The sabre cat stalking the fox didn't realize it was being hunted by another predator. Its moves were being tracked by silent footsteps. The cat slowly moved with its shadow towards the little creature.

Her fingers gently stroked the arrow's feather as she moved. The love of the hunt was fueled by desire for a perfect kill. She tended to only hunt, when necessary, but large game always proved to be such an interesting challenge, which was always so delicious to Azriel.

She could almost feel what the large cat was doing as it crept, deciding where and when it would attack the small animal. The cat lowered itself and Azriel pulled the bow string back. The cat was preparing to pounce. As the muscles in its legs tensed, she let the arrow fly, aimed slightly over the animal.

As the cat leapt, the arrow imbedded itself into the cat's spine at the base of its skull. A small smile of satisfaction spread across her face. The kill was instant.

Azriel walked up next to her kill and looked at it as she pulled the arrow out. I wonder… With her hand over the dead cat, she whispered, "Rise." The animal's legs began to twitch, then its tail and ears. The cat began to move, but then crumbled to ash.

"Damn it! I need to focus more or something. I want to get the hang of these spells," she grumbled. Necromancy was not her thing. Why can I call anything from Oblivion, but get a dead animal to stand is impossible? It was frustrating her. She poked around in the ash for a minute, "Nothing. What a waste. I should have just set the damn thing on fire for as far as that got me." The word fire made her smile again. At least I know what my talents really are.

Fire was the beautiful fury unchained in her mind and that aspect of destruction magic was her strongest suit. She could do almost anything with fire. Her smile grew.

She was almost to the marshes by the smell of things. The morning was young, and she wasn't tired yet. The walk had been invigorating and the hunt had added excitement to a rather boring morning. My kind of boring, at least.

It was late morning when she started to cross the bridge into Morthal. The smell of the marsh had a bite to it. The tang of salt and rot was ever present in the mist that always seemed to surround the small town. She walked past the Inn and the alchemy shop heading for Highmoon Hall. Two small children zipped past her. She recognized both immediately as the raced by, nearly colliding with her. "Good morning you two," she laughed side-stepping them.

Idgrod the Younger stepped out from around the side of the alchemy shop just as Azriel passed by, "Good morning Dovahkiin."

Azriel instantly blushed. Cursing herself, she turned to greet Idgrod whose large smile made her blush harder. "Good morning Idgrod. How are you?" Azriel pleasantly asked, slightly embarrassed her own reaction to her friend.

Idgrod stepped closer to Azriel, "It's a fine day with you around." Azriel knew she was really red now. She could feel the heat in her cheeks as the young woman giggled. "Why so flushed, Dovahkiin?" Idgrod took a playful pleasure in the Dragonborn's blushing.

I really need to start wearing a helmet again. Azriel cleared her throat, "I … um … I am … I'm red?" She felt like a damned idiot. They had been friends for long enough to know Idgrod enjoyed teasing her.

Idgrod laughed harder "Yes. You are. And I like it."

Why does she always make me blush? Azriel laughed nervously, "Well, at least I put on a good show." I'm an idiot. Her friendship with Idgrod always felt too easy, which was completely disarming for her. It made it also made it easier for Idgrod to torment her.

Idgrod was still laughing. "You're not an idiot Azriel. But you'd make a great tomato."

I'm buying a new helmet. "I probably would." Azriel said embarrassed.

"Why are you in Morthal?" Idgrod asked, suddenly very serious and her eyes glazing over.

"Your mother sent me a letter. It was vague, so I figured I would come."

"It's good that you did. Come with me." Idgrod said grabbing her hand and dragging her towards the Hall.

Azriel dug her heels into the soil, stopping Idgrod from pulling her further. Azriel felt it deep within her, she felt it coming before she ever heard it or seen it. Azriel's rage was beginning to build at the feeling of the approaching dragon.

"Azriel? What is it?" Idgrod was still pulling on her hand. Azriel's sunlight gold eyes had lost their playfulness in an instant. Now Idgrod could see only the fury in them.

"Idgrod, grab the children and get inside. NOW!" Azriel said, shoving the girl away from her.

The rumble of the dragon filled the air, shaking it. It soared over the town, its widely spread green wings blocking out the Sun for a moment. Lifting its wings, it pushed itself higher into the sky and began circling Morthal.

"Zu fraan hi, Dovahkiin!" the dragon's Thu'um shook the ground.

"Zu'u het! Meyz Dovah!"

The dragon roared at the challenge.

