Crossed and Double-Crossed

My Dearest Kousei,

I can imagine that you're most likely beside yourself with worry at the length of time I took to send you this letter. And the fault is all mine, I admit. I let my guard down, and I was betrayed by none other than the person I was helping. I would have surely perished from the stab wound he gave me if help did not come from a most unlikely source.

My love, I'm sorry I wasn't able to tell you about my Riften associates before. I do not know if you have ever been to the Ragged Flagon, but they make a haunt of that place. Not the most nice-looking of places, yes. But none of us would have minded -- we were bound together by a common interest in certain rare and valuable curiosities. And the man who betrayed me? He was our leader.

He substituted 'Karliah' for his name.

To be honest, I have never been too at ease around Mercer Frey. And I guess the feeling was quite mutual, because he hardly took the effort to hide his irritability whenever I'm around. However, I had uncovered some vital information about a certain person called Karliah who had been undermining our operations lately. Mercer had narrated to me this story about how she murdered our previous leader, Gallus Desidenius. He later told me (or rather, ordered me) to help him deal with her. We needed stealth and cunning to bring her down, and he singled me out specifically for the purpose. I really wanted to let you accompany me, Kousei, but Mercer would have not allowed it. Your method of battle would have given us away.

I find your know-how to be quite questionable in origin.

I had never before thought of taking the illumination machine with me whenever I had to do errands in the name of our little group, but I decided to make an exception with Mercer Frey. Something primal in me warned that he has... something up his sleeve. Might as well take illuminations secretly, just in case.

Who needs those claws when you have...

Mercer Frey was suspiciously quite helpful during most of our traversal of Snow Veil Sanctum. Too helpful, in fact. I mean, how does one unlock the doors of Nordic tombs just like that? I do not know what kind of "know-how" or "skill" Mercer had to learn in order to bypass the locks laid down personally by Dragons and their Priests, but it's evident it wasn't your normal lockpicking. The deeper we went into the tomb, the deeper my sense of dread became. I was already close to cursing myself for not letting you come with me. I just reasoned that if it was a trap, at least you wouldn't be caught in it.

Talk first, kill later.

And a trap, it was. At the last chamber of the dungeon, Mercer told me to go first through the door. I took a deep breath before my first step, and no sooner was this done when I fell to the ground, paralyzed. It was a poisoned arrow -- it had to be! And it can only be Karliah who fired it. I struggled to open my eyes, and I confirmed my suspicions... in more ways than one. Yes, it was Karliah who shot the poisoned dart. But the more disturbing part of the matter: Mercer Frey was indeed not meant to be trusted. It was not the first time he did this treachery, Kousei. Now I know, without a shred of a doubt, how Gallus Desidenius met his end.

Have you seen this man? Kill on sight.

I blacked out with my mind a-jumble. I was screaming your name in my mind, at the same time hoping that a dragon would eat Mercer Frey the moment he stepped out of Snow Veil Sanctum. This was certainly a most unceremonious way to die, I thought. But I couldn't defend myself from Mercer's blade, and I honestly thought that the sight of his loathsome face would be the last one I'd see. Thankfully, that was not to be.

Not the best ways to save someone, but I thank you.

You'll have to thank Karliah for bringing me back, Kousei. It's difficult to trust someone who just shot you down, but amazingly, I did just that. Mercer had framed Karliah for our previous leader's death, and I was more than willing to team up with her to get even with that bastard. Oh yes, we got even with him -- Karliah, I, and our little group, who accepted her back into the fold once Mercer's true colors came to light. Mercer Frey's corpse is already rotting at the bottom of some watery grave at this very moment. None of our group would miss him, because it turned out he was also stealing from our coffers throughout his stint with us. It's a relief to have him gone.

Now, my friends have kindly allowed me to take illuminations of them for your convenience. You'll find them to be quite an interesting bunch.

Team Ragged Flagon

This guy finds things people are looking for.

I suggest you go to her if you find some of those curious floating pink stones.

She'll buy almost anything from you.

This one keeps the ale flowing.

Don't worry if this guy's in a foul mood. He always is.

