Chapter 14: A Moth to the Flame

Mimzi startled at another vivid dream. Unlike anything she had experienced before- not a nightmare, not a memory. Just a dream. She couldn't remember the last one she had like it. She sat on the jetty used to take passage from the island to Castle Volkihar, yet the seas looked like the warm oceans to the south of Senchal. The skies were a rich purple twilight and the air was humid. Her skin felt as if she had spent the day kissed by sun. She wore a loose and sleeveless white tunic with old travelling pants. The apparel was familiar. It was the outfit she wore on her way back to Skyrim. The tunic was stained in sweat and dirt. Her leather pants ripped on the knees. She looked up from the bottom of the boat and flinched to Vilkas and Farkas sitting across from her with the oars on their lap. Mimzi raised a brow and tilted her head to the two men lazily staring back. They wore rag tunics and pants, like they escaped prison. Mimzi stayed quiet, unsure what to make of the situation.

Farkas muttered to Vilkas, "She's losing it. What do we do?"

Vilkas hushed back, keeping his eyes to her cautiously, "Just stare. Don't make any sudden movements."

"She's seriously freaking out right now. Look at her."

"I know, just let her take it in."

"Can we poke her? Maybe she'd snap out of it."

"No, damn it, Farkas. Don't poke her. She will catch on soon, just give her a minute."

"Am I dead?" Mimzi asked abruptly. Vilkas and Farkas startled from their hushing. They kept awkward silence till Mimzi asked again, "Am I dead or am I dreaming? If I'm still alive and this is just some weird dream then I'm fine, but if I'm dead and you two are my afterlife I'm going to be really pissed off. So, am I dead?"

Vilkas spoke up, "No. You're alive. It's just… you're kind of stuck."

Farkas added, "Yeah, what he said."

Mimzi winced and asked, "What? I'm stuck? What does that even mean?"

"Means you're stuck," Farkas shrugged, "Like you can't really move. At all."

"Whatever happened in that castle," Vilkas explained, "You got hurt, you're healing, but you still can't wake up. Your head is hurt, your body is hurt. Your brain is among all of it. You just need time to heal."

"Well, is it going to?!" Mimzi asked shriller, "So my brain doesn't work? That's what you're saying? Am I still in the castle?"

"What's the last thing you remember?" Vilkas asked.

"Uhh. Being fed on by a bunch of vamps. I was dying."

"You can't remember anything else after that? Are you sure?" Farkas wondered.

"No," Mimzi shook her head.

"You're lying." Vilkas growled.

"Says you."

Farkas smiled and stated, "You are, Mimzi. We know because we like… are you. I mean this is your brain. You like warm oceans and bright weather. Kinda weird for a Nord, but each their own."

Vilkas stated with a smirk, "And you like me. That's why I'm here."

Farkas said, "Oh yeah, then why am I here? She must like me, too."

Vilkas rolled his eyes, "Bah, you're nice to her and kind of act like her friend. Plus you're warm and fuzzy inside. She thinks it's comforting."

"Yeah, so she likes me. More than she likes you, I'd bet."

"Mimzi wants you as a friend. It's different."

Mimzi finally spat, "Okay, okay. So, if this is my dream, and I can control what I want to see. Realistically… I'd want…"

Suddenly Farkas and Vilkas popped from view, and Serana took their place before Mimzi in the blink of an eye. She gasped and nearly fell back onto the bottom of the boat. Serana sat timidly and waved her hand, "Hi."

"What the..." Mimzi spooked, "You?! Why?!"

Serana groaned, "Yeah. You want Luna, but I'm the best you got right now."

"What is happening?"

"What's happening is you need to snap out of this, right now. You say you can't remember but you do. I was right there for all of it. You and I have been together for a while now, and you know that. We made it out, and what transpired to our escape doesn't matter. All that matters is we are out. You're alive. Now you need to wake up. Because if you don't, we will all be stuck. Forever."

"You think I haven't been trying? The brothers said I was gorked. How am I supposed to wake up if I don't have a working brain?"

"They never said you can't wake up; they said you are weak. You've had time now. You're strong enough. You have to fight to wake up. Technically, you're awake. You're just not… 'awake-awake'. I'm here to help with that."

Mimzi held her breath and her eyes went wide, "You saved me. You and Aela. I was dying but you two… you found me."

Serana nodded with a relieved grin, "Yes, we did."

"Why would you save me? I mean, why not just tuck tail and run? You don't know me."

"But I feel like I do. You do, too. You're kind of cold to me, since I'm a vampire and all, but you like me. I'm… kind of like your first friend in forever. That's why you Shouted my pa into the castle wall for me."

Mimzi gasped again, "Then we fell into the sea…"

"Yeah, that hurt. That bridge was old. Very old. I don't think anyone stood on it in centuries. After that, we nearly drowned in the waves. I made sure to keep you and Aela up for air… but it was challenging. I'm scared you didn't get enough air. You were already so weak as it is. It makes sense you're like this now. It's a miracle you're alive, Mimzi. The Divines favour you."

"So… all I have to do is try to wake up. I mean… how do I do that?"

"How do you usually wake up?"

Mimzi scoffed a petulant laugh, "Usually soaked in my cold sweat from another damn nightmare. I really don't want this to turn into one."

"Fear," Serana observed, "You wake up from fear. You don't have to turn it into a nightmare, but maybe something else?"

"Like what?"

"Like this?"

Suddenly Serana disappeared, and only Vilkas reappeared to the bench seated from her. He met her startled eyes with a smile. Mimzi jolted at Vilkas seated across from her again. She nervously looked along open ocean, fretting she was alone with him.

"Um… Okay." She stammered.

"Admit it," he said, "I make you nervous, don't I? Is there anything you wanted to say to me?"

"No."

Vilkas chuckled and leaned his head to one side, "You don't think I'm handsome? You don't stray into my eyes when I look at you? I think you're lying, whelp."

She avoided eye contact, tensing into herself, "That's just… not… Nope. Sorry. Stop saying I'm lying, it's really annoying."

"But you are lying. You adore me. Maybe I'm not what you expected, but you can't deny how you feel about me."

"Okay it's not working, Vilkas. You are not scaring me enough. So, you can stop…"

"What if I took my shirt off? Vilkas asked then started to pull his shirt up. Mimzi jumped, rocking the boat.

"No!!"

They both gripped the sides of the boat to steady the swaying. Mimzi's breath was heavy from the boat nearly tipping over. Vilkas gently set down his shirt and settled. Then an idea struck, she dimmed a smile, "I think… I think I have an idea."

Vilkas grinned and nodded, "Say no more."

"Wait! No, don't!"

He gripped the sides of the boat and flourished right, sending the boat over. It turned into the water with Vilkas and Mimzi headfirst. When she was submerged, memories of the waves came back. Hours spent in the furious storm of the Sea of Ghosts. She could feel the clasp of Serana's fingers digging under her arm. The helplessness of trying to breathe for air, yet the relentless water greedily taking it. Serana and Aela's screams among the break of waves. Serana's desperate hollering against the incoming of another. Their sputtering coughs and gags, and muffled screams under water. She was lifeless to all of it, but felt their terror. Mimzi shot up.

In an instant, Mimzi gasped for air and jolted awake. Her eyes blurred to a cackling campfire. The sky was dimmed blue from approaching daylight. Her head rested against something hard. Her hands plucked at the ground and fingers sunk into leaves. She could feel the roots of a tree delving into the dirt. Her vision came with her awareness. The events began to link clearly. There were two figures sleeping next to the fire with her. It was Serana and Aela still damp from the seas, as was she. She blinked her eyes to retain her vision. Mimzi's confusion grew worse to a satchel of healing potions and ailments. She inspected the ground further. Tracks of a human foot led through the snow. The size of the print was larger than the feet of the three. She shifted her legs, they ached as she got up. They were in a grove, still near the sea, but on higher ground. The air was cold but not frigid, almost as if they were in the Reach. She looked down to Aela and Serana and both wheezing breath, but breathing none the less. She knew without a doubt they were not responsible for setting up camp.

