Elora and Serana stepped forward to a spot where many surrounded them. Dexion came forward. “Ah! My two saviors have arrived. Again, I cannot thank you enough for freeing me.” Elora turned towards Isran who said to her, “I am impressed. Not only do you find the Moth Priest, but both of you play a pivotal role in destroying the Vampires and returning the Moth Priest here.”
Elora asked, “Isran, nothing was said?” Isran replied, “Of course not, I made a promise and I plan on keeping it.” Elora replied, “Why are all these people here then?” Isran answered her, “Because Dexion told a very convincing story of both of your combat prowess and so they wanted to come and see the two of you. To give honor for what you did.” Elora said, “You know I don’t like crowds.” Isran said, “Yes, I know, some of the patrol have told me about your cozy little camp down near the great frozen pond.”
Isran said, “Give me a moment to give you both a little speech, allow them this moment of celebration and I’ll return them all to their work and duties.” Elora said, “Okay, go ahead!” Isran then said, “We gather here to celebrate our two brave warriors who rescued this Moth Priest who came here to Skyrim all the way from the Imperial City. Both of these warriors eliminated those who capture him. These two set an example for all who are the guards and heart of the Dawnguard. Three cheers for the returning heroes.”
A loud chorus of cheers were called out, then Isran said, “Now return to your work and stations. We still have a lot to do to insure all of us are safe here.” The crowd dispersed with the exception of Dexion, Isran and Gunmar who came over and spoke to both Elora and Serana. Gunmar spoke to them, “I wanted you to both know how proud I am of what you have both done. I know what you are Serana, I also know it could not have been easy for you to go against your own kind. I will also say Elora thinks a great deal of you and so I do too. You are one with our family as far as I am concerned Serana. Thank you both!”
Gunmar turned then and went back to his work. Elora asked Isran and Dexion, “We have the scroll, are you able to read it now or do you need more time to prepare?” Dexion said, “Normally we would need more time, but I know how important this is for both of you, for all of us. “
Elora said, “No, I was just testing your commitment to us Dexion. I will not allow you to go blind for us. Although, your dedication is appreciated.” Dexion said, then how will we read it? Elora then said, “I am going to bend reality and make it appear as if we walked off upstairs to your private quarters everyone. Once the illusion is in place. You will understand a little more about me. Just stay where you are and give me a moment. “
Elora began to create runic symbols in the air around them, then she spoke, “Father, Mother, Sisters All Grant me the power of sight so I might read this Elder Scroll.” Dexion exclaimed, “By the nine, she speaks the language of the Elder Blood.” Dexion asked, “What did you just say?” Elora replied, “It loosely translates to the following in the common tongue, “Father, Mother, Sisters All Grant me the power of sight so I might read this Elder Scroll” Isran said, “So, no one can hear us or see us?”
Elora replied, “No, they will simply walk around the space we occupy. Give me a moment and do not try and touch any of the items I am getting ready to wear. She knelt down and opened her backpack, then she gently pulled out something wrapped in silken cloths, a box with strange engravings on it, Another smaller box that glowed with its own radiance.
She pulled out her blade of the covenant and drove it into the stone of the floor” Once this was done her blood rose from her pours and merged with the ruby red gem embedded in its hilt. Dexion exclaimed, “Is that a Ruby Red Crystal, The Gem Of the Covenant?”
Elora replied, “It is, but I am not done, quiet please as all of this requires proper ceremony.” She released her hands from the sword that stayed embedded in the stone of the floor. Her blood continue to flow through the air to it.
Then they watched as Elora bowed her head and whispered some archaic words. She gently unwrapped what was in the silken cloths, picked her tiara up and placed it in her hair. The gems of her tiara began to glow and merge with the light shining from the sword. She then opened another box and placed two hair pins in her hair so that they crossed each other behind her. The final step was to when she touched the small ancient box and took a ring from it adorned with a ruby crystal in the center with multicolored gems surrounded it.
