. "Laila believed they were Stormcloaks."

"Stupid bitch," Shea muttered under her breath.

"What did they report?" Serana asked.

"It seems a large force of well over a thousand soldiers were headed towards the border. The only city or town of any note near the border is..."

"Bruma," Serana said simply, shrugging when every set of eyes locked onto her. "Morgan lived there once."

"Do you think they are friend or foe?" Shea asked.

"Until they arrive, we cannot know for sure," Rikke said. "We just lost our last set of eyes in the Rift."

Serana held in a smirk.

Not all eyes can be seen, but they are there. I am sure that the Thieves Guild could help.

"So what can I do to help? If Morgan wakes and she is...hungry..."

"Sybille will be able to look after her," Elisif insisted. "I know how hard this must be, but both of these issues need to be resolved."

"My offer still stands," Shea piped up. "We can help."

"When we march on Windhelm, you can join us," Rikke said as though she had said the words a hundred times before.

Shea shrugged.

"Fine. At least let me travel with her. Two people can watch each other's backs."

"I agree," Serana said. "Having someone with me who is not a vampire will show anyone that I mean them no harm if they stay neutral towards me."

"So the question is, where are you going to first?"

"Winterhold," Serana replied instantly. "Morgan has friends there and I am positive that she will wish for them to be safe."

"This army approaching from the south will have to wait," Rikke agreed. "Until they arrive, we have no idea of their intentions or what motive they have for what amount to invading Skyrim."

"I am sure that bastard in Windhelm will deal with it in his usual grace," Elisif said sourly, then blushed as Serana gave her a small grin.

"I shall head back to Markarth until we are needed," Shea said. "Give my regards to the Dragonborn when she wakes. My Lady Elisif," she said, giving Elisif a bow before walking out of the room.

Serana moved a lock of hair from her cheek and stared at the map, the green marker showing this large army that was headed for Skyrim.

What are you coming for? War? And what side will you choose?

An hour later, Serana sat on the bed next to her blood-mate and ran her fingers through Morgan's long hair, sighing heavily as she did so.

"I really don't want to leave you, my love," she said softly. "But know I know just how you felt when you had to deal with the dragon menace. I don't know how you coped..."

Serana gazed at Morgan's sleeping face and closed her eyes for a moment.

"I need you to come back. I don't want you to worry about that red haired bitch and I don't want you to worry about me either. I just want you back, with me...can you manage that...little Dragon?"

Serana placed a kiss on Morgan's forehead and then another one on her soft lips.

And then she stiffened in her place as she felt Morgan's lips move.

Serana sat up and stared at Morgan's blazing irises, the Dragonborn wearing an impish grin on her face.

"That was the best wake up talk I have ever had," Morgan grinned.

"You...you...you utter bitch," Serana gasped as Morgan's arms wrapped around her and brought her down into a fearsome kiss that lasted long enough to asphyxiate a mortal.

"What did I miss...and where the fuck am I?" Morgan asked with a dazed expression.

Serana laughed, a laugh that echoed through the halls of the Blue Palace.

"I shall tell all on the way to Winterhold, my love," she promised. "Now get up and say goodbye to Elisif before we leave, the poor woman was worried sick about you."

Morgan groaned and made to lie back down, but Serana easily hefted her to her feet and beamed at her with a wicked smile.

"You slept enough Dragonborn, time to save Tamriel once more."

Morgan sighed as she left the room, Serana chuckling behind her.

I do not know what I did, but thank you, whoever it was.

"Elisif."

Elisif spun around in her seat and gasped at the sight of the Dragonborn leaning against the wall with a small smirk on her face, her expression saying 'what were you worried about'.

"Morgan!" Elisif all but yelled, running over and embracing her close friend tightly. "How many times must you subject us all to this worry?"

"Oh, about a few dozen times at least," Morgan grinned.

Elisif lightly slapped her arm and chuckled.

"Behave," she mock-admonished her with am impish smile of her own. "it is good to see you are alright. So many were worried."

Morgan nodded and sighed.

"It seems alot has happened since my...nap," she remarked. "I noted hundreds of soldiers milling around Solitude, and I could hear many more outside the walls. What is going on?"

"We are marching against the Stormcloaks. All our available forces we can spare are going to be in the field, with a small force defending the towns."

Morgan nodded, but she could feel Elisif's heart, and she knew something was holding her back.

"But..." Morgan coaxed.

Elisif informed Morgan of the army approaching from the border with Cyrodiil and she could see how Morgan's brow furrowed and the way her eyes narrowed suggested she knew more herself.

"Morgan?"

"I have a feeling I know who leads that army. I hope I am mistaken," Morgan muttered.

Morgan have Elisif a small smile and gently took her hands in hers.

"You ever need to talk to me, send one of my ravens," she said, a red eyed raven suddenly appearing on Morgan's shoulder, the unholy bird nibbling Morgan's hair for a moment before looking at Elisif with it's beady eyes.

"Be careful," Elisif insisted. "We cannot afford to lose you now."

Morgan nodded and placed the raven on the nearest desk, running her hand along the birds' back. She then turned to face Elisif, and the young Jarl shivered as she found herself unable to look away from the black soulless eyes of the Dragonborn.

"It is time the Stormcloaks were taken care of...permanently. I shall stay in touch Elisif."

Elisif nodded, and the next moment she blinked, she was alone in her room, the raven staring at her still.

Friend or no, that is unnerving. Please stay with Serana, for your protection, and for everyone else...

A/N: Yep, just a filler chapter...things will be accelerating like a cat chasing after a string from here on, so take the time to get ready :) Let me know what you think, send ideas etc, I read everything that you awesome people send :)