A/N

Hi everyone! Sorry for suddenly disappearing for more than a month. I got swamped at work and I had to adapt to the new conditions. I hope you're all doing well in this pandemic.

As for my update frequency, I'll try to post once a week/once every two weeks. I'm kind of struggling in writing the breather chapters because my mind's already on to the final arc xD

I haven't proofread this heavily but I hope you enjoy it!

"All right, I have to go." Serana sat up, preparing to leave the bed.

"Do you really have to?" Remus asked as he grabbed Serana's arm, refraining her from getting up the bed.

"Yeah, I should." Serana laughed softly. "I have to check up on her."

"Why?" he asked lazily, his face buried in a pillow.

"Won't she be a little alarmed once she realizes she's not home?" Serana answered.

"Come on, she probably won't wake up this early."

"I still have to check how she's doing. You should sleep some more." the vampiress chuckled again. "Don't worry we still have a lot to talk about later."

Remus turned before smiling rather amorously. "Yeah? Like what?"

Serana looked back at Remus sinisterly. "Hmmm… I don't know. Something about… a certain village in Hjaalmarch?"

Remus' eyes slightly widened in surprise, making Serana smirk.

"Or the up and coming village near Pelagius farm?" she added before inching her face towards him.

Taken aback, Remus responded, "How did you even—" then he shook his head and buried his face in his pillow again. "Nevermind." the man grumbled. "You're probably right. Maybe you should go check on her."

"You're not getting away from this. You know that, right?" Serana teased.

Remus suddenly shifted positions before pulling Serana back to bed.

He kissed the vampiress on the cheek before lying in a supine position, facing the other way.

"H-Hey!"

"Go on now." Remus answered. His body slightly vibrated in a snicker. "She'd miss you."

At first, Serana just shot him a glare but after a few moments her eyes suddenly widened upon coming to a realization. She slightly tapped Remus' arm.

"Hey. Get up."

The only response she got was a low groan from beneath a pillow.

"I said get up." Serana asserted as she pinched his arm this time.

Remus turned his face towards her before replying in a voice starting to be laced with sleep, "What?"

"Shouldn't it be you the first one she sees?" Serana asked in slight worry.

"It really wouldn't matter. Sissel has always been good with people as far as I remember." Remus slurred before burying his face in a pillow again.

"But—"

Remus raised his hand before using it to flip Serana away.

The vampiress clicked her tongue – a little tempted to get back at him with a bite on his muscular arm… but of course, that wouldn't be the brightest of ideas.

She sighed before lifting herself off the bed. She actually wanted to stay a little longer with Remus and ask him all about the adventures written in the book (among other things), but the little girl would probably be agitated if she woke up alone.

Thinking this, Serana shook her head and smiled.

She's grown soft. But she doubts that this change is for the worse.

Serana cautiously entered the bedroom, peeking over the bed to check if Sissel's already awake.

Of course, she's sleeping. Serana wanted to hit herself. It's even too early for her to be waking up any time soon, what is she being cautious for?

She's just a kid.

The vampiress pulled a chair close to the bed once more. Once seated down, she opened up the book of Remus' exploits and read through the pages yet again – carefully this time.

"No wonder he's so rich… I didn't know bounties for dragons cost this much…"

After an hour or so, she closed the book.

Amazing. He is truly amazing.

The book ended with his conquest against the World-Eater. Of course, it wouldn't cover his adventures in Solstheim. He was in self-exile after all.

Serana sighed before darting her eyes back to the sleeping child, only to see that she's now fully awake – bright green eyes staring back at her.

"Hi." Sissel nonchalantly said, her eyes fixated on Serana's being.

Feeling a little awkward with the little girl's irregular behavior Serana responded, "H-Hey. How long have you been awake?"

The girl smiled a little. "Not long."

Serana had mixed emotions with the child's reaction. She felt relieved that the girl appears to be in good condition, but she also felt stiff because of Sissel's unorthodox reaction.

A normal young girl would've been alarmed waking up to a stranger's house, more so next to a strange woman such as herself.

She momentarily averted her gaze from the little girl.

Why is she even panicking? She should be asking how she's feeling.

