[AN! Introducing Serana! Our deuteragonist finally makes her entrance. The cogs are moving now and an important relationship is underway. Serana has always been one of my favourite characters from this fantastic series. She already has such an in-depth history and personality in game, which I've used in my depiction of her. The personalities of this mysterious yet well-mannered vampire and the blunt yet energetic Mimzi are bound to clash. Or maybe not. We shall see!]

Chapter 6: Serana

Durak quietly observed as the three Companions practiced their ward spells. Aela perfected it almost immediately, holding her hand firmly to keep the spell up and active. Farkas struggled to summon the spell and received some coaching from Aela to project it. A flicker of the ward spell chimed in his hand, raising an excited grin to his face as Aela encouraged to keep at it.

Aela praised, "You are doing great, Farkas. Next time, work on your concentration. Try to blot out the world behind you."

Farkas exclaimed excitedly, "I can't believe I just did that! I'm like… a wizard!"

Aela winced and grumbled, "Okay, let's not get ahead of ourselves here. Just keep at it."

Farkas glanced over to Vilkas, who was sitting by the steps, staring vacantly into the ground with a scowl on his face. Farkas muttered, "Is he going to try, or just sit there all day?"

Aela glanced back at Vilkas quickly and muttered to Farkas, "Why don't you go ask him? He's your brother."

"No… trust me, he doesn't want me talking to him," glowered Farkas, "Or I don't want him talking to me. Whatever, he made it clear he can take care of himself so I'm letting him."

Aela shrugged and responded, "Maybe… or it's just his own way of telling you he needs help. Vilkas is a prideful old mule by nature, that's not a mystery."

Farkas groaned and with wilted eyes said, "Look, Aela. You're right, he's my brother. Just don't get between us, okay? It's a… twin thing."

"Whatever you say…" she replied, then created another ward to practice and try to keep it up longer. She smiled at the shimmering light from her palms and said, "But these things… will definitely come in handy."

"Oh yeah," grinned Farkas, "No more fireballs or ice spikes to dodge. That'll be nice for a change."

Kodlak and Isran walked into the training quarters, Isran bellowed aloud for everyone to hear, "Listen up!"

Vilkas jolted from his state and stood lazily off the stairs. Farkas and Aela stopped their wards and looked back to the stern faces of Kodlak and Isran.

Isran raised his voice and announced, "One of you decided to up and leave the Fort last night. Don't ask me why, but something tells me it's because they were a milk-drinker that didn't have what it takes to be a vampire slayer, or a Companion. Now it's the three of you, and I need your help to get our ranks back."

"Wait…" Aela interrupted, "Are you talking about Mimzi?"

"No," panicked Farkas, "That's not like her. Have you checked everywhere?"

Vilkas stated coldly, "We did," he placed his hands at his waist.

Farkas began to protest, "Well… she could be in trouble. You can't just think she left without ruling everything out. What if she's hurt?" he was cut off by Isran.

"She left," Isran said bluntly, "Her horse was gone in the early hours of the morning, so she probably left at night. Either way, she's not important, anymore. We'll continue our missions without her."

Kodlak looked into the ground in sadness at the announcement, keeping his eyes from meeting his Companions.

"Kodlak…" Aela said, "She may be new, but she's part of our family now. We take care of our whelps…"

Vilkas snapped at Aela, "What about this don't you understand, woman? She's gone. She fled. Let's just drop it and move on. We don't need to talk about her any longer."

Farkas looked dejected, trying to process the information that was delivered to him.

"Right, well…" Isran continued, "On to more pressing matters, I need your help, all three of you. We are in dire need of recruits, and we're not getting them. It's only a matter of time before the vampires choose to make another major city their target, such as Riften or Windhelm. There's two people in question that we need. Sorine Jurard and Gunmar. Sorine is an expert at tinkering and weapons specialist. She can help us keep our supply of crossbows afloat. Gunmar is a big hulk of a Nord, so nothing you lot ain't used to. Got it into his head he can train animals to help. We'll need his expertise for some loyal beasts on our side."

Isran looked to Aela then ordered, "Aela, I need you to find Sorine. Last I knew, she was in the Reach, supposedly about to find the biggest Dwemer ruins, yet. I can mark the location on your map."

Aela rejoined, "Thank you, sir. Will I be going alone?"

Isran responded, "Yes, the brothers can go find Gunmar, he's in the Rift, so not too far. Supposedly looking for some more wild beasts to tame, trolls in particular. He's the only man I know who successfully tamed a troll. So, the both of you and your manpower will suffice."

Vilkas released an angered growl as Farkas interjected, "No, sir. Please, I'd rather go with Aela. Please."

Vilkas grumbled, "Really, Farkas…"

"I think it's a great idea," Kodlak piped up, "It'll give you two sometime to deal with your issues rather than making it everyone else's problem…"

Farkas stammered, "But... but… fine." He glared at Vilkas, who was shaking his head back at him.

"Then it's settled, make your preparations for the journey. I'll expect you all to leave immediately."

