A/N

Hi! It's me.

I know it's been more than two years and I want to deeply apologize for the time I stopped writing. Things have been rough for me IRL post-pandemic, and I had different priorities.

It warms my heart seeing that there are still people reading this, evident from the comments that are occasionally left on my work (I receive the email notifications too, lol)

Although it's a little too late to resume my work, I'd like to reiterate my intent to write once more and finish this work - at least this one I can stand by.

Things have gotten better for me irl, but also a bit busier. I wouldn't make any more false promises like I did before on the release dates - but updates would probably be released during the weekends.

I would personally set targets/deadlines to achieve.

To recall, there are around three more arcs remaining in this story: 1) The Transition/Preparation for the Volikhar Siege 2) The Final Battle 3) Aftermath. There would probably some more background stories in between.

Once more, I would like to apologize to all readers: to those who were waiting for updates and eventually stopped waiting, to the new readers who were disappointed to see the date of the last update, and to the silent readers who happened to pass by.

I hope to see (figuratively) you more on the succeeding chapters.

This particular chapter took a lot out of me - especially with the fact I haven't written for a long time (especially the "Romance" parts. I also tried my best to write in "deep" English, (I mentioned before that I'm not a native speaker) thus, the brain strain.

I also haven't proofread it yet so if anything seems off, I hope you'd bear with it for a while since I'd probably edit it on the next weekend.

Hope you enjoy!


Remus woke up a little late the next morning. He knew so because the air was already a little warm, unlike the usual chill he gets whenever he wakes up in the morning. Maybe he's wrong - after all, it has been a while since he last slept at Heljarchen Hall.

He expected no Serana beside him, since it was already so late. She might be already out with the little Sissel practicing magic, among other things.

But, to his surprise, she was just right there – her arms wrapped around him, her face buried on his chest. Remus found it adorable how light snores would escape her lips, her face looked free from worry which wasn't exactly a sight he sees most of the time when they're together – and he could only hope that she stays just like this.

Her body lacked warmth, but the feeling of her skin against his was enough to make him feel warm inside. He gently stroked stray hair from her face before kissing her forehead. She moaned a little, still deep in sleep, before tightening her embrace even further.

Absolutely endearing.

Now that he's thinking about it, she almost always doesn't need a good night's sleep. When was the last time Serana actually enjoyed sleep?

After a moment, Serana slowly opened her eyes. Still a little dazed from sleep, her eyes sluggishly scanned the room before looking up to Remus and giving him a groggy smile.

"Good morning…"

Just the sheer sight of her was enough to make Remus' blood leap.

"What's wrong? Your heart suddenly started beating faster…" Serana muttered as she placed her ear just right above his chest.

"No, it's probably nothing. Maybe it's just picking up since we just woke up…" Remus replied, trying to avoid eye contact as much as possible.

Serana's hands held his face before pulling it closer to hers.

"Come here." She whispered, before giving him a light kiss.

"Is there something wrong?"

"No, nothing." She replied softly. "I'm just glad you're home."

Remus smiled. "Me, too."

"What time is it anyway?"

"No idea. But I'm pretty sure the sun has risen."

"You think it's time for breakfast?" Serana muttered lazily.

"Can't say." Remus smiled. "All right, time to get up. They might be wondering why we're not down yet." Remus mused as he started getting up. Suddenly, he was gently pulled back by the vampiress.

"5 more minutes."

She snuggled her head even deeper unto his chest, her arms wrapped tightly against his torso.

He missed this. The small talks they do, with no hint of worry – he missed the faint yet familiar and feminine scent of Serana's skin. While her body lacks that mortal warmth, she never fails to make him feel at home with just her presence.

However, there's still this one thing he wanted to ask. He remembered that time - that incident at Pinewatch. When he first saw them .

The scars that riddled her back.

Suddenly, Serana heaved a sigh.

"What's wrong?" Remus asked.

"Hey, don't they bother you?"

"What do you mean?"

"I meant these … on my back."

Remus was careful with the expressions he'd come up with - Serana's better off not knowing what happened back in Pinewatch.

"Why? Should I be?" he softly answered.

Serana paused for a moment. The air was still in silence - a worried expression creasing Serana's face.

Remus gave her a light smile before gently kissing her on the cheek.

"You really don't have to tell me if you don't want to. Maybe at some point in time, you'd want to tell me - but whether you tell me or not, I'd still be here."

He lovingly pinched her face. "We shouldn't worry much about our past. What matters more is our future… even moreso, our present."

There was a short silence as Serana tightened her embrace - before snickering.

"Why are you talking like some lame old priest? Where have you been?"

"Nowhere. I had two weeks to ponder over things." he quipped back.

"Three."