When this was complete a great light exploded upward through the open skylight above and a voice could be heard saying. “You make us proud, daughter and crowned princess of the Alessian Bloodline. Now read the first scroll.” Elora began, “It is so named Sun and will tell us the first of a story. We will need Sun’s other companions, Blood and Dragon before you can understand the complete prophecy and what we must do to prevent it.”
Then Alessia said, “Serana our new daughter, give the Elder Scroll to Etain, She will read it without any harm coming to her. Serana said, “Forgive my tears Alessia but I am not used to being honored with such feelings. Thank you.” Serana handed the Elder Scroll to Etain, and she pulled it open and runic symbols came alive all around her floating through the air within the circle where they all stood.
Elora then spoke, “Among the night’s children, a dread lord will rise. In an age of strife, when dragons return to the realm of men. Darkness will mingle with the light and the night, and day will be as one.” Elora then said it mentions the Bow of Auriel. To complete our understanding of the prophecy which is called the ‘Tyranny of the Sun” we must find both the Elder Scroll Blood and the other called Dragon.” Elora then asked, “Anyone here have any ideas on where we might begin looking for these two scrolls?”
Serana asked, “Don’t lower the protective bubble we’re in yet. I think my mother might have the one called blood. However, I don’t know where she is” Another light appeared above them, then Kyne spoke, “Sisters, go to the gardens your mother so tenderly care for when you were a little girl. You will find the answers to where she is, as well as the path to her.”
Serana replied, “Of course that makes a lot of sense. My father hated that place. He claimed it was too quiet, too peaceful and had way too much color. “Serana then asked, “Forgive me but you are not Alessia, who are you?” The voice replied, “I am Kyne. Etain is very special to me. We are bound in part by what she is. “
Serana said, “You mean the dragon blood in her?” “Yes, but there is more to it” Kyne then said, “This journey is for you Serana and Etain only. None other may go with you as they would not survive the place you will both need to travel to find your mother.” Serana asked, “Then she is still alive?”
Kyne replied, “Yes, but trapped. “Kyne then said, “This will be a difficult journey for both of you my sisters. Stay true to each other. Let you hearts show you the way.” Alessia then spoke, “Etain give the Elder Scroll to Isran. He has a place of safe keeping ready for it. Once you have the other two, return here and he can give you back the Elder Scroll Sun.” You have done us proud this day, Etain. Now return your crown and other artifacts to the places of hiding and remove the spell. “
Etain handed the Elder Scroll to Isran. She then carefully put the artifacts back and then raised her hood. Elora said, “Ready everyone?” They all said, “Yes.” She removed her sword and sheathed it again. A moment later an illusion of them returning was seen by people passing nearby.
Dexion came and said, “Thank you Elora for allowing this old scholar to witness what you have shown us, before I die of old age. “Etain took a tear from her cheek, blew on it and her finger lit up like the sun. She then touched it to Dexion and he gasped. “Elora whispered to him, “You have now been blessed with the breath of Alessia. I would have you with me when I come to the Imperial City to claim my right to sit upon the Ruby Throne.” Dexion said, “Thank you, I look forward to that day.”
Elora turned to Serana and said, “Come my sister, we need time together. Let’s return to our tent so we can discuss the next steps of our journey. “They both said goodbye to Dexion and Isran then turned and walked through the doors to head for the campsite now waiting for them back near the great frozen pond.
They arrived at the campsite and Elora said, “Let’s sit down and discuss this a bit. I have lots of questions about your mother.” They both sat down on the chairs with the circular table in between them. Elora asked, “Give me the high level first, then I’ll likely have some questions for you.”
Serana said, “My mother’s name is Valerica. As I have said before she is a Daughter of Coldharbour like me.” Elora asked, “They said she once had some beautiful gardens back at your home. I didn’t notice anything like that when we were there.”
Serana replied, “The gardens were around the rear of the Castle, a very private area. My father hated them. They were too peaceful and colorful for his taste. I used to love them, spent a lot of time there when I was young. Sometime helping my mother take care of them and other times just to have some alone time away from both my parents.”