A twig cracked in the brush, alarming Mimzi. She saw a figure through heather and bushes. It looked human but was staggering.

"Who's out there?"

The figure stopped and came into the light. As the figure came nearer, it appeared less human. Pointed ears, fur from their shoulders and arms, and a long muzzle sniffing through branches. Mimzi stumbled back from the werewolf coming into the light. She tried to keep balance as she was still weak. The werewolf wasn't attacking, just staring, almost as if it needed something.

"Farkas? Is that you?"

The werewolf snarled, huffing and shuffling back into the shrub.

"Hey! You show up and just leave? You're…"

The werewolf looked back to Mimzi. It planted its palms to the ground and closed its mouth- not to seem threatening, then flattened their ears. Mimzi gasped when she noticed the gashes along his upper arms and chest. Her eyes wilted and her voice sank, "Vilkas?"

The werewolf sighed a growl and lowered his head. Mimzi asked quietly, "You're...not able to turn back, are you?"

Vilkas closed his eyes making quiet, soft whines, still keeping his muzzle bowed. Mimzi sighed dejectedly and stepped closer to him.

"You must have. You're you. I feel like I'm talking to you. So why can't you turn back? It looked like you were yourself at some point," she gestured to the human footprints in the snow, "Unless… you don't have control of when you turn," Vilkas looked up and flattened his ears more, staring intently to Mimzi. As if he was answering her question.

"What can I do? How do I help you?"

Vilkas released a low growl and used his claw to curve into the dirt. He wrote out a name. 'Farkas.'

"Farkas? He can help you?"

Vilkas nodded and wrote another word next to it. 'Feral.'

She shuddered at this, "Feral? What does that mean? Are you... I'm not going to let that happen. You're not alone, I swear. I'm going to find Farkas and we're going to save you. I promise." He started to whine quietly, she came closer with her hand out, "Vilkas…"

He backed away from Mimzi and growled. She lowered her hand, "It's okay. I'm not scared."

Mimzi came closer with her hand up and Vilkas bowed his head. Suddenly Vilkas pulled away and snarled. He threw up dust as he sprinted into the blackness of the forest, lunging to the treetops. A howl echoed into the abyss of night. Mimzi ran after him to the foot of the bush.

"Vilkas!"

Mimzi looked back to sounds of leaves shifting as Serana began to stir.

"Serana! Are you okay?"

Serana jolted at Mimzi now on her feet and walking spritely, unlike her state hours ago. She flummoxed at the fire and array of satchels and potions around them. She looked up at Mimzi and queried, "You did this?"

"No! You're not going to believe it, but it wasn't me."

Aela shuffled over the dirt and released a loud, pained groan as she picked herself up. Serana slowly stood straight and pried at her aching back. Serana went to Aela's assistance and helping her stand off the ground. She looked to Mimzi and Serana, "What happened? How did we get here?"

Serana replied, "Mimzi was going to…"

"It wasn't me," Mimzi interrupted, "It was Vilkas! He's okay!"

Serana and Aela both asked, "What?!" Each of their tones different to each other.

Aela dimmed a hopeful smile, "Vilkas? Where is he?"

"Mimzi…" Serana sighed dejectedly, "What are you talking about?"

"I saw him. He made the fire, gathered these supplies. He healed me… all of us. He wrote into the dirt! Come see," she tugged at Serana and Aela and led them to the writings in the dirt. Serana and Aela exchanged baffled stares to one another.

"Mimzi, what is this?" Serana muttered, "Farkas is feral?"

"No, Vilkas is, I mean he's going feral. He was still a werewolf when I saw him. But I know it was him. Farkas can save him."

Aela knelt down to the writings and uttered, "That… I don't understand. Vilkas was already feral when we saw him. I know because his eyes were black. He was a dog in a cage, pretty much. Once we go feral, there isn't anything that can bring us back unless it's Hircine, himself."

Serana added, "Last we saw him you were unconscious, but he was gone. It didn't recognize Aela. He couldn't even recognize his own brother. You just survived the worst of the Sea of Ghosts, severe blood loss and falling off a bridge. Mimzi, I think you need to sit down for a minute to rest."

Serana went to clasp Mimzi's shoulder, but she nudged away angrily, "You saying you don't believe me? I saw him, and he recognized me."

Aela stepped forward and inhaled against Mimzi, who raised a brow and flinched at her approach. Aela breathed in through her nose with a pensive glare and looked back up at Mimzi, "You have his smell." She stood up straight in amazement.

Mimzi beamed a grin and boasted to Serana, "You see? He was here. He saved us. So it's about time we save him."

Mimzi earnestly went to the tree and retrieved a knapsack.

"Whoa! Where are you going?!" Serana exclaimed.

Mimzi pulled the bags over her shoulder and grumbled, "I'm going to find him."

"Now?! Are you kidding? I'm not saying it's not urgent, but we have a lot more pressing matters, don't you think?"

"That's you saying it's not urgent," Mimzi grunted as she passed Serana, "For Aela and myself, it's very urgent. Right, Aela?"

Serana declared, "They have the Elder Scroll, and they will soon have the Moth Priest! They get both, our world is doomed. Damn it, Mimzi, you need to see the bigger picture here!"

Aela berated, "No! You want to find that priest, and you want to find Vilkas. But have any of you bothered to wonder where is Farkas? There is no way I'm leaving my brothers to their fate to go find a damn Moth Priest, and there is no point in finding Vilkas without Farkas. So, we have to decide what needs us now. Perhaps we settle on a vote. Let's hear all sides first."

Mimzi and Serana sighed and looked to each other in silent agreement. Aela explained, "Farkas is gone. Last we saw him was underneath the castle. He could be dead… or he could be in his last moments before death. If he dies and we had the chance to save him, I couldn't imagine anything worse. I would disgrace my Companions. Vilkas isn't feral yet, and if we saved him without his brother, he'd never forgive us. He can't live without his brother, neither of them can. So, I vote we find Farkas."

Mimzi sighed sadly, "Okay, I couldn't agree more, Aela. But what if he's fine? What if he's trying to find us? We find him and he's all good, but we ran out the clock for Vilkas and he's feral permanently. Then… what was the point of any of this?! You think that's what Farkas would want?"

Aela stated aloofly, "So you vote to find Vilkas, then?"

"Yes!" Mimzi barked, "And I'm doing it, so this 'vote thing' is stupid and pointless. You two go do what you want. I'm saving Vilkas."

Serana yelled, "No you're not! Farkas and Vilkas will die anyway if we don't stop my father from getting that Moth Priest. They find Auriel's Bow, all they need is me, don't you get that? They will stop at nothing to get me once they have the bow. Then not just the brothers; everyone. Men, mer, women and children, we will all die. This is so much bigger than us. We are close to Solitude; we should start moving now! This arguing is meaningless!"

"They don't have you yet, so quit. Saving my friends is thinking pretty damn clear to me. I wouldn't expect you to understand."

"Shut up!" Aela's voice clapped loudly, her voice austere and dark. Serana and Mimzi jolted and fell silent.

"Is it just me… or do you two see something in the woods?" Aela muttered quietly to Serana and Mimzi. The three looked to the left of the grove, where the trees gave way for the light of the sky. Through the dark shadows of tree trunks, a man staggered. He rustled his feet and ambled passed them, seemingly unaware of those who watching. Serana promptly equipped her spells to her palms. They cautiously examined the shape and startled at the sight of a nude man.

"Is it just me…" Serana irked, "… or is that someone's bare white ass?"