Azriel looked over her shoulder quickly to check that Idgrod and the children had gone inside. The guards were already firing arrows at the sky, but the dragon was too up high for their arrows. Fools! You waste your arrows for nothing!

"Why do you circle Dovah? Come down and face me!" her Thu'um shook all Morthal.

The dragon laughed. "Come up, Dovahkiin!"

Smartass! At least this one has a sense of humor.

She waited. Her timing had to be perfect since her arrows wouldn't reach it. The dragon pushed high into the air. Turning, it tucked its wings and plunged into a dive straight at her. "FO!"

"JOOR ZAH FRUL!" she shouted as the dragon's frost shout rang out.

The force of her hate-filled shout slammed into the dragon so hard it couldn't breathe. It tried moving its wings to pull out of its dive, but only managed to move them enough to glide. It sailed over her head barely clearing the buildings. Its path took it into the marsh as she spun to watch.

"Stay here! Protect the people!" she yelled at the guards over her shoulder.

Azriel broke into a run for the bridge. Seconds ticked by and her heart was pounding in her ears. She reached the top of the bridge and could see the dragon crashing through the trees in the distance. Sprinting into the marsh, her eyes were focused only on the dragon as everything passed in a blur.

She could hear the dragon struggling through the mist. She drew her sword, "WULD NAH KEST!" Her Thu'um carried her forward in a rush so fast her feet never touched the ground.

The dragon was furious for being knocked from the sky. It wormed its way about in the muck trying to shake off the hateful shout. "I told you to come down," her quiet voice surprising the dragon.

"FO!" the rumbling Thu'um exploded toward her.

Azriel dove aside. "I'll give you a chance to yield. I don't want your soul," she said sincerely as she stood.

"Dir!" Rearing back its long neck, the dragon struggled to its feet. The dragon fixated itself and lunged forward, snapping at her. Azriel dove under its maw, coming out of the muck sword first and plunging it into the injured dragon's broken wing.

The dragon recoiled, turning its body to strike. It was too late. Azriel had already dropped under its head, rolling through the goo to come up on its injured left side. She relentlessly hacked and stabbed at its wing while dancing around the dragon's gnashing teeth.

As they fought, they pushed farther into the swamp. The dragon relentlessly snapped and bit at her in an attempt to gain ground. Azriel tripped over something in the sludge and the dragon thrust out its clawed wing, knocking her deeper into the swamp. Her body slammed against a sandbar, knocking the wind out of her. She got to her feet shakily as the dragon staggered forward.

Snarling as it attacked, it launched itself at her with its head thrashing. Azriel countered with a sword strike to its face. The dragon reared back and swung its head around, colliding with her again and knocking her across the marsh into a deep pool. Her sword flew from her grip as she slammed harshly into the ground. The dragon tucked its injured wing in and stomped after her.

She climbed out of the boggy water coughing and covered in mud and slime. The dragon wasn't close enough to strike again just yet. "FO!" She dove swiftly into the pool trying to escape the frost and dug furiously for her sword. Fuck this! It's getting too close.

The dragon's thunderous footsteps made her head rattle under the water. Its rapid approach made her change tactics.

In its search for her in the pool, it made the mistake of showing its injured side. Azriel capitalized on the mistake. "FUS RO DAH!" The shout sent a muddy wave into its injured side and shoved the dragon sideways. Fire engulfed her hands as her as she stumbled backwards, trying to clear the dragon's jaws.

Fireballs exploded forth towards the dragon and burned into its snout. Azriel clambered back onto a small sandy hill and saw her sword at the waterline just as the dragon recovered from her fiery attack. She rushed forward, grabbing her sword and diving toward the water as the dragon bit down into the sand where she had just been.

She sprang up beside the dragon's injured side within seconds. She drove her sword into the dragon's shoulder, severing the tendons to its wing. The dragon tried desperately to claw its way out of the muck and snapped desperately at her. She answered with volley of sword swipes across its nose.

Exhausted, the dragon's dropped its head onto a large rock. It was obvious that she had severely wounded it.

"Yield! I will spare you." She repeated.

It laughed weakly. "Dovahkiin, even if you do not want my soul, it soon shall be yours."

"I offer Grah-Zeymahzin. I can heal you enough so your injuries will not claim you." Azriel answered softly.

The dragon's golden eyes focused on her. "Your Thu'um is surely the strongest." It paused; it's breathing ragged. "I have heard on the wind you offer this."

"Then you know your choices. Death or Freedom. Which do you choose?" Azriel asked.

