The main hall of Dawnstar Keep was filled with a diverse crowd. Merchants, guards, local landowners, and members of Ibnor's inner circle stood in respectful silence, their attention focused on the high-backed throne. Ibnor, accompanied by Harin, ascended the steps and took his seat.
He raised a hand, silencing the hushed whispers that rippled through the hall.
"We are gathered here today," he began, his voice clear and resonant, "because I have to inform you of a necessary journey that the Dragonborn and I must undertake. Although I cannot disclose the reason, it is somewhat important to us, and by extension, to Dawnstar."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the assembled crowd.
"During our absence," he continued, "the governance and protection of this hold will be overseen by trusted members of my court. I have made the necessary arrangements to ensure the continued stability and prosperity of Dawnstar, and I expect your full cooperation with those I have placed in authority."
He offered a brief, reassuring smile.
"We do not anticipate a prolonged absence," he concluded. "We will return as soon as our task is complete."
He then descended from the throne, offering his arm to Harin. With a final nod to the assembled crowd, they turned and exited the hall.
The main hall emptied, the echoes of Ibnor's announcement fading into the quiet of the keep. He then made his way to the war room, a smaller, more private chamber where matters of strategy and importance were discussed. Brina, Illia, the captain of the guard, and a few other key figures were already present, standing around the large map table. Delphine and Esbern stood slightly apart, observing the room with practiced eyes.
Ibnor entered, followed by Harin. He closed the door behind them, ensuring their privacy. The atmosphere in the room shifted, becoming more focused and serious.
"Now," Ibnor began, his voice low and direct, "let us speak plainly."
He gestured to Delphine and Esbern.
"As I informed the court, I will be absent for a time. During this period, you two will have a specific task."
He turned to the map, his finger tracing the outline of Dawnstar and the surrounding area.
"While I trust in the abilities of my court to maintain order, I wish to take this opportunity to strengthen Dawnstar's defenses from within."
He looked directly at Delphine and Esbern.
"Your first charge will be to establish the foundation of a new order: the King's Blades." He paused, his gaze steady. "I want you to focus on building a strong and disciplined core. Begin by assessing our current guard, identifying those with the potential for more specialized training. Devise a rigorous training regimen that emphasizes not only combat proficiency but also strategy, discipline, and unwavering loyalty."
"This is not simply about increasing the number of guards. I envision the King's Blades as an elite force, a symbol of Dawnstar's strength and resilience. An order that embodies the values and principles of this hold. I trust you to build this from the ground up, to mold it into the force I envision." He emphasized.
He then looked to Harin, a brief, almost imperceptible softening in his expression.
"We must depart," he said, his voice firm but gentle.
"I entrust the continued prosperity of Dawnstar to the vigilance of my court, and I have every confidence in your abilities to begin this important work." He offered a brief nod to Delphine and Esbern.
With a final glance at the assembled group, Ibnor took Harin's hand, and they exited the war room through a side door, their departure swift and discreet.
The heavy oak door closed behind Ibnor and Harin, the click of the latch echoing in the sudden silence of the war room. The assembled figures exchanged glances, a mixture of anticipation and apprehension hanging in the air. Delphine and Esbern, however, remained impassive, their expressions betraying nothing of their thoughts.
The captain of the guard, Jod, cleared his throat.
"So," he began, his voice rough but respectful, "the King's Blades, eh? Sounds… important."
"What exactly does this… entail?" He looked at Delphine and Esbern, a hint of curiosity in his eyes.
Delphine met his gaze, her expression firm.
"It entails establishing a new order of protectors for Dawnstar," she said, her voice clear and decisive. "An elite force trained in not only combat, but also strategy, discipline, and unwavering loyalty to the hold."
Esbern nodded in agreement.
"We will be assessing the current guard, identifying those with the potential for specialized training," he added. "We will also be devising a rigorous regimen to hone their skills and instill the principles of the King's Blades."
Jod nodded slowly, considering their words.
"Right then," he said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Sounds like we've got work to do."
"Let's not keep the King's Blades waiting. We'll gather the guard in the training yard. You two can take a look and see what you're working with." He said, turning to the other members of the court.
With a brisk nod, Jod and the other officials began to file out of the war room, leaving Delphine and Esbern alone. Delphine turned to Esbern, a thoughtful expression on her face.
"Well," she said, a hint of wry amusement in her voice, "it appears our service has begun."
Esbern nodded, a flicker of his old fire returning to his eyes.
"Indeed," he replied. "Let us see what material we have to work with."
They exited the war room and headed towards the training yard, ready to begin the task set before them.
Meanwhile, Ibnor and Harin made their way through the winding corridors of the keep, their footsteps echoing softly in the quiet passageways. They exited through a side entrance, avoiding the main gate and the potential for attracting attention. Two horses, saddled and ready, waited for them in a small, secluded courtyard.
Ibnor helped Harin mount her horse, then swung himself into his own saddle. He looked back at the keep for a moment, a brief flicker of concern crossing his face. Then, with a firm nod, he turned his horse towards the south, and they rode out of Dawnstar, their journey to awaken Serana once again, begin.