Mimzi raised a brow and muttered, "No, I see it too."

"Farkas?" Aela whispered under her breath and started to trudge into the woods. Serana and Mimzi followed. They pulled through thick twigs and relentless roots, the man collapsed on the floor of the forest. Aela quickened her pace with Serana and Mimzi struggling through the forestry still behind. Mimzi fought through the twigs and bushes as she noticed Farkas collapsed to the ground. His skin was blue and pale, and hair damp. He was as bare as the day he were born, and too weak to stand from all of the gashes across his body.

Mimzi exclaimed, "Farkas!" She thudded down to Aela's side. He was unconscious but still shallowly breathing. Serana discreetly sighed in relief at the sight of Farkas still alive.

Aela pried her hands to the sides of his face and rattled his head, "Hey! Farkas. Farkas, it's Aela. Wake up."

Mimzi fumbled through one of the knapsacks on her shoulder and pulled out a healing potion. She gave it to Aela, who poured it into his mouth. Farkas coughed and gagged water. Aela and Mimzi slouched him upwards to swallow the potion's contents. Mimzi handed another one to Aela, where they repeated the same. Farkas continued to gag, and took the second potion easier than the last. He breathed heavier, and his eyes began to open. His frame jittered from the cold. Serana took off her cloak and placed it over him; the cloak only covering from his shoulders to his knees.

Farkas squinted his eyes to the three women above him. As his awareness came to, he breathed in relief and formed a smile at the safety of being found by his friends. Aela smiled, "Hey, Ice-brain. You gave me a proper scare."

"Sorry about that…" Farkas winced and sat up on the ground. He let the cloak fall down to the top of his waist, revealing his bare chest covered in claw marks and bruises.

"What happened?"

"My brother got me good…" Farkas exhaled, "… The Dawnguard, they attacked the castle… I don't know what happened, I was after Vilkas. He's feral. At least I think he is. There wasn't Vilkas in those eyes. I… He told me this could happen if he turned… I didn't want to believe it."

"No, he's not," Mimzi smiled down to Farkas, "Not yet anyway. He will be soon if we don't go find him."

Serana groaned, "Mimzi…"

Mimzi snapped back at Serana, "Can you shut up?! This isn't your business."

"What are you talking about?" He asked.

"I saw him… he saved us. He's in beast form but he's still Vilkas. Seems like he can't control it. He asked for your help. He said he's going feral."

Farkas shot up from ground, letting Serana's cloak to fall. Mimzi hastily covered her eyes as he walked past her still nude.

Aela added, "It's true. She's got his smell. It's hard to believe, I thought he was feral, too."

Farkas rummaged through the woods once more, still no coverings. Aela crawled off the ground and called to him again, "Where are you going?! You going to try and find him as naked as a drunkard and no weapons?"

"I don't need weapons," he claimed, "All I need is my nose and my claws. I'll find him."

"You think you're going alone again?" Mimzi asked after him, "I'm coming with you!"

Aela pulled Mimzi back, "No, you're not," she shouted to Farkas, "Farkas, wait!" He slowed and looked back to Aela, his eyes dark and black hair to his face. Aela continued, "Now there is four of us again, and we all have two pressing matters that need to be dealt with."

Serana sighed in relief, "Finally…"

Farkas growled to Aela, "So what's the hold up, then? You all do what you gotta do and I'll find my brother. I'll see you around."

As Farkas turned back to the woods, Mimzi called, "I'm coming too!"

"No, you're not!" Aela snapped, "I get it. You're sweet on Vilkas. Doesn't take a genius to figure that."

Mimzi flushed red and refuted, "No, I'm not!"

"Oh, please…" Serana scoffed.

Aela continued sternly, "… and that isn't a good enough reason for you to abandon the mission. You're Dragonborn, if there is anyone who should seek that bow, it's you. Serana needs you. You stay with her, I'll go with Farkas."

Mimzi cried to Aela, "You're taking the piss! I'm not leaving Vilkas anymore than you are!"

"This isn't your fight," Aela barked back to her, seemingly having lost her patience, "You're a Companion… but you're not one of us. You're not a werewolf. This is something far beyond your understanding."

"Like you said, I'm Dragonborn, so I can help. I want to help. I'm not just abandoning you all."

Aela placed her hands to Mimzi's shoulders, "The only ones who can help Vilkas now are myself, Farkas and Kodlak. Go to Solitude, find the priest. We will find Vilkas."

Farkas still stood into the shrub but added, "She's right. You can't smell him, we can. You gotta be a skilled hunter to find a werewolf. Aela is the best hunter I know. That Moth Priest isn't gonna stick around in Solitude long."

Serana added, "I think it's a great plan. At least now we can deal with both situations at once."

Mimzi groaned and released a heavy sigh. Farkas consoled her, "Mimzi… we will find him. We know his beast through and through, and you and Serana make a good team. You two can do this."

She pressed her lips and reluctantly agreed, "Fine! I'll go find the damn priest! Not like I have much of a choice… bastards."

Aela sighed in relief, "This is how it has to be for now. We'll meet back at Fort Dawnguard with the Moth Priest and Vilkas. Good luck you two."

Serana smiled to Aela and nodded, "Good luck… see you soon."

Aela pulled Mimzi in for a hug. The act of it was startling, but she did not pull away. They released and Aela followed Farkas into the woods. Mimzi stayed a solemn gaze to the floor of the forest. As Serana and Mimzi went to walk back out the grove, Aela turned and called, "Serana!"

"What?"

"Thank you… for saving our lives. I'm sure we'd all be dead right now if it wasn't for you. If you were worried about me trusting you, you can rest easy now."

Serana dimmed a smile, "Only took losing the Elder Scroll and falling into the sea to show you that, huh?"

"I'm a hard woman to impress, but you did," Aela slowly trudged behind Farkas as he crept into the woods. The sound of him transforming was heard behind the bushes. Aela departed, "You two be careful, now."

They both waved solemnly and she pranced into the bushes behind Farkas, turning to werewolf. The two sprinted and snarled deeper into the forest, repelling off the branches and going south into Skyrim.

Mimzi looked back to Serana and grumbled, "Great. Now I'm stuck with you again."

"Sorry to disappoint," Serana sneered back. Mimzi started to walk out the dense forestry to the open grove, with Serana following suit.

"Well… I lost my weapons. Lost my bow. I'm wearing rags because the vampires took everything. I'm not sure what you expect from me now, I ain't much help."

Serana tittered, "Relax. Everything in due time. You only see what's right in front of you, don't you?"

"Yeah. I see a stiff-neck vampire I can't seem to shake, no matter how hard I try."

The two women entered the open grove and began to retrieve supplies left behind. Serana grumbled, "Don't worry, you help me save the world from vampire invasion, you'll never have to see me again. I promise you that."

"Oh, in that case, what are we waiting for? Let's go be heroes."

Down south in the central city of Skyrim, misery was unraveling in the streets of Whiterun. Townsfolk and guardsmen watched through their windows, doors and stalls; watching as Agmaer and Durak carried Kodlak's body through to the Hall of the Dead. Their tears and cries echoed into the city, guardsmen helmets clacked on the ground, and heads hung low in prayer. Isran led their way to the hall, where townsfolk watched on in horror at the revealing of Kodlak's passing. Jarl Balgruuf came scurrying down from the Cloud District with Irileth and Farengar in tow. As he pressed on to the Wind District, the Jarl sullied in shock to see the whispers of his people was true.