Elora reached over the held Serana’s hand a moment. “That bad, what was that all about?” Serana replied, “My mother disagreed with my father’s desire to bring about eternal darkness. They had several very loud destructive arguments. In time my mother betrayed my father by sealing me away with the one Elder Scroll you just completed reading. I am betting she has the other one with her wherever that is.”
Serana then said, “By the way, what you did for Dexion, keeping him from losing his site. Gifting him with your mother’s essence to insure he is around for your official crowning someday. That was special.”
Elora said, “Okay so your father and company are not going to just let us stroll through the front door and make our way through the castle to the gardens to search for clues as to what happened to her.”
Serana replied, “We won’t need to, there’s a way around the outside of the Castle I used to use when I was a child. It goes around to a dock where merchants used to bring goods to us on the backside of the castle. It was during a time when we were a more civilized clan and were not so hostile towards those not of our kind.”
Elora replied, “Before your discovery of this obscure prophecy and the obsession of it by your father.” Serana said, “Yes, that changed everything. I thought that after several thousand years of not seeing me he might have changed. But I knew when we arrived and is first concern was whether I had the Elder Scroll with me that it was not to be.”
Elora said, “I know of a Nordic ruin located east-northeast of Dawnstar. We can transport there and no one will be the wiser. Then make our way into Dawnstar and maybe hire a small craft to take us to where the ferry is kept docked. “
Serana said” That sounds like a good plan. You get some rest. I need to go hunting to get some refreshment. Plus, I am kind of worried after your mother warned us this would be hard on us both. To follow our hearts.”
Serana then asked. “Can you tell me the short version of how all this happened, I mean, how you came to understand who you are?” Elora replied, “Yes, I’ll tell you as we travel together. However, it will be the abbreviated version, or it would take a month or longer to get through all of that.”
For now, I am going to bed, I am exhausted after all of that. She disrobed and put on her night gown then crawled under the covers and said, “Goodnight Sister! Wake up early as we need to get going before everyone else gets up. I have place wards around this campsite so nothing should be able to get to us tonight while we rest. Happy hunting!”
Elora rolled over and fell asleep. She truly was exhausted from everything that happened and Serana left her alone and cuddled up to her in her own night gown then went to sleep.” Morning came and the first rays of sunlight were edging over the tops of the mountains that surrounded them.
Serana woke up first and began to gently kiss Elora’s exposed shoulder and neck. Elora woke up and asked, “Are you trying to seduce me!” Serana replied, “Well, you were out cold last night so I left you alone. However, consider all we need to do today. Maybe we should not get started on that.”
Elora replied, “What if I want to be close to you for a while. We could get creative and shorten the time.” Serana replied, well if that is the case. Then she asked Elora, trust me?” Elora replied, “Of course I do!” Serana said, “Just a moment then Serana disappeared under the covers.
Serana replied from under the covers, “I am getting creative.” Serana said, “Well, that seem to do the job, don’t you think so? Elora was still breathing heavily and asked, “Where did you learn to do that? “Well, I am pretty old and there was a time when we were taught a great many things about satisfying our mates.” Elora said that my turn and flipped her over. Serana finally said, “Oh Elora I love you so much, don’t stop, then she lost it as she was overcome by emotions that flowed like a river. She was now breathing heavy and Elora said, “Let’s go get cleaned up and then we should be going.”
Serana said as the entered the hot springs and began to clean each other up. “I have never experienced anything like that before. Thank you Elora. Now I know why Rosenlyn says you are exhausting. Of course, in a good way.”
They both finished and went and got dressed. Elora said ready. It’s time to slip away. Just hold my hand this time. I think you are experienced enough with the slip stream to be okay.” She took her hand and then Elora used her abilities to bend reality and slip them to the new location.
When they arrived, they stood high on top an ice cave and ancient Nordic ruin called Yngvild. There were many stories about this place but for Elora and Serana it was nothing more than a starting point. Elora said, “Take my hand again. I am going to pop us across to the mainland and near an Imperial Camp. We can easily make our way around Dawnstar. “
She shifted the stream and the came out North of the Imperial Camp. Elora told Serana, “We can make our way west and then south of Nightcaller Temple. It is a place with a bad history I will eventually have to deal with.” Serana asked, “The Dark Court I take it!” Elora replied, “Yes, Vaermina! Not one of the worse of the Dark Court but still pretty bad.”
