Spoiler Sanguis Mantutinus (Red Dawn)

[Askar]

OOC Notes: This story is going to follow the events of the Skyrim DLC - Dawnguard in the events that the character chooses to side with the Vampires instead of the Dawnguard.

If you have not played either side stories, or this particular one at all, please be advised that there are spoilers and you are reading at your own risk!

Also, I am debating on either to actually have Serana marry my character at the end of the story, or just have her politely decline. Once we have reached further back into the story, I should have definite answer for the story.

PLEASE: Do not reply to this forum if you have questions, criticism, or anything else. I would like to keep this thread clear for all chapters later on. I will be making an OOC thread where you may post all your questions, praise, criticism, or suggestions! Thank you!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"You have found our Fortress..."​

"You have returned my daughter..."​

"But what is it you seek?"​

----​

Chapter One​

Matutinus et Opacare - Dawn and Dusk​

​

​

The nights of Whiterun were always pleasent, be it clear, rainy, or even snowing; Whiterun had peaceful nights. Perhaps that was why Bjorn liked this city so much, he liked the nights. He couldn't remember a night he hadn't liked in Whiterun, perhaps it was due to his vampiric blood, or maybe he had just been born for the night, or even perhaps he had the mark of the shadow upon him, and the night favored him. Either way, tonight was no different from all those other nights, clear and full of stars with a light breeze. It was umer time so the breeze felt good to most mortals living within the city. Sadly the breeze did little for Bjorn's skin, vampiress tend to not feel the breeze or the cool air of fall. Still, Bjorn enjoyed it as he walked through the lonely stressts of Whiterun, which were fairly deserted seeing as it was early morning.​

​

Stepping through hte market square, Bjorn made it to his destination, which was the Bannered Mare tavern. Pushing the heavy oak door to the tavenr open, the cool air inside rushed out and bathed Bjorns masked face and body. Since he was a vampire, Bjorn had quickly leanred that to enjoy the things he had always enjoyed, like walking around at night, He'd have to conceal his identity as best he could. So he wore a set of mottled grey leather armor, with a matching cloak which had a hood. Keeping the hood up at all times, and well over his eyes, only the most persistent of lookers could see the color of his eyes. To match the mottled grey color of everything he wore, Bjorn had a piece of cloth that he had tied around the lower part of his face, right below the nose, so no one could see his ashen white skin. It made him look mysterious, yet threatening at the same time, which was enough to keep most curious people away from him at any given moment. Around his waist was a fine leather belt, and upon that belt was a long sword of Nordish make (A/N: The new Noric armor and weapons available in the Dragonborn DLC) and on the other hip was a quiver of arrows of the same make as the sword. Strapped to his back was a well crafted Nordic bow, it would seem he prefered the weapons and styles of the Nords, and perhaps itw as due to his heritage, though it would be hard to tell he was Nordic due to the mask and cloak.​

​

Stepping into the tavenr, he enoyed the small crowd present there. The bard, the barkeep, the town drunk, and a traveler were the only current patrons, a nice small group who would pay him little mind. Striding to the bartip, Bjorn took a seat and leaned upon the wood counter, waiting for hte barkeep to come over.​

​

"What will you have today darling?" The barkeep asked as she walked over, cleaning a much as she waited. Bjorn nodded gently towards her, "Just a mug of mead please."​

​

He set a few septims upon the table as he waited, and quick as a hawk the barkeep snatched up the coins nad went to get Bjorn his drink. The bard played a drum solo, which was pleasing to Bjorns ears, and he drummed his fingers to the beat until his drink was presented to him. Pulling the mug close, Bjorn took a vial from his belt pouch and dumped the contents within without the barkeep noticing. Just a small amount of blood...just to take the edge off.​

​

"And so then I snapped that blood suckers neck right in half and by Malacath did it sound good."​

​

Came a male orcs voice as the door to the tavern opened. Stepping in was the talking male orc and an imperial companion. Looking over, Bjorn caught hte insignia's upon their cloths, they were Dawnguard, vampire hunters. While they gave Bjorn pause, he knew they were recruiters, not warriors just by the armor they wore, which was little. He had heard that there was an increase of vampire attacks upon cities and Bjorn had heard that some zealot named Isran had reformed the ancient order.​

​

The Orc and the Imperial sat at a small table to Bjorns right and continued to chat about all the deadly vampires they've killed and showed off scars while laughing and drinking. Bjorn just rolled his eyes and sipped his mead, not really tasting it or really caring to. Anything to appear normal for these people, especially the Dawnguard. He barely listened to their conversation, his mind far away from this place.​

​

"So, apparently those Vigilants of Stendarr got caught with their pants down in their own hall. Blood suckers killed them all. Well, according to Isran, who has some Vigilant who survived the attack, that the vampires are looking for something in some cave. Isran wants us to find someone who likes to work in the field and send them to that cave. He wants to make sure we get there first and not those blood suckers."​

​

The orc said in a proud tone, which got Bjorn's attention again. He didn't move to make it seem like he was listening and sipped from his cup, but this was an interesting bit of news.​

​

"Where is this thing they're looking for? This cave?"​

​

Came the Imperials voice, confusion thick in his tone. The Orc pulled out a map from his shirt pocket and opened it. He pointed to some spot on the map and nodded to the Imperial, "Its in some cave called Dimhallow Cavern, which is in the Pale. Hopefully we can find someone to send over there soon, its a good few days trip."​

​

While Bjorn was no zealous vampire, he knew that the Dawnguard shouldn't have their hands on anything remotely related to Vampirism, they'd kill people like himself, who were turned against their will and did not know a cure. Pressing another two septims on the counter for the bard, Bjorn stood, bid goodbye to the barkeep and headed out into the nice warm night. He had a cave to explore.​

​

 

[Askar]

Chapter 2​

Seplunca Secretorum - Cave of Secrets​

​

The journy to Dimhallow Cavern was long and tedious, with several bear attacks, a few cutthroas, and a troll attack made it all the more tedious, and long. The cave was within the snowy marshlands of the Pale and the fresh snow was beginning to fall when Bjorn finally made it to the mouth of the cave. Despite being summer, Skyrim was a harsh place with snow falling 90% of the time, reguardless of the season.​

​

Taking a deep breath, Bjorn readied himself for what lay within. Dawnguard, vampires, trolls or even Drauger, who really knew, so he had to be prepared. Checking all his weapons and counting his arrows carefully, Bjorn delved into the darkness.​

​

Thanks to his vampiric eyes, Bjorn could peer through the dimly lit area with decent ease. On the far end of the corridor Bjorn was in, he could hear a conversation between two vampires, interrupted now and then by a bark of a death hound. The voices of the vampires reverberated off the walls which made it difficult to fully understand their conversation, but it had to do with the Vigilants failed attempt to siege something and the poor defense of their hall.​

​

Unslinging his bow, Bjorn notched an arrow and pulled the bowstring taunt. Time seemed to slow to a crawl as he breathed in a deep breath and let the arrow fly. True to its mark, the arrow pierced one of the vampires necks, which sent him crumbling to the ground in a spurting, bleeding heap. The companion to that vampire whirled around, two spells charged in her hands as her eyes frantically searched the darkness for the source of the arrow. She commanded the death hound to search the entrance of the cave, but Bjorn was prepared for that. Slinging his bow back over his shoulder, Bjorn pulled out his Noridc shortsword, which was enchanted with a new enchant called Bloodletting. It was created in Cyrodiil's arena to spill as much blood as possible. So the blade, extremely sharp in its own right, was ready to strike.​

​

The death hound dind't stand a chance, the second it was within range, Bjorn stuck it like a pig, but luckily the blow was so swift the beast didn't make a single sound. Pulling his bow again once the sword was pulled clean, Bjorn notched an arrow and looked around for his second mark. She was barely visible crouched behind a fallen boulder, a difficult shot in and itself yet Bjorn had been with a bow when he was but a lad.​

​

Pulling the bowstring taunt, Bjorn waited and breathed. If his heart could beat, it would probably ring in his ears in this silence. With another breath Bjorn released the arrow and a split second later the arrow pierced the vampiress' skull with a satisfying thunk. Assured that the room was clear, Bjorn eased forward and searched the bodies for useful information. There was little to be found, but nearby sounds of combat drew Bjorn's attention.​

​

Creeping along the shadows, Bjorn dove deeper into the cavern, avoiding most of the direct conflict that he came upon. There were indeed Drauger within this cave, but luckily the vampires were dealing with them. Once one was defeated, Bjorn would pick of the survivor. While not exactly how most Nords would deal with enemies, the darkness favored Bjorn and he favored it.​

​

Creeping through the cavern like a shade, Bjorn soon found himself with a very precarious situation. A very skilled vampire had cornered an equally strong Frostbite spider. THe size of the spider showed its skill, and the dress of the Vampire showed his. The more ornate the cloths, the stronger the vampire. The bigger the spider, the strong it was. This vampire wouldn't be felled by a single arrow. Bjorn may have to rely upon his sword more than his bow.​