The journey to Dimhollow Crypt was a familiar one, though the biting winter winds made the mountain passes more treacherous than they remembered. They rode in silence, the rhythmic crunch of hooves on frozen ground a constant counterpoint to the howling wind.
This was not their first visit to the ancient crypt; they had walked these paths before, under far different circumstances. The memory of that previous journey, of the trials they had faced within those stone walls, hung heavy in the air between them.
As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the snow-covered landscape, the familiar silhouette of Dimhollow Crypt emerged from the swirling snow. The crumbling stone facade, half-buried in drifts, stood as a stark reminder of the passage of time and the secrets it held within.
They stopped a short distance from the entrance, finding a relatively level patch of ground amongst the jagged rocks. Ibnor dismounted, followed by Harin.
Ibnor gazed at the crypt, its dark entrance a gaping maw in the mountainside. He had hoped he would never have to return to this place, but he knows, with or without his interference, what meant to happen will happen. If it's going to happen anyway, he would like to be prepared and get the key individual on his side. He looked at Harin, a flicker of apprehension in his eyes.
"It is time," he said, his voice low.
Harin nodded, her expression resolute. She met his gaze, a silent understanding passing between them. With a shared breath, they turned and approached the crypt's entrance, ready to face whatever awaited them within.
They entered the crypt.
They made their way through the familiar passages of the crypt, navigating the traps and puzzles they had encountered before. Finally, they reached the chamber where they had last seen Serana. The monolith stood in the center, its surface now cracked and scarred from its previous activation.
Ibnor approached the monolith cautiously. With a touch, he reactivated it, the familiar surge of energy pulsing through the chamber. The stone casing around Serana crumbled away, revealing her once more. She stirred, her eyes opening.
For a brief moment, Ibnor's gaze lingered on Serana, a flicker of recognition and something akin to awe crossing his features. It was a fleeting expression, gone as quickly as it appeared, but Harin noticed it.
Serana looked at Ibnor, a knowing smile playing on her lips.
"You're back," she said, her voice clear and steady. "And not a moment too soon. This sarcophagus was starting to feel cramped."
Her gaze then shifted to Harin, a playful glint in her amethyst eyes.
"And you, the… efficient one. I trust you've been keeping busy? Perhaps decapitating more unsuspecting draugr?"
Harin smirked.
"Only when necessary," she replied, a dry tone in her voice. "Though I did notice someone getting a little… nostalgic just now."
Serana's eyebrows rose slightly, a hint of amusement and perhaps a touch of understanding in her expression. She glanced at Ibnor, then back at Harin, a knowing smile playing on her lips.
"Oh?" she asked, a playful challenge in her voice. "And what brought on this sudden trip down memory lane?"
Ibnor cleared his throat, a faint blush rising on his cheeks. He met Harin's gaze, then glanced briefly at Serana before looking away.
"It's nothing," he said, his voice a little too quick, a little too strained. He shifted his weight uncomfortably, avoiding their eyes. "Just… a momentary lapse. I was just… remembering."
He forced a small, awkward smile.
"It's… good to see you again," he added, his voice regaining some of its usual warmth, though a subtle undercurrent of unease remained.
Harin's eyes narrowed. Before Ibnor could say anything, she took a quick step forward and, with a swift, practiced motion, delivered a sharp, playful jab to his ribs. It wasn't a full-force blow, but it was enough to make him gasp and stumble back a step.
"Remembering what, exactly?" she asked, her voice low and dangerous.
"Oh, I remember," Harin said, a wide, mischievous grin spreading across her face. "I remember a certain someone getting rather… starry-eyed over a certain… ancient vampire."
"It's good to see you again." She mimicked in exaggeration, rolling her eyes.
Serana watched the exchange with a mixture of amusement and surprise, her eyebrows raised. A small smile played on her lips as she took in the scene. She clearly found the display entertaining.
Ibnor rubbed his ribs, wincing slightly, but a smile was also tugging at his lips. He knew Harin was just teasing, but he also knew there was a hint of seriousness behind her playful jabs.
"Alright, alright," he said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "I get the point. No need for further… demonstrations."
Just as Harin was about to respond, Ibnor moved quickly behind Harin and wrapped his arms around her from behind in a playful hug, resting his chin lightly on her shoulder. He looked over her head at Serana, a mock-serious expression on his face.
"Now, now, Serana," he said, his voice teasing but with a clear undertone of playful warning. "Let's not go messing with my head, alright? You'll give Harin the wrong impression."
Serana watched the display with a mixture of amusement and surprise, her eyebrows raised. A genuine smile spread across her face as she took in the scene. She chuckled softly, a light, melodic sound that echoed through the chamber.
"My apologies," she said, her voice laced with playful sarcasm. "I wouldn't dream of causing any… misunderstandings." She paused, then added with a wink, "Though it seems I have quite the reputation," she said, a hint of pride in her voice.
Ibnor chuckled, shaking his head slightly.
