Disclaimer Original Story: Skyrim, Edler Scrolls V. All rights belonging to Bethesda and the like
Chapter Two
Evelynn
Serana suggested leaving the horses at the Solitude Stables. She'd said there were too many unknown factors to risk leaving them ashore alone, and the vessel she remembered was much too small to accommodate horses. Evelynn agreed. She'd find a way to send her mare to her later.
The rest of the ride had been uneventful. Even talking seemed scarce. Evelynn appreciated the time alone with her own thoughts. She still didn't entirely understand what had happened, but it would not happen again, and Evelynn wanted to burn it into her mind forever. The cut in her tongue had stopped bleeding, but it was still sore, which kept Evelynn in the knowledge that she hadn't imagined it.
The wind was unbearably cold at the shore, but the stubborn Imperial refused to admit it. They'd had to walk west along the beach for three leagues before they found the small boat. The fog was so thick that Evelynn was sure that, if there was an island, it could be farther out than this boat would take them. Regardless, she untied the boat and helped the Nord in.
Rowing the small boat was easier than Evelynn had expected, the wind was with them and the current was surprisingly tame. Not perfect though, salty ice water occasionally lapped over onto Evelynns' boots when a particularly angry gust blew by sideways. Soon, the black silhouette of a castle appeared in the gray light of early dawn. Evelynn stared in awe.
She banked the boat directly into the shore and looked up at the massive monstrosity that was Castle Volkihar.
"This is your home?"
"This is it. Home sweet... castle." The sadness had returned to her voice. Evelynn hated the Sadness.
"Why didn't you tell me it was so huge?"
"I didn't want you to think I was one of those... you know, the women who just sit in their castle all day? I don't know. Coming from a place like this, well... it's not really me. I hope you can believe that." She looked at Evelynn with pleading eyes.
Evelynn did believe. She was convinced that she'd believe anything Serana would tell her. Her heart ached to comfort the vampire that did not want comfort. Wouldn't the Dawnguard love that.
Evelynn walked toward the front gate, but Serana stopped her.
"Hey, so… Before we go in there…" anxiety pulsed vividly around the Nord.
"Are you all right?" Evelynn searched in her eyes for any hint of how to help.
Serana simply smiled. "I think so. And thanks for asking. I wanted to thank you for getting me this far. But after we get in there, I'm going to go my own way for a while. I think... I know your friends would probably want to kill everything in here. I'm hoping you can show some more control than that. Once we're inside, just keep quiet for a bit. Let me take the lead."
Evelynn lightly squeezed her hand. Divines, was there anything Evelynn wouldn't do for this woman? She held her hand as they walked to the front gate. An angry looking vampire stopped them immediately. Serana dealt with him easily enough. He gushed about Lady Serana and opened the gate.
If the outside of the castle was big, then the main hall inside was gargantuan. Evelynn looked at several long dining tables, though very few vampires were even present. The tables were lined with plates and goblets that would convey elegant class, had they not been spattered with human blood and meat. Evelynn swallowed the excess saliva in her mouth and realized how hungry she was.
In the middle of the room stood a tall Nord man with dark hair and a foul stench of darkness. He wore fine clothes, but Evelynn couldn't look past the evil dripping from his eyes.
"My long-lost daughter returns at last. I trust you have my Elder Scroll?" His sickly sweet voice thundered across the hall.
Serana rolled her eyes. "After all these years, that's the first thing you ask me? Yes, I have the scroll."
"Of course I'm delighted to see you, my daughter. Must I really say the words aloud? Ah, if only your traitor mother were here, I would let her watch this reunion before putting her head on a spike. Now tell me, who is this stranger you have brought into our hall?" Evelynns' fur pricked the back of her neck.
Serana stood defensively at her side. "This is my savior, the one who freed me."
Savior. Evelynns ears heated.
The vile creature turned to the Dragonborn. "For my daughter's safe return, you have my gratitude. Tell me, what is your name?"
"I'm Evelynn. Who are you?"
"I am Harkon, lord of this court. By now, my daughter will have told you what we are."
"You're vampires."
He scoffed. "Not just vampires. We are among the oldest and most powerful vampires in Skyrim. For centuries we lived here, far from the cares of the world. All that ended when my wife betrayed me and stole away that which I valued most."
Somehow Evelynn knew he was referring to that damned scroll.
"What happens now?" She needed to know Serana was safe here.
Harkon thought for a moment, scratching his chin. "You have done me a great service, and now you must be rewarded. There is but one gift I can give that is equal in value to the Elder Scroll and my daughter. I offer you my blood. Take it, and you will walk as a lion among sheep. Men will tremble at your approach, and you will never fear death again."
"I'm a werewolf. What will happen if I accept your gift?" Evelynn had just blurted it out. She tried not to see Serana stare at her in shock, yet... clarity.
"Yes, I can smell it on you. The power of my blood will purge that filth and make you whole again."
Evelynn bristled. "And if I refuse your gift?"
"Then you will be prey, like all mortals. I will spare your life this once, but you will be banished from this hall. Perhaps you still need convincing? Behold the power! This is the power that I offer! Now, make your choice!"
Evelynn didn't even bother looking as he transformed. "I don't want to become a vampire. I refuse your gift."
Outside, Evelynn was truly alone, standing at the small boat. She looked back at the castle. Seranas eyes had seemed so… sad. Yet, relieved? Evelynn shed a single tear for the only spark of true love she'd ever known, then she rowed away into the fog.
Evelynn walked back to the horses. She had no idea who she would dare send to deliver Seranas' horse. In Solitude, she sold the jewels that had fallen from the dragon, but she felt no joy in it as she usually did. She didn't stop for food, she went straight to the stables.
Dusk did his bouncing again when he saw her, snorting and huffing. She pet his round jaw and soothed him before saddling him up. She saddled Dawn, and fastened her halter to the back of dusk, and began the long journey to just south of Riverwood. Perhaps seeing her family will make her feel less empty.
Evelynn
"Ma! You're back! I got something for you… I hope you like it." Aleson was always so sweet. He rarely asked for anything. My tough boy. He procured a gold necklace from his pocket. It warmed some of the ice inside Evelynn, and she hugged him tightly.
It was early morning as she arrived at Lakeview Manor; the home she'd built for her family with her bare hands. The sense of home did relieve a bit of the echo in her soul.
"Did you bring me anything?" Lucia cornered her after greeting her. Evelynn laughed. Girls.
"Actually I did." Evelynn handed her a doll that she had found in the fort. The smile on her face made it worth carrying that thing around the past few weeks.
Camilla was sweeping in the back den when Evelynn found her. She smiled warmly at her wife and dearest friend. "Hello, my love. Back from some adventure, I bet." They hugged, Evelynn kissed her cheek.
Evelynn sat in the chair at the square table and closed her eyes, leaning her head back, wishing she could feel rested again. Camilla came over and rubbed the tension in her neck.
"What is it, love?"
Evelynn smiled. She'd never been able to keep anything from the brunette. "I met… someone."
"Oh? Someone special?"
"Very special."
"Well? Where is she?"
Evelynn looked at her questioningly.
Camilla laughed, "what, do you expect me to believe a man put those stars in your eyes?"
Evelynn blushed. "She's far away. Safely at home."
"When will you be able to see her again?"
"I won't." Evelynn squeezed her hand reassuringly.
