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Chapter Text

I was standing in the darkness of Dimhollow Crypt. Lokil and his female companion lie dead on the ground, their corpses charred and blacked. The firestorm scroll I found at the top of the chamber had seen to that.

There was what seemed to be a button on top of a raised pedestal and I was contemplating my next step. Irsan had asked me to find out what the vampires were looking for here. The Vigilant Tolan lay dead near the entrance and Vigilant Adalvald was killed by Lokil as I arrived in this chamber. I found some notes made by Adalvald but they spoke mostly of stonework and praise of Stendar.

I glared at the button and slowly pressed it with my hand. Of course a spike shot up through my hand and pain pulsed through my entire arm. I grunted and slowly pulled my hand upward off the spike which began to retract. Blood was freely flowing out of the shockingly large hole in my hand. And my glove was ruined.

I concentrated with some difficulty and managed to call forth enough magicka to produce a healing spell. It took a few minutes but this stopped the bleeding, repaired the bones, and closed the skin at least. Although I suspected it was going to be quite sore for a few days.

As this was happening I noticed purple flames were burning in a circle surrounding the pedestal. I also took note of several braziers scattered around and it didn’t take too long to figure out they could be slid to various locations. Once they were in the correct locations the floor began to descend and what looked like a stone sarcophagus rose out of a swirling purple pool.

As the sarcophagus stopped rising the door opened and what looked like a woman stumbled out and fell to her knees. I instinctually moved forward to help but stopped after a moment. Why did I do that? I had no idea who or what this was. As they rose to their feat they spoke.

“Where am I?” She looked at me directly and her orange glowing eyes told me she was a vampire. “Who are you?” she asked.

I tensed and said, “Tiberius, who are you?” Why did I tell her my name?

“Serana.” she said. Her eyes flicked down slightly but quickly re-centered on my face. I backed up a step and she actually chuckled.

“Are you afraid of me?” she asked, a small toothless smile played on her lips. I stared at her mouth and face. She was actually very attractive. Dark hair, high cheekbones, and full lips. Very pale though. Also her clothes were in a fashion I had never seen before. Wait, she asked me a question.

“Ummm…yes? I said. “You’re a vampire. I’m shocked we are speaking and not fighting. Every other vampire I came across in this place tried to kill me.”

She took a slow step forward and said, “I don’t want to fight you. I could actually use your help.”

I swallowed and stood my ground. She made me nervous in a strange way I couldn’t quite put my finger out. I shook my head slowly and said, “Isran would not like that.”

“Who is Isran,” she said. “Your master?” She took another step forward.

“He’s not my master.” I said quickly. “He’s the leader of the Dawnguard.” She was very close now, within easy reach.

She frowned slightly and I found I didn’t like that I may have caused that. “I’m not familiar with the Dawnguard but they don’t sound friendly to vampires.”

I shook my head, trying to clear it. “They certainly aren’t. They would probably want me to kill you.” I watched her closely as I said this but she only smiled slightly.

“And what do you want?” she whispered. Her hand was suddenly pressing lightly against my chest. I hadn’t even seen her move. I panicked and shouted at her.

“FUS!” she stumbled back slightly and a look of utter shock registered on her face.

She recovered quickly but did not move from where she had stumbled. “You know the Thu’um?” she said.

I had recovered somewhat from my shock. “Yes, a little.” I looked down at my feet. “I’m so sorry, you startled me.” Why did it feel important that I apologize?

She stepped slowly toward me again, raising her hand and resting it lightly on my chest again. “That’s alright, I didn’t mean to startle you.” She smiled at me again, this time showing a little flash of teeth.

She turned away quickly and said, “Shall we go?”

“Go?” I said. “Where are we going?”

“You’re going to escort me to my family’s castle.” she said. “I feel like I’ve been down here a very long time and I need to know the state of things.”

I was pretty sure that was a terrible idea but I said, “Alright. Let’s get going.” I smiled back at her and she laughed.

We fought our way out of the crypt battling gargoyles, draugr, and skeletons primarily. I keep a close eye on Serana but she was very capable of handling herself. I could tell she was a skilled mage at the very least. Between battles we chatted.

“Is that an Elder Scroll?” I asked her

“Yes,” she said curtly. “And it’s mine.”

I raised my hands and said, “Of course, I have only heard of them and was curious.”

She told me she wasn’t on the best terms with her father when she was hidden away but that she should be safe there. Safe from what she did not elaborate on.

I filled her in on what I knew about the current political situation. She was very surprised the empire was ruled out of Cyrodil. She must have been buried for a very long time. She told her her castle was on an island near Solitude and was pretty sure she could lead us to a boat that would take us there.

“Serana,” I said. “Why were you locked away to begin with? And why did no one ever come for you?”

She turned and looked at me, her eyes glowing from the darkness. “I’d rather not go into that right now.” she said. “I’m not certain I can trust you.”

I nodded but her words hurt me more than I’m comfortable admitting. I had just met her and she really had no reason to trust me but I didn’t like that she didn’t. We moved on towards the gate that was hopefully the exit.

As we stepped out of the cave it was some time during the night and it was cold. I looked over at Serana and she was staring at the sky.

“It’s good to get out of that cave.” she said. I agreed and as we started down the mountain I wondered what I was thinking. Isran was going to be livid. Assuming I survived the vampire castle we were headed to. I pulled my cloak tighter around me and decided I would deal with that at a later time.

Chapter Text

We followed the trail down from the mountain and to the main road. I checked my map and decided we should move toward Dawnstar. Maybe we could stop there before continuing on. There was some kind of fort not too far down the road.

It was still night and as we approached the fort it became clear it was currently controlled by bandits. I gestured Serana to stop and crouched down behind a bush. She crouched down next to me.

“What is it?” she asked.

“Bandits.” I said and pointed to a sentry I could see on the wall. He was clearly silhouetted against the sky. She narrowed her eyes and turned to face me.

“How do you want to proceed?” she said.

I considered our options. We could try to bypass the fort but that could take some time and we still might be spotted. I had no idea how many of them were in there, however. I considered myself a skilled warrior and I knew some restoration and minor destruction magic. Also I was dragonborn was I not? Serana definitely held her own in the crypt so we may be able to take them if we were smart about it.

I looked at her and said, “I think we should fight through.” She nodded and waited for my move.

I stood up, drew my sword and prepared a flame spell. “Stay behind me.” I said and started moving toward the wall. As we got closer the sentry noticed us, drew a bow and yelled an alarm. I could see 3 or 4 others move towards the gate.

I heard Serana casting a spell behind me and an ice spike flew over my head and hit the sentry in the throat just as they were about to fire an arrow. I could hear a gurgle and then they fell backwards and disappeared.

One of the other bandits was closing the distance with me raising a large two-handed hammer above their head. As they got in range I cast a gout of flame towards their face. This took them by surprise and they cried out and halted their forward movement. I lunged forward taking advantage of the distraction and thrust my sword into an unarmored part of their chest. The blade sank deep but the bandit still managed to swing their hammer at me.

It was a weakened strike and I mostly dodged it but the hammer clipped my fur helmet. I saw stars and yanked my sword out of the bandit and did my best to retreat a few steps. As my vision cleared I could see the bandit fall onto their face in the snow but two more were approaching quickly.

I could feel blood running to my left eye, partially blinding me. I took a deep breath and shouted “FUS RO DAH!”

The force of my thu’um struck both of the bandits and lifted them off their feet. One of them flew back and ended up impaled on one of the spiked barricades that lined the front of the fort. The other tumbled head over heels and landed roughly onto the ground about 20 feet away.
As they were struggling to get up I saw Serana rush forward toward the bandit. They were scrambling to get away I think but she closed the distance very quickly and just stared at them. The bandit stopped scrambling and stood up slowly, a vacant look on their face. I could only watch as Serana grabbed the bandit by the hair and pulled their head to the side. Then she began to feed.

It wasn’t a delicate feeding. I had seen bodies that had been drained by vampires but had never actually witnessed the process. I know Serana had been buried a long time and maybe she was just very hungry but she tore this bandit's neck open and latched on to the whole. I could hear her sucking and swallowing and found myself taking a step back.

What was I doing? This was some kind of ancient vampire who had an Elder Scroll for some reason. Was I really escorting her to her family castle? She seemed perfectly capable of handling herself. Why did she need me?

I was still slowly backing up when she finished and dropped the body to the ground. She turned around and her entire lower face was covered with blood. Her eyes were glowing a bright orange and I could clearly see her fangs glinting in the torchlight.

“Tiberius,” she said breathily. I did not stop backing away. “Please,” she said. “I hadn’t fed in a very long time. I’m sorry you had to see that but I’m back in control now. I promise.”

I stopped moving and swallowed loudly. She hadn’t moved and seemed to just be waiting. She was standing very still. I took a slow step towards her, watching her closely. I realized my sword was still in my hand and I took a moment to clean the blood off and sheathed it. I also took a moment to heal the cut on my head. She still hadn’t moved.

“Serana,” I said, walking towards her slowly again. “Why do you need me to take you to your family castle? You are very capable and wouldn’t have a problem getting there on your own I expect.” I stopped a few feet in front of her. I realized she was several inches taller than me.

She shrugged slightly, looking at the ground. “You’re right, I probably could but I’ve been away a long time and this world is different and strange to me. I figured you could keep me out of trouble.” She looked up and smiled. It looked horrifying on her bloody face and I pulled out a rag and handed it to her.

She took the rag and looked at it for a moment before she began to clean her face. I turned away and as a distraction started to explore a bit. There was a small building of some sort to the left and a large courtyard to our right. I didn’t see any more bandits which was good.

The building turned out to be an inn and I went inside to check it out. There was a main room with a bar and tables and a large fireplace and a stairway that led down. Down stairs was some food and ale storage and a bed. There was a dead body on the bed who didn’t look like a bandit. Probably the innkeeper. I looked around for some furs and found some that were relatively clean and not covered in blood and took them upstairs.

Serana was sitting at one of the tables staring at the fire. She looked at me and the bundle I was carrying and raised an eyebrow.

“I’ve been awake for a long time and need some rest. There is a bed downstairs but it’s covered in blood so I thought I’d rest up here.” I told her. I scooted one of the tables aside and laid out the furs near the fire.

“There are enough for both of us.” I said softly. “Where shall I place yours? I’m actually not sure if you require rest?”

She just looked at me and motioned to the ground near my own furs. I set her up a bed a few feet from mine. I then went downstairs and carried the body outside and placed it about 30 feet away in a snowbank. Sorry about that nameless innkeeper.

I went back inside the inn, started the fire with a quick gout of flame, grabbed a bottle of ale and sat down at the table across from Serana. She was difficult to read but looked a little sad. I opened the bottle and took a long drink. I glanced over at her and she looked far less pale and I thought back to the scene outside with the bandit. At least her face was clean.

“Serana…” I started to say.

She shook her head and said, “I don’t want to talk about it.”

I nodded and finished my ale quickly. I then curled up on my furs with my back to her and tried to go to sleep. I didn’t think sleep would come considering my company but very soon darkness took me.

Chapter Text

Serana woke me gently a few hours later. I noticed her furs looked the same as if they hadn’t been slept on at all. The sun was up now and she quickly pulled a hood over her head. I was pretty sure sunlight at least weakened vampires but it didn’t seem to burn her skin.

We walked on for several miles in silence toward Dawnstar. I figured we could stop there for supplies and then follow the coast towards Solitude.

“That was a powerful shout you produced last night.” Serana said. “Where did you learn that?”

I shrugged and said, “The Greybeards.” She looked confused so I elaborated. “Some hermits that live at the top of the Throat of the World. Apparently I’m a Dragonborn so they feel duty bound to train me.”

I couldn’t really see her face under her hood but she stopped walking. “Dragonborn?” she said.

“Apparently so.” I replied. I turned towards her and put my arms out the side. “Disappointing I know.” I smiled a little.

She laughed softly and I was suddenly very pleased I had caused that. “Not disappointing at all, just surprising.” she said. “I wouldn’t mention that to my father if we end up talking to him.” she added in a serious tone. I nodded and we continued walking.

She was so confusing to me. My head wasn’t sure how to feel about her. On one hand she was a blood-sucking vampire. On the other she was Serana, someone whose company I found myself enjoying. I know we had only known each other a short time but I really did like her. Which in itself was also confusing. I wanted to hear her laugh and see her smile. Those things gave me joy, I realized. But then the image of her latched on to that bandit comes to mind and I do not want to see that again.

I thought maybe she had charmed me but if she had it was extremely well done and subtle. I felt perfectly in control of my thoughts and emotions. Well except that I wanted to somehow please her and do things for her and make her happy. I’m sure it’s fine. She’s a beautiful, interesting woman. Vampire.

I sighed and started again towards Dawnstar. The journey there was uneventful besides a few wolves and we did stop for supplies. We started to travel west along the coast in hopes of eventually finding that boat we could take to Serana’s family castle.

The journey took several days and we didn’t talk much although I kept an eye on her and she on me it seemed. I did try to ask her about her family but she didn’t really seem to want to talk about them so I stopped asking.

“I think we are close.” she said. We walked in the direction she motioned and I could see a small isolated dock with a rowboat some distance ahead. We moved towards it and she climbed aboard the boat. I pushed the boat into the water, jumped on and sat down at the oars. I could see a mist shrouded castle across the water and started to row for it.

About half way there Serana spoke. “Listen,” she said. “When we get inside I’m going to want to be on my own for a while. I need to figure things out and come up with a plan.”

“Alright,” I said. “A plan for what?” I wasn’t sure how I felt about this entire situation. I didn’t really want to even be at this castle. I didn’t know how I felt about her leaving me to be on her own. That was nonsense. Of course she wanted to be on her own. She just needed me to keep her out of trouble on the way to the castle. She said as much. What did I expect?

She looked at me intently. “Depending on how things go, I’ll tell you later,” she said.
“You’ll be able to stay out of trouble on your own?” I said, trying to smile but I don’t think I managed it.

She did give me a slight smile and said, “For now.” She reached out and touched my leg softly. “I’ll be safe, I promise.”

We docked on the island and started walking towards the castle. The next block of time is kind of a blur. We went inside the castle and the vampires there recognized and seemed surprised to see Serana. I remember her father, Harkon, asking about the Elder Scroll first thing and then turning his attention to me.

He offered, as a reward for finding Serana, to make me a vampire. Not just any vampire apparently but one like he and Serana were. He transformed into his beast form and showed me what powers I might possess.

I declined his offer and he banished me. I wasn’t sure what that meant at first but he used some kind of magic to transport me physically out of the castle near the dock. I was unclear where Serana was during all of this. I was too busy trying not to scream at the monster while brushing viscera from his transformation off my armor.

I think I lost consciousness briefly during the trip out of the castle and when I came to I started immediately back towards the castle. I had to find Serana. No, that was a terrible idea. That place was full of powerful vampires who had kicked me out. Going back would be a death sentence.