"Hey, it was two. I made sure I was back after a fortnight."

"- And why is that?" Serana sneered.

"Because I'd miss you, silly… "

Remus didn't even give Serana a chance to react and he quickly pressed his lips onto hers.

The vampiress was quick to retaliate with passionate kisses on her own, intertwining her tongue against his.

Remus' caressed her body – gently claiming as if it was his. But the vampiress had an even firmer grip. Her nails starting to dig (once more) on his back, as if she's marking her territory.

"Hey… Serana… I think we shouldn't…" Remus moaned as he tried to catch his breath in-between the kisses. "It's… already late…"

"You… started it…" Serana replied, still going on the offensive. "You better… take responsibility…"

Suddenly, a loud knock startled both of them.

"SERANAAA?! REMUUUUS?! ARE YOU THERE?!" Sissel's cries echoed from behind the door.

Serana was quick to jump out of bed, dragging a blanket to cover herself with. She stood behind the door, and cleared her throat.

"Yeah, Sissel. I'm here. I'm sorry, I just woke up."

"Are you okay? Have your wounds healed? Do you need more rest? I can come in if you need any help?" Sissel asked one after another.

"No, no! I'm – I'm okay! I've already recovered. Just feeling a bit sleepy still…" Serana glanced back at Remus who still seemed out of it, clueless of their current situation. The vampiress rolled her eyes before going back to her conversation.

"I just need a little more time to wash up and get dressed, okay? I'll be with you shortly."

"Uhh… okay? Just hurry up, okay? I'm getting hungry."

Serana raised a brow. "Hungry? Why? I thought you just had breakfast?"

"What do you mean why? It's already noon ! Jordis and I had breakfast hours ago."

Serana's eyes widened. "What?! Why didn't you call us?"

"I dunno. Jordis said I shouldn't disturb you and Remus earlier. She said you'll come down when you're ready. But you haven't."

A short silence followed.

"What are you guys doing in there anyway?"

Remus broke into a muffled laughter, much to Serana's displeasure. She glared at the man momentarily before replying to the girl, "What do you mean? Remus? He's not here."

The man stood up, a puzzled look on his face. He mouthed " What?" only to be completely ignored by the vampiress.

"He's not? I thought–"

"He isn't. Maybe he left last night?"

"I was asleep early, so I wasn't sure."

"Anyway, I'd be out for a bit, okay? Where's Jordis?"

"She left after we had our breakfast. Said she had important things to do at the capital. She left me some snacks and bread in case I was hungry."

"And you already ate them all?"

"I was bored! It's not like I had anything to do here besides…"

"Besides…?"

" Read."

"You didn't go out?"

Silence.

"... I didn't. I didn't want you to worry."

Serana chuckled. She never would've thought that the little girl, who always had a problem with patience, would stay at home and do the last thing she'd want to do as a past-time - all to prevent her from the unnecessary worry. Very thoughtful kid.

"Alright, let me get dressed. I'll be out there with you soon, okay?"

"Okay! I'll wait for you downstairs! Hopefully Remus comes too! …Wherever he is."

Serana waited for the sound of Sissel's steps going down the stairs to fade, before heaving a sigh of relief.

"Both of you got along pretty well. It's like you forgot I'm even here." Remus suddenly sniggered from behind. "By the way, why did you tell her I wasn't here?"

Serana turned around with a wry smile on her face. "Because, you weren't here ." Her eyes locked on the nearby window.

Cold sweat broke on Remus' forehead, his mouth gaping in disbelief. "You're kidding."

Serana went for the wardrobe and clothed herself. She reached out for a set of clothes and handed them over to Remus.

"Here."

"What do you mean here ?! I'm not going out the window! We're on the second floor!"

"Come on, surely you'll manage. We wouldn't want Sissel thinking that I'm a liar, would we?"

"I missed the part where that's my problem?" Remus smirked as he put on his collared shirt.

Serana approached Remus, and assisted in fixing his collar before whispering in his ear, "I'd make it your problem if we walked out that same door."

Remus shuddered.

"Besides, just think of it as your way of saying sorry for… getting me worked up. " the vampiress continued as she went for the door.

"For the record, I did miss you, too …" she cleared her throat. "Don't take too long, we're having lunch soon."

Remus stood there dumbfounded as the door closed behind her.

He heaved a sigh of relief before opening the window. He felt silly grinning at himself after hearing Serana felt the same.


Serana was already being assisted by Sissel in preparing their food when Remus managed to leave through the window and entered Heljarchen Hall through the front door - just like how Serana "peacefully" asked him to do.

"Hey! Where have you been?!" Sissel asked him, the moment he entered the kitchen. "We're reheating the food Jordis prepared for our lunch."