"You have won Dovahkiin. You deserve your prize."

"I don't want your soul." Azriel repeated almost to herself. "I'm tired of killing Dov. It's a waste. I want allegiance." She was really tired.

"You have bested me in battle. It would be an honor to accept."

Azriel slipped her sword back into is scabbard and stepped close to the dragon. "Tell me your name." she said almost in a whisper.

"Volkunbahdu," it replied feebly.

Placing her hands close to the dragon's broken wing, she began to feel the extent of the injuries through the soft yellow glow. She focused on the magic and concentrated on healing the most vital injuries first.

Moving slowly, she mended the bones in his wing. Moving to the next layer of muscle and tendon she began to repair them. Allowing the magic to work itself as Colette had taught her. Her knees started shaking, but she kept going and the dragon's wounds were finally beginning to heal.

She allowed the magic to stop the bleeding, but her knees gave out. Blood began to trickle from her nose. Drained, she collapsed into the mud. She could barely move.

"Krosis Volkunbahdu. That's all I can do," her voice barely audible.

Volkunbahdu turned and lowered his head to her, "Why would you do this Dovahkiin? It's not in your favor."

"Funny, I thought I offered allegiance," Azriel answered. Azriel looked around the marsh. Their fight had taken them deeper into it than she thought. "Freedom has its price, Zuwuth. Wait for nightfall before you leave so the joor don't see you. Then find the old one on his mountain."

"I will do as you say, Dovahkiin." Volkunbahdu said simply.

"My true name is Ahziial. I give you permission to call it." Azriel replied.

The sun was beginning to lower in the sky when Azriel had enough strength to walk back to Morthal. I'm not going to see the Jarl like this. I look like a horker. She thought looking down at herself.

She turned to walk up the steps and a man cleared his throat behind her, "Jarl wants to ... um … you are a mess." She turned back towards the man. Figures. Another guard with the brains of a skeever.

"You sir, are observant. With brains like yours, you must be Captain of the Guard."

"The Jarl wants to see you. Says it's important." He replied, annoyed.

"Unless the Jarl likes her guests smelling like a horker and traipsing mud on her floor, I suggest I get cleaned up first." Azriel said trying not to lose her temper.

He nodded and added, "Did you kill it?"

She gave him the most hateful look she could muster, and the man started backing away. "No. I didn't kill it. I invited it to a tea party so we could play with our dollies." She growled at the man.

"Maybe a night in jail will even out your temper." He snapped back.

"Maybe my foot up your …," the inn's door creaked open and light footsteps falling on the wooden boards behind her cut off her words. Azriel turned and saw Idgrod the Younger on the wooden deck. "Berni, it's alright. Please tell the Jarl the Dragonborn is injured and needs rest." Idgrod said softly. The guard grumbled and walked back toward the Hall.

"I was waiting for you in the Moorside when I heard you out here," Idgrod said with a smile.

"My Savior." Azriel joked back.

"You really do look like a horker." Idgrod responded with a light laugh.

Azriel felt the burn return to her cheeks. "Maybe I should put my foot…"

Idgrod stepped forward and put her fingers over Azriel's mouth "In a hot bath?" she finished quietly.

"Um … yeah." Azriel said lost for words. Gods I'm an idiot.

"Well come on then." Idgrod said, slipping her small white hand into Azriel's. Idgrod pulled Azriel into the Moorside Inn.

"Jonna, is her room ready?" Idgrod asked sweetly.

"Yes, and the bath is empty," Jonna answered looking at the amount of mud and blood clinging to the Dragonborn.

I must look like a wreck. She thought noticing Jonna's face.

"You got me a room?" Azriel asked incredulously.

"Yes, I did. You were gone for a while and after everything went quiet, I figured you would want to relax before seeing Mother." Idgrod replied.

"Thanks. No one ever really thinks like that about me." Azriel said sheepishly.

Idgrod smiled. "I do." She said gently.

Azriel felt awkward and looking down, she realized she was holding Idgrod's hand. Keeping her eyes on the floor she let go of Idgrod's hand. "I should probably get clean. I don't want to keep the Jarl waiting."

A moment of silence passed as they stood there. Idgrod finally asked, "Did I do something wrong?"

"Not at all, why would you ask that?" Azriel said looking up at the disheartened girl.

"You… I was just wondering." She said quickly, shaking her head.

Azriel smiled at her, "You didn't do anything wrong. You are just very caring, and I don't know how to thank you. It makes me feel … awkward … not knowing what to do."