Once again, forgive me for not giving you news about my whereabouts for a long time. Things just happened so fast, and I couldn't risk taking the time to write knowing that our enemy was so close to slipping away from our grasp. Only the Divines know how relieved I was when you wrote to me that you made it out of the Dark Brotherhood's clutches alive, and it's darkly amusing that we both dealt with some untrustworthy figures on our own ways. Know, my darling, that you were the first thing that entered my mind when I recovered my consciousness in Karliah's camp. I was alive, and I wanted nothing more than to see you, above anything else.

Love,

Kiya

P.S.

Did you come across a curious silver mold when you cleared Rigel Strong-Arm's treasure trove in Pinewatch? Do you happen to still have it? Delvin Mallory had received word that it was stolen from someone in Markarth. If you can give the mold to us, we would gladly help you return it to its proper owner.

The Dark Brotherhood

My Dearest Kiya,

I am still reeling from our long vacation a few days ago. I did not want it to end, frankly, but unfortunately we had to take care of our own things. Enclosed in this letter are the illuminations we took of our days together, as well as some I took on my quest against the Dark Brotherhood. You remember Alesan, don't you? Gods, I liked this Redguard kid when I saw him playing by himself in Dawnstar. He recognized me as "the one who almost got his head ice-spiked by that drunken woman in thick armor". I chuckled when I heard that--I had forgotten a lot of people were there when you almost killed me out of jealousy. Hah. I started chatting him up, and when he told me his story--he was an orphan, like me--I became determined to let him live with me in Windstad. But I guess he's been too alone for a while now, he's forgotten what it's like to have parents. Here's a shot of him complaining when I told him to go outside and play so we can have some privacy.

Two days in this house and you're throwing a tantrum already??

It took me a while to convince him he needed to go outside and play. Do not worry, I do not think his stubbornness meant he did not trust you inside our house, his first house in a long while. In fact, I think he likes you given that he told me he thought you were amazing just for casting that ice spike, and maybe one day he'll gladly accept you as his mother. He went outside soon enough, and we had the whole house to ourselves...

I found this fur armor and I wanted to show it to you...

It was just the first night of our week-long vacation, yet I was wondering if we could make it last forever. I knew it wouldn't, so I took the chance to show you around the house before we went on our quests and forget about it. Here were some of the illuminations I took.

Thinking of what dish to cook tonight?

Everything here is beautiful.

I had designed the house with you in my mind. It brought joy to my heart when you saw the archery range on the second floor of the house and asked if you could try it out for yourself. I was a bit relieved you did not use Auriel's bow on my simple wood-and-straw archery target and blew it out to Oblivion.

I don't think my target can handle very hardy arrows.

And there is the enchanting tower, with a very nice view. I knew you'd like it. It felt very different to spend very peaceful nights at the top of the tower with someone you love, without worrying about anything in the world. I know there were a lot of things still wrong in Skyrim, but in that moment with you, it all felt so inconsequential. 

Winter is coming. I guess.

Chicken soup, mmmm!

We had such a wonderful time, didn't we? I wish we had more time, but on one peculiar evening you received a letter from the courier. I asked what it said, and all you said was, "My friends need some help, I better go." I started insisting on going myself too (to which you responded with, "You lack some... necessary skills, my dear." What skills am I lacking?), when the courier knocked on the door again, looking a bit flustered and scared. He handed me a letter with shaking hands, and ran as quickly as he could. When I closed the door you told me you'll be leaving tonight, and I should probably go to sleep and not worry about you. I quietly agreed, seeing  I won't be able to do anything to convince you to let me go with you.

We kissed lovingly by the door as you were about to leave. I went to bed directly after closing the door, and I remembered the letter I received earlier. I opened it, and to my horror, it contained this:

You know about the time I killed a rabbit? Oh gods! 

It was a letter from the Dark Brotherhood. I had fulfilled the wishes of a child wanting to talk to the Dark Brotherhood--he wanted the "mother" of an orphanage killed. I went to the orphanage and found that even if that kid did not wish for her death, I would have killed her anyway, for she was corrupt, evil, and bad to the children. No wonder. Now the assassins are after me. I decided it would be better for me to sleep it all off first.

