A/N: Hello. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has followed and favorited. Extra thanks to DuskReaper25, Happy Mistake, and TrickyTwist for the reviews. I was honestly surprised with how much attention A New Dawn gained, and I'm glad people are enjoying this sequel. It makes me very happy. I hope you all enjoy what I have in store with this story.
There was a strange air about Morthal. Serana couldn't quite place it, but it made her a little uneasy. The first time she actually came here with Akiseta, she'd gotten wary looks from the townsfolk. Even now, they regarded her in a guarded manner. Akiseta had explained to her that the people here didn't trust mages, even if they weren't up to anything. They were just mistrustful towards outsiders in general as well.
A light fog hung over the whole village, and the ground was slightly damp, a constant situation for the little village. Akiseta greeted the guards with a respectful nod, and Serana followed suit, and then they headed into the Jarl's longhouse.
Idgrod was seated in her throne, looking deep in thought. She glanced up at her guests, and smiled.
"Akiseta. I was wondering when you'd come."
"Expecting me, Jarl?"
"Yes. I just wasn't sure when it'd be. It wasn't yesterday, and it could have been tomorrow, but today it is." The Jarl said. She looked over at Serana. "Whether you'd be here or not was a little more unclear."
"With respect, Jarl, if you thought I wouldn't be here with her, you were wrong." Serana said.
"I meant no offense. I just see what I see." Idgrod responded calmly. She looked towards her husband. "I'll be attended to business with my Thane in the Marsh."
"I'm not sure that's a good idea." Her husband replied.
"Don't worry. Akiseta and her companion will not let any harm befall me."
"Maybe I should come with you." Her housecarl offered.
"I appreciate your concern, my friend. But this is between us at the moment."
"Alright, my Jarl."
Idgrod rose from her throne, and headed out of the longhouse. Serana and Akiseta followed her out of town and well into the marshes. They came to a secluded clump of scraggly trees, and Idgrod sat down on an old stump.
"I felt you'd be more comfortable having this conversation away from anyone who might hear us." She said.
Akiseta nodded. "I am. It's not that I don't trust your husband or court, Idgrod. But, this is a sensitive matter."
"I knew it would be. Better that we're away from potential prying eyes and ears." Idgrod said. She looked towards Serana. "And you may drop the disguise, my dear. No need to pretend out here."
Serana stiffened, unsure what to say.
"I'm sure you know well enough about my gifts. I know what you are, just as I know what Akiseta is." Idgrod told her.
"You'll have to forgive my unease." Serana replied, dropping her disguise, and lowering her hood. The fog was thicker out here, masking the sunlight. "After what happened with Alva, I assume vampires aren't though of fondly."
"Alva caused my people a lot of pain, and, had Akiseta not become involved, would have turned us into cattle for her coven. So, while I may not like vampires, you are an exception. You go against the nature of the rest of your kind. And, the stories of how you and Akiseta stopped a much larger vampire problem, however embellished they may be, show have a good heart."
"Um, thanks. I think."
"You're welcome. But anyways, down to business." Idgrod said, turning to Akiseta. "The conflict has grown, and you can no longer watch it with idle hands."
"No, I can't. The deal was broken. And it will get worse, won't it?"
"The tides of war will claim much more. Your words are no longer heeded. Only your actions will speak now."
Akiseta's expression fell. "You know what my threat was, Idgrod. All the Jarls do."
"I know. Yet Ulfric and Tulius defied you regardless. To make your threat empty would be folly on your part."
Akiset hung her head. "So I have to do it, then."
It was a statement, not a question.
Serana knew Akiseta was hoping there would be some other way, but that was just not the case. She wished there was, something that would be easier for her lover. But there wasn't.
Akiseta sighed. "How do you feel about this, Idgrod?"
"You know I only want what's best for Morthal. And I know your actions will bring that. I've seen it. I stand by you, whatever you choose. And I can assure you, others feel the same. But you should let the other Jarls know."
"I will, Idgrod."
"A warning, friend: I suggest you visit Falkreath. Sidgeir won't be as... accepting of what has to be done."
"I figured as much." Akiseta said, scrunching up her face in agitation. "The pompous little ass cares for nothing but himself. How am I supposed to deal with him?"
"You earned enough of his respect to become his Thane. And you've dealt with disagreeable Jarls before. Maybe you can reason with him."
"Maybe. Thank you for your council, Jarl. We'll escort you back to Highmoon Hall now."
After escorting Idgrod back, Akiseta suggested they visit the inn. While they really didn't need anything, Serana knew Akiseta liked to support the Hold's poor economy. After getting some drinks, Akiseta went to talk he Orc bard friend, Lurbuk. Somehow, the two ended up performing together.
