Chapter 8: The Archery Lesson

Vilkas, Farkas and Gunmar limped into the borders of Fort Dawnguard. They wandered into the hall where Isran patiently waited at the top of the floor, overlooking from the rails. As the three came into the circle, a bright light began to loom over them. The three squinted at the blinding light that took them by surprise.

"What's happening?" Gunmar called up to Isran.

"Making sure you're not vampires…"

"Ysmir's beard, man," Gunmar barked up at Isran, "We just got overrun by the fanged menace! We need healing now! We don't have time for this!" The light slowly faded and returned to the dimly lit shroud of the fort.

Isran said down to them, "Can't be too careful," he pressed off the rails and made his way downstairs to the three. Farkas helped Vilkas along to a nearby bench to sit. Kodlak came jogging to the railing, his face riddled in worry.

"My boys!" Kodlak exclaimed, "What's happened? I'll be right down!" He ran as fast as his elderly legs could carry him down to the main level. Isran came first and beckoned the three with a stale look.

"So…" Isran observed, "You lot were attacked, then. Where and why?"

"Near Honeystrand Cave," Farkas explained, "We were ambushed."

"They were expecting you?"

Farkas glowered down to his brother who still writhed from the pain of the vampire's cut, "No… well, we don't know."

"Damn it…" Isran cursed under his breath, "There's nothing for it. They are damn close now. I pray you weren't followed. Head to the barracks, the three of you, and start gulping down potions. You lot are brimming in vampire bites. We've got an assortment on cure disease and healing ailments you'll want to make use of."

Farkas slowly helped Vilkas off the bench. He winced as they waddled down to the barracks across the hall. Kodlak came from the stairwell and eagerly assisted Farkas in helping Vilkas to a cot. Gunmar stayed to the attention of Isran who raised impatiently, "You too, Gunmar. We can make reacquainting later."

"Figured you should know…" Gunmar explained, "I've got a troll outside this fort of yours over by the falls. He's ready for armour, and he's already whetted his appetite with vampire blood."

Isran perked up and replied, "Really? Good to know. Go get some potions and cure those vampire love-marks before you do anything else. Time is of the urgency here."

"Right away… and also…" Gunmar continued as he turned back from the barracks entrance, "Nice to see you again, old friend. Just don't expect anything to be like last time, and you've got yourself a loyal soldier, indeed."

Isran observed, "Hmph, you seem to have a radical change of heart, Gunmar. You must be eager to kill these vampires as I am."

"Well, of course, but mostly I'm here because of those boys. They did fantastic out in the field. You had sent anyone else you'd be hard pressed to have me here now. Give them a pat on the back when you can, eh?" Gunmar praised the efforts of Vilkas and Farkas, where Isran remained visibly distant.

He replied, "Of course… should have hired the Companions a long time ago, maybe."

Gunmar nodded to his old friend, "Hah, yeah maybe," then continued to the barracks.

Inside, Vilkas drank from healing ailments that slowly sealed skin over his wound as the magic potions did their work. He could breathe deeply without feeling the sharp pain of his torn insides. Farkas downed one potion and continued to tightly bandage his cut thigh. Kodlak sat in a chair close to the brothers, quietly observing in worry.

Vilkas took his armour off and peeled off his sweated tunic. He wrapped linen over the partially-healed wound. He looked up at Kodlak as he did so, "You don't need to worry about us, Kodlak. It's not the first and won't be the last."

"How can I not worry? I will like any father would for their injured child. Perhaps my worry will cease when your wounds heal and the vampires lay in mounds of ash," replied Kodlak in hatred for the creatures that harmed them, yet his voice remained calm.

"Soon enough, they will," boldly stated Farkas, curling a smirk that was returned by Vilkas.

Kodlak beamed a grin, "Ah, finally. It's nice to be in the same room with you two, now that you're not close to blows."

Farkas chuckled aloud, as Vilkas jested, "Hah! Imagine how I feel! Not having to look at Farkas's homely scowl all day. No offence, brother, but you're damn ugly when you're mad."

Farkas whipped him with a bloodied cloth playfully, as Vilkas raised his hands in laughter. Kodlak rejoined a hearty laugh.

Farkas jested back, "We worked it out. Especially when Vilkas started crying like a little girl. Had to forgive him to shut him up." Farkas whipped him again with the cloth, that Vilkas grabbed and threw a half-eaten piece of cheese at his brother's head.

Kodlak succumbed to cackles as he watched the two playfully chuck things at each other. Farkas flew an empty potion bottle at Vilkas's shoulder. Vilkas tossed a goblet back, which Farkas dodged and ended its path in the back of Durak's head. This caused Vilkas to startle and Farkas to wheeze in a fit of laughter.

"Hey, watch it!" Durak growled at the two, whipping a glare back. Vilkas raised his hands in surrender at the Orc and pointed to Farkas, who amusingly pointed back to his brother. Durak snarled under his breath, "Damn pups…"

Hours later, Mimzi flew on horseback through The Rift. She hastened off Sunshine as she reached the Dayspring Canyon entrance.

"Come on, Sunshine! We have to hurry! Let's go!" She called to her horse as she ran backwards through the tunnel. She sped up passed the springs and startled at the sight of a troll hunting fish to the other side of the waterway. It looked up at her and roared. She shuffled a casual walk to the fortress to not alarm the troll, it kept its beady eyes to her. Sunshine bolted passed her as she continued to walk, peeking behind her shoulder at the troll that slumped back on it's bottom and picked it's teeth with a fish bone. Mimzi passed it's view behind a tower pillar and then continued sprinting towards the fort. Celann sat at the fire pit, warming his hands with his crossbow on his lap. He balked at Mimzi and yelled out to her as she passed.

"You're back?!"

Mimzi yelled as she waved her hand behind her, hopping then sprinting to the doors, "Hi!"

Celann yelled out to her, "Why are you back?!"

Mimzi shrilled, "Catch up later!"

She threw open the doors. Celann shook his head in annoyance and continued warming his hands.

Mimzi ran into the fortress, her face drenched in sweat and breath heavy. She looked wherever she could for Isran. She could hear her own footsteps clack on the floor as she bolted to the stairwell.

"Mimzi?"

A familiar growly tone perked up at the entrance of the barracks. Mimzi stumbled as she stopped herself and looked back to Farkas— who brimmed a grin at his friend's return. He smiled in disbelief, "You're back? We thought you fled… this is great! We missed you!" He came jogging to Mimzi with his heavy frame and scooped her up with a tight hug.

Mimzi winced and squawked in suppressed breath, "Hi Farkas… I have to go… Isran."