Isran fled back down the hall. Kodlak turned his back to the three where Vilkas jogged up the steps and after him.

Vilkas called out, "Mas—…. Kodlak!"

Kodlak turned back with a glad smile to his face, he beamed, "Vilkas, my boy, how are you?"

"Can we talk?" Vilkas asked in a weary voice.

Kodlak empathetically replied, "Of course, we can. Come."

The two walked through the halls of Fort Dawnguard and up to Kodlak's quarters to the upper level. Kodlak sat down at a table adjacent to Vilkas and smiled. He pondered softly, "You are looking in finer health, now. This brings me much joy. Your blood hasn't been troubling you, has it?"

Vilkas shook his head, "No... I feel better. The distraction of all of this, I think it helps. Clearing out bandit caves and finding lost family heirlooms was turning into a chore. It's nice to have something different for a change. Even in this uncertain terror."

Kodlak smiled gladly, "That's great to hear. Sometimes a distraction is useful, but when it sullies and your left to your thoughts once more, the episodes can creep back faster than the first time. You must be prepared for that."

"Of course. But for now, I'm troubled by another matter," stated Vilkas, "Mimzi. She's really gone. Are we just supposed to let her leave?"

Kodlak remarked, "This is something that troubles all of us, my boy. It's a relief to finally see you showing some concern for your whelps. I'm not exactly sure what to think of it… but with Mimzi gone, is it helping with your temptations? I could tell you were struggling with her scent, it's quite strong, even I'll admit."

Vilkas was a little setback at the question, but answered punctually, "Aye, it was. But that's not really what concerns me… doesn't feel right to let her walk away without a proper investigation. Farkas could be right, she may be in trouble. We don't know."

"I firmly believe that when something leaves, if it's meant to be, it'll come back. If it doesn't, well there is our answer. All we can do now is focus on the horizon. We can't control what others do in times of terror like today, all we can do is try to control what we can, such as our burning spirits. Mimzi is a strong girl and can handle trouble, we saw that. Time will only tell."

Vilkas nodded and went cold. His eyes stayed down from Kodlak's as troubling thoughts crept back.

Kodlak perked his head to the side and asked, "What is really troubling you?"

Vilkas closed his silver eyes and looked them up to Kodlak, who returned a still but warm smile. Vilkas uttered, "I saw him. The night of the raid, while everyone was out at that party. He came to me in my dream."

Kodlak sat upright in his chair and leaned towards Vilkas earnestly, "You saw him?"

"Yes. I didn't want to believe it, at first. Tried to tell myself it was all a nightmare, and I was overthinking it. But I'm certain— I've had time to think now, and I know it was him. He wants me to join the hunt."

Kodlak sighed discreetly from the troubling news as Vilkas continued, "I fear that with his eyes on me now— I'll give in. I feel like he won't stop till I do."

Kodlak raised, "Well, have you seen him since your last dreams? Has he called to you again?"

"No…" Vilkas muttered, "That was the last time I slept. I fear if I do sleep, he'll come back. I… don't know what to do," he coursed his fingers through his hair and buried his face into his hands.

"Oh, my dear boy," Kodlak rambled in worry, "You cannot torture yourself in this endeavour alone. I am glad you came to me with this, but for Mara's sake, you need sleep. I can see it on your face. Your exhaustion."

"I can't sleep now…" Vilkas grumbled, "Got to go find this Gunmar with Farkas and pray to the Divine's I don't pummel him in the jaw. I can't deal with him right now, Kodlak. He's my brother and I love him, but his brains are not his strong suit. He doesn't understand the toll of the blood as I do."

Kodlak chuckled in his throat, "You need that boy now more than ever. Can I tell you a story?"

Vilkas shrugged, "I feel like you've told me all your stories by now."

"Not this one," Kodlak smiled and reminisced, "When you two first came to the hall, it was chaos. None of us had any experience with children, let alone infants. Sometimes I can still hear your cries as I walk through the halls. Your brother was easy— a little bit of cows milk and mead for his gums and he was out like candlelight. You were a real firebrand, always crying and fussing. I swear, not even Tilma could settle you down… it was probably one of the hardest battles I've ever faced to this day." Kodlak enjoyed a bellied laugh as Vilkas perked a smile and chuckled in his throat.

Kodlak continued in a wholesome grin, "Well, one night, Farkas was sleeping in his cradle, and Jergen and I were busy trying to calm you down. Nothing helped. He walked you around the Wind District, I swaddled you tightly in a wool blanket, we told you stories— nothing. You'd still wail your face off till dawn broke," Kodlak erupted in laughter as Vilkas joined in.

"Surprised you didn't sell me to the Khajiits outside the city," smirked Vilkas, where Kodlak began to crack in laughter.

