'Mikael when I get my hands on you, I'm going to kill you'
Serana leaned back against the wall behind her letting out a frustrated sigh staring up at the orange sky above as the sunset in the distance, at any other time or place she would have called the sight beautiful even if she wasn't fond of its source.
But so far, she was not having a good day.
Upon first arriving here, she'd marveled at the ecstatic beauty of the world around her, there was just something about this place, the flowers, the earth, the trees it was so much more colorful, so much more alive. It reminded her of the alchemy garden her mother kept back at castle Volkihar when she was a child... At least until her fa-, until Harken had his way with things. She wouldn't dare call that monster her father, not anymore at least, even if they hadn't been such a close-knit family at the time her real father had died the second he discovered that gods-forsaken prophecy.
She'd been wandering for almost two days when she'd finally ran into a source of civilization, the village was small around the same size Winterhold had once been a few years back, with a high perimeter wall and a number of watchtowers. The only difference being it was desolate, the houses burned out or collapsed entirely due to the fire and the bodies... she was no stranger to death, she'd taken lives, allot more than she'd care to admit, but this... this was just pure savagery.
Some of the bodies she could find were either ripped apart or burnt beyond recognition by the fire. Most looked like they'd been mauled by a while beast, her mind drifted back to the creatures she'd first encountered after waking up in that forest, they seemed like the most likely culprit.
But something about this didn't make sense at the time.
The perimeter walls were untouched from the outside, the gates had shown no signs of being forced open from the outside, but, the most damning of all some of the wounds inflicted on the bodies were far too cleanly, far too precise... this hadn't been the work of mindless beasts, she'd come across a similar scene once before in Hammerfell when on an assignment for the Dawnguard.
Which now led her to her current predicament.
Serana's eyes turned down towards the small plate of food lying at her feet beside the cast iron bars around her, the surrounding encampment was illuminated by the light of the setting sun. When she finally got her hands on Mikael there would be "words" shared between them, he owed her for all the trouble he'd caused her.
"You know, you should really eat." A feminine voice spoke up from the tent to her left as the occupant opened the flap, stepping out into the cool evening air.
Serena's amber eyes flicked up toward the source of the voice, as did the two men currently guarding her cell, if you could even call it that there was barely any room to stand let alone move about, the cage was more suited for an animal than a person, which was most likely why they used it. "Shit, Vernal." One whispered as the other quickly stashed the small bottle of wine they had on hand behind the crate they were sitting on eyeing the new arrival wearily, they were supposed to be guarding her not getting drunk and passing out halfway through the night.
Serana sighed of all the things she could have run into here...it had to be bandits.
The woman that emerged from the tent was young, with tan colored skin short brown hair and icy blue eyes. A tattoo of a bird rising from flowers was located on her upper left arm. She wore a brown vest over a torn white shirt that's collar appeared to spike up behind her neck, the upper half of Auriel's bow appearing above her left shoulder. She also wore maroon colored pants with the right leg rolled up to her thigh, with dark brown knee guards that go down to her boots. "Could very well be your last meal after all the trouble you've caused us." She said resting her hand on her hip, a subtle smirk making its way onto her lips.
"Forgive me " Serana began looking up at the girl outside the bars, her tone dripping with sarcasm ", But I prefer a more, liquid diet and as for your people...Well, they attacked me first" Serana shrugged" If they wanted to keep their lives they should have stayed hidden when they had the chance and have let me be on my way. Now why don't you run along little girl, I'm trying to get some shut eye"
Vernal's Icy blue eyes narrowed in annoyance, before turning her attention to the bow strapped across her back she'd notice the woman's eyes dart to it a few times during their conversation, drawing it from her back she began pacing
"Some might call me old-fashioned for having an appreciation for such things" She began, examining the bow in her hands with a keen eye before drawing back the string letting it go with a resounding twang " It's not exactly something I would use, but you have to have some appreciation for the craftsmanship... Should fetch a nice price on the black market, as well as that scroll you had with you, the jewels on the casing alone will be worth a small fortune"
Serana chuckled slightly shaking her head in mirth 'If only she knew' the Vampire mused
"Do you find something funny. " She asked, raising an eyebrow at their prisoner. Serana remained silent staring at Vernal with a look of indifference, before finally bursting out into a fit of giggles.
"You are just adorable you know that little one, you really have the cliché bandit look down. It would be somewhat threatening to anyone with half a brain, but it's really just sad at this point for me" She replied eyeing Vernal as if she were a child, which compared to her she in fact was. "Now, I'll say it again. Run along little one I'm. Trying. To. Sleep" Serana said leaning back against the wall of her cell.