"You certainly do," he agreed, a warm smile gracing his lips.
Harin grinned, nudging Ibnor playfully with her elbow.
"A reputation well-earned, I'm sure," she teased, her eyes twinkling. She then turned back to Serana, her expression softening. "It's good to see you again, Serana. Though I must admit, I was hoping it would be under slightly less…cryptic circumstances."
Serana laughed, a light, melodic sound that echoed through the chamber.
"Cryptic circumstances are rather my specialty, I'm afraid," She gestured around the chamber with a sweeping hand. "As you can see, I haven't exactly been out and about socializing."
She paused, her gaze lingering on Ibnor for a moment, a hint of curiosity in her expression.
"So," she said, tilting her head slightly. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this…reunion? I trust it's not simply a social call."
Ibnor exchanged a brief glance with Harin, a small smile playing on his lips.
"Not exactly," he admitted. "Though it is good to see you again. We were hoping you could… perhaps offer some insight."
"Insight?" Serana raised an eyebrow, her expression curious. "Insight into what, exactly? My extensive knowledge of ancient burial rituals? My impeccable taste in sarcophagi?"
She paused for a moment, a thoughtful expression crossing her face.
"Or perhaps… something a bit more… pressing?"
Harin chuckled softly.
"Something a bit more pressing," she confirmed, a playful smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Though your expertise in sarcophagi might come in handy at some point."
Serana laughed again, the sound echoing through the chamber.
"One never knows," she replied with a wink. "But I suspect you haven't dragged me from my… temporary accommodations to discuss interior design. So, tell me. What troubles bring you back to Dimhollow Crypt?"
"I promised, didn't I?" Ibnor said, meeting Serana's gaze.
"Yeah… and from how your companion looks currently, I'm guessing at least ten years have passed. Surely it didn't take that long to come again. So it must be the time, huh?" Serana said, her eyes sweeping over Harin, taking in the changes time had wrought.
"Kinda. Do we still need to go to your… home?" Ibnor asked, a slight hesitation in his voice.
Serana raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow.
"You even know where my home is? I thought I was the one with nothing else to do but observe from the shadows." she retorted, a playful smirk dancing on her lips.
Ibnor grinned, turning to Harin.
"Did you hear that? She admitted it. A stalker!" He then turned back to Serana, gesturing between them. "Oh, by the way, Serana, Harin. Harin, Serana. "
"What's this about being home?" Harin, arms crossed and looking impatient, cut in.
"I need to get back. I need to understand what's happened… get a better sense of… where we all stand." Serana's playful demeanor shifted to something more serious.
"Alright, let's get out of here." Ibnor nodded, turning towards the exit.
They exited the cavern by crossing the small stone bridge. Two gargoyles, disturbed by their presence, dropped from the shadows, their stone joints grinding with a menacing roar.
"Look out! Gargoyles!" Serana cried, summoning a spectral sword that shimmered into existence in her hand but it proved unnecessary as Harin alone made short work of the gargoyles.
Harin led them along the tunnel. Like Serana, she couldn't wait to get out of there. However, Serana have little faith in Harin's sense of directions.
"So… I'm thinking that wasn't the right way." Serana commented.
Harin continued onward, seemingly unfazed. A few more dead ends later, Serana placed a hand on the cold stone wall, tracing its rough surface.
"All right, so obviously not this way, either."
At yet another dead end, she sighed, glancing back at Harin with a raised eyebrow.
"Well, we're definitely not going to find our way out from here. Do you… know what you're doing?" she asked, a dry, almost amused tone in her voice.
Ibnor, having been quietly observing the interplay between Harin and Serana with a small, almost mischievous smile, leaned against the damp wall, watching the exchange unfold.
Harin, now visibly frustrated, turned to Serana, her cheeks flushed.
"I thought I did," she admitted, a hint of defensiveness in her voice. "These tunnels are a mess."
Ibnor, still leaning against the wall, chuckled softly.
"Just get us out of here!" Harin practically hissed, shooting a glare at Ibnor.
Ibnor, finally taking pity on her, pushed himself off the wall and took the lead, this time finding the correct path. They eventually emerged from Dimhollow Crypt into the biting Skyrim air.
"Ah, it's so good to breathe again! Even in this weather, it's better than the cave." Serana gasped, taking a deep breath.
"Alright," Ibnor said, turning towards the northwest. "Let's get to your… home."
They made their way to Icewater Jetty, hoping to find passage to Castle Volkihar. The first ferryman they approached shook his head vigorously.
"The one with the ruined castle? Don't you know that place is cursed? Even seasoned sailors steer far around that place. I'll take you as far as I can, but I'm not hanging around, and it's gonna cost you extra."
"They say anyone who steps foot on that island will meet an early death… hope you know what you're doing." Another ferryman echoed the sentiment.
Finally, a particularly grizzled sailor agreed, though with obvious reluctance.
"They say anyone who steps foot on that island will meet an early death… hope you know what you're doing." He said, dropping them off at the closest point to the castle before rowing away with haste.