Idgrod's smile returned. "You don't have to thank me, Azriel. Please don't feel awkward around me. Everyone else here does, especially now that I'm back from the College. I like the fact that everything is so clear when you are around."

Azriel realized her blush was deepening. "I'd really like to take that bath." She said trying to cover her realization that the young woman's crush had deepened since their time at the school.

Idgrod slipped her hand back into Azriel's. "Well let's go," her voice full of mirth. She started pulling Azriel along toward the bathing chamber.

The Gods must really hate me.

Idgrod started running the water to the bath while Azriel stood like a statue watching her. "I can run my own bath you know."

"Can't a girl do something nice for you, Dovahkiin?" Idgrod asked playfully.

Azriel sighed. Then catching the playful look on Idgrod's face, she finally realized the girl was openly flirting with her, "Depends on the girl." She had no intention of sleeping with the Jarl's daughter.

Idgrod splashed her. "I'll be right back," Idgrod said laughing, walking out, and closing the door behind her. Azriel hurriedly got undressed and jumped into the bath. She wasn't going to let Idgrod catch her undressing.

Idgrod was gone for several minutes. By the time Idgrod got back, Azriel had managed to wash most of the mud off and discovered a few painful bruises the dragon had left in their fight. Other than that, she wasn't really injured. She was mostly sore from moving around in the mud and bouncing off the sandbar.

Idgrod was carrying a large tray full of fruits, breads, cheeses, and wine. It smelled wonderful. "I'm sorry Azriel, it took Jonna longer than I thought it would," Idgrod said apologetically. "I Hope you like what I picked out," she added hastily.

Azriel smiled as she sat up. She reached out for the tray and Idgrod pulled it away. "Oh no you don't, you need to get out of the tub first," she said her lively smile shining.

"I'm not done!" Azriel playfully shot back.

"Then finish."

Pretending to be hurt Azriel asked, "Why'd you bring it in here then?"

"I needed a way to get you out of the tub after your day." Idgrod smiled at her again as she set down the tray on a small table.

"You could have just asked." Azriel snorted.

"I could have, but I didn't want you to say no."

"Why would I say no?" Azriel was confused.

"Maybe I'm not the right girl?" Idgrod teased.

"Maybe. Then again, you didn't ask."

Idgrod threw a wedge of cheese at her. "Finish your bath. I'll wait."

"I doubt your mother will approve of you waiting for me to get out of this tub. I also doubt that she'd like the idea of you being in here while I'm in the bath." Azriel knew what she was trying to do.

Idgrod laughed. "You'd be surprised at what Mother does and does not approve of."

Azriel furrowed her brow. She was certain that the Jarl would not approve. "I'm not getting out with you watching me."

"Oh, don't be silly, I'm not going to watch." Idgrod tossed Azriel a towel and turned her back toward the tub. Azriel stood and wrapped the towel around herself tightly.

She walked over and picked up her rucksack. Thinking about what was in the bag, she pulled out her doeskin breeches and boots, then a soft green hunting shirt. Eyeing Idgrod, she slid on the clothing quickly while trying not to drop her towel.

"My armor is disgusting. I need to wash it. And you can look now."

"Will you eat with me first?"

They shared a mutual smile and Azriel sat down to enjoy a quiet dinner with Idgrod. That she could do, besides it had been a while.

It was evening when they walked back to Highmoon Hall together. They reached the bottom of the stairs that lead into the Hall when Idgrod stopped short. "Thank you."

"For what?" Azriel asked softly.

"For dinner and the conversation. I really enjoyed myself. It's been a long time since I've had a pleasant conversation. So, thank you." The look on her face was difficult for Azriel to read.

"Um, you're welcome. But I really didn't do anything. You did. I should be thanking you."

"Sometimes it's nice to have something… normal," Idgrod said turning back to the door sadly.

Azriel understood the need for something normal. But she didn't understand Idgrod's deepening sadness. Catching her hand on the latch, she stopped her from opening the door. It hurt to see Idgrod so unhappy, she didn't deserve it. Idgrod was a good person that Azriel thought only deserved happiness. She pulled her around gently. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I just wanted to thank you." But her brown eyes betrayed her grief.

"Idgrod, we're friends. Please tell me if there's something wrong."

Their eyes met again, "It's nothing, Azriel. We need to go inside. Mother is waiting." She pulled her hand free and opened the door.

The Jarl was waiting for them both inside. "Ah, Azriel, the timing is right. Things set in motion cannot be changed, but perhaps amended."

