Promises

The three of us had conversed at length on our way to the Boneyard but one question had been nagging my thoughts. Valerica was a very different person to Harkon. Clearly a vampire, though she was far more like Serana. I wouldn't have called her overly friendly but I wasn't left with the feeling that she wanted to dig her teeth into my neck as soon as I looked away.

"Valerica, I have one question which I need to ask."

"Ask, Dragonborn. I may have a reply."

"Harkon is clearly obsessed with this prophecy for his own reasons. But why haven't you pursued it?"

"A fair observation, Ragnar, and one I can answer quite easily. Harkon's vision is a world plunged into eternal darkness where the vampire can flourish and never again fear the 'tyranny of the sun'. What he fails to realize is how much attention would be called to our kind if the prophecy came to fruition."

"A fair point. We'd cross Tamriel looking for whoever caused the sun to disappear. And I don't just mean humans."

She nodded. "Indeed. If eternal night fell, there are many who wouldn't stand for it, not just on Tamriel but across Nirn. You would raise armies in attempts to return things to normal. The order of the day would be our destruction until every last vampire was hunted down and eliminated."

"If I may be so bold, do you enjoy living as a vampire?"

"Eternal life is a blessing and a curse in itself. All I know is that since the very day we became vampires, I've watched my family fall apart. Harkon is to blame for his obsession over the prophecy…" She sighed again, "But I realise I have my faults as well."

"At least you don't want to destroy the world, mother."

"And I'll help you however I can going forward. You have my word on that."

"And Harkon?" I asked.

"I will not shed any tears if or when you do have to kill him. The man I married disappeared a long time ago."

"And you?" I asked.

"I just want to return home and live my life in peace. Is that too much to ask?"

"Honestly, no. Vampire or not, I think we all just want to live in peace."

"You are a most unusual vampire hunter, Ragnar of Whiterun."

"My usual occupation is not to be a vampire hunter."

"What are you then?"

"I'd consider myself an adventurer. Failing that, I'm a fighter."

"A mercenary?"

I shrugged. "I guess some may call me that. But, hand on heart, I can say I've never killed an innocent. I've fought and killed dragons, monsters, vampires, bandits and other mercenaries. But have I killed an innocent man, woman or child? No. I like to think I have some morals."

"What about innocent vampires?"

"I have let vampires live before. There are those out there who likely chose not to become vampires and probably do not know how to be cured so would therefore consider themselves cursed to live how they are. And I'm willing to live and let live as long as they do not terrorise other people."

Her mother gave me a curious look. "Most unusual, Ragnar of Whiterun."

"He's a good man, mother. And he's my friend. Isn't that enough?"

"Ragnar?" she asked, looking at me as if judging me on only my next response.

"Your daughter is unlike any vampire I've met before. And I meant every word I said before."

She looked at me in silence before finally nodding. "Very well," she stated, before gesturing forward, "The Boneyard is just ahead. Prepare yourself… Though, being the Dragonborn, I'm confident we should come through this."

Walls towered over us to either side, a pair of enormous doors ahead already open. 'Guess the barricade we've taken down had prevent access… or exit.' Our walking pace slowed as I unsheathed my sword. Serana and her mother gazed about carefully as we walked into the courtyard. In addition to the high walls were numerous towers, with a double set of stairs ahead leading to another section of the courtyard. There was no sign of any dragon so I knew it was going to descend from somewhere around us. The Boneyard was a rather apt name as bones littered the area, giant piles in the four corners of the yard. If we'd been in the real world, the place would have stunk of death.

"Do you know this dragon well?" I asked as we gathered in the middle of the courtyard.

"I do. Its name is Durnehviir. I believe he's been here far longer than myself though time itself means nothing here. Whatever the case, I have no doubt he'll be here shortly."

"Was the dragon your guardian?" Serana asked.

"In a manner of speaking. The fact the Keepers are now dead and the barricade is down will ensure he will investigate what's happened."

It may have been a subtle hint for us to shut up and listen. So that's what we did, ensuring we moved about, keeping some space between us in the event we found ourselves surprised. I doubted that, stating as much, as dragons usually roared before flying in to attack. Eyes to the sky, I stated. That's where the dragon would come from.