"I don't know how Akiseta manage to turn Lurbuk, but I tell you, it's a miracle." Jonna said.
"I presume morale has improved?" Serana questioned. Akiseta had told her about Lurbuk's former reputation as 'The Worst Bard in Skyrim'.
"Immensely. I've actually got customers again. I'm glad you stopped by. It's always a pleasure to see Akiseta, and it's nice to actually talk with you for once."
"Yeah. I'm just.. still getting used to being noticed by so many people."
"I can imagine. You're nearly as big a hero as Akiseta is."
"I'm not a hero. I just did the right thing."
"Hah. Akiseta always says the same thing. You two really were made for each other."
"Now that I'll agree with you on."
Serana couldn't imagine sharing feelings with anyone else but Akiseta. She couldn't imagine having connected or bonded so closely with anyone else in all of Tamriel. And she never wanted to.
"Hey, can I ask you a question about the vampire problem you two dealt with?" Jonna asked.
"Sure. May as well." Serana replied, mentally sighing. She and Akiseta had been asked many questions over the past year. It had grown a little tiresome.
"Well, there's been so many stories about what happened. I'll like to here the truth."
"I think I can provide that."
"Well, you went to that island up north of Solitude, right? There was a rumor it was cursed."
"Cursed? No. Just full of vampires."
"Well, from what people have said, you and Akiseta led the Dawnguard in a charge against dozens of vampires."
Serana scoffed. Typical storyteller embellishment.
"That's not quite what happened. The Dawnguard was roughly evenly matched in numbers with the vampires and their thralls. We just got lucky enough to have fewer casualties."
"What about the rumors of you and Akiseta killing a monster the vampires had with them?"
That struck Serana hard.
When she'd finally confronted Harkon, she'd reached a breaking point. Centuries of bottled up emotions had over flowed into anger. And, after killing him, it all wilted away into hollowness.
For so many years, she had wanted him to be the father he used to be, to be the father she used to love. But she had finally come to accept that he wasn't that person anymore. Her father was gone.
But, after confronting him, after seeing what he had done to Akiseta, what he had put her through, all to make her join him...
He really had been a monster.
"That one is true. I.. I'd rather not discuss that anymore."
"Right, of course. Sorry. You know, you two were really brave, facing so many vampires. Just knowing we used to have one in our midst was unnerving." Jonna said, shuddering.
Serana was glad no one else could see through her disguise. She figured no one else in town would be as accepting of a vampire, however friendly. Nor a werewolf, for that matter.
It was ironic to Serana, in a sad way. Despite all the good Akiseta had done, and she herself at this point, despite being hailed as 'heroes', all that praise would turn to hate if the populace knew what they were. How quickly they'd be painted as villains.
She shook those musings from her mind. There were more pressing things to consider now.
The trouble with Ulfric and Tulius was already beginning to get to Akiseta. She was caught in the middle of a very complicated political game. She had the full support of Balgruuf, Laila, and Idgrod, and most likely Kraldar. But she needed the rest on her side.
And then there was the matter with the dragons. Akiseta was sure the incidents were isolated, but what if she were wrong? What if another crisis broke out?
And finally, the attempt on Akiseta's life. The Thalmor were quite the puppet masters in the conflicts, and Serana knew they hated Akiseta's interference in their schemes. What else were they plotting?
Serana glanced at Akiseta as they left Morthal, making their way for Falkreath. "Are you alright, love?"
"Yeah. Just, thinking." Akiseta replied. There was a heavy sigh in her voice.
"You know, most of the Jarls respect you. I'm sure you can get them on your side."
"Maybe. But Sidgeir is a more complicated matter. I don't trust the thuxis."
"I don't blame you. But, maybe you can reason with him."
"Possibly. But, if not, I can talk to Dengeir."
"Did he used to be Jarl?"
"Yes. He supports Ulfric, but knows his intentions aren't pure. He would be more willing to be neutral and on my side, if I could get him to be Jarl again."
"Like how you got Kraldar to be Jarl?"
"Sort of. Sidgeir is pompous, but not prideful. He won't agree to a challenge. But, I have some ideas on how to get him to step down, if he won't agree to support me. I know things he wouldn't want to get out."
"Blackmail is always a good fall back."
"I wouldn't do it if I didn't have too. You know that, don't you?" Akiseta asked, sounding worried.
"Of course I do, Aki. You're in a very delicate position. I just wish there was more I could do to help you."
"You being here with me is help enough, iluukai."
"I'm always going to be with you, love." Serana told her. She took Akiseta's hand as they walked. "I promise."