"Are—" Serana didn't get to finish because the moment she looked back, Sissel was now closer, already lying on her front staring intently at her.

"You're very pretty…!" the young girl marveled – her eyes wide in genuine admiration.

Serana felt uncomfortable despite the girl's compliment. "Uhmmm…"

"Your eyes too!"

Serana was taken aback. What does she even mean? "Well, they're a little different from the others…" she answered awkwardly trying to shy her eyes away albeit unsuccessful. She just decided to carry on with her book.

"Yeah! They're just like a cat's!" Sissel beamed at her before rolling back and forth in the bed. Abruptly, she stops while lying on her back before staring at the ceiling for quite a while.

Serana was confused. Isn't she scared of her, even after having a good look at her eyes?

"So, ummm… where are we?" she suddenly asked.

Finally, the strange girl's coming to her senses. "Shouldn't that be your first question upon waking up?"

Sissel giggled, "I guess you're right! You see… I was having a very bad dream. I was being chased by a shadow… but then! Someone took my hand and then I just felt… warm. It felt veryyy comfortable… I think that was the best sleep I've had in… a while."

"I… I see." Serana briefly replied, not knowing what else to say.

"So, so!" Sissel gushed again, "Where are we?"

"Uhmm… We're in Remus' manor."

"Remus…" the little girl tapped a finger on her chin as if in deep thought. Suddenly, her emerald green eyes lit up. "Do you mean the tall man with the red hair?"

Serana smiled a little, "Yup. That's him."

The little girl pouted. "Hm. I liked him at first, then I disliked him for a while."

"Really? Why?"

"He never told me that he was Dragonborn! We were supposed to be friends!" the girl grumpily replied, her little hands balled into fists.

Serana chuckled. "Maybe he just forgot to mention it."

"Yeah, maybe…" she pouted again.

The vampiress smiled. "Are you feeling better? Do you feel anything… different?"

"Yes! Never been better!" Sissel replied. "I'm not really sure what you're talking about but I'm fine!"

"Good." Serana gave a sigh of relief. There was a miniscule chance that the little girl might have reactions with the tonic, and she feared even the slightest possibility. "That's really good."

The vampiress closed her book before standing up from her seat.

"W-W-What? Are you leaving? Did I do something wrong?" the girl asked anxiously.

"Ah, no. I'm just going to call for Remus." Serana answered reassuringly as she made her way through the door.

"O-Okay." The girl started to fidget. "Ummm…"

"Hm?"

"What happens now?"

Serana scratched her head. She wasn't sure either. What's Remus' objective here exactly?

"You… you're not bringing me back… are you?" Sissel asked, her voice almost pleading.

Of course. Why would she want to come back home? Any more than her injuries last night she probably would've—

"I don't think so." Serana answered without looking back. "But I can assure you one thing… you'll be safe here."

"Mm!" the little girl nodded happily in response. Even if she has her back turned against her, Serana could almost feel Sissel beaming.

It was just after sunrise but the people inside were already lively, a big difference in the ambience of Heljarchen Hall Serana noticed the moment Sissel was up.

Before, every time Serana was there, the whole manor had always been unusually quiet.

Everyone was busy – Gregor out on his regular hunts, Jordis would either be doing her daily chores of preparing food when it's time to eat, and as for Meeko, she assumes Gregor had already started taking him because he's nowhere to be found.

The only ones left would be Remus and Serana, and their short stays at the manor were mostly comprised of light training or planning for their next move. They've already finished breakfast, yet they haven't done neither.

It was ultimately decided that Sissel would stay at Heljarchen Hall as long as she wishes over breakfast – along with the constant bickering between the two over the past, something Serana found somewhat endearing.

The two easily built a dynamic. The little girl was a real chatterbox and surprisingly, Remus kept up with her with seemingly minimal effort as their laughter and snickers echoed inside the house. Just as Serana thought, he was really good with kids.

A time came when Serana unintentionally eavesdropped on one of their conversations due to her vampiric hearing.

She was sitting at the large table in the main hall reading another book while contemplating what she could do to contribute while Sissel and Remus are preparing at the entryway as they've be feeding the animals at the pen.

"So, who is she?" Sissel whispered, not knowing about Serana's ability to hear.