The seconds felt like minutes. It was that sense of anticipation, mingled with a little bit of fear. I may fly into battle seemingly without a care in the world, but there is always an element if not a lot of fear. But you use the fear as courage. You don't want to die. You want the enemy, whatever it is, to die instead. But I'd fought enough dragons to know what to expect.

Then I heard it. So did Serana and her mother.

"Here he comes," her mother said quietly.

The dragon roared and it was clear it circled out of view, trying to follow the noise. But I knew being where we were, and with the dragon moving, it sometimes effected how sound travelled. But I tried to circle and anticipate where Durnehviir would appear.

"Ready yourselves," I instructed.

Then he appeared over the wall to our right. I don't know what I was actually expecting. Perhaps some sort of spectral or skeletal dragon. But no. Durnehviir was just a normal dragon, by all appearances anyway, flying over us and using his Voice, causing us to leap out of the way as a sheet of frost covered where we had just been standing. He continued to circle use again before finally descending. That is when I let him know that I was Dragonborn, sheeting his face in flame.

"Gods, you truly are," I heard Valerica state as I walked towards the dragon, shield raised ready for an attack, Serana and her mother using their magic as I did everything I could to keep the attention of Durnehviir. The best idea I had was, as usual, heading straight in. Avoiding a bite from its jaws, I slammed my shield into his face and thrust forward with my sword, feeling steel break skin and scales. Durnehviir arched his neck backwards from the blow.

He took off immediately, disappearing out of sight over one of the walls. In his stead, a series of skeletal enemies appeared. Valerica finally gave them a name, simply calling them 'Bonemen'. Serana and her mother got to work on them as Durnehviir flew overhead once again. I used Dragonrend, forcing him to the ground and once again bathed him in flames. I knew it was going to be the usual case of finding that vulnerable spot in its neck. I'd done it time and again as I'd learned that is where they were must vulnerable and where plenty of blood flowed.

Serana and Valerica joined me on either side and sparks flew from their palms, cupping their hands together to increase the ferocity of the spell. Durnehviir cried out in agony and it was the perfect time to strike, raising his head and I simply slice across his neck once, twice then a third time. Blood flowed in near rivers from the wound as I slammed my shield into his face once again before taking a couple of steps back. Durnehviir tried to follow but he weakened with every step.

"Shock him again," I called.

Sparks once again covered the dragon and, with one last roar, he collapsed to the ground.

But something strange them happened. Much like Alduin, I did not take his soul. And, after his body appeared to burn away for a few seconds, it simply… disappeared.

"What the…?"

I looked at Serana, who wondered why I was confused, while her mother looked as stunned as me. "Forgive my astonishment, Ragnar, but I never thought I'd witness the death of that dragon."

"I'm not sure it's dead. I didn't absorb the soul. It makes me wonder."

"About?"

"I had to travel to Sovngarde to slay Alduin, and even then, I didn't absorb his soul. Something… else happened when he died. A similar thing just happened. I did not take Durnehviir's soul."

"It's possible he can't be slain by normal means. As you know, the soul of a dragon is as resilient as its owner's scaly hide. It's possible that your killing blow merely displaced Durnehviir's physical form while he reconstitutes himself."

"We'd better move fast then. Where's the Scroll?"

"Still back in my quarters. Come quickly."

Our questions were answered upon exiting the Boneyard, the spectral form of Durnehviir waiting for us. Serana and Valerica were ready to leap into action but I recognised when a dragon wanted to simply speak. I raised my hand to the other two. "Wait! It'll be okay. He just wants to talk." I walked towards Durnehviir. "It appears you can't be killed either. You're the second dragon I've met which I've had difficulty killing."

"You fight well, Qahnaarin. Alas, I cannot be killed. Cursed to exist in this form for all eternity. Trapped between laas and dinok, between life and death."

"Ragnar, you're talking to a dragon," Serana whispered.

I just looked at her and smiled. "Trust me, I've done this before." I turned back to Durnehviir. "Why do you wish to speak to me?" I asked, as I was intrigued. Paarthurnax has been a peaceful dragon. Others I had forced to submit. But I was an honour bound warrior and would always lend a dragon my ear if they chose to converse in peace.