​

He watched quietly in the shadows as the fight raged on before him. The spider would gain a few inches, but the vampire would push it back. Venom, webs, claws and vampire magics flew this way and that but soon it was all over. With a mighty cry, the spider lunged forward and dug its fangs into the vampires chest. The vampire cried out in pain and stabbed the spider through the head with his sword. Falling to the ground in a dead heap, the spider was defeated, but the Vampire still stood. Cursing his luck, Bjorn knew what this meant. He pulled an arrow, and notched it, before letting it fly.​

​

The arrow pierced the vampires back, who stumbled forward, weak and poisoned from the spider. Its eyes quickly found Bjorn hiding in the shadows and the vampire rushed Bjorn, blood magics in one hand, a sword in the other. Closing the distance with a speed that surprised Bjorn, the vampire quickly slashed at him, the blade cutting Bjorn's arm in a shallow cut. Pulling back, Bjorn slung his bow over his shoulder and pulled his sword. Two vampires in the fight to the death, it was rather poetic in its own way. A shame no one would ever write a epic bards tale about a vampire, but still.​

​

Catching the vampires blade in a block, Bjorn pushed against hte vampire, who pushed back. A deadly stalemate. They stood like this for a while, each trying to push the other over, but neither gaining an inch. With a mighty growl, Bjorn pushed forward to knock the vampire off balance and then rushed in to slash at its stomach. His blade found its mark, and the vampires belly spilled open like a gutted fish. Crumbling to the ground, the Vampire looked up with a sneer, but before it could say anything, Bjorn slit its throat.​

​

Leaving the body behind, Bjorn quickly advanced through the chamber he was in and through the door on the far side. Once on the other side, more voices reached Bjorn's ears. It sounded like three voices were fighting, but one of them sounded weak and struggling.​

​

"I'll never tell you anything Vampire! My oath to Stendaar is stronger than any pain you could inflict upon me!"​

​

Came a voice from the lower chambers. Bjorn skulked forward and found himself a sight he wasn't expecting. Within the large opening of the cave was a structure not of old nord make. It was like nothing he had ever seen. With tall pillars and pointing arches, it looked to have been created by someone completely different than the ancient nords who inhabited this cave. Moving to the edge of the small ledge he was on, Bjorn looked over and saw a two vampires and a naked vigilant on his knees, bound before them. The vigilant was writhing and spitting curses at the vampires while praising Stendaar at the same time. The vampires just rolled their eyes.​

​

"I believe you, Vigilant, but I don't think you even know what you've found here. So go now, to your beloved Stendaar."​

​

The vampire that just spoke moved to strike the Vigilant down where he sat, but the vampire next to him stopped in his tracks.​

​

"Are you sure that wise? What if he's told--"​

​

"His purpose was to lead us here, and now that he's served his purpose it is time for him to die. Once he's done with, we can take Lord Harkon his prize." Said the first vampire to the second.​

​

"And once we get back there, Vingalmo and Orthjolf will welcome me into their company." Said the first vampire with satisfaction.​

​

The second vampire looked to him, "Remember that I'm the one who told you that he knew!"​

​

The first vampire grinned at her and then quickly disposed of the Vigilant, a swift axe to the head took care of that.​

​

"Don't worry, I always remember my friends...and my enemies."​

​

The two vampires left the body of the vigilant and walked down towards the structure in the center. Bjorn creeped in behind them, and picked off a few skeletons they had raised while wandering around the center. Getting closer, Bjorn steadied a few arrows and let them fly at the female vampire of the two. Both hit their mark and the vampiress fell to the ground in a heap.​

​

The first looked around with wild eyes and two blood spells coiled in his hands. In no mood to deal with this, Bjorn slung his bow back over his shoulder and drew his sword. Giving a mighty battle cry of his clan fathers before him, Bjorn rushed the vampire. Weaving this way and that to dodge the blood spells, Bjorn closed the distance, but the male vampire was quick. Within the space that they were in, was ineven ground, pillars, and a small pillar within the very center. They had to keep their footing straight, and their backs clear of running into anything throughout the whole fight, which had to have taken a good five to ten minutes.​

​

Each one dodged the others attacks, weaving and dodging and ducking. Pulling his own weapon, a battle axe, the vampire rushed at Bjorn and they were locked in a battle of blades. Bjorn sliced the vampires arm, who in turn sliced his leg. They traded blows like this for a while, dancing around the circular area until finally, the vampire made a mistake. His back hit a pillar, and Bjorn capitalized. Rushing forward, sword raised, Bjorn brought it down upon the vampires skull, which made it crack and splinter and the undeath within his lungs spill out.​

​

Now alone and able to explore, Bjorn felt quite happy with himself. He had cleared this place of anything threatening to him with only a few cuts and scraps. Though the wound in his leg was fairly serious, he'd have to get it check on by a healer at some point. But at any rate he was now face with a very interesting puzzle.​

​

Within the circular room, were pillars, which seemed to move either backwards, forwards, or in an arch. Inspecting each one with curious intent, Bjorn could find little in their make to discern their purpose. He then took to inspecting the pillar that was within the center of the circular chamber he was in. There was a button atop it, and it was covered in blood. Curious as to what that meant, Bjorn did something against his better judgement. Placing his hand upon the button he pushed down, and right as he did, a massive spike jutted forward and through his armor and his hand. It drew blood and then retracted. Giving a yelp of pain, Bjorn looked around to see exactly what had happened, but when he did, he heard a deep clang of a bell, and turned back to the pillar. His blood filtered into the slits within the pillar and then beautiful purple, blue and red flames shot outwards and into a strange zigzagging formation.​

​

Well that was curious. Backing up to inspect the new fire, Bjorn ran into one of the pillars behind him, which sent it rolling backwards and into the ending line of the fire. The pillar was suddenly alight with the flame and the flame that it had met, suddenly moved elsewhere. So that was the ticket! Move the pillars to the right spots and the way would be open.​

​

And so Bjorn did just that, with several attempts and misdirections, he finally got the final brazer in check. Having worked up quite the sweat, and his body a little weak from the blood loose of his wounds, Bjorn was happy when he heard the click of the final brazer and the flame come to its final resting place.​

​

When the fire had reached its final destination, it all went out, and the floor Bjorn was standing on suddenly concaved and the pillar in the middle slowly rose to reveal an even larger pillar benieth. Curiosity took him, and Bjorn walked up to the stone pillar and checked it for any opening. He found that one of the flat faces of the pillar pulled down, and with a mighty tug, he pulled it all the way down to reveal something so breathtaking not even the most skilled of Skalds could put it into words.​

 

[Askar]

Chapter 3​

Inexstinctus Pulchritudo - Undying Beauty​

​

A Nordic woman of immense beauty was sleeping within the confines of the pillar. She had snow white skin, that was absolutely flawless in design, like the gods themselves had gently sculpted her with the finest of materials. Her arms were crossed over her chest, which ended in long, handsome hands, and well trimmed and kept for fingernails. Her raven black tresses fell around her face as she slept, as if she had tossed and turned a few times and gotten a few locks out of place. She wore clothing that Bjorn had never seen before, it was elegant, like she could wear it to any party the Jarl would throw, yet sensible, like she could wear it while traveling the rugged mountain side. Yet the garb left little to the imagination when it came to her chest. With a tight corset about her waist and breasts, it pushed her breasts up yet kept them in place. It was a wonderous piece of clothing, it could make even the most stalwart of married men glance her way.​

​

Stepping back in sheer shock at what he had found, Bjorn rubbed at the back of his neck. Well this was unexpected. A moment later the woman's knees gave out and she crumpled to the ground, barely becoming conscious enough to catch herself. Without giving a moments thought, Bjorn knelt to help her, his hands gently finding hers and he was surprised at what he felt. Ice cold, like blood hadn't flown through those hands in ages. The woman gave a gentle groan and slowly made it to her feet, her knees wobbling. She clung to Bjorns forearms like they were anchors, until she had enough footing and strength in her legs to stay upright.​

​

She looked around, confused for a moment, but when her eyes met Bjorn's he instantly knew what she was. She was a vampire. No wonder she wore such extravagant cloths, and looked so beautiful, vampirism tended to give one exceptional beauty regardless of gender. It helped to catch unsuspecting prey. She looked at Bjorn and blinked a few times, before holding her head and groaning.​

​

"Uhn...where is...who...who sent you here?"​

​

She said, voice slow and thick with sleep. She was barely awake it would seem, so Bjorn still held onto her arm gently and gave a gentle chuckle at her question.​

​

"Who were you expecting?" He said jokingly. She looked at him bewildered for a moment, like he had just sprouted another head or something.​

​

"I was expecting someone from my family. I don't recognize you. Are you one of my fathers little acolytes?"​

​

Now it was Bjorns turn to look at her like she had sprouted wings from her ears. Father? Acolytes?​