Farkas set her down promptly and asked, "Isran? Wait… where have you been? You're all… beat up."

She breathed heavily and pleaded, "I went to the crypt. And I found out… a lot of crazy stuff. I need to speak to Isran before I tell anyone else, okay?"

"He's upstairs, I think. Wait… what crypt?" He rejoined as Mimzi bolted back to the stairs, "Mimzi!"

"Can't talk, gotta go!" She shouted back at him in an echo through the stairwell. Farkas breathed out in light frustration from the baffling information.

Vilkas crept from the barracks entrance and asked, "She came back?"

Farkas turned back to him and smiled, "Yeah! She was in trouble, after all. She looks okay, though. She's gotta go speak to Isran."

"Why does she need to speak to Isran?" Vilkas asked sternly, coming closer to Farkas.

He replied, "Dunno. She didn't say, just ran up the steps like a bat outta Oblivion. Whatever it is… I hope it's good news."

Vilkas nodded as he stared up the stairwell in worry, "Me too…"

Mimzi huffed and jogged to Isran's quarters. He stayed to a war table, scowling over tagged locations. He looked up and took a few glances to Mimzi before realizing who was darkening his doorway. Isran scowled, "You…?"

Mimzi said, "We've gotta talk," her breath was still heavy.

"About what… Where have you been?! You were given this task by your Harbinger, and you shamed him. You shamed all of us when you walked out those doors! Now you think you can just scurry back here when it suits…" Isran was promptly interrupted by Mimzi.

"Can you just shut up a second?!"

"What did you just say to me…?" Isran growled deeply as he leaned off the table.

"I know who's behind it!" She blurted, "I know exactly who's behind all of it! I went to Dimhollow Crypt with Tolan, and I found…"

"You went to the crypt?! Are you mad?!"

"I'm still talking!" Mimzi shrilled, "It's a vampire, an ancient, pure-blooded vampire, his name is Harkon! Their castle is on an island to the northwest of Solitude… sir, they have an Elder Scroll!"

Isran froze at the words as he processed the information delivered to him, "An Elder Scroll…? What in the blazes could they need an Elder Scroll for?! What happened in that crypt!"

Mimzi stammered, "It's… a lot. A lot happened."

"Like what?" Isran persisted. Suddenly, Kodlak and the twins emerged through the entrance. Vilkas held a pensive scowl to his face. He boiled as he looked to Mimzi. Her guilt crept in her chest as she met the faces of her Companions. Kodlak paused to the entrance to see Mimzi again. He curled a grin as he approached her with open arms.

"Mimzi… you've returned!" Kodlak praised and clasped his hands to her shoulders. She smiled brightly at her Harbinger who only held a gladness to him.

Isran groaned in subtle frustration, "Kodlak, now isn't a good time. Your whelp and I were just discussing some urgent information."

"Well, with all due respect, Isran. As you said, she is my whelp," Kodlak informed as he released Mimzi and stepped closer, "So whatever information she has to share with you, she can share with her shield-brothers as well."

Isran sighed dejectedly and motioned Mimzi to carry on. Mimzi stammered and began to explain in short breaths, "Uh… okay, ummm. I went to Dimhollow Crypt because that Vigilant was going alone. Well, I overheard you two saying he was going to die so I followed him," she gestured to Kodlak and Isran, who furrowed their brows. Mimzi continued, "Yeah, I was eavesdropping. Anyway, we get there, and he dies almost immediately. Vampires and dead dogs tried to eat me, there were zombies and huge stone monster things! I had to kill some vampire with really bad breath and then got my hand stabbed and next thing I know; some vampire lady falls out of a monolith!"

She was met with the highly confused and irritated stares of the four men, who kept quiet as she eagerly awaited some kind of acknowledgment or reply.

Isran growled, "...Mimzi."

"Uh... yes?"

He grumbled, "You better start making sense in the next thirty seconds or I'll..." Isran was cut off by a frantic Mimzi.

"Okay, whatever, that's not important. They have an Elder Scroll! Don't you get it? The vampire lady, her name is Serana. She's an ancient vampire and she had the thing on her back," she explained.

He demanded, "So where is she then?"

Mimzi froze and her eyes glazed over, she nervously admitted, "At… the… castle?"

Isran scowled and gritted his teeth, "You delivered her to them?!"

Mimzi exclaimed, "No! She wanted to go back to that castle, I wanted the Elder Scroll. You think I'm going to try and fight a pure-blooded vampire by myself? I asked her first, and she wouldn't give it to me."

Isran sighed dejectedly, "You asked her?"

"Yeah. I asked her. I'm not going to throw my life away because my code for vampire hunting doesn't meet yours. At least this way we finally have some information. They have an Elder Scroll… which means we should be freaking out right now. But we have a lead; we know where they are!"

Farkas interjected, "What is an Elder Scroll?!"

Various answers were blurted by the four, simultaneously.

Vilkas asserted, "They ascertain the future and past."

Mimzi yelped, "They are ancient, powerful artifacts!"

Kodlak mentioned, "A dangerous tool left behind by the Divines."

Isran glowered, "Bad news."

Farkas scrunched his face and blurted, "Huh?!"

Mimzi informed, "That's just it, there's no way to explain what they are. Just that they are. They are a million different things but laced with time. Future or past. So, whatever the vampires need one for, it isn't looking great."

Vilkas scolded her, "So you knew what it was, yet didn't secure it? You let the vampires bring it back to their nest to study it."

She replied sternly, "I tried everything to get that scroll back without endangering my life," her memory returned to Serana, and despite her vampiric blood, she was not a threat to her. Mimzi began to wrangle with guilt.

Vilkas huffed and responded with his arms crossed, "Clearly not. Otherwise, it'd be here and not in the claws of a bunch of vampires, you fool."

Mimzi snapped back at Vilkas, "You weren't there, so don't talk to me unless you got something useful. Can't say I missed you... you grump."

He said back, "Sounds to me like you turned coward when it counted the most. Typical. You surrendered that scroll."

Mimzi began to excuse anxiously, "I didn't know what I was walking into! Pure-blooded vampires? This is all new to me!"

"Everything is new to you!" Vilkas hollered, "You're an impish whelp! Which is why you shouldn't have left by yourself in the first place!"

"I know what I'm doing!" Mimzi ranted in anger, "I'm not a whelp— you know what I am! Kind of like how I know what you are!"

Vilkas struck an enraged, shocked look to his face at the nerve of Mimzi nearly blowing their secret to Isran.

Kodlak quickly interjected, "Enough, you two! Arguing will not serve anyone. It certainly won't serve the two of you! If we have any hopes on succeeding here, we must work together!"