"I believe in civility among seasoned warriors, and I find your ear worthy of my words. My claws have rendered flesh from innumerable foes, but I have never once been felled on the field of battle. I therefore honour-name you 'Qahnaarin', or Vanquisher in your tongue."

I bowed with my head. "You do me a great honour. I have found all dragons I have fought against honourable creatures."

I sensed I pleased the dragon with my words. "My desire to speak with you was born from the result of our battle, Qahnaarin. I merely wish to respectfully ask a favour of you." I merely gestured for him to continue. "For countless years I've roamed the Soul Cairn, in unintended service to the Ideal Masters. Before this, I roamed the skies above Tamriel. I desire to return there."

I looked at Valerica for a moment and realised the two were linked in more ways than one. "You're stuck here, aren't you?" I asked of the dragon.

"I fear that my time here has taken its toll on me. I share a bond with this dreaded place. If I ventured far from the Soul Cairn, my strength would begin to wane until I was no more." I figured there was more to it than that. I sensed Valerica could certainly share a lot more about her own situation. But I wasn't inclined to pry. It was quite sad to hear this dragon, even without knowing the full story, was stuck in this bleak, desolate place. "I will place my name with you and grant you the right to call my name from Tamriel. Do me this simple honour and I will fight at your side as your Grah-Zeymahzin, your Ally, and teach you my Thu'um."

I thought about it for a few moments, weighing up the pros and cons of the idea, before I nodded. "I will grant you this favour, Durnehviir."

"Thank you, Qahnaarin." And, with that thanks, he left the word wall he had been sitting on, flying away into the distance, as I absorbed the three words I would use to summon him.

We followed Valerica back to her quarters and she handed the Scroll to Serana. I was happy to see she then hugged Serana. I didn't hear any words shared but, I'll admit, it was a nice moment. Unlike her father, I think some sort of love still existed between Valerica and her daughter, despite the centuries of corruption.

"I have to stay here. You understand?" Serana nodded. "I have no choice. As I told you before, I'm a Daughter of Coldharbour. If I return to Tamriel, that increases Harkon's likelihood of bringing the Tyranny of the Sun to fruition." She then looked at me. "The part of your soul is on an altar just outside, Ragnar. And, remember above everything, Harkon is not to be trusted. No matter what he promises, he'll deceive you in order to get what he wants."

"He's going to die unless he gives up this stupid prophecy," Serana stated. I knew how much it pained her to say that.

Her mother nodded, then looked in my direction. "Ragnar, a word. In private, please."

"I'll wait near the altar," Serana stated before she left me alone with her mother.

"I know how you really feel about here. A mother always knows. But I'm interested to know for how long you have?"

"Since the day I met her."

She surprised me by grabbing my hand. "Promise me you'll keep my daughter safe. She's the only thing of value I have left. Promise me she won't be sacrificed for that stupid prophecy. Promise me that you'll always look after her. Promise me that you'll… love her in a way far better than her mother or father could ever show."

"You have my word."

"Thank you."

"And when this is all over, we'll come back, find you and return you home."

"Don't worry about me, Ragnar. All that matters is that she is kept safe and that Harkon dies. And he must die." I raised eyebrows at that. "He's no longer than man I married and loved, Ragnar. He's a monster. He will cause the destruction of my people. Therefore, he must die."

"It will be done."

"You're a good man, Ragnar. Most unusual but I sense that you are a good man. Again, a mother's instinct. I feel I'm right to entrust my daughter's life and future in your hands." Then she really surprised me by kissing my cheek. "Farewell, Dragonborn."

I bowed my head. "Farewell."

*****

It had been a tiring journey back to Breezehome. I was whole again after finding the part of my soul taken upon entering the Soul Cairn. It was strange. I didn't feel any different when Serana had taken that little part of me but, upon taking it back, I felt… reinvigorated. We left the Soul Cairn without a backwards glance and escaped the castle as quickly as possible, unsure if we'd alerted Harkon to our presence during our journey to the Cairn.