When I woke up, I found myself in a very small shack in the middle of gods-know-where. I look, and see a woman wearing assassin armor:

I'll make my kill, all right.

She looked like she was not interested in killing me yet. Instead, she made me look around the room. I saw three tied people with bags around their heads. This woman called Astrid told me one of them was to be killed for a contract, and I was given the chance to kill the right one, if I can determine which one that is. 

Straight out of a horror story.

I listened to what she said very carefully, but I've already made up my mind: She was not going to leave this place alive. With one swift motion, I turn around as I unsheathe my sword and swung it at her. She did not even get the chance to defend herself. 

You don't seem to be in too much pain...

One by one, I set the prisoners free. I led them out of the shack, and found that we were close to Solitude. I escorted them towards the city in the middle of the night. I could see that all of them were afraid it might happen again. I had to assure them we're safe, convincing them that they wouldn't be walking towards safety if I was not capable enough to kill their tormentor. We arrive at the city, and reported what happened to a guard, who told me I should report to a certain Commander Maro in Dragon Bridge.

Of course I'm serious! I don't think anyone would claim that if it weren't true!

It only took me a few hours to reach Dragon Bridge. I ran all the way there, as this was of utmost priority. I had just killed the leader of the infamous Dark Brotherhood, word might have reached them, and if it did they will be on my trail now. I reached the bridge without any problems, fortunately, and I was able to tell Commander Maro all that had happened. He told me I had to get to the Dark Brotherhood Sanctuary in Falkreath as fast as I could. It made me wonder how they knew exactly where they were.

Why do people always think I'm kidding around?

After several days of travel, I managed to arrive at Falkreath. I decided to rest for a while at the inn there, for I know facing the Dark Brotherhood by myself (unfortunately, the Commander knew of this mission and sent no one else but me) will be a very daunting task. I couldn't be too sure of my safety, facing all those assassins.

That is some weird door.

I tried entering as quietly as I could, but the sound of the door opening seemed to alert everyone inside the Sanctuary. Fortunately, it was a pretty big place and it seemed like all of them were in different rooms at once, so I was able to confront them one by one. I managed to take some illuminations just before their untimely deaths:

You found me, and look where it got you!

It pains me to kill one of my kin, but you kill innocent people.

I reported back to Commander Maro, and he could not believe that I was able to defeat them all! The nerve. Did he really think I just lucked out in killing Astrid? He probably would go even crazier if he knew you could take the Brotherhood out inside the Sanctuary all at once! He proceeded to tell me that all of the assassination attempts on everyone's lives were perpetrated by the Brotherhood, so we could all sleep a little bit safer now.

What part of "I killed the Dark Brotherhood" did you not understand?

Now I wonder how you're doing right now. Who are these friends of yours, and why have I not heard of them before? All I wish is to join you, to ensure you're safe. Please promise me you will be.

Love, 

Kousei

The Sun Shines on Castle Volkihar

It's done. After so many months of chasing echoes and nearly getting blind, Harkon is no more. Suffice to say, chaos just erupted the moment Kousei and I took the lead in storming Castle Volkihar. Thankfully, Isran's speech seemed to be working its desired effect on our Dawnguard allies. Ordinary hired thugs would most likely run to save their skins the moment they were faced by a horde of vampires and reanimated gargoyles.

Reanimate more gargoyles, friend. We want their loot.

Things were even less pretty when we finally forced our way through the gate. But it was expected that Harkon's clan wouldn't give up their stronghold so easily, and so we took them down one by one as planned. Kousei's form was magnificent, as usual. And with the Dawnbreaker in hand, he was even more so. Knowing that I only had a limited number of Sunhallowed Elven Arrows on hand, he had suggested that I reserve it for Harkon. I took his advice to heart, and relied on spellwork to best the vampire underlings. But one thing was sure: spell or sword, we would see this mission through.

A beautiful battle.

Kill 'em! Kill 'em with fire!

The Vampire can cast flames!