"I agree with Kodlak…" Isran gloomed, "This… this is worse than I feared. Right now, I'm not sure what we're up against, or what power it holds. All I know is with our ranks as they are, we're not ready for it. I need… time. I need to figure out a plan. Get out of here, all of you. If what Mimzi says is true, this could very well be our doom. Prepare for it."

Farkas walked out of Isran's quarters in a dejected walk, as his brother followed. Kodlak stared to the stone brick floors as Isran shuffled for books on Elder Scrolls and their function, then slowly crept from the room and retreated to his own quarters.

"There's gotta be something I can do…" Mimzi muttered to Isran as they were left alone once more.

Isran kept his gaze to his book, "There is nothing we can do. If you had gone with your comrades, you all could have secured the scroll and killed the bloodsucker who wielded it. Now… it's too late. You acted rashly and now the world may have to pay for your insolence. Get out."

Mimzi muttered and choked as guilt gripped her throat. She swallowed back her tears and marched out Isran's chambers. She lazily stepped down the stairwell, she reached the floor and was ambushed by Vilkas. He snatched her by the arm again and pulled her to the far corner behind the steps. Farkas followed through the stairwell entrance.

"Hey! Get off!" Mimzi cried and thrashed her arm out of Vilkas's grasp.

Farkas groaned, "Vilkas, again with this?" He tried to soothe his irate brother.

Vilkas snapped back to him, "Did you hear her just now? What she could have done if Isran raised a brow at her needless comment?" He seethed down at Mimzi, "You little idiot. First, you run off leaving your shield-siblings to fight the threat alone! Then come back— haughty and arrogant as ever! You have the nerve to hint at our curse to Isran?! I should throw you out of the keep myself!"

"Vilkas, stop," grumbled Farkas lightly as he placed his hand to his brother's shoulder, "Remember, she's a woman; a small one."

Vilkas huffed, "If she wanted to be treated like a maiden she wouldn't have joined the Companions— certainly not agree to Kodlak's bidding only to leave with no explanation. We thought you had fled! How could you do something so careless? Woman or not, she's an idiot and needs to know it!"

Mimzi hissed back, "If you don't understand something, you told me the same thing not so long ago, then keep your flapping gob shut. If it makes you feel better, I didn't want to leave, I needed to. I hated leaving you all behind, but in the moment, I thought I was saving a life."

"It doesn't," Vilkas snarled, "Kodlak still vouches for you, but you have lost my trust. You won't ever be getting it back, and soon your idiocy will curb Kodlak's trust as well. I refuse to let him go through anymore hardship from the likes of a clueless whelp."

"What are you going to do then?" Mimzi barked back, "Wolf-out on me?"

Farkas and Vilkas both shushed Mimzi frantically, prying their eyes back to the entrance for any Dawnguard who may be listening.

"You won't like it Farkas," Vilkas snarled as his cheeks went red, "… but I may have to punch a woman soon."

She threatened back, "Go ahead, I dare you. You forget, I've got my own neat trick to pull when some jackass is threatening me. You really need to give it a rest because you don't scare me. You annoy me. You're annoying! Now… get out of my face."

She shoved Vilkas out of the way who growled but was restrained by Farkas. Mimzi stuck her tongue out petulantly at Vilkas and marched out of the stairwell. Vilkas grunted and walked after her before he was pulled back.

"You need to calm down, Vilkas!" Farkas struggled breath as he released Vilkas who ripped himself from his grasp. Vilkas leaned against the wall and took a few deep breaths, his eyes closing as he forced himself to calm down.

"Gods… I hate that whelp," grumbled Vilkas lowly, still breathing.

"Yeah, I figured," stated Farkas, "But come on, you can't be beating up the whelps. Kodlak doesn't like it, remember?" Vilkas huffed and closed his eyes as Farkas continued, "Fighting isn't going to help anyone, we just went through this. Kodlak is right, we need to work together."

"What are we supposed to do now? They have an Elder Scroll, Farkas. This is… very bad. I'm scared we are fighting a battle that's already been won," sighed Vilkas.

"What can they do with this Elder Scroll anyway?"

Vilkas explained, "Elder Scrolls can manipulate time. If they decipher the scroll, they could unlock its power to create a chain of events— like a prophecy. There's no certain answer to what they could do, but the vampires now have a means to control the very fibre of Nirn. It is… disastrous."

Mimzi stomped out to the outside courtyard to breathe fresh air after the heated encounter with the twins. She was of two minds, overcome with guilt of disappointing her shield-siblings, but also endowed with rage that she went to Dimhollow Crypt with nothing to show for it. She seethed on the steps, cradling her chin with her hands and elbows on her knees as she stared off into the autumn trees. Suddenly she could see a troll ambling towards the entrance, following a Nord man through the path. Mimzi stood up abruptly and drew her sword.

"Behind you!"

Mimzi came sprinting with her sword. The troll roared and stomped its fists where Gunmar raised his arms at both the troll and the armed Nord girl.

"Stop!" Gunmar blurted to the girl, "He won't hurt you unless you give him a reason to! Sheath your weapon!" Mimzi halted with a glare of confusion as Gunmar patted the troll's shoulder and stated, "This is Kresnik. He's my troll, and he's fully tamed. If you want him to go back to being a wild, bludgeoning animal you'll keep that threatening stance, or you can stand down. I'd choose the latter."

Mimzi squawked, "He's your pet?!"

The troll huffed in response and snarled at Mimzi, who stepped back in fear, as if she offended the monster. Gunmar replied, "No, he's a comrade, so treat him as such! Soon he'll be ripping the heads of vampires off their shoulders so we best treat him like an honoured guest. You understand? Uh…"

"I'm Mimzi— Companion," she addressed, "Sorry… every troll I've seen has always given me more than I bargained for."

"I'm Gunmar, so they'll make excellent vampire slayers, no?"

Mimzi smirked, "Oh yeah. I didn't even know you could train one. So cool!" She looked up at the troll who innocently poked its fingers into the dirt, plucking bugs to nibble on. Mimzi smiled adoringly, "He's actually… kind of cute."

Gunmar turned to Kresnik, "Come now, let's get you suited up in some iron plates. You know the one thing worse than a troll? An armoured troll. The vampires should be praying to their Molag Bal right about now," chuckled Gunmar to Mimzi, who returned a flat smile as the troll followed its master into the keep.

Mimzi stayed her course down to the waters (now that a troll was no longer a threat) to clean herself after the trials of Dimhollow Crypt. Cleaning herself in the frigid waters was a frivolous task- but she deemed it necessary. Her trek back to the fort confirmed it as she'd unintentionally take in the odour of her own sweat and stench of blood painting the hides of her armour.