Remus looked for Serana - who glanced at him with a dead look on her face. She was stirring the stew with a wooden spoon.

The man shrugged. "Just went for a walk?"

"Oh, really. Okay. Where did you stay?" Sissel followed up.

"What do you mean ' where did I stay' ? I stayed at the master room with Serana last night, remember?" he answered.

Snap.

The wooden spoon Serana was holding broke cleanly in half.

"Oh. Sorry." Serana muttered, shooting Remus a glare.

"I-I mean, I was there for a while. I– uhhh– slept while I sat nearby. Just in case Serana needed anything if she woke up. Then I left the room ear"

"Uh-huh. Okay." Sissel shrugged, ultimately letting the topic go.

Serana had a gut feeling that the little girl already knew about their jig, but chose to just let it go. Obviously, who takes almost half a day on just a walk?

As she'd always thought, the girl has always been oddly perceptive during her short time with her - not considering Remus' dumb excuses.

Just in time when the stew had finished and the three had finished their meal in not-so complete silence, when Jordis suddenly burst inside the hall's entryway - startling everyone.

The young woman was heaving in her armor, and was covered in snow.

"Jordis? What's wrong?" Remus was the first to rush and greet her, albeit in worry.

"Thane… you… have to…" Jordis wanted to carry on with speaking, but she was clearly out of breath - panting with her hands on her knees.

"Calm down, and catch your breath first." Remus urged her to a seat, but the housecarl raised her hand to a halt.

"No… No time…" Jordis replied, still struggling with her words. "You have to hide… at least Lady Serana has to."

Remus' eyes narrowed fiercely. "What's going on?" he asked.

Are there enemies? Have the vampires decided to attack their home?

All these and other similar possibilities rushed through Remus' mind. However, the chances of being attacked by vampires at this moment is very slim. While it has obviously started snowing outside, it's still in the middle of the day.

"Valdimar… the old man… he's coming over."

Remus shuddered in horror. He expected the worst - but not to this extent. Valdimar knowing that he's romantically involved with someone is one thing, but being romantically involved with a vampiress is another.

While he cared for the old man as if he were his own father, even telling him some of his well-hidden secrets - this is the one secret he must not know.

"Why is he going here?" Remus asked in slight panic.

"I was on the way to Dawnstar… when I came across him on the road."

"Came across him on the road? What is this, some weird coincidence?" Remus exclaimed in disbelief. The housecarl only shrugged her shoulders.

"Wait, how did you get here first?"

"I knew that it would be trouble if he encountered Lady Serana here… so while we were on our way back I asked him to wait for me as I…"

Jordis paused as her cheeks went red.

"As you what?"

"I told him I was going to relieve myself. Then I sneaked away and ran all the way here."

Normally, Remus would have laughed, but he was far more impressed on how far Jordis was willing to go just to delay him.

"Wow, you really said that? I didn't know Serana and you were that close."

Jordis only answered with a shy nod. Remus smiled. He was relieved that all this time, Jordis was more concerned about Serana more than he thought.

"Anyway–" Jordis continued, "He's probably on his way here. I was already trying to talk him out of visiting here, but that only made him more suspicious I'm afraid. I don't think he's a big of a fool enough to wait too long before he knew something was up."

"Thanks. Rest up, and drink some water." he said, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"What was that about?" Serana inquired the moment Remus returned from the entrance. "How's Jordis? Is she okay?"

"Jordis is fine." he briefly replied. Remus explained the situation to the vampiress in detail.

"Unlike Jordis and Gregor, Valdimar is a different story. I'd say among my housecarls, he'd be one of the least welcoming. Especially since…"

"… I'm a vampire." Serana cut off with a laugh. "No problem. So, you just need me to lay low, right?"

"Yeah. I'm just a little worried. Even if that fact isn't evident, Remus scratched his head. "Well, it's not just you…" He then shifted his gaze unto Sissel.

The little girl pointed at herself to affirm, to which the Dragonborn nodded.

"Why?" the vampiress raised a brow in suspicion.

Remus' cheeks slowly flushed red as he explained. "Well, before you… I…" he leaned in so Sissel wouldn't hear. "I wasn't exactly adopting little kids around."

Serana gently pushed him away. "Look, fine. I get it - no need for flattery. I'll lay low. But will that be fine with her?" she asked, gesturing to the little girl.

"I'll be fine!" Sissel interjected with a raised hand. "It'll be just like hide-and-seek, right?"

"Well, not exactly. You'd be hiding somewhere for a long time." Remus answered before facing Serana. "Talk to Jordis, she'll show you to the cellar. You could stay hidden there."

"Oh… a cellar…?" Serana faked not knowing about his 'playground' , at least to keep Jordis out of trouble.