"Hello, Jarl Idgrod. Forgive the late hour of my appearance." Azriel said tossing a sideways glance at Idgrod the Younger as they approached the standing old woman.

Aslfur stood near his wife inclining his head towards Azriel. She returned the nod.

"There are grave things indeed, however, I trust the dragon has been … dealt with." Idgrod Ravencrone said respectfully.

No way she knows. "Yes. My Jarl, it has." She knew her answer was the truth, but she didn't want to allude to anything more than that.

"Good. We have much to discuss and dragons are not my concern at the moment." The look in the older woman's eyes caught Azriel's complete attention.

Fuck! She knows. "I received your letter before leaving Riften, but I was preoccupied with prior obligations."

"What's important is that you are here now." Idgrod continued, "First, there is something I wish to do. You have done a great number of things for my people and since you are already Thane in Hjaalmarch, it's time I award you with property. It isn't much, but there aren't any houses available in Morthal. Before you leave give Gorm your map and he'll mark down the location for you." She motioned towards the man in the corner of the long room.

"Thank you, my Jarl."

Idgrod Ravencrone's face took on a steeled look, "Times are dark my friend, the darkness spreads across the land. It touches things and people. I see this. I see many things. The darkness reaches out to you … from you … it encompasses you. It is swirling ebony in the night. A blackness that grows and consumes all that it touches. Its depths are infinite."

Azriel patiently waited. The Jarl's riddles had a meaning to them which were snatched from her visions. Silence was her best ally in discerning the Jarl's cryptic meaning.

"As you have come to the aid of Morthal so many times before, Morthal shall come to yours. Death and despair raid the lands, and each of the Holds are infected. War tears the soul of Skyrim to pieces. One shall stand alone in a valley of flames. The tide of war is coming. The choice is no longer free. Soon, you will need to choose."

Azriel continued to wait. She was patient enough to see that the Jarl was consumed in her visions and waited for them to clear enough for her to speak.

The Jarl blinked and then pulled a scroll from her cloak with a broken seal and handed it to Azriel. "Hjaalmarch is your haven."

Jarl Idgrod Ravencrone of Hjaalmarch,

Let this summons be your warning. Skyrim shall be free of the Empire and Aldmeri Dominion! The People of Skyrim have spoken, and we shall rise against the Empire and their Thalmor Masters. We will be victorious.

Traitors to Skyrim shall find justice at the end of an axe. Let the treacherous Imperial Azriel be the first to find such justice for her crimes against the People of Skyrim. Surrender her to me, and I will see this as allegiance. Harbor her, and you shall share her fate.

-Ulfric Stormcloak, Jarl of Eastmarch

Azriel's fury was instantaneous. She incinerated the scroll in a single burst of flames. "When did this arrive?"

"Two days ago, by courier." Aslfur finally spoke. Azriel simply nodded and the Jarl returned to her meager throne with obvious fatigue.

Aslfur turned to his wife his voice full of concern, "Are you sure you wish to continue?"

"Answers must be sought within the darkening hour," Idgrod replied.

"My Jarl, what answer must be sought?" Azriel asked confused.

Aslfur answered before his wife could. "The vampire attacks around Skyrim have been increasing. We have heard the other Holds are being attacked as well. At first, they were small attacks by one or two vampires. Now, there are more and becoming more frequent."

Azriel thought for a moment and asked, "Have there been attacks in Morthal?"

"Yes. There was an attack almost a week ago. They killed two city guards and three Legionaries. Thankfully, the guards were able to drive them off." Aslfur replied.

"We have maintained a peaceful coexistence with Movarth for some time. But now I'm not so sure." The Jarl said finally speaking.

"Do you wish for me to find out?" Azriel asked already knowing the answer. She couldn't fault the Jarl. She had known before that Morthal had a peace treaty with the Vampires. Their small coven had made a 'different' way of life for themselves. Morthal was the perfect place for them to be left alone in the marsh.

"We must know whether or not the treaty has been broken," the Jarl's dark eyes showed her exhaustion. The Jarl rose without another word and walked into her private chambers with Aslfur. Looking around, Azriel realized that she was alone with Gorm in the main room. It was obvious he had noticed as well. The Jarl's daughter had disappeared.

So much for my quiet night in a warm bed.

Azriel pulled her map from her rucksack, "Can you please mark where this property the Jarl spoke of is? I guess you should tell me where I can find this Movarth person as well."

"Movarth isn't a person. He's a vampire. Why we have anything to do with Vampires is beyond me." Gorm said angrily.