When she deemed she was clean enough, she marched up the hill from the springs and saw two women on horseback riding up to the fort. Mimzi immediately recognized Aela, whom she waved to as she came up the hill. Aela looked weary from the travel and from the Breton woman who was lazily resting her body against Aela's back. The two women caught notice of the young redhead that walked up to them with a warm smile.

"Mimzi?" Aela gasped, "You're back!"

"I'm back. Getting mixed reactions, that's for sure," glowered Mimzi troublingly as Aela halted her horse.

"You ran off, so hot tempers are expected," scolded Aela.

"I know," Mimzi gloomed, "I'm sorry. I know you don't believe it but I am. Before I joined up, I've always been on my own, and now I'm part of this… thing. This band. I honestly didn't think it would bother you all so much."

"Running off into battle alone just isn't how the Companions do things. We cherish loyalty. When you joined up, you weren't just signing up to be a coin-seeking mercenary," Aela advised, "You were entering our mortal fold, our family. We may not act like it, and sometimes it may seem like we are indifferent, but we care about you. That's what the Companions are built of. They don't call us shield-brothers and sisters for nothing. I'm glad you came back, it'll take some time to heal but you are on the right path to proving your loyalty. Stand the call, sister."

"I've never had a family. So, this is all so… new," said Mimzi wearily.

"Well, you've got one now," said Aela in a smile, "Feels good, right?"

Mimzi made a hopeful smirk, "Yeah," she sighed, "It does."

Aela raised, "Where did you go?"

"They'll tell you at the fort. The bottom line is… the vampires have an Elder Scroll," stated Mimzi coolly.

Aela went aghast and raised, "They have a what?"

The Breton woman awoke from her trance and blurted, "The vampires have an Elder Scroll?!"

Mimzi scrunched her face in confusion at the woman, where Aela groaned, "This is Sorine Jurard. Weapon specialist, and the thorn in my ass for over a day now."

"You're one to talk! You came to my camp and extorted me, remember?!" Sorine snapped at Aela— who rolled her eyes.

"… And now I'm paying for it. Meet you at the fort, Mimzi," Aela continued to trot her horse up the path towards the Fort Dawnguard.

Mimzi pattered up to the yard, where she was met with Durak. He stood up from the fire as she stayed watching patiently. Durak hollered out to her, "Well, look who it is. Here we thought you tucked-tail and ran. You missed a lot of training here, girl."

Mimzi huffed in frustration, "Training?"

Durak snarled, "Yeah… training. You think just because you dive into a vampire crypt head-first suddenly you're a master vampire slayer? I hope you're good at archery and warding, because that's lesson number one," he then snatched a crossbow and steel bolts.

"Here, take these. Time for you to practice your aim," Durak demanded, "We've got an archery post over there. Start practicing that aim if you want a fighting chance."

Mimzi scoffed, "I'm exhausted, I need sleep and food."

Durak chortled, "Ha! Sleep is for the weak. And eat while on the go, that's what I do. It's only a matter of time before the vampires reveal their motives. I don't think you want to be asleep for that, do you?"

"You can keep that…" Mimzi pointed at Durak's crossbow, "I've got a bow, and those things are slow and heavy. My bow is better."

"Fine, best get to using it then."

As Aela and Sorine entered the keep, the floor to the centre of the keep lit up as well, with Isran standing at the rails observing. Aela looked up at the piercing light and squinted, where Sorine yelped.

"What are you doing?!"

"He's making sure you're not vampires… did it to us, too," Farkas grumbled from the bench, with Vilkas seated next to him. They both wore matching mourners' clothes; the only spare linen in the Dawnguard fortress.

Sorine blabbed, "Well, we're not. Now put that out!"

"Fine," Isran scowled as the light slowly faded back to normal. Isran called out to Sorine, "It's good to see you again. Welcome to the Dawnguard."

"Didn't really have a choice in the matter but yeah, sure. Nice to see you too, Isran. You bitter mule," Sorine crossed her arms and snarled, where Isran began to chortle in response.

"Come upstairs, we can discuss what your role will be, urgently. I'm… happy you're here, Sorine," announced Isran, his usual deep tone lessening a bit.

Sorine ambled to the stairwell to meet with Isran, where Aela approached her shield-siblings, Vilkas and Farkas. Aela was embraced in a hug by Farkas who slapped her on the back, and Aela did the same.

"It's good to see you again, ice-brain," Aela said in a warm, sisterly tone. Vilkas stood from the bench where Aela paced her eyes up and down at Vilkas and raised a brow.

"What?" Vilkas shrugged with a dim smile and held his arms out, "No hug for me?"

Aela scoffed and shook her head, "Not a chance," she asked to the both of them, "How was your mission?"

"We got to see a guy tame a troll… It was weird," Farkas stated, "And got attacked by a raid of vampires again. Other than that, it was pretty smooth."

Vilkas asked with his arms crossed, "How was yours?"

"I ripped a satchel of Dwemer tools from a greedy mudcrab, then rode on horseback across Skyrim with a snooty Breton. So yeah, mine was smooth, too. Vampire raid sounds fun," Aela stated nonchalantly, "It's good to see you two friendly again. You know the world is ending when you two can't bear the sight of each other."

Vilkas and Farkas glanced smiles to each other, Farkas gripped Vilkas's shoulder and warmly chimed, "Family is everything."

"Aye, that it is, Farkas," Aela nodded and smiled to the warm exchange between her shield-brothers. She broke the tender moment and asked urgently, "So… Mimzi is back. She told me you all would have some important information for me. Such as… vampires in possession of an Elder Scroll? I heard that right or has she lost her senses?"

"Both are right. She's mental that one," snarled Vilkas, "But yes, they have an Elder Scroll…" He gloomed, sighing dejectedly.

"Ysgramor's Axe, what are we to do? That's… a little out of our depth," shamefully admitted Aela.

Vilkas replied, "We wait for word of Isran, that's really all we can do. Continue training so our skills are kept sharp."

"Is it just me…" Farkas glowered in a shallow voice, "Or does it feel like the end of days…?"

Vilkas, Aela and Farkas stood together in a circle, simply staring off into nothing as they processed what was occurring outside the fort and into their bleeding homeland. A dreadful grasp took hold of them, and without words, they kept each other's company in solace.