"You mean Serana?" There was a slight pause and the vampiress could only assume that both just shot her a look.

"Weren't she the one you woke up to?" Remus snickered.

"Yeah! She's really pretty!"

"I know, right?" Remus agreed heartily before the two of them laughed, making Serana embarrassed and a little bit self-conscious.

"Is she your wife?" the little girl asked nonchalantly.

Serana's eyes bulged widely in surprise, trying not hard to look at them – especially at Remus.

How would he answer?

"Well…"

"Lady Serana, do you need anything?" Jordis suddenly interrupted, almost making Serana jump off her seat.

"W-What?"

"I'm sorry. I just saw you over here and you had such a perplexed look on your face. I thought you might need something before I carry on with my work."

"No, I'm okay. Thanks." Serana gave her a small smile before subconsciously looking back at the entryway.

They're both gone.

What was his answer?

"Is there something wrong?" Jordis followed up, her expression growing with slight worry.

Serana shook his head. "No, it's nothing."

Of course, he'd say no – what other answer could there be? Serana wanted to hit herself for overthinking something so trivial.

Jordis smiled, "If there isn't anything else, I'll be on my way."

The vampiress suddenly stood from her chair. "Uh, Jordis?"

A little surprised, the housecarl turned towards her.

"Yes?"

"What… are you going to do exactly?"

A little surprised by her question, Jordis responded, "Today I'd be cleaning… the cellar…"

Upon hearing the word 'cellar', Serana immediately rose to her feet. "Maybe I can help you with that? Least I could do?"

She was worried that she wouldn't be of any use today, especially with chores outside – especially since the weather's particularly bright today. Cleaning the cellar would be ideal for someone like her, with the added bonus of discovering yet another unknown section of the manor.

However, the housecarl looked a little apprehensive, piquing Serana's interest.

"What's wrong?"

"Oh… nothing! It's just the Thane is rather secretive with the cellar…"

Serana's shoulders were quick to drop. "Oh, alri—"

"Although, this might be a good chance to get to know him better and I don't think—"

"Yep! I don't think he won't mind!" Serana interjected with a fangy grin.

Jordis swallowed thickly in slight nervousness over how Remus would react but quickly dismissed the thought. He surely wouldn't mind. After all, it is her.

"Are you sure you're going to help? Maybe you could rest some more." Jordis asked in confirmation.

The vampiress nodded. "I don't think it would be right if I just sat and read all day long while you work. I won't be in the way, I promise."

The housecarl smiled as she walked towards a trapdoor. "Okay. This way."

"By the Maker…" was all Serana could say after they've lighted the sconces.

The cellar was a lot bigger than she thought. Its size paralleled the manor itself. The one they're currently in had numerous bookcases and shelves filled with supposedly rare books and tomes.

"Welcome… to the Thane's… playground." Jordis declared rather uncomfortably.

"Playground?"

"That's the term he had in mind when he had this cellar built. He used to spend a lot of time in here back in the day, every time he wasn't out there." Jordis explained with a pained expression on her face, which Serana found amusing.

The vampiress' eyes darted across the place once more, "This place… it's really impressive."

"He made sure it'll be. He furnished everything himself." Jordis said as she led Serana unto the next room.

Once the room was lit up, Serana felt her jaw slacking. It was an armory – but unlike the collection she saw back at Hjerim in Windhelm, the equipment stocked away in this room, if Serana was not mistaken, were incredibly rare. They seem unique even.

There were also a workbench and grindstone in the room – both of seemingly high-grade.

Various armors – ranging from glass, ebony, and other unique apparel Serana's not familiar with were placed neatly on the mannequin stands. Remus also had shields painted with the crest of each hold, along with others of unique make adorning the walls.

Weapons of strange make were carefully placed on weapon stands and racks – all of them had strong enchantments on Serana's scrutiny.

At the far end of the room, a weapon plaque seemingly different from the others hung on the wall.

Two dark-steeled swords of strange yet familiar make were placed on the said rack across each other. Their handles were also made of dark hard steel instead of the common make bound with leather. One side of each blade were serrated.