"Just mark the damn map." Azriel snapped back.

When he had finished, Gorm hesitated to give the map back for a moment. He whispered, "The Jarl is always so lost in her visions. If she can't tell what's real or not, how will she continue to lead Hjaalmarch?"

"I think you worry too much, friend. Have you considered that her visions might be what makes her such a good leader?"

Gorm shuffled about for a moment and handed her map back. "I suppose."

Azriel left without another word, making her way back toward the bridge. She turned hearing quiet footsteps run up behind her. It was Idgrod the Younger. "I'm glad I caught you," she said breathlessly.

"Why did you follow me?"

"I wanted to say goodbye," Idgrod said smiling.

"You followed me out to say 'goodbye'?" Azriel said with a laugh.

Idgrod sighed, "Yes." Stepping forward, kissing Azriel on her cheek. "Take care of yourself, Dovahkiin. I hope I see you soon."

Azriel could feel her cheeks burning.

She followed a small game trail deeper into the marsh than she had ever been before. The walk was long and anything but quiet. The sounds of the marsh were different than anywhere else in Skyrim. Things were difficult to track even with her wolf senses. Noise traveled in the mist. Sounds changed. The light was deceiving. Things looked and smelled differently. Her wolf was pacing on edge in the back of her mind.

The trail fractured in places, and it would be difficult to get lost. The main path had a scent that was slightly different from the surrounding marsh. She couldn't figure out what it was.

The mist was at its thickest and even her vision had its limits. She held out her hand and a small wispy light floated above her. The orb flickered like a prism, breaking through the mist, and helping her see. She could understand why vampires would choose this flooded terrain for their own protection.

The night grew longer as she walked, following both the path and the unusual scent. Eventually, both brought her to the mouth of a cave. She expected to smell death here, but the odd scent only became more pronounced. She furrowed her brow and walked in.

The inside of the dark cave looked as though a small caravan had passed by at some point. There were a few barrels, an old fire pit that hadn't seen use in a while, and a small cart. In the corner, something caught her attention. An Orc sat unmoving on a chair and hadn't noticed her walk in.

Some guard.

She walked closer slowly, not wanting to alarm him when his smell hit her. It wasn't a man. It was a vampire. Why didn't I smell him sooner?

She decided to make her presence known to him in the most casual way she could.

"You really suck at guard duty." She said casually.

The vampire fell out of his chair and Azriel didn't bother stifling her laugh.

The vampire jumped to his feet and drew his dagger. She held up her hands showing him they were empty. "Whoa there, friend. I'm just here to visit Movarth. I'm not here to hurt you, so put away the dagger."

The vampire glared at her, still clutching the weapon. "Get out!" Was his only reply.

"Look, put it down. I really don't want to have to kick your ass." She was getting annoyed.

"Get out while you still can!" the vampire bellowed.

Azriel rolled her eyes. "ZUN HAL VIIK!" Her shout disarmed the vampire. Her hands started to blaze. "I suggest that the next time someone tells you to drop your dagger, you should probably listen. I said I'm here to see Movarth. Should I announce my own arrival?"

The flames spilled from her hands in a wave that slowly rolled toward the vampire. The Orc instinctively started backing away. His eyes bulged out as he watched the flames beginning to encircle him.

"Wait, please! Don't do this!" He whimpered.

Why is it people only want to talk when they are about to get roasted? Azriel asked herself coyly. She pulled the flames back slightly, but only enough for the vampire to not to feel immediately threatened.

"Why do you want to see Movarth? How do you know that he is here?" He was still clearly on edge.

"The Jarl of Hjaalmarch, Idgrod Ravencrone, sent me. Vampire attacks have been increasing and she wants answers." Azriel's voice was calm but firm.

The Orc vampire chanced a look into her lit face. "If you release me, I'll announce your arrival."

"You fuck me over and I'll burn everything in here," She growled. Her wolf howled in her mind. What's with this place?

"No tricks. I swear it." He answered.

The flames raced back into her hands and disappeared. Darkness instantly enveloped the small cave once again. It was only because of her enhanced vision that she saw the vampire spin on his heels and run into the cavern.

She lit a small magical fire in the pit and waited for him to return. It wasn't a very long wait. The vampire Orc returned alone, "He'll see you now. Come with me."

She walked behind the vampire a short distance into the cavern that came out to an overhang in the rock. The main cave was huge and well-organized. A large dining table sat in the center of the cave on an even larger platform. Chairs surrounded the table with one large chair at its head. A single vampire sat at the head of the table.