​

"No no, I don't work for anyone. Lets just say I got just as curious as the vampires that were here before me about what was in this cave. I suppose that would be you?"​

​

She nodded her head weakly and then looked around for the 'other vampires' he spoke of. She saw the nearby bodies but said little, like this was common place for her. Bjorn didn't let the silence last long.​

​

"Who is your father?" He inquired genuinely. He wondered why someone, especially a father, would let his daughter be locked up in this Gods forsaken little cave and then send send someone else to find her. It was all very perplexing.​

​

She looked at him confused again, it seemed to be a running gag between them at the moment. Each looking at the other like they had just sprouted a new appendage out of some part of their body. She spoke slowly, as if unsure her words were going to come out right.​

​

"He's a very powerful vampire. Or he was at one point. I'm surprised a vampire like you hasn't heard of him."​

​

Bjorn laughed a little and shook his head, "You could tell I was a vampire that quickly?"​

​

She grinned at him a little, showing off her vampiric fangs. Her voice was a little stronger now, like se had regained most of her sense since being awake.​

​

"You think I can't tell my own kind? I could smell you before my eyes were even open."​

​

They both shared a laugh at this. The mysterious woman gently pulled away from Bjorn and walked a few paces away and around her little 'prison.' She looked relieved to be using her legs again, like she were a cripple granted the ability to walk. By the look in her eyes, she was ready to just....run, but turning back to Bjorn, she looked at him, as if expecting him to say something. Silence dragged on between them for a few moments, each looking at the other, as if expecting to learn some untold detail about the other simply by taking in the view of their person.​

​

Finally though, Bjorn broke the silence. He wasn't sure why he was asking the question that had spewed out of his mouth, but the answer was nagging at his brain, like it were the key to a prison cell, just out of reach. And you were dying to get to it, yet unsure how. The woman looked to him, something unsettling finding its way into her thoughts and she took her eyes from him. She focused on the ground and murmured in a voice so soft, Bjorn had to strain to hear it.​

​

"Thats...complicated. And I'm not totally sure if I can trust you. But if you want to know the whole story, help me get back home."​

​

It was a simple bargan. Help her get where she needed to go, and she'd answer Bjorns question. Easy enough, at least he hoped it was. Nodding his head, Bjorn took to looking over his equipment, checking his sword, then his bow and then counted all his arrows. As he checked himself and his gear, he asked,​

​

"So, where do you need to go?"​

​

The woman walked around a bit more, inspecting the place she was in, as if she hadn't seen it in centuries or even more. Her voice was casual as she spoke, like she were commenting on the weather or on the time of day.​

​

"My family used to live on an island to the west of Solitude. I imagine they still do."​

​

She then walked over to Bjorn and held out her hand with the first genuine smile to cross her lips since she fell out of that pillar.​

​

"By the way, my name is Serana. Its nice to meet you."​

​

Bjorn took her hand in his and pulled it to his lips. Kissing her knuckles in the gentlemans greeting he smiled to her.​

​

"Call me Bjorn, the pleasure is all mine. Now," He looked around the area they were in and then back to Serana.​

​

"Any idea how to get out of here?"​

​

Serana looked around, her eyes peering into the cave about her, but she looked just as bewildered as Bjorn.​

​

"Well, your guess is as good as mine. This place looks pretty different from when I was locked away."​

​

Bjorn laughed and then shrugged, "Better get moving then eh?"​

​

She nodded with a smile and let Bjorn lead the way. Walking back the same way he had come in, Bjorn saw a side corridor and nodded to Serana to follow. The two trudged up the nearly destroyed stairs until a massive roar pierced the silence. Following the roar was something akin to an explosion and before Bjorn knew what had happened, he was knocked through the air. Crashing to the ground with a hard thunk, Bjorn felt a few ribs break upon impact. He got to his feet and groaned, before seeing what exactly what had hit him, the creature was upon Bjorn again, and massive, stone like claws grabbed him and held Bjorn high in the air.​

​

"Let him go!" Bjorn heard Serana roar and rush at the beast that had him. Blood magics shot from her hands and encompassed the beast that held Bjorn. Its life was being dried, and as Serana kept up her spell, she closed the distance and dug an elvish made dagger into the beasts chest. The creature that held Bjorn crumbled to the ground, dropping Bjorn again. He groaned and coughed up a bit of blood before slowly getting to his feet.​

​

"What in the name of Talos was that?!" He yelled, taking out his anger at being caught on Serana.​

​

Serana looked at him with a bit of a pouting frown. As if his harsh words had somehow wounded her. That pouting frown quickly turned into a scowl, "Don't blame me for your stupidity." And with that, she stormed ahead, not even bothering to help him up. Bjorn shook his head and spit out a glob of blood and saliva.​

​

"Tch...sassy." He muttered to himself and followed Serana's lead. She took him up another flight of stairs and into a room that was lined with Drauger sarcophagi. This wasn't a good sign.​

​

"Be careful Serana, this is a Drauger crypt. If we get swarmed we could be in real danger. There is little I can do with my injuries."​

​

She looked at him and clicked her tongue, as if surprised by his weakness. Bjorn just looked at her in disbelief, man she was a brat. This was going to be a long trip to Silitude...​

​

Serana walked up a few more steps and found that there was a lever, and deduced that said lever probably opened the nearby gated off door. Rubbing her hands together, Serana walked over to it and gave the lever a good yank.​

​

The nearby brazers came to life and with them fell the nearby sarcophagi lids, revealing four angry looking Drauger. Bjorn cursed under his breath and charged at the nearest ones, Serana already had two upon her. She struck them with her dagger and her blood magics, but she was still weak and groggy from waking up. Cursing again loudly, Bjorn sliced into the one that attacked him, and then unslung his bow and knotched an arrow.​

​

Pulling the bowstring taught he aimed, "SERANA DUCK!" He cried out to her and luckily she listened. Falling to her knees, Serana felt the woosh of the arrow fly right over he head and pierce the neck of the Drauger she was attacking.​

​

"STAY DOWN!" Bjorn commanded again and notched another arrow. Pulling the string taught and strafing, Bjorn sucked in a breath and fired. The Drauger quickly side stepped and smashed its weapon against its shield, giving a mocking gesture. Bjorn growled softly and pulled another arrow taunt, he let if fly right as Serana lunged from her kneeling position and dug her dagger into the leg of the Drauger. Now stuck and unable to move, the arrow hit its mark, right in the forehead and the Drauger fell in a heap.​

​

Bjorn panted lightly and sighed, "Good work Serana...we make a good team." She flipper her hair lightly and shrugged, "Just don't get used to bossing me around."​

​

And with that she walked up the now open doorway and headed out into the open air. Bjorn was close behind, but slower due to his injured leg, but soon however he joined her outside. Serana was breathing deeply and sighed happily, "Ahh...its good to breath again."​

​

Bjorn smiled lightly, amazing how the little things that people take for granted can mean to someone who's been without it for so long. Stepping up to her, Bjorn nodded, "C'mon, we have a long way to go until we're at Solitude." Serana nodded and gave little protest and soon they were on the road.​

​

It took them half the day to get just a few miles, Bjorn's bum leg more a hinderance than an asset right now. They had emerged from the cave at last afternoon early dusk, and night was already settled upon the Skyrim landscape. While they were both vampires, and they favored the night, Bjorn knew it was time to settle down and rest.​

​

The two had to make a pit stop as well, after exiting the cave, to pick up Bjorns horse, who had all his supplies. Tents, blankets, bed rolls, vials of blood for dinner, and some firewood and flint. After picking up the horse, and traveling with the bum leg, rest was looking pretty darn good to Bjorn right now. Moving the horse to a nearby tree and tethering him down, Bjorn let the tired stallion graze on the nearby grasses. Bjorn picked up all the packs the stallion held and went about making up two makeshift tents of fur and leather. Once done, he started a fire. All the while, Serana was just...exploring the small camp that they had. She picked floura, and looked for fawna. She was curious as to what was all around her. There was so much for her to see, so much to re-experience that she had little time to pay attention to Bjorn and his doings.​

​

"Come and sit by the fire, I have a few vials of blood we can share." He called to her, which brought those eyes back into contact with his. In the dark night air of Skyrim, her eyes glowed like embers. They were breathtaking. Bjorn had to force his eyes away so not to make it awkward. With a grace that not even a swan could match, Serana made her way back to their little camp and sat herself down by the fire. She looked at the flames, a bit of an amused smile coming to her face.​

​

"Funny, you think the warmth would be pleasant. Its so foreign I don't quite know what to do with it."​

​

Bjorn chuckled lightly and then went about getting two mugs and filling it with some Black-Briar mead. He then poured the vials of blood within and handed one to Serana. She took it greatfully and sipped. She looked pretty pleased with the taste and continued to drink. Moments of silence fell between them, until once again, it was Bjorn who broke it.​

