Like Fragile Ice

The bow, Auriel's Bow, is ours at last. But no sooner was this accomplished when an even more daunting task is dropped on our laps. I've been looking forward to unwinding a bit with Kousei after we have obtained the bow. And judging by how Kousei's hurriedly hacking Falmer left and right to get the quest done as quickly as possible, I know that he is, too. Unfortunately, it seems our personal plans would have to wait a bit.

The dead Snow Elf priests would probably roll in their graves if they found out about the less-than-solemn manner by which we entered the Inner Sanctum. Kousei barged in, sword drawn and shield at the ready, while Serana and I silently followed him close behind. I guess it was a bit disappointing to be confronted with Falmer and Chaurus frozen in time instead of a perfectly mobile enemy. But the gristly ice sculptures were not as harmless as they look. The moment Kousei plucked a potion displayed tantalizingly in a frozen Falmer's icy grip, the little critter came to life. A sword swing was all it took to remedy the situation, but we all agreed to leave the statues in their frozen dream states. (Okay, I'll admit I took a staff from one while they were not looking, and I promptly blasted the brute to ice powder later on. Serana can't complain about having a staff of Icicle Spear in her inventory.)

Serana had a point about this being a different shade of creepy.

We eventually located Arch-Curate Vyrthur in the depths of the Sanctum. Unlike the eerie ice figures that surrounded him, Vyrthur himself looked perfectly well, if not bored, as he sat on his throne. It was expected that he wouldn't be too willing to hand over Auriel's Bow to us -- we have always prepared ourselves for aggressive negotiations -- but his choice of words surprised us. Addressing Kousei directly, Vyrthur remarked that he had behaved exactly as expected... by bringing his "fetching companion" into the Chapel. Kousei got in front of me immediately, threatening that only over his dead and cold body will he let Vyrthur have me. I had to fight down a chuckle. I whispered into Kousei's ear that the Arch-Curate was probably referring to Serana, but that did not change his battle stance one bit. It was quite flattering that my dear Redguard thought me fetching, though.

Why are those statues facing the center, and not the person on the throne?

Instead of engaging us directly, Vyrthur forced us to fight through the Falmer and Chaurus in the room, which he had of course thawed for the purpose. He even summoned an Ancient Frost Atronach. Except for the Atronach, they were all easy to dispose of. However, the sheer number of enemies was a bit of a challenge to confront. At some point in the battle, I took the lead with spells that could decimate multiple enemies to buy Kousei some time to take potions and heal his wounds.

It's a miracle your behind hasn't frozen into your throne yet.

When it seemed Vyrthur had exhausted his options (which included bringing down the ceiling, by the way), he gathered up his power and made a dramatic exit. We all blacked out temporarily as he decimated what was left of Auriel's Chapel. I should have shot him down with one of my arrows before he even had the chance to talk.

 Nope, not giving a bow anytime soon.

It was Serana who came to first, and she quickly nudged me and Kousei awake. I told my companions that I was all right, and Kousei gave the same answer when asked about his current condition. It was a miracle we weren't crushed underneath all that fallen masonry. Once we were back on our feet, we ran to the balcony, where Vyrthur was no doubt ready to make his last stand.

Ugh, this will give me nightmares for some time.

We cornered Vyrthur in the view of the mountains, and for a while, it looked like we can convince him to give us the bow without having to fight more. Our assault had certainly wearied him, and surely, he wouldn't want the number of remaining Snow Elves to be reduced by one? Alas, it turns out Vyrthur cannot even be called a Snow Elf anymore.

You certainly look like you need lots of blood.

A cornered rat squeaks a lot, and so does Vyrthur. We had to listen to him ranting about wanting to exact revenge on Auri-El by creating the Prophecy of the Sun, which had Serana as the keystone. A blood of a Daughter of Coldharbour would blind the eye of Auri-El, indeed. Then, to our surprise, Serana showed us a feat of strength by lifting Vyrthur in a fit of temper. I cannot see Kousei's expression because of the Dragon Priest mask he had on, but I wonder if he's as amused as I was. Why should I go brawling with random drunkards in taverns when Serana could give me a fistfight that is more challenging and enjoyable?

Serana's not willing to give a blood transfusion. Not in a million years.