We had exchanged few words with Serana during the course of our preparations, and that was because she preferred to be left alone. Now I have grown to be quite fond of that girl, quite miraculously, considering how I used to scorn her presence. Serana, the central figure in the prophecy that caused her father to go mad... I wonder what will happen to her after all this. I had already reassured Kousei when he approached me on the subject of our future after we accomplish the Dawnguard's final quest, but I am short on words where Serana was concerned. Where will she stay? There was little time for pondering. Harkon was waiting.

On Harkon's defense, very few prophecies are fully understood.

Harkon confronted us in that dreadful Vampiric form he took prior to banishing Kousei and me from the Castle. I wanted to whisper a word of warning to Serana to not get too close to Harkon, but she approached him before I could do so. In an act of final defiance, she openly denounced her father's greed, and how she would not back away from him like her mother did. Kousei and I had to smile. Serana was nowhere like Valerica. She was braver; far braver.

I almost took a step back when Harkon turned to me, his terrible eyes fixed on the bow I held at ready. His words aimed to cast some doubt into our hearts about our cause. Are we going to finish off Serana next, owing to the nature of her blood? I wanted to say that I would never harm a friend, but that would mean nothing to a man who does not value friendship. Might as well get straight to the point. After a last ditch-attempt to get us to hand over Auriel's Bow (which obviously failed), Harkon finally began his assault.

I can say the same to you, Lord Harkon.

Battling Harkon was most likely one of the most difficult ones Kousei and I had to face together. Kousei and Serana tried their best to corner Harkon so I can have an easier time aiming my arrows at him. However, he had a habit of disappearing in a cloud of bats and reappearing on the opposite end of the room. Then, there were the gargoyles and undead he summoned. But that wasn't the most trying part of the battle, it turned out. Just when we thought we had brought Harkon to his knees, he teleported to the altar of blood and began to replenish his strength. Kousei charged at him, but he was pushed back by an invisible barrier. Neither the Dawnbreaker nor Serana's spells could penetrate it. They spent a few moments hitting the barrier futilely before I nocked a Sunhallowed arrow on Auriel's Bow and shot it at the barrier. Lo and behold, it disintegrated in a flash of sunlight.

Swallowed up by the sun.

Now that we knew how to prevent Harkon from recovering his health, it was only a small matter of time before he fell. He addressed Serana in his dying words, and it was more as an expression of disappointment than a curse. I was guessing that up to the last moment, Serana still held on to the slim hope that her father will see sense, but we may never know. When it became clear that Harkon will no longer rise from his bloody remains, we finally asked Serana about her future plans for herself. To our surprise, she said that she'll stay with the Dawnguard, going further to call them "respectable." Of course, she'll gladly accompany either Kousei and me if we request her aid, but she knows (and she said this with a mischievous glint in her eyes) that she's not likely to be a central part in our future adventures. I will miss her, and I can say that now with a sincere heart.

Friends with "benefits".

But the even greater surprise was Isran. In a huge contrast to the antagonistic manner by which he treated Serana on their first meeting, Isran's tone was almost fatherly as he thanked her for the sacrifices she made for the Dawnguard's sake. I guess Serana will be quite happy in Fort Dawnguard now. A mutual respect had formed between her and Isran, and that was more than what we could have hoped for. Isran didn't even object when he saw Kousei embracing me prior to exiting the cathedral. Either he's gotten resigned to that facet of our relationship, or he's a little less of the cold man he was.

One thing though, Isran: why weren't you with us when we slew your #1 enemy?

Kousei and I bid farewell to Serana and our Dawnguard colleagues after we have taken some valuable loot from Castle Volkihar. As we stepped into the rowboat back to the mainland, Kousei invited me to visit his home in Morthal. I quickly agreed. This major victory calls for a celebration, and some uninterrupted moments of togetherness with my beloved would be the perfect way to cap it up.

- Kiya

From the Bones of Dragons

We had just arrived at Fort Dawnguard, carrying the precious Auriel's bow with us. Serana wanted Isran's help in defeating her father, and so we went back here to ask him. I thought we could have taken the whole castle by ourselves, if we prepared enough. Kiya thought Isran was the one who has been fighting the vampires for decades now, and that he deserved to be one of those who finished the job. I agreed.

