"Your wounds must be bad. Maybe we should stop for awhile."

Serana glanced sideways at her companion as they trudged through the snow. He stood almost a head taller than her, with dark brown hair and matching eyes, and skin turned pale from the cold of Skyrim. His armor was mainly Ebony, with a few extra straps and things to keep his gear secured. She couldn't see how deep the cut was underneath his chest plate, but she could smell the blood. To her, blood was... inviting, but for some reason, the thought of HIM bleeding made Serana feel sick. He merely smiled, unfazed by his bad health. He never was, as far as she could tell. It was almost as if he were invincible; A statement that was obviously untrue. Even the Dragonborn can die.

But even so, the man paid no attention to her concern. He smiled again as if to say "don't worry" and continued on, keeping a steady pace as the wind and snow whipped viciously at their faces. With a quiet sigh, Serana followed.

She sped up just enough stand beside him. "How much farther to Winterhold?"

"It's not too far, no reason to stop now." he replied, pushing his hair from his face. "We should stay at the inn for the rest of the day. At dawn, we can go up to the College and get the other Elder Scroll."

Serana groaned internally. Of course we can. They always did their work at dawn. It was just after the bandits were off the roads and just before the people woke up. But with dawn, comes the sun, and Vampires didn't get along well with sunlight. It made her feel weak, and the heat was almost unbearable. But even so, they continued this routine every day. It was one of the disadvantages of traveling with a human.

No, she thought. He wasn't any ordinary human. Even the most oblivious of men could see that. He had a fire inside him... a fury. And everyone around him was pulled into it, like moths to a torch. This man was no mere human, but a Legend.

Even despite his dragon blood, he was impressive on his own. And Serana owed her life to him. Without him, she would have never been free. Free from the slumber in which she had never remembered entering. Until she awoke from her crypt, she was oblivious to the peril she was in. He could have done anything. He could have killed her, he should have killed her. But instead, he turned his back on the Dawnguard completely, and offered his hand instead. To a vampire. It was something Serana couldn't seem to forget, even if she didn't quite understand why.

So even with the long journeys across the land, and the harsh, overbearing sun, she continued to stay by his side. Perhaps it was her way of showing gratitude, or a way of paying him back for all he had done.

But something inside her said otherwise. She didn't just stay out of appreciation. There was more to it than that. She was curious about him. What made him into the man he was.

"There it is. Winterhold."

Serana shook away her thoughts, gazing ahead at their destination. One look was all it took for her to become completely astounded. Her eyes drifted towards the small, pitiful village before her. More than half of the homes had burned years before, and were left as abandoned piles of wood and charcoal. The few buildings that still stood were quiet and sorrowful, unwelcoming in every way. The only thing remotely noticeable was the massive structure that stood behind it, the only building that seemed to be in decent shape. Serana just barely recognized it as the College of Winterhold.

"Well, here we are."

Her companion let out a breath, his eyes scanning the pitiful looking hold. He glanced at Serana, gauging her opinion. She stared, confused.

Oh that's right. He's from Skyrim. Even here in Winterhold, he still held pride for his land.

She responded carefully, but truthfully as well. "It didn't look like this before. Something big must of happened while I was… locked away."

"Oh it was definitely big. The Oblivion Crisis gave this place a beating. I guess they never really got around to rebuilding. Or if they did, it didn't stay built."

"The College doesn't seem too damaged."

"There's a few stories behind that too. I'll tell you on the way there tomorrow. For now, lets just get a room."

He nodded his head for her to follow, as he gingerly stepped onto the wooden porch of the inn. He took one last look at Serana before opening the door and stepping inside. A gust of heat hit her, adding to the scorch of the sun. As did the smell of food. Normal Food for them. The room held the same layout as any other inn. It was mainly empty, except for a red headed man in the corner, who seemed far too drunk to notice them, or too drunk to care, and the innkeeper himself along with his wife. The bartender eyed them wearily, a filthy rag in one hand. He didn't seem to like the dagger on Serana's belt, nor the swords on her company's. His distaste changed completely when he dropped a satchel of coin onto the bar.