In a last-ditch effort to keep the bow, Vyrthur summoned a Frost Atronach (again) and finally began using his vampiric powers without any hesitation. Serana willingly took on the Frost Atronach despite being brought to the knees by its barrage of powerful attacks. I knew that the Atronach would automatically die if its summoner was defeated, and so I concentrated my attacks on Vyrthur. And so the last Arch-Curate of the Snow Elves finally met his demise in the hands of a Vampire, a Redguard, and an Imperial.

Not exactly the most flattering of illuminations for both Serana and me.

As we were catching our breaths, we saw that the Wayshrine in the balcony had risen, and out stepped a familiar snow-white figure. I know Kousei would have throttled Gelebor the first chance he got, but he resignedly motioned for me to talk to the knight-paladin. All this trouble for a bow. As an archer, I ought to appreciate its worth more than a man who prefers the sword.

But your brother still destroyed the temple.

I told Gelebor the truth about Vyrthur's condition, and how the Falmer (which he called the Betrayed) had nothing to do with his being a vampire. I could almost pity Gelebor when he said that he still had not lost faith that his blinded kin will one day remember what they once were. He's bound by flesh and blood to those creatures after all, despite what they had become.

I do not know if I can ever tell it to Kousei that this is somehow what I feel about the dov. I know it; he probably thinks I'm a fool for hesitating to kill Voslaarum and Naslaarum. But he's wrong if he's thinking that I want to talk some sense into them. I am not blind to the faults of dragons, and I do not condone their belief that power equates to truth. But as a dovahkiin, with the same soul as they, can one really deny any form of kinship? Does that question even bother Kousei? I don't know. For that very reason, I cannot tell him that we are alike in that aspect. Not yet.

We went through so much trouble for you. Please be worth it.

Anyhow, Gelebor stepped aside and allowed me to take Auriel's Bow from its pedestal. A quiver of Sunhallowed Elven Arrows came with it. I felt its power the moment my fingers touched it, and oddly enough, I thought I felt it before. After pondering for a moment, I realized that I was remembering the Dawnbreaker, the sword Meridia had given Kousei. He had allowed me to hold it once before, and I recognized the same loathing for the undead in the bow. I had to smile. The Daedra and the Aedra are not as irreconcilable as they think they are. But what does Serana have to say about it? The illumination below would be enough.

I suggest you lower your voice, Serana. Gelebor doesn't look too happy.

Serana, after some hesitation, acknowledged that we now have little choice but to face her father. I had to make sure she understood its repercussions, and so replied that he would have to die if we do confront him. She looked sad, but she had already considered that possibility, she said. There was little choice. I looked at Kousei, who sighed a little but muttered that we ought to face Harkon before news of our plans reach him. To my astonishment, Serana suggested that we request back up from Isran. That is one thing I thought I would never hear. It took some convincing for Kousei to go back to Fort Dawnguard and explain things to Isran, but he agreed in the end (I won't tell how I did it).

But will he lend us hands to hold those weaponry?

And so we set our compass back to Fort Dawnguard. As far as I can see, we've been tempting fate all this time. Will our luck hold out until the final battle? I want to believe it would be so. I would be asking too much from the Divines if I prayed for Isran and Kousei to get along, but may no personal prejudices get in the way between them this time. Defeating Harkon would be no easy task, and divided ranks are not exactly the best of ways to do that.

- Kiya

Darkness Falls.

I had barely enough time to spend some private time with Kiya when we had to move out to Darkfall cave already to retrieve the damned bow. The gods forgive me for saying that, but to be yearning for someone at a very unfortunate and dangerous time is something I have experienced only recently. I am not very good at this, being patient. Thus we set off to the cave with me rushing and at the helm.

I would have guessed the cave was aptly named, as it was extremely dark in there. Luckily, Kiya knew some spells that illuminated our way, as shown in this... illumination. It's one of those times that I concede to the fact that spells really are useful (sure, I could have used a torch, but that would render my shield useless. A hovering ball of light would surely be more than enough, and may even blind unwary enemies). I might some day want to learn a spell or two from her.

Serana? Are you wearing a Dragonplate Helmet?