Vernal eyes widened for a moment hardening like diamonds, how...how dare she. Vernal's hand moved for her weapon but stopped as her fingers brushed against the grip as much as it pained her to do so. Vernal stepped back from the cage, swallowing her pride she let the comment pass much to the shock of the two men behind her, before turning to leave.
'Gotcha' Serana mused, it was starting to make sense why she hadn't been killed on the spot back at that village... they needed her alive, and she had a pretty good idea why.
The Elder Scroll
Three of their men had already been blinded after catching a mere glimpse of its context. Another one had gone insane in the instant after reading it and then proceeded to kill two of the closest members of their tribe before finally being put down, the scroll was dangerous and whoever was in charge here new it, judging by how they refused to let it leave their sight, especially not after all the chaos it had caused.
God's what type of backwater world was she on where they didn't even understand what they had here. Serana let out a frustrated growl turning her eyes skywards once more watching as the last rays of sunlight began to disappear over the horizon, it would be dark soon the perfect time to make her move, though at the moment she was still weakened by what little daylight remained she'd have to bide for time, but even if she did escape she couldn't leave the scroll behind.
Serana's eyes followed Vernal as she made her way towards the largest tent at the very centre of the camp on a raised platform making it stand out the most compared to the others, there was no time for sitting around anymore, as soon as the sun went down she'd make her move.
/
Vernal let out a frustrated sigh as she approached the largest tent at the very center of their camp, never before had she wanted to run someone through more than that woman, their tribe was known for its brutality and fierce tactics, that alone had earned them a reputation that was feared across the continent of Anima, their very name demanded respected from Human and Faunas alike even the kingdoms huntsmen tended to steer clear of them.
It was rare they crossed paths with huntsmen mostly due to them constantly being on the move, staying in one place for too long was dangerous and if their location was ever found out they could very well have an army of Huntsmen outside their walls within the hour. But in the event they had crossed past with a huntsman or huntress, they were dealt with quickly.
But that woman.
Raven had spared her life, the action alone would have left even the strongest of Huntsmen Mistral had to offer grovelling on their knees. And yet, she dared to mock not only her but her leader's kindness as well.
Vernal's hand tightened into a fist as she made her way past a number of her tribesmen, each one steering clear of the young woman not wishing to warrant the wrath she could very well bring down upon them.
Arriving outside her leader's tent. She took a calming breath whatever she knew about the relic, better yet how she was capable of attaining it, for the moment it didn't matter if she chose not to speak they would know in time, her only concern now was reporting to Raven.
Vernal pushed open the flap making her way inside. The tent itself was rather spacious with a single bed on the far-right side, a bone-like structure was used for its foundation as well as the rest of the furniture present, the walls of the tent were covered in small tapestries and feather-like decor. A large circular mat sat on the floor beneath a small table with three-floor cushions placed around it.
"Raven" Vernal greeted the woman occupying one of the cushions around the table. She sat cross-legged dragging a wet stone along the edge of the long crimson blade in her lap.
The woman's wild mane of spiky black hair swayed as she turned to regard her, blood red eyes flicked up from her weapon focusing on the girl standing in the opening of her tent. She wore a shallow cut black and red dress, five necklaces with an assortment of beads, a red girdle-belt, and a pair of matching gauntlets.
"Vernal." Raven said with a tone of indifference setting the leather-bound journal down beside the rest of Serana's belongings "How is our guest?"
"She's...well" Vernal said with a slight edge to her tone as she unstrapped the bow from her back setting it back down alongside Serana's things.
"Hmm" Raven hummed in response easily picking up on her underling's frustration "If you have something to say, I'd rather you didn't waste time and say it." Raven said expectedly
"Why are we wasting time questioning her?" Vernal asked glancing down at the scroll, never once had she questioned Raven's judgement nor would she now, but what importance could that woman hold that made Raven hesitate to end her life.
They had one of the relics and now another maiden, one who had apparently turned their back on Ozpin and taken the relic for themselves or to perhaps hide it elsewhere. In any case, her power could prove to be of use to their tribe, a willing advocate to carry the burden would not be hard to find. "We have the relic now, why are we wasting our own time keeping her alive, she's of no use to us anymore."
"Because this isn't the relic, Vernal" Raven replied returning her blade to its sheath as she rose to her feet, the bandit queen stared down at the scroll laid out on the table in front of them. "If this truly was one of the four relics no doubt we would have already seen activity from Ozpin in response to its theft...perhaps even a visit from my dear brother, despite our less than favorable relations he would no doubt seek us out first. "Raven listed off before turning her attention back towards the scroll.