"I almost did," jested Kodlak, "No, what I did, was I put you in the cradle with Farkas. We were always so busy taking care of each of you, we never really let you two spend time together. What happened next was… astonishing. You piped down in almost an instant, curled up to your brother and slept. Just like that. I was taken back, but it revealed to me something that I've known my whole life, but in a different way. Family is all. No matter the pain or damage. Family is the Companions. You two shown me that. Don't let petty rivalry distract you from what makes you a Companion, Vilkas. He will see you through this pain, that I know for a certainty."

Vilkas couldn't help but form a warm smile, and fought the tender tears that swelled in his eyes. He pressed his lips together and said, "Alright… I'll try."

"That's my boy," Kodlak firmly clasped Vilkas's knee and brimmed a grin, before standing up and leaving Vilkas to his thoughts. A looming sadness had followed him to Fort Dawnguard. After seeing the death toll of good men he had grown up with in the city, and leaving Skjor in Whiterun, losing his brother was the forefront of it all. Where they couldn't even withstand to look at each other, or talk and laugh as they used to. Vilkas couldn't admit it in words, but he hated the rivalry held between himself and Farkas. He missed him. With Kodlak's recent teaching, his indulgence in the demons that strayed them apart had delved too deep. Despite the jealousy that started it all, he wasn't a Companion without his brother.

Mimzi panted heavily with her sword held up firmly at the mysterious woman. The woman was still in a daze from awakening, and stepped one foot out of the monolith, then fell flat to the ground. Mimzi startled and shot back, shaking like a leaf. She aimed her sword down to her, ready to strike. The woman released a pained groan. The Elder Scroll to her back glistened off the scattered light from the braziers. The woman slowly gathered herself off the ground, clasping her head in pain and stood up. She met the eyes of Mimzi; rattling in fear before her, and the sword a few inches from her forehead. As the woman stood up completely, Mimzi followed her head with her sword. The woman made an aloof glare at Mimzi, then raised her finger up slowly, to where Mimzi breathed hard through her nostrils and made a threatening stance. She lightly placed her finger to the top of Mimzi's blade and pushed it down. Mimzi startled at her doing so.

The woman said in a smooth tone, "I don't like sharp objects in my face."

Mimzi barked back, nudging her blade closer, "Who are you?!"

The woman paced her eyes up and down to Mimzi and asked, "Who are you?"

"You first."

The woman smirked and crossed her arms, "Serana. Your turn."

With her sword still raised, Mimzi said, "You're a vampire."

"And you're not. Your point?" scoffed Serana. "You going to tell me your name, or…"

"Why are you… here?" Mimzi asked unnervingly, "Why are you carrying a damn Elder Scroll? Who in Ysmir's beard are you?!"

Serana glowered, "I just told you. Put that down before you get hurt."

Mimzi repeated, "Why do you have an Elder Scroll?"

Serana rested her arms to her side and stated, "I'd rather not share that with you. No offence, but I don't even know you. Not to mention, you're aiming a sword at me. So far, I don't like you. Why should I tell you anything?"

Mimzi yelled, jolting her blade closer to her, "Because I'm aiming a sword at you!"

"That's cute, really," Serana chuckled, "Look, I've been in that thing for a reeally long time. I'd like some fresh air. So, unless you're going to help me get out of here— stay out of my way."

Mimzi asked, "How long have you been in there?"

"I…" Serana's eyes glazed over as she strayed in thought, "I don't know… who… who is Skyrim's High King?"

Mimzi flummoxed at the question and muttered, "That's… actually up for debate…"

Serana giggled and stated, "Ah yes, a war of succession. Good to see things didn't get boring while I was gone. Who are the contenders?"

"Uhh… Ulfric Stormcloak, the rebels believe he is the true High King, then Elisif the Fair is backed by the Empire for High Queen," mumbled Mimzi— flustered to why she was telling this vampire all of this in the first place.

"Empire?" Serana muttered, "What Empire?"

"The Empire. You know… Cyrodiil's Empire? Septim Dynasty?" questioned Mimzi, her raised sword beginning to lean.

Serana shuddered, "Cyrodiil is the seat of an Empire? I must have been gone longer than I thought… definitely longer than we intended…"

Mimzi demanded again, "We? You and who else?"

Serana rolled her eyes and grumbled, "Okay, you haven't even told me your name yet. Somehow you have a lot of questions for someone who hasn't given me anything."

Mimzi began to bargain, "I'm someone who came here to find out what a bunch of vampires were seeking. By the looks of it, they were seeking you. Tell me why, and I'll tell you my name." Serana glanced over to the bludgeoned vampire on the ground behind.

"I can see that, now. You didn't strike me for someone who knew how to fight. I can't say for sure, but maybe… my father? Just help me get out of here. I need to get back to my home… he's there and maybe he can tell you what you need to know. You get your information; I get out of this cave safely with my life back. Everyone walks away happy."

Mimzi scoffed in disbelief, "You want me to help you?!"

"Well, you want me to help you? So why not help each other? I don't know if you've picked up on it yet, but I'm not like other vampires. I've got no reason to hurt you unless you try to hurt me. We can get out of this place and we'll figure it out on the way, okay?" softly asked Serana, almost reassuring to the point Mimzi's alertness waned. However, she reminded herself to stay wary.