Following the vampire guard, she looked around noticing that the large cave split in two directions. The unusual scent overpowered her nose to the point that she could taste it.

The seated vampire watched as she approached the banquet table. "Welcome, Dragonborn, to my home. I am Movarth." His voice was deep and held a hint of defiance. Her wolf snapped and snarled at his tone. "I expected that the Jarl would eventually send someone, however, I wasn't expecting her to send you." The sounds from around the hollow cavern echoed softly in her ears. But she could tell there were several vampires lurking in the shadows … waiting.

Vampires like their formalities. Azriel decided to try a tactful approach. "Thank you for seeing me, Movarth."

He smiled, his fangs glimmering in the candlelight. "This was expected with current events. Besides, I didn't want you to incinerate my kin." He added, but his voice held no hint of playfulness to it. It was a simple statement of fact.

She took a deep breath before continuing, trying to keep her wolf from pushing out. "I apologize. Your guard wasn't exactly friendly."

"You must forgive, Korgak. It is not in his nature to be civil to strangers." He stood from his chair and began pacing silently. He stopped and turned to Azriel. "I wonder if the Jarl thinks I have broken my pact with Hjaalmarch?"

"The Jarl asked me to come and investigate. Since your clan didn't attack me when I entered your cave, I wonder about your motives." Azriel's answer was honest.

"There was a time I plotted to take Morthal as my own. The Jarl had foreseen my plot and answered with a legion. Knowing that my kin and I would be destroyed, I gave her an oath to live in peace. This way was simpler, and we have prospered in our own rights. I would not jeopardize this pact. But now, another clan chooses to bring our kind into light. I can only wonder if the whole of Skyrim would rise against us. We are not like that clan. Our lifestyles are different. We live in seclusion and hunt only when we are only in need. Vagabonds, pirates, barbarians, and the sorted lot no one would care to miss. That is what we take and in turn, we wish only to be left alone."

Azriel tensed, between the smell of the cave and what Movarth just said, she was having a difficult time keeping her emotions under control. "What clan would be large enough to attack all of Skyrim?"

Movarth chuckled softly. "I see you tensing at your thoughts. Their clan is ancient. I once hunted them long ago. Their seed has spread. But that is another story for another time, Dragonborn." He stepped closer to her. His scent was strong but mingled with many things.

"My name is Azriel." Her anxiety was building, and her wolf was preparing for a fight. What is with this fucking cave? "Movarth, I need to know what is in this cave."

"Ah, I smell it now. You are a werewolf. Odd that I could not smell it at first. Perhaps the stories are true about you, Azriel." He said methodically, rolling her name off his tongue.

"What stories?" Her impatience was getting the best of her.

He was still approaching her slowly, "That you have the blood of a dragon. I smell the fire in it. The burn of it. It smothers out the scent of the wolf."

This time she used her Thu'um. "WHAT IS IN THIS CAVE?" The ceiling of the cavern rained down rocks and dust as the entire cave shook. She could hear things scurrying from all over inside away from the main hall. Movarth stopped his approach and regarded her through narrowed eyes for a minute. Turning his back to her, he resumed his pacing.

"I have said that we live differently than the other clans. It isn't always easy to make such a transition. Not too long ago, we received another sister into our fold. She had been infected with vampirism when she was out picking ingredients during an attack. She was chased near here by her husband after she tried to attack their children. She followed our scent while we were on a small 'hunt'. But her husband was not far behind."

Azriel was trying to reign in her wolf. The sense of another wolf was close. The scent. It's a werewolf! She could feel it. Him, she corrected herself. She knew he could feel her now too. Her wolf began pushing forward. Her teeth extended and her nails grew.

Movarth watched her carefully. "Yes, her husband is a werewolf. He had only tried to stop her from killing their children in her thirst when she first changed. His transformation took over and his wolf viewed her as a threat. He chased her here to our marsh. We took her in to protect her. He finally found her here, but he could not control himself around so many vampires. In our haste to stop him, he became badly injured. It was she that restored him to health. She is a very talented alchemist."

Azriel was fighting with her wolf. She felt the vampires drawing near again. But she felt the threat of another wolf more than anything. This was his home, and she was trespassing on it. Azriel began growling. "Tell him to back off. I won't hesitate to rip out his lungs, or yours."

"This is our home; you are a guest here. Control yourself." Movarth slowly replied.

Azriel fought for control with her wolf as the other werewolf stepped into the cavern. "Get back Dagnar!" Movarth shouted. His eyes firmly watched Azriel's struggle. "You must control your wolf, young one." Movarth's voice was cold and firm.