Kodlak came to the attention of his shield-siblings, who greeted him contently. He announced, "Aela, it's so good to have you back. I'm happy your mission was successful. Isran seems content with the new comrades. Well… as content as you can be with a looming vampire invasion over our heads," the three nodded together as Kodlak continued, "I've sent word out to Skjor and the whelps. Whatever information we attain in this fort I'm sending back to them, for they have a right to know what's going on with us. I just hope they are keeping safe in Whiterun. My heart bleeds for those glistening streets. I miss my home terribly."

"We all do, Harbinger," muttered Vilkas in gloom, thinking of Whiterun and the comfort of home.

"Kodlak, with the news of the Elder Scroll, what more can we provide to the Dawnguard? I hate to seem pessimistic… but it's starting to sound more like a doomed cause. I'd rather spend my last days in Whiterun, with my people," confided Aela— her heart wilting at the thought of Skjor.

"I understand… your spirits are spent, and the dire news of the vampire's exploits is troubling, to say the least. But we must heed the call still. Our blades have not bloodied in battle; not enough. We do not tuck tail and run like any other group of cutthroat mercenaries at this news. That's why we are Companions. We have bested many battles with more to come. If we dishonour this call, we only dishonour ourselves, and the rest of Skyrim's people." Kodlak said aloud to where even the Dawnguard soldiers who passed through the main chamber slowed their pace to listen to the speech. Despite the unknowing of their fate that had nearly withered their spirits, Kodlak's unwavering sureness was the confidence they needed to stay.

Mimzi stayed her focus to the yard as she practiced her archery. She was always eager to pull out her short sword, but admitted to herself she wasn't a good shot. Every arrow that flew to the archery post missed the post itself or flew out to the borders of the circle. She grew more frustrated with every arrow that flew.

'You're just tired, Mimzi. Stay focused,' she'd say to herself. She missed a shot again and snarled aloud as she angrily grasped another arrow.

'How hard is it?! Hit the damn bullseye!'

She slowed her breath and tried again. She drew the arrow back, and the resistance from the string strained her upper core. The bow began to shake as she lost her strength and struggled to keep it steady. She shot reluctantly and the arrow flew to the ground before the archery post.

"Damn it!"

Mimzi chucked her bow at the ground. She paced backwards with her palms up to her face. She breathed as her heart raced in her ears. A familiar tone uttered aloofly to the far left of her.

"Your posture is off."

Mimzi glared to her side to see Vilkas resting against the wooden posts with his arms crossed.

Mimzi said back in a rasp, "Oh, now you're in this fine mood then. Needed a little sunshine, grumpy— feel better now? And my posture is fine. Maybe the fact I haven't slept in over forty hours."

"We all haven't slept for days. A ten year old could shoot better than you. It's your posture," coolly affirmed Vilkas, "Step away from the post for one. You're way too close. You stand that close to a vampire you'll be dead before you draw the arrow."

Mimzi huffed and slowly backed up, looking to Vilkas for instruction. She walked a few feet away, and he held his hand out for her to stop. He ordered, "Space your legs a little."

Mimzi spaced them and asked, "Like this?"

He grumbled, "No, that's too much, a little, not a lot."

She did as he asked but his voice snapped out again.

"Now that's too close, listen to what I'm saying, space a little!"

"Okay, geez…. like this?" She spaced them about a foot.

Vilkas ordered, "Yes. Stand straight. Don't slouch."

Mimzi stressed her back straight and Vilkas snapped again, "No! Not that much, you're standing like a damn rooster! Bare weight in your hips. Ease up!"

She snapped passed her shoulder, "Is there anything I can do without pissing you off?! I'm trying my best! You're not helping! Just… piss off!"

"That's it!"

She could hear his footsteps marching closer from behind. She prepared herself for another fit of screaming and name calling with the brute of a Nord and rolled her eyes. He stopped just a few inches from her back and sighed. Mimzi awaited some kind of animosity from Vilkas, but his approach eased.

He spoke lighter, "Okay, just… relax for a second," he placed his hands to her shoulders. Mimzi nearly dropped the bow.

'Troll's blood... he's touching me.'

"Release the stress from your shoulders," he directed quieter. She let her shoulders fall with his hands guiding.

He placed his hand to her stomach and pushed up lightly. Mimzi trembled at this, but did not pull away.

"Stand straight…"

Mimzi straightened her back, where Vilkas's hands showed her where to meet it. He pressed gently on her lower back, where her posture was straight but not too stressed, "Take a few deep breaths. You need to be calm."

Mimzi's tongue stayed trapped behind her teeth, almost rattling as she tried to breathe. As she did so, she did calm. His hands moved back down to her hips, keeping her in the position.

Vilkas said, "Perfect, that's the posture. Now… begin to draw."

He placed his hands to the bottom of her elbows as she took a draw. Mimzi began to shake again and she started to panic. She soothed as Vilkas lightly gripped her left elbow to stifle the tremor.

"Carry the strain in your back to compensate. The shaking will stop, I promise."

As Mimzi did so, the tremor left her. She couldn't help but creep a smile. She concentrated on the post as she prepared to take aim with Vilkas's help.

"Look at you, you've got this. Pull the arrow back more."

Mimzi pulled back farther. The string began to stress as she flexed her muscles to pull. Vilkas gently squeezed her right elbow and said, "That's good enough. Now… I want you to breathe in and out. A few times; deeply. I'll do it with you."

His chest breathed in deeply against her upper back, she mimicked his breathing. The brisk winds blew over the frosted mountains of their canyon, sweeping air through their hair. The sun shined against the two and aside from their breath, all that could be heard were the birds chirping in the trees and the rattling of leaves.

"Focus on the target… keep your breath," he said in her ear. Her curled locks blew to Vilkas's chin yet he stayed his focus. The two stood together; his chest against her upper back— breathing simultaneously.

"Are you calm?" Vilkas asked.

"Yeah," her nerves nearly stole her voice.

"Good," he uttered, "Now breathe in through your nose with me and hold it. As you do so, gently release the strain from your fingers holding the arrow, but still keeping it in place. Starting now…" Vilkas breathed in deeply.

Mimzi breathed in through her nose as she felt the rise of Vilkas's chest. She kept the arrow to the string which kissed her cheek. He slightly adjusted her aim a little to the right. He spoke again, "Aim a little against the wind; if there's any. It'll pull your arrow. Now breathe out through your mouth slowly…"

Mimzi breathed out, keeping her breath steady. All her focus was on the target, where even Vilkas's presence wasn't scaring her, just bringing a security. As Vilkas kept his hands to Mimzi's elbow he instructed, "Now… release."

Mimzi eased her fingers. The arrow flew and shot true to the centre of the bullseye. Her face lit up in disbelief as she stared at the arrow planted into the red circle.