Mimzi slowly lowered her sword and kept an unsure scowl to Serana, who smiled as Mimzi ceased her defence. Serana perked up, "Good, you're smarter than you look. You… going to tell me your name?"

She replied stoically, "Mimzi."

Serana grimaced, "That's your name? Isn't that an ugly flower in Morrowind?"

Mimzi glared and said, "Yeah, it is. Are we going?"

Serana resolved and pulled her hood over her hair and nodded, "Let's."

Mimzi followed Serana through to an adjoining bridge out the other side of the platform, where it led to a bleak and dark ledge to the side of the cave.

Serana piped up, "When I said that, did that hurt your feelings?" Mimzi chose to ignore the question as she pried her eyes into the darkness for a way out.

"Hello?" Serana asked, "You heard me, right? Mimzi?"

"I did. I ignored you. Do you see an opening anywhere?"

"It's just… I've been in the ground for a long time and… I may have forgotten how to talk to people. So, if it hurt your feelings, you have to tell me…" Serana pried, her eyes following Mimzi as she paced along the slopes to feel for wind.

"Did it?" persisted Serana, to where Mimzi groaned and rested her head down before turning back in an anguished glare.

"I really don't care." drolly replied Mimzi, "Are you going to help?"

"Yeah…" Serana agreed dejectedly, "Sure," she summoned a spell to her palm which brought a candlelight spell forth. The glowing orb lit the area generously. The light was enough for Mimzi to spot an exit at the top of a slope but shielded by a gate. Mimzi looked around for the lever, which was over by another darkened slope, out of the candlelight spell's range.

"There's the lever, can you go pull it?" Mimzi asked of Serana, who agreed before sauntering over to the lever. Mimzi crept up the slope where darkness took hold once more, as the orb followed Serana to the lever. Mimzi pattered around for the door again. She clasped something made of stone but carved into the shape of some kind of creature. She caressed her fingers over the carved teeth and snout and moved her hands over the shoulders to try and find the gate entrance. Serana pulled the lever to where the gate pulled open. As Serana stepped closer, the light began to shine over what Mimzi was seeing.

Serana halted at the sight of what was behind Mimzi and shrieked, "Mimzi! Behind you!"

Mimzi looked back in confusion, "What?"

"Get away from there now!"

Mimzi growled back, "There's nothing here! What are you…"

Suddenly the sculpture of the creature bursted from its stone moulding, blasting pieces of stone at Mimzi which scratched her face as she flew back. It roared chillingly and stomped towards her. It was large and had pale grey skin, and shredded wings. It held two large, twisted horns to its head, and vibrating nose slits, with red eyes like embers. It raised its large claws up to Mimzi with a blood chilling screech, then was blasted back by an ice spike to its shoulder. Mimzi gasped and shot up as Serana pursued the creature, throwing rain of ice spikes towards it. The creature persisted through the cuts and jabs of the spikes, until Serana's ability with magicka was spent. It flew at Serana, who quickly rolled out of the way from its clasp. The monster roared again and sprinted to her, where Mimzi leapt off the ledge and kicked the monster to the ground, she stabbed her blade down, but the monster whacked her aim away. It snatched Mimzi by the neck and threw her down hard to the ground. It roared in a screeching pitch again until another ice spike went piercing through its skull, Mimzi gasped hoarsely with its pressure on her neck released. She kicked it off to the side of her and clasped her throat. Mimzi's back was aching from the blow and the back of her head throbbed in pain. Serana ran over to her and knelt down urgently.

"Here… let me help," said Serana and raised her hand with a golden incantation.

Mimzi slapped her hand away, "… don't need your help."

"Really? Because just now, you kind of did," claimed Serana condescendingly, "Let me heal you."

Mimzi relented, "Fine, do it quick."

"If you want to feel better, you'll let me do it in the timeframe I want," glowered Serana, she raised a healing spell to her hand and placed it on Mimzi's shoulder, who jolted at the vampire touching her. Serana groaned, "Relax… if I wanted to hurt you, I would have."

The spell began to glimmer and chime, and a soothing energy passed on through Mimzi from the spell. The pent-up ache she felt soon drifted into deep, relieving breaths as the incantation did its work. Mimzi's head began to calm, her back soothed, the puncture in her hand sealed over and the painful bite from the death hound closed and regrew skin. Mimzi gawked in amazement at the miraculous work of the healing spell. She dimmed a smile.

Mimzi muttered, "Thanks…"

"You're welcome," smiled Serana back as she held her hand out to help Mimzi up off the ground. She cautiously clasped Serana's cold hand and pushed up off the floor of the cave. Mimzi looked down at the dead creature and grimaced.

"What is that thing?"

Serana explained, "Gargoyle. They protect vampire lairs. They burst out of their stone prison and kill intruders; usually always unsuspecting. Luckily for you, I was here."

