First Era, 602nd year…
Valerica had run all through the night from the ancient crypt.
She had tried to keep her thoughts from going back to the look Serana had given her when she cast the spell on her. Trust mingled with apprehension and fear. When the sarcophagus had slid shut it took all of her will power not to open it again, to kiss her daughter's cheek one last time.
It had been the second hardest thing she had ever done in her life.
Now she sat waiting next to Serana's favored chamber maid. She had done everything she could to keep Serana away from the girl. For a moment she let her thoughts hang over another memory.
Helaina… filthy mortal...
Valerica scowled at the girl, but the girl didn't notice. She couldn't, she was already Valerica's thrall. She looked the girl over. Such an unusual thing, red hair and green eyes with dark golden skin, must be the Akaviri blood in her…
Valerica looked at the mortal men passed out around the banquet table. The potion she had mixed into the wine was just starting to take effect on them. Their bodies glowed with a soft purplish light, making Valerica smile with a smug sense of pride.
"You are too much the fool to see the uses they have, Harkon." She whispered to no one, only herself. "But, I won't let you bring war to our home with your short sightedness."
The glow shimmered and grew more luminescent. "Nor will you ever touch Serana again."
"Astrea. Come here child." Valerica watched as the last of the light surrounding the men faded. The first man had already begun to rise from the floor.
Valerica cupped the girl's cheek. "You have done me a great service." Astrea curtsied before her. "But, alas, our time together is at an end. For Serana and your service to me, I shall spare you from Harkon's wrath." Valerica eased the girl close and sank her fangs into her neck. She drank slowly, savoring the magic in the girl's blood. She felt it charge her own body as she absorbed the girl's life force. She was careful with her charm to ensure the girl never felt pain or fear in the last moments of her life. After all, she had been her daughter's favorite, even if the thought disgusted her.
Valerica let the girl sink into the chair and turned to face the black eyes of the men in front of her. "I am your Mistress. Spread word to all… kill anyone who does not accompany me through these halls."
Green vapor escaped the gurgling man's lips as he spoke the ancient Nordic tongue.
"Oh Harkon, true power was right in front of you with necromancy and alchemy. When did you become so blind?" This will give me time to figure out how to stop you and keep my daughter safe. Valerica pick up her heavy bag and ran to her study. I swear by the blood of my ancestors, I will end your insufferable menace if it is the last thing I ever do…
Yup, I'm a tease...
After a long discussion a while back with ChildofSithis and TomedCeht, I think Valerica (as misguided as she is, not to mention as big of a bitch and coward) needed a little redemption. I think she would have protected herself and Serana at all costs.
Next up, the Soul Cairn... wait for it...