"This is something else entirely, and as some of our own have already witnessed firsthand, its power is dangerous and immense." Raven sighed eyeing the scroll with disdain. "That woman is our only source of information towards this item." Locking eyes with Vernal the young woman averted her eyes backing down under her leaders gaze." For the moment she is an asset and will not be harmed until we have learned all we can from her or I say otherwise... though if she continues to be a nuisance, you are free to do as you wish so long as it leaves no lasting harm, am I understood Vernal."
"O-Of course, please forgive my previous behavior." Vernal replied bowing her head to Raven, the Branwen woman did not miss the slight smile she now bared.
"Good." Raven responded as she sat down on her bed, turning her attention towards a small leather-bound journal she had taken from Serana's satchel "You are excused for the evening, I have things to attend to." Vernal nodded in response before turning to take her leave.
Raven's eyes moved over the lines of text spread out across the pages, the earliest entries in the journal mostly discussed her thoughts on two individuals, in particular, Harkon and Valerica. The words mother and father were scarcely used in referring to them showing the girl harboured some resentment for the two
A runaway was the first thing to spring to mind, how... quaint.
But as she continued to read Raven found herself more and more interested in the journal's content, it referenced to events and locations sometimes including a small sketch of one the location beneath the entry one such example dubbed 'The Ancestral Glades'. Raven considered herself a rather well-traversed woman she had seen much of what the world had to offer as well as many of the horrors it held, but some of the places described in the journals entries left her at a complete loss.
"Interesting" Raven mused setting the journal aside, maybe there was more to this woman then she first thought.
/
"I'll give you five seconds to back up, right now" Serana warned as she glared at the man standing outside her cage.
He was young perhaps in his late twenties or early thirties, with tan skin and long blond hair going down to his shoulders and dark blue eyes. He wore a dark grey jacket with a small studded piece of leather armor on his right shoulder both the sleeves were torn off at the shoulder with the front open exposing his grey shirt underneath, as well as the red bandanna around his neck along with a pair of brown boots and black pants.
"Oh, come on beautiful give a guy a chance here" He replied flashing her a toothy grin.
"Get lost" She replied coldly, though it did nothing to stop his advances.
"Come on you can't blame a guy for trying, I mean look at you." He began leaning against the bars of her cage, his eyes roaming over her form "Not too bulky, not to lean a grade A, Huntress... You know I could probably help you out if you'd like, I happen to be pretty high up on the food chain around here. I could have a chat with Raven maybe see if she'll let you join up, we could definitely use someone like you around here" His eyes lingered on her chest for far too long "For the right price that is"
A low growl slipped from her lips but went unheard by her captors 'Of all the times for this idiot to show up it had to be now.'
The entire camp was quiet most of its inhabitants have turned in for the evening or were currently passed out drunk by the campfire, she could still hear a few of the camp centuries making their evening rounds, it was a little surprising seeing a group of bandits so organized even if loosely. Escape was still a possibility, but she'd have to be careful she couldn't risk alerting any of the camp's inhabitants.
And with this idiot sticking around it certainly wouldn't be an easy task, although that could very well change...with the right motivation, of course.
Serana rose to her feet adopted a rather laid-back demeanor, approaching the bars of her cage her hips swaying slightly as she walked, half-lidded amber eyes locking with his own from beneath her hood. "And what price would that be?" She spoke in low sultry voice tilting her head to the side exposing more of her creamy neck and cleavage to him as she dragged her bound hands down his chest settling them at his waist.
It wasn't the first time she'd been in a situation like this.
"I think we can work something out." He said leaning in closer staring into those glowing amber orbs.
...Nor the first she'd played the part of the Black widow.
"Wah?" He trailed off losing himself in those amber pools a fog beginning to form in his mind pushing all thought all needs he felt aside, leaving only one thought, one goal remaining... to obey
"Can you hear me?" Serana asked, her new thrall nodding in response.
"Good" Serana whispered as the bandit's eyes became clouded, his entire body slumped forward slightly "You will open the cage and untie me."
"I'll...open the cage" He replied emotionlessly drawing a rather rusted Black revolver with a small bayonet extending down from the handle, he took aim at the lock cocking the hammer back ready to fire, realizing what he was about to do serana intervened.
"Quietly!" Serana whisper yelled her eyes shifting from the sleeping bandits a few feet away and the idiot in front of her, by lord Molag why couldn't she get someone competent at least then they'd have the sense not to make any racket.