"Oh, dear. Do not be sad. Mara would not allow you to be separated from a love forever." Camilla kissed the top of her head.
"How is Marcurio?"
Camilla flushed scarlet this time. "He is well. He's a terrible steward, but he is trying. Raaya has been teaching him to care for our home."
"Oh? Good. She does well here." Evelynn stood and wrapped her arms around her wife. "And what have you been teaching him, love?" Evelynn smirked at her.
"He's been teaching me," she said shyly.
Evelynn laughed loudly. "Well, good. I'm glad to know he's not entirely helpless. You Riverwood girls are so sheltered, you could use some training." Camilla hit her arm and she pretended to wince. No, not pretend. Oh right, the burn. Evelynn shook it off, and began untying her armor.
"No! No you don't. Cellar." Camilla pointed to the door in the floor.
Evelynn laughed, "okay, okay. I'm going."
The cellar had been Evelynns haven since building this place. The manor was spacious and homey, but the cellar was her home. She'd put a bed in there if she ever bothered with sleep.
Evelynn descended the ladder into the dim, warm basement. There were sconces lining the walls, but the most light came from the massive forge in the back room, as did the heat. Camilla hated it down here, but kept the forge burning hot for Evelynns' erratic stops at home. At least that's what she said. Of course it had nothing to do with this room supplying ample heat to the main house.
Evelynn stripped to her garments at her armor mannequin, placing the pieces in proper order; she'd clean and mend her armor soon. Camilla always kept fresh water in the jug for her. She almost poured it into the washbasin, but stopped. She set the jug onto the hearth of the forge instead and waited, watching the flames.
Evelynn absently touched her lips, something she'd done periodically over the last several days since leaving Volkihar. Her mouth had long since healed, the slight swelling of her lips completely gone, her tongue barely had a new scar; her new favorite scar.
Evelynn tried not to dwell on how much she wanted that back. It would never happen again, and Evelynn had already mourned that loss. But she did wonder how much of her was forever changed because of it. The Nord had certainly changed something inside her, but she was only beginning to ask the right questions to find out.
The Imperial worried not about her children or staff walking in; Camilla would surely have told them by now not to disturb. She stripped off her undergarments. They were pretty worn out, so she tossed them into the forge to burn. Retrieving the hot jug burned her hand, but she found that she liked the feel. She poured out half the jug into the wash basin, steam rushing off the water even in the too warm room.
The bucket was full of clean rags, thank the Divines; and of course her wife. Submerging one rag burned her hand so sweetly that she sighed. Hot water. One of the many changes. The wash oil was juniper berries and nirnroot with a salt scrub. Camilla must have made it; Evelynn would have paired juniper with thistle, or even yellow mountain flower. It still smelled clean, though, and would serve its purpose. The nirnroot would actually do well to clean her hair, she would thank Camilla for this.
The salt stung uncomfortably on her healing burn scar and Evelynn wished she'd known more restoration magick. After scrubbing and cleaning herself, Evelynn went to dry by the forge, combing her wet hair. In one of her drawers, Evelynn found new under clothes, a soft linen shirt, and leather pants. She took another wet rag to sit by the fire and clean the dirt from her feet before putting on new fur shoes; soft rabbit fur.
Evelynn closed her eyes and listened to the crackling flames, truly warm for the first time in weeks. It wouldn't be able to last long, so she might as well enjoy it while she could.
Hearing her kids squealing and laughing above her head, Evelynn smiled. She decided to stop sulking in the cellar and go be with them; her emptiness was not their fault. She made her way to the ladder, slinging her crossbow over her back and tying her quiver to her waist.
She cornered them on the floor level of her alchemy tower, making her words unnecessarily rough sounding, as if they were in trouble. And she asked if they wanted to play tag. They immediately perked up and laughed, pushing Evelynn out of the way and effectively tagging her. Aleson was getting stronger, she made a mental note to begin training him as she chased the giggling children outside.
The wooded area between Riverwood and Falkreath was beautiful; various shades of sage and orange and earth swarmed their little haven. The lake cast a fresh clear fragrance into the breeze. Her livestock occasionally attracted a rogue Giant, but those were easily dealt with from the top of her tower. Giants were nasty creatures. She'd hired Marcurio as a steward, not for his domestic abilities of course, but for his skills in battle; even if he was a mage. Her Falkreath Housecarl, Raaya, was also a very gifted defender. They kept her family safe while she was away.
Who would've guessed that Marcurio would be so completely smitten with Camilla. Evelynn smiled, thinking of how an arrogant Riften party boy had found love in her home. She was thrilled that he kept her wife so happy. Evelynn had even staffed a male Bard in hopes that Raaya would be comforted. Alas, the Redguard warrior had truly forsaken anything that took her focus off defending Evelynns' home and family, that included the only slightly wounded Llewellyn. Although, once, she'd caught the dark skinned beauty dancing to his music and drinking mead, very, very close to him.
Tag. Lucia is it.
The stables were getting a bit overcrowded; Evelynn would have to expand them to keep up with her hobby. Her new cow, Forge, seemed to want to play too; he constantly followed Evelynn around. She found that he acted bizarrely similar to a dog. She laughed and scratched behind his ear. Of course, the cow was followed closely by his best friend; the chicken Gwendolyn.
Evelynn had no idea why this one chicken stayed glued to the fluffy bull. I guess you really don't get to choose who you love. Evelynn laughed and shooed them back into the pen. Forge could handle himself, but Gwendolyn was fairly simple and she didn't feel like tracking her down after she got lost.
Evelynn slowed, allowing Lucia to tag her while she laughed hysterically, then chased Aleson. The boy was fast. But Evelynn was faster. She tackled the boy tickling him while he squealed and giggled. She then remembered, and let him sit up.
"Aleson, I've got something for you."
"Really? A present? For me? What is it?"
Evelynn pulled the enchanted Elven dagger from her belt.
"Wow! Thanks ma!" He hugged her hard.
"It's enchanted with frost magick. This one is not a toy, my son. Have a care with it. Keep this family safe."
He looked serious and nodded once. Such a strong boy.
Evelynn decided to spend the night at her home, and make her way back to the fort at dawn. She was not looking forward to the verbal lashing from Isran. She'd found what the vampires were seeking, all right. And effectively escorted it directly to the vampires. Divines, it might even be a physical lashing he'd want to dole out for that.
At supper, Llewelyn had attempted to play The Wolves of Jorrvaskr but Evelynn immediately requested a different song. He'd never played it well, but Evelynn had found a new sense of dread hearing it. Even Raaya joined them for the family meal, and the Bard serenaded her with Ragnar The Red.
Lucia's pet fox lingered around the table. She'd never remembered the things' actual name, but everyone seemed to just understand that it was called Mouth-Breather. It was cute from a distance, but it made Evelynn uncomfortable with how it just stared blankly at her whilst heaving ragged breaths. Must be the wolf in me, she'd assumed.
Evelynn knew her wife often preferred to share a bed with Marcurio at night, but she seemed to not want to leave Evelynn alone in sadness and chose their marital bed this evening. As much as Evelynn appreciated the sentiment, now she'd have to actually sleep. Or at least pretend to. Camilla couldn't sleep without being held, she would definitely notice being alone.
Her family didn't know about her werewolf blood; or at least it was never discussed. Evelynn assumed they'd preferred to believe it to be legend. She'd once attempted to confide in Camilla with details but it made Evelynn feel ashamed. She didn't like the feeling.