"I did it…" Mimzi hushed in disbelief, then sprang her legs up, "I DID IT!!"

She jumped up in an instant from Vilkas, who chuckled in his throat at Mimzi's unbridled joy. She raised her fists triumphantly and smiled an excited grin at Vilkas.

"I actually hit it! The bullseye! I can't believe I did that! You're a master, Vilkas!" She couldn't help but fervently glee at the success of finally getting her first clean shot with a bow, all thanks to Vilkas's help. She went to lunge at him with an impulsive hug as the glee overtook her; but she quickly retreated it when he leaned away.

"And you're a good student," Vilkas huskily said, "Do you still find me annoying?"

Mimzi stammered, "Uhh… not so much anymore." She was jittery and fiddling with her fingers, yet Vilkas was steady. His eyes softened and she struggled a reply, "You still wanna punch me?"

"Not so much anymore."

Mimzi beamed a smile, and surprising to her, he returned one. Seeing it for herself made her knees weak. They locked eyes for a time that felt excessive. Then Vilkas cautiously looked back to see Farkas keeping watch from afar, amused to see his brother with the whelp he stated he hated just a few hours ago.

Vilkas's smile left alarmingly quick and returned to a stern glare as he said to Mimzi, "Good job… your posture needs work, but a little more practice you'll get the hang of it. Now keep at it."

Mimzi's grin deflated, and she nodded— a bit disappointed as his usual mood set back in, "Right… thanks."

Vilkas left Mimzi to keep practicing and ambled over to Farkas who stood with a suspicious smile and his arms crossed. Farkas stated, "That was… cozy."

Vilkas scoffed it off, "Idiot doesn't even know how to use a bow. Lucky for her, I taught her my trick, so here's hoping she gets it."

Farkas followed Vilkas up the incline to the fort and he snorted, "That didn't look like all you were doin, ya dirty dog…"

Vilkas shook his head as he kept his pace to the doors, "She wasn't heeding my commands… so I had to show her. Stop, Farkas."

Farkas chuckled teasingly, "Yeah, I bet you'd want her to heed on something alright."

"Farkas."

Farkas immediately grabbed a brooding Vilkas by the shoulder and turned him back. Farkas raised with a bright smile, "Wait up, do you like her?"

"What?!"

Farkas beamed a grin as the idea dawned on him and pointed, "Ysmir's beard, brother, you fancy her! You like Mimzi! But I thought you stopped bullying the girls you like after our fourteenth winter…"

"Shut up," groaned Vilkas as his cheeks flooded red. He turned back to the fort and angrily walked the steps before blurting, "I do not like her."

Farkas teased, still pursuing him, "You're turning red."

Vilkas bellowed in an echo as they entered the main chamber, "Shut up!"

Vilkas let out a frustrated groan as Farkas pressed on jestingly as they passed into the barracks, "Come on! You know how long it's been since we talked about girls? Give me an inch."

Vilkas replied aloofly, "There's nothing to tell, Farkas. I was teaching a whelp how to use a bow. That's it."

"Ha! Never saw you get that 'up close and personal' with the other whelps before. You had a big dumb smile on your face too!" Farkas cackled and said, "It's nice to see you smile like that again."

Aela asked from her cot as she tightened her bow, "What are you two on about now?"

Vilkas barked back at her, "Nothing!"

Farkas blurted proudly, "He's sweet on Mimzi, and doesn't want to admit it."

Vilkas grunted as he thudded to his bed and rubbed his palms to his face.

Aela snidely commented, "Oh, wow. A whelp, Vilkas, really? Preying on the bottom-feeders then? She's ten winters younger than you, you dog."

Farkas giggled childishly, "Gotta stay young somehow. Right, brother?"

Vilkas grumbled into his hands, "Ysmir's beard, I do not fancy her. Now can you two let me sleep? I'm exhausted."

"Hey actually… don't sleep yet," alarmed Farkas to Vilkas who moved his hands from his face. Farkas continued, "There was actually a reason I was out there. I came to get you, but I forgot when I saw you panting at Mimzi. Kodlak wants to talk to you."

Vilkas sat up and uttered, "What about?"

Farkas explained earnestly, "It's about what happened near Honeystrand Cave. I told him some of it, but I think he wants your side now. He's worried about you."

Vilkas shot up from bed, "Damn it. I don't like keeping him waiting, Farkas. And I wasn't… panting!"

He hastily made it out the barracks to Kodlak's quarters. Aela and Farkas shook their heads and cackled at Vilkas as he left their company.

Aela jested, "Did you see how red he was? He was like a big brooding tomato, the fool is smitten."

Farkas smiled, "I know, right?"

Vilkas hastened his way up the stairwell to Kodlak who sat at a desk still researching a cure. Vilkas knocked on the door gently before walking in. Kodlak looked up and brimmed a grin, "Vilkas, there's a good man. I'm happy you're here. I'm sorry if I took you from any urgent matters."

"No," Vilkas shook his head and responded warmly, "You saved me, actually. So, I've heard you know about what happened in The Rift's forest."

"Yes… take a seat, my boy," Kodlak gestured to the seat across from him to where Vilkas sat down promptly.

"I didn't turn," blurted Vilkas before Kodlak had a chance to open his mouth, "Maybe I was close, but I didn't. You don't need to worry about me, Kodlak."

"Here you are telling me I shouldn't worry again," sighed Kodlak and shook his head, "I will always carry concern for you and your brother, Vilkas. For all my Companions. You're right, though. You didn't turn. I wanted to share with you how proud I am. You have surpassed Hircine's shawl. I know without a shadow of a doubt your fortitude will remain as you embark further. As you can see, I'm nearing the answer for a cure."

Vilkas gasped and smiled in awe, "You found it?"

"Yes, I think so. I feel like it was always right in front of me while I was looking for a more solid answer. It's not certain, but it may release the foul magic that feeds this curse," explained Kodlak and handed his journal to Vilkas to read, "Terrfyg's bidding was with the Glenmoril Witches. There were five of the hags and each of their heads represent the afflicted. When Terrfyg made this dealing, he granted the power to himself and his most trusted generals of the Companions. They must be burned at the brazier of Ysgramor's tomb; the Flame of the Harbinger."

"They're hagravens?" Vilkas muttered whilst reading the journal.

Kodlak gloomed, "Yes, I'm afraid so. Loathsome creatures. Of course, that's not the only hurdle in our way…"

"We need Wuuthrad…" Vilkas's voice quaked, "It's the key to open the path of Ysgramor's Tomb."