We reach a large expanse inside the cave, where a peculiar character was standing beside a shrine of some sort. It was white as the light Kiya conjured, wearing an armor I have never seen before. After a few moments I realize it looked quite familiar--familiar, like the hundreds of faces of Falmer I've dealt with before. I was about to attack it from afar when it approached us unafraid but unarmed, and spoke. It--I suppose I should call him a he from here on out--told us that his name is Gelebor, a Snow Elf. The Snow Elves were the race the Dwarves betrayed and left to their own devices in the ruins. He knew we were coming for the Bow, and he would hand it to us if we were to help him first. Of course.

Gele... bor? What kind of a name is that?

I do not understand why we had to go settle this brotherly dispute. Then again, even as a Snow Elf he looked pretty frail and unable to fight the hordes of minions his brother had. I guess I will be reminding myself that being alone won't do me good when faced with an army. We have no choice but to fight our way to obtaining the bow.

So that means I have to keep it full the entire journey?

Gelebor tells us of five different Wayshrines we needed to find. We have to draw the water from it, he said, as it was the ritual that will get us to his brother, the Arch-Curate Vyrthur. Gelebor said his brother was inside the chapel of Auriel, and it was customary to pour water from the five Wayshrines to the entrance of the chapel to get inside. And I thought this sibling rivalry was silly already. I wanted to get this over with as soon as possible.

We take turns taking illuminations and letting the other fight.

We went through the waygate he provided for us to go inside the Forgotten Vale. He was not coming with us on the way to confront his brother, and even if he was one of the last Snow Elves in Nirn, I would have caught him by the neck, dragged him with me through the portal, and forced him to face his brother alone as I take care of his army. All this, if it were not for Kiya willingly giving help to this... this coward! 

I would have lied--I don't know what the mantras of Auri-El are.

We reach the first Wayshrine. There was a ghost that asked us if we were ready to be enlightened. Kiya was the one who answered, and immediately the priest opened up the Shrine. I drew water from it, and I felt no difference from before. I felt silly, instead. I kept thinking that there was no other way to get to the bow, and no matter what we had to do to get to it, we'll do it.

It was a different world, as Serana put it, once we stepped out from the portal of the Wayshrine. I think it was some kind of magic that transported us to this world, but I'm guessing it is still in Nirn. I won't know until I get out. After a few moments of awe for this world undiscovered by civilization, we started on our way to find the remaining Wayshrines.

Coming from Serana, it might as well have been a complaint.

It took us almost a day and a half to find the Wayshrines scattered around the Vale. We encountered various animals and predators that were new to us and in colorful coats. We saw new plants (new plants!) to pick and study. I missed grinding flowers and leaves and making potions, as I have not had the time to do so with all this vampire hunting going on. I am pretty excited to get out of this place and back to my table and be able to study these plants. 

Good thing that ghost can be seen from afar.

There he is again!

...And again.

It is worth mentioning that one of the new creatures we faced inside the Vale was a race of giants called the Frost Giants. They wore horned helmets and, despite the harsh cold of the snow, did not wear any fur or armor of sorts. I guess that is why they're called frost giants: They can withstand the cold. At the time I wrote this, we have encountered five of these brutal giants, and all of them contained large, egg-shaped gems.

Aren't you cold?

We only had one Wayshrine to draw water from, but we got delayed quite a bit because of some occurrences we did not expect would happen. This, for one, is an illumination of dragons inside the Forgotten Vale. We were traversing the ice path quietly, scouting for any signs of the last Wayshrine, when the ice broke from beneath and a dragon emerged from the water. I was about to wonder about how bizarre it was for a dragon to have emerged from underwater like that as though it lived there, when another dragon rose up towards the sky from the water. Dragon-serpents! 

They appeared to attack in combinations, using the ice and the water to go in and out of the sky to prepare for their attacks. We had to keep them from going underwater. Kiya started to use her lightning attacks on the water. It worked--we could see it hurt them, and it slowed them down enough to bring them to the ice path. They staggered when they reached the ground. All we had to do was finish them off. It all seemed easy now, but Kiya looked like she was actually hesitating to kill the dragons. I had to finish them off by myself immediately, as they posed a threat even when grounded, and no amount of mercy for the dragons would save us if they regained their strength. 

The spirits of the dragons rose up from their bodies and went inside of me, as with any other dragon I've ever slain. When bones were all that remained of them, I shot a look at Kiya for hesitating to kill those dragons. I wondered if she would be like that all the time when fighting against these beasts. A time might come when I won't be there to deal the killing blow to a dragon threatening to kill her. 

