The Red Moon Over Fort Dawnguard

At last, Kousei and I finally made it to Fort Dawnguard after so many delays! I'll admit I factored quite a lot in those delays because I traveled from the northern parts of Skyrim -- there were just too many chances of wolves, bandits, or dragons showing up to fight while en route. I do not know if Kousei suspected what I have been up to in Winterhold, but if he did, he did not mention it. I am well aware that Redguards are not too fond of magic, as are many Nords. He has so far not shown any disapproval of me leaning towards the class of mages, but I am not too sure it's the right time to tell him yet. It wouldn't do to prematurely awaken the dragon from the grave.

Hmmm... I don't really know what to say. Did the armor do something to your height, Kousei?

I was very thankful that Kousei didn't insist we stop by in Riften beforehand, although we did meet near its gates, at the stables. He doesn't know yet about my activities in Riften, and he might as well find them quite unsavory. I wouldn't put it past one of the shopkeepers to let it slip to him that his Imperial friend had been keeping contact with some figures in Riften's Ratway.

On the more humorous side, though, one of Riften's female guards and I had an unusual rapport regarding his armor. I myself am utilizing a Dwarven helm at the moment, but does the armor craft of Dwemer really have detrimental effects on its user's height? I swear, Kousei didn't look that short before. I wanted to keep my thoughts to myself, but I guess a giggle left my mouth before I could get a hold of myself.

The guard must have never felt so tall in her life.

Kidding aside, I was glad to see him again. It was early in the morning when we set out for Fort Dawnguard, but it was already nighttime when we managed to find the entrance in the mountain. I was seriously considering trekking up the slope just to reach the marker shown on the map, but thankfully, Kousei was able to find the proper path.

I nearly missed that crevice.

I'm pretty sure Dayspring Canyon is wondrous to behold by day, but it has its own charm when viewed by night. I mean, Kousei and I took a little break to catch the Luna Moths and Torchbugs that hovered in the scene for the sake of our Alchemy. And let's face it, waterfalls like these are beautiful no matter what time of the day. These views make me so proud of my adopted land, no doubt about that.

Dayspring Canyon at night.

As for Fort Dawnguard, I guess it's just our luck that one of the moons was shining red overhead when we reached it. Kousei was probably thinking the same thing as I -- it looks more like a lair of vampires than the headquarters of those who seek to exterminate them.

Are you sure we didn't hold the map upside down?

Thankfully, our misgivings were proven wrong. Never judge a fort by its looks.

"How sweet, a pair of lovers joining the Dawnguard together." You want an arrow in the knee, infidel?

We were allowed inside after we made it clear that we wanted to sign ourselves up into this vampire hunting business. Turns out Isran, the leader of the Dawnguard, is a Redguard like Kousei. I wonder if that will come out as an advantage for him in the end. Come to think of it, I have never asked Kousei what it was like in Hammerfell. I wonder if he misses it.

Are we interrupting?

Kousei and I didn't say much, but we implied from Isran's words that he was once a Vigilant of Stendarr, and that he left their order due to some irreconcilable differences. He does seem genuinely sorry for the cruel fate that befell his previous colleagues. He wouldn't have gone out of his way to reform the Dawnguard if that wasn't the case.

Wow, an assignment right after joining?

I was a bit surprised that Isran immediately tasked Kousei and me to investigate Dimhollow Crypt. Nonetheless, I'm quite impressed. They do mean business here in the Dawnguard, and are not afraid to show it. I am still at two minds about using the crossbow I was given, though. I have been using the bow and arrow all this time, so my learning curve may not be as steep as I imagine. But I am partial to stealth, and the new weapon's noise admittedly bothers me. I have given the crossbow to Lydia along with its corresponding bolts, thinking she'll be able to appreciate it more than me.

Kousei and I will go to Dimhollow Crypt soon. He's been pretty quiet, but it's in his nature to say a few words, so I don't think it's too unusual. I'm looking forward to fighting alongside him.

- Kiya