"Oh, yeah…" Mimzi smirked and scoffed, sarcastically, "I'm sooo lucky, alright. Let's just keep moving."

Serana glowered, "Fine, through here."

They ventured through the open passage and carried on through the handcrafted, Nordic tunnels. It followed into a chamber with a door on the far-left side; also blocked by a gate mechanism. Mimzi spotted the lever to the top of a platform. She ambled up the steps and pulled it towards her, releasing the mechanism and lifting the gate.

Suddenly two coffins burst open, out walked two armed draugr in ancient armour and shields. Their swords were ready to wage in war, where Mimzi pulled out her sword and sparred with one. It's attacks were vigilantly blocked by Mimzi. She plucked her shield up and off her belt and bashed the draugr back, Mimzi swiped her sword, cracking the head off the draugr. Serana immediately raised the body of the fallen draugr, its head off its shoulders but still undead; it came back to life. Mimzi shivered in fright at the sight of the headless draugr fighting the other.

Serana barked, "Let's go!"

Mimzi snapped out of her shock and followed Serana into more Nordic tunnels. It led into a burrow pit, dimly lit, and looked to be an ancient colosseum. Mimzi and Serana walked around the railed front of the arena and jogged through the sitting area. Suddenly bodies of skeletons began to emerge from the sand pit to the bottom of the centre. Mimzi firmly clasped her sword, as Serana readied her ice spell. She threw an ice spear at two skeletons— destroying their bodies instantly. Mimzi could hear something faint calling out to her at the other side of the chamber. She could see the dim outline of a Wall of Power. A sarcophagus bursted open at the sound of combat, where a draugr lord emerged. Mimzi sprinted at the monster with her sword at the ready, but before she could release a Shout, it surpassed her.

"FUS… RO… DAH!"

Mimzi went flying back and thudded into the hard stone of the colosseum.

"Mimzi!" bellowed Serana.

She threw another ice spike at the draugr lord whose timely attack whacked the spike away with its sword. The draugr lord cast a lightning spell towards Serana, where she summoned a ward— blocking the draugr's attacks.

"Mir sos lun ahrk dovahkiin? Hi nis kren zu'u!"

Mimzi slowly crawled up from the floor and scrambled to Serana's assistance. The draugr shouted at Serana.

"YOL!"

A blast of fire hit Serana, throwing her back.

"AGH!"

Mimzi shot up and ran to the draugr in her defence.

"FUS… RO… DAH!"

Mimzi's Shout threw the draugr lord back harshly against the stone walls, Mimzi held her sword in her right hand and approached the downed draugr, only for it to kick her back as soon as she raised her blade. Mimzi toppled to the ground and raised her shield to block the strike upcoming from the draugr lord. It was suddenly dispatched by an unknown assailant from behind. A sword protruded from its chest and fell before Mimzi. Behind was the headless, reanimated draugr that Serana had summoned before in the other room. The headless draugr dissipated into a pile of ash as the deed was done, leaving Mimzi shaken by what had occurred.

Serana slowly crawled off the ground and pursued Mimzi. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I think so…" Mimzi panted as she stood up, "Your thrall saved the day."

Serana panted, "I actually thought it crumbled a while ago. But… great."

Mimzi immediately walked to the source of the power at the Wall. Serana followed closely, unsure where she was heading. Serana hummed and uttered, "Uhhh… the door is this way. Where are you going?"

She ignored Serana as she made it to the Wall. The glowing blue characters called out to her. Mimzi stood only a few inches from the carving. Her sight went white once more, and the essence and importance of energy flooded her senses. She understood in that moment the presence of energy in others, and with the power of one word, she could leech it from her opponents for herself. Stamina. Gaan.

The word seeped into her being, and the Shout lived within her throat, with the rest she had learned in the past few months. Mimzi's vision went back to Dimhollow Crypt, she slowly turned around to Serana staring motionless at her.

"You… you're a Tongue?" Serana shallowly muttered.

"Huh?" slurred Mimzi, "Why do you vamps keep calling me that?"

Serana gasped in amazement, "You just learned that word, that's a word only for the Tongues… or dragons."

Mimzi rolled her eyes and claimed, "No. I'm Dragonborn. I have the blood of a dragon, or something."

"Oh…" Serana said, "Wait… what?!" she gasped abruptly.

"Okay, can we get out of here now? Please?" Mimzi whined, then pushed passed Serana. The two women fled a flight of steps, where a door led out to another craved hall and gate mechanism. Mimzi pulled the lever to open the gate, where snow was already sweeping in from the outside entrance. They made their way up the incline and crawled from the cave to the frigid and clear winter night air. The snow was fresh and powdered the hillsides and hugged the branches. It was glistening off the generous moonlight, kindred to the clear skies dancing in stars. Mimzi breathed deeply and looked up to the sky.

Mimzi uttered, "Ugh. It's so good to be outside again."

Serana sighed in bliss, "You're telling me…" her voice shaky. Mimzi looked to her and could see what seemed like pebbling tears in her glowing red eyes. She stared longingly at the moons and smiled as the cold air swept through her jet-black locks. Serana sighed, "I almost forgot how beautiful Skyrim really is."