Kodlak affirmed, "Aye, we do. We already attain a few fragments. I know a scholar who may be able to help us in finding the others. The axe can be repaired by Eorland at the Skyforge. I firmly believe nearly anything can be mended at that forge, even the Elf-Grinder, itself. When the vampire menace is finally dealt with, and we return home to Jorrvaskr, I hope you will join me in my quest. It'll be layered in trials, but it's an undertaking for the purity of our souls. The hindering stagnancy of our turmoil is no longer bleak, my boy. At least now, we know what we can do."

Vilkas handed the journal back with a new rejuvenation, "I'd be honoured to join you in this quest, Harbinger."

"Very good. Perhaps I may see the mists of Sovngarde in my spirit life after all," Kodlak raised a hopeful smile with tears swelling in his eyes.

Vilkas gripped Kodlak's knee and grinned, "That makes two of us." Kodlak stared to his shield-brother and began to smile and then cackle in joyed laughter, as Vilkas caught a smile to his face and began chuckling, as well. The two erupted into celebratory laughter with glossy eyes.

"Kodlak… I have been awaiting this day for years; feels like a lifetime… and you have it. You finally have it. The cure. I know, I know. I've been a right pain in everyone's ass for months. But I promise you, if my blood is made clean, I'll be the happiest son of a bitch you've ever met!" Vilkas gladly claimed and erupted in laughter.

Kodlak laughed proudly and raised, "As will I, boy! As will I."

Hours went by with Mimzi's archery training, and the sun was starting to set. She could feel a heavy drowsiness creep up as the red rings of the archery post would double and move. Her eyesight was blurry from her dry red eyes. She was reaching a point of sleep deprivation that was debilitating. Mimzi rested her bow and set it back in her quiver. She went to the archery post to rip the salvaged arrows from the moulded hay. As she went to put them in her quiver and stumble back to the Dawnguard fortress, she heard a familiar coo say her name from behind her.

"Mimzi? Is that you?"

She turned to the woman's voice and her breath pattered at the sight of the two red eyes of Serana emerging from the shadows of a tree. Her red eyes were brimming in worry as she cautiously stepped from the shadows with her hands twiddling together. She held the Elder Scroll to her back still, much to Mimzi's relief, but her relief was soon shrouded in panic at the presence of the vampire in the Dawnguard's training yard. Mimzi breathed in as she gasped at the approach of her.

"What… what are you doing here?!"

She frantically looked around and behind them before snatching Serana's forearm.

"I need to— Woah!" Serana yelped as Mimzi grabbed and led her into a small grove. Serana hushed, "You've got bony little fingers! What are you doing? I need to talk to you, this is important!"

"What in Shor's bones are you doing here?! Are you insane!? This is a vampire slayer hide-out, you dolt!" Mimzi hissed at Serana, her blood shot eyes in panic.

Serana spoke urgently, "Look, I know you were hoping you'd never see me again. But you're the only one in this world now that I can trust. I need your help. Please."

Mimzi scolded, "So you come to the Dawnguard? Some of these people… they'd sooner cut your head off then listen to a word outta your mouth!"

Serana replied, "It's a good thing you were out here already then. I'm going to need your help to convince them…"

Mimzi thrashed her hands to her sides in a panic, "Are you nuts?"

Serana sighed and explained, "No, I'm not. What I'm about to tell you… it's shocking. I didn't just bring the Elder Scroll as a peace offering either. I'm trying to stop the end of all things here. I need you and your… friends, to help me stop my father."

Mimzi sighed dejectedly and asked, "What is happening?"

"He's… he's going to enact the Tyranny of the Sun."

Mimzi raised a brow, "What? What is that?"

Serana wilted in fear and said, "It's a lot to explain… let's just say if we want the sun to keep rising every day, he can't ever hold this scroll."

"… The sun? The Elder Scroll? So that's why you have it. That's your court's plan? You're all trying to take out the sun? How is that even possible?!"

Serana slighted and pled, "My kind? Don't you understand? I don't want anything to do with this. You may not believe it, but this is bad for vampires too. My father's lackeys don't see that, so I need you to. I'm not sure what luck we'd have getting this taken care of on our own, so I was kind of hoping you'd talk to your friends for me. You know… get them to believe I'm one of the good guys?" Serana explained nervously, looking out to the pathway for anyone walking nearby.

Mimzi blathered silently, "You want me to do what? What, you thought we'd just walk in there and they'd all be tickled pink when I introduce them to my vampire stalker? You gonna win them over with your punchy wit and the giant scroll you're lugging around?"

"You forgot my dazzling personality too," Serana teasingly winked, making Mimzi roll her eyes. Serana continued, "You must have some rapport with these people. Keep focused on the real problem, because trust me, you all are going to need me. I may just be a bloodsucker to you all, but I'm a pure-blooded vampire. There are perks to having me on your side. I can explain it all when we get this figured out. Who do we need to talk to?"

Mimzi stammered and breathed in frustration before relenting, "Uh... but… Isran. We need to talk to Isran… but he's the worst out of all of them. He'll see your eyes and freak out. Maybe…" Mimzi thought for a moment and perked up in a hopeful smile, "Kodlak. We need to talk to Kodlak."

Serana raised, "Kodlak? What's so great about him?"

Mimzi addressed, "He's the Harbinger of the Companions… technically I'm still a Companion so I answer to him. Maybe they can help us."

"The Companions? You mean Ysgramor's army? I don't understand, how are you part of the Companions? Ysgramor should be long dead by now… unless he's a vampire, too."

Mimzi took Serana's hand from the grove and stated, "Okay, I don't have all day to explain four thousand years of history to you. Let's go… keep your hood up and let's just speed walk to Kodlak, I know exactly where he is." Mimzi turned back to her quickly, causing Serana to jolt into Mimzi's side and hushed, "Don't look anyone in the eyes."

Serana grumbled, "Yeah, I figured."

The women walked casually to the main entrance of the fort; Serana's breath went heavy in fear. She kept her eyes down to the ground as they passed the campfire with Durak and Celann still warming there. Serana faked a scratch to her forehead as she stayed her eyes down passing the steely soldiers.

"Mimzi!" Durak called to them as they walked past. Mimzi winced and turned back to him. Serana stayed looking forward, pretending to fuss with her cloak.

Mimzi smiled pretentiously, "Yes?"

Durak spoke in a friendly tone from his usual orcish gruff, "You were out at that archery post pretty much all day. Good job, I'm happy to see you taking the initiative to better yourself against the vampires. Tomorrow, I can teach you that ward spell. You going to rest now?"

Mimzi stammered, "Uh… yeah. I'm beat. I'll see you tomorrow… thanks."

