A/N: Sorry again for the late update. I probably shouldn't be stating deadlines I couldn't keep. But, I will update as much as I can.

"I knew you were here, you little shit," Valdimar rasped the moment Remus swung open the door.

Remus responded with a nonchalant grin, Jordis peering from just behind him. "Who even said I wasn't?"

The old housecarl sighed. "That brat behind you, for starters."

"I don't know what he's talking about, Thane. I merely stated that you were preoccupied," Jordis replied with a shrug.

Valdimar felt a nerve pop on his forehead. "Why, you little—"

"Alright now, take it easy," Remus chuckled. "Come on in."

Clicking his tongue, Valdimar obliged, unfastening his winter cloak. Jordis swiftly assisted him, placing the cloak on the rack.

"Hmpf," the old man grunted.

"So, why are you here?" Remus asked, a touch of nervousness creeping into his tone.

"Why do you ask? Am I not welcome here anymore?" Valdimar's booming voice filled the air.

"I didn't say that. I was just asking..." Remus retorted in a hush.

The old man grunted again before striding directly to the main hall. Remus exchanged a glance with Jordis, who gave him a slight nod. The housecarl had ensured that the table was already set before the old man's arrival.

Not only that, everything was arranged as if only he and Jordis were the sole inhabitants of Heljarchen Hall. Even the children's bedroom area was locked shut.

The old housecarl scanned the room with his eyes, adding to the nervousness of the two. "You little shits must be hiding something, given how Jordis pulled that trick."

"What trick?" Remus asked innocently.

"You tell him," Valdimar scoffed at Jordis.

"Certainly," Jordis quickly responded before clearing her throat. "I told him that I was just going to relieve myself. Then I went straight here."

"Really?" Remus reaffirmed, his face bulging from suppressing laughter.

"You really are tactless, girl," Valdimar sighed, giving up on chiding the younger housecarl.

Valdimar headed for the kitchen, the other two trailing behind him. The old man opened the larder, revealing a tempting selection of Sweet Rolls.

"Sweet Rolls, huh..." Valdimar mused.

Remus felt a cold sweat break over his forehead. Glancing at Jordis, he found that the housecarl was also relatively uneasy. Would he find out about the kid staying here?

"Twenty-six years of age and still with the Sweet Rolls..." Valdimar shook his head before closing the larder. Seemingly appeased, he sat down once more in the main hall and gestured for the two to join him.

"I actually come bearing news."

"Yeah?"

"Me and the rest of the housecarls..." Valdimar took a deep breath. "We're working with the Dawnguard."

A moment of silence overcame the room. Remus didn't know how to react, while Jordis clearly wasn't expecting him to reveal what used to be a secret.

"You're what?"

"We're working with the Dawnguard," the old housecarl repeated himself. "Took the initiative, rounded up the rest of the housecarls..."

"Old man, I didn't ask for your help." Remus answered uncomfortably. He also gleaned over Jordis. "You're in on this?"

The younger housecarl only responded with a hesitant nod.

"You didn't ask for our help, yes. But we could help, can't we?" Valdimar retorted with a laugh. "The Dawnguard lacks resources of all kinds—weapons, food supply, materials, and of course, gold. And guess who has it?"

"You're saying..."

"You. You have the resources," Valdimar asserted. "The problem would be the management, how you'd handle the logistics. You couldn't possibly handle it alone. So... we took care of it."

Remus couldn't help but smile sardonically. The initiative his housecarls had shown was truly something. However… "You're basically saying that you're giving away my gold without my permission."

"Oh, Divines, of course not. Think of it as an investment," Valdimar laughed as he got up to pour himself a cup of ale. "There was a decline in trade because of the vampire threat. Solving the vampire threat means trade routes would be safer, thus more income."

He had a point.

"Besides, we wouldn't be spending your gold without getting something back for you. We've settled a trading agreement with the Dawnguard. It'll take time, but of course, you are guaranteed some income." Valdimar assured.

Remus leaned back on his seat in deep thought. Jordis kept watch for even small hints of a negative reaction on his face, while Valdimar was relatively calm, pouring himself another cup of ale.