Aurora began to dance against the night sky, even making Mimzi swoon at the beauty. The two women stayed for some time simply appreciating the vista. Mimzi's thought strayed to Serana, and the curiosity of this vampiric woman. She was not a blood starved savage, or malicious psychopath like the rest of the vampire's Mimzi had encountered, instead Serana was well-mannered, rational, and kind. All things a vampire shouldn't be, yet she was. For a few moments in the crypt, Mimzi forgot she was fighting alongside a vampire. A woman shrouded in mystery as to why she carried an Elder Scroll, why she remained in a monolith, why was she her? Everything about this being befuddled Mimzi. She couldn't help but figure there was a large piece to the puzzle missing, and now only Serana could lead her to it.

Sharply in close distance, Mimzi could hear distressed whinnies of horses. She jolted in panic and looked towards the sound.

"Do you hear that, too?" Serana raised to Mimzi, who was already in a trance of panic, "Mimzi…?"

Mimzi blathered frantically, "Damn it… damn it, damn it, damn it!!" and went sprinting towards the sound. Serana bolted after her.

"Mimzi! What's going on?!"

Mimzi yelled out as she sprawled along the slopes, "Sunshine!!"

Serana struggled to keep up to the swift Nord. Mimzi could see the two horses, Sunshine and Tolan's horse, fending off a snow sabre cat. The horses pummelled their hooves at the beast, which kept it wary, but it still persisted.

Mimzi unsheathed her blade and went charging at the wild animal, "Hey! Get away from my horse, you bastard!"

It spooked at the sight of Serana over the hill. The sabre cat went sprinting down into the grove of pine trees. Mimzi barked out to it, "Yeah! That's right! Run! You fat housecat!"

Sunshine came trotting to Mimzi happily with pleasant whinnies. She joyously giggled and hugged her muzzle, patting her gently. Serana caught up and smiled at the reunion, feeling a warm twinge in her chest at the sight of the horse and its owner.

Sunshine began to sniff and dig her muzzle into Mimzi's knapsack, where she giggled again, "Ah! Sunshine, really? Fine…" Mimzi jammed into her knapsack and pulled out an apple, which Sunshine chomped up in moments, "Take it, but feels like you're just happy to see me because I've got food."

Serana released a giggle. Mimzi looked back at her with a scowl, where Serana's smile fleeted. Mimzi gestured over to Tolan's horse and said, "You should take that one, just don't… kill it."

"I don't drink the blood of animals, that's not really a vampire's thing," Serana grumbled and waddled over to the horse. She held her hand out for the horse to smell, which as soon as it got the scent it shot up in a terrified shrill and bolted off into the woods. Serana groaned in frustration, where a satisfied Mimzi crept a smile.

"Well… looks like you're riding with me," she crawled atop her horse.

Serana groaned and mounted Sunshine behind Mimzi. The horse trotted down to the main road. Mimzi asked to Serana, "So where are we going?"

Serana informed, "My family and I lived on an island to the northwest of Solitude. That's where my father should be, anyway. You take me there, he will tell you everything you need to know."

Mimzi asked hastily, "So… can I ask why your father just… left you there? Has he been looking for you?"

Serana lamented sadly, "My father and I… well we don't really have the best relationship… I mean it's a story as old as time, 'little girl who doesn't get along with her father' but it's true."

Mimzi raised, "Why?"

"It's…" obliquely sighed Serana, "Hard to explain."

Mimzi huffed and asked, "Okay, why do you have an Elder Scroll?"

Serana said, "It's… complicated. I can't really talk about it. I'm sorry."

Mimzi rolled her eyes and growled sarcastically, "Wow, you're just a wealth of information, aren't you?"

"Yeah, I know, I'm sorry I can't tell you anything. I have a lot of stuff to figure out right now, just give me a break, okay? We can take our next steps when we make it to the island."

"Whatever…" Mimzi scoffed, and they carried on down the road toward Haafingar Hold, "By the way, try to bite me back there or anything, I'll shove my boot up your ass."

"Lovely imagery…" Serana stated aloofly, "Thanks for the friendly heads up."

The two rode on Sunshine through the pathways in bitter silence. Hours of travel ensued. The quiet droll with only the hoots of owls, and singing of the wind. Serana had a million things she wanted to ask, but she was worried to irritate Mimzi, who seemed anything else but amicable. Serana relented and asked anyway.

"So… who sent you to the crypt?"

Mimzi scoffed and condescendingly bleated, "Oh, sorry can't talk about that. It's just super personal and complicated. I prefer you sit in annoyed confusion for the entire ride. So yeah, sorry."

Serana smirked and asked, "I mean it, who sent you?"

"You don't tell me anything…" Mimzi shrugged, "Why should I tell you?"

Serana suggested wearily, "Because maybe we can talk about something besides listening to the clack of your horse's hooves on the path?"

