Through my Blood

Bonus Chapter: Shorts

The Strange Mortal I

Serana stared curiously at the stranger's back. This stranger happened to be her "savior" back in Dimhollow Crypt – the one who awakened her from her long slumber.

She continuously wondered why this mortal even considered helping her. Sure, she didn't know where to go, which is why she accepted the offered help in the first place but... is there an ulterior motive behind his actions?

The vampiress' eyes narrowed in suspicion. As a matter of fact, she doesn't think so. With the strength and prowess she'd witness earlier at the crypt, he could've just easily slain her given her weakened state and take the Elder Scroll for himself.

He didn't seem to mind showing his back to a total stranger... a vampire at that. To provide directions and walk on ahead – this one seemed awfully confident with their skills in combat to even consider doing this, but with good reason to do so.

Her eyes darted towards the weapons that he carried around – two swords that hung from his back, a bow strung on his body, and a dagger strapped on his waist. He was really heavily armed.

Are all members of the Dawnguard like this?

"It's rude to stare you know."

Serana was startled when the mortal suddenly spoke.

"S-Sorry."

"You were really staring? I was kidding." he said before snickering.

This struck a nerve but Serana tried her best to contain her composure – especially now that she's very thirsty.

"I'm... just... grateful, that you even thought about providing me assistance. But, why would you even go and help me to this extent?"

The man didn't stop walking even as he gave his reply. "Let's just say it's my good deed for the day."

"That's nonsense."

"Why? Because the world you knew has always been cruel and unforgiving?" he asked with a sudden shift of tone. "If you thought about this, then... you're probably right. But shouldn't this be more of a reason to help others in need?"

"But I'm a vampire. Doesn't this bother you?"

The mortal suddenly stopped and partially turned his head to face her. "You're still someone in need, aren't you? It doesn't matter." He carried on walking.

The vampiress couldn't wrap her head around his answer.

Do they really exist? People who would willingly go out of their way just to help someone in need – without discrimination?

Serana smirked to herself. She needs to be ready... for during this travel, she bets that he'll show his true colors – his dark intentions.

Except that there weren't any.

---

The Strange Mortal II

Dragonbridge.

It was way past midnight and the patrons of the Four-Shields Tavern had started to go home one-by-one. After a while, it was only the two of them left at the table situated at the tavern's corner.

The hearth at the center of the room burned weakly and the building became a whole lot quieter.

Serana rested her head over her hands as she watched Remus sleep across the table. His hood remained over his head, even his mask still obscured his face.

She could never fathom how he could sleep like that all just because he didn't want anyone knowing about his identity.

With a sigh, Serana reminisced how it's only been a few days to a week but so many had already happened: she'd escaped from Castle Volkihar and ended up almost getting killed by the Dawnguard just because she searched for some stranger to ask for help just because her guts told her so.