"Need a bed? We got plenty."

"How much?"

"We don't get much business here, probably 'cus of that damn college, so I'll only charge ten septims." his eyes fluttered between the two of them. "For each of course."

Her partner glanced at her questioningly. She blinked at him in response.

Oh. He wanted to know how many rooms to pay for.
She stood there awkwardly for a moment, the realization hitting fast. She hadn't really considered a situation like this. She hadn't planned on accompanying him at all. Surely he didn't expect anything to happen...

The innkeeper cleared his throat. "So, two-"

"One is fine." Serana looked straight ahead as if it were nothing.

He nodded in response, leading them to a room on the side. She followed, feeling her companion's eyes on her

The room was typical, a chest and wardrobe on one side and a bed on the other. A perfect symbol for the term "You get what you pay for." The innkeeper gave one last glance to the two of them before leaving them alone, and they instantly turned away from one another.

He eyed her inquisitively as he dropped his weapons gently into the chest. "It wouldn't have been any trouble to get another room."

"It's fine. There will be less questions this way." She flicked her hair in front of her face, dropping her own collection of inventory onto the bed. "Just- don't let this go to your head."

She heard a stifled laugh behind her, as if he found it amusing that she would even question his sense of integrity. Choosing to ignore his response, she pushed her items to the side, tossing everything but some bandages to the side, and sat down. She waited for him to look up, and when he finally did, he stared at her, puzzled.

Serana pointed to the bed. "Sit."

He blinked, completely bewildered.

"So I can check your wound."

"Ahh, I almost forgot." He removed his armor, taking his time undoing each strap, then sat down beside her. Serana made sure not to make eye contact, staring at the smear of red across his chest. The wound itself was worse than she thought, but that wasn't the problem.

The smell of blood was unbearable, Intoxicating. She took a shaky breath, holding in her instincts. Instincts that she was trained to follow from the very beginning. He noticed Serana's unease instantly. But despite her prediction, he didn't move away. He simply looked down in concern.

"You need to feed, don't you?'

She shook her head. "I can go days without feeding, it's just… with it this close. It's a little unnerving." After the words left her mouth, she knew they were a mistake. "I'm not some- some savage, I have self control-"

"Relax, I trust you enough not to attack me in my sleep." He smirked half jokingly as Serana narrowed her eyes at him. He was either brave, stupid, or insane.

"You understand how idiotic that is, right?'

"What? Attacking someone in their sleep? It's actually quite a good tactic so long as you don't make it bloody-"

"Not that, I meant trusting me."

He tilted his head questioningly as Serana reached for the bandages. "And why is that?"

Where to begin. "Just days ago, you were fighting for the Dawnguard. If they knew you were helping me, helping US? You don't honestly think they'd let you live?

He shrugged, indifferent. "I didn't join the Dawnguard to kill off vampires."

"Then why did you?'

"I like to consider myself an entrepreneur."

"So you joined for the fun of it."

He shook his head. "I have goals I need to accomplish, but I need to be at my best to complete them. A little experience couldn't hurt, so I find work that will prove a challenge." He smiled at her dubious stare. "If you knew what I was up against, you wouldn't be so doubtful."

Oh I'm well aware of your goals, Dragonborn.

Serana wrapped the bandages gently across his torso, careful to keep her hands away from the blood. He watched as her hands worked, his eyes focused on something beyond this world. By the time she was finished, he was completely unmindful of everything around him. She cleared her throat, and his eyes instantly focused back on her.

She sat back, finished with her work. "That still doesn't explain why you're helping me."

He smiled, as if the answer was obvious to anyone. "So, I should have left you there to rot? After finding you locked inside a coffin for years? That's quite a cruel fate."

She didn't defer her question, suspicious. "And why shouldn't you of? Maybe you have some type of personal gain from helping me?"

"Or maybe I'm just not an asshole."

"Or maybe," She argued, her voice accusing "You're a spy for the Dawnguard."