Mimzi gloomed, "We don't need to talk."

"How old are you?" Serana raised undauntedly.

"How old are you?" Mimzi rejoined, "Like a thousand?"

Serana answered, "About that, actually."

"What?!"

"You asked…" Serana sniggered, "Well, your turn."

Mimzi glared in silence at the snow drifting in the sides of the path and relented in a deep voice, "I'm twenty years old."

"I was a few years older when I was turned," confessed Serana, "I'm not… getting into that. So, before you ask, don't."

"Wasn't going to, because I don't care," said Mimzi aloofly, but perked her head to the side and asked anyway, "But… now that we're on the topic, how did it happen?"

Serana glowered, "Really?"

"What?!" Mimzi squawked, "You brought it up!"

"Not talking about it."

"Fine," groaned Mimzi petulantly, "And if you really have to know, I was sent by Dawnguard. Vampire slayers. So… by nature, I'm supposed to hate your guts."

"And do you?" Serana asked, scared to receive the answer.

"Meh. You're kind of annoying and I don't trust you with an inch of my life, but you're not too bad."

Serana replied dejectedly, "I guess that's the fairest answer I'm going to get…"

Mimzi chirped, "I'd like you a lot more if you told me why you have an Elder Scroll?"

"Shut up…" Serana chuckled in her throat, as Mimzi giggled lightly.

The two women reached a clearing passed the Northwatch Keep. Mimzi anxiously pried her eyes at the keep, hoping the Thalmor agent patrols wouldn't spot her. She lifted her hood up over her ears and eerily watched for agents. They kept through to a shoreline, passing horkers that rested on the shoals. Mimzi could see a large castle to the horizon, out to the ocean.

"Is… that it?" Mimzi asked.

Serana replied, "That's it… home sweet… castle."

Mimzi added, "It's pretty big…"

Serana explained, "Yeah, I know, I'm not some woman who stays in her castle all day, if that's what you think. It's just not me, I hope you can believe that."

Mimzi blurted, "Hey! If I was the girl with the castle, I'd stay in it all day long, never leave, ever. So, who cares what I think."

Serana giggled, then went stoic, "This castle… isn't one you'll want to stay in. You'll understand when we get there."

The two women slid off Sunshine's back and approached a boat to the shoreline. Serana claimed, "Can't believe we still have this… but this is what we used to sail to and from the island. You get an oar, I get one. Ready?"

Mimzi replied, "Fair enough."

They climbed onboard the jetty and pedalled to the lingering castle through the thick waves of Haafinger's bay. Mimzi's face blistered against the open throws of wind on the glacial seas. She tucked her face into the bottom of her cloak and squinted as every muscle stayed to rowing the boat. Serana took notice of Mimzi's plight and overwhelmed in worry.

"Give me your oar," ordered Serana; trying to speak louder than the sea waves, "Now."

Mimzi handed her the handle of the oar to where she began to pedal both. Serana affirmed, "I'm sorry, we're almost there. Just hold on a little longer."

Mimzi tucked her face into her cloak deeper and used her breath to warm her cheeks. She shuddered in disturbance to Serana's kindness, which repeatedly flummoxed her into internal and rallying debates in trusting the vampire. Serana kept on diligently rowing to the shoreline of the island. The boat shored and Mimzi pulled her face from her fabric and looked back at the monstrous castle behind them. It was black and gloomed, made with sharp peaks of stone and arrow slits along the towers and walls. She stared up in horror and fascination at the castle and began to feel queasy at the sheer height of it.

"Here we are…" Serana glowered, her voice deflating to worry. Mimzi stayed her gawk to the castle in fascination.

"Okay, this is really big!" exclaimed Mimzi, "Dragonsreach is a puny townhouse compared to this…"

Mimzi followed Serana over an arched, cobblestone bridge aligned in gargoyles. Mimzi walked with bated breath at the sculptures; certain any minute they would distort and explode, with a monster emerging.

"Don't worry…" Serana noticed her pacing eyes and assured, "They'll only come to life if there's a threat approaching the castle. Right now, we're not seen as threats… which is good." As they neared the gates, Serana stopped and grabbed Mimzi back by the hand.

"What now?"

"Before we get inside…" Serana explained, "I want to thank you for everything you did for me today. I know it couldn't have been easy, being a vampire slayer and all. But I appreciate it. Let me take the lead, and I promise I'll protect you. Just don't give them a reason to attack you, okay?"

Mimzi wilted into concern, "What's in there?"

Serana went to open her mouth but as she did so, a loud voice beckoned from within the gate entry to the castle.

"Lady Serana! She has returned, open the gates! Lady Serana has returned!"

"I guess I'm expected…" Serana shrugged and led the way inside the castle, with Mimzi staunchly behind. As the doors opened and shut behind them, Mimzi was greeted with an abhorrent stench she had only smelt in her worst moments of combat. It was a thick waft of blood, and the decomposing, earthy smell of rotted bodies. She could feel the vomit ride up her throat as she fought it back.