She told me she would be safe. Best I just left and tried to forget about her. I turned and started walking towards the dock. When I got there and looked back at the castle. By the Nine what was wrong with me? I smacked myself on the forehead a few times, climbed in the boat and began to row back across the water. It was going to be a long trip to Riften.

Chapter Text

It was indeed a long trip back to Riften. I seemed to get more sullen the closer I got. I was only with Serana for a few days but I already missed her presence. I was beginning to believe she had somehow charmed me or something. Hopefully it would wear off in time but I really did want to see her again, somehow.

Once I got to Riften I stayed at my house Honeyside for a day to prepare myself to speak with Isran. I wasn’t looking forward to that. Akatosh knows I only really checked out Dawnguard because I didn’t want to deal with the civil war.

When I arrived at Dawnguard the next day I was right about Isran. He was furious I had let the monster go and even more furious that I let her keep the Elder Scroll. I just nodded and agreed to his next task which was to locate and recruit a couple of his friends. Sorine and Gunmar apparently so I left in search of them.

They were easy enough to find even if it took awhile. Sorine seemed very eccentric but she agreed to head to Fort Dawnguard after I found her bag of Dwemer trinkets. Gunmar just wanted me to help him kill a bear and after that he also headed to the Fort.

I took my time heading back myself. I stopped in Whiterun to say hello to Lydia and some other folks and see if anything had changed. Nothing had. It seems everything was on hold without my direct involvement. I still thought about Serana every day. Dreamed about her sometimes.

I eventually made it back to Fort Dawnguard and when I entered I could hear Isran on the upper floor of the main room.

“Welcome back.” they said and the roof opened and a stream of sunlight poured in. I think it was somehow magically enhanced. I put my hands in front of my eyes as I looked up and Isran grunted and the roof closed. I could hear him coming down the stairs.

“Sorine and Gunmar are getting settled in.” he said once he was down.

“Alright…what was that all about?” I said as I motioned toward the roof.

“Just a precaution,” he said. “Now would you like to explain why a vampire showed up here looking for you?”

My heart leaped to my throat. A vampire, here? It had to be Serana. Why was she looking for me? Isran started walking toward their chambers and I followed.

“The vampire showed up sometime after you left,” he said. “I assume it’s the one you found in Dimhollow. It says it has an important topic to discuss with you.”

We arrived in his chambers and went into one of the back areas and I saw her. I tried not to smile but I must have because she smiled a little back at me. I noticed we were in what looked like a torture room, dirty tools and all. I immediately became angry and looked harshly at Isran.

“You have a torture room?” I said loudly. “Did you torture Serana?” I had moved closer to him as I spoke.

“Back off.” Isran said. “I didn’t torture it, not that the thought didn’t cross my mind.”

“I’m fine, Tiberius.” Serana said. I turned to look at her and I was unable to read the look in her eyes.

Isran looked at Serana as well and said, “Well what’s so important?”

Serana then began to explain that her father Harkon believed in a prophecy and once fulfilled would allow him to darken the sun. She called in Tyranny of the Sun. She said Harkon was mad and she left to get away from him and see if there was a way to stop the prophecy.

“I need your help.” she said directly to me.

“Of course I will help.” I said moving closer to her.

“Wait just a moment.” Isran said. I turned to him and I could see his eyes were full of hatred. “Why shouldn’t I just kill this bloodsucker right now?”

I bit back my first response which was something like I’d love to see you try and instead settled on something more diplomatic.

“Isran, think for a moment.” I said calmly. “Serana risked her life to come here and tell us about this. Set your hatred aside for just a moment and think about the world outside of your Fort.”

“Not a chance I’ll ever set my hatred aside.” Isran said, his voice dripping with venom. “It’s what keeps me strong.”

I pitied him just then. “I understand you don’t trust her.” I said, remaining calm. “Try to trust me, I believe her.”

He looked from Serana to me a few times. “Fine, it can stay for now,” he said quietly. “Understand this, if it lays a hand on anyone I’m holding you responsible,” and he stormed off angrily.

I turned to Serana and almost reached out to touch her but did not. She looked back at me for a moment and then smiled fully.

“It’s good to see you, Tiberius.” she said and touched my arm. I put my hand gently on top of hers.

“I’m very pleased to see you as well, Serana.” I responded. Trying to keep what I assumed was a besotted look off my face. Now that she was here all the feelings were coming back. I was confused and excited.

“I have a house in Riften.” I said to her. “Would you accompany me there? I’d like to speak more privately.” She raised an eyebrow at me. “About plans and things.” I added.

She nodded and said, “Lead on.”

I led her out of the Fort and back to Riften. Arrived at my house and went inside. Iona was there and I told her I was going to need some privacy for a bit. She looked at me and then Serana said “Yes, my Thane.” and walked out of the house.

“Thane?” Serana said, smiling broadly.

I gave her a sheepish look and said, “Yes well, I cleared out a skooma ring centered near the city and the Jarl thought that deserved an award.

“Busy boy.” Serana said.

An odd thrill shot through my body at the word “boy.” That was strange. Where had that come from?

I motioned to a table and waited for her to sit down before I sat across from her. I sat there for a few moments in silence trying to figure out how to ask what I needed to ask.

“Who was the woman?” Serana asked.

“Hmmm?” I said, looking up. “Oh that was Iona, my housecarl. Apparently she came with the title. She takes care of the house as I’m away most of the time these days.”

“I see.” she said.

Alright may as well just ask. “Serana?” I started, “Please don’t misunderstand this but did you cast a charm spell or anything like that on me?”

She looked at me for what seemed to be a very long time. Her expression was blank and she was very still. I couldn’t see her move or blink or even breathe.

“No,” she said after a while. “I did not, and would never, cast any sort of charm on you.”

I let out a loud exhale. I believed her but if I wasn’t charmed then why was I having these feelings and desires?

“Why would you think that?” she asked me. Her face was animated again and she looked a little sad. I shrugged and struggled for an answer to that question that didn’t make me sound like a love-sick adolescent.

“Why would you never cast a charm spell on me?” I asked, trying to avoid the question.

“That’s a long, uncomfortable story.” she said. “You answer my question first and we’ll see how it goes.” So much for my attempted distraction.

“I thought you may have charmed me because of how I was…am thinking about you.” I said cautiously. “It was all I could do to leave you at the castle. I almost stormed back in and demanded to speak with you. I realized what a terrible idea was however, and just left.”

I was watching her face and her expression didn’t change much. She seemed to be waiting for me to continue.

“As I was traveling back to Riften you were often in my thoughts and sometimes my dreams.” It felt like I was failing to not sound love-sick. I looked down at my hands and said, “When I saw you again in the Fort I was extremely pleased you were alright. Then when I saw the torture devices…I was ready to shout Isran to Obvlivon.”

“If you haven’t charmed me,” I said, still staring down at my hands. “Then the thoughts and feelings I’m having are caused by some other reason.”

I saw her hand reaching out to cover my own. It wasn’t cold. “What reason would that be?” I looked up and she seemed slightly amused.

“As base as it may sound I’d like to think infatuation.” I said. “You are a very beautiful woman. That said, I don't believe that is what I am feeling.”

“Why do you believe it’s something else?” she said. I squirmed a bit in my seat. This was even harder than I thought.

“Well,” I started. “From prior experience if it was simply infatuation the thoughts I am having would be more often…” I paused and just looked at her.

“Sexual?” she said. I blushed pretty furiously I think.

“Yes!” I said, louder than I meant. “Not that I don’t sometimes imagine that.” What did I just say? She laughed and sat back in her chair. Her hand moved off of mine as a result.

“I’m curious,” she said, “what thoughts you are having then?” I felt like this was dangerous territory.

She noticed my hesitation and said, “Perhaps that’s enough for now.” She stood up and asked, “Do you have a bath in this house?” I stood up as well, pleased she gave me some reprieve.

“Of course.” I said, “It’s right this way.” I led her to the bathing room and opened the door. “The tap is actually enchanted to dispense warm water. Perk of being a Thane I suppose.”

“Fancy.” she said smiling and moved into the room. I smiled back at her, happy she seemed pleased.

“I’ll leave you to it then.” I said and quickly left her alone. Grelka, I needed to talk to Grelka. I left the house and went to the market section, finding Grelka’s stand quickly.

“Grelka!” I said. “How is business?” She scowled at me.

“Awful. What do you want?”

“I know you deal primarily in armor,” I said, “but I was hoping you might have something like a dress?”

“A dress?” she said, surprised. “I didn’t think you were the type to wear a dress.”

“It’s not for me,” I said. “Nord woman, tall like Iona. Do you have anything or should I take my business elsewhere?”

“Hold on now.” she said quickly. “I don’t have any dresses but how about some soft leather trousers and a tunic?” I motioned for her to show me. The trousers looked like they might fit and the tunic didn’t have any sleeves but she could maybe wear one of my shirts underneath.

“Fine, I’ll take them.” I paid for the items and went back to Honeyside, grabbed a shirt and sat down. Should I knock and let her know? Was that too forward? How would she know otherwise? I stood up and then sat back down.

I stood up again and walked over to the door. I knocked quietly and said “Serana?” She said something but I couldn’t quite make out what it was. I knocked again and very slightly opened the door.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t hear you.” I said through the crack. “I brought you some clothes if you want.”

“That was kind of you,” she said. “Just come in and put them down.” I swallowed nervously and slowly opened the door. I immediately averted my eyes and tossed the clothes on a chair nearby.

“Thank you,” she said. I mumbled a response and quickly closed the door. I had caught the briefest glimpse of her in the bath. Only her head was above the water, her hair undone, pale skin gleaming from beneath the water before the door closed fully.

I stood with my back leaning against the bathing room door. I’m in a lot of trouble, I decided.

Chapter Text

While I waited for Serana I went into my room and changed out of my armor into a simple shirt and some trousers. I also washed myself using the basin and a clean rag. Better than nothing. Serana was still in the bath when I finished so I grabbed an ale and sat down in one of the chairs.

I wonder if I messed things up? The mission regarding the Tyranny of the Sun seemed pretty important if the prophecy was to be believed. What if she no longer wanted my help? She didn’t immediately run out of the house so I suppose that was a positive sign. I took a long drink of my ale before setting it down and putting my head in my hands, groaning quietly.

I needed to figure out how I felt about Serana first of all. Or maybe I could just ignore it. Or maybe she would just tell me I was insane and just leave. Or maybe the next dragon I ran into would just eat me. I finished my ale and contemplated getting another when the bathroom door opened.

Serana stood there wearing the shirt and trousers I provided. Her hair was still down and damp and hung down her back past her shoulders. She was still pale but there was some color to her cheeks.

“Thank you very much for that.” she said, looking at me. “It was wonderful.” She walked over and stood in front of me. I noticed the trousers fit her extremely well. The shirt not as well but I was slightly shorter and broader than she was.

“It was honestly my pleasure to serve you.” I said. Why did I say that? It did give me pleasure I realized but I was trying to keep her from running away. She gave me a slight smile, softly touched my forearm and sat down in a chair near mine. I sat back down as well and waited, staring at my hands in my lap.

“You asked me why I would never charm you, earlier.” she said, and I nodded. “How would you guess my family and I became vampires?” she asked.

“A daedric prince I would assume.” I said. I was pretty sure I wasn’t going to like this conversation.

“Correct.” she affirmed. “Molag Bal in this case.” She grimaced when she said the name. “I think my parents must have always wanted us to bear this gift because I was…groomed from a very young age. My father sacrificed 1,000 of his own people to get Molag Bal’s attention.” I was sitting very still, watching her face. I think she was keeping her emotions hidden because her expression was neutral and did not change.

“I’ll just say the ceremony was…degrading. My parents watched and at some point I lost control of my own actions. I was fully aware of what was happening but I could not control myself. It was painful and extremely unpleasant. I don’t really want to dwell on the details.” I noticed her expression changed finally and she looked angry but it quickly passed.

“After it was completed and we had been granted our gifts I swore to myself I would do my best to never take someone's will from them.” She looked down at her lap. “That bandit at the fort was the first time I broke my oath.” she said very quietly. I was holding my breath, unclear what to say or do. I wanted so badly to touch her but I didn’t think that was a good idea. And what could I say?

“I had to,” she said desperately. “It was taking all of my willpower to not feed from you.” She looked up and I could see one small pink tear running down her cheek. I reached out very slowly and when she didn’t recoil I wiped the tear away with my thumb, cupping her face for just a moment. I sat back in my chair and rubbed my thumb and finger together, feeling the tear.

I thought back to the bandit scene at the fort. It was a little frightening to remember her like that but it was a bandit. I didn’t care that they were dead. I had killed plenty of them myself. Better him than me right? The image of her face, the bottom half covered in blood, her eyes glowing a bright orange came unbidden to my mind and I shuddered.

“You don’t have to answer,” I said, “but when you feed is it always like it was with the bandit?”

“No!” she said quickly. “I hadn’t fed for…I don’t know how long but well over 1,000 years. There were spells placed on my tomb to help sustain me but no one could have anticipated I would be buried for so long.” She reached out and grabbed my hands in hers. I didn’t flinch. “I promise you, Tiberius. I don’t actually have to feed all that often under normal circumstances and I can feed from someone who is asleep. That’s how non-violent it is.”

I squeezed her hands, looked directly in her eyes and said, “I believe you.” I could see some relief pass across her face. She let go of my hands and sat back.

“Good.” she said. “Now, I have a question for you.” Oh no.

“You mentioned that you were having thoughts and feelings about me.” she said. “I’d like to know more about that.” By the Nine. Alright, take a breath. Why does it feel like I’m shrinking in this chair?

“Well…” I started. “I thought about you the entire time we were apart. I know we have only known each other a short time but I missed your presence. Your conversation and your laugh. Even now I have a strong desire to be close to you and touch you.” I was feeling very small now. Looking everywhere but at her. “I can’t fully explain why,” I said very quietly. “But I want to do things for you. Like the bath and the clothes. Both of those actions caused me actual joy.” I trailed off and settled my eyes directly on the floor between us. I was certain she was going to reject me. Call me a love-sick dotard and say her goodbyes.

I saw her hand rising toward my face. She grabbed my chin and forced my head up, forcing me to look in her eyes. She was smiling now, showing me all of her teeth.

“Oh, my sweet sweet boy.” She said, “I think we can work with that.”

Chapter Text

I stared back into her eyes and smiled slightly back. I had no idea what she meant but a thrill went through me when she grabbed my face. I also liked it when she called me ‘boy.’ What kind of person likes that? I needed to think.

She let go of me and leaned back. She sat there just looking at me, a slight smile still on her face. Looking back at her I was finding it difficult to think. She was just sitting there, looking beautiful in my shirt and those well fitting trousers. I found I really wanted to kiss her.

“May I kiss you?” I asked suddenly before I could stop myself.