Serana's eyes may or may not be playing tricks on her, but the red streak at the middle of the swords emanated a strange glow.

She was a little too mesmerized that she didn't notice Jordis was already standing just beside her.

"They look great, don't they?" Jordis asked as she looked up at the swords.

"I guess… what are they?"

"Daedric swords… made and enchanted by Valdimar." Jordis responded.

"Daedric… swords…?" Serana couldn't believe it. So that's why the swords looked familiar – she's seen them before, from conjured weapons and equipped by summoned dremoras. Suddenly, she was hit by a realization.

"Wait, did you just say these were made? By a mortal?"

The housecarl nodded her head. "Valdimar used to be a member at the College of Winterhold. He had to leave because he wanted to delve deeper into arcane blacksmithing." She paused. "He was particularly interested in the equipment used by the Daedra back in the Oblivion Crisis. His years of work and research produced these."

"That's impressive." Serana commented, her eyes still fixated at the swords. "I wonder how he managed to do it…"

"I have no idea." Jordis shook her head. "Although, these Daedric swords may be considered unique even among its kind." She sighed. "After all, the Thane poured some of his blood into the fire when Valdimar made them."

"What? Why would he do that?" Serana asked with a confused expression on her face.

Jordis shrugged. "I have no idea. But I'm assuming the old man made him do it. He's stubborn like that." She paused. "Still, it doesn't change the fact that these swords and the Thane… they're bound by blood in a way."

That didn't exactly answer Serana's question, but she chose not to do any more follow-ups about how the swords were forged. Maybe she'll ask Remus herself in the future.

"So, Remus used these at some point?"

There was a short-lived silence before Jordis answered.

"These swords were the ones that slew the World-Eater."

Serana quickly looked at Jordis, her mouth dropping open. Seemingly amused by her reaction, Jordis continued.

"The sword on the left has two enchantments: frost damage and paralysis. It's called Annen Dag."

"Annen… Dag?"

The housecarl nodded. "Valdimar named the sword. He said he made it in hopes of the weapon aiding the Thane to live 'Another day' – thus the name."

"He really thought deep about it, huh? I thought Remus named it himself though, since he had a knack of naming things…"

"Not exactly. The Thane found it a bother to name them when Valdimar forged the swords. You know how prickly he gets…"

Serana's eyes widened a little in confusion "Huh, strange…"

"Hmmm?" Jordis hummed in curiosity.

"Ah, no, nothing." Serana answered. Remus was no prickly to her at all. She also remembered how he started naming the undead back at the Soul Cairn.

Although the book described the Remus she knew differently. She smiled to herself. She'd like to think that he's giving her a special treatment of some sort.

"What about the other sword?"

Jordis paused for a moment before answering, "I am not exactly familiar with the enchantments imbued within it, but I do remember the Thane saying the old man forced him to name that sword."

"What is it?"

"Nameless."

"… Name…less?" Serana echoed the housecarl's answer. Jordis just shrugged in response.

"He said that it's hard to think of names, so he just thought of it on a whim."

Serana's eyes widened in disbelief for a moment before chuckling again. Jordis followed after her.

"Although, that sword finally gained a proper name after he slew the World-Eater." Jordis suddenly added. She took a deep breath before staring back at the said sword.

"Godsbane." Jordis replied darkly. "It was said that it's the sword that dealt the killing blow on the World-Eater."

Serana glanced at the housecarl's serious expression before reflecting herself.

She has read the book about his conquests – how he dealt with wanted bandit chiefs, defeated necromancer cults, lifted curses, saved towns, and many others.

However, she almost always forgets his biggest feat – defeating Alduin, a god-like being that could've ended the world. Giving praises of this is easy with words, but Serana – time and time again – found herself a little overwhelmed just imagining the weight of that recognition.

She couldn't be prouder of what Remus managed to accomplish despite the fact she wasn't there to witness it. But at the same time, the familiar dark questions keep on popping at the back of her head because of it.

Is she even worthy? To be cared for by someone like him?

She stared at the swords again for a good few seconds before asking another question. "If these swords were that powerful, how come he never uses them anymore?"