"Cellar?" Sissel questioned. "What's a cellar?"

"Well, it's like a room beneath this floor–"

"I'm in!" Sissel squealed, having her curiosity piqued with what a room below ground would look like.

Remus turned to Serana with a lowered head.. "I'm really sorry about this. It would've been fine to have you two meet but knowing the old man… it's just something that needs to be eased in."

Serana touched his hand. "It's no problem. I understand. Don't worry about it so much."

Sissel suddenly cleared her throat, breaking the developing connection between the two. A little startled, the vampiress placed a hand on the little girl's shoulder.

"Alright, Sissel. Let's go."

"Wait." Remus called for Serana's attention - gesturing for her to move closer. The vampiress in turn gestured the little girl to approach Jordis, who had just entered the Hall's dining area.

Remus whispered, "Look, we don't have much time. Valdimar might be coming here sooner than we think. But for the record, the moment you go down there - you'd see most of what I've collected over the years. Weapons, armors, books… all sorts of things. You're free to look and read."

After a pause, the man continued. "However, if there are certain things there that weren't made for display . If it's set-up just like how I mentioned, it would be best if you didn't touch it."

Serana gazed back at Remus, her expression a blend of curiosity and concern. After all, it was rare for him to convey something in such a serious tone.

It's probably that greatsword.

Remus's eyes suddenly softened, and he broke into a gentle smile before planting a kiss on her cheek.

"It's not like I'm trying to hide anything from you. It's just something I'd rather talk with you about for next time. Is that okay?"

Serana gave back a warm smile of her own. "All right. I understand."


Jordis had led Serana and Sissel into the cellar before climbing back up. She peered at them before offering her apologies with regards to the situation.

Serana gave her a smile and waved her off - indicating that it's no big deal.

After the cellar door had closed, Serana turned around for Sissel and reiterated the ground rules during their stay in the cellar.

"I had no idea there's a place like this underneath the house before, it's like a WHOLE other place!"

"Yeah, that's what I thought at first."

"At first? You've been here before?" the little girl inquired.

"Not that I remember." Serana replied dryly before giving her a wink.

"How long would we be hiding in here?"

"Well, I'm assuming it'd be half a day?"

Sissel's face contorted into a scowl. "That long? I thought it was only for a little while."

Serana just shrugged.

"What can we even do here in half a day?"

"Err–" Serana's eyes started darting around, trying to look at things of interest. "Maybe you could go and look at the weapons and armor. Or you know… join me and read?"

The little girl moaned in disapproval. "Reading again?" This was until the vampiress' whole response sank in her head. "You mentioned weapons and armor?"

"Um… yeah?" Serana hesitantly replied – thinking about it, it's not exactly right to mention dangerous items to a little girl.

"Where?!" Sissel exclaimed, enthusiasm driving her to jog across the cellar.

"Shhh! Not so loud!" Serana scolded. "We have no idea if they're already upstairs; they might hear us!"

Sissel immediately quieted down. "Sorry!" she whispered apologetically.

Serana knelt down to be at eye level with the young girl. "Listen, we mustn't cause Remus any more trouble. You can explore in silence, but remember: Do not. Touch. Anything."

Sissel sighed. "Okay... you know, for someone who's usually tough on him, you do seem to care a lot."

Taken aback, Serana quickly stood up, fearing that Sissel might see her uncertain expression. "You didn't need to put it that way, " she whispered to herself.

The first two hours passed by without a hitch – Serana already busied herself in the various collections of books Remus had gathered throughout the years (all of course, while keeping Sissel in check), while the little girl took fancy of the armors and weapons he'd collected.

The temptation was strong when it came to having to stop herself from touching the equipment, but she wasn't about to break her word.

As the little girl explored the spacious room, the more and more she realized the side of Remus that was Dragonborn . During the times they met before his stand against the World-Eater, Remus was just a person with funny hair who was her playmate whenever he came around Rorikstead.

However, every once in a while, her father used to tell her that Remus was someone to be wary of because of his line of work.

But, Remus wasn't someone she didn't need to be wary of. He exuded nothing but kindness whenever he was with her during his visits to Rorikstead.

Over the next hour, Sissel got bored of browsing the collections since she couldn't touch them and made her way to the 'books' section of the cellar where Serana sat in silence.

"You really like your books, don't you?" she inquired in disbelief. Serana didn't even lift her eyes from the page when she responded,

"It is a good way to pass the time."

"Hmmm… maybe I should pick one to read, too…" Sissel said, as she looked over the selection.

Serana suddenly slammed her book shut, while comically looking at Sissel in disbelief.

"You have so little faith in me whenever it comes to reading, don't you…?" Sissel stared back.