Finally, Remus let out a big sigh. "Fine. Do what you want."

Her Thane's response somehow lifted some tension from Jordis' shoulders, but the head Housecarl only met his reaction with a grin. "Knew you'd agree."

"It's a little too late to pull back. Knowing you, you've probably set the machinery moving." Remus sighed as he placed a hand over his head. "I just… didn't want to involve you as much as I can."

"We are your housecarls. We will always be right behind you." Jordis insisted.

"I know that… but…"

Valdimar, despite seemingly being deep in his cups, kept a watchful eye on Remus.

He knew why the Dragonborn was hesitant in involving his Housecarls.

They were going to battle.

While housecarls were sworn to serve and protect the Thanes of Skyrim, Remus was a tad bit different. He treated his housecarls as if they were his family by blood, and while he didn't show it through words, his actions proved it otherwise – he was fiercely protective of them.

While Skyrim was home to most, it was treacherous and filled with peril. It wasn't uncommon for anyone to just wind up dead, especially those whose duty is to protect.

But Remus always tried his hardest to deny this fact and wouldn't allow anyone or anything to claim the life of any of those he held dear – his family.

So, losing one of them two years ago was etched deep in Remus' heart. Rigel's death was something none of his housecarls never dared to bring up, since other than the fact that it was a difficult topic, the aftermath… the conclusion of that whole 'dragon cultist incident'... turned their Thane they so adored and respected… into someone they feared at the back of their mind.

That scene was burned into memory. A memory no one dared talk about.

The head housecarl could, but he knew his Thane all too well.

Valdimar knew that it was one of the burdens Remus had to carry.

But he'd always hoped wouldn't have to carry it all alone.

"I made them promise." Valdimar suddenly declared.

Remus raised a brow upon hearing the old housecarl speak.

"I made them promise that there wouldn't be any senseless death. That much I can assure you."

The room was quiet for a time and Jordis felt like the tension from her shoulders that was seemingly lifted earlier on… came crashing down even heavier than before.

Remus leaned back on his seat once more.

"There wouldn't be any senseless death?" he said. "No… I wouldn't allow any death among you."

Valdimar knew the tone.

It was a heavy order.

The old housecarl gripped his cup tightly before booming in laughter.

"Of course. We are your housecarls after all. Death would be a disgrace." he declared. "We are prepared. You'll see soon enough."

Jordis smiled uncomfortably, but she was rather confident that everyone would survive.

After all, they really are prepared – the Dragonbone armor and weaponry especially custom-crafted for each of the housecarls by Valdimar, defeats all his previous works by a mile. All his previous works, aside from the ones crafted for the Dragonborn, of course.

Every piece of work was outfitted to slay vampires.

The Arcane Blacksmith was true to his moniker.

Still, she couldn't help but admit that dying for their cause would be much easier. Dying in battle was a concept Nords were accustomed to. But, like previously said, their Thane wasn't your typical Nord.

He wanted them to live.

Despite the preparations, it is a tall order to follow… to keep one's life while waging battle against one of the most dangerous adversities they've ever had to face.

Jordis knew this very well – the vampires were no joke. This was a hard lesson she had to learn after the defense of Dawnstar.

The old housecarl stood up to clean his cup. "Well, I guess this visit was a success… though I think I've put you in a rather somber mood." he chuckled.

As much as Remus would like to thread into a lighter mood, he couldn't help but be worried with this new development.

"Punk." Valdimar placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You shouldn't worry about us."

"You're hard-headed."

"We're your housecarls, afterall. We take after you." He lightly slapped the back of Remus' head. "Come."

"What?"

"Let's go out and hunt, at this rate you're just going to mope around and overthink. You need to get moving, get that heart pumping."

The old housecarl strode into the entryway, extending his hand toward his cloak Jordis previously hung. Remus lumbered behind him, while hesitant, he still complied to the housecarl's urging.

"Brat!" Valdimar's voice echoed, summoning Jordis. "You're coming, too."

Jordis clicked her tongue in irritation, but still complied. As she exited alongside her two fellow companions, she cast a lingering glance back at the farthest room visible to her, contemplating the fate of the vampiress and the young girl concealed in the cellar.