​

"So, how long were you in there?"​

​

Serana looked thoughtful for a moment, a long well manicured finger tapping her chin.​

​

​

"Good question. Its hard to say really. I...well I can't really tell. I feel like it was a really long time." She paused for just a second. "Who is the High King?"​

​

Bjorn looked up fro his mug and said proudly, "Ulfric Stormcloak is the true High King."​

​

While in truth, Bjorn knew that there was no way that he could properly join the fight for the Stormcloak, due to Ulfric never having a vampire in his army, Bjorn was still a true Nord. He loved Talos and he loved his homeland. He was more than happy to fight and possibly die for his land and his people. Thus why he suppored him and not the Empire and Elisif.​

​

Serana looked at him confused, "I've never heard of him. Is he well supported?"​

​

Bjorn was a bit confused himself by her question, "Well there are many in Skyrim who are loyal to Ulfric, but the Empire supports Elisif."​

​

Serana's eyes went wide at this news, "Empire?" She asked incredulous, "What Empire?"​

​

And Bjorn found himself in the same situation he was in when she first fell out of the pillar. They were exchanging information and looking at the other like they had sprouted horns, wings, and buck teeth.​

​

"The...Empire..." Bjorn said slowly, "You know....from Cyrodiil."​

​

"Cyrodill is the seat of an Empire?!" Serana exclaimed, astounded. And then she looked thoughtful. "Well, I was definitely gone longer than I thought. Definitely longer than we planned...We need to get back to my home so we can figure all those out."​

​

Serana suddenly became reserved and quiet, but then a squeak of shock escaped her throat, which made Bjorn nearly spit up the gulp of mead he had just thrown back. Serana stood and felt all around her person, checking pockets, her belt, her back, everywhere...until she seemed to find what she was looking for and sighed in relief. Bjorn looked at her confused, one eyebrow raised.​

​

Reaching behind her back, and in the belt that rested against her lower back / tail bone, she pulled out a medium sized golden scroll. Bjorn had only ever seen one like it, and that was in a crude drawing in a book. He was absolutely dumbounded and said in shock,​

​

"Is that...is that an Elder Scroll?!"​

​

Serana just looked at him like he were as stupid as a Hoarker.​

​

"Yes it is, and its mine."​

​

Bjorn, still confused, blurted out another stupid question, which pulled a smile of amusement from Serana.​

​

"Is it fragile...do we...need to be careful with it...?"​

​

This time Serana actually laughed. A real, deep, full laugh. She shook her head as she laughed, a hand coming up to cover her mouth. If blood pumped through Bjorns veins. it would have collected in his cheeks in a blush. He was absolutely mortified that she was laughing at his genuine question! Once her giggle fit was over, she shook her head and smiled,​

​

"Nothing can destroy an Elder Scroll. You just need to worry about protecting your own hide. I'll worry about this." She gave it a little shake in his hands and then set it back against the back of her belt.​

​

A few more moments of Silence passed and Bjorn finished his mead and stood up with a sigh. He gave her a slight smile, "Do you want to take first watch or me?"​

​

Serana bolted upright, downed her mead, handed the mug to Bjorn and pushed him off towards one of the tents.​

​

"I've been asleep for...quite a while. I think I can take all the shifts just so I can enjoy the world I was away from for so long."​

​

Bjorn shrugged lightly and nodded, "Alright. See you bright and early Serana." And with that, Bjorn crawled into his little tent and pulled a fur over his body. Old habits really do die hard eh? Still, Bjorn closed his eyes and waited for sleep to take him, but something at the back of his mind tugged. Would Serana be here when he woke? He hoped she would...​

 

[Askar]

Chapter 4​

Ingratus Abbas, Fidelis Filia - Ungrateful Father, Loyal Daughter​

Bjorn woke with a start. Something had taken hold of his leg. He roared loudly and reached for his sword, within a second it was drawn and pointed at the offender. It took him a moment to realize who had touched him, the rays of the rising sun making it hard to see. After a few moments of blinking, his eyes found the startled face of Serana at the end of his sword.

Her pale hands were resting upon his damaged leg, but her eyes were wide as she looked at him, a mix of anger, mistrust, and perhaps just the smallest bit of fear swirled around in a torrent within those eyes. Bjorn nearly turned red in the face, "Don't you know not to touch a man when he's sleeping?!"

He bellowed in his anger, which made Serana flinch and then turn red herself. She glared at him and those eyes that were such a mix of emotion now held one thing, anger. She bared her fangs at him in a feral defense and snarled, "You're the one walking around with a bum leg! You should be thanking me for trying to heal it!"

That snapped Bjorn out of his rage quickly. He looked down to where her hand was upon his knee. Blood magics were gently seeping from her hand and into his injured leg, stitching the flesh together and mending the damage that was done. She had taken it upon herself to heal him, but why?

"Why did you do that?" Bjorn inquired after a moment of embarrassed silence. Serana just looked at him.

"Because you walking around with that bum leg is slowing us down. We have to get to my house quickly, so I can get some things straight. And..." She grew quiet for a small moment and then looked away, "You got that wound from freeing me. The least I can do...is heal it up." She said so quietly Bjorn had a hard time hearing her. A smile creeped onto his lips and he reached out to gently pat the hand that was still resting on his leg.

"Thank you, you are kind to look after me so."

Serana just nodded, as if she couldn't think of a better response in words. Her eyes turned back to her task, and after a few moments of dull pain, she had Bjorn healed up good as knew. Standing up and flexing his leg, Bjorn found that he felt even better than new. He looked to Serana, "Where did you learn to heal so well?"

It was a foolish question he knew, normal means of Restoration magics didn't work upon the undead, it infact harmed them more than anything, but still, Serana had done something to heal him up. He wondered what that skill was, and wished to know where she learned it so she perhaps could. Seeing as how that could come in handy sometime in the future. Serana just looked at him and smiled,

"There is magic within my family. All you have to do is know the right spells and the right way to use them. And you can do just about anything. Including mending dead flesh." She laughed at her last line, as if it were some inner joke that was only funny to her. Bjorn just shrugged,

"Perhaps you can teach it to me some time?"

Serana looked up to him and gave a soft smile, "I'd love to."

The conversation ended there however, and in a silence that wasn't as awkward as one would think, the two began to clean up. Packing up his things and untying the house, Bjorn found that Serana herself had actually sat within the little tent he had made for her. While he was sure she didn't sleep in it, it at least warmed him a bit to know that she had used it. Any mild comfort he could give her away from that stone prison was enough for him really. Those thoughts made Bjorn pause as he saddled the horse. His brow furrowed deeply and he stood there at the horses side. Why was he so smitten with her? Did she have him under a seduction spell? Could fellow vampires succumb to such a simple trick? He wasn't sure, but there was something about her. The way her raven hare caught the moonlight just right. The way she smiled in just the right way to either show off her fangs, or not to. How she smiled at the world like she had seen it for the first time. It was just...beautiful. The way she carried on with little things, such as cleaning up a camp, was so graceful a dancer couldn't have held a candle to her. The way that those lips of hers would part when she would speak and oh how he longed --

"We ready to get going?"

Her voice interrupted his little daydream, and Bjorn gave a jump of surprise. That pulled a laugh from Serana, she had startled him!

"A little jumpy this morning?" She teased lightly and then walked over with everything she had packed up and began to tie it all down to the horse. Bjorn cleared his throat, muttered something about how it was nothing and that the weather was nice before doing a sweep around the camp. They had packed everything, which was good. Returning to the horse, Bjorn climbed on and then offered a hand down to Serana. She looked up at him confused.

"I don't ride horses." She said simply. Bjorn shook his head, reached down and manhandled up her onto the horse. In one mighty tug, he had her in the air, and behind him. He looked over his shoulder,

"You do now, it'll get us there in half the time. Pull your hood up, we're going to ride through the day."

Serana gave him a very nasty look but pulled up the black hood that rested on her back. With her skin safely tucked away from the sun, Bjorn pulled his own hood up and then urged the horse onward, towards Solitude.

The trip to the small boat that would take them to Serana's home had taken three full days. With little worth nothing, the two had had a very simple trip over, only having to stop to rest the horse, and once drain a few rogue bandits of their blood for later consumption. They didn't speak much the whole way there, only for simple questions or for directions. They had their own thoughts to keep them busy after all. Serana would sometimes ask him about where they were, or what they were passing, and Bjorn would tell her all he knew. She would seem fascinated, but then sad at the same time, like it were all passing before her at a speed she couldn't keep up with. Like she were trying to capture all these moments in her mind, before she wouldn't be able to again. Why she thought this way, Bjorn wasn't sure. He knew she was a vampire, and she didn't get along with her father...but would he cage her up like some animal? Why was she so forlorn at passing all these places by?

Once at the small boat, Bjorn tethered the hose down and then nodded to Serana, "Ready?" he asked as she climbed into the boat. She didn't answer him at first, but just sat down, and looked through the cloudy mist to see her home looming in the distance. Untying the boat, Bjorn gave it a push and then hopped in. Taking the paddle, Bjorn began to row them towards the castle.