"Right... Quietly" He amended before raising the revolver once again angling the blade attached to the bottom towards the lock. Serana winced as the brief sound of steel clashing against steel resounded through the camp as the bandit's blade sliced through the upper portion of the gats lock, a few of the bandits close by stirred slightly due to the sudden noise before returning to their rest.
Her thrall stepped back opening the cell door for her, Serana stepped out of the cell holding her still bound wrists out towards him expectantly. "Of course." He replied quickly slicing through the ropes that bound her wrists.
"Finally." Serana whispered turning her attention towards the tent she'd witnessed Vernal enter around an hour prior with Auriel's bow strapped to her back and leave shortly after without it, yet another thing she wasn't leaving this place without "Wait for me by the gate I'll be along shortly, ensure you are not spotted I've had enough trouble for one night already and I'd rather be out of here quickly... if you don't hear from me in the next twenty minutes return to your normal duties and forget you saw me, I don't want you drawing attention to me by waiting around for someone who may not be coming, now go." Serana instructed her thrall who nodded in response, without a word he turned and started making his way towards the entrance of the camp.
'He's obedient I'll give him that' Serana noted, if things went well she might keep him around for a little while, it would be nice to have another blade at her side or perhaps a meat shield if they ran into another pack of those werewolf-like creatures, the latter choice was slowly becoming the more likely outcome of the two the more she thought about it.
Clinging to the outer wall of the camp she began edging her way closer to the leader's tent taking great care as to not wake any of the slumbering marauders around her if they found her now there was no doubt they would try to kill her, and she wouldn't count on their leader being merciful a second time.
Serana ducked down behind a stack of crates narrowly voiding a passing patrol she pressed her back up against a crate marked with a white snowflake before peeking out over the top, the open area in the center of the camp was occupied by a few bandits with at least several sitting around one of the campfires enjoying the last of their drink, while another two were wandering around in their drunken states.
A small orb of amber and violet light formed in her left its form pulsed and fluxed in her hand, the action was quickly followed by a crystal blue light shining from her right hand. Clenching her fists, a small flash of light shone from between her fingers as her form began to vanish from sight.
"Here goes nothing" She muttered rising to her feet and walked into the clearing its occupants none the wiser as she silently slipped past them all the while taking great care not to bump into anyone of the people passed out on the ground or knock over a few of the discarded bottles lying around the camp, it had taken her a few short minutes to reach her destination.
Serana held her hand out towards the tent wisps of violet mist began to form flow down from her fingertips and into her palm, Serana eyes narrowed focusing on the small red hue that emanated from within the tent followed by a quick glance down at her form confirming she still hidden from sight, the spell would only last her a few more minutes before it needed to be reapplied.
Serana peeked through the tent flap her eyes focusing on the source of the hostile aura, there sitting perched on one of the rafters above was a small bird it's beady dark red eyes peering down towards the floor below. The bandits chief was nowhere in sight, a lucky break perhaps or to merely act as a lure drawing her in closer, it didn't matter.
'Huh they have a pet, great' She thought in annoyance quickly forming a small orb of green energy in her free hand, it wouldn't kill the little beast just make it a little more... welcoming to her presence rather than raising an alarm because of its incessant squawking. Her eyes shifted from the little beast and settled on the small table in the center of the tent, the contents of her satchel laid out across its surface Auriel's bow sat close by leaning against one of the beams beside a quiver of elven arrows.
Serana pushed open the tent flap slipping inside, her eyes never leaving the small avian resting above, the creature tilted its head to the side staring at the tent flap in interest its beady red eyes narrowing slightly. At that moment Serana's instincts screamed at her that something was wrong, and she had a feeling she knew what was causing it. The pacification spell was quickly dispelled and replaced by a large shard of ice.
Serana spun towards the creature the illusion surrounding her disappearing as she launched the shard towards its small body, her free hand lashed out snatching the Elder scroll from the table, the bird gave a surprised squawk narrowly avoiding the frozen projectile as it leapt from its perch darting over the vampire's shoulder.
Serana's eyes widened as the telltale sign of a blade being drawn from its sheath echoed behind her, the Vampire rolled forward dodging the long crimson blade that surely would have removed her head from her shoulders. Serana quickly secured the scroll to her back followed by two bound swords formed in each of her hands as she spun around to face her opponents, the eldritch blades clashed against her adversary crimson Odatchi.
Serana growled as she pushed back against her opponent's sword she was stronger than any human a gift benefit granted to her the day she became what she was now, but her opponent held firm not giving her an inch, after a moment the two-woman jumped back falling into a defensive stance as they began to circle on another.