Inwardly, she wondered, will they be alright?

"Serana? Hey… hey! Serana?"

Everything sounded like white noise echoing in Serana's ears until she discerned a familiar voice.

"Hey!"

The voice became clearer. It was Sissel.

Just what…

"Are you okay?"

Serana's eyes cleared up, revealing the worried face of the child in front of her. The head-splitting ache from her temples was starting to subside.

She still sat on her chair, but she still clutched the book firmly in her hands.

"What…?"

"Are you okay?" Sissel inquired once more. "You were making strange sounds, so I came over. You seemed like you were in pain, and…"

"Shhhh…" Serana raised her index finger, signaling for Sissel to pause. "I… I'm not sure. But I'm… I think I'm okay now."

"Really? You don't need anything?" Sissel's worry was evident.

"Yeah… yeah. I-I'm fine." Serana managed a reassuring smile, though her discomfort was palpable. Sissel's face remained etched with concern. Unsure about the situation, she chose to trust Serana's words.

"If you're sure… but, I'll be here. Just in case."

A brief ease touched Serana's heart at the little girl's kindness.

"Okay. You do that… thanks," was all she could manage. Sissel tiptoed away from Serana's position, heading for the bookshelves nearby. As she perused the titles, it was apparent to the vampiress that Sissel was keeping a watchful eye on her.

Serana released a heavy sigh, her gaze fixed on the book she tightly clutched in her hands. The pain surged through her head once more, an agonizing reminder of the unblocked memory and the newfound knowledge about the central figure within it.

As she grappled with processing these revelations from her past, a myriad of new questions that cannot be answered had surfaced.

The Blood Matron, Lamae Beolfag, had willingly surrendered herself to the Daedric Lord to save her from being defiled.

Why had she chosen such a sacrifice? What were her motives?

And… is she truly a Daughter of Coldharbour?

The blood coursing through her veins wasn't tainted directly by Molag Bal himself but by the very first vampire reborn into existence.

Did this distinction make her different, or did her blood still possess the power to fulfill the prophecy written by Vyrthur?

The Tyranny of the Sun… did she have a role yet to play?

The final words spoken by the Blood Matron added another layer of confusion.

"Someday, you'll fare better than I did. You're going to live. Truly... live. Someday, you'll be free. You… you have to try."

What did these cryptic words mean?

Serana was starting to be overwhelmed with the questions that kept popping off in her head. However, she knew that she had to be better. She took a few deep breaths to calm down… to reset her mind.

After regaining a bit of her composure, she decided that some of these questions cannot be truly answered as of the moment. She needed to focus.

They have Auriel's bow.

A battle is brewing… and it is only a matter of time.

They are just waiting for the signal from the Dawnguard.

And regarding the role she has yet to play on the prophecy, the safest course of action is to assume that she is the same as any of the Daughters of Coldharbour.

She can unravel more of the mysteries of her past after they win the battle.

If they win.

No.

They have to win.

Serana stood up from her chair and carefully returned the book from its original position on the shelf, a place a bit more obscured than the others.

The Blood Matron held an esteemed place in vampire lore, a figure whose tales echoed through the hallowed halls of Castle Volkihar. In the teachings imparted within those ancient walls, Lamae Beolfag's story was a relentless reminder that mortals were nothing more than sheep—either sustenance or tools for infiltrating a world bathed in brutal sunlight… a means to an end.

Yet, Serana had never fathomed the true tragedy woven into the Blood Matron's tale. The revelation that Lamae Beolfag had fallen in love with a human, living a mortal existence for years… suddenly Serana was struck with an unexpected wave of emotion.

The parallels between Lamae's story and her own unfolded before her eyes.

Serana's heart sank. Suddenly her mind was starting to relive the texts she'd just read.

How Lamae fell in love with the mortal, Thrain…

How their peace was disrupted by the attack from the Daedric Lord… and how the love of her life was killed right before her very eyes.

Serana's active imagination procured a vivid imagery of Thrain's demise: the Daedric Lord's triumphant display, the tearing of Thrain's heart from his body.

And by the end of it… the haunting transformation of Molag Bal into his father and his victim… into Remus.