The boat ride over was short, and silent. Neither wished to break it, for fear it would break themselves. The mist got a bit thicker as the went, but Bjorn didn't pay it much mind. He just pushed forward, until the bow of the little boat hit the land. Jumping out, Bjorn pulled the boat further onto the shore, tied it down, and then moved to help Serana out. She looked like a deer caught in the sight of a hunters bow. Reaching down into the boat, Bjorn gently took her forearms and helped her up and then out. She nodded to him in thanks, and then waited. Bjorn took the lead, and began to walk up the stone path that lead to the front door of the castle.

About half way up the bridge, a hand gripped Bjorn's shoulder to stop him. Knowing it was Serana's, Bjorn stopped and turned back to look at her. Serana herself looked a little shaken, but perhaps a bit more determined. She nodded to him,

"Hey so...before we go in there..." she hesitated, sounding perhaps a bit nervous as to what lay before them. Bjorn looked to her concerned, as if afraid something had happened to her.

"Are you alright?" He asked with a little more urgency than he had meant to. Serana looked at him and then smiled, though the smile didn't reach her eyes.

"I think so...and thanks for asking." she gave a small pause, and Bjorn waited, keeping his eyes locked to hers, as if trying to read the stone mask she had put over her face.

"I wanted to thank you for getting me this far. But...but after we get in there, I'm oing to go on my own for a while. I think..." She looked confused and then shook her head, giving a sigh, "Look I just need to be alone for a while. There's a lot of feelings wrapped up in this old place, and I don't think you're quite ready for them. So just..." She paused again, this time looking frustrated. "Just let me take the lead in there."

She then pushed forward, past Bjorn, barely giving him a chance to respond. Turning around, Bjorn followed her like a faithful dog, though in truth, his heart sunk. She didn't want to travel with him anymore? She seemd so carefree when she was out in the wild with him. She didn't seem at all like this stone faced vampire he saw before him. She was a completely different person, and it startled him. Had he done something ot offend her? Was she mad at him for some offense he didn't know he had committed? Still, Bjorn would follow her, like hte dog he found himself becoming.

Serana lead him all the way up to the top of the bridge, and spoke quiet, hushed words to the gatekeeper. After a moment or two of discussion, the gate keeper pulled the chain, and let them both in. Seranan looked over her shoulder, as if to make sure Bjorn was still there, and then headed into the castle.

The moment Bjorn opened, he noticed instantly how dark the place was. There were few, if no windows at all, and the place seemed lit by brazer only. The overwhelming smell of death reached his nostrils, and Bjorn had to give a gentle sigh at that smell. He really was in the layer of a vampire. Serana walked forward a little, but they were both stopped by a high elf who must have been a vampire for centuries, for her was abosltely blood starved to the point of horrid disformity.

"How dare you tresspass here!" The elf snarled and walked forward, as if ready to strike Bjorn down, before he noticed Serana. The sight of her stopped him in his tracks and he blinked a few times, jaw nearly hitting the floor. "Serana? Is that you?" He asked in disbelief. Serana just nodded.

The elf's confused expression suddenly turned to elation and he nearly cheered, "I can't believe my eyes!"

The elf then nearly ran towards the top of the stairwell that was at the end of the hallway Bjorn and Seranan were standing in. Once there, he proclaimed happily, "My Lord! Everyone! Serana has returned!" "

Serana looked to Bjorn and gave a small grimace of surprise, "I guess I'm expected..." She didn't sound happy about it. With slow, almost languid steps, she walked down the hallway, down the steps and between the two tables that flanked the main hall.

Bjorn was right behind her, and when he could see the mainhall, he was both surprised and not surprised at the same time. Vampires of all ages and races were standing around, feasting upon dead corpses and drinking blood from mead kegs. They were celebrating something it would seem, perhaps another year of power and prosperity for them, or perhaps they did know Serana was coming, and this was their celebration. Bjorn watched Serana closely as she walked between the tables and towards a Nord man who did look a bit like her, it must of been her father.

The fathers eyes were trained up Serana and he gave a warm smile, though it didn't look to be for her, but perhaps for something else associated with her.

"My long lost daughter returns, at last! I trust you have my Elder Scroll?"

Bjorn was taken aback by that. After all this time that Serana has been gone, he asks about that? Seranna seemed just as upset as he was.

"After all these years, thats the first thing you ask me?" She sounded hurt, perhaps heartbroken a bit, but then jaded up nearly instantly and said codly, "Yes, I have your scroll."

The man smiled at her, "Of course I'm delighted to see you my daughter. Must I say the words aloud?" There was a slight pause as Serana let the question hang, as if letting the silence answer it for him.

Continuing like the silence meant nothing, just like the pain of his daughter feelings of rejected, the man before her went on. "If only your traitorous mother were here, I would let her watch this reunion before putting her head on a pike. Now tell me," His eyes now fell upon Bjorn. "Who is this stranger you have brought ot our hall?"

Serana walked back to Bjorn and stood next to him giving him a soft smile. "This is my savior, the one who freed me." She said it proudly, like it were something she liked in him, or perhaps it was an insult hurled at her father. Bjorn wasn't sure, but he liked either option.

The father walked up to him and nodded his head, "For my daughters safe return, you have my gratitude. Tell me, what is your name?"

Bjorn just looked at him, confused for a moment, and unsure if he should tell. Looking to Serana, he realized that he'd have to coperate, if he wanted to stay in Serana's general company.

"I'm called Bjorn. Who are you?" He asked cooly, sizing the man before him for any threats and possible means for attack. While Bjorn found none, he did have an uneasy feeling that should the man before im decie to attack, there would be little, to nothing Bjorn could do to stop it.

The man smiled, "I am Harkon, lord of this court. By now, my daughter would have told you what we are."

Harkon gave a wide smile, showing off his fangs. Bjorn nodded lightly, "Yes, she's told me that you and your court are all vampires."

Harkon gave a light laugh at this, like it were insulting to call him a vampire and he found it amusing. "Just just vampires. We are among the oldest and most powerful vampires in all of Skyrim. For centuries, "He started, pacing back and forth before Bjorn as he recounted their strength. "We have lived here, afar from the cares of the world. All that ended when my wife betrayed me and took what I cared most for..."

A slight tinge of guild touched Bjorn's heart. How painful that must have been. To have something ripped from you from someone else just as close. yet the guilt didn't last long. Bjorn had a feeling the heartbreak Harkon suffered wasn't from the loss of his wife, or his daughter, but for the scroll Serana carried so faithfully upon her person.

Looking to Serana and then back to Harkon, Bjorn asked a simple question, "What happens now?"

Harkon gave a wicked grin, "You have done me a great service, and now you must be rewarded. There is but one gift I can give that is equal to the Elder Scroll and my daughter." he paused for dramatic effect, whihc made Bjorn slightly irritated. Harkon continued, "I offer you my blood. Take it, and you will walk as a lion among sheep. Men will tremble at your approach, and you will never fear death again!"

Bjorn looked at Harkon with a skeptical look. And spoke just as skeptically as he felt, 'I'm already a vampire. What more can you offer me?" The words were more like an insult really, Harkon had little he could offer Bjorn that he didn't already have. Right?

Harkon laughed, and the laugh itself was an insult to Bjorn. They were getting off to a lovely start. "You have contracted a disease yes, but you are no true vampire. Accept my gift and I promise you will realize the difference. Refuse me and I will banish you from my halls and have you hunted down." Bjorn looked at Harkon skeptically, any fool he tried to send after him would meet his arrows before they even found him. Harkons threats held little weight, at lest for Bjorn. Opening his mouth to decline, Harkon cut him off.

"Perhaps you still need convincing?" Stepping back, something Bjorn had never even heard of happened. Harkon began to shift and change, bones cracked and reformed, appendages sprouted from his back and a dark, blood like substance covered his whole body. As Harkon convulsed and shifted, Bjorn was filled with awe, disgust, and interest. With an small explosion of blood, Harkon no longer stood before Bjorn, but an ugly creature of death and knight. It had ashen skin, and ratty wings. Claws on the feet and fingers, and an ugly bat like face. Fangs protruded from the lips and the chest was exposed. A crown rested upon the mans head, and only a loin cloth of red cloth hung between his legs. It was truly terrifying.

"NOw make your choice." Harkon demanded from his new, fang filled maw.

Bjorn looked to Serana, who had inched just a bit closer to him, as if she got some sense of...protection? Comfort? He didn't know. But she got something from him, and while he knew it would be simplier to elave, he couldn't. There was just something about her, about her plight, about her fathers fixation with that elder scroll. What did it all mean? Looking to Harkon, Bjorn nodded.

"I will accept your gift."

Harkon grinned and growled out, "Be still."