We'd nearly capsized on the way across the strait back to the mainland, getting out of the little rowboat soaked to the bone, tired beyond belief and ready to simply curl up under covered next to a fire and sleep for days. But we knew we had to keep going. We rode hard and fast for as long as possible, taking care along the coast until we hit the main road leading east and then finally south. We agreed to keep riding until we arrived in Breezehome, knowing we'd be riding for longer than a day. We only stopped when the horses needed a rest, ensuring we rode at a sensible pace to keep them relatively fresh.

It was approaching dusk when Breezehome finally came into view. I was exhausted. Serana was on the verge of falling asleep in her saddle, keeping my horse close to hers and doing my best to keep her awake with my inane conversation skills. After stabling our horses, we headed straight home and the warmth of the fire. I offered to cook dinner, heading up to the Bannered Mare to grab a few ingredients, managing to eventually make something that was at least edible. We then simply sat back in our chairs and looked at the fire. I was close to drifting off when Serana spoke.

"Do you have any questions?"

"I have a few, I guess. I'm not sure where to begin."

"As I said, Ragnar, I'll answer anything you are left wondering about."

"So you were not always a family of vampires?"

"Mother barely scratched the surface of how it all came about. It's a long story."

"We have all night. I'm not going anywhere. Only continue if you're comfortable telling me. But you don't have to."

"You want a drink first?"

"Do you think I'm going to need it?"

"I'll probably need one too."

"Oh… Okay then."

Once we had a bottle of alcohol in hand, she continued. "As I said, it's a long story, and what happened to my family can be traced all the way back to where vampires came from. Do you know where vampirism originated?"

"No idea but your mother mentioned something to do with Molag Bol. A ritual of some sort."

"There's more to it than that. The first vampire did come from Molag Bol but she was… She was not a willing subject. And she has since become known as the first Daughter of Coldharbour."

"What or where is Coldharbour?"

"Molag Bol's realm of Oblivion. It is a place no mortal would wish to visit."

"Who was the first? Do you know?"

She nodded. "I've read the lore. It is something we all learn before undergoing the ritual. Daughters of Coldharbour would consider themselves sisters of the blood. Bizarre, I know, but that's how it is. Lamae Beolfag was the very first pureblood vampire. I'm not exactly sure when it happened, millennia ago no doubt."

"How did it happen?"

"She was raped by Molag Bol. That wasn't exactly what caused her to become a vampire but it was that event, plus what Molag Bol did to her afterwards, and then other events that occurred, which resulted in her becoming the very first vampire. And it has since spread."

I didn't want to know anymore already. But I knew Serana was getting everything off her chest. I definitely knew she'd never shared this with anyone before, her speech halting and hesitant as she tried to find the right words. Part of me wanted to stop her. But I wasn't worried about me. All I worried about was her.

"What do you know of Molag Bol?" she then asked.

"Nothing, to be honest," I answered truthfully. I didn't know much about any of the daedra. They didn't interest me.

"He is a powerful daedric lord, and his will is made reality. For those willing to subjugate themselves, he will still bestow the gift, but they must be powerful in their own right before earning his trust."

"And your father thought the price was worth it?"

"Eternal life and great power is afforded to those willing to undergo the ritual and survive."

"And obviously your mother agreed?"

"We… We were worshippers." She laughed. "We! As if I had much choice in the matter. As you've no doubt figured out, we're not the most normal of families. Worshipping a daedric lord was just one of the more bizarre aspects of our family."

"So how did you become a vampire?"

I wasn't surprised when she sought my hand, dragging her chair as close to mine as possible. She made sure she looked me in the eyes. "It was… degrading," she said quietly.

"You don't have to tell me."

"I have to… No, I want to. I trust you, Ragnar. I trust you more than anyone. I've never told anyone else. And I only want to share this with you."

In those few words, she told me exactly how she felt about me. So I swallowed. Then nodded. It was… It was horrendous. Harrowing. If Molag Bal had appeared then and there, I'd have murdered him with my bare hands. Ripped his heart out, if he had one, and shown it to him before he died. I don't have the words to describe what she told me. I really don't even want to put into words what she told me. When she finally finished describing what was done to her, I didn't know what to do or say. All I did was wrap an arm around her, kiss her forehead and nearly tell her that I loved her, if anything just to let her know that… I don't know, life going forward would be better and that there was someone who would care for and protect her from everything we would face. But what do you actually say when someone tells you about a ritual involving a daedric lord and the defiling of a human being?