"I'm kidding. I'm proud of you." Serana sardonically replied with a fangy grin before going back to her book.

"Oh?" Sissel pulled out a book bound in pure black leather. It was placed in the far corner at the bottom of the book case. "Why isn't there a name on the cover?"

Serana looked over what the little girl was pertaining to. Upon realizing what it was, she was quick to retrieve it from her hands.

"This one's a record book for the hall. Of Jordis' I reckon. We should be careful with this one." Serana lied – hoping she'd be able to pass it off.

"Oh. Okay. I wonder what else I could read though." the little girl shrugged as she continued to browse the book case.

The vampiress sighed in relief internally. She stood up and returned her previous book before picking another book and handing it over to Sissel.

"I just remembered this book. It teaches you about basic Ice-based Magic. At least try something new instead of sticking with what you already know."

The little girl just groaned in dissatisfaction.

"It's got graphic representation. Some of the drawings look funny, too." She lied as she naturally breathed. In reality, it was just a children's book about a young khajiiti ice-magic caster.

"I guess I'll take it then." Sissel nonchalantly responded before grabbing the book and finding a good spot to potentially practice.

Serana heaved a sigh of relief. While it wasn't exactly a spell book for beginners, she's a hundred percent sure that it would be enough to grasp Sissel's full attention after a time.

The vampiress stared at the book.

The Tragedy of Lamae Beolfag.

This was the old book that she wasn't able to read back then because– she wasn't even sure.

All she knew was, the Blood Matron was a very sensitive topic back when she and her family were first turned. She remembered asking her mother questions about her – but her memory fails every time I try to recollect the nature of those questions.

All she could recall was, each and every time, her queries were met by the same response:

"Follow the clan's teachings – for within them lies verity."

Serana shuddered as she turned to the first page.

All her life prior to being locked up, she had followed what she was taught and lived the only way she knew how – in complete isolation.

Now that she has awakened in the current era, and had some sense of what 'freedom' would feel like by defying the life she'd only ever known, Serana is almost certain that what was taught inside their castle's walls would be extremely different compared to the 'truth' that is spread in what was known to her as the outside world.

"Are you… the one written in the texts? The fool who denied Molag Bal? The unsullied—"

Vyrthur's words re-echoed in her mind. After his encounter with the corrupted Arch-Curate, a number of questions had muddled the back of her mind. Questions that remained hidden for they had no answer to… all until she first saw this book.

The vampiress' gut tells her that after reading this book, some of her questions would be answered.

Serana was aware that there were gaps in her memory – a lot of what happened during her turning and after that.

From the moment she began to defy the Volkihar Clan, she understood that the 'truth' was far from beautiful.

What troubled her was the uncertainty of whether she'd remain the same person when confronted with its stark reality.

Steeling her resolve, she turned to the next page.

While the book must not contain every answer She must know as much as she can about her origins… or herself... if she is truly to move forward.

With everyone. With Remus.


The book started with a section evident from the work 'Opusculus Lamae Bal'.

As brighter grows light, darker becomes shadow. So it passed that the Daedra Molag Bal looked on Arkay and thought the Aedra prideful of his dominion o'er the death of man and mer, and it was sooth.

Bal, whose sphere is the wanton oppression and entrapment of mortal souls, sought to thwart Arkay, who knew that not man, nor mer, nor beastfolk of all Nirn could escape eventual death. The Aedra was doubtless of his sphere, and so Molag Bal set upon Nirn to best death.

Tamriel was still young, and filled with danger and wondrous magick when Bal walked in the aspect of a man and took a virgin, Lamae Beolfag, from the Nedic Peoples. Savage and loveless, Bal profaned her body. After the deed was done, Bal shed a lone droplet of blood on her brow and left Nirn, having sown his wrath.

Violated and comatose, Lamae was found by nomads, and cared for. A fortnight hence, the nomad wyrd-woman enshrouded Lamae in pall for she had passed into death. In their way, the nomads built a bonfire to immolate the husk. That night, Lamae rose from her funeral pyre, and set upon the coven, still aflame. In a fit of rage, she slaughtered her supposed rescuers in cold-blood.

And so; Lamae, (who is known to us as blood-matron) imprecated her foul aspect upon the folk of Tamriel, and begat a brood of countless abominations, from which came the vampires, most cunning of the night-horrors. And so was the scourge of undeath wrought upon Tamriel, cruelly mocking Arkay's rhythm of life and death through all the coming eras of the et'Ada, and for all his sadness, Arkay knew this could not be undone.