She just continued to look at me for a few moments before she nodded. I leaned forward slowly, moving my lips toward hers. It was a chaste kiss, mouth closed. Her lips were slightly cool and she reached up to cup my face. She parted her lips slightly and I did the same. My body was definitely reacting to the kiss. It felt wonderful. She moved her hand to the back of my head and started to grab my hair. I made a small noise as her tongue began to enter my mouth.

The front door opened up and I heard Iona say, “Greetings, my Thane.” Serana let go of me and broke off the kiss. I stood up quickly, placing my clasped hands in front of my trousers.

“Ah…hello Iona.” I said, clearing my throat. “Welcome back.” She had a basket in her hands and I could see some vegetables and meat of some kind.

She looked at me and then at Serana who had a huge, toothless smile on her face. “Did I interrupt something?” Iona asked. I was certain my face was as red as the tomatoes in her basket.

“No, no…we were just talking.” I said. “Making plans. You know for the upcoming trip.” Shut up, Tiberius. “Have to make sure everything is ready.” Iona was staring at me now, a confused look on her face.

“Yes, well I will start on dinner.” she said. I just nodded and sat back down. Serana was still grinning and I could tell she was stifling a laugh.

“I can show you to your room?” I said to Serana.

“Alright.” she said standing up. I led her to the only guest room in the house. I had my room and Iona had hers as well. The guest room was pretty small but it had a bed and dresser with a small table next to the bed. Serana looked around briefly and then sat on the bed. She patted the place next to her and I quickly sat down. I wasn’t sure what to say. I wasn’t even sure what was happening. I’d never felt this way before about anyone. It all seemed to happen so quickly. I could still feel her lips on mine, her hand tugging on my hair and her tongue starting to enter my mouth. I jumped slightly as I felt her hand on my thigh.

I looked over to her and said, “I’m sorry about Iona.”

“Better than it happened when it did then a few minutes later I think.” she said, squeezing my leg slightly. I wasn’t sure how to feel about that. I was feeling very nervous sitting next to her right now actually.

“Serana,” I started. “What is happening? I feel drawn to you. I want to…” and I hesitated to say this word but I found lying to her difficult. “Serve you.”

“I’m not sure what’s happening.” she said. “But I feel something as well, my sweet boy. We just need to figure it out. Together.”

I nodded and said, “Is there something I can do for you right now?”

“Not right now.” she said, smiling. “I’m going to stay here for a bit. You go out and have dinner with your housecarl. Tell her I’m not hungry or something.” She stood up and I did as well.

She grabbed my chin again and leaned down slightly and gave me a quick kiss. “I’m going to visit you tonight in your room once things have settled in the house. We can talk more then, alright?”

“Yes, of course.” I said. I moved toward the door and just before opening it I said, “Mistress.” and quickly left.

Once I was in the main room I sat down and stared at the ceiling. Talos! Was I a fool? I still had no idea what was going on with me. I knew I wanted Serana and to be close to her and serve her but I wasn’t sure why. She assured me she had used no magic on me and I did believe her. So what was it? More than lust that’s for sure although that kiss really made it clear I was ready and willing for that. I groaned quietly and put my head in my hands.

“Are you alright, my Thane?” Iona asked. I could never get her to call me by my name.

“Hmm? Oh yes, I’m fine. Serana wanted me to tell you she wasn’t hungry right now so dinner will just be you and I.” She was standing at the pot stirring what I assumed was stew.

“I see.” she said. I could tell she wanted to say more but she did not.

“You can speak your mind.” I told her.

“How much do you know about her?” she asked. “Is she well? I’ve never seen a Nord so pale before.”

“I know enough.” I said. “We’ve spent some time traveling together and gotten to know each other quite well.” She raised her eyebrow at that. “I would never bring someone into my home that I thought was a danger to myself or others.” That was vague but hopefully enough.

“Yes, my Thane.” she said and went back to stirring.

She finished dinner and we ate in silence. I didn’t know how else to reassure her and truthfully I had too much on my mind to worry very much about it. Iona and I had always had just a professional relationship and I was fond of her even if she was a bit aloof at times. I couldn’t worry about her right now, she would deal with it.

Once dinner was completed I decided I was going to bathe. I filled the tub, undressed and got inside. The warm water felt good on my skin and I slid down so only my head was out of the water. Serana had been in this same position not too long ago. I thought back to the brief glimpse I had of her. Stop it. I shook my head to clear it and started to wash myself.

Once I’d finished I put on some fresh clothes and went into the main room. I grabbed a random book off the shelf and sat down. Dragon Language: Myth no More. Not exactly light reading but it would have to do.

I spent a couple of hours reading and decided I’d had enough. I put the book away and headed for my room. Iona had retired not too long ago and I hadn’t seen Serana. Once in my room I sat down in one of the chairs. I got up again and paced the room a bit. Gods why was I so nervous? Because a very powerful and beautiful vampire said she was coming to my room later. She was powerful wasn’t she? I could feel that power coming from her. I would consider myself more powerful than most being dragonborn but something about her made me feel not weak but…submissive?

I took off my shirt and sat on my bed. That’s an interesting revelation. It makes a lot of sense based on how I was feeling and what I wanted to do for her. And why Mistress came so easily to my lips. Before I could muse much further there was a soft knock on my door followed quickly by the door opening. There she stood. Still dressed in my shirt and the leather trousers. Her hair was still down but pulled back from her face.

“Hello.” she said in greeting, moving into the room and closing the door.

“Hello.” I said quietly, not sure what else to say. My stomach was fluttering and I was feeling small again. She came over and sat down on the bed next to me but not too close.

“Alright.” she said. “Let’s talk.”

Chapter Text

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. What should I say? Confess my undying love for her? Tell her I wanted to be with her for all time? That’ll probably go over well, not all all too heavy to start with. I gave her a sidelong glance and noticed she was looking at me. Waiting for me to speak probably. I took another breath and turned to face her. Talos, she really was quite beautiful.

“I’m not sure how to start.” I said. “I feel a little out of control.” She looked at me a little sharply. “No, no, not like you are controlling me. I just feel out of my depth I guess. New territory or something.”

“Well that’s something we have in common then.” she said. I think I looked a bit dubious. “I’ve read some books…but after the ritual to gain our powers I haven’t been too keen on serious relationships. Particularly if they may involve…intimacy.” She looked pretty uncomfortable and I felt bad for that. “It’s been a long time,” she continued, “and I’ve mostly come to grips with what happened. It’s not like I didn’t know, at least on some level.” She had a far away look in her eyes. “I simply refuse to be degraded in that way again.”

“I would never…” I began.

“I know.” she said, reaching out to place her palm on my bare chest. Her hand was cool and I shuddered…admittedly not entirely from the cold. She stood up, checked that the door was locked and turned back to face me.

“Let’s try something.” she said, and there was a mischievous look on her face now. She was smiling showing me all her teeth again. “I need you to understand something first.” and her look became more serious. “This must be all entirely voluntary on your part. If at any point you feel like it’s too much I need you to let me know. This is extremely important to me. Tell me you understand.”

I looked directly into her eyes and said, “Yes Mistress.”

“Good boy.” she said and moved closer to me. “Stand up.” I did so, unsure what was about to happen but excited and slightly afraid. She drug a couple of her fingers from my throat to my waistline, slowly. “Take those off.” she said, pulling on my trousers. I hesitated a moment but the look she gave me made me realize that was not advisable so I quickly took my trousers off. She gave me a look, from my face down to my feet and smiled again. I think I blushed. “Now, come here and undress Me.”

I walked over and started to take my shirt off of her. She raised her arms to make it easier and the shirt got stuck on one of her breasts. I pulled up and it came free but her breast dropped a bit and the slight bouncing movement mesmerized me for a moment. I finished with the shirt and she brought her arms down but I was still staring at her breasts. They were large but not overly so. Her skin was pale and smooth and her nipples pink and lovely. I knelt down and started to remove her trousers. Pulling them down and helping her pull first one leg and then the other free. I stood up and backed away just a bit so I could get a full look at her. She was perfect. The darkness of her pubic hair quite the contrast to her paleness.

“Lie face up on the bed, boy.” she said. I did so quickly and I was already quite aroused, standing at full attention. She moved closer to the bed and ran her fingers up my leg and across my stomach. I shivered and made a small noise. She then took a step onto the bed and suddenly was standing over me. Her legs on either side of my hips. The view I had was like nothing I had ever seen before. She was powerful and magnificent in my eyes. Like a Goddess.

“Arms close to your side.” she said, and I complied. She moved forward toward my head and ended up sitting on my chest. “Alright, boy?” she asked and I nodded. She put her knees on either side of my head and moved her hips forward. “Go on then, boy. Please your Mistress.”

I had been with women before but never done anything like this. I moved my head up a bit and started to lick at her opening. It was a bit awkward with no hands but I quickly started to figure it out. I was using my tongue to explore everywhere I could reach and she was making noises that seemed to indicate pleasure. Her flesh was slightly cool at first but began to warm up quickly. As I was concentrating on pleasing her she would occasionally gasp and moan when I brushed the area near the top of her opening. I could feel a nub there and took that whole area into my mouth.

I began sucking, licking, and nibbling that area and the reaction from Her was immediate. She squeezed her knees together and started shuddering and bucking. She grabbed my hands at some point and put them on her hips. I took that as permission and hooked my arms over her legs and used my hands to spread her open a bit more. I was able to fully take that nub of flesh into my mouth now and she started to moan louder and thrust faster.

I was doing my best to stare up at her as I worked and enjoy the view. As she shuddered and bucked her breasts were bouncing in a most pleasing way. I took one of my hands away and reached up to gently grab one of them. She placed her hand on top of mine and held it there quickly looking down at my face. I thought she was displeased for a moment but that was not the case as she was smiling broadly, gasping and moaning. I redoubled my efforts seeing her face.

Her moaning became more intense after a few more moments and she suddenly arched her back and screamed. I could feel a small amount of liquid rush over my face and beard. She pulled away from me then and scooted down my body a bit before rolling off of me and lying on the bed next to me. I turned my head to look at her and she was looking back at me.

“Hmmm…” she said with some contentment I think. “I’d call that a successful test.” She sat up a bit and leaned down to kiss me. She used her tongue again and I found I really liked that. I could feel her teeth as I did the same, sharp but not enough to cut me if I was careful. She moved her leg over mine and ran into my…arousal. She stopped kissing me and looked down. “What have we here?” she said and sat up fully. I didn’t move. She took one hand and grabbed the shaft and I gasped and groaned quietly. With her other hand she smacked the head softly but I jumped and gasped louder. She looked back at me and smacked the head again. It was shocking more than anything and didn’t hurt much so I just looked back at her.

She began slowly stroking the shaft and I was unable to remain quiet. It felt so good and her naked body offered an amazing view. She increased the pace and it became clear I was not going to last long. My gasps and moans became more frequent and consistent but before I could finish she stopped abruptly and used her whole hand to smack the shaft and head hard. I cried out, the pain was intense and real this time, and the feeling of climax left me. She looked at me again and started to stroke slowly after a few moments. She was watching me intently this time and as I got close again she squeezed the shaft hard and stopped me again.

“Aww…my poor boy.” she said, staring to stroke the shaft again. It was frustrating to be denied but she was my Mistress so I would not complain. She stopped me two more times before suddenly allowing me to finish. I was surprised and it was the most intense feeling I had ever had. I cried out, “Mistress!” as I finished. I was gasping for breath by the time it was over.

She stood up and quickly cleaned her hand using the basin and rag then tossed the rag to me. I used it on myself and she took it and put it away. She crawled into bed beside me and cuddled close. She kissed me quickly again and said, “You were such a good boy. Thank you.”

“Yes, Mistress.” I said, still reeling a bit from the entire experience. I felt drained and tired.

She propped herself up a bit and said “Come here my sweet boy.” I moved toward her and she laid my head on her breasts and started to caress my hair. I put my hand on her belly and snuggled in. It wasn’t long before I fell asleep as content as I had ever been.

Chapter Text

I woke up alone some time later. I could tell the sun had risen and I got up, dressed and went into the main room. I could see Iona was up and doing something in the kitchen area but there was no sign of Serana. I went to the washroom and cleaned up a bit before going back out.

“Hello Iona,” I said, “how are you fairing this morning?” She looked at me briefly, said nothing and looked away. That was odd. I walked over closer to her and tried again.

“Is there something wrong?” I asked her, grabbing an apple. She looked at me again and shook her head. There was definitely something wrong. “I’ve known you long enough to know that’s a lie.” I said after a moment.

She stopped what she was doing and turned to face me, folding her arms as she did so. “I heard you with that…vampire.” she said, her voice dripping with disgust. I stood there shocked, apple halfway to my mouth. How had she known Serana was a vampire? As if reading my mind she scoffed and said, “I’m not stupid. Your vampire is clever at hiding but not that clever.” Great more complications is what I needed right now.

“Serana is not my vampire.” I said. I was starting to feel some anger rising to the surface of my mind. I liked Iona but I would not let her jeopardize Serana or the mission we were on. I set the apple down and said, “So, what do you intend to do? Serana is not a danger to you or anyone else in this town.” Iona barked out a laugh at my statement. The anger was building now.

“What’s to stop me from turning in your vampire whore?” she said with some venom. “The guards would destroy…”

“Silence!” I yelled at her and I could feel the power of my Thu’um manifest. Iona stumbled back, dishes rattled and motes of dust began raining from the ceiling. My world was tinged with red as my dragonblood reacted to my anger. I took a deep breath and continued, speaking very quietly now. “I am a Thane of Riften and the Dragonborn. The guards would do nothing. I have done more for this city and for Skyrim than anyone else in one-hundred years.”

I stepped closer to her and she recoiled at my anger. “You are my housecarl and will obey me while you are in my service. You are welcome to leave your post at any time.” I could hear the growl in my own voice and Iona tried to get further away from me. “But know this, if you do report Serana and the guards come for her you will be responsible for their deaths.” I stepped away from her and turned around, showing her my back. I could hear her scramble for the door and slam it behind her and she left the house.

I took another deep breath and looked around. Serana was in her doorway staring at me. “Serana, I…” I started to say but she quickly moved over to me and embraced me. I held her close and inhaled deeply, taking in her scent. It calmed me and the redness began to fade.

“My sweet boy.” she was saying, stroking my hair softly. We separated after a few moments and I stepped back.

“I’m sorry you had to see that.” I told her.

“Don’t be.” she said. “I’m interested to get to know all aspects of you. We can talk about it more later if you want.” I nodded and she asked, “Do you think she will go to the guards?”

“I do not.” I said. “And even if she does I will likely be able to talk them down. I wasn’t lying about being Thane and Dragonborn as you know.” I sighed and said, “I’m more concerned she won’t come back to be honest. I think I scared her pretty badly.” Serana reached out and touched my arm.

“It’s also clear she isn’t fond of me.” Serana said.

“Not everyone has my impeccable taste.” I said, smiling at her. She laughed and kissed me softly.