I could only ask one question.

"Were you a willing subject?"

It was the question I'd asked her mother. Serana shook her head, a single tear rolling down her cheek. "No," she said quietly, then looked me in the eyes again, "But how could I have said no? Molag Bol would have taken me, no matter what. My parents would have ensured that. And if I had said no, I think he would have ended up killing me anyway."

"So your mother…"

She sighed. "Was under the spell of my father. And her treatment was just as bad as my own. I still don't know how we both survived."

I grabbed her hand, making sure she met my eyes. "Because you're strong, Serana. Strong. Wise. And Brave."

She smiled. "I must be. And I've always had to believe that I've been given a gift. Eternal life? I guess there are some benefits. But I think I was just lucky to survive. So many die during the ritual so I know I proved something by surviving. But obviously the relationship with my parents fell apart after that. How could I ever trust them again when they put me through that sort of ordeal?"

"But you still trusted your mother enough to be locked underground?"

She laughed, bitterly. "Only after my father went mad because of a stupid prophecy, mother going mad in her efforts to stop him and I was simply caught in the middle. In the end, I had to make a choice of supporting one or the other. I couldn't leave. Where could I have gone? But I finally saw my father for what he really was. He is my father, and despite everything, I still love him. But I will still kill him if he chooses to continue on this path."

"And what about after all this is done?"

"I don't know. To be honest, I don't want to think that far ahead. Defeating my father will be difficult enough. You are aware he is powerful?"

"I figured, considering your mother fled to the Soul Cairn and you were hidden away for centuries."

"He's a vampire lord, one of the most powerful variants there is. He's always thought himself greater than those around him. I was left wondering what my mother ever saw in him though I guess he had a certain charisma and, before this all happened, they were happy enough, I guess."

"What made your father choose to become a vampire?"

"He feared his own mortality. I'm not exactly sure what he did but I know he sacrificed hundreds after making a pact with Molag Bol. The fact he then put his own wife and daughter through the ritual speaks volumes in his lust for power and immortality. Once he was made into a full-blooded vampire, he became obsessed with increasing his own power. He looks down on most other vampires, including those who he would consider half-breeds."

"What's a half-breed?"

"Vampires who are simply infected and do not go under the ritual. Those who serve him now are only full-blooded, but he even hates them. I don't think there's anyone who he would consider his equal."

"Serana, he needs to die. I don't think there's even a chance of reasoning with him."

"I know, Ragnar. But, even after everything, he's still my father."

I didn't want to say 'I understand' because, although I did, the words would sound hollow. But she was visibly drained by the conversation and revelations she had shared, so I stopped asking questions. She'd already shared more than enough about herself. So we sat in silence a while longer, her hand still in mine, and we simply watched the fire continue to burn.

"I'm going to bed," she announced later. We walked up the stairs and on the landing, she hugged me again. "Thanks for listening."

"No problem." I could only see her eyes in the near darkness, resisting every urge in my body to grab her hand and escort her into my room. Not for anything else other than to make her feel loved and wanted after everything she'd shared. "Goodnight," I said instead.

"Goodnight, Ragnar."

I closed the doors behind me and, after taking off all my armour, climbed into my covers and was just about ready to drift off when there was a knock at my door. I felt my heart start to thud deep in my chest as obviously there was only one person it could be.

"Come in," I called quietly.

In the darkness I heard the door open and close before there was the quiet patter of footsteps on the floor. There was then near silence but I could see her eyes in the darkness, staring down at me and the bed. Helping make up her mind, I pulled the furs back. She gently lowered herself down before moving closer to me. I'll admit, I was now absolutely terrified of what was going to happen next.

"I didn't want to be alone," she whispered.

Do I just go to sleep? Do I hold her? Do I do more than just that? I was well out of my comfort zone. She helped me out, shuffling back a little bit more until I felt her body against mine. She then grabbed my arm and pulled it around her. I had to will certain parts of my body not to react as I could feel her skin, even though cold, against mine.

In the silence, I just listened to her breathing. It wasn't long until I heard her soft snores. I know it took me near the rest of the night to fall asleep.