I even had time to take this illumination!

We all got quite exhausted after that intense battle, so we had to rest for a while before finding the last Wayshrine. I noticed that Kiya looked down, and it might be because we just destroyed two dragons. I know she has started to be fond of Durnehviir and his ilk, but I explained to her that these were not Durnehviirs we fought, but savage beasts that needed to be put down. This only made her stare blankly at another direction. It was as if she wanted to talk to them and get some sense into them. I hope she'll think differently soon, though.

A few moments after starting our journey again, we chanced upon a hill leading down to the river, and the shrine was just across it. We made a run for it, but from the corner of my eye I saw a weird mechanism of sorts. I immediately stopped and headed down that path. Kiya and Serana were behind me and just followed me, and I could tell they looked at each other when I changed courses.

Once they arrived, I was already studying the mechanism I had seen from afar. It looked like it needed some sort of egg-shaped material in order to activate it. Luckily we had found several gems of that shape from the frost giants earlier. I pushed one inside, the ruby one, and the two pillars just beside the mechanism unfolded a portal to another place, as I could see where it would lead us. I turned my head to catch a glimpse of Kiya and Serana, and almost immediately I ran towards the portal, eyes closed. 

Ooooh, what does this button do?

I opened my eyes to an even newer place. It looked a lot like the Vale, or any place else in Skyrim, but there was an different feel to it, like something wretched was holding something pure. My eyes weren't able to see any movements. I started walking carefully, treading the snow as slow as I could without making much noise. I only made a few steps into this new vale that a falmer came up from behind the trees and attacked me. 

In another world, it's still snowing. Damn snow.

This was no ordinary falmer though--In the flurry of blows it was able to land on my shield, I was able to notice that it wielded some sort of extraordinary shield itself. Kiya and Serana were still near the portal, and I can only rely on my own strength to best this falmer. Using Elemental Fury, I hacked and hacked the falmer's defenses until it could no longer hold the shield anymore. I felt that my blows were starting to hurt me, though. Fortunately, it died to one more swing from my sword. I picked up the shield from the corpse just as Kiya and Serana rushed in and said they heard noises from afar. I smiled, and showed them the shield I picked up. Serana gasped, and told me it was the long-lost shield of Auriel. It seemed fitting that I found it just in the midst of the vampire war.

Behold! It is just majestic.

We went back the way we came, and started up the river to the last portal. As I took the last scoop, Kiya pointed our way to the Inner Sanctum, where Vyrthur must be hiding. We hurriedly went down the hill and up the stairs to the statue of Auriel.

Yes, let's get this water-gathering over with.

I write this just before we enter the Sanctum, in preparation for what might come. I expect this Vyrthur to be a powerful mage, able to summon minions at will, and a lot of falmer by his side. It's a good thing I still have a lot of potions in my bags--I am sure that we're going to need it. I will be putting this Auriel's Shield to good use. I have yet to discover what it really does, and I might do so inside. May the gods protect us. May Auriel guide our way.

My, what big amulet you have!

The Silence of the Thralls

It has been several days of forced inactivity for me now. I kept trying to convince Kousei that my vision had not deteriorated like Dexion's, but he would hear none of my excuses. No fighting, no shooting down enemies, no brawling, no ale (no ale?!)... until we are perfectly sure my strength had recovered. Serana was miraculously on Kousei's side for this argument, so I couldn't do much to go against the grain. Kousei did laugh, though, when I pointed out that he looked a little relieved now that Dexion had gone blind. One less rival to worry about, he said. I simply replied that the Moth Priest wasn't even close to a rival where my affections are concerned.

I'd love to regularly go back to Ancestor Glade even though it had already served its purpose in our mission. I'll admit I tried going in there even before Kousei and I joined the Dawnguard, but the powerful Spriggan Matrons guarding the entrance had always routed me beforehand. I did not expect a wondrous sight hidden in that nondescript cave, though. The heart of the Ancestor Glade was such a place of beauty that it drew a compliment from the mouth of Serana herself. 

It takes a lot to get something more than a complaint out of Serana.

After a few moments of awed silence, we got back to work regarding what we came there for. We thought we'd have a difficult time locating the knife Dexion described. Thankfully, it was just sitting conveniently on its display stand for anyone to take.