"Impressive" The woman noted her blood red eyes narrowing behind the bone-white mask she wore. "You're strong for one so young, a pity... given the chance you could have put these skills to greater use."
"Yeah, no thanks" Serana replied "I'm just here for the scroll, I'll take it back and leave, no one needs to die tonight."
"That's certainly wishful thinking on your part." Raven replied her grip tightening on her Odatchi as she settled into a crouched stance her eyes never leaving the woman in front of her. She was interesting, not entirely interesting but still... there was something to be admired about the woman stood across from her, it took a certain level of skill not many possessed to catch her off guard and even more so to see through her other form and recognize the threat hidden beneath.
"Maybe, but I'm not leaving it with someone like you" Serana shot back
"Bold words coming from a thief." Raven said in some amusement darting toward her, Raven pressed her attack lunging into Serana's guard and elbowing her in the chest before attempting to cut across her throat on the return. Serana blocked her hand with her own, catching Raven's wrist stopping the blade from touching her flesh before placing a foot on her stomach and kicking her away.
Raven smirked as she caught her footing "Though that does raise the question. What is it that makes this scroll so important, so valuable to you?"
"It's already cost the lives of seven of your men" Serana said raising an eyebrow at the bandit chieftain "I feel like I should be asking you that"
"The strong live and the weak die. I have my reasons for what I do, as do you." Raven replied before returning her blade to its sheath, earning a shocked look from her opponent. "And I am nothing if not a reasonable woman. I have an offer for you, one I believe we can both benefit from."
"What kind of an offer?" Serana asked eyeing the woman carefully before slowly lowering her bound weapons, the twin blades remaining at her sides ready to be raised at a moment's notice.
"You broke free of your confines without alerting any of my men... But, instead of running, instead of leaving with your life." Raven paused for a moment reaching up and removing her mask her cold blood red eyes meeting Serana's amber. "You snuck past my centuries and came here for the relic, you demonstrated resolve, strength... loyalty to whoever entrusted such an item to you. I'll admit you've earned some of my respect."
"Is this going somewhere?" Serena asked narrowing her eyes at Raven, she'd seen that look to many times on one Maven Black-Briar when she wanted something, it had unnerved her the first few times, but now, she just found it annoying.
"That scroll." Raven indicated to the item currently strapped to her back. "What is it and where did it come from?"
"What makes you think I'm going to tell you anything." Serana shot back.
"It's in your best interest to tell me. I can find that information out in my own time, but that is a luxury I don't have at the moment," Raven replied her hand coming to rest on this hilt of her sword. " And as I said, I'm hoping we can come to an agreement that benefits both our parties."
"Do I have a choice ?"Serana asked the look she received in response said it all, the vampire sighed the bound blades vanishing from her grasp, she was outnumbered though not outclassed after witnessing how some of the individuals here fought, but the woman across from her she was different... the way she held herself, the way she spoke her tone cold and commanding she was used to getting what she wanted and if need be take it by force... why did that only seem to remind her of him more. Serana sighed lowering her weapons "No, of course, I don't"
"Smart girl" Raven replied her hand shifting from her own blade, before gesturing down to the table to the right of them. The two women moved at the same time their eyes never leaving one another, watching, waiting to see if either would try anything. Serana knelt down taking her seat across from the woman "Comfortable?" Raven asked.
"What do you want?" Serana replied eyes narrowed into slits.
"Many things." Raven waved off "But why don't we start with your name?"
"Serana" she answered begrudgingly
"Raven" The bandit chieftain replied.
"So, Raven" Serana said while resting her head on her fist. "What do you want from me?"
"As I said, many things." Raven remarked flatly "But what I want to know is, what that scroll is and where you got your hands on it?"
Serana sighed if she was going to get out of this one she'd need to play along for now. "In all honesty, I don't know much. There called elder scrolls, but they have other names as well, a Kelle being just one example."
Raven hummed in response, now they were getting somewhere "Where did you acquire this... Elder scroll.?"
"Would you believe me if I said it was given to me by a dragon?" Serana replied with a playful smirk it was the truth, though she doubted she'd belive it anyway.
Raven narrowed her eyes in response, her face shifting into a look of annoyance "I have little patience for games I'd like a serious answer, girl."
"Who said it wasn't one." Serana replied with a tone of utter indifference, she didn't have time for this the more time she spent on this woman's questions the more time she waisted in her search for Mikael. "As for why I have it, that's none of your concern, but it will be if you kill me and take it which I doubt you don't plan on doing after all's said in done." Serana threatened
Raven said nothing in response choosing neither to confirm nor deny the girls statement no matter how true it may have been. "I don't expect you to reply" Serana continued before narrowing her eyes those amber orbs boring into Raven crimson own. "But what I do expect you to have is an open mind and listen for your own good."