Even if Evelynn had wanted to sleep, it would've been impossible with the Mouth-Breather at her side of the bed. By the Nine, did this thing ever tire? She'd caught Lucia up at all hours of the night, training it, and often had to make her daughter go to bed. The Mouth-Breather stayed awake to stare.
Evelynn closed her eyes and held her wife, praying for her to not worry so much. She tried to tell herself she wasn't imagining someone else in her arms. Though, she'd never been a good liar. She sent a wordless prayer to Mara before she fell into a restless sleep.
Evelynn
Evelynn cursed Isran as she trudged through the icy stream. She'd deserved the punishment, probably worse, but being wet and cold in studded hide armor drove her mad. She'd been sent on a petty errand to fetch more recruits and this one woman in particular would not sit still.
In truth, they needed more recruits. This weapons specialist, in particular, interested her. In even more truth, Evelynn obviously couldn't be trusted with delicate matters; she'd bonded with a vampire.
Gumnar had been easy enough to find; off playing with bears and such. But Sorine was an inventor, and always on the lookout for new materials to use. Evelynn had tracked her to this rocky, wet place, but the search was chilling her to the bone. She climbed out of the stream on the opposite bank and tripped over a satchel full of metal bits. She cursed again.
Over by a group of stones, she saw a woman with short brown hair looking for something; this had to be her. But, of course, the woman was too focused on finding her precious gyros to talk to her. Evelynn sighed and relocated the satchel to retrieve them for her. Sorine gushed a thank you and allowed Evelynn to state her business.
"Isran asked me to find you." Evelynn tried to be civil; the chafing of her damp hide armor wasn't Sorines' fault.
"Isran? Wants me?" She stared incredulously. " No, you must be mistaken. He made it exceedingly clear the last time we spoke that he had no interest in my help. I find it hard to believe he's changed his mind. He said some very hurtful things to me before I left. Anyway, I'm quite happy in my current pursuits. So if you'll excuse me..."
Evelynn caught her arm as she turned to walk away. "Vampires threaten all of Skyrim. We need your help."
She immediately halted, her disdain softening. "Vampires? Really? Oh, and I suppose now he remembers that I proposed no less than three different scenarios that involved vampires overrunning the population. Well, what are they up to?"
Evelynn shrugged. "They have an Elder Scroll."
"I... Well, that's actually something I never would've anticipated. Interesting. I'm not sure what they would do with one, but in this case Isran is probably correct in thinking it isn't good."
Evelynn
Evelynn decided to go to her home before returning to Fort Dawnguard. Sorine and Gumnar were to meet her there, a few missing hours wouldn't hurt. She needed to get thoroughly dry and warm, and repair her armor, if she was to be any good to anyone.
Her children greeted her and asked for an allowance. Evelynn wasn't sure if her attitude was pleasant enough to make a proper judgement on that, so she just gave them ten gold pieces each, and headed for the cellar.
Her armor was completely shot; the parts that hadn't shrunk and hardened had just split open completely. She sighed and decided to make new armor before cleaning up. She did, however, have more materials to work with, so scaled armor was definitely a better option. She'd use cave bear leather this time; it was far more durable. She'd enchant the armor before leaving.
After another hot bath, Evelynn dried in a chair by the forge, soaking in the heat. She closed her eyes and tried to let go of everything and be comforted the only way she really knew how. Between the warmth and the crackling flames, Evelynn fell asleep.
Images flashed randomly in the darkness, but her wolf blood kept her from sleeping hard enough to hold them, to touch them. Vague concepts of forest greens and browns. Always flickering back to the whisper of a fanged smile.
"Why are they hurting each other?" Lucia screamed outside. She was afraid.
Evelynn jumped up and grabbed her crossbow and quiver and ran for the door, wearing only an oversized linen shirt. Lucia coward by the stables, petrified. Aleson was drawing his dagger, meaning to charge to the animal pen. Evelynn saw the Giant; its club at the ready. She stopped Aleson from getting near the creature and fired a bolt into its eye.
The Giant screamed and swung wildly. She quickly reloaded as Marcurio threw magic at it. Raaya slashed at the creatures' calves and it buckled as Evelynn shot the final bolt into its heart.
Lucia still cried. Aleson trembled violently, still with his dagger in hand. She pulled her daughter up and hugged her tightly, and asked her brother to take her inside to look after her. The scared, strong, boy jumped into action, taking his sister's hand and soothing her. As they went into the house, Evelynn assessed the damages, the casualties.
Forge was still irate; he'd been fighting the Giant as well. There were several bloody holes in the monsters' thigh. Evelynn tried to calm the huffing bull, talking to him and touching his head. He looked Evelynn in the eye and made a long, rumbling mourning tone. She'd never heard a cow howl, but this one surely did. Evelynn saw behind him, the lump of gore that had him so despaired; Gwendolyn.
By the Nine...
Marcurio and Raaya showed a look of sympathy for Evelynn, though they likely weren't touched by this death.
"Where is my wife?" Evelynn demanded.
"Lady Camilla is near the apiary, my Thane. That is where I instructed her to stay." Raaya stated firmly.
Evelynn nodded, and headed towards the back of the land near the quarry. Her wife's favorite chicken.
"My love? Is all well? Are the children all right?" Camilla was frantic.
"The children are well, my love. Aleson is taking care of his sister inside as we speak. There is something I need to tell you."
Camilla waited, obvious discomfort for the news to come.
"My love… Gwendolyn… she didn't make it." Tears stung at Evelynns' eyes as she said it.
Camillas' face contorted with anguish, before she quickly composed it and said "was that the only death?"
Carefully, the Imperial gauged her wifes expression. "Other than the Giant, yes."
"Well. It could've been much worse." She got back to work, cleaning the apiary.
"Don't be like that… I know you loved her. It's okay to be sad." Evelynn pulled her into an embrace.
"I have things to do. Please. I need to stay busy." Camillas voice was strained.
Evelynn nodded, and left her to her thoughts. It was hard loving anything in Skyrim. One never knew when it would end. Evelynn buried the chicken near the wild flowers by the stables, and set about dismantling the Giant; saving the useful parts, and building a pyre by the lake for the rest.
Forge grieved and laid in front of the opening of the pen. Evelynn sat with him for a moment, scratching his head and apologizing for his lost friend. Before going to check on her children, she handed Marcurio a coin purse with instructions to buy another chicken. He nodded sharply, and headed off.
Lucia sat, still shaken, with her head in her hands. Aleson had his arm around her, and was gently explaining the hardships of Skyrim to her. Lucia had known loss, but Aleson had been there and watched his biological father slowly die of sickness after they'd been abandoned in Dawnstar.
Evelynn had found him, working in the mines, just trying to get by. On his own. She'd discovered he'd slept on the floor in the Inn; no room for the boy. And yet, he'd always kept the same smile when Evelynn had spoken to him. She couldn't leave him there, so she'd adopted the boy and brought him to her new Breezehome in Whiterun.
Evelynn went and kissed both children on top of their heads, and left them to their difficult sibling bonding. She headed back to the cellar to craft a few more daggers; it was time Lucia felt comfortable defending herself.
She enchanted the Elven dagger with fire magic; fire felt… safer, somehow. She then enchanted her new scaled armor with Health protection, and put it on. It would be just another couple of hours before Marcurio would return and Evelynn could be on her way. She prayed to the Divines for her family.