With all the bandits around, it's amazing that it hasn't been stolen yet.

I knew Kousei had a better way with plants than I did, so I thought it was only fitting for him to have the honor of harvesting bark from the Canticle Trees. Ancestor Glade has an abundance of these unusual trees, whose branches are abloom with flowers that catch the light of the sun. I had already been impressed by the Gildergreen in Whiterun (once it had recovered its former glory, at least), but it pales in comparison to the Canticle Trees.

Too pretty to touch.

Kousei was able to coax two pieces of bark from one of the trees, and he handed a piece to me. No sooner was this done when a nearby group of moths began to hover around us. Kousei stepped back. They were hovering around me, even though there were two of us holding Canticle Bark. Serana remarked that I appeared to be glowing, even though I can't see a difference in what I can view of myself. "It seems they prefer you over me," Kousei said, smiling a little. I held his hand, both as an apology and as a plea for reassurance. We had not expected that the moths would choose me, and this only meant I had to be the one to read the Elder Scrolls. Who knows what those Scrolls can do to me? He returned my hold, assuring me that the moths' behavior wasn't my fault, and that everything will be all right. He was afraid, I can see. I saw it in his eyes. But for my sake -- for our sake -- he had to keep his misgivings to himself.

Kousei on paparazzi mode.

With Kousei beside me, we walked to the other swarms of Ancestor Moths to attract enough of them so the reading could proceed. Only when I was barely visible through the cloud of moths did Kousei leave my side, and encouraged me to unravel the Scrolls' message. And so I stepped inside the path of light at the center of the glade. After taking a deep breath to quell the fear that had bubbled up from inside me, I pulled out the Scrolls one by one and began to read.

The illumination machine was still alive after all this.

The Scrolls spoke a name into my mind: Darkfall Cave. That's where we will find Auriel's Bow. I barely had time to memorize the location of this Darkfall Cave before my vision turned white. It was a miracle I could still stand, and by the time I came to, Serana and Kousei had nearly gone as pale as I. He took me into his arms at once, asking if I was all right, if I can see him. I nodded against him, before turning to Serana and answering her own questions about the Scrolls' secrets. I had just finished my anecdote about the vision when the air of the glade turned cold. Out of instinct, we all drew our weapons. Vampires and their thralls! We should have known we were followed.

At least they're not sparkling.

I was boiling with fury at Harkon's nerve to desecrate such a place as the Ancestor Glade with his foul schemes. Kousei was no less enraged. In a few seconds, he was up on one of the rocky paths with Serana, engaging the enemy head-on. I did not trust my vision to have fully recovered by then, and I was worried my arrows would hit one of my companions in my disoriented state. However, fury appears to have its advantages when it comes to homing arrows in on the enemy. I wasn't able to see much of what was happening near the top of the glade, but Kousei was able to take an illumination for me. 

"Arrow through the head" sounds cooler than "arrow in the knee".

After looting the bodies of their gold, we dragged them out of the glade and down the cliffs they went. It just seemed... wrong to let their bodies rot inside, and thus bring vile things like flies and maggots among the moths. They have disturbed the paradise enough. Reading Elder Scrolls is an experience I shall never forget, but it is not one that I would like to repeat either. I am no Moth Priest, and after my close call with blindness in the Ancestor Glade, I certainly wouldn't want to become one anytime soon.

- Kiya

A Week of Firsts

My Dearest Kiya,

This has been our first few weeks without each other. I've always felt safe and assured when I know you're behind my back, watching and protecting. Do not worry, you know I am very capable of hunting enemies alone, having lived my life traveling by myself. It's just that something is different, with you not being here with me. For the first time in a very long while, I felt lonely.

Of course, you know how it all started. Isran made me go on a mission to protect the Jarl of Riften, which was quite close to the Fort. I know it's been quite a while since I wrote a letter to you, and this mission would not have taken me more than three days to finish, but I got distracted. I stayed a few days inside a crypt I've never been before and fought new enemies. It was a week of firsts, as both tales I am about to tell you were new experiences to me.

Let me first tell you about the mission Isran sent me to deal with, a vampire amongst the Jarl of Riften's advisors. I set about quickly to Riften, as Isran had wanted (he really got upset at the sight of us kissing, eh?), because for each minute I delayed this quest, the vampire will have more time to pounce on the Jarl and drink her blood. 