Raven raised an eyebrow in response "Your threatening me now?" she asked in amusement.
"No" Serana replied in a low but firm voice as she leaned forward her blazing Amber eyes staring into Raven own with a predatory gaze one might expect to find on a wolf eyeing its prey hungrily. "I'm just making sure you know exactly what kind of situation you're getting into, young one." Serana straightened up glaring down her nose at the woman across from her, while raven raised an eye in response to her comment.
"My name is Serana Volkihar, I am one of the last surviving members as well as the current leader of clan Volkihar and one of the few surviving members of the daughters of Coldharbour. I am a traveller who hails from a land far from and vastly different to your own. I am searching for a man who I call my brother and only through the power of three of these artefacts was I able to reach this place alongside my companions. I have lived for over four thousand years-" Raven eyes widened slightly in response to the girl's statement" -half of which I spent locked away in a tomb, a decision made by my mother and her followers."
"I have walked through the realm of the living and the dead seeing examples of both paradise and perdition in the process. I have witnessed miracles one could only expect from the gods themselves and seen countless horrors that still haunt me to this day, I have killed many who were deserving, thieves, mercenaries... Bandits and more" Serana sighed "As well as many who were not as deserving, and someday I might be able to come to terms with that...There all caught up."
Raven blinked once and then twice sitting in silence still as a statue, her eyes seemed almost vacant while she processed the information. Serana tilted her head to the side "Uhh, you ok?" She asked receiving no response from the bandit, after a few moments of silence she sighed "Oh great I think I broke her." Raven did not respond through her eyes did flicker from Serana to the scroll strapped to her back every few seconds, all the while her features remained fixed in stone.
After a tense moment of silence, Raven closed her eyes taking in a slow calming breath and then finally she spoke. "You are implying, you are a traveller from another plane of existence and are seeking out a companion who arrived here and has been living among remnants population for an unknown amount of time."
"Yes," Serana nodded along with her words. "Also, you are taking all this remarkably well" She noted studying Raven intently for a few moments before smiling "You believe me as well, don't you?"
"Your story certainly isn't impossible" Raven began appalled with herself for showing such weakness that allowed this girl to read her so easily "Regrettably... I've spent time around another immortal when I was much younger. You at least appear to be more tolerable then he was, though given your attitude that can easily change." Raven replied
"Forgive me" Serana replied with a slight snarl. "I'm not a fan of being locked in a cage like a wild animal."
"Nor would I" Raven snorted in response "Though that still doesn't excuse your poor attitude, you're an immortal yes, but that doesn't make you invincible." Raven leaned forward staring into those amber pools with her lips a mocking smirk coming to rest on her face." I could have easily ordered my men to kill you back at that village, the trouble you caused us was already grounds for execution and I doubt anyone would have batted an eye if I had, so I expect you to show the respect deserved for such kindness."
A low growl slipped from Serana's throat she was just loving this, wasn't she.
"Fine," She said, as much as it was a wound to her pride she couldn't risk losing her only lead to finding him. "I'm sorry Ma'am, please, forgives my behaviour." Serana bowed her head as she spoke, much to the enjoyment of the bandit chieftain.
"Hmm...Better" Raven replied
Serana sighed "Can you tell me something then, please. I've given you more than enough information I'd like some in return" Serana asked the amber glow to her eyes increasing slightly, she was hoping it would loosen the woman's lips if only slightly as well as praying to any god that still found her worthy of mercy that she wouldn't notice.
Raven rubbed her brow nursing the small headache that had just made itself known , brushing the pain aside she continued. "A bold thing to ask of me"
"Call it what you want" Serana snipped "He's family, I'd do anything to protect the people I care about."
"How noble of you" Raven scoffed rolling her eyes at the vampires reply. Family... such things weren't worth the hassle "But if your friend is who I think he is then your wasting your time, he's already a lost cause."
"And who are you thinking of?" Serana pressed hopeful her resolve would pay off, above all else she needed to be sure of the person's identity.
"A young man early to mid-twenties showed up at Beacon academy some months prior, he had intervened during an attempt on a young woman's life" Raven began, there really wasn't any point in holding such information back, and if it aided her in gaining some form of trust from Serana then she would be... Nice, for the time being. "He demonstrated skill in combat that outmatched the girl's attackers, as well as demonstrating abilities that surpassed anything I've heard of, nor seen. All through the use of his voice." The bandit chieftain watched in satisfaction as Serana's face twisted to a look of relief.