Evelynn
"Well this isn't exactly a palace, is it?" Sorine gestured to the stone fortress. "Still, it's sturdy, secure, and seems defensible. I suppose I'd rather be here than most other places in Skyrim. If Isran needs me, it must be pretty bad. I wonder what we're up against here."
Evelynn headed inside with the Breton woman and the very large red-haired man, named Gunmar. Isran was up on the balcony, looking down at them intensely.
Gunmars' gruff accent rang out in the large foyer, "All right Isran, you've got us all here. Now what do you want?"
Isran ordered, "Hold it right there." Bars closed off every doorway out of the circular room. Evelynns' fur pricked at her skin.
Sorine reached for her weapon, defensively, as the skylight opened, pouring in sunlight. "What are you doing?"
Isran was cold, but calm. "Making sure you're not vampires. Can't be too careful. So, welcome to Fort Dawnguard. I'm sure you've heard a bit of what we're up against. Powerful vampires, unlike anything we've seen before. And they have an Elder Scroll. If anyone is going to stand in their way, it's going to be us."
Sorine sighed, exasperated. "This is all well and good, but do we actually know anything about what they're doing? What do we do now?"
Isran was collected in his demeanor, but something seemed to have a fire burning at him. "We'll get to that. For now, get acquainted with the space. Sorine, you'll find room to start your tinkering on that crossbow design you've been working on. Gunmar, there's an area large enough for you to pen up some trolls, get them armored up and ready for use." The doors reopened. "In the meantime, we're going to get to the bottom of why a vampire showed up here looking for you, "Isran pointed at Evelynn coldly. "Let's go have a little chat with it, shall we?"
A vampire? Looking for me? Her heart thudded heavily. Had Harkon decided not to let her live? Had he sent someone to kill her? Change her? Evelynn shuddered and followed Isran toward the torture chamber. What kind of talking…
Evelynn didn't smell fresh blood, though. But something in the air made her move faster, almost sprinting. There were no words attached to the hope, and dread, that pulsed through her. She rounded the corner and skidded to a halt, ignoring whatever Isran had attempted to say.
"You probably weren't expecting to see me again." Golden eyes pierced her with the softest Nordic smile.
Serana.
"What are you doing here?" How had she escaped alive? Had she been hurt? Why was she here?
"I'd rather not be here either, but I needed to talk to you. It's important, so please just listen before your friend here loses his patience. It's... well, it's about me. And the Elder Scroll that was buried with me."
"What about you?" Evelynn was still checking for signs of injury. Isran was not a reasonable man.
"The reason I was down there... and why I had the Elder Scroll," she started, clearly uncomfortable. "It all comes back to my father. I'm guessing you figured this part out already, but my father's not exactly a good person. Even by vampire standards. He wasn't always like that, though. There was... a turn. He stumbled onto this obscure prophecy and just kind of lost himself in it."
"What sort of prophecy?" Oh Divines' sake Evelynn, this is important! Focus! Evelynns' responses were tragically automatic as she couldn't stop staring at Serana.
"It's pointless and vague, like all prophecies." Evelynn laughed, and Isran gave her a scolding look. "The part he latched onto said that vampires would no longer need to fear the sun. That's what he's after. He wants to control the sun, have vampires control the world."
"You took a big risk coming here." Evelynn didn't care if Israns naturally dark face was fuming red. She cared for this woman.
"I did." She looked, oddly curious, at Evelynn. "But something about you makes me think I can trust you. I hope I'm not wrong."
"No, you're right. We just have to convince the others you're on our side."
"Well, let's move on then. I'm nothing if not persuasive."
Evelynn laughed.
"All right, you've heard what it has to say. Now tell me, is there any reason I shouldn't kill this bloodsucking fiend right now?" Isran was shaking with restraint, the venom in his voice almost burned.
"Set your hatred aside and try to see the larger picture, Isran."
"Set my hatred aside? Not a chance. It's what keeps me strong."
"You don't trust her, fine. Trust me. I believe her."
"You'd better know what you're doing." He was still fuming, but the shaking had subsided. "It can stay for now, but if it so much as lays a finger on anyone here, I'll hold you responsible. Got it?" He turned to Serana. "You hear me? Don't feel like a guest, because you're not. You're a resource. You're an asset. In the meantime, don't make me regret my sudden outburst of tolerance and generosity, because if you do, your friend here is going to pay for it."
Serana smiled. "Thank you for your kindness. I'll remember it the next time I'm feeling... hungry." Her smile turned to hint at glistening fangs.
Evelynn squirmed with a warm memory and Serana turned back to her.
"So in case you didn't notice the giant thing on my back, I have the Elder Scroll with me. Whatever it says, it will have something that can help us stop my father. But of course, neither of us can read it." Serana pointed over her shoulder at the intricate gold handle.
Of course Evelynn didn't notice the scroll. Again. "Who can?"
"Well, the Moth Priests are the only ones I've heard of who can do it. They spend years preparing before they start reading, though. Not that it helps us anyway, because they're half a continent away in Cyrodiil."
"Some Imperial scholar arrived in Skyrim a few days ago," Isran offered, surprising Evelynn. "I was staking out the road when I saw him pass by. Maybe that's your Moth Priest."
Serana perked up. "Do you know where he's staying now?"
Israns glare returned. "No, and I'm not going to waste men looking. We're fighting a war against your kind, and I intend to win it." He turned back to Evelynn, "You want to find him, try talking to anyone who'd meet a traveler. Innkeepers and carriage drivers in the big cities maybe. But you're on your own." He left the room.
"Any idea how you're going to find a Moth Priest? Skyrim's a pretty big place." Serana asked her softly.
Evelynn was overwhelmed with a feeling of incompetence. "Where would a Moth Priest actually go? Do you have any ideas?"
She smiled at the Imperial. "Well, back before I... you know. The College of Winterhold was the first place I'd think to go for any kind of magic or historical thing. The wizards know about all kinds of things that people shouldn't know about. Actually, now that I think of it... I'm going to come along with you. I've been really wanting to get out and explore a bit."
Evelynn couldn't control her bright smile as she went to find more crossbow bolts for their journey.
Serana
Seranas nerves had been unbearably jittery for several days; since learning her father's plans, deciding to find Evelynn, even going to the Dawnguard. She had barely been bothered by facing death as she escaped the island, or even entered the fortress alone. She'd been nervous of seeing the Imperials' bright face again.
It had all melted away when she saw those silver eyes; eyes that did not belong on an Imperial face, but fit so perfectly that Serana couldn't imagine the dark color they should've been. The color of moonlight. A wolfs' eyes. A Dragons' eyes. Seranas favorite eyes.
The Dovahkiin had been truly happy to see her, and it filled Serana with the warring emotions again. Making their way down the path of Dayspring Canyon, as they'd called it, Serana tried not to look at Evelynn so much. She'd needed the Dragonborns' help, but she didn't want it to be harder than necessary.
"Are you opposed to riding double on a horse?" Evelynns' casual voice pulled her from her own mind.
"What do you… oh." Serana had traveled here on foot, she only just now realized the Imperial had better means.
"This is Boulder. Sturdy, sure-footed. He's about seven years, but luckily, he's my best for extra passengers. Unless you'd prefer to walk? I can leave him here. He's very fond of Agmaer."