“Well I can’t worry about Iona right now, we really need to work on finding a moth priest.” I said after the kiss. She looked at me for a moment and then nodded.

“Do you have any idea where we should start?” she asked me.

“I have no idea.” I said, shaking my head. “If I were back in Cyrodil I would suggest the libraries of the White-Gold Tower but here in Skyrim? Perhaps the mages college in Winterhold would know. I assume if a moth priest was here they would at least check in there.”

“That makes sense to me and it’s as good a place to start as any.” Serana said. “Ready to get back on the road?”

“I would like to stop by Fort Dawnguard before we go.” I told her. “They may have some useful gear for me at this point.” Serana grimaced a bit at that.

“I’ll wait here while you do that.” she said. “Pick up some things myself in the market.” I agreed and prepared for the short journey. I should be able to get there and back before nightfall. Especially if I took Frost. He should be safe enough over such a short distance.

Frost was waiting for me at the stable and I mounted up and began to ride towards the Fort. The journey did not take long and once there I avoided Isran but spoke with Sorine and Gunmar. I was able to get a crossbow from Sorine and some light Dawnguard armor and an axe from Gunmar. He really wanted me to take one of his new trained armored trolls with me but I declined.

It was late afternoon when I got back to Riften and Honeyside. I was ready for some dinner and an ale or two but when I opened the door Iona and Serana were seated at a table across from one other. They both looked at me when I entered the room. I froze in the doorway and debated just turning around and leaving. Iona looked upset, like maybe she had been crying? Serana looked pretty stoic but it was hard to tell.

“Ummm…” Very smooth, Tiberius. “Should I head to the Bee and Barb?”

“No.” Iona said. “I’d like to talk to you, my Thane. If you’ll allow it.”

“Of course.” I said, moving over to the table. She had called me Thane so that seemed positive. I sat down at the table and waited.

“Serana has told me a bit of your mission.” Iona said. “I don’t think she’s told me everything but what she told me was enough to realize that it was important. She also told me some of her past and why I have nothing to fear from her. I’m not sure how you keep getting dragged into all of these circumstances, my Thane, but I do believe her. I also apologized for my harsh words I spoke about her earlier. I’d like to extend that apology to you as well. I was simply concerned for your welfare.” She looked down at her hands on the table as she said the last part.

“Apology accepted.” I said. “I’m sorry I lost my temper with you, Iona. You have always been loyal and true to me and did not deserve that level of anger.” She nodded and stood up.

“I shall return to my duties then, my Thane.” and she moved off. Something had changed though. I could feel it and I did not believe things would ever be exactly the same between us.

Chapter Text

Serana and I left the next morning traveling north through Shor’s Stone. The day's travel was uneventful but as we sat around the campfire Serana asked me a question.

“What’s it like being the Dragonborn?” I looked at her and thought about it for a few moments.

“Most days it’s the same as not I suppose.” I told her. “But once I killed and absorbed Mirmulnir’s soul it definitely awoke something in me. That was the name of the first dragon who’s soul I consumed. I rarely get their name when the knowledge comes through.” I thought back to that moment and shuddered a bit. She scooted a bit closer to me, her leg touching mine and I smiled.

“You said something awoke in you?” she prompted.

I nodded and said, “Yes, especially right after. I was prone to fits of anger and rage at times. I’ve since come to grips with that mostly. You saw an example in the house with Iona. Also the power of the thu’um comes easily to me. Both the learning of words and the shouts themselves. Consuming dragon souls gives me knowledge of new shouts often.” I was trying to think of anything else that might be interesting to tell her when she put her arm around me and pulled me close to her.

“Do you think it will extend your life?” she asked quietly.

I leaned into her and said, “I’m not sure to be honest. I’ve never really thought about that. I always thought it would shorten my life since I’m forced to actively fight dragons and eventually Alduin. As far as aging is concerned I have no idea.” I knew as a vampire she basically didn’t age so I suspect that was the reason for her question. I wanted to reassure her but I really did not know. We stayed leaning against one another for a bit longer before we retired for the night.

We stopped by Windhelm during our travels even though I hated that cursed city. I bought all of Sofie’s flowers and gave them to Serana who smiled indulgently. Candlehearth Hall Inn was pleasant enough; it was just that some of the people were decidedly not pleasant. I bought a room for the night and dinner for myself and went to the room quickly. Serana said she would join me later and went out into the city. I knew she could handle herself so I did not worry about her. Much.

She crawled into bed next to me some hours later and I noticed her skin was warmer than is typical. I paid it little mind as I cuddled up next to her and quickly fell back asleep.

There was very little action for the remainder of the trip until we were close to Winterhold. A dragon showed itself and we engaged it in battle. It wasn’t a very powerful dragon and between Serana and I the fight was over quickly. Serana finally got to see me absorb a dragon soul, however. I was pretty uncomfortable with that idea but I had little choice. When that process was complete and the light show was over she walked over to me. She stared at me for a moment and then gave me a powerful hug. No words were spoken but it was enough.

We arrived at Winterhold that evening and I got us a room at the Frozen Hearth. The inn had seen better days but that could be said of Winterhold as well. I retired to the room quickly and this time Serana joined me. I really did not want to approach the college tonight.

“How are you feeling?” Serana asked me. I was sitting in the single chair and she on the bed.

“I feel alright.” I said and shrugged. “I always feel a bit off after consuming a soul.” I grimaced a bit at the sentence I just said. “It’s kind of freaky really when you think about it. I get flashes of the dragon's life which is primarily anger and violence it seems.”

“Come over here, boy.” she said to me, scooting over and patting the bed next to her. I laid down on the bed. She took off her top and laid down facing me. I stared very hard into her eyes. “I don’t think you are freaky.” she said, smiling at me. I smiled back at her feeling a bit emotional. I was pretty sure I loved her. I knew I was obsessed with her. I had certainly never felt this way about anyone else in my life. She was watching the expressions on my face and moved a bit closer to me. She guided my head down to her very bare breasts and rested on them like a pillow. A very soft, lovely, amazing pillow with the most interesting tip.

On a whim I placed my mouth over one of her nipples and began to softly suck. “Oh.” she said. “Oh.” I continued to suckle softly, feeling her nipple harden somewhat. Strangely, although this was arousing, it also felt…comforting. I brought one of my hands up and gently grasped the breast I was suckling on, kneading it as I did so. Serana made a quiet noise and started to caress my hair. I kept the suckling and kneading steady and burrowed in as far as I could. I was feeling very comfortable. Safe.

“My sweet, sweet boy.” Serana whispered, still caressing my hair and the part of my face that was free. I mumbled but kept up my suckling. I began to feel more and more tired and before long I fell asleep, my mouth still covering Serana’s nipple.

The next morning found us at the entryway to the college. There was a high-elf blocking our path. She had said something about a test but I didn’t have time for that.

“Faralda was it?” I said, and she nodded. “We aren’t here to join the college, we just need some information. Have you seen a moth priest here at the college? We need to talk to them about an Elder Scroll.”

“You’re in luck.” she said. “Follow me.”

We followed her over an extremely dangerous looking bridge and through a gate. She led us up some stairs to the Arcanaeum where we talked to a grumpy orc named Urag. The orc told us they had indeed been visited by a moth priest who wanted to do some research but they had already left. Headed to Dragon’s Bridge from what he said. Perfect. More traveling across Skyrim.

I turned to Serana and said, “Shall we?” offering my arm. She smiled and hooked her arm in mind and we were off to Dragon Bridge.

Chapter Text

We started the trip right away since it was still morning. It was going to be another long trek but at least the company was good. I wrapped my cloak around myself tightly as we headed out. It was very cold this far north. I glanced at Serena but the cold didn’t seem to bother her in the slightest. This was due to her vampire status I imagined. I wonder what that was like. Being a vampire. Not that I wanted to be one, even an especially powerful breed like Serana was. I had enough going on with being the Dragonborn but I do wonder.

“Serana?” I asked as we walked.

“Yes, sweetie?” she said, looking at me. Sweetie? She had never called me that before. What did that mean? Based on the small thrill that passed through me I found that I liked it but I wasn’t sure how to respond. She was still looking at me.

“Uhhh…” very smooth, Tiberius. “I was just wondering if you remembered what it was like before you were a vampire.” Best to ignore her calling me sweetie for now I think. Her expression turned thoughtful for a moment and then all emotion left it.

“It was lonely. There were no other children around and although I was close with my mother my father always remained distant. I was…groomed from a young age to become something more powerful. I was barely an adult when I became a vampire.” She was no longer looking at me, just staring ahead at the road as we walked.

“Do you regret becoming a vampire?” I asked her very quietly. I knew this was a dangerous question but I really did want to know.

“No.” she said quickly. “I earned this power.” I sensed the conversation was over and we walked on in silence.

That night we camped at a ruin off the side of the main road. I had started a fire and was poking at it with a stick. Why did I ask her that? Stupid. We hadn’t spoken at all since my question and I was feeling terrible about it. Would she ever call me sweetie again? Would she ever even speak with me again? I struck at the coals with my stick.

I heard Serana sigh deeply and she spoke. “Stop moping and come over here.” I looked up at her and her face was impassive. I threw my stick in the fire, got up and sat next to her staring at the ground. She put her arm around me and pulled me close. I leaned into her, taking in her scent.

“I’m sorry.” I said. “I knew it was a terrible idea to ask you that. I couldn’t stop myself. I won’t…”

“Be quiet.” she said, pausing between the words. “Just let me hold you for a moment.” I remained still and quiet. After a few minutes she said, “I don’t mind you asking me questions but you must understand certain questions are going to bring back memories. And while I own all the choices I have made in my life some of them were unpleasant.” She squeezed me and then turned to face me. I was still looking at the ground but she quickly grabbed my chin and forced me to look at her. Her face was not unkind but she had a stern look.

“We never really addressed this,” she said, “but we now have a relationship.” My heart started pounding and there was no doubt in my mind she could hear it. “I consider you my willing supplicant and with that comes certain expectations.” Akatosh preserve me. “I require respect and a certain amount of obsession.” Oh, I had that covered. “You must be willing to do as you are told. I will do my best to not have you go against your nature as I understand it.” That seems fair. “And you will need to serve me. Not at every waking moment I realize you have other duties but when appropriate. Is that agreeable for you?” This seemed an important question.

“Yes Mistress.” I answered immediately. I did want to serve her and I was certainly obsessed with her.

“Good.” she said, still holding my chin. She gave me a quick kiss and let me go. “In return I will grant you guidance and companionship. I will do my best to treat you well unless your actions require otherwise. I will always take care of you regardless.” I quickly gave her an awkward sitting down hug.

“I love you.” I mumbled into her neck. If she heard me she did not acknowledge it and we both retired for the night.

The next morning we continued our journey in comfortable silence. When we arrived at Dragon Bridge we asked around and one of the guards remembered seeing the moth priest not long ago and gave us the directions they went. Not far from the town we found what appeared to be an ambush site and a convenient note that pointed us to a cave nearby.

Upon entering the very dark cave we were assaulted by some death hounds, a couple of vampires and their thralls. They were all relatively easy to dispatch but there was something loud going on up some stairs. I could see some kind of magical barrier and hear some shouting. As we crept up the stairs I could make out what the voices were saying.

“The more you fight me,” someone was saying, “the more you suffer, mortal.” Alright, that had to be a vampire. We were at the top of the stairs now. There were several braziers around lighting the area and the aforementioned magical barrier that seemed to be containing the moth priest.

“I will resist you, monster.” said the figure inside the barrier. “I must.”

I looked at Serana and nodded. I rushed at the orc vampire and shouted “YOL TOOR!” A large ring of fire shot forward and slammed into the vampire. They immediately caught on fire and started to scream. I continued forward and raised my dawnguard axe for a strike. The burning vampire was completely unprepared for my attack and the axe struck him between his neck and shoulder, sinking in several inches. There was very little blood but the vampire fell to his knees. I ripped the axe out and raised it for another strike.

A lightning bolt struck a figure just to my left and they cried out in pain. I was happy to see Serana helping out. I struck the vampire in front of me again and hit the same spot. This time the axe sank to the middle of his chest and with a larger gout of blood the vampire was finished. I turned to my left and saw a nord dressed in fur armor wrestling with one of Serana’s zombies as an ice spike struck them in the neck. The thrall fell with a gurgle to the ground and the zombie quickly finished the job.

I looked around but the only movement was from the priest behind the barrier. They were just staring at us. Weird. I searched the vampire I had killed for some clues and they had a strange stone on them. Upon searching the room a bit more there was a place up on a dais that the stone looked like it would fit in. Well may as well do it and I put the stone in.

The barrier lowered and I started to walk toward the priest. As I approached I noticed he looked angry and before I could say anything he launched a fireball. I dove to the side and things started to move in slow motion. The fireball was headed directly toward Serana who was clearly not expecting to be attacked. I watched in horror as the fireball struck and exploded. Her zombie was incinerated in the blast and I could see her fall to her knees.

“Serana!” I yelled just as the priest sent another fireball. I raised a ward quickly and intercepted the fireball but it was too much for my ward and it broke, causing me to stumble. I could see the priest getting another spell ready and I shouted “IIZ!” A ring of frost struck the priest and they were encased in ice. I knew this wouldn’t last long so I ran over to them and punched them in the face until they were unconscious. With a few extra for good measure.

With that taken care of I turned and ran back to Serana, who thankfully was rising to her feet. Her exposed skin was blistered and red, some of it blackened but I could see it was healing before my eyes.

“Serana, are you alright?” I asked with concern. She put her hand up and I stopped close to her but did not touch her. In a few more minutes the burns had completely disappeared but she looked terrible. Her eyes were sunken and her skin seemed too tight for her face. And her eyes were blazing orange. I reached out to her but she backed away suddenly.

“I will be fine.” she said and her lips were so thin I could clearly see her teeth. Were they larger than before? “Just give me a moment.” I nodded and went back over to the priest. I didn’t know what to do for Serana. I had to trust she would tell me if she needed anything from me. The priest was starting to stir and I stood above them, waiting to strike if necessary.

“I’m sorry.” they said, raising their hands. “That wasn’t me. I was unable to control my actions. You seem to have broken that vampire's control of me…thank you.”

I did not help them up and kept my weapon drawn. The priest, who’s name was Dexion, explained that the vampire had kept telling them they had some purpose for them but would not say what. I told them I was with Dawnguard and we had an Elder Scroll we needed them to read. He seemed quite surprised and pleased by this news. I told him where the fort was and asked if he could make it on his own. He assured me that would be fine and then made his way out of the cave. Crazy bastard. He’s lucky I needed him. I turned back to Serana, who had stayed in the background for the conversation.

“Back to Fort Dawnguard I guess.” I said to her.

She had raised her hood and pulled it down over her face as much as was possible. “I can’t go to town like this.” she said. “You go to Dragon Bridge and I will meet you there later.”

“Are you certain…” I started to say.