The queasiness settled deep within Serana's stomach, a nauseating swirl that threatened to claw its way up her throat.

Beads of cold sweat formed on her forehead as she clutched her stomach, desperately hoping to suppress the rising tide of discomfort.

Remus started off as a stranger who unknowingly released her from the confines of Dimhollow Crypt. Just her existence is enough to warrant harm from humans… but he didn't. Instead, he cared after her and protected her – kept her safe from harm. For the most part, he risked his fragile mortal life just to protect her own.

He'd also shown her that there's more to life than just being confined within castle walls – seeing new places, meeting new people, living a life of adventure.

All of that… without asking for anything in return.

What started as companionship striving for a common goal of stopping her father, turned out into something better… better than Serana could ever imagine.

Something she could say she holds dear.

The vampiress shook the harrowing image from her head. She'd doubted her future with Remus numerous times, worrying that her continued existence by his side would only bring him ruin.

She had doubted enough.

Not anymore.

The world would burn first before she lets anything happen to him.

"Serana?"

The vampiress felt light tugging on her sleeve. Sissel looked up to her intently, a book in hand.

"What's wrong?"

"You're just standing there with a scary look on your face. Are you okay?" the little girl promptly replied.

Serana could almost feel her facial expressions soften up. She crouched down until she was eye-level with her before stroking her head gently.

"I probably was, wasn't I?" the vampiress chuckled. "I'm sorry… but don't worry! I'm feeling a lot better now."

Her eyes darted towards the book Sissel was holding.

"Have you started reading?"

Sissel shook her head. "No, not really. I was just finding a reason to stay here."

Serana chuckled once more. The little girl was really as thoughtful as she was perceptive – pretty straightforward, too.

"You really don't have to worry. But go on and have a read. We might have to stay here for a bit longer."

Sissel gave her a bright grin before nodding in agreement. "Then later, we can practice magic here, right?"

"No, not really." the vampiress replied dryly, a sarcastic smile on her face.

"Feels better, doesn't it?" Valdimar laughed as he walked, straddling a dead buck on his shoulders.

Remus was inclined to smile. "Fine, you were right, old man. I do feel better."

Jordis, on the other hand, remained stoic – her expression unchanging.

The three were on their way to the outskirts of Dawnstar. Remus was already made aware that they were starting to turn the city into a much more forward base – with Fort Dawnguard being a bit too far from the charted location of Castle Volkihar.

Doing so was probably Jordis' idea. At the very least, the housecarls' presence would ensure that the city will work on their fortifications.

"Well, I'm off. You two can run along now before the sun sets," Valdimar insisted once they reached the Dawnguard Stables. "You really didn't have to escort me here."

"Wouldn't hurt to make sure your knees don't give out while we're on the way," Jordis replied nonchalantly as she went for the horses they had left earlier.

"You should seriously teach that brat some manners," Valdimar grunted at Remus.

"She isn't exactly wrong though," Remus replied as he mounted the horse.

"SCRAM!" the old housecarl suddenly boomed, causing the two to hasten on their way.

As they vanished into the distance, Valdimar suddenly jolted upward.

"Argh! I forgot to ask them about this… Serana, again," he muttered, shaking his head before shrugging. "Oh, well. Maybe next time."

The sun was already setting when Remus and Jordis arrived at Heljarchen Hall – their ride on the way home relatively quiet.

"Go check on them, Jordis. I'll handle the horses."

"Thane, I can…"

"Jordis."

The housecarl sighed. "As you wish, Thane." Jordis got off her horse and led the reins to Remus, who took them from her hand.
The younger housecarl complied to his order, her head still turning to check on him, even as she entered the hall.

After leading the horses back to the stables, Remus sat atop the logs to watch the sunset from the horizon. As much as he wanted his mind to be blank, he couldn't help but have it addled with worry.

He knew that Serana was determined to finish everything personally – and that there would be no stopping her… no chance of convincing her to stay on the backlines.

And with his housecarls… adding to his worry… he didn't know what to do.

He trusts each of them individually, however, he couldn't trust himself that he'd be able to protect them all when the battle comes.