Serana would've loved to ride on the back of the magnificent stone-grey beast of a horse, but she could not trust herself that close to the Imperial. She gave a slight, apologetic smile. "I'm not entirely comfortable with that, but you could still ride and I'll catch up with you."
"Don't be daft, you don't know where we're going. I don't mind walking." She scribbled a note for someone named Agmaer and tied it to the horse, sending Boulder up to the front doors of the Fort.
"I don't believe anyone's had the audacity to call me daft in my lengthy life." Serana pursed her lips.
Evelynn laughed and brushed dust from Seranas cloak. "Being royal doesn't make you infallible, Princess."
Serana narrowed her eyes. She hated being called princess. Usually. She harbored no true animosity now, though. She rolled her eyes. "At least let me help you carry things."
Evelynn thought for a moment. "Do you know how to fire a crossbow?"
"I'm not much for bows."
Evelynn laughed again. Serana enjoyed the sound. "Well, kind of a bow. One of these," she pulled out one of those strange weapons. Just how long had Serana been locked away?
"That, I… uh. No. No, I do not. But I can carry it."
"You're not carrying my things if you don't know how to safely use and defend them. Here. Take a bolt," she held up the tiny arrow, "nock it just here. You hold it, I want to see your stance."
Serana took the weapon, feeling awkward and childlike. She looked at Evelynn questioningly.
The Imperial didn't laugh. She simply said, "this hand is good, keep a firm grip just here, under the bow of it. Right. Now tuck this end into this shoulder, firm, good just like that. Aim with both eyes, not one. Aim for that target there. When you're ready, squeeze this lever here with these fingers. Fire between… um. Your heart… beats… right?"
Serana snorted, very unladylike, "yes. My heart beats just fine." Of course now Evelynn could hear it.
"Right. Well, then… fire between heartbeats."
Serana squeezed the lever. The weapon kicked harder than she had anticipated. Nothing like a bow. This was almost… fun. She smiled at the Imperial, though her bolt didn't hit anywhere near the target.
"Not bad. Reload and try again. The crank is just here, use it to pull the string- the other way. Good. Make sure it locks. You'll feel it. Yes. Another bolt. Good. Good. Just accommodate for the wind, not too much, it's got more power than a bow. Good. Now fire away." Evelynn seemed excellent at instruction. She had flawless patience, and she seemed to glow while teaching.
Serana hit the target, a few measures off the center. "I feel like you teach children."
Evelynn laughed. "Just my son, so far."
Serana lowered the bow and looked at her only friend with warmth. "You have a son?"
Evelynn nodded. "Aleson. He's twelve years. Strong boy. Sweet though."
Seranas stomach twisted into knots before asking, "is he… at home with your husband?"
"My wife," Evelynn smiled. "And my daughter, Lucia."
Serana shut her eyes tight and groaned softly. "Forgive me. It did not occur to me to ask if you were married. I should not have… it should not have happened." She'd told herself she would not speak of it, ever, but she needed to apologize for her previous advance on this woman. The imaginary hole in her chest ached.
Evelynns ears turned scarlet. "No, it… don't mention it. No apologies."
Serana drew a deep breath, and buried it again. "Well. Let's get a move on. Where to?"
Evelynn thought again, still carrying her blush. "Just north of Falkreath, but we can catch a carriage in Riften."
"What's north of Falkreath?"
"Your horse… and my home."
By the Blood. I'm going to have to meet this woman. Serana groaned again.
Evelynn
Riften was the nearest city, and Thank the Nine, they had a carriage. Falkreath was much, much farther, and on the other side of the mountain. The carriage driver had made a crack about being too lazy to walk, but he took the money nonetheless. Evelynn didn't think he'd be much help, but she'd asked him about a Moth Priest anyway. Of course he had nothing useful.
The carriage ride was almost pleasant. Serana seemed entranced by the colorful scenery around Riften. Leaves of gold and rust scattered about in the trees, colorful flowers lining the roads. The air was fairly still, and almost warm. It was sunset now, and torchbugs lit up the world like something from a fairytale. Evelynn couldn't help smiling as Serana lowered her hood to see the beauty.
Sigaar let out a disgustingly wet belch, effectively ruining the moment. Of course he's drunk. He'd better not get lost. Evelynn rolled her eyes and shrugged at Serana. "Riften," was her only explanation.
Serana shifted in her seat, propping up her feet next to Evelynn; reinforcing distance between them. "How does one become Thane of Whiterun, yet choose to live in the middle of nowhere?"
Evelynn shrugged. "I wanted more space for my family. We lived in Whiterun for a short time, but… Children can be cruel."
"Oh? To what children are you referring?"
"Spoiled brat children. Lucia… She was a beggar. Just outside of the Bannered Mare. Before I adopted her. The city's noble children weren't letting her forget that. Everyone seems… happier. In the middle of nowhere." Evelynn grinned.
"Including you?"
"... Yes. Including me."
"Have you had many traveling companions?"
"A few." But Evelynn was not interested in elaborating.
"Does it get lonely?"
"Sometimes. Though probably not as lonely as a tomb."
Serana laughed somberly. "Fair point, well made."
Evelynn closed her eyes and leaned her head back, smelling the cool night air. A few wolves howled in the distance, Evelynn hadn't realized she'd smiled.
"You don't sleep much." Serana mused.
"No."
"I guess I should've known why."
Evelynn stilled. "Does it bother you?"
"No," there was a smile in her voice. "It doesn't bother me."
Evelynn
Upon arriving in Falkreath, more citizens greeted her by her Thane title and Evelynn sighed. Serana side-eyed her, but said nothing. The carriage ride had taken two and a half days, as the drunken driver insisted on "sleeping it off" and "refueling". It was late morning, though the glare of the sun was softened by the ever-present thick fog that seemed to hang over the gloomy town.
Hopefully they'd be at the manor by nightfall, if the trip proved uneventful. Unless…
"Do you prefer to rest during the day?" She asked Serana in a hushed tone.
"Are you not in a hurry?"
Ha. "My life is always a hurry, but rest is important."
She sighed, "if you insist."
They headed through the dreary town. Evelynn stopped to pick a few flowers for her alchemy projects; Falkreath didn't have much, but the quality was decent.
"Dead Mans' Drink. How charming," Serana said mildly. Evelynn chuckled and shook her head as she held the door open for the Lady.
"Two rooms?" She asked Serana before she headed to the counter.
"Waste good money for you to not sleep? You can be just as bored in the room where I'll sleep."
Evelynn shrugged, and headed off to find Valga. The Innkeeper was stocking ale on the shelves, and Evelynn greeted her.
"A room and drinks for two weary travelers, love?"
The woman eyed her suspiciously. "What'll you have?"
"Ah. Three bottles of mead? Wait… what's the best wine you have on hand?"
Valga raised an eyebrow. "Black-Briar Reserve is fairly popular. I've also got one bottle of Argonian Bloodwine due to a delivery error. There's also Colovian and Cyrodillic Brandy. Firebrand. A few others, but those would be the best."
Evelynn considered the Bloodwine and blushed, but she wasn't sure if it would come off as offensive. The hint of a memory tugged at her mind. "Firebrand, for the Lady. And I guess I'll take a bottle of the Colovian for myself. Please, and thank you." She tossed a coin purse on the counter. Three hundred and fifty gold pieces.