He let out a sharp laugh. "Me? And I'm suppose to believe you just came along to help?"

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"It means," He hissed. "That you're the one who can't be trusted. I bet you're a spy for your father! Making sure his new pawn plays along to his little game!"

Serana stood, disgusted.

"EXCUSE ME?"

Who do you think you are? I may be a child of Molag Bal, but I'm far more trustworthy than you humans will ever be.

He followed her movement, standing as well. A small amount of blood had already seeped through his bandages, but he ignored it completely. They glared at one another, spite clear on their faces. They had gone from allies to enemies in mere seconds. Serana was just a few inches from reaching for her dagger when a noise interrupted her.

She stopped as she heard voices behind the wall. An argument. Serana dropped her hand, glancing at the door. Her companion did the same, stalling for just a moment before he inched towards the handle. With deft hands, he slid the door open just a fraction. The voices instantly picked up volume.

"-No idea what you're talking about."

"Don't lie to me, you swine. We know they were heading here from the Castle!"

Serana stared hard at her partner as he opened the door just a fraction larger. He rolled his eyes dramatically as she backed away from him, shaking her head angrily.

Don't get into this, it's not our concern.

He continued poking his head through the door, ignoring her heated glare. She turned away and sat down onto the bed in response. She felt no need to involve herself. The voices rose again, spewing angered words. Serana stayed put on the bed. But even so, her curiosity was piqued, and she found herself stealing glances out the door. Another noise sounded, accompanied with a gasp from her companion. It was all it took to get her on her feet again.

She copied his partner's stance, kneeling beneath his figure to see through the crack as well. It was an awkward position, and she could see little past the bar and the inkeeper. But when she finally caught sight of the intruders, her breath caught.

He had reason to gasp; these men weren't just meager bandits. There were three of them, covered in head to toe in armor. Even after so long, she recognized their origin immediately. The heavy leather garments, the cold gaze under steel helmets, and the crossbows that hung at their sides.

Dawnguard

Serana tensed, already expecting the worst. They knew all about her and the Dragonborn, there was no mistaking that. The innkeeper had to be aware as well; he held his ground against them, but the fear on his face was unmistakable. These men would kill him and his family if they needed to, whatever it took to capture their target.

And in this case, the target was her.

"Serana."

She tilted her head up to see her companion staring from above. His hair fell in his face as he studied her with impatient eyes. His voice was less than a whisper.

"They know we're here."

"I know."

"And they'll tear this place apart to find us."

"I know." She said rather harshly. Her eyes focused back on the innkeeper. He shook in fear as the ringleader produced his hatched from his belt, holding it so it gleamed with the light of the fire. She heard the wife cry out somewhere deeper in the inn, along with the whimper of a child. This was the final straw. If they weren't willing to give up her location, then the Dawnguard would dispose of them. Serana stood.

I can't let them kill these people, not because of me!

With one glance at her partner, she bolted out the door, slamming into the main attacker. They both toppled, his hatchet skidding across the room. While still pinning the man, Lightning bolts ricocheted off her hands and into the remaining attackers. By the time they had registered her assault, her companion was already upon them. His swords flew through the air with both grace and destruction, cutting through their armor like air. As soon as their bodies hit the floor, he reached for his belt, producing her elven dagger. Her elven dagger.

She caught it as soon as it left his hands, but she reacted too slowly. The man she had capsized pushed back, kicking her in the stomach with incredible force. With a shout of pain, she slid across the floor. In seconds, her partner was at her side, blocking the man's view of Serana.

He scoffed at the sight. "So the vampire has gotten herself a Thrall to protect her." He plucked his hatched off the floor. "How typical of you blood suckers, to hide behind the bodies of your minions, like cowards. Your kind are all MONSTERS!"

Serana instinctively bared her teeth, but the sound of her anger was swallowed up by her comrade's laugh.

"Do I look like a thrall to you?" He narrowed his eyes, daring the man to take another step. "I'm just trying to help a friend against the savage animals that are attacking her."