Jordis had a grim look on her face. "The Thane left them here before he went to Solstheim two years ago. He said he was tired of fighting." Her lips curled into a smile, albeit a small one. "It was short-lived though. Trouble followed wherever he went. At least he is doing so much better than he did back then." She sighed. "But even if he'd returned, he never touched these swords again."

Serana's eyes suddenly became evasive after hearing Jordis' remarks.

Trouble followed wherever he went. Serana wondered if the same could be said for their current case. Remus got dragged into this mess of a prophecy, simply because she had the gut feeling to trust him when she first defected from Castle Volkihar.

"Is there something wrong?"

"N-No, it's nothing!" Serana chuckled nervously.

"I-I'm sorry!" Jordis stuttered before bowing her head. "I let my mouth run off with the stories…"

"That's not it! I like that you're telling me so much about him!" Serana replied rather anxiously at Jordis' reaction. "Besides it's really nice seeing this side of you."

"This… side of me?"

"I mean – I've always had the impression that you were very good in being a housecarl but… a little bit stoic?" Serana answered carefully before giving her the sweetest smile she could muster. "I know we haven't talked much until yesterday, but I'm really glad we did. You should cut yourself some slack though. You're young after all… and quite a beauty too."

Jordis' mouth hung open as she felt blood rushing through her cheeks. Serana's kind words were very much welcome to her ears – but pairing it with a beautiful smile (provided that Serana is also of great beauty) was a little too much for her.

"I-I… Y-Yes… T-T-Thank you…" the housecarl stammered embarrassingly.

"Come on, don't be shy!" Serana laughed as she teasingly poked fun at her. "We should start cleaning though. Where do I start?"

"R-Right!" Jordis tried very hard to collect herself as she cleared her throat. "What do you want to do?"

Serana placed her hand under her chin in thought. "Hmmm… maybe I should dust the books?" The vampiress wanted to just help out with the chores – but seeing just how much books Remus had collected, she had the ulterior motive of 'sampling' the books she'd be possibly reading later on after she asks him for permission.

The housecarl chuckled. "Okay. I'll be covering this room then. There are rags kept on the drawer below the bookshelves, you may use those."

"Right! Thanks!"

"No… thank you for your help." Jordis smiled. "Call for me if you need anything more, my lady?"

"I told you Serana nodded in response. As she turned around to go back to the previous room, her eyes spied upon a weapon pedestal at the other corner of the room – a great sword with its blade wrapped in pieces of cloth rested atop it.

"What about that one?" Serana turned back to Jordis as she pointed at the sword.

The housecarl's expression immediately grew pale.

"T-That's…" she hesitantly answered, "… that weapon… it hasn't been used very much."

Serana easily picked up the hints provided by Jordis' reaction. Certain weapons in this room probably has a story to tell.

That greatsword is no exception.

"What's it called?"

"Penitence. Valdimar named it… after it… it has been used by the Thane once."

That's a rather ominous-sounding name, Serana thought. However, Jordis seemed uncomfortable just talking about it so Serana decided to drop the topic.

"I was just a little curious, don't worry about it." Serana reassured. "I'll be heading over to the next room now."

Jordis only smiled in response.

For the next few hours, the two of them carried on with the chore. Serana was a little distracted as she tried (and failed) not to ogle each and every book that fell on her hands while dusting.

The books were all organized properly and ranged from spell manuals, tomes, journals of different accounts, and story books of varying genres.

Serana made sure she doesn't let herself open even one book because if she did, she just knew she wouldn't stop reading.

Suddenly, Serana held a rather peculiar book. The cover was made of dark leather and unlike the other books, the title wasn't embedded on it.

The vampiress would've just did the usual – dusted it off and placed it on to the next pile.

But something urged her to open it, just to know what it's all about.

Slowly, Serana's hand turned the cover to reveal the first page. On the said page, it was written,

The Tragedy of Lamae Beolfag.

A/N

Hello again!

Maybe you could expect more interactions with Sissel in the next chapters. But you should also expect Remus' and maybe Serana's individual history. A little bit of fluff too (sorry I'm really struggling with romance atm)?

Please leave a review/comment so I could see what you guys think. Feel free to ask questions too!

PS: Sorry I won't be able to reply asap, but I'll try to as soon as I come back!