"I more meant your family."

"What do you know of the Daedra lord Molag Bal?"

"One of the worst of the Daedric Princes."

"Yeah. And he's the one my father dealt with to become the most powerful vampire in Tamriel."

"Yikes."

"My mother and I were also beneficiaries of the Prince's... gift. Not entirely voluntarily."

"So pretty safe to assume your father's an ass."

"He is used to getting his way. It's easier to not openly defy him."

"Noted."

"You have brought me this far. If you declined to continue, that would be understandable."

"I'd like to at least get a closer look at the castle."

"I'm not planning on backing out, either," Ena says after a few moments.

"Very well. It has been some centuries and I do not know what changes may have taken place in the court. It would be best if you both followed my lead."

"Alright. Lead the way."

Then into the boat and across the water. The castle looms out of the fog.

They approach the closed gate.

"Vampires sure do like their spooky aesthetic."

"Discourages casual visitors." She raises her fist and knocks heavily on the door, three times.

A vampire comes to the door, then - "Lady Elana? You're back?"

"Obviously. Open the gate."

He does so, then leads them into the castle proper, going ahead of them to announce her return.

Well. Here goes nothing.

Her father stands from his throne when he hears the announcement, and strides forward. "Ah, my long-lost daughter returns at last. I trust you have my Elder Scroll?"

"After so long, you think I'd return without it? Yes, I have the Scroll."

"I hardly knew what to think, when you vanished like you did. Ah, if only your traitor mother was here, I'd let her watch this reunion before putting her head on a spike. Now tell me, who are these strangers you have brought into our hall?"

Suppose she won't be putting in an immediate appearance then. Whether she'll turn up later... Could go either way.

"My rescuers. And escorts."