“You will do as you are told, supplicant!” she snapped at me. I took an involuntary step back. I could see her burning eyes from under the hood.

“Of course, Mistress.” I said and started to make my way out of the cave. I wanted to go back to her but I knew that was a terrible idea. I was unclear why she didn’t want my help and it was a little painful. Even though truthfully I had no idea how I could help her right now. She was clearly distressed. Maybe she just didn’t want me to see her like that. She was a bit scary looking but I loved her and she was my Mistress. I knew she wouldn’t hurt me.

It was just about evening when I exited the cave. I considered hiding nearby to watch for Serana and maybe follow her but she told me to go to town so I figured I should do that. It was full dark by the time I got to Dragon Bridge and I quickly rented a room at the Four Shields. I stayed in the common room and ordered an ale. Prepared to wait as long as it took for my Mistress to arrive.

Chapter Text

It was several hours and several ales later when Serana walked into the inn. She stopped and looked around and I shot up out of my seat. I felt a wave of dizziness wash over me and I wobbled a bit. I might have been just this side of drunk. Serana made her way over to me. Her hood was still up but I could see her face. She was back to her normal beautiful self.

“Hello, Mistress.” I said. She put her finger on my lips.

“Do we have a room?” she asked. I nodded and headed that way and she followed. Once in the room she quickly closed the door and put down the small bar. I sat on the bed because the world was spinning a bit. She walked over and sat next to me, her leg touching mine. She didn’t seem to be angry any more which was a comfort.

“Seems like you had a few drinks.” she said to me smiling. I think I blushed but I nodded.

“I’m sorry.” I told her. “I know you can handle yourself but I was worried.” She reached up and touched my face.

“It’s alright.” she said. “You lie down and get some sleep, I will keep watch.” She rose from the bed and checked the door before sitting down in the only chair. I watched her for a moment before lying down on the bed. I gripped the side of the bed because I would have sworn it was rocking. I closed my eyes and tried to go to sleep. Did Serana say she would keep watch? Why would she need to watch while we were inside an inn? I suppose she knows best. It didn’t take long for me to fall asleep.

*******

“Tiberius sweety, wake up”. Someone was gently shaking me. I opened my eyes and Serana was standing above me. I didn’t feel very well. I slowly sat up and squeezed my head in an attempt to stop it pounding.

“Do we have water?” I croaked. Serana poured me a mug from a pitcher on the table and handed it to me. I greedily drank it down and she poured me another which I drank slower. “Thank you.” I said and she just smiled, putting the pitcher down.

“We need to get going.” she told me. I could hear some urgency in her voice. I finished the water quickly and stood up. She unlatched the door and led me out of the inn. It was still very early and the sun had yet to fully rise. I was unclear why we needed to start so early but I was not one to question my Mistress and I started to head toward Solitude. I figured we could just take the carriage to Riften. I overheard someone speaking just as we were leaving Dragon Bridge.

“Did you hear about the Stormcloak camp the Penitus Oculatus was watching?” the voice was saying. I glanced over and based on the silhouette it appeared to be two guards talking. The one I could hear was clearly excited and speaking loudly. I was unable to hear the other guard’s response.

“It was wiped out completely.” the guard said. The other guard spoke but again I was not able to make it out. “They don’t know.” the first guard said in response. “Some kind of beast. Maybe a werewolf. Several of the soldiers had their throats ripped out and many were covered in claw marks. It was a massacre.”

As we kept walking the conversation faded away. That was odd. Werewolves were vicious beasts but to take on an entire camp? Maybe it was a pack.

“Did you hear that, Serana?” I asked. She looked over at me, her face entirely impassive, and nodded. “Well it’s just as well we are leaving the area.” I told her. “Werewolves can be quite formidable.”

“We will be fine.” she assured me, a slight upward curve to one side of her mouth.

Upon arrival at Solitude we booked passage on the carriage and started that journey. The trip was boring and due to the driver and various other passengers we kept our conversations to a minimum. I was able to doze off and after a nap I felt better. I promised myself to limit my intake of Skyrim ale next time.

We arrived at Riften in the evening and decided to go to Honeyside to rest and have a good night's sleep before heading to the fort. Iona was there and said she would start dinner when we arrived. Serana took a bath immediately and I followed once she was finished. It was good to get the road grime washed away. Dinner was ready by the time I was finished and Iona ate with me and we discussed the mundane things happening around the Rift. She still seemed guarded around me and I made it a point to not speak too loudly.

Serana had retired to the guest room and I knocked on her door once dinner was completed. “Come in.” I heard her say so I opened the door and went inside. She was sitting on her chair reading a book on alchemy. I knew she was already an accomplished alchemist. She looked up at me and smiled and my heart melted. By the Divines I was besotted.

“Did you need anything, Mistress?” I asked her. She stood up and moved over embracing me in a deep hug. I hugged her back and put my face in the space between her neck and shoulder, taking a full breath. She really did smell nice. Kind of like a fresh snowfall.

“The hug will be sufficient, my boy.” she whispered in my ear and I shuddered. She backed away slightly and gave me a mostly chaste kiss. “I will let you know if that changes.” she said as she sat back down. I nodded and left her room leaning my forehead against the door as it closed. I took a deep breath and went to my room to get some sleep. Alone.

When I got up and ready the next morning Serana was already waiting for me so we quickly took the short trip to the fort. As usual Serana received unfriendly looks from most of the Dawngaurd and I was on edge the entire walk to the main building.

Dexion and Isran were waiting for us so they had clearly been advised of our arrival. Isran was as grumpy as he always was but Dexion was polite. After we exchanged some pleasantries and he told me he was being treated well he asked for quiet; we passed him the scroll and he began the reading.

He talked about seeing a great bow called Aurel’s Bow and a dread lord rising among the night’s children. He said when dragons return to the realm of men light and darkness will mingle and day and night will be as one. He said the voice and words were becoming distorted but the secret of the bow is written elsewhere. Other scrolls were needed to complete the prophecy. One contains the ancient secrets of dragons and the other speaks of the potency of ancient blood. He was unable to see anymore but said we needed the other two scrolls for complete knowledge of the prophecy.

Serana and I moved to a side room for some privacy. “That was less helpful than I had hoped.” I said to her and she nodded.

“I have an idea where one of the scrolls might be but not here.” she said quietly.

“Alright.” I said. “I’ll meet you back in Riften in a bit. I want to talk to Sorine and Gunmar about some gear.”

“Sounds fine.” she said. “Pick up some herbs for me on your way back. I need some bear claws, hanging moss, and blisterwort.” I nodded and she left the fort.

I spent far longer than I intended speaking with Sorine about her new crossbow design. I wasn’t really into archery but they seemed easy to use and quite powerful. She had one ready to go so I ended up taking it along with some experimental bolts.

By the time I got back to Riften Elgrim’s was about to close. I quickly grabbed the bear claws, hanging moss and bleeding crown Serana wanted and headed to Honeyside. I heard the door to the shop lock as I left. When I got home I put my new crossbow and Serana’s package on the table. Iona was moving about and Serana came out of her room when she heard me come in.

“Sorry about being so long.” I said. “I got to talking shop with Sorine.” She waved me off and opened her package. She grabbed the bleeding crown and looked at me.

“What’s this?” she said. I was certain she knew what it was.

“Bleeding crown?” I said. A look passed over her face for a moment but quickly faded. Anger perhaps?

“Where is the blisterwort?” she said. Oh no. My look said it all and she gave me such a look of disappointment. My heart dropped as she gathered the ingredients and quickly went to her room.

“I’m sorry, Mistress.” I said to her back as she walked away from me. I quickly retreated to my room and sat down, my head in my hands. What should I do? Go to her and apologize again? How did I mix that up? I wasn’t particularly good at alchemy but she must have said blisterwort. I did have a lot on my mind but that was no excuse. I stood up and started to pace the room. I had to fix this. The look of disappointment on her face was haunting me. Stupid Tiberius.

There was a brief knock on my door before it opened. Serana was standing there.

“Send Iona away and then come to my room.” she said sternly before turning and going back to her room. What did that mean? Please Stendar help me through this. I went out into the front room and told Iona I needed some privacy. She looked concerned but left as I instructed. I found myself standing in front of Serana’s door. I couldn’t bring myself to knock.

“Stop standing there and come in.” I heard from inside. I took a deep breath and opened the door and walked into her room. She was standing there dressed in her leather trousers and tunic. Looking dangerous and beautiful.

“I believe,” she said, “That immediacy is important in correcting negative behavior. Although your transgression was relatively minor it is important that a lesson be taught.” Punishment then. I deserved that so I was ready. “You will follow My instructions without deviation. This is not the time for backing out due to discomfort. Do you understand, supplicant?”

“Yes Mistress.” I said looking at the floor.

“Good.” she said and started to take her trousers off. What was happening? I was staring at her feet as she stepped out of her clothing. She turned her back to me, bent over and spoke.

“Come over here.” I moved over to her quickly, unable to avert my eyes from her pale and smooth bottom. As I got right next to her she spoke again.

“Without deviation.” she said, looking back at me over her shoulder. “Now, I want you to strike me.” What? Strike her? I must have misheard her.

“Mistress, I…” I started to say.

“Strike me!” she said and there was no mistaking it. I used my hand and stuck her on her right cheek softly. I hated this already. The idea of hurting her was making me ill. I was not ready.

“Harder.” she said. Please no. I hit her in the same spot a little bit harder.

“Boy!” she said. “If you wish to remain my supplicant you will strike me as though you mean it!” I could feel tears starting to form. I pulled my hand back and I stuck her like I meant it. She cried out in pain and I could see an immediate red hand-print on her bottom.

“Again.” she said breathily. Please not again. I could feel the tears running down my face freely now. I reared back again and struck her in the same spot. Another cry of what sounded like real pain from her and I almost fell to my knees. Please no more.

“Again.” I pulled back and struck her again. Again she cried out in pain. I could tell from the marks I was leaving it was going to bruise. I was staring at the redness. I did that. I watched one of my tears fall and landed on the redness and she turned around to look at me. A sob burst from my mouth and her face softened. She stood up quickly and pulled up her trousers, wincing slightly. Her hands reached up to cradle my face and she wiped away my tears with her thumbs.

“It’s alright, my sweet boy.” she said softly. “You did what I asked of you. Come over here.” and she sat down gingerly on the bed. I sat down next to her and she put her arm around me before lying us both down. I was still crying. I had hurt her. I never wanted to do that again and would do everything I could to make sure it never happened again.

She cradled my head to her breasts. “Make a list next time.” she said. The tension broke and I giggle-cried for a bit. I fell asleep to her stroking my hair and calling me her sweet boy.

Chapter Text

I woke up the next morning to the sound of stone grinding on stone. I opened my eyes and realized I was still on Serana’s bed but she wasn’t in it with me. She was sitting at the table working with a mortar and pestle.

“Good morning.” I said, stretching and sitting up.

“Morning, sweetie.” she said, not looking up from her work. I smiled a bit at that.

“May I ask what you are working on?” She paused and looked over at me, a mischievous smile on her face.

“Oh just a little something I have been thinking about for a bit.” she said mysteriously. “Would you mind rubbing my shoulders for a bit?” she asked me. I stood and moved over to her.

“Yes, ma’am.” I said and started to do just that. Her skin was cool but warmed up quickly under my touch. She stopped working and just sat there and let me work for a little while.

“Thank you.” she said after several minutes. She reached up and squeezed one of my hands. “We need to talk about the scrolls soon. I think I might know where to start for one of them.”

“Alright.” I said. “Let me get some breakfast?” She nodded and I kissed the back of her neck and went out into the main room.

Iona was back and gave me a look but I just said hello and went to my room. I cleaned up and got changed and just ate some fruit and cheese for breakfast. I had finished and was perusing my library for any books on the Elder Scrolls when Serana came out of her room. She was dressed in some leather trousers and a simple cloth tunic and she had braided her hair. She looked lovely.

We sat down and she explained to me that she was pretty sure her mother would either have one of the scrolls or at least know where it was. While she was at the castle she determined her mother was likely still alive but she had no idea where she might be. Harkon hated her mother and would kill her if given the chance. We tossed some ideas around for a while but eventually decided it would be best to look for clues inside the actual family castle. Serana knew a secret entrance so we should be safe enough as long as we were careful.

We decided to leave tomorrow as that would give us time to prepare and gather supplies. I decided to forgo the Dawnguard armor as it was pretty conspicuous and just revert back to my normal leather armor. I was going to leave the crossbow as well as it was heavy and I had never really trained with it. I did head to the Pawned Prawn to see if they had any enchanted jewelry. Specifically something that offered fire resistance. I ended up getting a gold ruby ring that had some level of enchantment on it although based on the price I don’t think it was terribly strong. It would have to do as I didn’t have a lot of time.

Serana was out about the town as well doing some things and hadn’t come back by the time Iona made dinner. When she did arrive she had several packages and I offered to help her but she waived me off and went directly to her room. I looked at her closed door for a moment but shrugged and went back to dinner. After I finished I spent some time just reading some random books as Iona moved about. I hadn’t really found anything on Elder Scroll lore unfortunately.

I read for what seemed like hours but I was having a hard time concentrating. I keep looking over at Serana’s door. What was she doing in there? Should I go check on her? I got up several times but ended up just sitting back down. She was perfectly capable of managing her own needs. That said, I really wanted to check. I was being silly. I stood up and went over to her door and knocked quietly.

“Mistress?” I said. “Is there anything I can do for you?”

“I’m fine right now.” was her muffled response. “I’ll let you know if that changes.” Well now I know at least. I turned away and Ioan was staring at me intently. What was her problem now? I stared back at her and she quickly looked away. That was odd. Can’t worry about it now. I decided to take a bath and retire to my room. Had a long journey ahead.

I was lying in my bed in the dark unable to sleep sometime later when there was a knock on my door. My heart leapt in my chest as I sat up. Who was that?

“Come in.” I said, and the door opened. I could see Serana’s silhouette before she came in and closed the door. It was very dark so I took a moment to use a bit of magicka to light the candles on my bedside table. After my eyes adjusted to the initial brightness I saw Serana standing there just looking at me. She was wearing something I had never seen before. It was a two piece outfit kind of under clothes but they appeared to be soft leather? I swallowed and just stared at her. She looked amazing. She was smiling at me and couldn’t help but blush and smile back.

“Do you like it?” she said, doing a quick spin. I did like it very much. My eyes wandered her body as she spun for me. She had a bundle in her right hand I noticed.

“Yes, Mistress.” I said. “You are very beautiful.”

“Stand up for me.” she said moving closer. I stood up quickly and she ran her finger from my neck to my hip. I shuddered at her touch. I had no idea what was happening but was ready for anything.