"Kodlak Whitemane…" Balgruuf uttered under his breath, still keeping wide eyes to the Dawnguard carrying him, he continued, "Our greatest hero has fallen…"

Irileth released a saddened sigh and bowed her head in shame. As Whiterun's people gathered before the Hall of the Dead, clanging steel from Jorrvaskr bursted out the doors. First ran Skjor, with Vignar and the whelps quickly after. Skjor bolted down the street and through the crowds of townsfolk and guardsmen. He hesitated and went still as he could see the Dawnguard carrying Kodlak (still adorned in his wolf armour and his silver hair shimmering in the wind). Skjor's breath pattered. His whole body caught a chill against the mild winds. Jarl Balgruuf and the others in the crowd looked to him. Skjor jolted from his state and ran to the Hall of the Dead's entrance, pushing through Gunmar and Sorine who beckoned the doors before him.

Skjor barged through and stopped again as he could see Kodlak's body rested into a coffin. His face was still, skin blue as ice, and white hair swept to his face. The gaping wound through his stomach bulging. Skjor's horrified gawk went still, and his face reformed to stoic and cold. He looked to Isran, who had kept his attention to Skjor earnestly since he entered.

Skjor took a few moments to speak as he struggled with shock, "… what happened?"

Isran looked away from Skjor's steely eyes and informed grievously, "We attacked the castle, the birthplace of all this madness. We lost him among the chaos. Their numbers prevailed ours, we fled. We found Kodlak washed up on the shore of Haafingar… he was gone before we even had a chance…"

"Where are the others?"

"I don't know. Farkas was with us but he…" He stalled for a moment, apprehensive to tell Skjor the truth in fear he would go to the castle himself. He fibbed, "He fled with the others. I don't think they even know of Kodlak yet. They should be here in a few days, you can ask them more on the matter when they return. My condolences."

Skjor raised a brow and hissed, "What?! You expect me to believe they just… fled?! That's all you can tell me? Our man is dead, he trusted you and he's dead, and that's all you can say for yourself?!"

Skjor's eyes went glossy as he raised his finger to Isran. Isran stayed still to Skjor's aggression, not even blinking. Suddenly, Vignar and the whelps barged in behind them, each of them falling to horror at Kodlak's body.

Vignar muttered, "What… what happened?"

"The Dawnguard failed, that's what happened…" Skjor snarled, "They believed they could take on the world, and Kodlak believed them. They let our men fall first, only for them to fail and run for their lives like cowards."

Durak said, "That's codswallop."

"What's the truth of it then? You going to tell me what happened, Orc?"

The silence returned again, far more deafening than the first. Isran glared to Durak to discreetly silence him, where the Dawnguard hung their heads in shame. Skjor's scornful glare lifted, and he nodded, "Figured as much. Get out of our city. I don't ever want to see another damn Dawnguard in Whiterun again!"

Isran promptly left passed Skjor, with Agmaer, Durak, Sorine and Gunmar following quickly behind him. They shuffled their boots out the door of the Hall of the Dead, leaving the Companions with their fallen alone. As Isran stepped from the Hall of the Dead, he was joined by Jarl Balgruuf.

"Hey!" The Jarl yelled, pursuing Isran, "What is happening out there?! You promised you would protect my city, and now you can't tell me what is happening? Kodlak Whitemane is dead!"

Irileth still remained close to his side. Isran stopped and glowered, "The time it would take me to tell you everything, is enough time for the vampires to assemble and attack Skyrim's people once more. They… are far more powerful than we first believed. Their intentions are catastrophic. The numbers of your Companions have fallen to their trickery. All that remains of our cause stands before you now. I'm sorry I couldn't return to share better news, but it seems like the vampires are winning this war. If I were you, Jarl, keep your townsfolk distracted and happy. Throw another event. Or quickly make a run for it before any of them know you've fled. Any day now, our skies will forever be dark, and red eyes will be the only light before we succumb to them. I will work until my last dying breath to ensure that never happens, but if it does, make sure your people don't leave this world with their last moments in fear."

Isran promptly left the face of Balgruuf, and continued marching out the city with his comrades behind him. Jarl Balgruuf stayed still to their leave, watching and digesting the grim words Isran departed with.

As the Dawnguard left the gates, Sorine began to berate, "That was cowardly, Isran. I didn't think you could stoop lower than that. Those poor people deserve to know what happened to their warriors; all of them!"

Isran kept walking passed the drawbridge, "So they deserve to die among them? Their truth would be the last thought they'd have before being torn apart by that castle. The others, Farkas, Aela and Mimzi, they are dead. Serana is gone. What would the truth do for them? We may have days- even hours left. Why should I add to the pain they must already feel? Upholding honour comes in many forms."

Agmaer queried, "Well, if they have Serana… what's the point, then?"

Isran explained, "We make our way back to the fort. I need to send a letter to General Tullius at once. If he refuses, then Ulfric Stormcloak. We need men… at this point I'd hire mercenaries if I had the coin. Ulfric and General Tullius will soon be under threat by the vampires, as well. They have legions of men, each. Right now, they are the best hope we have, and the Dawnguard is the best hope Skyrim has. They will listen to us… or die with the rest of their bleeding land."

Inside the Hall of the Dead. Skjor knelt down to Kodlak and gently brushed the hair from his face. He laid his hand to Kodlak's shoulder. Skjor bowed his head and let only a few tears stray from his eyes. Athis, Njada, Ria and Torvar stared down to his body with pebbling tears of their own, still in gripping shock. Vignar muttered sadly, "Skjor…"

"Damn old fool…" Skjor shuddered through a fragile voice, "I told him this was a suicide mission. He spouted nonsense and oblique riddles… I should have known he was losing his bearings. I didn't want to believe it. I shouldn't have let him leave. All of them…"

"Skjor, what of the funeral?" Vignar rejoined, "We should start making preparations at once… while the body is still…"

"Not yet." Skjor croaked, and turned his head from Kodlak and spoke passed his shoulder to Vignar, "We wait for the others to return. They should be here to pay their respects. Get the priest to keep him from decay for a few days longer. Farengar… maybe he can help. I won't release Kodlak's spirit till his boys and Aela are here. Do you understand?"

Vignar bowed his head respectfully and affirmed, "Of course… nothing until the others return… I get it."

"Good. Now all of you leave me be… I wish to be alone with my friend," Skjor looked back to Kodlak; his voice sullen and faint.

Vignar bowed and waved for the others to leave out the doors. Athis, Njada, Ria and Torvar left reluctantly, with Vignar looking back one last time to Skjor, "He was truly a marvellous man. A truest Nord. Sovngarde has gained a celebrated Companion. Ysgramor will welcome him with glad friendship, Skjor, remember that."

Skjor stayed silent to Vignar, who awaited a reply. Without one he turned his back to Skjor and left the Hall of the Dead. Skjor closed his eyes and whispered to himself, "No Sovngarde awaits him…"

Mimzi and Serana had walked through the afternoon of Haafingar. They trudged through groves and managed to discover an abandoned shack. The two women silently entered the home, which was cold as an ice cave, and cluttered in dust and debris. The walls were singed in black charcoal, and blackened bones littered the floor. A gaping hole peered light through the roof. Furniture and shelves cracked and tipped over. Mimzi looked down at the destruction with a pensive glare. Serana asked in disturbance, "What happened here?"

"Dragon," Mimzi said surely, "Not the first place I've seen like this…"

"By the blood…" Serana irked, "I'm guessing this dragon wasn't a friend of yours?"

Mimzi raised a brow and looked to Serana in anger, "No. I'm friends with one dragon, not all of them. This one… definitely wasn't friendly."

Serana looked down to a chest by the bed frame and knelt down to open it. Inside she delighted at a dark blue sleeved tunic blouse, leather waist-high pants, and hide boots. She tossed the clothes over to Mimzi, who hastily put them on. She pulled off her rags and put on the fresh clothing while dusting off the ash. Serana looked over to the shambled wardrobes and pried them open. She pulled out a thin traveller's cloak in black and tossed it to Mimzi, as well. She donned it over her shoulders and tied the string before her collar bone. Mimzi pulled up her hood, allowing the cloak to warm her cheeks and ears.