With a speed that Bjorn didn't know anyone could possibly have, Harkon rushed him, claws finding his head and shoulder. Craning his head, Harkon sank his teeth into the muscle of Bjorn's neck, and he felt himself give a strangled cry as his body went stiff as a board from the attack. A gasp reached his ears, and he thought it was a womans, but he wasn't sure. The whole world was getting fuzzy, and he felt his body slipping away, like her were dying one more time, just like he had all those years ago. There was little he could do before he felt himself collapse and the world went blank.

-------------------------------------

Bjorns head was spinning as he finally began to regain consciousness. He opened his eyes and slowly moved to try and push himself up onto his hands and knees. The world was blurry, and his head pounded with a throbbing like he hadn't ever felt in all his lifetime. His body felt weak and shaken, like he had just overcome some nasty illness that nearly killed him. Looking around like a drunk from a hangover, Bjorn found himself in a dark stone room, with Harkon at the front, next to a fount that was flowing with blood.

Pushing himself to his knees, Bjorn found himself unsteady but determined. Pushing himself upright, Bjorn got to his feet and wavered a bit, before groaning, and gripping his head. With his sight clearing, Bjorn heard Harkon speak.

"Awake at last? Good...the power is growing within you, and now you must learn to wield it."

Bjorn was confused and he looked around, his mind unable to truly comprehend anything at the moment.

"Wh...what ha...what happened? How...how did I...how did I get here?" Bjorn asked after a few moments of trying to get his thoughts together. Harkon grinned.

"My blood is potent. At first the body is overwhelmed by it. After my bite, you collapsed and fell into a slumber. Now your flesh has acclimated to the new blood that courses through your veins. I assure you, no harm was done to you while you slumbered. In truth, your strength surprises me, not all mortals can withstand my embrace.

Bjorn looked around a little more, able to take in a few more details now that his mind was clearing.

"What is this place?" He asked as he took in the sight of the shrine Harkon was standing next to. He could have sworn he knew those symbols...

"A shrine to Molag Bal, the mighty Daedra Prince who is father to all our kind. Our power is a blessing frm him. It is he who first bestowed the gift of the ancient blood to me."

Bjorn knew now exactly how this had come to be. No wonder Harkon was so strong, he had made some sort of deal with a Daedric prince. But Molag Bal?

"You made a pact with Molag Bal?" Bjorn questioned, wanting to get to the bottom of it all as quickly as he could. He didn't wish to be near that evil shrine for to long, he had heard horror stories of the things that Molag Bal tends to force his followers into doing to gain his favor. Harkon spoke.

"In an age long forgotten to history, I ruled as a mighty king. My domain was vast, my riches endless and my power infinite. And yet as my mortal life neared an end, I faced a seemingly invincible enemy; my mortality. I pledged myself to Molag Bal, and in his name I sacrificed a thousand innocents. In reward, he gave everlasting life to my wife, my daughter, and myself. Thus I have defeated mortality himself. Now, are you ready to hone the skills I have bestowed upon you?"

Bjorn trained with Harkon for the better part of that day. Harkon taught him how to shift in and out of the terrible form Harkon had taken to bestow the gift upon Bjorn. Called the Vampire Lord, the form used blood magic, and life magic to kill its foes. Feeling a power he had never felt, Bjorn did feel as if he could take on the whole world, like he knew that nothing the world could throw at him, would ever overtake him. After his training, Bjorn assumed his normal form, and began to take his leave, but Harkon stopped him.

"I have a task for you." He said simply, and Bjorn turned to nod to him, "I will do as you ask."

Harkon smiled, it would seem he had found a very suitable pawn indeed. "Good. Go and speak to Garan Marethei. Tell him it is time. He will understand."

Bowing before Harkon, Bjorn took his leave. Stepping down a few steps from the chamber he was in, Bjorn found himself face to face with Serana. She looked at him for a long moment, before suddenly rushing at him and throwing her arms about his neck and hugged him tightly. Bjorn, so shocked by the sudden affection, wasn't quit sure what to do. Before his mind could respond with hugging her back, Serana pulled away,

"Oh Bjorn! You finally woke up! Thank the Gods...I was so worried that you wouldn't make it through the trials. My fathers blood has killed many who have accepted it...I feared you'd be one of them."

Touched by her concern for him, Bjorn smiled and nodded gently, "What did you expect? I am a Nord man after all. I don't think a little blood can take me down."

Serana rolled her eyes and then stepped away, her hands fully leaving his body and she just looked at him for a moment, "The transformation suits you. I like the paleness of your face, and the red-orange is much better than what you had before." She teased gently, which made Bjorn playfully scowl at her. She rolled her eyes at his scowl and then waved her hand, as if to dismiss him like some common slave.

"Don't you have some errands to run?" She asked playfully, a grin tugging at the corners of her lips. Bjorn stuck his nose in the air, looking defiant for her amusement.

"Well yes of course I do. I am rather important around here Serana. After all, I did save your sorry hide from some cave."

Serana smacked his arm playfully and shook her head, a laugh coming from her throat, but as soon as it began, its stopped. Her eyes were fixed on something behind Bjorn, and when Bjorn went to look, he found that Harkon had just passed.

With all cheer gone from Serana's face, she shook her head, "I have to go." And before Bjorn could even utter a word, she was off. Giving a sigh of frustration, Bjorn shook his head and walked onward through the castle, looking for this Garan fellow.

Walking through the mainhall, and hearing a few cutting words from the nearby Nord and High Elf, Bjorn managed to get a location on Garan from a nearby imperial. Walking to the adjacent room, and up the stairs, Bjorn found the Dunmer vampire inspecting something on a table. Approaching, Bjorn cleared his throat,

"Are you Garan Marethei?" He asked to the Dunmer, who looked over his shoulder and nodded.

"Yes I am he. And you are?"

"My name is Bjorn. I have a message from Harkon."

Garan nearly cut him off, "Lord Harkon. Remember your place." He paused for the briefest of moments, "Now, what is our Lord's wish?"

Bjorn gave a slight shrug, "He simply said 'Its time'"

Garan's expression turned from mild annoyance to shock. His eyesbrows shot up so high Bjorn thought they might puncture a hole in the roof. "Well well." Garan said with a click of his tongue. "He wants the Claice then? You've heard of the Bloodstone Chalice yes?"

Bjorn shook his head, "I've never head of it."

Garan shrugged, not looking surprised.

"Its a rather well kept secret. The Chalice has been in Lord Harkons possession for quite some time. It is able to increase the potency of our powers."

Garan suddenly pushed away from the table, walked right past Bjorn and down the stairs. Bjorn was quick to follow. As they walked, Garan continued his tale, "Lord Harkon has neglected it for ages, so if he wants it now, grander things are in the future. Good. Lord Harkon has never cared to use the chalice, relying on his more than adequate powers until now. This is an intriguing change."

They passed into the main hall, and came between the Nord and the High Elf who were still exchanging insults. Garan stopped and looked between the two, a slight look of annoyance crossing his features.

"Excuse us. I need to fetch the Bloodstone Chalice."

The High Elf looked at Garan with a surprised expression, "The Chalice? Why?"

The nord shared the same expression, but his was more angered than just surprise, "What are you going on about?"

Garan waved a hand dismissively at the Nord, which made the Nord look even more upset. "Lord Harkon's orders Orthjolf. Calm yourself. He has instructed our friend here to fill it."

The elf looked to Bjorn, with a little more intrigue than surprise this time. "Really?" He questioned towards Garan.

Garan just nodded, "Indded. He is off to Redwater Den."

Both the High Elf and the Nord nodded their heads and spoke their wishes of good luck and favores of the gods upon Bjorn, which seemed strange to him. Pushing forward past them, Garan shrugged, explaining. "Vingalmo and Orthjolf are Harkon's prime advisors. 'm sure they're quite surprised you're taking the Chalice." He gave a laugh, as if it were some inside joke that Bjorn didn't know just yet.

Stepping into a side room that held a single little pedistole, and upon it a large silver chalice with intricate carve work done about it, Bjorn and Garan stopped. Garan continued to speak, "And here we are." He motioned to the chalice. "Now this Chalice needs to be filled directly from the Bloodspring that is at the heart of Redwater Den. But thats not enough. Once thats done, the blood of a powerful vampire must be added. Keep in mind that Redwater Den has fallen into...well lets just say less than reputable members of society have taken hold in there. It's your choice to deal with them, or force your way through. But hurry back. You don't want to keep Lord Harkon waiting."

Nodding and takin the Chalice, Bjorn set it within one of his belt pouches and then nodded to Garan. Stepping out of the room they were in, Bjorn cast a quick glance around the main floor, as if hoping to catch a glympse of Serana before he left. But alas, she was not there. Feeling his heart sink a little more, Bjorn hung his head and headed out into the rain that had taken hold of the castle while they were inside. He had to go to this Redwater Den.

He hoped Serana would still be at this castle when he returned...