"Very well, Thane. Your room is that one over there."
"Don't worry so much, Valga. Camilla knows of my new friend." She winked at her fellow Imperial.
"Of course, my Thane."
Evelynn walked back to the table that Serana had seated herself at. "Are you hungry?"
The Nord looked at her with fiery eyes, "what are you offering?"
Evelynn flushed, remembering. "Um…"
Serana laughed. "No, I'm not hungry."
"Right. Well. The room is this way."
The room was more spacious than the previous one they shared. The chair seemed more comfortable, Evelynn noted with relief. Serana untied her cloak, letting it fall to the floor, and sat at the table.
Evelynn set the Firebrand wine in front of her, and sat opposite, uncorking her brandy. Serana twirled the bottle and looked at the Imperial questioningly.
"You said you occasionally drink wine," Evelynn shrugged. "After surviving the Dawnguard and a drunken carriage driver, you deserve a drink. Will that do?"
"My father likes this drink," she said absently as she watched the liquid slosh in the bottle.
That was where Evelynn had seen the wine. She winced an apology. "Shite… I'm sorry. I'll go get something different." She made for the door.
Serana caught her wrist softly. In a silk voice, she simply said, "No." Her thumb traced a scar on Evelynns' wrist, causing her stomach to tighten.
Evelynn sat back down and looked at the Nord, still holding her wrist; inspecting it intensely. She drank more of her brandy and let the vampire touch her. She seemed okay with touching, as long as it was her doing it. The brandy was delightful; warm, quick, smooth.
Serana sighed and released Evelynn. "I disagree with the man about a great many things, but wine is not one of them." She looked around the room expectedly. "Where do you suppose they keep the goblets?"
Evelynn laughed, harder than she'd meant to. "Ah, love. You've left your royal castle. Drink from the bottle like the common weary adventurer you've become." The brandy was strong. She could hear her old accent biting at the words.
"Is that Cyrodil?"
Evelynn shrugged. "I suppose so. That's what I'm told, anyway."
"What do you mean?" Serana opened her bottle and swirled the drink the best she could, breathing it. "Don't you know?"
"Not really," Evelynn drank more.
"You don't know where you're from?"
"Being Imperial, it's understood that I hail from somewhere in Cyrodil, I just don't remember. There's not been much help pinpointing the accent, but there are a few possibilities." Another drink.
Serana sipped her wine and moaned softly. Evelynn tried not to notice. "What do you remember?" The vampire asked.
"I remember waking up in the back of a carriage, on my way to my execution in Helgen." Evelynn scratched the back of her neck.
Serana choked on her wine. When she caught her breath, she said, "I'm sorry. Your what now? By the Blood! How old were you?"
"Oh gods no, I was not a child. Do not fret, love. This was only around two years ago. They guessed I was around seventeen, eighteen. I'm not really certain." Another drink.
Serana blanked, her mouth gaping open. "And you've no memory before then?"
Evelynn shook her head. "Camilla helped me a bit with the day-to-day interactions with Skyrim folk. Her brother owns the trader shop there in Riverwood. Weird fellow, but nice enough. She's always been kind to me though."
"Camilla is your wife?" Serana sounded a little sad.
"Yes, and my dearest friend."
"So… you haven't been married long then."
"Not long, no. A few months."
They drank together in silence for a few moments. The Bard casually drummed in the main lobby, obviously tiring from a long night. Evelynn loosened the ties on her scaled armor.
"That's new, isn't it?" Serana asked her.
"Aye," another drink. The bottle was empty now and her head was swimming. "The old set got a bit shredded after trekking through rocks and streams and fuck all."
Serana giggled at the profanity. "Where do you get your armor? You don't match the rest of your friends."
"I made it." Evelynn shrugged, toying with the empty bottle.
"You make your own armor? How do you know how to do that?"
"I learned. Still learning. Always learning."
"I guess you can learn a lot in two years when you don't sleep."
"Yeah," Evelynn frowned. "I guess so."
"Why do you seem embarrassed about what you are?"
"I'm not. I just… don't think it should be your problem, is all."
"Problem?" Seranas brows furrowed.
"Vampires and werewolves… they don't make good bedfellows. So to speak." Evelynn felt her ears warming, hoping Serana would blame the brandy.
Serana looked as though she was debating the words in her head. It took a moment for her to settle on a response. "True. But… you saved me."
Evelynn just nodded; unsure what to say. The silence rang louder in her cloudy head. She'd say she was fairly drunk.
"What is vampire seduction like on your end?"
Serana blinked and took a big gulp of her wine. "Why do you ask that?"
Evelynn shrugged and stood from her chair. "Curiosity." She opened the door and flagged down Valga for another bottle of brandy. Another hundred and fifty gold pieces to her favorite bartender.
After Evelynn sat back down and opened the bottle, Serana spoke. "Are you going to be okay with two of those?"
"We'll find out." Evelynn flashed her a grin and took a big gulp. "You were saying?"
Serana sighed. "Any chance you'll get drunk enough to forget you asked?"
"Nnnnnope."
She rolled her eyes and took a few sips of wine. "Vampire seduction. It's like… a dark euphoric joy in bending the will of someone." She said with a strange, emotionless air.
"Ah."
"Why is that something you want to know about?"
"Curiosity." Evelynn paused to drink some more, feeling emboldened. "Have you used it before?"
"I'm thousands of years old, Evelynn. Yes, I have used it."
"... On me?" Her heart reacted frantically to her name.
"No. I've not used it on you." Serana looked… frustrated.
"... Oh…" another drink. "... Why not?"
"Because it didn't work." She said darkly.
"What do you mean it didn't work? Why would it not work?"
Serana laughed dryly. "That question bothered me more than I care to admit. I thought I had done it without trying. And then I tried. Really tried. It was maddening." Her expression opened up; raw. "And I am truly sorry that I attempted to enthrall you, when it didn't work."
"Is that different than… seduction?"
"Sort of. It's the same concept, but stronger. And the vampire doesn't take joy in it as much as they feel… satisfied. Content. Secure. Subjects that have transitioned completely to a thrall are less thrilling, but offer more reward. Basic seduction leaves room for error." She said it like she was reading it from a science book, it was… scary.
"... What did you want me to do?"
Serana hung her head low, her ebony hair falling into her face. "I just wanted you to go to sleep and leave me alone."
"... Oh…"
"It's impossible to do that to you. But I am still truly sorry that I tried."
Evelynn looked at her in confusion. "To me? Why?"
"Well… if your wolf blood didn't stop the effects of vampire blood, the Dragonborn cannot be affected, as a mortal would."
Blood? Evelynns mind was swirling uncontrollably. Was it the brandy? The information? "... The wine…"
Seranas shoulders slumped. "Yes. Oh gods… I'm so sorry, Evelynn."
Evelynn remembered the taste. The sweetness. The bitterness. The perfection. Was she angry? Was she hurt? She tried hard to find those feelings… but they weren't there. She could only feel… aroused.
She took Seranas hand in hers. "Do not torment yourself, love. I am not angry. I am sorry you felt the need for such security."
Serana looked up at her; molten metal irises blazing into hers. "I thought I had accidentally seduced you. When you kissed me."
Evelynn flashed heat and crimson across her face and looked down at the bottles on the table. "... I thought you had too…"
Serana tangled her fingers into Evelynns. "... What was going on in your mind at the time?"