"Any weapons?"

"Nothing…" Serana gloomed, then stopped before the bed and gasped, "Wait…"

She looked under the bed and smiled at the sight of a war axe, made in orcish metal, bulky to carry. She handed it to Mimzi while muttering, "Think you can swing this around?"

Mimzi winced at the ghastly metal and snatched the helm. She staggered at the weapon's weight for a moment, then buckled her hips to practice a few swings. The axe was heavier than her sword, and slower to throw. She grumbled, "I'll take what I can get… this sucks."

Serana shrugged, "Sorry, but you know… you don't have to rely on it if you don't want to."

Mimzi grabbed the scabbard for the axe and strapped it along her waist before clarifying, "I can't just Shout when I'm in trouble all the time. I need a weapon. This one is slow, and I'll probably get my ass beat with it… but it'll have to do."

"No…" Serana interrupted, "I'm not referring to your Shouts… even though they are pretty useful in battle, obviously. But you used those flames, remember? In Fort Dawnguard?"

"That's the only spell I know…"

"Okay, but you can learn more. I know a library of spells; I could teach you a few…"

"I'm not interested in raising zombies and stealing their souls— thanks."

Serana rolled her red eyes, "That's not what I meant. I was using flame spells when I was nine. I mean destruction spells and warding. We are up against warlocks, you rarely see a vampire with a weapon. Lightning, flames, ice, and a stronger ward spell. Feel free to throw around your axe, but an earnestly learned spell can never let you down."

"I left Farkas and Aela so we could get this priest because it was so 'urgent'. Now you want to teach me spells?"

"Obviously not now. Later when we have time… if you're interested."

"Okay, I'll save us the time. I'm not interested…"

Serana sighed, "Suit yourself. Did… I do something? I mean, I felt like we were on good standing at Fort Dawnguard. Now you got this stained scowl on your face."

Mimzi exhaled angrily, "Not everything is about you, you know."

"You mad at me?"

"Yeah. Pretty mad you chose this Moth Priest over Vilkas, pretty mad I was left with no choice but to go with you. You came between me… and something I… you just… Yeah, I'm mad. Don't make it worse."

"You really care about them, don't you?"

Mimzi rolled her eyes and stayed to the path ahead, subtly regretting her choice of words to Serana. They inclined up a slope where the towers and walls of Solitude peaked just over the hill. Down the slope was Katla's Farm, and a Khajiit caravan camped outside the city. Serana kept her hood up and raised her hand with a green incantation. She casted it over herself. Mimzi caught the green flash of the spell and balked at the appearance of Serana. Her skin was ivory, and eyes green like emeralds. Her lips were rosy, but not blood red, and her teeth straight. Mimzi bewildered, "What did you just do? How did you do that?"

Serana beamed her seemingly human teeth, "Illusion spell. Will last me a few hours till I have to cast it again. We are just two perfectly normal maidens, right?"

Mimzi paced her eyes up and down on Serana, "You did this with magic?"

"Not just a useful tool in combat," Serana winked. They carried on up the incline to the great steel doors of Solitude, where the bustling townsfolk could be heard from behind the walls. As they approached, two guardsmen opened the doors promptly for the women to enter the city.

"Enjoy your visit, fair ladies," greeted one guard.

Serana chimed, "How gracious. Thank you."

Mimzi stayed quiet as she watched the oblivious guards. The steel doors cracked open and screeched against the hinges. Inside revealed the gleaming city of Solitude. Paraded in flags and peaking town shops. The cobblestone roads travelled against large archways and around thick towers. Up over the architecture was the faint peaks of the Blue Palace. The air smelt faint of the seas just below, and the fresh vegetables and meats from the trader stalls. Children bustled past them in groups; playing tag. The red robes of guards were worn in convoys as they walked in groups to the Winking Skeever; ignoring the beggars that pleaded for coin. The pots of ferns and beds of flowers were neatly patterned against shops and benches, all well-tended to, despite the chilly temperatures.

Serana stayed her eyes to the city life and muttered to Mimzi, "I used to be able to see just the outline of Solitude from the island. Never thought I'd get to see myself inside it. It's… beautiful."

Mimzi stayed aloof, "This place is a maze. It's a good job we're just looking for a guard who likes gossip. Most do."

"Shouldn't we go to the Blue Palace?"

"No…" Mimzi replied, "They won't help with much. Poncy pricks. If a Moth Priest did come through, we should ask one of the guards."

The two carried on through the streets, till Mimzi spotted one stationed by himself leaning against the wall of a staircase. She tugged on Serana's cloak to gain her attention. Mimzi subtly walked over to the guard and asked, "Hey, you seen a Moth Priest around?"

The guard looked down to Mimzi, still wearing an emotionless helmet and crossing his arms, "What's it to you?"

Mimzi stammered and looked back to Serana nervously, "Just making conversation…"

"Really?" The guard asked suspiciously, "You're not going to ask me about the weather? Or how my day is going?"

Mimzi paused as she struggled for a reply and said, "Uhh… mundane questions get mundane answers…"

"Why are you talking to me, love? Go down to the Winking Skeever if you want a chinwag. I'm on duty."

Serana fumbled a reply in a more elated tone, "We are scholars, actually. We are fascinated by Elder Scrolls and have always wanted to learn from the Moth Priests. We haven't gotten anywhere with the townsfolk. We were hoping you could help us?" She batted her eyes wispily and smiled. Mimzi raised a brow at the sudden bubbly reanimation of Serana. Even her voice morphed into sweeter tones.

The guard took a moment to think. He looked up at the seemingly human and beautiful young woman. Serana kept a coy smile. He finally replied, "… He passed through a day ago… went towards Dragon Bridge last I heard. Wasn't here long when he realized how witless the Jarl is."

"Is he still in Dragon Bridge?" Mimzi asked.

The guard grumbled, "You think I'm a fortune teller? I don't know. Go see for yourselves."

Mimzi huffed and walked back from the guard with Serana following. The two women stayed their chatter till they were far enough from the guard's hearing. Serana stated soft spoken, "Well that was a waste of time."

"We got a lead, not a waste if we can get there fast enough. If we run, we can make it by tonight. Try to keep up."

They ambled passed the bustling townsfolk and back to the main gates of Solitude once more. Through the gates, Serana and Mimzi briskly ran down the hill and followed the path towards Dragon Bridge. The height of the afternoon was at it's warmest. Serana and Mimzi jogged along the path which carried up and down the hillside of rock mountains. The sun slowly set behind the peaks, where the skies remained blue but the air turned chilly. The roads were quiet, hardly even wildlife among the groves and cliffs to their sides. Mimzi breathed out hoarsely, "We're getting close, I can see the bridge."

Ahead of the valley was the distant figure of a tall bridge over the river. It was made of stone, and built in jagged formations, with the carving of a dragon's head atop the centre of the bridge. Across the bridge were small homes, and a sawmill to the end of town, just before the bridge. Lines of smoke from hearths lifted up from the steads, and villagers could already be seen carrying wood and baskets as they carried on with mundane tasks. The town looked calm and routine, unlike the rouse that would be expected from the visit of a renown Moth Priest. Serana and Mimzi kept hopeful, yet silently accepting the priest may have not reached Dragon Bridge.

Serana irked quietly, "You really think a Moth Priest passed through? Looks pretty dead here…"

Mimzi and Serana ran into the village; both catching their breath. She looked past a few faces of townsfolk, but did not see horses or any sign of a carriage that had stopped. Only a few soldiers were posted in the town, and Mimzi spectated the guards to see which one was the best to inquire with. One wandered by himself to the side of the cliff, admiring the view of the valley.

"Let's see…" Mimzi muttered under her breath as she sauntered to the guard. Her boots cracked over the gravelling rocks which soon softened as she left the trail and over crunchy grass. Her footsteps alerted the guard, who looked back.