Elora then said, “A change in plans Serana, Rosenlyn just spoke to me said Kyne told her to a have you slip stream to the entry way to Steepfall Barrow. From there it is an easy hike to the ferry. “She said the person who used to run the small shipping service was injured and has retired for a while to recover.”
She grabbed the hand of Serana, and they vanished and reappeared directly outside the lower entrance to the Barrow. They made their way around the old fort and to the ferry where they boarded and it took them across to the dock.
They both got out quickly and Serana pointed to the left then said softly, “Let me lead.” They made their way to the docs and Serana turned and said, “I know my father setup a lot of undead guards here to keep anyone from finding a way into the castle from the rear. But I sense nothing but dead remains everywhere.”
A bright light formed and Kyne spoke to them. Your friends and advisors came here and cleared the way, all the way into the gardens Elora.” Elora asked, “Who came, “My Champion, Maribelle, Several of the new Psijic Order and Hadvar. Your mother came and spoke with them. She told them both of you will be challenged enough once you discover the secrets of the garden.”
Kyne paused a moment then said, “Serana, prepare yourself, it appears in your mother’s absence your father had the garden destroyed and has blocked the back entry into the castle.”
Serana said, “He did what? Why would he do that. They were my mother’s pride and joy.” Kyne said, “We know. I promise you this, that when this is all over. We will make sure her gardens are restored to their full beauty. “
Serana said, “Really, you would do that?” Kyne replied, “As we have said Serana, you are family now. Better get used to it.” There was silence then and Elora reached out and wrapped her arms around Serana. She whispered, “I am here for you Serana.” Serana replied, “I know Elora, I know. Come along, I know of another way in and if they have cleared the dangers we should reach the gardens in thirty minutes.”
It was about thirty minutes after weaving their way through a maze of tunnels with dead Vampires, Death Hounds, Brood Mother spider, and Draugr and Skeletons that they arrived at a doorway. Serana said, “The gardens should be right outside this door. Go ahead and open the doors.”
Elora did so and they both stepped out into an area that must have been a beautiful place at one time. Everything was dead now; just dried husks and seeds remained. There was an ancient Moon dial sitting in the center with moon symbols all around it. But some of them were missing.
Serana fell to her knees and began to weep uncontrollably. Elora came and held her saying “I am so sorry Serana. I can sense what is loss here. This was more than a garden for you, but a place of solitude and fond memories of days spent with your mother when you were much younger.”
Serana stood up then and looked around then she said, “Some of the moon emblems are missing from this moon dial. Let’s see if we can find them. I feel like mother was trying to tell us something.”
Elora and Serana split up and began looking for the missing moon phases. One was found in a pond under some old dead leaves. Another in a side garden behind a bunch of thorny brambles. The other up on the deck near where her father had blocked the way back into the castle.
Elora and Serana brought them back and carefully placed them onto their places on the circular pedestals left for them. Once done the Moon dial began to spin and a stairway opened up down into a secret passway under the castle. Serana said, this most lead to something, maybe another room where my mother was hiding or left some more clues as how we might find her.”
It took them two hours of hard exploration and combat through the undercroft tunnels but eventually they came out to a set of double doors that led into a large chamber full of Alchemy ingredients, huge bookshelves packed full of rare books, alchemy tables, enchantment tables and all sorts of other stuff. In the center was a large circular shaped stonework.
Serana said, “Elora look at this place. It must have taken years for my mother to put all of this together. She must have left some clues, as that certainly looks like some sort of portal in the middle of the room.”
Elora asked, “Where would the portal lead to. What was your mother studying?” Serana replied, “Well besides being a great Alchemist she was obsessed with a place called the Soul Cairn. It is an Oblivion Realm created by powerful beings called the Ideal Masters. It may be she was looking for a way to go there to hide herself and the Elder Scroll from my father.”