I arrive there to find a strange new city in front of me. Riften seems pretty decent and simple. The people are quiet, modest, and peaceful, unlike the people in Windhelm who hate each other. I started to like the place as soon as I went inside. I headed straight for Mistveil Keep after asking some of the guards where I could find the Jarl. They helped me on my way cheerfully, solidifying my fondness for the city. Where else could you find guards who were willing to point directions like that?

Wouldn't it be easier to kill the guy first before I show you proof?

I met Jarl Laila once I found the Keep, but only after the customary threat from her housecarl. She calmly listened to Isran's information of a threat on her life as I relayed it to her, then told me to find proof that this advisor of hers really was a vampire threatening to kill her anytime soon. I had already sniffed him out, knowing their usual smell of blood and human meat and their general disgusting odor. Serana and her family probably were the only vampires not to smell like that. 

Don't turn around, don't turn around...

I tried going to the advisor's room and searching his belongings, but he seemed smart enough not to keep any incriminating evidence within the reach of other people. I knew then that the only way I was gonna be able to prove that this advisor was a vampire was to look inside his pockets and take whatever I could find--probably a vial of blood, or a note of orders. I owe it to your combat style, Kiya, that I thought of this method.

And so it was the first time I sneaked, stalking the advisor around the Keep. When I got the chance that I was not being watched by anybody, I snuck behind him and took a look inside his pockets. Behold, I found a letter with the order to destroy the Jarl of Riften! Thank the gods he did not turn around then. I snuck my way out of the room and immediately showed the letter to the Jarl, who ordered the execution of the advisor. Not wanting to fall out of the Jarl's good graces, I carried out her instructions and killed the advisor pretty quickly. He might have been a real advisor too, albeit a vamprie one, as he did not put up much of a fight.

Your guards don't want the dirty work?

I rushed out of Riften to head towards Fort Dawnguard in my hopes of seeing you after only a few days of being apart, but I came across a--friend--that needed help. Captain Valmir told me he wanted me to go find a mask (and I doubted my ears when I heard it--a mask?) inside the crypt he was camped in front of. Being "a friend of Skyrim" as he put it, I agreed readily, but reluctantly. Why did he want a mask? Why was he not getting it himself? I'll find out soon enough.

If you were a "true friend of Skyrim", you will accompany me inside.

As I traversed the length of the Crypt, I found several draugrs and spirits coming at me, wielding weapons from their previous lives. The journal I found shed some light regarding these undead. They were the ghosts of Dragon Cultist who killed themselves during a siege several years ago. I am now very doubtful of Valmir's intentions. If these were Dragon Cultists I destroyed, would that mean this "mask" he wanted belonged to their master. I pressed on.

I have no idea how I can hit ghosts with my sword.

I arrive at the end of the crypt in an empty room. As soon as I stepped in, though, all of draugr in the room woke up and broke their coffins open. At the center of the room, a Dragon Priest opened its coffin and immediately conjured its minions. It was the first time I encountered such a menacing being. I had to defeat it first and clean up the remaining draugrs. I used my potions to  great effect against his fire spells and summons. I defeated him after a long, hard-fought battle (if you were here, you'd take care of the Dragon Priest and I the draugrs), and destroyed the rest of its minions. I checked the Dragon Priest's corpse, or the corpse of its corpse, and I was right to think that the mask Valmir wanted belonged to this Dragon Priest, Rahgot.

I think you should take care of that hole on your chest before you take me on.

I retrieved the mask, and immediately rushed outside. I'll have answers from Valmir. I found him wearing a different armor than before, as he was conversing with an Imperial soldier. I knew it! He fooled people into going inside the crypt to retrieve the mask for him by posing as an ally. The soldier attacked Valmir, and losing my temper, I attacked him too. With one swing from my daedric sword, I felled him.

He's not a soldier, I tell you!

The Imperial soldier, not knowing I went inside the crypt and retrieved the mask, thanked me for helping him get rid of an impostor and went on his way. I felt relieved that he did not accuse me of anything too, for I am avoiding confrontation with a real soldier. If that happened, it would have been another first, too.

I deny any knowledge of that ice spike's origins.

I long to see you back at the Fort, Kiya. We will need to regroup for our next move against the vampires. That, and because I miss you. Please write soon.

With Love,
Kousei