 

[Askar]

(( After a long Hiatus I have decided to pick this story up again! There will be a chapter up soon! ))

 

[Askar]

Chapter 5​

Speluncam Latronum - Den of Thieves​

​

The ride to the Rift was long and tedious, along with lonely. Bjorn had been alone for a lot of his life, but that didn't exactly make it easy, especially when he had finally found a companion. He missed Serana, he couldn't lie about it anymore. Sure, they had been together just a mere week of traveling to her home, but in all that time he had someone to talk to. Someone to ask him questions, someone to look honestly interested in the world around them. He missed her inquisitive nature, the way her eyes would light up when she'd understand the significance of something. Snapping himself out of his thoughts, Bjorn looked around at the forests of the Rift. He had to admit, the Rift was one of his favorite areas of Skyrim, the way the trees would reach high into the sky and the leaves would turn the most amazing colors within the fall. It truly was the picture of serenity.​

​

Pulling out his map, Bjorn looked around as he sat atop the saddle on his stallion. Despite being beautiful, it was quite obvious that he was lost. Giving a light growl of frustration at being so utterly lost, Bjorn pulls the reigns of his horse to the side and off to the East. Coming to the conclusion that this place was far to out of the way for its own good, Bjorn continued onward.​

​

After a few hours of wandering and a few more hours walking around in circles, Bjorn finally made it to the dalapited home that was Redwater Den. To call this place a house was an insult really, it didn't have a roof, nor walls that separated the rooms, and the weeds had just overtaken the whole place. Standing outside upon the broken down porch, was a man clad in simple leather armor with a bow and quiver upon his back. Tethering the horse at a tree nearby, Bjorn dismounted and made his way towards the house. The man outside crossed his arms and looked at Bjorn with what could be described as an annoyed look. Giving a grunt, the man shook his head and spoke in an annoyed voice that hinted that he really wasn't paying much attention either.​

​

"If you're here for the Skooma go downstiars. Otherwise, shove off."​

​

Shrugging a shoulder and deciding that was enough information he needed, Bjorn made his way into the broken down house and stumbled upon yet another lookout. This time it was a woman, who was sitting in front a lightly lit hearth and drinking a bit of mead. Pausing to see what she would say, Bjorn offered a small smile as the woman looked to him. She then nodded her head and says with a slight sultry undertone to her voice.​

​

"Hey there friend, if you need a fix you're at the right place. Head on down the trapdoor."​

​

Nodding his head, Bjorn walked towards the other end of the run down house and stumbled upon the trapdoor both the lookout's had spoken about. Opening it up, Bjorn made his way down the ladder that the trapdoor held and soon came upon a large room that was lit by a few goat horn scions. Walking into the opening, Bjorn found yet another door and yet another man. This man was much more muscular, and much more heavily armored than the ones upstairs. Eyeing Bjorn over, the man didn't move to stop him, or anything else, so Bjorn assumed it was safe to go in. So walking towards the door, Bjorn put his hand up to push the door open, but was stopped when the thick wooden club the doorman held stopped him by pressing against his chest.​

​

"Hold it. If you're going downstairs you keep your weapons to yourself, or else we'll be getting much better acquainted."​

​

Nodding to show he understood, Bjorn took a slight step back and eyed the doorman over, who eyed him over as well. After deciding neither of them will do anything to harm the other, the doorman nods his head.​

​

"Head on in and behave yourself."​

​

Stepping out of the way and removing the club from Bjorn's chest, the doorman opened the door and resumed his post. Without a sound, Bjorn made his way down the light flight of stairs and into the next room, which was much larger than the one before. The room was well lit but that was the only thing pleasant thing about it. The air was stale and disgusting, and reeked of all bodily fluids one could think of. The smell of piss, spit, sex, vomit, and especially blood just filled the air and the area like it were never going to get clean. Though the other smells were awful, blood was the worst within the area. The only way to explain it was like the owners had taken five fat cows, dragged them down here, and then slaughtered them all, and allowed the blood to seep into the wood to the point where no ammount of scrubbing could clean it. The smell was so powerful, so overwhelming that Bjorn had to take a moment to compose himself. It made that hunger at the back of his neck intensify. The air was filled with another awful truth besides the smell, but the sound of men and woman sobbing and coughing and hacking their lungs out swirled around Bjorn's head.​

​

Swallowing hard to control himself, Bjorn stepped up to the counter that was the only thing in the room. The heavy iron bars that caged the bar in were not something to put Bjorn at east, it would seem there were chances of violence here. Stepping up to the counter, Bjorn eyed the woman there, who was cleaning some mugs of mead. Standing before the bars, Bjorn eyed the cage that surrounded her, and the door at the back, curious to know where that went. The woman caught sight of him and turned around with a smile,​

​

"Ahh! Welcome, welcome! I don't believe we've seen you here before have we? You can buy from me, then join any booth you'd like."​

​

Looking to see what she was talking about, Bjorn realized that to call this place a home was an understatement. There were, as she put it, booths instead of rooms. They were separated by a few planks as a wall, and a few stools along with some beds here and there. It truly was a Skooma den in the most dramatic way possible. Looking back to the woman behind the counter he nodded and she gave him a smooth smile,​

​

"You seem tense...join a booth and relax, or do you need another fix?"​

​

Bjorn gave a smile and nodded lightly while looking around, gesturing with a hand in a relaxed and vague way.​

​

"What is this place?"​

​

The woman behind the counter began to laugh good and hard, her head falling back as she chuckled at his question. When she saw no jest in Bjorn's eyes her laughter quickly died in her throat. Herf face then slowly turned into a deadpan look.​

​

"Wait...you're serious? This is Redwater Den, purveyors of the best Skooma outside of Balmora."​

​

At her explanation Bjorn looked skeptical and unsure. He shrugged and said with a laugh,​

​

"Oh come on, whats so special about your Skooma? There can't be much you do to change the formula other than refine the Moon Sugar more."​

​

The dealer laughed again and shook her head, as if finding his naivety hilarious.​

​

"The secret is our mystic Redwater Spring. The magic in the water opens the mind to experience Skooma in a way like never before."​

​

Nodding his head a bit Bjorn tried to seem impressed and then nods his head before reaching into the counter with an open hand. "How about a sample?"​

​

The dealer nodded and smiled softly before thinking on it coyly for a moment and then reached under the countertop and produced a small red bottle with a large glass topper. She offered it o Bjorn and smiled, "Since its your first time handsome here you go. Pick a booth and enjoy."​

​

Taking the bottle away Bjorn tipped his head in thanks and then made his way to the booths. Each one was filled up, regardless of if it was either side of the long hallway. A few were wretching, lost in some Shor forsaken nightmare. Others were laying flat and motionless, lost in their world of endless highs and joys. Bjorn passed a booth that had a sight that both surprised and didn't surprise him; there was a dead body. Whoever was within that booth must have taken just a bit too much and poisoned themselves, passing away to whatever afterlife that would claim their kind in their sleep. As Bjorn was looking at the body, wondering how it could have possibly come to that for that poor lost soul, two strong hands gripped the front of his body and whriled him around. Before Bjorn was a man wearing fine cloths, with finely combed hair and a nicely cut beard; he was clearly a nobleman of some kind, and also clearly so out of his head on the Skooma he didn't kno anything else. With a manic grin, the man spoke,​

​

"I once paid THREE THOUSAND gold for this fugus that grows in giants armpits! I couldn't saand for DAYS!" The man leaned back to give this word emphasis and then straightened to grin at Bjorn, "But that was NO WHERE as good as this stuff!"​

​

Before Bjorn could shake the man off, a Dunmer man, who looked to be the assistant walked up, gripped the nobleman by the shoulders and dragged him off to his own little booth with another bottle. Thankful for being away from the nobleman, Bjorn walked down the hallway a bit more and found that at the end there was a gated door with a heavy lock, and upon close inspection he found that it wasn't able to be picked easily, if at all. Looking behind him, Bjorn also noticed that the Dunmer man had eyes like a hawk, watching Bjorn's every step. Getting through that gate would be impossible. Turning to the right, Bjorn found an empty booth with a single stool and decided it would do. Hearing a man cough hard, and a few grunts, Bjorn quickly played like he had take his skooma and was going into a stupor. Keeping an eye slightly peeked, Bjorn saw the Dunmer man dragging a passed out man to the gate and opening it before passing the body to another pair of unseen hands.​

​

Deciding that was the only way to get in there, Bjorn looked at the red bottle in his hands and gave sigh. So its come to this? Doing drugs to further his position in a court of vampires? But what was he to do? Not do it and never see Serana again? Sighing lightly again, Bjorn decided there was nothing else to do. Uncorking the top, Bjorn downed the liquid in one quick go.​