Evelynn thought; fought to remember through the haze. "You're just… so beautiful… I'd never seen anyone hunt so… gracefully. So civil. I was curious of your taste…"
Serana stared deep into her eyes. Burning into her memory forever. She gave Evelynns' hand a gentle squeeze and smiled. "I should be getting to sleep soon, if I'm to meet your pups tonight."
Evelynn smiled.
Serana
Serana was much, much warmer than she should've been in Skyrim. She opened her eyes to find the sun had set. She tried to get up from the bed, but the covers were so much heavier than she thought possible. She twisted to investigate. And had to smother a laugh.
The mighty Dovahkiin was drunk and passed out, wrapped around the Nord. Serana was uncomfortably stuck under the weight of her, but the sight was so funny that she wasn't angry. She wasn't touching her skin anyway; it was bearable.
The Imperial was wearing one of the nightdresses from the Inn, showing off her bronzed, muscled shoulders. And several scars. Her deep brown hair was half hanging in front of her face. Evelynns' features were so relaxed, it was easy to tell how young she really was. Eighteen? Nineteen? By the Blood, she's barely older than a child.
Serana had been about the same age when she'd been given her gift. Frozen forever at the same age. In many ways, Evelynn seemed older than Serana. In some ways, they felt almost the same. But looking at the sleeping Dragonborn, it was the first time she'd seemed younger. Fragile. Her soft, rose colored lips were slightly parted, snoring softly.
Serana wanted to touch her mouth; remember how warm and soft it had felt. But the thought of her wife loomed over her head. She hadn't realized that she respected the sanctity of marriage, as her parents had been so vicious and hostile to each other for many, many years. But she had not known either of them to take another lover. Ever.
In a sense, Serana was relieved. Evelynn would not have to be touched by her dark creation; she was safe. Serana could not have what was already spoken for. Serana allowed herself to pine. She'd been afraid of what could happen, if ever the Imperial would suffer at the hands of a Daughter of Coldharbour. But with the Dragonborn unable to want her in return… It was safer. She would not act on her desires. But she could desire.
Serana sighed. She knew the Imperial would want to see her family. "Evelynn," she said softly. The woman twitched slightly. Serana smiled, wishing the sleep Evelynn had found could've helped her. "Evelynn… it's time to wake up…"
Serana couldn't move, as she was pinned down beneath the surprisingly dense Dragonborn. She struggled quite a bit, becoming frustrated. The more she struggled, the tighter Evelynn held her. Serana was beginning to panic.
"Wake up. Wake up now!"
Evelynn stirred restlessly, but would not release her hold. Serana could only think of one thing to make her move. Serana bit her. Hard.
A snarling growl emerged from the Dragonborn as she burst from the bed. She crashed to the floor, and Serana could hear panting from behind the bed, but could not see her. She sat up to look.
"Evelynn?"
The Imperial was groaning in pain, doubled over.
By the Blood, how badly did I hurt her? Serana crawled over to put a hand on her, to check on her. Her skin was burning hot. "Evelynn?"
"Don't!" Every muscle in her body twitched and rippled chaotically.
Serana could see the blood on her shoulder. She needed to make sure it wasn't life threatening. She stepped around the writhing woman and just barely touched the wound.
"I said don't!" Evelynn grabbed her wrist with iron fingers and glared at Serana with pained eyes. Serana could see the restraint locked into the Imperials jaw; lips pulled back, baring jagged teeth. Teeth that were much too large to fit in that mouth. Evelynn cried out in another wave of agony and pressed her head to the floor. The blood that poured from two ripped puncture wounds in her shoulder was staggering. Serana didn't know what to do.
Reflexively, Serana put both hands on the bite and pressed, causing another snarl to tear through Evelynn.
"No!" Evelynn curled tightly in on herself; she seemed to be desperately trying to hold herself together. Her spine started to grey, sprouting strands of ebony fur.
Serana did something bizarre; Serana prayed. To any of the gods that might hear her. This change should not be hurting her this badly. Help her. Seranas hands warmed on the bloody mess and she looked; her hands glowed. Serana could not remember ever healing a mortal. She could feel the damage undoing itself with her touch.
"Evelynn. Evelynn, look at me." Evelynn looked at her with bloodshot eyes, the silver darkening. Serana put one hand on her face. "Stay with me. Here." She touched her forehead to the Imperials and offered her strength. "I am sorry, Evelynn. Stay."
Evelynn trembled and stared into her eyes, but her lips were closed now. Her feral panting had begun to soften to a more normal rate. Sweat glistened around her neck, which was perfectly smooth now. The fur had receded back beneath her skin. Evelynn was slowly collecting herself. Serana sat there on the floor, healing everything she could. She didn't know how long they sat like that before Evelynn spoke.
"I'm sorry."
Serana blinked in confusion. "What in all of Tamriel could you be sorry for?"
"I should have a better handle on myself."
"I caused bodily harm to a sleeping wolf, and I'm still intact. Save your sorries for when they're necessary." Serana was seriously doubting that this woman ever had anything she needed to be sorry about. "Water?"
Evelynn nodded weakly, and uncurled her body to lay on the floor. Serana washed the blood from her hands and filled an empty bottle with magick-cooled water. She brought the bottle and warm rags to clean up. Evelynn took a sip and winced.
"Does it always hurt?" Serana asked, wiping the blood from Evelynns' face where she'd touched her.
"Yes. Though not always like that." Evelynn massaged her chest over her heart. "Was it loud?"
"Not enough to raise any suspicions."
"I shouldn't have fallen asleep."
"I shouldn't have bitten you."
"Why did you?" Evelynn glared, but it didn't feel aimed at Serana.
"... I panicked."
Evelynn took a few sips of water in silence. She didn't ask. Serana appreciated that.
"Well. I guess. Are you ready to go?"
Serana just stared at her. At the blood on the floor. Evelynn sighed, took one of the rags, and began cleaning the floor. "Are you serious?"
"What?"
"Oh, By the Blood. Come here." Serana made Evelynn sit in a chair, and continued cleaning blood from her. Let that floor be damned.
Evelynn still trembled slightly; she seemed too weak to argue. So she just sat there, and let Serana clean her. It made Serana feel… good. Ironic.
"You're not angry at me for biting you?" Serana couldn't help but ask.
Evelynn shrugged, the hint of a blush in her too-pale face. "I've had worse."
Serana looked at the obscene amount of blood, then at Evelynn.
Evelynn rolled her eyes. "It's not that bad."
"Do you regularly bleed this much?" It was a wonder there was any blood left in her body, given the amount of scars she had.
"Our hearts grow first," Evelynn shrugged again. "It makes bleeding worse. It's actually when we're most vulnerable. It's possible to bleed out before completing the change."
Serana dropped the rag and clapped her hand over her mouth in horror. She could've killed her.
"Oh relax, love. You should know you didn't clip an artery." Evelynn took her hand and placed the rag back in it. "Go on then. Make amends." She gestured to her half cleaned shoulder.
Serana shakily rinsed the rags in the basin with hot water. She pressed the steaming cloth to Evelynns neck, wiping over the perfect absence of a wound; there wasn't even a scar.
"I'm not sure you realize how good that feels." Evelynn leaned her head to the side, giving Serana better access. Serana ran the rag up and along Evelynns' jaw, trying to ignore the feelings pooling inside herself.