“Take those off, boy.” she said, plucking at the waistband of my trousers. I quickly removed them and stood there naked before her. She gave me a slow look from head to toe and the look on her face was new. Perhaps somewhat lustful but something else as well. I remained still as she placed the package on my table and started to rummage through it. She took out a small, ornate flask and a bundle of what appeared to be rope. I watched her intently as she did this. Her skin was pale and smooth as always and her hair still in a single braid. I could feel myself reacting as I watched her move. She grabbed the rope and made her way back over to me.

“Hold still.” she said. “Keep your hands at your side and do not touch me.” I nodded and did as she commanded. She spent the next several minutes tying me up and by the time she was finished I felt unable to escape easily. I found myself testing the binding and it seemed very secure. My arms remained at my sides and my legs were bound together as well. The rope was unlike anything I had seen and it was softer than any rope I had felt. She grabbed the rope fastened around my chest.

“How does that feel, my sweet boy?” she said, looking down at me slightly.

“Very secure, Mistress.” I responded.

“Good.” she said. She let go and backed away a few feet. She started to slowly take off the small pieces of clothes she was wearing. The top was first and the way she removed it caused her breast to bounce in an extremely enticing manner. I found myself mesmerized by the movement especially when she hopped ever so slightly once the top was removed. To remove the next piece she turned her back to me and bent all the way over without bending her knees as she removed them. I was quite shocked at the view she presented. I did notice there were no marks or bruises where I had struck her. This made me feel better somehow. As she stood up fully and turned around I didn’t think it was possible for me to get any more aroused. I could feel myself throbbing to the beat of my heart. She glanced down as she walked over to me and quickly grabbed my shaft and squeezed hard and I gasped at the pain.

“I will use this later.” she said. “But first…” She let go of me and turned me towards the bed. I could feel her press her breasts into my back and I gasped again, this time from pleasure. She reached one arm around and again grabbed the rope fastened to my chest.

“I’m going to bite you.” she said, directly into my ear. Immediately the image of the bandit, their throat completely torn out, came unbidden to my mind. I also saw Seran’s lower face covered in blood, her fangs gleaming in the moonlight. I must have stiffened or made a noise because she hesitated.

“Do you trust me?” she whispered in my ear. Did I trust her to bite me? I had only seen her feed one time and it was violent. She was my Mistress though and I really did believe she would never intentionally hurt me.

“Yes Mistress.” I said quietly. “I trust you with my life.” I felt her other hand grab the top of my head and bend it to the left, exposing my neck. I felt a sudden calm come over me and I gasped as her fangs entered my body. There was only a small amount of pain and as she began to suck at the wound that feeling of pain was replaced with one of pleasure. I could hear her sucking and swallowing my blood and as she did so she was making small sounds of what sounded like pleasure of her own.

It was over relatively quickly, perhaps 4 or 5 swallows and as she pulled away I made a noise of disappointment. She turned me around and I could see my blood on her lips. She was very flushed now, her mouth still slightly open. She gave me a quick kiss and I could taste my own blood but I didn’t care. I wanted more.

“Your blood is quite heady.” she said breathily. “I could easily get used to that.” She walked over to the table and grabbed the ornate vial. She had to bend slightly to do it and I was staring again at the way her breast hung there perfectly. She grabbed a rag as well and quickly moved back over to me. She popped the stopper on the vial and quickly wiped the wound on my neck. I could feel her place a few drops of whatever was in the vial on my neck where she had bitten me.

“Drink the rest.” she said to me pouring the remaining contents into my mouth. It tasted like metal and flowers as I swallowed it down. “Good boy.” she said. She suddenly pushed me and I fell onto the bed. I was still bound and it was completely beyond my ability to stop. She took a moment to arrange me so I was lying correctly on the bed and then stood there, hands on her hips looking down at me.

She hopped onto the bed and quickly straddled me and I gasped. She was sitting on my stomach, her bottom pressing firmly against my arousal. Her knees were at my sides and her hands at either side of my head. Her breasts were only inches from my face. The view was spectacular. I tried to move my arms but they were still held fast.

She then began to slowly drag her nipples around the skin of my face. She was barely touching me. She started with my forehead and around my eyes. My nose and cheeks. My chin. And then my lips. I could feel the hardness of her nipples and I was breathing very quickly. She pressed one of them more firmly onto my lips and I opened my mouth and suddenly her nipple was inside. I started to suck experimentally and she did not pull away so I surmised I could continue. I began to suck a bit more vigorously and my Mistress gasped and let out a soft moan. Her hips were moving now, rubbing her mound against my stomach. I could feel the warmness of it. I continued to suck and nibble on her nipple and suddenly she pressed her breast a lot more firmly against my face covering my mouth and nose entirely.

I couldn't breathe! I panicked and started to struggle but there was still no possibility of freeing myself. I could still feel the panic so I turned my head all the way to the side and there was an audible pop as my Mistress’ nipple came out of my mouth and I took a few quick breaths. Serana sat up and looked down at me.

“Why did you stop, boy?” she asked me sternly.

“I couldn’t breathe, Mistress.” I told her.

“And you decided that a few moments of not being able to breathe was reason to stop pleasing me?” she asked.

“I…” I started lamely. My mind was confused. I couldn’t breathe and panic seemed a normal response. My Mistress expected me to not panic it seemed and keep up my work. I had to trust she would not hurt me. Just as I had done when she bit me.

“May we try again?” I asked her. She nodded and bent back down. This time she pressed the other breast into my mouth and I began to suck again with vigor. Her response was similar as before and as it intensified she again pressed her breast more firmly into my face. The panic started again as my breath was restricted but I did my best to suppress it. All the while I continued to suck, nibble and use my tongue on her nipple. Her hips were moving more quickly now and her moans were getting louder. My panic was rising as the time went on but I was determined to please my Mistress so kept at my work. The panic was almost too much for me and I was starting to get tunnel vision. I was seconds from jerking my head to the side when she pulled away and allowed me to breathe. I gasped as her nipple popped from my mouth. I did it! I smiled brightly at her and she patted my cheek.

“That’s a very good boy.” she said and I could feel my heart swell. “That deservs a reward I think.” She raised herself off of my stomach and scooted back slightly. I looked down and she was poised over me. She slowly lowered herself down and guided me into her with her hand. I was unable to suppress a moan as she slid down to the base on top of me. I had no expectations of this but the feeling was like nothing I had experienced before. My Mistress was staring down at me and smiling showing me all of her teeth.

She began to move her hips slowly, not rising off of me. She raised her arms above her head and I really wanted to touch her now but I could not move my arms. Her body felt so good against mine and I could feel her walls pressing and sliding against me. She started to rise up and down now and somehow the pleasure increased. Slow and shallow at first but soon she started to rise higher and faster. She was moaning as well now with the occasional grunt as she slammed back down onto my hips. As much as I was trying there was no way I was going to last very much longer.

“Mistress I…” I started to say between my moaning.

“Not…yet…” she said.

I closed my eyes and concentrated and then felt a hard slap on my face. My eyes shot open as my head was thrown to the side. I could taste my own blood for the second time this night. My Mistress was staring at me, an intense look on her face. The pain of the slap worked and she continued to move. Suddenly she stopped and started to fumble with the ropes at my side. After a moment she snarled and grabbed the dagger at my bedside. Frantically she slashed the ropes confining my arms before tossing the dagger behind her.

“You may touch Me.” she said, her voice husky and breathy. I needed no further encouragement and I grabbed her hips to help with her movement. It became quickly apparent she needed no assistance and I found I was unable to resist her bouncing breasts as she moved up and down. I reached up and grabbed both of them and as I did so she brought her hands over mine. She squeezed my hands and her message was clear. I started to squeeze her breasts and used my thumb to stroke and fondle her nipples. Her breathing became faster and her grunts and moans more intense as I did this.

My legs were still bound but I found I could help at least a little by thrusting my hips in time with her downward motion. The sound of flesh slapping against flesh increased in volume as I did this. My Mistress has raised her hands above her head again. I was unclear how she was able to continue to rise and fall with such apparent ease but was glad she was able to. I could feel my climax rising again and hoped I could last. I think my Mistress was close as she was making louder and faster noises.

A few moments later she lowered her arms and put them on my chest. I took my hands off her breasts and grabbed her hips again. She slammed hard on me one more time and cried out her pleasure. I could feel her contract and pulse around me and that was all it took for me to finish as well. We cried out together and when she was finished she leaned forward and lay on my chest, breathing heavily.

“Oh.” she said laughing. “You were such a good boy.”

“Thank you, Mistress.” I said happily. “It was my genuine pleasure to serve you.” .She rolled off of me and I was slightly disappointed at the separation. She stood up, holding her legs very close together.

“I need a bath.” she said, taking very short steps to the door. “Join me in a few minutes and you can wash me.” I nodded and sat up. As she left the room I heard an exclamation of surprise.

“Hello, Iona.” Serana said. “What are you doing up?” I heard Iona mumble something about hearing noises and Serana laughed. I united myself and cleaned up as much as I could and after several minutes I checked the main room. Iona was nowhere in sight so I quickly walked to the bathing room. I went inside and Serana was already in the bath as it was filling with warm water. She threw a warm wash cloth at me and I caught it with a laugh. We spent an hour or so just getting clean and enjoying each other's company. She told me about Iona’s very surprised face when she saw a naked Serana exiting my room. I laughed but felt a little bad for my housecarl. Still, it was her choice to stay. I was extremely happy and realized I loved Serana more than anything else in this world. I had a brief realization that this was probably not entirely healthy but I found it difficult to care about such details. She was with me now and that was enough.

After a time she led me to her room and we both got into her bed. I cuddled up behind her and put my face against her neck and took a deep breath. I could smell the soap we used and underneath that Serana’s natural cold winter day smell.

“I love you.” I said to the back of her neck. She reached down to grip my hand that was on her tummy.

“I love you too, sweetie.” she said quietly and I could feel tears form in my eyes. I fell into a deep sleep very quickly after that.

Chapter Text

I awoke the next morning still in Serana’s room. She was still in the bed with me cuddling me from behind, pressed up against me. Even with all the new things I had been experiencing lately this moment probably felt the best. I sighed and made a contented humming noise.

“You’re finally awake.” Serana said to me. I didn’t say anything for a moment, I just lay there enjoying the feeling of our still naked bodies next to one another.

“Yes ma’am.” I said. “I suppose I should get up and start getting ready to head out.” She must have agreed as she sat up and I could hear her stretching. I turned around quickly and got a pretty nice view I must say. She caught me looking and smiled and smacked my shoulder playfully.

“Alright…it’s clearly time for you to go.” she said, still smiling. I got up and started to leave but she pulled me back and gave me a long and deep kiss. I could feel her teeth but she was careful. She broke the kiss and lightly shoved me toward the door. I left the room and closed her door, leaning against it for a moment. I heard someone clear their throat and looked up to see Iona carefully averting her eyes. Oh, I was still naked.

“Good morning, my Thane.” she said to the wall. I covered myself and moved quickly to my door.

“Good morning, Iona.” I said to her, “Sorry about this.” She made a noncommittal grunt and I opened my door and went inside. That was awkward. I quickly got dressed for adventure and began to gather the other items we would need for a longer trip.

By the time I went back into the main room Serana was already waiting for me. She had forgone her singed dress and was now wearing some supple dark leather armor and a cloak. It was of a simple design but she looked rather fetching. She had her elven dagger at her hip.

“You look amazing.” I said to her and she gave me a small smile. “I have something for you, actually.” I took out the ring I had bought and walked over to her. “It has some level of fire resistance and I thought you might find it helpful.” I said as I handed her the ring. She looked at the ring and then at me before slipping it on her finger.

“Thank you, sweetie.” she told me and gave me a quick kiss. She had an odd look on her face but I joyfully bounced around the room and gathered the remaining supplies before we set off. It took us several days of uneventful travel to get to Icewater Jetty and the rowboat was waiting for us as we arrived. We got in and I started rowing out to the castle.

“We should be safe enough,” Serana said as I rowed. “I don’t believe the entrance we are going to is even in use anymore.” I nodded and we soon reached the shore. She led me to a side entrance that looked like an old supply dock. It clearly had not been used in a long time. There were some skeletons we had to fight before we were able to get inside. It was dark, dusty and there were cobwebs everywhere. Broken furniture and debris made the footing treacherous as we moved from room to room. I was a bit nervous.

“Mistress…what was it like living here?” I asked.

“Lonely.” she said quietly. “No other children were around and my parents were not exactly attentive. Especially my father.” I glanced over at her as we walked. The torchlight was pretty dim so I really couldn’t make out her features.

“Do you think your father still cares about you?” I asked. She was quiet for a long moment.

“No.” she answered. “I had hoped when he saw me he might feel something again but that didn’t happen. I really don’t even think he sees me as a daughter any more. I’m just a way for him to achieve his goals.”

We walked along in silence after that. We had to fight more skeletons before we came to a courtyard that was open to the sky. Serana was upset at the state of it and there was a large moondial in the center. Serana explained it was missing some crests and on a hunch we searched the grounds for them. Upon placing them in their proper spaces a staircase opened leading down under the courtyard.

We cautiously descended the stairs and Serana said she had never been to this part of the castle before. We pressed on and eventually fought some gargoyles. Upon searching the area we found a secret door activated by a chain and this led into what seemed to be a laboratory of some kind.

“Look at this place.” Serana said, looking around. I started exploring myself. There were a large number of ingredients that I had never seen before and some weird stone circle surrounded by unlit candles.

“See if you can find some notes or a journal.” Serana said. “My mother was always very meticulous about writing things down.”

I searched around the very creepy lab looking for what Serana described. Something about this was making me uneasy but I shook it off for now. After a time I found what seemed to be a journal. I flipped through it quickly and yes, this had to be what we needed.

“Mistress, I found your mother’s journal.” I said walking over to her.

“Let me see it.” she said excitedly, reaching out for it. I handed it to her.

“What is this “Soul Cairn” she mentions?” I asked her after a moment.
“I don’t really know but she told me that any souls that are trapped in soul gems end up there.” she said, still reading. “Apparently it is home to some very powerful beings that necromancers can make deals with. My mother spent a lot of time trying to contact them. I think that circle has to be a portal perhaps to the Soul Cairn itself.” That didn’t really sound like a place I wanted to visit.

Serana finished reading and gave me a list of items she needed that would likely be in the lab. I began searching around again and was able to locate the items she needed. She had me place them in a bowl near the stone circle.

“I think I can get the portal open.” she said. “It asks for my mother’s blood but I’m hoping since we are related mine will work.” She pulled out her dagger, put her hand over the bowl and made a cut on her palm. A little bit of blood dripped out and the moment it hit the bowl and its contents the stone circle began to rise and shift. After a few moments a clear portal opened beckoning us forward.

“I can’t believe she did it.” Serana said. “A portal to the Soul Cairn. Incredible.” She looked over at me. “Are you ready?” Was I? I really did not want to go in there. That uneasy feeling was getting worse now that I was looking at the portal. Still it was my Mistress’s will that we enter so I put on my brave face and walked forward.