Not now! Azriel bellowed at her wolf mentally. If you freak out on me, you're not coming out for a year! Her wolf was snarling but backed down.

Slowly, Azriel regained control of herself. Movarth relaxed a bit and as Dagnar walked away. After a few minutes of scrutinizing her, Azriel motioned for him to continue, "Eventually the two reconciled. They have lived here with their children. It was very difficult at first, but we have managed."

Gauging Movarth's silence as a sign he was finished, she finally spoke. "You haven't told me about the other clan. Who are they?"

"I have told you enough to know that they are dangerous. Their actions will only bring about distrust and eradication of our kind. We have had many struggles here. I do not wish for war. We are strong, but we cannot overcome legions."

"Thanks. That answers a lot." Azriel mumbled sarcastically.

Morvarth mistook her sarcasm as an acceptance to move on. "There is another thing that plays into this. I do not know why the other clan is attacking. But their attacks have caused some to reform the Dawnguard. They may know why the other clan is attacking the Holds. The Dawnguard was once a highly organized group dedicated to the annihilation of my kind."

"They're like the Silver-Hand?" Azriel asked.

"Yes. They view us as the Silver-Hand viewed you, as mindless monsters. Thus, their hunt for us has begun. Reforming their group was unexpected though. I did not think they would be remembered." His stare was pointedly directed at her. "Find the Dawnguard. I think you will learn the information you seek. I assure you we are not the cause."

Azriel rolled her eyes. "Let me get this right. In order to find my answers, you want me to go find the Dawnguard?"

Movarth laughed, "Yes. Think of it as an exchange."

"What do I get out of this deal?" Azriel asked, becoming more irritated by his cryptic answer.

"You will find your information. I wish to know if the Dawnguard already knows of our existence. Throw them off our trail, this way we will be left in peace. In exchange, we will leave our doors open to you whenever you wish. I know of the price on your head." Movarth answered slyly.

Azriel was silent for a moment in thought. She looked around the cave. Movarth waited as she formed her thoughts for a few moments. "I have a better deal for you Movarth," Azriel said still looking around. The tension in Movarth's face was instant. "I'll find the Dawnguard and my answers, and if they are looking for you, I'll throw them off your trail with false information. You will go to Jarl Idgrod and explain things to her and vow to hunt the rogues within the marshes to maintain peace within Morthal. In exchange for what I do for you, you will send an emissary to Riften and find Delvin Mallory in the Ratway and establish contact with him and the Thieves Guild. Tell him who you are and that I sent you."

"For what purpose?" Came Movarth's perplexed reply.

"You could have your finger on the pulse of Skyrim, always knowing what was happening in the province. It will get you the independence and contact with the outside world you want along with full protection from mortals' prying eyes that you desire. The Guild won't care that you are vampires. You have access to the marshes and your home is well hidden. You've already said you hunt the type of people who wouldn't be missed. You have the perfect place to stash plenty of items that need to cool off before they can be moved."

Movarth wordlessly contemplated her offer for a few minutes. Azriel waited, hoping he'd see the logic in her offer. "Hmmm. You are a clever girl." He smiled. "I accept your offer."

"Very well. I'll head out and find this Dawnguard." Azriel said. With a smile, she added, "Shadow hide you." Turning around, she left the cave.

Once outside of the cave, she sat down and thought about everything she had learned from the Vampires. I need to get to Riften as fast as I can. I don't want any problems on the way. She pulled her map from her rucksack looking at in it contemplation. Fuck this. She thought as she stood.

"ODAHVIING!" Her Thu'um echoed deafeningly against the mist in the marsh. The swamp was instantly silent as she waited, knowing he always appeared. Seconds ticked by. The only thing she could hear was her heartbeat. The thumping sound became louder until she could clearly hear the steady beat of the dragon's wings.

Odahviing landed in front of her, "Drem Yol Lok, mal Briinah."

"Drem Yol Lok, Odahviing. It's been too long." Azriel said smiling.

"It has indeed. The Old One sends his regards." Odahviing paused, "What is it you need, Ahziial?"

"To see the world as you do Odahviing. I miss the sky." Azriel said thoughtfully.

Odahviing laughed. "Yours is an addiction."

Azriel swatted him playfully on the nose. "And it's your damn fault! I need to get to Riften as fast as I can, and walking will take forever. Plus, I missed your red hide."

Odahviing lowered his head down so she could climb on, "Then we shall fly together."