​

It tasted like donkey piss. Well, not that Bjorn had tasted donkey piss, but if he were to ever guess at what it tasted like, this was it. Despite the taste, the effects happened very quickly, quicker than bjorn thought it would. His vision began to haze and his senses dull as euphoria took over. Everything felt like it was tingling, every nerve ending was ablaze and any thoughts that entered his brain grew wings and flew away before they could properly form. Feeling his mind grow heavy with the feeling, Bjorn found himself passing out quickly, and dropping the glass bottle to the ground with a clank, Bjorn slipped into the darkness.​

​

------------​

Bjorn felt like he had literally been punched in the head by a rampaging giant with a stone for a fist. Senses came to him slowly and painfully, his mind spinning and Bjorn was vaguely aware that two people were speaking. He thought it was a man and a woman, but he wasn't quire sure. Blinking a fe times as sight came back, Bjorn saw the dealer woman from before and a tall dunmer vampire. Bjorn could tell by the smell that he was surrounded by vampires and Thralls, and that both pleased and annoyed him, more people to kill and more sneaking around. Vaguely Bjorn caught their conversation,​

​

"Thats the last of them. Poor sods can't resist after they get a taste of your dosed Skooma!"​

​

The sound of lugging something atop a table, Bjorn became aware that he was lighter in person, without his quiver and bow but everything else was still intact. Sitting up slowly, Bjorn tried to gain his head as it stopped spinning and he caught the rest of the conversation and that made him grin lightly.​

​

"The water from the spring makes the Skooma so much more potent, we'll have all the thralls we'll ever need. Good thing the boss heard that old farmer running his mouth off in that tavern about finding this place."​

​

Deciding he wasn't going to be anyone's thrall, or anyone's plaything, Bjorn made it to the gate that closed him in. Rolling his shoulders Bjorn moved as a shadow, silent as a ghost as he slid up behind the vampire who was standing guard at the gate. Standing up straight, Bjorn reached out, wrapped one strong arm around the vampires neck and the other hand braced against his temple and with a hard jerking twist, snapped its neck in half without alerting anyone else. Dropping the dead vampire to the ground, Bjorn saw his quiver and bow on a table nearby. Checking the body quickly an finding a key he was free and with swift steps and quick hands, Bjorn had his weapons again. Notching an arrow, Bjorn made his way through the ancient looking catacombs below the house, searching for that fabled spring.​

​

------​

After a few hours of wandering and killing a few Vampires and Thralls, Bjorn made it deeper and deeper into the catacombs under the house. Thanks to a few loose lipped Thralls, Bjorn found that he was indeed getting closer and closer to the spring and that it was indeed here. Finding a large door at the end of the hallway, Bjorn found himself in a larger corridor than before. The walls were lined with coffins, which were mostly empty and a few death hounds roamed here and there, but one wouldn't call it heavily guarded or guarded at all. After a few wrong turns, Bjorn found himself looking down at a lower part of the room and there were two beings throwing bones to a couple of caged death hounds. He listened as they spoke, loving how loose lipped the people here could be.​

​

"So why don't you just drink the blood from the spring? I mean, that seems easier than rnning a Skooma den."​

​

It was a fair question Bjorn decided, a question that deserved to be answered so he stayed his hand on his bowstring as the female spoke next. The way she spoke was bored and annoyed, as if she'd had to explain this a few times with a growl.​

​

"The boss said its some sort of profaned spring. It looks like blood but its not the real thing. Drinking it gives you strength, but it also gets you pretty messed up....and thats why we thought of putting it in the Skooma you idiot!"​

​

Chuckling lightly at the womans anger at the poor thrall, who's brain was addled by the seduction spell, Bjorn wasn't surprised the man couldn't understand the concept. Regardless, he found out some new information that was useful, Harkon wanted the strength, but why have strength when it made you stupid in the head? Shrugging and deciding their usefulness was at its end, Bjorn notched a few arrows and shot them, ending the lives of those below him quickly.​

​

Moving down a few corridors, Bjorn found a few more twists and turns but came to another large door that led into an even larger corridor that probably at one point the grave site for valiant ancient Nord warriors and possibly a king. However now it was just a haven for the vampries, all the graves dug up and the bodies descrated to find any and all remaining blood that may have remained, and even maybe some marrow that would sustain them. It was a mess really and Bjorn couldn't help but feel sad at the sight of it, it was probably beautiful in its prime. A few skeletons roamed here and there but they were easy picking with a well placed arrow, and across the way was another large pair of wooden doors. Heading towards them Bjorn found that they were locked up tighter than a Khajiit's pocket, only a key would open this lock.​

​

Growling in frustration, Bjorn spun around and tried to find some hint to what he needed to find for this door but there was little evidence. Walking back towards the middle, Bjorn had to quickly jump behind some cover when a sound like thunder echoed through the corridor. Peeking up from his hiding place Bjorn saw another Dunmer vampire wander from a coffin on the far wall. The sound had come from the door of the coffin smacking against the stone pillar that was before it. The Dunmer man wobbled this way and that ash e walked as he muttered about the Bloodspring and how he was a genius. Notching an arrow, Bjorn steadied his hand but the lingering affect of the Skooma had caused his arrow to miss its mark, instead hitting the Vampire in the shoulder.​

​

Stumbling back with a yelp, the vampire charged an ice spike in his hand and looked around with wild eyes for the culprit of the rogue arrow. NOtching another arrow, Bjorn pulled the bow string back and popped up and got ready to fire, but quick as lightning the Vampire shot that ice spike and it dug into Bjorn's upper arm with a dull thud. Hissing in pain, Bjorn let the arrow fly and off it went striking the vampire right in the middle of the neck. Falling back as death took him, the vampire rattled out a strangled "Noooo..." before giving into the darkness. Clutching his arm in pain and to try and stem the bleeding, Bjorn made it to the body and searched it for anything important. Finding that it was the founder of this spring and the person who runs this Skooma Den, Bjorn thanked his lucky stars. Also finding a key upon the mans person, Bjorn made it to the door and pushed them open, and the sound of water and the smell of blood greeted his senses.​

​

Stepping into the room Bjorn found himself at the Spring at last. After all this time, he was finally there, he could finally get this damned mission over with so he could return to see Serana. Moving to the spring, Bjorn found that it smelt just blood, but the consistancy was not the same, it wasn't as viscus as blood, but flowed like water. Whatever magic created this was old and probably Daedric in nature. Digging into his pack, Bjorn found the chalice and set it into the spring and allowed the water to fill it. Once pulling it free, Bjorn watched as the water moved into little crevices and magic held it there so that it wouldn't spill. Deciding that was good enough for him, Bjorn set the chalice back within his bags and while prepariing to leave hears the sound of doors open. Looking up, Bjorn finds a sight before him he wasn't expecting, two vampires from Harkon's court were before him, blocking the path out. Recognizing them as Salonia and Stalf of Hakon's court, Bjorn doesn't ready any arrows and nods to them, as if thinking they were here to congratulate him. Salonia was the first to speak.​

​

"It's really too bad, you know. The little accident you had here, was completely unexpected..."​

​

Stalf chuckled next ot her and shrugged lightly.​

​

"Yeah, too bad. Lord Harkon's new favorite, dead so soon after joining the family"​

​

Realization hit Bjorn like a lead brick, they were here to kill him and steal the chalice for hteir own. Pulling his bow, Bjorn readied it, glaring at the two with a snarl, yet they just bickered amongst themselves.​

​

"We're so lucky I was here to return the Chalice to Vingalmo, so he could make sure Harkon gets it back."​

​

"Wait, what? Thats not what we agreed. We take it back together!"​

​

Stalf had bared his teeth at Salonia, realizing he was double crossed. Salonia laughed a cruel laughter that was cruel and cold all at the same time.​

​

"Idiot. You didn't really think I'd let you walk out of here either did you? Vingalmo wants you both dead!"​

​

Stalf laughed again, and then shrugged, "Well thats just fine! Orthjolf told me to finish off anyone who got in the way anyway!"​

​

And with that the two attacked each other with sword and axe. They fell upon each other like water on the beach and tore into the others flesh with metal and claws. The battle was over quickly, with Salonia the winner, she had managed to dodge the heavy axe blow from Stalf and with a swift arm, sliced his neck nearly all the way through with the blade of her sword. Falling to a heap, Stalf died there on the spot, but Salonia took no relish in her victory as she turned on Bjorn who was so entranced by the fighting to have readied anything.​

​

She was upon him quicker than he could have imagined and sliced into his arm with a deadly blow. Snarling lowly as blood trickled down his already damaged arm, Bjorn kicked forward and managed to kick Salonia away from him enough to draw an arrow and aimed. Letting it loose, Bjorn was happy to see that it met its mark in her shoulder. IT paused the woman enough to allow Bjorn to get another arrow ready and swiftly fired it at her neck. When blood errupted from Salonia bjorn knew he had won this fight. Kicking her again, Bjorn left the woman to die there, unable to bring himself to care for their politics. He had the chalice thats all that mattered.​

​

Taking to the shadows, Bjorn exited this place, leaving all those behind without another thought. He had to get back to the castle, he had someone to see after all.​