After this section, the following parts of the book were unfamiliar to Serana's memory. As she read on, the story went like this:

Lamae, driven by her burning hatred for Molag Bal, openly defied his name despite all the malevolent acts she committed. Soon, her 'children' became divided into two prominent factions: one loyal to her creed, and the other fervently devoted to the Daedric Lord. Despite their differing allegiances, both factions sowed terror across the lands of Tamriel.

However, Lamae's sinister actions did not go unanswered. The people of Tamriel, despite the conflicts they themselves had sown, displayed remarkable unity and determination. Setting aside their differences, they armed themselves and stood together against a common foe. They assaulted the vampiric lairs created by the dark progenitor, bringing fire and steel to cleanse the land of this malevolent scourge.

The offspring Lamae had spawned and the families she had formed over the ensuing years faced a grim fate. Some were subjected to public execution or the gruesome spectacle of burning at the stake. Others, less fortunate still, endured tortures too cruel for even the most depraved mind to imagine.

It was not long until the Blood Matron's crypt was discovered. For the first time in their supposed immortality, fear gripped the hearts of the vampires, compelling them to scatter in all directions. Not a single one remained to protect the Blood Matron herself.

Lamae found herself compelled to flee alone, unwilling to surrender her existence to the eternal torment mortals would subject her to. For months, she roamed the vast expanse of Skyrim, unable to prey upon mortals due to the constant fear of being apprehended. The provincial borders effectively imprisoned her within its icy embrace, compelling her to wander endlessly.

As hunger gnawed at her, her mind began to fray. Still, she remained resolute in her refusal to feed on animals, clinging to her pride as a creature of higher status meant to feed only upon the walking mortals of Nirn.

One wintry day, although the weather played in her favor due to her vampiric nature, her weakened legs and body finally gave out. She collapsed in the solitude of a barn on a remote farm in Falkreath Hold.

The following morning, she awoke to find a man intently gazing at her. In her eyes, he appeared to be nothing more than a helpless farmer, an easy morsel. With no more magicka replenished by the life force of mortals, her hunger drove her to lunge at the man, her fangs bared and her mind clouded by desperation.

To her astonishment and fury, the mortal easily subdued her with his raw strength. Confounded and angry, she continued to lash out as he maintained his grip. He bound her to restrict her movements, then dragged her to a corner of the barn. With a knife in hand, he cast a hollow, resolute gaze upon Lamae.

For the first time since her undead existence began, the vampiress felt the icy grip of fear as the thought of her soul being claimed by Molag Bal, the very being she loathed, loomed over her. Yet, the farmer used the knife not on her but on his own arm, letting his blood drip into a small bowl he had prepared. Without a word, he poured his own blood into the Blood Matron's mouth.

This time, her pride was overcome by the primal instinct of hunger, and she drank voraciously. Having gone without sustenance for months, she regained some of her vitality, though it was far from enough to break free from her restraints. The farmer left the barn without a word, and Lamae sat in confusion, unable to lash out.

Every night, after a hard day's work, the farmer returned to draw blood from his body for Lamae. His demeanor remained stoic and he never uttered a single word, This ritual continued for a week, and the Blood Matron gradually regained her strength.

One night, when the farmer returned to the barn to give the Blood Matron her daily feeding, he discovered that she sat there in wait, her tethers unbound.

The farmer was obviously weak, having the majority of his blood drained – sections of his body and limbs cut.

For the first time since their encounter, the man gave her a weak smile.

"I'm glad."

Those were his first few words.

"I can finally be put to rest. At the very least, this body may be of use."

With nothing left more to say, he sat in front of Lamae with his head lowered, seemingly offering his life for hers to take.

Lamae, the Blood Matron, met this unexpected surrender with confusion. She had prepared herself for a battle, ready to confront her supposed 'savior' and claim his life as a means to rejuvenate her own. Somehow, mixed feelings welled up from her being – feelings that she'd forgotten a long time ago.

Was it mercy? Lamae wrestled with the unfamiliar sentiment, uncertain of its true nature.

Thinking upon it, even confusion was something she hasn't dealt with for a long time.

She stood up and walked past the man, before slaughtering the nearby fowl. She opened its carcass before drinking its blood. Disgusted, she threw the fowl's corpse aside.

"I do not owe you the favor of dirtying my hands just to take your life. If you truly wanted to die, do it on your own."

Lamae and the man found themselves in a new and delicate arrangement. Lamae sought refuge in the farmer's rustic barn, where she led a solitary existence, hunting wild animals to sustain herself.

On the other hand, the man carried on with his life as usual – sometimes, secretly checking how the vampiress was doing.

The man, for his part, continued with his life as best he could, discreetly checking on the vampiress from time to time. Lamae was well aware of his presence, but so long as he maintained a respectful distance, she paid him no mind. In the silence of their shared space, a silent pact seemed to exist.