Pain. Searing agony. Something was trying to pull my very essence from my body. I think I was screaming. I could hear Serana calling my name in alarm. I felt hands wrap around my from behind and I was pulled from my torture. I fell to the ground, still in Serana’s arms and I looked up at her. I smiled at her, reached my hand up to touch her face and darkness overtook me.

Chapter Text

Someone was calling my name. They actually sounded pretty frantic and I could feel myself rising out of the darkness. I opened my eyes and saw Serana looking down at me. Her face was very concerned but it went quickly to pleased.

“Oh thank the Divines you woke up.” she said to me. “Are you feeling alright? Can you sit up?” Was I feeling alright? I felt pretty sore and tired. The memory of me trying to walk through the portal came back to me. What happened? I grunted and sat up with some help from Serana.

“Thank you, Mistress.” I said. “I feel a bit drained to be honest. What happened?” She frowned and kept her arms around me.

“It was my fault, I should have realized.” she said quietly. “I believe the Soul Cairn tried to take its price from you.”

“What price?” I asked. “You mean my soul?”
“Exactly.” she responded. “The Soul Cairn will always try to extract its price from the living.”

“So what do we do now?” I asked. “I can’t give up my soul.” I stood up slowly and started to pace a bit. There had to be a solution as Serana’s mother clearly went through the portal. Serana gently grabbed me, stopping my pacing and turning me to face her.

“I can think of two possible solutions but I don’t think you are going to like either of them.” she said. That sounded ominous.

“Well we have to go through.” I said. “What are the options?”

“My mother was a master necromancer and taught me some tricks.” she said. “I could partially trap your soul and that may satisfy the Soul Cairn.” That sounded awful. “You would be weaker but we may be able to recover your soul once we enter.”

“What’s the other option?” I asked her. I didn’t really fancy being weaker in an unknown area. And the uncertainty about recovering my soul was worrisome. Serana took a deep breath. This was odd because I was pretty sure she didn’t have to breathe at all.

“I could turn you into a vampire.” she said, still looking directly into my eyes. “As a vampire you…we can enter the Soul Cairn freely. Probably.” I opened my mouth to say something but nothing came out. I started to walk around the room and she let me go. My choices were to have my soul partially trapped or to become a vampire. Neither of those options seemed desirable. I turned to Serana.

“How long would the weakness remain?” I asked Serana.

“I really don’t know.” she answered. “I expect if we are unable to find a way to recover your partial soul it will last forever.” Great.

“How confident are you that we would be able to recover my partial soul?” I said.

“I don’t know, sweetie.” she said. “My mother would very likely know how but we can’t be certain we will even find her alive.” So it’s possible I would remain in a weakened state for the rest of my life. Perfect.

“If you turned me into a vampire,” I said, “I would be like you and your father right? Able to assume that vampire lord form? I assume you can as well?” I had never seen her change but she must be able to.

“I can.” she said very quietly. “But I don’t really like to and only do so if the situation is dire. You certainly would be able to if I turned you.” I didn’t really want to be a vampire. Even a powerful vampire like Serana. I had no idea what, if anything, it would do to my dragon blood. The only real appeal for me was being able to potentially spend much longer with Serana but we could both die at any time really. I can’t imagine myself dying of old age. That said I wouldn’t have to risk potential weakness for the rest of my life if I did allow her to turn me. Serana did seem weaker in the sunlight but it didn’t harm her. There were too many variables. Too many questions I didn’t have answers to. I walked over to Serana.

“The partial soul trap.” I said. She nodded and was that disappointment I saw flash across her face? Or relief? She pulled out a soul gem and started casting the spell. I could feel it right away. Similar to what I had felt when trying to enter the portal, just far less intense. There was some pain and that draining feeling. It didn’t take long and I could already feel the weakness. I drew my sword and swung it around a bit and I certainly felt physically weaker. I cast a few spells and my magick was weaker as well and it took me longer to recover my strength. Well I had made my choice. I just had to hope her mother was alive and willing to share her knowledge.

“I’m ready.” I said and started to move toward the portal. Serana grabbed me and gave me a long and deep kiss.

“Tiberius I…” she started. “Please be careful.” I nodded and went through the portal.

When I emerged from the other side the 1st thing I noticed was the smell. It was kind of like old dead fish crossed with sulfur. I turned back to check on Serana and she was wrinkling her nose. The landscape was bleak and grey. Broken stone and some buildings along the way. The sky was ominous and crackled with lighting. May as well get on with it.

There was a road and we followed it. That made as much sense as anything else really. It was difficult to judge time but we walked along in silence for what appeared to be hours before we were waylaid by some dark skeletons covered in a light mist. They weren’t very tough but I could feel the weakness affecting me. My moves were slower, my magick less powerful and it took me much longer to recover after the fight. Serana hovered about as I rested.

“How are you feeling?” she asked me. I wanted to snap at her but none of this was her fault. I was just feeling miserable about the whole thing.

“Weak.” I said instead. “Useless.” I was whining but I hated this. I knew Serana was very capable but I had a strong desire to make sure she was safe no matter what.

“You’re not useless.” she said to me sternly. “We will be out of here soon and my mother will know how to recover your partial soul.” I hoped she was right.

We trudged on for a while longer before a very large castle on a hill appeared. We headed towards it and when we got close there seemed to be some sort of magical barrier surrounding it. It was solid and we could not go in. Shortly after arriving the door opened and a dark haired woman came out.

“Mother?” Serana said. “Mother!”

“By the Maker.” the woman replied. “Serana?” I watched the woman closely and she did not seem happy to see her daughter.

“We have to talk.” Serana said. “How do we get inside?”

“Why are you here?” Valerica said, looking around frantically. “Where is your father?”

“Father?” Serana said. “He has no idea we are here. Let us inside, we need to talk.”

“I must have failed.” her mother said. “Harkon has found a way to decipher the prophecy, hasn’t he?”

“What are you talking about?” Serana said. “No, we are here to stop him. To make everything right.” I didn’t really like the way Valerica was speaking to Serana. I knew there was drama so I held my tongue…for now. Valerica turned to me.

“Who are you?” she demanded. “Why are you with my daughter? Did you use her to get to me? Are you here to kill me?”

“I’m not here for you at all, I came for the Elder Scroll.” I said. This was perhaps a bit harsh but she was acting kind of crazy. “Serana and I have been travelling together for quite some time. We watch out for each other and keep each other safe.” Valerica scoffed at this.

“You expect me to believe your intentions are nobel?” she said. “You have no idea how much Serana sacrificed to keep Harkon from completing the prophecy.”

“I know more than you realize.” I said.

“Do you?” she said laughing. “You think I put Serana in the tomb to protect the Elder Scroll? No. The key to the Tyranny of the Sun is Serana herself!” I looked confused and Valerica went on a rant about how she had taken two scrolls from the castle and left one with Serana and brought the other one here with her. She explained that she and Serana were Daughters of Coldharbour. They had both been offered to Molag Bal and survived his trial. I looked at Serana but her face had taken on its emotionless facade.

Valerica said it would take the blood of a Daughter of Coldharbour to taint Auriel’s Bow and fulfill the prophecy which meant both the blood of the mother and daughter could be used. That’s why Valerica fled to the Soul Cairn. I interrupted her at this point.

“I would never let Harkon harm Serana.” I told her.

“How could you possibly stop him?” she asked me. I looked at Serana again before answering.

“I will kill him.” I said quietly. Valerica actually laughed at that.

“You are a food.” she said. I’m pretty sure she didn’t like me much.

“You have been very quiet. M…Serana.” I said. “How do you feel about all of this?”

“Don’t pretend you care about our plight!” Valerica screamed. “We are abominations to you that must be destroyed. I know you are just using Serana.”

“You know nothing about me!” I yelled at her. My voice was louder than the thunder for a moment. I thought I heard a distant answering cry. Valerica stumbled back a bit and looked sharply at Serana.

“Please.” Serana said. “Stop it, both of you.”

“My apologies, Mistress.” I said.

“Why should I trust this stranger?” Valerica asked.

“His name is Tiberious.” Serana said, “And he has done more for me these last few months than you did in hundreds of years!” Valerica looked shocked.

“How dare you!” Valerica said. “I gave up everything to protect you from your father.” Serana was looking sad now and I moved over to stand directly next to her. She leaned into me and I put my arm around her waist.

“Yes my father is crazy.” Serana said. “But he’s still my father.”

“Open your eyes, Serana.” Valerica said. “As soon as your father realizes your blood is needed to fulfill the prophecy he will kill you.” Serana broke away from me and walked directly up to the barrier.

“So in your infinite wisdom you decided to shut me away from everything I cared about!” Serana said. “You never asked me if that is what I wanted. You just expected me to blindly follow your plans. Both you and Harkon were obsessed in your own way. I am still a pawn to both of you. My dreams of just being a family were just the fantasies of a child. We don’t deserve that kind of happiness. But we have to stop him before it’s too late. We need the Elder Scroll.” Valerica looked truly shaken at Serana’s words.

“I’m so sorry, daughter.” she said, reaching out slightly. “I didn’t realize…my hatred of your father blinded me. Please, forgive me. Of course you can have the Elder Scroll.”

She went on to explain that she had the Elder Scroll with her in the castle but the barrier would have to be dropped before we could get in. The Ideal Masters had trapped her and we would need to destroy three keepers to open the barrier. She explained the Ideal Masters ruled over the Soul Cairn and had tricked her when she first arrived. She told us what to look for to find the keepers and warned us about a dragon named Durnehviir who might appear. A dragon? Perhaps I had heard a call. She wished us luck and we set off. After we got away from the castle Serana spoke.

“I’m sorry you had to deal with her.” she said as we walked toward the first tower.

“It’s not your fault, Mistress.” I said. “She came around in the end. It seems she does genuinely care about you at least. I don’t think she likes me much, however.” Serana laughed a bit at that.

“No, I don’t think she does. She’s always been pretty observant and probably suspected we have a relationship. Which she likely hates.” I nodded and we continued to the first tower.

The keeper battles were difficult but we managed to destroy all three of them with only minor wounds which were easily healed with magick or vampiric powers. I was still feeling the weakness of course but it seemed the power of my Thu’um was not affected, although it did take me longer to recover between shouts.

When we got back to the castle the barrier was down and Valerica led us inside. I noticed Serana and Valerica did not hug or have any real physical contact. There was a large courtyard inside and Valerica started to lead us toward what looked like a large lab. Before we got close there was the cry of a dragon and I looked up to the sky.

“It’s Durnehviir!” Valerian said. “Prepare for a fight.”

By now Serana and I were pretty skilled at fighting dragons and Durnehviir was no different. He summoned those misty skeletons but other than that his powers weren’t very notable. The dragon completely disintegrated when defeated and I got no soul from it.

Valerica was completely shocked we had defeated him, stating she didn’t think it was possible based on volumes she had read. I was suspicious as well since I had not absorbed a soul. She finished leading us over to the lab and revealed the Elder Scroll which Serana grabbed. We asked her if she wanted to come back with us but she declined stating her presence would be a danger for the prophecy.

Before we said farewell I asked her if she was able to help me retrieve my soul. After speaking with Serana about what she did Valerica stated it would have been offered to the Ideal Masters. She said there was an offering altar nearby and if it was anywhere it was there. All I had to do was touch the gem and my essence would be restored. That sounded great to me.

When Serana and I left the castle Durnehviir was waiting for us. He did not want to fight, however. He just wanted to talk. He told us he had never been felled in battle and gave me the title of Qahnaarin or Vanquisher. He told us how he had craved the power of necromancy and made a deal with the Ideal Masters. They had tricked him and trapped him in the Soul Cairn. He asked if I was willing to do him a favor and call him back to Tamriel. He couldn’t stay without dying but he wanted to see it again. I agreed to help him and he flew off and Serana and I went to look for the altar. It wasn’t far and as we neared I could feel its pull. There were a few skeletons and we had to navigate a maze but once we reached the top I was able to recover the gem and thus my soul essence.

The relief when I touched the gem was indescribable. I cried out in joy and hugged Serana as tightly as I could. She laughed and hugged me back. I was sorry her mother was stuck here but perhaps after we defeated Harkon we could come back for her. The trip back to the portal was uneventful and I was happy to finally get out of this place.

Chapter Text

It was nice to be back at Honeyside. We had both scrolls now and I was sitting at the table with Iona explaining how that happened. Serana was out doing her own thing. I had just finished telling Iona about the Soul Cairn and was getting ready to tell her about getting the final Elder Scroll. I took a long drink of ale before I started.

I told her about meeting the crazy old bastard Septimus Signus who lived in the coldest part of Skyrim or at least it felt like it. I tried to emulate his speaking patterns but I must have failed because all Iona did was laugh. He knew where the scroll was but would not tell us until we did something for him. We had to collect blood from various races so he could open this dwemer box. This actually took awhile because I certainly wasn’t going to go around murdering innocent folk for their blood so we had to search for bandits.

Septimus also told us where to find the scroll which he needed as well to open the box. He said it was in Blackreach in a tower called Mzark. We could reach Blackreach via a dwemer ruin called Alftand which he gave us directly to. Septimus gave us two items which he called an attunement sphere and a blank lexicon. These were items we would use to help recover and copy the information contained in the scroll for Septimus. I didn’t really understand what he was talking about but the instructions were clear enough.

We headed out to Alftand and then Blackreach and what a place that was. Deep underground and covered in strange glowing fungus and mushrooms. The place was huge but we eventually located the tower and went inside. I tried to explain to Iona the dwemer machinery and how I used the items provided by Spetimus but I fear I did a poor job. I wish Serana were here as she seemed to have a greater grasp of it all. At least we had the scroll and the full lexicon so we made our way out of Blackreach.

Once those tasks were finished, we went back to see the old man. He used the blood and lexicon to open the box and inside was a book. Oh I forgot to mention as we entered Septimus’ house we were stopped by Hermaeus Mora. Iona looked suitably horrified. I assured her that I told him I wasn’t interested in any deals and I certainly wasn’t his champion. He didn’t sound very happy but he left.

Septimus grabbed the book from inside the box, opened it immediately and started reading. He said something about it burning his mind and moments later his entire body was reduced to ash. The book was still intact and I picked it up. I did not open it before packing it away. I told Iona I still had it in the house locked away. I took another drink of ale before continuing on.

Now that we had all the scrolls we went back to Fort Dawnguard to see if Dexion the Moth Priest could finish the prophecy. Sadly the old fool hadn’t prepared enough for his first reading and had blinded himself. Apparently this is a common occurrence in their order. He told me there was another way but it would involve great risk to myself. I told him we had to see this through to the end so he explained that there was an Ancestor Glade here in Skyrim that would help. He said in that glade I would need to perform the Ritual of the Ancestor Moth. He explained it involved gathering bark from a special tree using a ceremonial tool called a draw knife. This would attract the ancestor moths and they would surround me and assist in reading the scrolls.