"Ahh… a visitor," the guard observed, "Two lovely young ladies. What brings you to Dragon Bridge? On your way to Solitude for the festival?"

Mimzi asked promptly, "Actually we were hoping you saw a Moth Priest around, can you help?"

Serana caught up to Mimzi to see the guard create a baffled glare at the question, "A Moth Priest? What in the Nine Holds is that? Someone who worships moths? Here I thought daedra-lovers were a problem…" He shook his head and began to walk past the two.

"What about Imperial soldiers? Seen any of them? Possibly a carriage and horses in question, as well?"

"Dearie, you're in Haafingar. Of course, I've seen imperial soldiers. Good grief." The guard grumbled as he walked back up to the trail and towards the inn. Mimzi and Serana both sighed in dejection. Mimzi rustled her fingers as she tried to figure a solution.

Serana muttered, "What if they got him already… That would mean we are…"

"No way," said Mimzi, "No abandoned carriage… no stray horses. There was no sign of carnage along the trail. I know they wouldn't surrender willingly. We just have to…"

Suddenly the small voice of a child peeped behind them, "Hey! Do you two want to play tag with me?"

Mimzi and Serana jolted at the child. A young Breton boy with olive skin and clean clothes. He beamed a grin at the two hoping for a favourable answer. Mimzi grumbled, "Beat it, kid. We're busy."

"Please?" The boy begged, "I don't really have anyone to play with. We could play hide and seek if that's better? I'm just so bored…"

Mimzi stayed aloof, "Go play with rocks or something."

Serana suddenly asked to the child, "Wait! Have you seen anyone come through town recently? Like… imperial soldiers and a carriage? Maybe someone in robes?"

The young boy thought for a moment as Mimzi glanced a scowl to Serana. The child shrugged arrogantly, "Maybe I have. I bet I might know where they went, too. But I'm still bored. I tell you what, you both play a game of tag with me, I'll tell you whatever you want."

"You're full of it," Mimzi glowered petulantly, "You haven't seen squat, you little extortionist. Where are your parents so I can tell them their child is harassing strangers?"

Serana spat, "Mimzi, shut up," she looked back down to the child and agreed, "Deal… Mimzi you're it."

"What?!" Mimzi balked and jabbed her two fingers into Serana's bicep, "No, you!"

Mimzi and the young boy scurried away from Serana, who snickered and bolted after the two. Mimzi went hurdling past the guard and the child ran behind the saw mill, where Serana pursued fast. The child released a bleating laugh as Serana came scrambling towards him. The child dived into the bushes and ran from her pursuit. Serana stole her attention to Mimzi, who was hiding behind the inn. As soon as Mimzi realized she had been spotted, she stuck her tongue out childishly at Serana and sprinted across the road. Serana shrilled out, "You can't get rid of me that easily!"

Mimzi's giggles could be heard distantly as she continued to run in behind the building. Serana ran and met her to the other side and tagged her against the back of the neck. Mimzi let out a frustrated growl. Serana squealed and fled quickly through town again. The villagers observed in confusion to two women engaging in a child game. The boy leapt from the bushes and ran down the street mocking Mimzi, "Nah, nah! Boo! Boo! You can't catch me! Hahaha!"

"That's it!" Mimzi snapped in a deep voice, "I'm coming for you now, ya little bastard!"

"Mimzi!" Serana nagged from the bushes, "Language! Innocent ears can hear you!"

"Yeah, yeah, whatever," Mimzi huffed as she went sprinting towards the boy. He ran as fast as his legs could carry him to the outskirts of town. Mimzi easily caught up to him and tagged him on the shoulder.

Mimzi boasted, "Respect your elders next time, kid!" She fled back around the inn, and the child could be heard grunting and running after her from behind. As the child reached the back of the inn, Mimzi vanished into the shadows. The boy looked around aimlessly but could not find her. He saw Serana before the sawmill looking around for a place to hide. The boy cackled lightly to himself and came running towards Serana, who gasped and fled around the sawmill. Behind the mill, the boy reached Serana and tugged on her cloak— pulling her back.

He tagged her lower back, "Got you!"

Serana sighed and giggled, "Okay, okay. We played, but we don't have all day."

As she turned around to the boy, his elated grin turned to a horrified gawk. Serana's smile slowly faded and asked, "What's wrong?"

The boy stood still for a moment, his eyes tearful. He slowly backed away from her and his shoulders began to quake.

Mimzi came thudding behind him and cackled, "Sorry guys, I'm the master of tag. I'm just too…" Her smile went to concern as she looked up to Serana. Her eyes glowed red once more, and the young boy rattled before the vampire in fright. The boy ran behind Mimzi and tugged at her hand.

"Run! Run! It's a…" The boy screamed before his mouth was clasped by Mimzi's hand. Serana cursed to herself as she discreetly lifted her hand and casted the illusion spell once more. However, the revealing to the boy made this attempt folly.

The boy struggled behind Mimzi's hand where she knelt down and turned him around, while still covering his mouth with her hand. She spoke quietly, "Okay, listen. Yes, she's a vampire. But she's not going to hurt you or me. But if you scream, then the guards will hurt her and me, which means we will have to hurt them back. So, I'm asking you to please… shut up. I'm going to take my hand away and you're not going to scream. Got it?"

The boy nodded slowly as he struggled to keep his breath steady. Mimzi lightly released her hand. He steadied his breath and looked back at Serana, who had a normal human appearance once more. He muttered, "So… are you a… wizard vampire?"

Serana looked to Mimzi, who stared back at Serana and shrugged. She replied, "Yes, I'm a good wizard vampire. We are trying to save someone and we need to know if you saw anything or anyone cross through town. Anything unusual. Please…"

The boy thought for a moment and explained finally, "Yes, this morning… before a lot of the grown-ups were awake there was a lot of soldiers and a carriage with horses. There was a man inside the carriage with a big grey beard and weird looking robes. They passed the bridge following the road at sunrise."

Mimzi and Serana sighed in relief where Mimzi hugged the child, "Thank you, now thanks to you, you're saving this man, too."

The child hugged Mimzi back and looked back up at Serana and asked, "Do you drink blood? Will you drink my blood?"

Serana giggled as Mimzi joined in. Serana shook her head and said, "Yes, I drink blood. But not yours. Only jerks. You're not a jerk."

The boy smiled brightly, "Thank you for playing with me. It was fun, and you're the first vampire I've met! I promise I won't tell anyone I saw you…"

"Good boy," Serana softly smiled. The boy looked back to the town as chimes were heard from a doorstep.

"CLINTON! SUPPER!"

Clinton looked back at Mimzi and Serana with a pallor look, "That's my ma…"

"You should go, then," Mimzi said, "… before your ma comes and finds you behind the mill with two strange women."

Clinton chirped, "You're not strange. Good luck saving your man."

Serana pulled in Clinton for a tight hug that startled both the boy and Mimzi. She released and warmly smiled, "Run along, now."

Clinton ran up the path with rocks throwing up from his shoes. Mimzi and Serana crept back into the shadows as he arrived to his home. The sun began to set as the air cooled, greeting the late evening.

Serana lightly pulled on Mimzi's upper arm to gain her attention and said, "We don't have much time. The roads this close to the city will undoubtedly be prowling with vampires after dark. Let's follow the kid's trail and see what we find."

"Dawn was thirteen hours ago. They could be halfway across Skyrim by now… This is a goose chase," Mimzi hissed.

"So we just leave the trail cold? Even if we have to cross the border, we need to find that Moth Priest. We've already wasted enough time, let's go."