Occasionally, upon her return from a hunt in the moonlit wilderness, Lamae would find a small bowl of fresh blood waiting for her. It remained a mystery why the man continuously drew it from his own body and offered it to her. Lamae, still somewhat bewildered by the farmer's peculiar habit, nevertheless indulged in the gift, her cold existence warmed by this enigmatic act of kindness.

The distance between them inched closer and closer, with the small encounters (or conversations) they had during these fleeting moments.

It's been three days since the farmer had come out of his hut, confusing the Blood Matron. That very night she could not help but barge into his abode, only to see that he was bed-ridden with sickness.

The Blood Matron, with centuries of knowledge that made her an excellent alchemist, sought out ingredients in an attempt to create a potion that would save the farmer. She felt an urgency she couldn't quite comprehend, foreign emotions coursing through her very being – earthly emotions used to mean nothing.

In the end, Lamae's alchemical prowess prevailed, and she succeeded in saving the farmer. Determined to cure him of his illness and intrigued by the complex feelings that stirred within her, she decided to stay with the farmer in his hut. They were feelings she had long forgotten, harkening back to her mortal existence.

the shroud of his past remained an impenetrable mystery. The only known fact about him was that he had embraced the life of a recluse - tilling the land in solitude.

As time passed by, Thrain and Lamae's shared existence in their secluded haven took on a profound and unspoken connection. Their hearts, though initially veiled in silence, soon found voice in the language of unspoken yearning.

Their tireless labor over the remote, untouched land had also not gone unnoticed. A small community had begun to take shape around them, drawn by the allure of this unspoiled landscape and a peaceful life.

Over time, Thrain's affection for Lamae blossomed into a love so profound that he decided to take a momentous step in their journey together. One evening, he gathered his courage and presented her with the very ebony dagger he had once used to cut himself and draw blood, to aid in her recovery during their first encounter.

With unwavering commitment, he explained that this dagger now served as a symbol of his enduring love for her. Lamae, moved by his heartfelt gesture, accepted with grace, sealing their bond with a promise that would endure the tests of time.

Something about Thrain tamed the beast that was Lamae, in the guise of the Blood Matron. In each other's eyes, they had a newfound purpose, a radiant light at the end of life's darkest tunnels. Thrain gazed at Lamae, seeing in her the very essence of hope and the inspiration to begin anew. Her presence alone made every moment worth living. Lamae began to dare hope for a chance at a "normal" life, a possibility she had long deemed impossible. And among the dreams of this "normal" life she envisioned, there gleamed the hope of one day returning to mortality.

Yet, in the shadows of Coldharbour, a sinister and envious eye watched their every move, waiting to unravel the newfound harmony that had blossomed between them.

It was a bright, sunny and refreshing day – and no one expected that the Daedric Prince would emerge and walk Nirn once more. He stood tall and imposing, with a greyish hue that tainted his skin, a telltale sign of his demonic nature. His head was adorned with a pair of menacing, curving horns that gave him an aura of cruelty. From his powerful hands extended long, razor-sharp claws, perfect instruments for imposing his unyielding will upon those who dared to cross his path. He wielded a terrifying mace – this sinister weapon was a symbol of his absolute dominion and malevolent power.

Daedric portals materialized all around the quaint village that Thrain and Lamae called home, spewing forth daedra that began their merciless onslaught. Lamae, appearing to have briefly reclaimed her former self, rallied the survivors and lent a helping hand. Meanwhile, Thrain, who had unveiled his latent skills as a formidable warrior, squared off against the malevolent Molag Bal.

To the astonishment of all who beheld it, Thrain wielded a blade forged from the purest light as he engaged in a fierce battle with the Daedric Prince of Domination. The radiant weapon gleamed with divine power, a beacon of hope against the encroaching darkness.

Yet, the question lingered in the air, unspoken but ever present: what chance did a mere mortal warrior have against the overwhelming might of a Daedric Prince?

While Thrain managed to sear the Molag Bal's neck with the light emanating from his sword, he was easily crushed by the very mace that signified the Daedric Lord's cruelty.

Knowing that Lamae watched from a distance, he tore Thrain's heart out from his body before crushing it with his bare hands.

Lamae cried in pain of seeing his beloved lost – her screams became the Shrieking Winds, which still haunt certain winding fjords of Skyrim.

Despite knowing peace, Lamae slowly shed her mortal skin and transformed into her primal yet incomplete form. Her long, blonde hair cascaded down her back, framing a face that retained some vestiges of her former beauty, albeit with a haunting quality – her eyes pitch black. Her limbs had taken on a more sinuous and predatory shape, with elongated fingers that ended in wickedly sharp claws. Bat-like wings protruded from her back, giving her an almost-regal yet horrifying appearance.