Easy there, buddy, it's not as if you're going to use it.

Isran, upon seeing the magnificent bow Kiya was carrying, exclaimed, "You have Auriel's Bow!" That look in his eyes, the hope that his dream and his cause were going to be realized with this weapon made us smile. I stopped thinking that this was a waste of time, going to the fort from the Sanctum (which was only a few miles from the castle), and back again. I suddenly felt some anxiety, seeing Isran like that. My mind turned to what he'd be doing after this was all over, and in turn made me think of what Kiya and I would be doing after, too. I wanted to ask her then and there, if not for Isran calling all of Dawnguard and making a speech.

Yeah! They suck! Excuse the pun.

I guess you could say that Isran really inspires these people who fight for his cause. He may not be someone who's easy to get along with, but his will to see this through is what gives them all hope to finish what they started. As he inspired them with his speech, my mind wandered to my past. I thought that maybe it was time for me to tell my Kiya what it was that made me who I am and put me where I am today. I lost it all then and thought I had nothing to go on, but here I am now with her. I knew I'll get a chance to tell her when we start preparing. 

I'll gather my things all right, but I don't think I'll be able to rest well, if you know what I mean.

I had already fixed my bag and Kiya's full of potions we'll need for the journey and the battle ahead. She doesn't look as worried as I was at that point. I kept thinking to myself how we might not have anything to do after the final battle at the Castle, but she doesn't seem to think any of it. I approached her, my mind racing of what to ask her. She was intent on brewing her potions and it didn't seem like she noticed my approach when she said, "Do you have something on your mind, my dear?" I was startled. I fumbled on my words when I started to ask what we were going to do after Harkon got defeated, but she stopped me from uttering the last words by going to the forge and started smithing... something. I'll tell her of my past some other time, I guessed.

She stayed quiet while her hammer pounded on metal and bone, and as she did I noticed it was a sword made out of dragon bones. I have not the chance to forge it myself but it is astounding that she knows how. After a few more hours of molding steel and bone together, she stood up, sweating from the heat, and handed the sword to me, still wet from cooling. She took my helmet off, held my face with both of her hands, and said, "Remember that we have a lifetime of adventure together, my sweet," as she pressed her forehead against mine. I breathed a long sigh of relief. All this time, she knew what was in my mind. I had to do something for her.

Dragons were harmed in the making of this sword.

Auriel's bow is a very strong bow, I agree. But the fact that it only works best for the undead makes it a bit frustrating to use against bandits and other living things, so I decided I'd make her a bow. I haven't had the chance to learn dragon weapon smithing, but with a few days to go before we leave for Castle Volkihar, I started working on it. I got out of bed when she fell asleep and finished the bow by morning. She caught me putting the finishing touches on the bow, and her face immediately lit up. She hugged me and said, "Oh, you shouldn't have." I smiled. Everything's going to be fine.

Ah, I think I've forgotten which side of the metal I should hold.

We arrive on the dock near Solitude days later. Kiya and I left the Fort a few hours earlier than everyone else, agreeing to scout the area first and make sure it's clear before everyone else arrives. The vampires might know we already have the weapon and chose to ambush us. We found nothing, fortunately.

Dawn, dusk, sunrise, or nightfall, she looks beautiful.

We had a few hours to kill before the rest of Dawnguard arrives. I started writing this diary, and Kiya started fiddling with the bows she had with her. She wanted to try out the Sunhallowed Arrows with the bow and see how devastating it really was. To sum it all up quickly, here's an illumination of the  bow's effect:

It really IS the light in the dark.

Isran and his men finally arrive, and no matter how slow the rowboat was, it was a quiet way to get to the island. We stood there before the castle with our weapons drawn, and while Isran finished his morale-boosting speech, I am finishing this entry. It will be a few hours, days even, before the dust settles. I just hope everyone survives. May the gods watch over us.

Or when none of us are left standing.