Serana didn't wait for a reply from Mimzi. She promptly left her side and fled around the sawmill to the bridge. Mimzi reluctantly followed and pursued over the bridge. It was made of ancient stone and high above a far drop to the river before the waterfalls. Serana's brisk walk turned to a run as she made it halfway across the bridge, with Mimzi jogging after her. Their breath carried to mist. All that could be heard was the loud smacks of their heels against the stone. The cold evening air wafted in and chilled their skin against the purple hues of growing aurora and a dying sunset. Serana ran far ahead, Mimzi kept to the back with her eyes cautiously watching the sides of the road.

Serana hollered, "Up there!" She began to sprint. Around the corner of a slope into the distance was a carriage in wreckage before a small bridge, with bodies along the embers.

"Damn it!" Mimzi cursed.

They scurried to the wreckage, where they could see now ravaged horse remains, fallen imperial soldiers, and dead vampires. Serana shuddered, her face gaping and shocked. She looked around at the bodies fearfully looking for the remains of a Moth Priest. Mimzi caught up and stared down dejectedly at the carnage.

She wheezed sadly, "… They got him."

Serana swept her fingers through her hair and whimpered, "No… no, they… damn it," Serana collapsed to the ground in defeat, holding herself up by her knees and hanging her head. She breathed deeply as she remained silent. Mimzi kicked away debris and looked along the slaughtered corpses. She knelt down cautiously to one of the vampires and inspected their armour.

"It's from Castle Volkihar…" Mimzi uttered, "The armour says all."

Serana remained quiet as the gentle and chilled winds blew her midnight black hair to her face. Mimzi spotted a satchel along the belt of the vampire. Serana looked up as she pried out a piece of crumbled parchment. Mimzi crinkled it opened and gasped, "Wait…"

"What?" She stood and crawled to Mimzi's side who continued.

"It's a letter… orders."

'I have new orders for you,

Prepare an ambush just south of the Dragon Bridge. Take the Moth Priest to Forebear's Holdout for safekeeping until I can break his will. The scroll shall be read when he heeds my control.

Malkus'

Serana stunned at the letter and looked her wide eyes at Mimzi, "I know that place… it's not too far from here. Come on."

Mimzi followed Serana up the road and they tread off the road and into the grassy knoll. Mimzi queried, "Where are we going?" Her eyes wilted at the sight of a dark crack into the stonework revealing a cave.

"Shh!" Serana hushed, "Stay behind me and stay quiet. We are about to enter one of the oldest sanctuaries for vampires in Skyrim. I hope you're ready to use that axe…" Serana warned cautiously and skeptically looked down to Mimzi's hefty weapon.

"I'll try my best…"

The two women entered the cave as if they were submerging into frigid waters. The darkness took their sight as they delved over rocks and into mud. The air was far colder than the outside, and the scent stale in rot- much like a Nordic tomb.

Serana looked back to Mimzi and whispered, "Look out for traps."

The two women slowly moved their feet against the ground and stayed low against the shadows of the tunnel. Serana equipped her spell to her hand at noticing a lit brazier deeper down the tunnel. Mimzi could hear faint discussions farther into the caves. They passed another lit brazier which opened into a chamber housing ruins of vampiric crafting. The pulsing rapids of a waterway flowed through the bottom of the chamber, with a small bridge adjoining over to more. The air was thick and scarce— no vents of air coming through the chamber besides the entrance behind them. To their amazement, a glowing and pulsing orb of magic circulated ahead of the chamber, with glowing red eyes all surrounding it. Serana and Mimzi snuck in behind the railings and inspected the gathering. However, both were too far to see what was happening much less hear coherent words. Serana peeked down to the bridge and flustered at the sight of a death hound prowling over the stone. She could see two individuals walking along the higher ledges of a sandpit, with a tall fire in the middle. The two individuals were not vampire, and Serana assumed they were undoubtedly thralls to the vampires.

Mimzi whispered unsettled, "What is that thing?" She referred to the magic orb.

"Weystone magic…" Serana replied, "… looks like a barrier."

"A barrier?"

Serana silently crawled down the declining steps to the bridge, with Mimzi anxiously following. She looked back to Mimzi and hushed, "Stay here." She casted a spell over herself; becoming invisible. Serana blended into the colours of the cave, the shimmer of her frame distorting. She crept behind a boulder and tossed a stick out towards the death hound. It suddenly snarled and crept over. Mimzi stayed as still as she could, where the death hound passed the boulder. Serana instantly leapt out of the shadows (turning back to opaque) and dashed an ice spike into the hound's neck. The death hound fell lifeless, and Serana waved over Mimzi to follow deeper into the cavern. The two carefully snuck past the bridge and against the stone walls. The sounds and shuffling of the two thralls could be heard against coarse dirt. The two were still and quiet, every move more deafening than the last. They finally reached the arched entry way into the sand pit, where Serana pulled Mimzi back against the wall and into the shadow of lit braziers. Dead shrub and twigs kept them well hidden in the dark. They could see the two thralls warming by the fire before them.

Serana kept her ice spike ready, but hesitated in throwing the spell at either of them. Mimzi became anxious as Serana crept into the light. Serana aligned their heads in her view, and as soon as she had a fair shot, she threw the ice spike swiftly, which impaled into both of their heads, causing the two thralls to fall with a thud into the ground. Mimzi gasped at the sudden impact, where Serana promptly pulled her by the arm to continue following. Mimzi couldn't help but admire the vampire's stealth and agility with magic, making them nearly undetectable. As most Nords would struggle with stealth, Serana was merely the child of it, using darkness as a plaything against her enemies. They followed against the wall along the circle to the other side. There was a staircase up to the Weystone magic. Mimzi shivered as voices up the incline could be heard clearer.

"The more you fight me, the more you will struggle, mortal," a guttural voice spoke in echoes.

"I will resist you, monster. I must!" An Imperial tone sputtered loudly, his voice frail and wise.

"How much longer can you keep this up, Moth Priest?" The dark voice asked, "Your mind was strong, but surely you've weakened by now. You read the scroll for us… and I will allow you to rest."

"Never… must… resist," the Moth Priest breathed heavily.

Mimzi and Serana crept over the steps and stopped before a large piece of rubble. They both overlooked the chamber. The blue and waving magic from the orb reflected off the architecture. There was scattered coffins before a circle with blue veined stones barricading a robed man in the orb. Before the orb was an overlooking with a carved railing with vampires behind. Among them spoke an orc vampire with black knotted hair and enlarged tusks (even for an Orc). They all wore the Volkihar clad. Inside the orb, the elderly man struggled in the centre, with his hands up over his head. The Orc vampire casted a gruesome spell over the man— which glowed red like blood. Before the Moth Priest lay the Elder Scroll. The two women watched in horror at the possession of the priest.

Serana whispered, "This… is going to be trickier than I thought."

"It's alright, Moth Priest," the Orc said darkly, "Your defences are crumbling. Give in to me as your master, read me the scroll, and I will release you."

The Moth Priest shuddered and slowly looked up from the ground with his eyes glowing red. He picked up the scroll aloofly, "Yes… master." The priest slowly opened the scroll from its golden casings and shimmering light lifted off the lines of the scroll, sending ancient numerals into the Moth Priest's eyes. Mimzi and Serana readied their weapons to attack, but before they could, the Moth Priest spoke.

"I see a vision before me, I see a great bow. I know of this weapon, it is… Auriel's Bow. A voice speaks, 'Among the night's children, a dread lord will rise. In an age of strife. When dragons return to the realm of men, darkness will mingle with light, and day and night will become as one.'"

The Orc began to rage, "We know this, already, old man! Get to the good part!" He drank casually from a chalice of blood as himself and his peers observed. Mimzi and Serana listened intently.

"The voice fades and the words begin to shimmer and distort. But wait… there is more…"

"Go on, then!" the Orc demanded.