"Friend? To a Vampire? You fool, can't you see what they've done to you? You are a tool, meant to be used and discarded. Vampires don't have friends they have pawns. And pawns" He sneered, holding his hatched high. "Are as abominable as their masters!"

As soon as the words left his mouth, he charged, shrieking with rage. But Serana was done with his game. She lifted her hands, red light illuminating from them. The magic surged outward, striking him with ferocity. She watched as the man slowly fell to his knees, holding his throat as if he were losing air, losing LIFE.

He thudded to the floor, leaving the inn in silence. Serana didn't move, still staring at her hands, where the light was now fading. It looked the same as any other day, but now there was an illusory stain of blood upon them. She jumped as a hand lightly touched her shoulder. She looked up into the same dark eyes as before, watching concern drift through them.

"Are you-"

"I'm fine." She snapped. She shrugged his hand off and stood, taking one last glance at the lives she had destroyed.

It was self defense. Self defense.

"You! Get away!"

Her focus was instantly pulled away from the dead and towards the living. The innkeeper screeched in horror, his wife and child huddled behind him. His hair was matted with sweat and his eyes still held fear, but not towards the Dawnguard. His dismay was directed at her.

"T-They said your kind was walking about, but I didn't believe 'em. I wouldn't them harass my guests either. Told 'em that was fairy tale talk. That Vampires are children's tales. But you," He breathed. "I saw the fangs, watched you kill 'em with your magic. You drained the life outta him. You really are a monster!"

Serana flinched. "You don't understand, I was only-"

"NO! Get away! Leave me and my family, you abomination!"

"I…"

She stood frozen, her hand moving towards them. The innkeeper jerked away, his hands covering his face in fear. His wife quivered, holding her child for dear life. And the little girl, so young and innocent looking, she simply cried in her mother's arms. Serana stared, empty.

They're right, I am an abomination...

Her companion jumped to her side.

"Hey, we just tried to save your life and this is how you repay us?"

The innkeeper said nothing, just hid himself under the protection of his arms. Her partner scoffed in response, disgusted. Then, he turned to Serana.

"Let's go."

Before walking out the door, he dispensed a large sum of coin onto the bar; payment for all the damage they had caused in the fight. After collecting their things from their room, the fled, and he made sure to slam the door shut as they left. Serana followed his track, numb.

"By the Gods, people can be so unappreciative sometimes. They're lucky that the Dawnguard didn't just gut them right then and there-"

"They're right." Serana interrupted.

"What?"

"They were right," She spoke softly. She felt terrible and confused. "I'm an abomination. I'm a blood sucking fiend. I drained the life out of him. What does that say about me? What does it say about you? How can you even trust me?"

Silence. Serana took it as a sign that she was correct in her assessment. He Didn't. She put her head down, guilt ridden and dejected.

"Are you kidding me?"

Her head snapped up instantly at the astonishment in his voice. He stared her down, dumbfounded.

"Serana, You tried to save their lives. Do you honestly think not killing them would have made anything better? They would have butchered that family in a seconds notice if we hadn't stopped them."

She stared back, taken back by his change."

"Serana," He spoke calmly. "Even humans can be monsters. I think the Dawnguard has proved that already. Having fangs doesn't make you into who you are. What you did in there, you tried to protect people you didn't even know. Just because you're a Vampire, it doesn't mean you're destined to be evil.

She laughed gently "Tell that to my father… but thanks." She took a deep breath and smiled, for the first time in a long time.

"For what its worth, I don't think you're a spy for the Dawnguard."

He burst into laughter. "Oh? Did you figure that out before or after he called me a Pawn?" He stepped off the porch, grinning as Serana rolled her eyes. "To be fair, I never actually thought you were spying for Harkon either. You don't seem to have the most positive relationship."

"You could say that."

She followed his steps, walking through the crisp snow. He glanced at her as he continued down the road.

"Well, whatever's going on between you two, I'm here if things go bad during this 'prophecy' thing."

"Speaking of which," Serana smiled at her friend. "I think it's time to get that Elder Scroll."