Iona was looking skeptical and I certainly didn’t blame her. It sounded crazy to me as well but I told her it worked. I mentioned Serana said I was glimmering as the moths surrounded me. We moved over to a dias in the glade that was shining in a similar way as myself and I actually read the scrolls. I told Iona the experience was surreal and like nothing I had ever experienced obviously but I did not go blind and now we knew the entire prophecy and where to find Auriel’s bow.

“That’s a crazy story, my Thane.” Iona said. I finished my ale and nodded.

“Trust me, I know.” I told her. “I’ll just be happy when all this is over. When we have the bow and have destroyed Harkon.” The door to the house opened and Serana walked in. I looked up and smiled at her and she smiled back.

“Hello sweetie.” she said. I could see Iona make a face and roll her eyes but I pretended not to notice. Serana held up a bag. “I bought something for us but you can’t see it until later.” The look on her face was smoldering and I blushed fiercely which just caused her to laugh. Iona cleared her throat loudly.

“Umm…I’ll see about alternate lodgings for the night.” she said.

“That’s probably for the best.” Serana told her.

********

It was a few hours later, Iona had left and I was sitting in my room doing my best to read. Serana and I had spent some time together chatting and just being close before she took a bath and then went to her room. She told me she would see me later tonight. I sat there for a few more minutes trying to read before I put the book down. I was feeling fairly anxious and it wasn’t just the visit from my Mistress. I still hadn’t chosen a side in the civil war and I really did not want to. Not because there wasn’t a clear choice but because I was uncertain why everyone was just waiting on me. I know I’m the dragonborn but that wasn’t by choice. I didn’t feel like a great leader of men and the fact that so many were relying on me was daunting. It was pointless to worry about it I suppose. Once Serana and I saved the world from a crazy vampire lord we could save the world from a crazy dragon.

Truthfully the thought of finding the bow and killing Harkon was a bit worrisome. I had this thought at the back of my mind that Serana would just leave once that was done. Like she wouldn’t need me any more. I didn’t really believe that but that didn’t stop the self-doubt from creeping in. What if she did leave? No, she wasn’t going to leave. She had told me that she loved me and I certainly loved her. There was a knock on the door that interrupted my thoughts.

“Come in.” I said softly. Serana opened the door and stepped into the room. She was dressed in her normal soft leather trousers and cloth tunic. Her hair was intricately braided and she was carrying a small bag. She looked beautiful and any doubts I had about her were suddenly stricken from my mind…at least for now.

“You are very beautiful, Mistress.” I said to her, she smiled at me and put the bag down on the table. She moved over to me and put her arms around me. She bent down slightly and gave me a deep kiss. Her tongue entered my mouth after a moment and she worked it slowly, exploring everywhere she could reach. I moaned quietly and returned the kiss as best I could. I had gotten quite skilled at avoiding her teeth. She pulled away and smiled at me again.

“Take your clothes off, boy.” she said, her voice husky. I did so with urgency. I had already felt the stirrings of arousal from the kiss alone. After a moment I stood there in front of her naked, arms at my sides. She gave me a full look from top to bottom and then her smile broadened to show all of her teeth.

“Sit down on the bed.” she said. I complied of course. She walked over and got very close to me, looming over me. She ran her hand through my hair and down my neck and I shuddered. Still standing close to me she started to take off her own clothes. Slowly and with plenty of her flesh touching my exposed skin. Her skin was smooth and cool to the touch. I watched her as she did this and her breasts were very near my face. She made sure to touch me with them on several occasions.

“Lie back.” she said standing in front of me. She looked amazing. My Dark Mistress, her pale, smooth skin reflecting the light. Her breasts round and soft, tipped with the most amazing pink nipples I had ever seen. I reluctantly laid back on the bed not wanting to stop looking at her. She grabbed some extra blankets and arranged them on the floor in front of where I lay. Once finished she knelt down on these blankets. I was fully hard now and she grabbed my shaft softly and I gasped. She started to stroke slowly and then started to kiss and lick the tender skin of my inner thigh. I was really getting into the feelings when she suddenly bit me on the thigh.

There was no warning, no sense of calm, just pain and shock. I cried out but remained as still as I could. It really hurt and I could hear her sucking and swallowing as before. Four swallows, five, six, seven. She was still stroking me in time with the swallows but I found it difficult to concentrate on that. Ten, eleven and then she stopped. I felt a bit woozy as she raised her head up from the wound. She made a small noise of what sounded like concern and I could feel some pressure applied to the wound area.

I looked up and her face was definitely concerned. I also noticed her chin was covered in my blood and I had a flashback to the bandit. Serana’s entire lower face covered in blood, her fangs gleaming in the moonlight. I shook my head and cleared the vision.

“TIberius sweetie.” she said sounded slightly nervous. “Are you able to just heal this wound for me, please?” I sat up and my head spun as I did so. Once I could see clearly her hand was covering the wound but I could see blood seeping from beneath it. I reached down and channeled some magicka into my heal spell and directed it at the wound. I could feel the skin and flesh mending under her hand and the pain started to recede. I was feeling a bit weak and slightly panicky by the time I had finished.

Serana slowly raised her hand and wiped some of the blood away. The wound appeared healed but there was a decent sized bruise. Unfortunately the healing magic would do nothing for the blood loss and I could certainly feel those effects.

“I’m so sorry, sweetie.” Serana said, sounding sincere. She stood up and I noticed some of my blood was still dripping down her chin. She noticed me staring at it and quickly moved to the basin to clean herself up. After a few moments she brought the rag over and cleaned up the rest of the blood from my leg. She was gentle but the area was quite tender. I wasn’t sure what to say so I remained silent as she worked. She looked up at me when she was finished and it almost looked like she was about to cry.

“Tiberius.” she said quietly. “I’m sorry. I lost control a little bit.” I noticed. “Your blood is very…intoxicating. I shouldn’t have bit you as it’s been a while since I fed. I’m sorry. How are you feeling? Please say something.” I stared at her for a moment before answering. I had never lied to her before and I decided now was not the time to start.

“I feel woozy and weak like I’ve lost a lot of blood.” I said. “The bite wound is still very sensitive. I had a flashback of the very first time I saw you feed.” Her face fell at this. “Mistress, I trust you completely. Please tell me that is not a bad decision.” This experience scared me. I did trust her completely and that hadn’t changed but I needed to know. She knelt back down in front of me in what seemed a deliberate move.

“I don’t know if it is.” she said. “This is all new to me, Tiberius. I’ve never had a relationship like this before. By the Divines, this is my first real relationship at all. What I can tell you is that I love you and I want to spend as much time as I can with you. My intention was to only hurt you if you let me.” She was crying now which I’d never seen her do before. Her tears were pink.

She stood up quickly and grabbed her clothes, heading for the door.

“Please Mistress.” I said. “Don’t go.” She stopped, her hand resting on the latch. “I don’t ever want you to leave me. I’m fine, just a bit woozy. Nothing a few days of rest and some good food won’t cure.” She remained standing there, her naked back to me. “Please stay. I still trust you. I don’t care if it’s a bad decision. I love you.” I stood up, feeling a bit unsteady, and moved over to her. Hesitantly I hugged her from behind, pressing my chest into her back. Her skin was very warm now. She relaxed and took her hand off the latch. She slowly turned around, dropped her clothes and hugged me hard.

“You’re an idiot.” she said in my ear. I chuckled at that.

“I know.” I responded. “It’s part of my charm.” She led me back over to the bed and sat me down. She knelt back down and gave me a mischievous smile.

“Do you still have enough blood left for this?” she said, grabbing my now flaccid shaft. Apparently I did because at her touch it rose quickly. She laid me back down and worked on me with her hands for a bit before standing up. She went over to the bag and pulled out a small glass vial. She opened it and walked over to the bed again. I was looking up at her intently as she poured some of the contents onto her breasts. It looked like some kind of oil perhaps. She quickly put the vial down and rubbed in the oil. This only increased my arousal as she worked her own breasts in front of me. She was pinching and squeezing as she watched my face. Her own face was a combination of pleasure and mischief.

“You just lie there and let me work, boy.” she said. She knelt down and I kept my head raised as best I could to see what she was doing. It quickly became clear what her intentions were as she surrounded my entire shaft with her breasts. It was entirely engulfed. The oil made her skin slick and she started moving her breasts up and down using her hands and body. The sensation was amazing, especially when combined with the view I was getting. Her skin was still quite warm and her breasts were very soft.

She was staring at my face as she worked her breasts up and down. She smiled and I smiled back. I could feel myself already getting close as she increased the speed. The weight of her breasts were slapping into my flesh. I could feel some small pain from the bruise but it was nothing compared to the pleasure of my Mistress attending to me. She kept up the rhythm and it wasn’t long before I could feel my climax approaching.

“Mistress I…” I said breathily.

“Go ahead, sweetie.” she said and with one last look at her bouncing breasts I did. I cried out and arched my back as it happened. Once I was done I slowly raised my head to look at her. I had made quite the mess all over her breasts, and some on her face. I was horrified and quickly tried to get up to clean her.

“Do not move.” she said sternly. She got up and using a different rag cleaned herself up before moving back to the bed and gently cleaning me up as well. “Don’t get used to this, boy.” she said, smiling down at me.

“I won’t, Mistress.” I said. Once she was finished she put the rag away and moved back over to me, motioning me to lie correctly on the bed. I did so and she laid down next to me. We were facing and she gave me a quick kiss.

“Turn around.” she said and I turned in the bed, facing my back to her. She quickly pressed up against me, fitting the curve of her body into the curve of mine maximising the skin contact. I let out a deep sigh as she started to play with my hair. I made a noise of contentment, mumbled I love you, and quickly fell asleep.

Chapter Text

I rested and recovered for a few days before we set out for Darkfall Cave. The trip took a few days but once we arrived we immediately went inside. The cave itself was fairly normal but we had a dangerous moment when a wooden bridge collapsed and we fell into an underground river. We were dragged underwater for a short bit before we ended up in a cave absolutely full of frostbite spiders.

After dispatching those we fought some trolls and avoided some nasty traps before coming to a large cavern and speaking with Knight-Paladin of Auri-El if you can believe it. Their name was Gelabor and they were a Falmer. Not one of the creepy ones with no eyes but one of the original ones. He looked kind of like a pale, muscular Altmer.

He knew we were there for Auri-El’s bow and offered us a deal. If we would kill Arch-Curate Vyrthur…his brother, he would provide us with the bow. We agreed as we didn’t have much choice and he showed us how to travel through the various wayshrines in the area. There were five wayshrines in total and they covered quite the large area.

It seemed like we had to fight an endless array of falmer and spiders as we went through. To get to the fourth wayshrine we even had to fight two dragons. I ended up calling Durnehviir for assistance.

After traveling through the fifth wayshrine we came to an area and that quite a large number of frozen falmer. Most were carrying items but that seemed like an obvious trap so we avoided them.

We eventually came to what I can only assume was Auri-El’s chapel. There were more frozen falmer and their insect friends here. On the throne sat another uncorrupted Falmer who must be Vyrthur. He then threatened us and started to release the frozen insects and falmer. We defeated those minions, he summoned a very large frost atronach. This was a bit tougher but it eventually fell to my fire shout.

Vyrthur was very nervous now and used some kind of power to collapse the entire church on us while running out to a balcony. We avoided the falling stones and followed him out. Serana ended up demanding the bow and they had a short conversation where we learned he was an actual vampire and he created the prophecy. He wanted Serana’s blood and she was not very happy about it. She actually picked him up fully off the ground and tossed him away like a child.

He got up and tried to fight but he was no match for us. Once he was down a wayshrine activated and Gelebor came through. We spoke with him and told him his brother was a vampire which he hadn’t known. He thanked us and then somehow made the bow appear in the wayshrine. We took the bow and used the portal to return to Darkfall Cave. From there we returned to Riften to discuss our next move.

Back at Honeyside we figured out that we could use Auri-El’s bow to fire elven arrows and they turned into Sunhallowed arrows and seemed like they would be most effective against vampires. I wasn’t particularly skilled with a bow but I did have some minor training so I decided it would be wise to bring it.

Serana said we should speak with Isran and tell him the news. Once we got to Fort Dawnguard and told him he was ready to head to Castle Volkihar with us. The trip took a while with all of us but everything left us alone. Upon arrival it took several trips with the rowboat but we all arrived on the island in front of the Castle.

As we charged several vampires came out of the gate along with some death hounds and gargoyles. They quickly fell to the enchanted silver weapons on the Dawnguard. We went inside and fought and defeated more of them before going up the stairs and finally confronting Harkon.

He was in his vampire lord form and immediately started speaking to Serana. He called me her pet, which wasn’t actually the insult he thought, and blamed her for basically everything. He tried to convince her that I would come after her and Valerica next but Serana knew that would never happen. He did give me one chance to turn over the bow but I declined and we started the fight.

He summoned a lot of minions and Serana said she would handle those while I concentrated on Harkon. This was a fight that was harder than most dragons. When he became wounded he would erect some sort of shield made of blood and heal at his altar. Serana screamed that I should use the bow and once I did that it broke the shield and the fight became easier. Eventually through persistence, use of the bow and my dragonborn shouts, Harkon was defeated. His final cry was to Serana about her betrayal before he dissolved into ash.

Isran arrived shortly after and congratulated us. He, reluctantly I think, offered Serana a place to stay at Fort Dawnguard but she laughed at him and declined. She already had a place to stay for as long as she wanted.

Before we left we decided to try and travel back to the Soul Cairn to get Valerica. I was able to go through the portal with no issues for some reason and we quickly made it to Serana’s mother. She was surprised to hear Harkon was dead but agreed to return to the castle. We escorted her out and said our good-byes.

Serana and I took our time on the way home. Just enjoying each other's company and talking about normal things. It was a huge relief for both of us to have that part of our lives completed. We had saved the world. Or that’s what we told ourselves.

We rested for a day when we got back to Honeyside. I read and Serana worked on some alchemy. Iona cooked and cleaned and stayed out of our way like a good housecarl. I slept in Serana’s bed that first night but we were exhausted and just cuddled. It was nice.

The next day Serana sat down at my table and asked, “So, what now?” I set my book down and thought about that question. What now? I still needed to really save the world from the World-Eater. And there was the civil war. There were also some crazy cultists that had attacked me because I was dragonborn. They had a letter talking about Solstheim but that sounded like an awful place.

“I’m not sure.” I said. “I should go back and talk with Delphine the crazy Blade. She wanted me to infiltrate some party. That was ages ago so I can’t imagine that still needs to happen.” Serana reached out and cupped my face. She had my full attention now.

“Would you like company?”

I swallowed loudly and said, “Nothing would please me more, Mistress.”

She patted my face, smiled broadly and sat back. “Good, then I’ll come with you. When do we start?”

For my Goddess,
You were the light in every shadow, the hand at my back, the voice in the silence.
This world still carries Your echo. Always.