The Moth Priest continued, "The secret of the bow's power is written elsewhere. Held secret in other forms, other scrolls. Yes, I see them now… One speaks of the ancient secrets of dragons, while the other on the other pertains to the potency of ancient blood… my vision darkens… and I see no more." The priest slowly lifted his eyes up from the scroll and receded the scroll back into the casing. He looked back up to his vampire masters.

"WHAT?!" The Orc barked aloud, "That's it?! That's all you can tell us, you old dog?! Where is Auriel's Bow?!"

The Moth Priest spoke humbly, "To know the location of the bow, you must have these two scrolls. My deepest pardons, master."

"You damnable fool! You are useless! Now you will die like the waste of time that you are!" The Orc raised an ice spike to his palm- ready to lunge it at the priest.

Mimzi immediately shot up and fought against Serana's attempt to pull her back. She leapt over the rubble, gaining the vampire's startled attention, and that of the enthralled Moth Priest.

"Oh, no you don't! YOL… TOOR… SHUL!!"

Mimzi's breath of fire blasted the vampires on the higher balcony, sending the Orc and his peers flying to the ruins engulfed in flame. She ran towards them with her axe drawn.

"Here we go!" Serana said reluctantly, whilst running after Mimzi. She held a drain spell in one palm, with an ice spike spell in the other. The vampires screamed in agony against the flames, but the Orc shot up, even while his skin melted off his bones. Mimzi came sprawling towards him with her axe raised. The vampire flung an ice spike into Mimzi's hip, causing her to shriek and topple forward with her axe dropping.

Serana threw her own ice spike at the Orc, who easily dodged the attack and cackled menacingly.

"Serana!" The Orc said, "Greetings! I am Malkus, your father's most loyal servant. To think how elated he will be when I bring him back his traitorous daughter!"

Mimzi ached as she tried to pick herself up off the ground, but Serana earnestly shielded Mimzi with a ward spell against Malkus's ice spikes; creating them to snow.

Serana snarled, "Don't get too excited, you're not leaving this cave alive!"

She flung another flurry of ice spikes, where Malkus kept his ward spell to the attacks. Serana raised her drain spell, which enveloped Malkus in red ribbons of magic. His spell hand faltered as he gritted in pain. He broke through the spell and unsheathed his sword, flinging it at Serana. It sliced her arm as she tried to dodge, as she did so, Mimzi jumped up with her axe and dug the blade into Malkus's chest. He choked and gagged for air as blood rushed down his tusks. His vampiric eyes widened before falling back hard. Mimzi ripped the axe from his chest as he fell and sheathed it back into her scabbard.

Mimzi limped away from Malkus's body, grasping her hip wound left by the ice spike. Serana casted her healing incantation at Mimzi, healing it slowly. Her magic spent fast, only healing Mimzi's wound enough to cease bleeding. Serana breathed in exhaustion, "Sorry… give me a while and I'll heal you completely."

"Don't worry about it," Mimzi shrugged, "I can grit through a little pain… Now how do we free this guy?" She gestured to the Moth Priest. Serana investigated the Weystone magic and inspected the gem inside a pedestal, channeling the orb. Serana gently placed her hand over the blue veined mineral and twisted it out of the mechanism. The orb made a chime and dissipated.

Mimzi crossed her arms and scoffed, "Look at you, real smart-ass, huh?"

Serana replied, "I try."

Suddenly a blast of fire threw towards them. Serana lunged to Mimzi slamming the two of them into ground, "Watch out!" The blast of fire erupted from the Moth Priest, who was still under the thrall spell. Another fire blasted and shattered small debris over them. They crawled past the body of Malkus, Serana noticed him aching and gasping- still alive.

Serana gasped from the near impact of another fireball and snapped, "The spell!"

She dug out a dagger from her boot and shoved it into Malkus's throat. The fireballs ceased, Malkus's eyes went still. Mimzi and Serana let the silence fill with only their exhaustive breathing and helped each other off the ground. The Moth Priest sauntered up the incline, his eyes back to a shade of brown. He had a bald head, a long white beard, and a small frame. He was as skittish as a mouse, approaching cautiously. Serana muttered, "Uhh… Hello."

"That…" The Moth priest exhaled heavily, "That wasn't me you were fighting." He approached steadily with the Elder Scroll in his grasp; he continued, "My last moments were finally without hope. Then when I just accepted my fate… you two appear. I owe my deepest gratitudes. However, I must inquire, who are you two? Why have you come for me?"

"To read that scroll you just read…" Mimzi gestured lazily to the scroll, "Which you did so… now I don't know…"

"I'm Serana… this is Mimzi. We're here to safeguard you. We are part of the Dawnguard, and need you at our Fort. Vampires are hunting you."

The Moth Priest addressed, "Dexion Evicus is the name, I'm a Moth Priest of the White Gold Tower. These vampires are certainly stirred up for some reason, that's for sure. The Dawnguard… may I ask… what that is?"

Serana muttered, "Uhh…"

Mimzi stated, "Vampire hunters."

"Yeah…" Serana nodded in agreement, "Kind of trying to stop the end of the world, so if you could tell us where Auriel's Bow is, that would be super helpful."

Dexion Evicus pursed his lips and relented, "Ah, yes. Sadly there's not much help I can offer that I didn't offer to the vampires. This scroll… is the prologue of the prophecy. The telling. If you want the location, we need two more scrolls. Elder Scrolls."

"In order to find the bow we need two more Elder Scrolls?"

"Yes, very hard work. Scrolls aren't just household volumes, after all. Impossibly elusive objects."

Mimzi raised further, "What scrolls do we need?"

"Scrolls of presence…"

"Okay…" Mimzi snapped, "Make sense now, I have a hole in my hip, and I'm not happy about it."

Serana sighed, "Mimzi…"

Dexion continued, "Find a Scroll, it talks to you. It remembers you. The Scrolls are alive, in a sense. They reminisce our futures like childhood street ways. They are very familiar with destiny, and no matter which one you find, it remembers. This prophecy… is spread over time in long chains of events. Events none of us have seen but do exist. These happenings cannot be contained to one scroll. To understand the true meaning of the prophecy, you need two more scrolls."

Serana hung her head in frustration. Dexion looked to the young women patiently. Serana went still, "My mother… she has one."

"What?" Mimzi gasped in a weak voice.

"My mother and I, we each had a scroll… but if we knew where she was… Harkon would, too. She's gone."

Mimzi shrugged, "So we can't find her, we can't find the scroll. Which means we're stuck with fifteen pounds of junk again."

"There's a few places she could be… But I need some time to remember… what about you?"

"What about me?" Mimzi asked.

"That scroll you read…" Serana inquired, "Where is it?"

Mimzi's cheeks flushed red at the question; which the regrettable answer lay behind her teeth. She winced in embarrassment, "College of Winterhold..."

Serana nodded, "That's where you read it? Wait… you said a 'Time-Wound' not a college…"

"I sold it," Mimzi admitted.

Serana went aghast, "What?! You sold an Elder Scroll?!"

"I needed the money! … Got two thousand septims."

"By the blood…"

"You were cheated out of that scroll…" Dexion haughtily observed, "Two thousand? We Moth Priests would pay tens of thousands for an Elder Scroll. Cheap spell-flingers…"

Mimzi said in a low gruff, "I'll get it back… somehow."

Dexion said, "Well… you two have held your discussions. I am no longer possessed, and the vampires are dead. All that remains is that we leave this foul chamber and you safeguard me to this 'fort'. I'm staying in hopeful prayer that if my recent visit to Skyrim has placed me in danger, I'll have you two to protect me."

Serana replied, "Of course. We'll get back to the fort immediately, you can meet Isran and we will take it from there. You're safest with us."

The three made their way from Forebear's Holdout, stepping over debris and dead vampires. Serana and Mimzi exchanged silent glances, each perking a smile in relief of their success.