Elora asked, “So what would be looking for?” Serana replied that my mother kept journals on everything she did. There must be one here, maybe in one of the bookshelves. It will be handwritten by her.” They both began to look through the numerous bookshelves. An hour later Elora came back with a journal in her hand and gave it to Serana.
Elora said, I believe this is it. She talks about the Idea Masters in the Soul Cairn.” Serana said let me see it.” Serana began to page through it then said, “There are three ingredients needed to open the portal. The last one worries me though. It states that we will need her blood mixed with the three ingredients. But if we had that, we would not need to find her. “
Elora smiled then said, “Serana, you have her blood, you share it with her just as I do with my mother and father.” Serana smiled and said, “Very good Elora, darn you are smart.” We need three ingredients. Pure bone dust, finely grounded Void dust, and some Soul Shards. Let’s find them and then meet up on the platform overlooking the Portal.”
Thirty minutes later and they had everything. Serana said put all the ingredients in that open basin. Now, I will add my blood and when she did, the floor opened up and revealed a stairway heading down into a plane of Oblivion, the Soul Cairn.
A bright light flare to life and Alessia was there. She said Etain, you cannot enter until you put on your full mantle. Once that is done, the Ideal Masters will not even know you are here until it is too late for them. Also, You need to free her mother from this place. Bring her back, She will be safe in her laboratory until you finish with this quest to stop her husband and Serana’s father. “
There was silence for a moment as Etain began to work through the rituals to take on the full mantle of who she was. When you enter the Soul Cairn go directly to speak with her mother. She will not understand so help Serana to convince her. Also, Etain, there is one of your brothers here. He has been here a long time and has given up hope of ever being free to ride the currents of Kynareth again. Free him and he will be grateful forever. He will come to your aid and fight with you when you need him most.
There was silence while Etain prepared herself, once done her mother spoke again. “You cannot leave the Ideal Masters and this Oblivion plane in place. It is tied to terrible Necromancy, and they will be the new age undoing if you leave them to their desires. We leave that to you to make the right choices. Once this is done, you will not need to hide yourself again as Elora. Return to Fort Dawnguard and reveal who you are.”
Serana said to Etain before going in, “Etain, the Ideal Masters are powerful beings. What your mother askes of you will be hard. But if you can save my mother, free her of this place, return your brother to the world of Nirn and abolish the Soul Cairn and Its Masters. I for one will be forever grateful to you.”
Serana came forward and kissed Etain on the forehead and hugged her. Serana said, “I will be there for you Etain, I would give my life if need be to protect you. Let’s go” With that the stepped into the Soul Cairn. They continued down the stairs until they reached the bottom. Serana said, “This place smells terrible. Let’s hurry so we can be done with this place. Can you sense my mother and take us there quickly?” Give me a moment, “Yes she is captured behind some sort of force field. It keeps her from leaving. Take my hand and I will take us there.”
The arrived quickly and her mother sensed something arriving outside the barrier. When they popped in her mother said Serana. What are you doing here. Did your father find out about you and steal the Elder Scroll. Serana said, “No, the scroll is in safe keeping for now. Hidden from him.”
Serana asked, “Mother what is this barrier and why did you come here? You know the Idea Masters cannot be trusted.” Valerica said, “Yes they tricked me. Once here they wanted my soul. Once they found out what I was, they could not get it and so they had their keepers come and put this barrier up to block me from leaving. Elora then asked, “So if the keepers are destroyed does the barrier go away!
Valerica said, “Who is this you brought with you into the Soul Cairn? Have you lost your mind?” Serana replied, “No, she will let you know soon. For now, know that we love each other. If you love me mother. You will accept her.”
Elora said, give me just a moment, She raised her sword to the air and her blood flowed from her pours to the ruby red crystal in the hilt of the blade. She said some ancient words of the Elder Blood and the barrier vanished instantly. Elora said, “They have been destroyed you are free now.”