"Who's that you got with you there?" Celann spoke up next to Durak, "Never seen them around before. Is that Aela?"

Mimzi impulsively agreed, "Yup! She was out training with me. She's knackered too. Anyway, see you later."

Celann pressed, "Aela… you okay?"

Serana stayed looking away from the vampire slayers lightly rattling in her cloak. Mimzi's panic began to ripple at her composure. Serana muttered, "Fine. Tired. Bye."

Serana pressed on to the doorway with Mimzi closely following. She avoided the urge to look back at the vampire slayers that she knew were suspiciously gawking at them to the entrance. Mimzi threw open the gates and slammed the door behind them.

Mimzi glared at Serana and sighed, "That was a terrible Aela impression…"

"What was I supposed to say?" hissed Serana in panic, "I don't even know her!"

"Well, if we're really going to do this… you're about to. Come, just follow me closely."

Mimzi pressed on through the main hall that lay empty. The Dawnguard soldiers and her shield-siblings were in the barracks where a stew wafted into the air and warriors spoke amongst each other. Serana peeked at the barracks ahead and could see people in thick armour and heavy weapons walking along the beds and before the roasting fireplace. She kept her head down as they ventured through to a stairwell on the right side of the keep. They scurried up the steps of the winding stairwell and reached the balcony, overlooking the keep. Serana was immediately greeted with a foul odour she hadn't the misfortune of experiencing before.

"Ugh… do you smell that? What is that?" Serana grimaced, "It smells awful."

Mimzi peeped, "I don't smell anything, just hurry."

"You don't smell that?" Serana asked queasily, "It's like a dirty wild animal. I'm going to vomit."

Vilkas was leaving down the stairwell they were soon to pass. As he heard small footsteps, he looked up from the stairwell and back to the entrance he came in. An excitement grew at the sight of Mimzi. Vilkas creeped a smile to himself and sauntered slowly up the steps to go and greet her. He halted suddenly at the sight of Serana following her. His blood chilled at the sight of the faint glimmer of red in her eyes, oblivious to his presence. He came charging up behind her.

"Mimzi! Behind you!"

In a moment Serana was tackled to the ground. Mimzi gasped in shock and ran to pry Vilkas off her.

"Get off me! Get him off!! Mimzi!"

Mimzi cried, "Vilkas, stop!" She tried to pull at his shoulders, but his strength persisted. He abruptly pushed her back.

"Go get help, Mimzi! Now!" He ordered hotly as he kept gasping Serana to the floor. He cursed to her, "Damn vampire! You came to the wrong place! Help! Someone help!" He called out to the keep where soldiers came flooding through the barracks. Aela and Farkas bolted passed the crowd where they could see the commotion on the balcony. Isran emerged from his study as did Kodlak, all beholding the vampire in rage.

Mimzi bellowed, "Vilkas! Get off her now!!" As he continued to ignore her and he strangled Serana, Mimzi kicked him off reluctantly to free her. Vilkas thudded against the railing as Serana gasped in panic and bolted behind Mimzi. She sprawled her arms out before Serana as soldiers and shield-siblings surrounded them on the balcony floor. Vilkas pried himself off the ground and crawled up. Farkas ran to his assistance.

Mimzi breathed out raggedly, "Everyone… stay back. This isn't what it looks like… she's not a threat." Serana stayed breathing in fear behind her.

"Mimzi…" Kodlak pushed through the crowd in worry, "What are you doing?! Why are you protecting this monster?"

Soldiers came closer with weapons held high and red in the white of their eyes. Mimzi barked out to them in rage, "I said STAY BACK!"

The balcony shook a tepid quake that rumbled the halls. All their ears began to ring. Mimzi's anger flooded to a blue glow in her eyes as the Thu'um whispered. The Dawnguard soldiers and Companions reacted to the rumble and faltered their aggression. Mimzi snarled, "Don't make me use it… I will use it!"

"Everyone, get back…" Isran ordered to his soldiers, fearing Mimzi would release her Shout, "Keep your distance from her now."

Soldiers reluctantly stepped back. Gunmar stared on in confusion at the approach Isran was taking, as Sorine cowered within the soldiers. Aela and Farkas glared down Serana with hate in their eyes, as Vilkas scowled at Mimzi; confused as to why she was protecting a vampire. Kodlak slowly approached Mimzi, her eyes following him. He asked, "My dear girl, what is going on? Who is this vampire?" Kodlak approached closer, Mimzi gritted her teeth.

"That's close enough," she warned in a steely tone. Serana clasped her hands to the back of Mimzi's shoulders and glared along the warriors all impulsed to kill her.

"What is the meaning of this?" Isran asked darkly to Mimzi, "You dare bring a bloodsucking fiend here?"

"This is Serana," addressed Mimzi in a low voice, "I've told you about her already. As you can see… she has the Elder Scroll with her. She won't harm any of you! She wants to help."

Isran and his comrades began to laugh mockingly at Mimzi as the Companions remained wary, Isran chortled, "Did it tell you that?"

"Yes, and I believed her. If you're as smart as I think you are, you'll hear her out," warned Mimzi, "This is about all of us. There's something much worse at play here."

Isran growled, "You think any of us could believe a damn thing it says?"

"She has the Elder Scroll…" Kodlak muttered, "Why would she risk her own life to bring it here? Perhaps we should hear them out."

Isran turned to him and blurted angrily, "Kodlak, this is your solution for your whelp's ignorance? You want to humour this folly? She has brought a demon into our keep. She's put all of us at risk!"

"The only thing that's putting us at risk is wasting more time trying to convince you, instead of acting on it now, before it's too late," growled Mimzi, "If we want this Elder Scroll, we need to listen to Serana. We're vampire slayers, all of us. I might be asking too much here, but I need you all to curb your hate for a few minutes. You can try and kill her if you wish, but you'll have to kill me first. You'll be left with an Elder Scroll and no knowledge on how to use it or why the vampires want it, and one less vampire hunter. You've got a choice. What will it be?" She spoke earnestly to Isran, who stayed his deathly glare to her and lingered in thought.

Isran uttered, "You and your… pet, come with me," he turned to his guard, "Stand down, all of you. Go back to your business. I'll handle these two."

Durak glowered, "Isran, are you sure that's a good idea?"

"No, but if they decide to turn on me, I won't be alone," he glared to Mimzi and declared, "Kodlak and his Circle will come as well. Perhaps your shield-siblings can talk some sense into you. You two are outnumbered, so try to play any games or even utter one lie, we'll cut you down where you stand."

Isran then pulled his warhammer to Mimzi and Serana and growled, "Ladies first, move it."