"Who dares trespass here?!" A voice came sprawling towards them. A high elf man with silvery hair in a low ponytail and venomous, vampiric eyes appeared, his face irate. It slowly turned to shock as he beheld Serana. He smiled fervently and praised, "Lady Serana? I cannot believe my eyes! You have returned. Come, quick. Your father has been awaiting your return."

"Thanks, Vingalmo," coolly said Serana, to where Mimzi followed to her back. Inside the castle Mimzi was met with the dreadful view of two long dining tables lathered in blood, with swollen body parts all freshly ripped asunder as gaggles of vampires fed happily to the feast. Heads of men and women laid lazily in baskets, and their body parts remained in the mouths and clasps of the vampires. They all took notice and grinned with bloodied teeth to Serana, who nervously stepped down the spiralling stairs to the main hall. The castle was dimly lit with scattered candlelight, and the fine furnishings all put to waste by the stains of blood and scratches from victims. A man in red and black robes over black scales of armour approached— a long cape hanging from his shoulders. His eyes were the scarlet of all vampires pupils, and ebony black hair tied back. He beamed a grin at Serana as she slowly approached her father.

"Serana, my long-lost daughter returns at last. I trust you have my Elder Scroll?" Her father asked.

Serana petulantly replied, "After all these years, that's the first thing you say to me? Yes… I have the scroll."

"Of course, I'm happy to see you, my daughter," he chuckled nervously and raised, "Must I really say the words aloud? If only your traitor mother were here to see this reunion before I put her head on a spike."

Serana's eyes glazed over and stared dolefully into the floor, evading her father's.

"Now tell me, who is this stranger you've brought into our hall?" The man smiled at Mimzi who shivered in fear at the dazzles of red, glowing eyes that gawked at her.

Serana announced, "This is my saviour. The one who freed me."

The man clapped his hands together and sauntered to Mimzi, who slowly crept back from the monster. The man's voice croaked, "Do not be afraid, little one. For my daughter's safe return, you have my gratitude. Now tell me, what is your name?"

Mimzi stayed an apprehensive glare and said, "You first."

"Very well," he conceded, "I'm Harkon, Lord of this court. By now, I'd hope you'd know what we are."

Mimzi snarled deeply, "You're blood suckers."

The court submerged in amused laughter at her reply, where Serana looked back in worry. Harkon chuckled in his throat and responded.

"Yes, quite. Bloodsuckers, that's quaint. Yet you speak as if we are the common mutts you find in those wretched dens across Skyrim, we are ancient vampires. We are among the most powerful vampires in this province," Harkon clasped his hands together and walked closer to Mimzi, "For centuries we've lived here, far from the cares of the world. All that ended when my wife betrayed me and stole that which I valued most. You have returned it. Now I must grant you an award equal to its value."

"Father…" Serana interjected, "Please, send her back to Skyrim. We've got no further business with her," her face was riddled in pensive worry.

Harkon held his hand up to Serana and affirmed, "Silence, Serana. This doesn't concern you."

Mimzi asked, "What is it?"

Harkon marvelled, raising his chin, "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."

Serana's doleful eyes stared to Mimzi, terrified of the decision she would make. However, she shot a disgusted scowl at Harkon and snarled her answer, "Never."

Harkon smiled deviously, as his subservients began to speak aloud.

"Just turn her anyway, what is she going to do? She can't fight a vampire lord!"

"Go on, stupid girl. Take it. It's the best decision you'll ever make!"

"Silence!" Harkon bellowed to his court that immediately hushed at the quake of his voice. Mimzi stood her ground as Harkon ominously beckoned her, her scowl as cold as The Pale.

"Very well…" He relented, "As a service to my daughter, you may live, for now. But now you are food, like all mortals. I will spare your life this once, but you will be banished from this hall."

"Good…" Mimzi growled, "What makes you think I wanna come back to this cesspool, anyway?"

Harkon croaked, "Do not test your luck… little one."

Mimzi fell silent and shrunk in fear, fathoming the power the ancient vampire wielded. Serana breathed deeply, ready to do something if any harm fell to Mimzi. Harkon raised his hand over her head and summoned a spell. Mimzi flinched.

"I banish you!" Harkon announced and within a moment, Mimzi was gone from the hall. Leaving Serana behind to the shroud of the vampire hall. Tepidly wrangling with the loss of comfort she gave in their brief company.

Mimzi awoke on the shore of Haafingar, she panted deeply as Sunshine came to her aid, lightly bobbing her muzzle to her face. Suddenly, within seconds Mimzi came to the realization of what had occurred. She had found the source of the vampire attacks and the 'relic' they were seeking, all at once. The vampires sought an Elder Scroll, which was now in their clasp. Mimzi panicked as she struggled onto Sunshine. The realization of the kind of power they possessed now was too frightening to imagine. She thrashed the reins of Sunshine and bolted east through the frosted shores of Haafingar, desperate to get back to Fort Dawnguard to inform the others as soon as possible.