Serana knew just how good Evelynns' blood tasted; better than any wine that had ever been made. The potent, fiery burn of Dragons' blood was perfectly offset by an oaky finish of the forest. She'd briefly considered asking her to mix her blood with the expensive wine, but that had seemed too crass. But looking at the gorey mess she'd caused, her thirst wanted no part of this forced vulnerability.
Serana had to pull the strap of the nightdress down to better clean the wolfs' shoulder, and started down her perfectly toned back. "I'm not sure this dress is salvageable…"
"I'll pay for it. Valga will live." Evelynn leaned forward, giving Serana more of her back.
"So many scars…" Serana traced a few of the deeper ones, mesmerized.
"We can't all be mages." Her cocky smile was returning.
Serana was happy to see the spark returning in her eyes. "After we get dressed, I'm insisting that you eat before we leave."
Evelynn rolled her eyes, and completely stole the vampires immortal heart.
Evelynn
It was well into evening as the women started heading toward the Manor. They'd bickered far too long over what was considered food. They'd finally settled on a sweet roll and roasted pheasant breast. Evelynn had wanted to wait until she got home; Camilla made a stew that was divine.
"We'll probably arrive after everyone has gone to sleep. Except maybe my Housecarl." Evelynn stated, looking at the night sky.
"Will it wake them?" Serana sounded oddly nervous.
"No. I come and go at all hours. They're used to it." Evelynn stretched and rotated her shoulder, looking for the soreness that should surely be there.
"... Does it hurt?" Serana asked with the Sadness.
"Not at all. Thank you for that."
"Is your home far?"
Evelynn shook her head. "Just a couple of hours' walk."
"That's an interesting wedding ring you have." Serana mused, lightly tapping the small silver wolfs' head on Evelynns' finger.
Evelynn pulled Maras' ring from her waist pouch. "This is my wedding ring. I like to keep it safe. And, as you've seen, my life is quite rough."
"Oh," Serana said. "Well, why do you wear this one?"
"This… was a gift. From Hircine."
Serana stopped. Evelynn turned to look at her questioningly.
"You? How did someone like you come by a gift from a Daedric Prince?"
Evelynn sighed. "Keep walking with me and I'll tell you the story."
Serana looked at her cautiously, but stepped forward again. Evelynn took her hand.
"When I first came to Falkreath, I met a man. He was half mad with despair. He was mourning the death of his daughter. A little girl, torn apart savagely. I promised the man to investigate more. The guards had already taken a man into custody for the murder; but how could a man do something like that.
"I helped a few people around town, hoping they might have more information. No one had much of anything. Being so immersed in the community, that's why the Jarl appointed me as Thane, and sold me this land out here. No one had anything useful for me though. I thought it best to go to the dungeons and speak to the man myself." Evelynn stopped to listen to rustling in the forest. She smelled the air; two elk, running about, half a league into the thick. She continued.
"Sinding, the prisoner. He… he was so broken by what he'd done. He didn't deny any of it. I could immediately smell that he was like me." Serana intensely listened to her speak. "He told me he'd struggled to control the timing of his shifting, but he'd heard of a ring. Hircines' ring. It was said to allow him complete control over his wolf. Sinding set off to acquire the ring- and he'd succeeded.
"Hircine was angered by the theft, so much so that he cursed the ring. The wearer would not have any control. Sinding had begun working on a farm, helping a family. The little girl was standing too close when the curse took effect. Sinding wanted more than anything to take it back, I could see that. But it was impossible, so instead, he hoped to make amends with Hircine, so that it may never happen again. But he was stuck in a cell. I offered to give Hircines' ring back. He'd escaped his prison shortly after I left.
"I didn't know who Hircine was at the time. But I wanted, needed, to help my brother find peace. On my journey, I came across a massive white stag. It was irresistible; the meat itself was sure to be hearty. But also the pure leather, even its antlers. I killed it with one shot. A glowing… ghost of the stag emerged and looked at me. I fired again and it just laughed. It was the spirit of Hircine. He seemed pleased with my abilities as a hunter.
"Hircine told me that Sinding was hiding in a grotto. He instructed me to kill my thieving, cowardly brother. It didn't feel right, but I tracked him anyway. The smell of death was everywhere in that grotto. Failed hunters littered the floor. I found Sinding as a wolf. I aimed to fire on him, but he didn't move to attack. I'd never heard a wolf speak before… but he spoke. He asked for my help. He promised he'd stay away from people, and live only as a wolf until his dying breath. I helped him kill the rest of Hircines' hunters instead.
"Upon leaving the grotto, the spirit stag found me again. I told him I'd failed to do as he'd instructed. He didn't see it as a failure. He seemed… intrigued by my refusal to kill my brother. He lifted the curse from the ring, and allowed me to keep it."
Serana was quiet as she listened to the story. Her eyes were warm in the darkness. "So you have complete control over your wolf?"
Evelynn lowered her head. "I thought I had…"
Serana squeezed her hand. "I think any being would react in survival that way. And you did control it."
Evelynn just shrugged.
"Where do you think Sinding is now?"
"I'm not sure. I often feel like he's close by. Sometimes I think I can hear him howling in the night. I hope he's found peace."
"And… What of Hircine?"
Evelynn shrugged again. "I've researched as much as I can since then. He seems… kind of like a twisted prick. But he respects strength. And, I mean… he is my father. In a way."
Serana seemed to go rigid. Evelynn looked at her, but she looked lost in her own thoughts. Evelynn thought she must be thinking of Harkon. Her heart ached for her friend. She thought to change the subject.
"Were you… always a vampire?" She'd never heard of born vampires, but Serana was something she'd never known about. What did pureblood mean?
Seranas eyes snapped to her as though horrible memories flashed before her. Perhaps not the best subject to switch to.
"That's... a long story."
"I want to hear it."
"I guess... we kind of have to go way back. To the very beginning. Do you know where vampirism came from?"
"I would guess it came from a daedric lord?"
"Exactly!" Her smile faded quickly. "The first vampire came from Molag Bal. She... was not a willing subject. But she was still the first. Molag Bal is a powerful daedric lord, and his will is made reality. For those willing to subjugate themselves, he will still bestow the gift, but they must be powerful in their own right before earning his trust."
Evelynns' neck prickled. She'd assumed it was Daedra, but Molag Bal? The King of Rape? "How did you actually become a vampire, then?"
"The ceremony was... degrading. Let's not revisit that. But we all took part in it. Not really wholesome family activity, but I guess it's something you do when you give yourselves to a daedric lord."
Evelynn could feel the rage roaring inside her. She knew, without a doubt, what that monster had done to this girl. And that her parents had encouraged it. Evelynn asked something about the well-being of her family, but honestly she didn't give two shites about the vile creatures who would do that to their daughter. If they'd wanted their daughter to be like them so badly, couldn't they have turned Serana themselves? Without some degrading ceremony. Fucks' sake, there had been an audience to her brutal violation.
She realized Serana was looking at her; she'd finished talking and Evelynn had no idea what she had said. She was shaking with rage.
She attempted to calm herself. "Are you all right?"
Serana turned from Evelynns seething temper and softly said, "Don't... Just leave me alone for a bit."
Evelynn raked a hand through her hair. No wonder the vampire hated being touched. What had Evelynn done in her sleep? Surely she'd deserved that gorey wake up call. She would never blame Serana for what had to be done for her comfort.