I notch a golden arrow to my bow. Pulling the string back slightly. Ready to fire at my prey. Crunch.... crunch.... crunch. Footsteps in the snow. Two sets. I frown notching a second arrow. Silently stalking my unsuspecting prey. Suddenly, two female voices ring out. Recognition flashes on my face before I scowl, all the while, I lock on to the path. Drawing the bow back and taking aim, I let the arrows fly. Two gold streaks crash through the winter air. An explosion of snow. I watch as my prey pull their weapons. The singing of steel as a sword is drawn. The subtle stretch of a bow string and the nock of an arrow. More crunching of snow.
I stalk forward. My cloak pure white keeping me invisible. I have a blackened knife against your throat before your companion can move.
"Halt... move and the snow turns red."
I look at your companion. Aela... I growl deeply before throwing you at her. Sheathing my knife and waving my hand, my cloak shimmering to black. You both glare at me. Then you recognize me.
"B... brother? "
I growl.
"Hmph. You lost the right to call me that... But yes. You're on my land. Leave. "
Aela speaks up at that moment. Her accent thick.
"This is no one's land. And how could a woman like you have a monster for a brother. "
You groan in annoyance, about to explain when I hiss. Bright green fire in my hands ready to turn her to ash.
"You of all people calling me a monster... ha... the dog has a bark... what of her bite. "
"ENOUGH!!!!"
You scream and Aela lowers her sword and I lower my hands. The fire still burning in them.
"Aela... we kind of need the help..."
I shake my head no.
"I will not help that dog. No. Sister or not. I have every right to kill you both where you stand.... sigh.... come along... a storm is brewing... at the very least I can't let you two die... but this is the only help I'll give. "
I motion to follow. Walking away slowly. I listen to the conversation you two make as you follow.
"He's your brother? A fucking blood sucker?"
"Yes... he is. Call him a monster again and you'll be sleeping in the yard."
"But he's a vampire... and you aren't. "
I speak up.
"No, she isn't. I chose this life. If you have a question, ask. If not. Shup up. It's dangerous enough, what, with the Dragonborn behind me. "
You both stop.
"H... how..."
"Did I know? I can smell the blood... smell the dragon in you. And I can smell the dog blood too."
You two stay silent. Following me till we reach a large manor. I step to the gate and before I open it, I turn to face you both.
"This is my home. It's... got rules." I warn.
"1. No violence against any inhabitant.
2. You may leave at any time. But entry must be granted by me... and before nightfall.
And...
3. Rules are magically enforced."
After going through the rules, I open the gate. They crackle of black magic, like the shattering of glass. You both walk in and feel something like a collar lock around your necks. I then shut the gate and it locks again.
"Come... you can have a room... for the night or the storm... whichever ends last. "
I show you to your room. Your eyes brim with questions while Aela constantly scratches her neck.
"Dog, stop scratching. It's a magical collar for while you're in my domain."
I see you both scowl and I roll my eyes. Walking to a large living area. A large table covered in food of all kinds, a large fireplace with candles and skulls adorning the mantle, as well as a small pool of crystal-clear water, and a small field of grass and flowers.
"Whoa..."
I shrug, hearing the scamper of tiny feet. Then the subtle crackle of fire. I turn to both of you, holding you back from entering.
"Remember my rules... all who are here are permitted. Attack or even think of attacking, you will be magically bound. "
I let my arms drop before walking into the room. A fire Atronach floats in as well from the other side. It settles inside the fire humming in delight. The scampering of feet continues. I sit at a large chair next to a book covered table. I then hold out my hand and a glass of red blood is settled in it. I take it and thank, the air, so it seems.
You two finally enter seeing my interactions with an Atronach. You both grab plates and food before sitting across from me. The blood sloshes when I set the glass down swallowing silently, I hum in delight.
"Percy... could you please bring my... special book. "
The scamper stops for a moment before a series of soft clicks and grunts comes from everywhere yet nowhere. A large book is set on the table. A small goblin dashes away back to the food.
"Now then... ask away oh dog and sister of mine. And know this... my patience with you two is already thin. "