The survivors watched in horror as they realized that Lamae was a being who had once sowed terror during the darkest of years when vampires reigned unchecked.

The newly-reformed Blood Matron held the dagger Thrain gave her tightly before spreading her wings and lunging toward the Daedric Lord with a burst of speed, quickly plunging the dagger into his neck in a form of vengeance.

The Daedric Lord let out a deafening, unearthly howl that echoed through the void – IWith sheer fury, he yanked the accursed dagger from his flesh and cast it aside.

In a fit of rage and cruelty, Molag Bal stripped the Blood Matron of her wings. As the Blood Matron remained motionless, her injuries clearly taking a toll on her, Molag Bal's voice resonated with an ominous declaration. He asserted that Lamae would have much to answer for upon their return to the chilling depths of Coldharbour.

Yet, despite her weakened state, Lamae met the Daedric Prince's ominous words with a steely resolve. She stared back at him, her gaze unyielding, and uttered words that echoed with defiance:

"Whatever form of torture you have prepared for me, I shall never submit."

The Daedric Lord's response was a cruel, mocking laugh. With a sinister smile, he retorted, "We shall see."

In an instant, a blinding flash of light enveloped the entire assembly, causing every Daedra, their malevolent Lord, and the defiant Blood Matron herself to vanish into the mysterious depths of the void.

In the wake of this devastating assault, the grim aftermath included the loss of many lives, the smoldering ruins of their homes, and the sole relic that had survived the chaotic confrontation. It was the very dagger wielded by the Blood Matron, and in time, it would come to be known as the artifact, "Lamae's Tear."

With trembling hands, Serana abruptly closed the book, her panic rising as the weight of the story settled upon her. Every detail was etched in her mind, and she found herself unable to escape the fragmented haunting recollections of her gruesome past at the hands of Molag Bal.

Her head throbbed in pain, reminding her of her battle with Vyrthur. Then, as if a dam had burst within her mind, the fragmented memories suddenly pieced together like a puzzle, rushing through her consciousness with overwhelming force. The flood of memories was a torrent of agony and revelation – each piece coming together to form a complete and unvarnished portrait of her dark and troubled history.


Stop.

A singular word escaped from the lips of the Blood-Matron.

Molag Bal, who was continuously battering Serana's body with his mace as a form of punishment for trying to defy his ritual as she refused to be violated, stopped to turn and face Lamae Bal.

This is the first you've ever spoken since then.

The Daedric Lord wore a mocking sneer albeit curious with Lamae's sudden interest.

Give her to me. In turn, I will submit myself to you.

A pause hung heavy in the air, pregnant with uncertainty. Then, with a chilling and heartless laugh, Molag Bal responded,

Very well. We're done here.

The Daedric Lord stomped away from the chamber, leaving the Blood-Matron and Serana.

You fought well. He won't hurt you anymore.

The figure of the Blood Matron appeared before her mangled body. She was fighting for dear life, but with the sustained injuries from the Daedric Lord's own mace. It was only a matter of time.

The Blood Matron gently supported Serana's head and body.

I'm sorry… I knew you wouldn't want to turn. But I have to save you…

A gift from me. Use it well.

Serana felt something hot.

Terribly hot. As if it's searing through her skin… through her blood.

The Blood Matron sank her teeth into Serana's neck, to turn her and save her life.

This way you won't be as corrupted as he wants you to be.

Lamae covered Serana's naked body with a blanket.

This was the first time I've seen anyone defy him.

For many years I've endured. For many years, I refused to submit. My body… my soul. They're getting weary.

A faint, defeated chuckle escaped her lips, carrying the weight of her long and arduous struggle. Lamae observed as Serana's wounds, inflicted by the brutal mace of the Daedric Lord, began to slowly heal.

My blood had undergone changes since the end of my tragic life playing mortal. It's different from the corruption Molag Bal forcefully implants to the other 'Daughters of Coldharbour'.

This way you won't be as corrupted as he wants you to be.

Serana's listening was faint as she was slowly fading into unconsciousness.

Thank you. You've given me hope, if not for myself… at least for another.

As the moments passed, Serana could hear the sound of Lamae's quiet sobs intermingling with their shared pain. It tugged at her heart and she wished to offer her solace but weakness from her punishment overwhelms her.

You're going to live. Someday, you'll be free. You… you have to try.

Another defeated chuckle.

Someday, you'll fare better than I did. Someday, you will truly live.


A/N

I basically just rewrote Lamae's history, and even Serana's.

Hope you liked it.

Will start working on with the next chapter as soon as I just proved how hard it is to write a chapter in One Saturday. Next chapter to come out on a Sunday within November.

Thanks for reading!