"Beacon" Serana muttered committing the name to memory before turning her gaze back to Raven. "Why did you say he was a lost cause?"
"The headmaster of Beacon, Professor Ozpin is not the man everyone believes him to be." Raven said a slight edge to her tone, she still didn't know why she was telling her so much, yet a small voice in the back of her mind seemed to justify it, which only increased her suspicions." I won't go into too much detail because due to your… position, I doubt you'll understand but you should know that he is not to be trusted."
"He works his way into people's heads, his own students are nothing more than a means to an end, cannon fodder for a war he's been fighting for centuries against a foe Humanity and the Faunus don't even know exists, no doubt he's already told your friend quite a few stories already about his little brotherhood... I wouldn't be surprised if he's managed to worm his way into your friend's good graces." A small chuckle from Serana made Raven pause.
"If you think Mikael's that naive, then you really don't know anything at all." Serana said a small smile spreading across her face" If anyone was doing the manipulating there it would be Mikael... Now that I think about it, the two of you would probably get along pretty well." Serana remarked "You remind me of him actually, the way you talk, the way you hold yourself... The way you were trying to persuade me to stay a few moments ago. You're not the same as him, but you do share some similarities with one another."
"I sincerely doubt that." Raven replied flatly although mildly interested and annoyed by the woman's perceptiveness. But, if such a thing were true...The offer was a tempting one and offered as much for her to gain as well as it did for her to lose, and yet the prospect of an ally within the walls of Beacon, someone who had the sense not to believe Ozpins lies so easily as her own brother had, well this was a rare opportunity presented to her, she need only take advantage of it.
"Maybe, maybe not" Serana replied rapping her fingers against the desk. "So how does this all end." She asked whimsically, she'd known where this unexpected meeting was going since the start and was preparing herself for the battle to come." You want something, you've indulged my questions up until now, so I'm guessing you want something else in return, and before you ask the scroll is out of the question. I can't allow that."
Serana's muscles tightened like a coiled spring, she was ready to move at a moment's notice whether it be for an attack or to evade Ravens own blade, all the while the bandit chieftain sat across from her stared off to the side still deep in thought, finally, she made a decision.
"I know... and I can respect that." Raven replied receiving a dumbfounded expression from Serana
"Huh?" She replied as the bandit rose back to her feet.
Raven turned back towards the large map of Mistral rolled out on the board behind her. "You said there were others that took part in the ritual that brought you here, correct"
"Yes, what does that have to do with any of this?" Serana asked her eyes narrowing slightly." More importantly, what does that have to do with you and Ozpin?"
"I have something Ozpin wants he wouldn't let the chance to claim it pass him by and with the assistance of your allies I wouldn't put it past him to try claim it for his little conflict." Raven snarled "And that is something I cannot allow."
"Can you just get to the point of all this?" Serana asked with a raised eyebrow, Raven turned back to face the vampire her hand gripping the hilt of her sword causing Serana to stiffen, her own hand slipping towards the Daedric dagger sitting on the table beside her saddle bag.
"I'm willing to let you leave." The edges of Serana's lips twitched up slightly "But I'm not letting you go, I'm giving you a choice." Raven began watching as Serana raised an eyebrow in response "You can stay here with me and we can have a fresh start, you can be a part of this family and I can assure you the artefact will be kept out of unworthy hands, and if the item is as important as you claim it is, then undoubtedly your… 'Brother' will come searching for it in time as well as you."
As much as she didn't want to admit it, Raven had a point. Once Mikael found out the scrolls were here and she along with one of them was missing, he'd come looking and it wouldn't be long until he found them, whatever Raven was hoping to gain from the encounter she didn't know, but once Mikael did find them she doubted there'd be much in terms of... Conversation from the Dragonborn.
As Serana opened her mouth to respond Raven spun around and slashed at the air with her Odatchi, a dark angry red void was torn into existence, Serana shot to her feet her eyes wide as dinner plates as she stared at the dark black and red void as it pulsed and fluctuated bathing the entire tent in crimson red light.
"Well, that's certainly... Interesting" Serana noted
Every hair on the back of her neck stood up on end as she made her way over to Raven, her amber eyes narrowed studying the portal in front of her in both shock and curiosity. "Or you can go find your allies, your 'Brother' and all of you can get tangled up in Ozpin's little conflict... and die a pointless death like so many others" Raven said crossing her arms over her chest "Personally, I wouldn't recommend it, but I doubt you'll listen."