Valerica asked Serana, “Who is she that can do that and what sort of blood magic is that she was using?” Serana said, “Do you have the other Elder Scroll with you?” Valerica replied, “Yes but Durnehviir a powerful Dragon who was trapped here by the Ideal Masters will be coming soon now that he likely senses the destruction of the keepers. The Ideal Masters will send him to investigate. “
Elora said, “I am aware of my brother. Leave him to me and learn who I am by observing.” The walked through some large doors and came out to a large open arena area. Then they saw Durnehviir fly over them.
He landed before them and asked, “Who comes that has the power to destroy the keeper of the Idea Masters all at the same moment?” Elora stepped forward then lowered her hood and buried her sword in the stone before him.
“My brother, I have come to free all the souls of this place, to end the days of the Ideal Masters and their Oblivion Realm. I am Etain, Saorlaith, Orlaith. I am the covenant reborn and I have come to bring about a new age where we will all stand as one. How would you like to return to Nirn and ride the currents of Kynareth’s skies my brother? “
Durnehviir stepped forward and sniffed the air. “The blood of Akatosh our father, and of Saint Alessia. You truly are the Covenant Reborn. But the Ideal Masters are old, how can you do that?” Elora replied, “I am not only the covenant reborn, but I am also of the Elder Blood before the world of Nirn was created and I existed before the first spark of creation was formed.”
Etain then asked, “If I do this for you my brother. What will you do in return?” Durnehviir said, “I name you Qahnaarin, or Vanquisher in your tongue. If you can do what you claim I will be your Gah-Zeymahzin, your Ally and fight by your side when your need is most my sister. “
Elora stood then and turned to Serana. “Take your mother’s hand, when I free all the souls from this place and destroy this plane we will return to your mother’s lab where the portal is. However, the portal will be permanently sealed. Durnehviir you will be returned whole to the winds of Kynareth. Go and seek our brother, Paarthurnax. Learn from him the wisdom he uses to control the worse urges of the Dovah. He is at High Hrothgar, near the throat of the world.”
Durnehviir said, “Paarthurnax is still around?” Etain said, “Yes, there are many brothers and sisters who have returned now. Some are aligned with us, some against us and aligned with our father’s first born, Alduin.” Durnehviir stated, “So, Alduin has discovered a way back from the time wound.’ Etain said, “Yes, and he is still a spoiled child who has not learned his lessons, even after being trapped for all those years.”
Durnehviir said, “Do what you must do as I sense many enemies coming as the Ideal Masters are aware now that something is not right.” I will need you in the final battle Durnehviir. It will be your time to claim your right to be upon the currents of Kynareth again.
She raised her sword high and the trio of the crown, sword and ring came alive and great power began to spread out and everything it touched as this great wave spread through the realm of the Ideal Masters simply vanished.
Then there was a large flare and Etain, Serana, and Valerica were returned to the great lab deep underneath the Castle. Durnehviir found himself whole again and free of the Soul Cairn at last. He headed for High Hrothgar to speak with his brother.
Valerica came and hugged Etain and said, “What you have done for us is beyond all words. I can only say thank you, Etain.” Etain said, “You are welcome, Valerica, mother of one who I share my essence with.”
Valerica looked at Serana and asked, “What does that mean?” Serana opened her robe and her mother saw the beating heart within her. She turned to Etain and said, “You did that; you went into Coldharbour and took her heart from Molag Bal?” Etain said, “Yes although he is still trying to figure that one out and is none too happy about it.” Valerica replied to Etain, “This truly is an age of wonders isn’t it?”
Etain said, “I am sorry, but I need your daughter with me. We still have much to do. She said, here then is the Elder Scroll blood.” Etain said, “Thank you Valerica. By the way, you are protected here within this lab and out in the area of the gardens. My mother has said she would help you to restore them to life once this is over. Valerica said, “Really, Saint Alessia said she would help. Wait for us, we will return to allow you to spend time with your daughter. “
Elora said, “Do you care if I hug you before leaving?” Valerica said, “I am not used to such displays of emotion; however, I could come to like it again.” Etain came to her and hugged her. She then said, “We go to bring hope to this world of Nirn we both love so much again.” With that she took Serana’s hand and they both vanished and appeared back at the campsite near Fort Dawnguard.