He hadn't met them all on this concern, but with how Valdimar told their plan to join him in the battle against the vampires, his confidence was apparent.

Seems like he had all the housecarls to agree.

And they never agree with just about anything – unless it's an order.

Remus sighed and walked back to Heljarchen Hall.

Upon entry, he noticed that Jordis and Sissel were already setting the table for dinner.

"Where's Serana?" he promptly asked.

"She's upstairs… she said she wasn't hungry." Sissel replied as she approached him. "Did we hide well? Jordis said we did."

Remus answered her with a smile. "Yeah. You sure did." He glanced at his housecarl. "I'll eat later. Don't wait up.".

Climbing the staircase, he headed straight for the master bedroom. As expected, Serana was there, perched on the windowsill, her gaze fixed on the star-studded sky.

"Took you a while," she remarked without shifting her eyes.

"Yeah, sorry." Remus replied softly as he closed the door.

Serana turned her head to meet his gaze, adjusting her position on the windowsill and extending her hand. Intrigued, Remus cautiously approached, his hand reaching out to meet hers.

The moment their hands connected, she gently pulled him into an embrace, rising gracefully from the windowsill. Her arms enveloped him, as if absorbing his warmth.

Emotions swirled within Remus, a rhythmic beat of his heart echoing a mix of embarrassment and delight. Yet, deep down, he relished every moment of it.

With one arm tenderly wrapped around her and the other gently stroking her hair, he whispered, "What's wrong?" Remus was first to ask.

"Nothing, I just missed you."

"I was only out for a while."

"Doesn't matter."

A tranquil silence settled as they held onto each other. Remus couldn't deny that he missed her too, even though it had only been half a day since they last met. Her embrace, however, revealed a need he hadn't recognized until that moment.

"Remus?" she whispered in a tender voice.

"Yeah?"

"I'm scared."

"Really? That's surprising? Nothing scares you, though?"

Serana gently thumped her hand against his chest. "I'm serious."

"Alright, all right. I'm sorry," he answered softly, tightening his embrace to reassure her that he's there to listen. "Scared? Why?"

"About what's coming."

"The battle?"

Serana nodded. "You better not be out of my sight when we're on the battlefield, alright?"

Remus didn't answer, his thoughts were dark, with the image of Serana being in the heat of battle. He just wanted her to be somewhere far away from there… somewhere safe.

"…Serana… are you really…"

"Don't even think about it." Serana scolded, as if she'd already predicted what he was about to say. "I'm going to fight with you. We are in this… together. So, you better not be out of my sight by then, you hear?"

He was hesitant, but he acknowledged her words with a nod. "To be honest, I'm scared, too."

Serana seemed a little surprised, but she asked, "Why so?"

"My housecarls… apparently they'd be going to war… with us. I… I don't want to lose a single one of them." he clutched her even tighter. "And more importantly, I do not want to lose you…"

Serana's heart softened as she heard Remus' feelings. He was shaking slightly, as if he was trying to keep himself together. She felt glad that she's become someone he could confide in, someone who he could be more vulnerable with.

The vampiress slightly pulled away and gazed upward, her eyes staring directly at his blue ones. She gently caressed his face as she spoke, "You're not going to lose any of your housecarls. They'll fight their hardest and keep their life while doing so." she reassured him. "And you're not going to lose me… because I… I'm the one who's going to protect you. So, when we're in the middle of the biggest fight of our lives, you better not stay out of my sight… okay…?"

Remus, reassured by Serana's comforting words, felt a sense of solace wash over him. He leaned in slowly and pressed his lips against hers. Serana returned the favor with equal passion.

Their lips lingered in a silent exchange, conveying emotions that words could not capture.

Remus was the first to pull back, albeit not wanting to, but he must reply to his beloved's question with resolve.

"Yeah, I won't be out of your sight. And you better not be out of mine. Because I will protect you, too."

Serana gave her a smile that could make his heart melt.

"Glad to hear."

Their peaceful time together carried on until two days later.

A loud knock could be heard from the door.

The moment Remus opened it with Serana just behind him, he recognized the orc in the Dawnguard armor, Durak.

"Isran's asking for you."