"Then I suppose you're right" Serana replied quickly gathering her saddle bag and securing Auriel's bow to her back, stepping towards the portal she paused just before entering. "Thank you for this Raven, I... appreciate it "
"Don't, I'm not doing this for you or anyone else, allowing you to leave with that artefact goes against my better judgment... But due to its significance, keeping it will only bring unwanted attention to my tribe." Raven said resting her hand on her hip. "From this point on my kindness ends here, if we cross paths again Volkihar don't expect me to be so civil."
"Honestly, I wouldn't expect anything less of you. Still, thank you for this." Serana replied pulling up her hood, Raven rolled her eyes as Serana stepped into the dark void a few seconds later it vanished from existence.
"Fools" Raven muttered leaning back against one of the tent's posts staring at where Serana once stood. Her overconfidence would not only be the end of her but her allies as well...they had no idea what fate they'd condemned themselves to by involving themsevles with Ozpin. "The lot of you."
/
Salice, a small-town bordering on the edge of Mistral's swampland. It had been around as long as a few others a little over a hundred years at best, but it certainly had been one of the most successful. Humanity had tried time and time again to gain a foothold outside of the walls of the kingdom. Many were massacred within the first weeks of their founding others didn't even make it off the ground, this place was one of the lucky ones.
The Village itself was surrounded by thick forests and marshlands creating a natural barrier around the town that made getting there even by road a pain in the ass for Man or Grimm. The town itself looked like it had simply sprung up from the ground, squat buildings all constructed from wood and mud dotted the road which was little more than hard packed dirt.
The condition of the town itself wasn't because its people were poor or destitute, it most likely had to do with the fact it was occupied by some of the worst lowlifes he'd seen as well as a few Huntsmen he suspected had been hired by less than reputable people for...let's just say less than reputable jobs, it wasn't really a surprise they'd let the place go to hell so easily.
Qrow sighed staring down at the bar from a rather secluded spot on the upper balcony, it wasn't his place to judge and besides he had something far more important to take care of at this moment in time "So... Iris, Right?... How did a girl like you end up working at this joint?" Qrow asked focusing his attention back to the young woman beside him carrying a small tray of drinks, but far more importantly... the length of her skirt.
"Sir, I think you've had too much" Iris replied in a gentle voice reaching out to take the glass of whisky away from him, she had light skin with some freckles decorating her cheeks with chestnut brown hair styled into a ponytail that flowed over her left shoulder and olive-green eyes, her light blue corset didn't leave much to Qrow's imagination, but it was her skirt that sold it for him.
"Thanks, but I'm good." Qrow replied pulling his drink a little closer, before sliding over a few Lien while raising his glass to her. "Think you can keep these coming?"
The barmaid stared at the Lien for a moment and shrugged money as money, what did she care if he got wasted so long as he didn't cause any problems with the other tenants it wasn't her problem "Suit yourself" She muttered taking the Lien and making her way back towards the ground floor, all the while Qrow's eyes never shifted from her rear.
Tearing himself away from the amazing sight he pulled his scroll from his back pocket, so far, his mission had been a total bust the Spring maiden definitely wasn't in this place, Qrow sighed taking another sip of his drink. It had been over a decade now since she'd ran off and this had been one of the first leads they might have had on her in years... but like all the others they were dead ends, nothing but old rumors that gave him little to go on.
Qrow stared down at his drink in silence all things considered things could have been far worse, one missing maiden was better than a dead one with her powers in the hands of the Queen, they were lucky...real lucky and to him, that was nothing short of a miracle. All things considered, the situation at the moment could be a lot more Grimm...oh god now he was starting to sound like Tai and Yang, Qrow was at least grateful Ruby hadn't inherited the same love of puns from the guy as her sister had, he doubted he'd be able to handle all three of them during one of their back and forth session.
His good mood was shattered in an instant as an all too familiar feeling filled the air as a large portion of the upper floor was quickly occupied by what looked like an angry storm cloud. What felt like an electronic charge passed through the room causing many of the patrons to jump, and the cloud, which had now turned flat continued to emit the most unnatural noise.
For a moment there was nothing but silence all those present watching in both fear and intrigue as a dark feminine figure began to emerge from the cloud "...Raven" Qrow muttered his eyes slowly widening as the figure stepped forth, amber orbs locking with crimson red.
Qrow's gripped the hilt of his weapon ready to draw it at a moment's notice "Who the hell are you?" The woman's eyes widened slightly a large serrated sword forming in her right hand as she slipped into a defensive stance.
"That's something I'd like to know as well." Serana snarled as the two faced off against one another
'To be continued'