"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."

He turns to the two sisters. "For my daughter's safe return, you have my gratitude. Tell me, what are your names?"

"Lianda and Ena at-Sharinda," Lianda says.

"And I am Harkon, Lord of this court. By now, my daughter will have told you what we are - some of the most ancient and powerful vampires in all of Skyrim. For centuries we lived here, far from the cares of the mortal world. All that ended when my wife betrayed me and stole what I valued most."

Lianda inclines her head slightly. "And what happens now?"

"Now you must be rewarded, for you have done me a great service. There is but one gift I can give equal in value to the Elder Scroll and my daughter - I offer you my blood. Take it, and you will walk as a lion among sheep. Men will tremble at your approach, and you will never fear death again."

"And if we refuse?"

"Then you will be prey, like all mortals. I will spare your life this once for the service you have done me, but you will be banished from this hall. Perhaps you still need convincing? Behold the power!" And shadows gather around him, clinging, as he transforms into an enormous bat-like creature, radiating dark power. "This is the power that I offer! Now, make your choice!"

"I refuse," Lianda says icily.

Ena glances at her sister, but - "I accept your gift, Lord Harkon."

"What - " Lianda hisses, but before she can argue with her sister - 

"Very well," Harkon responds, swiftly hitting Lianda with a spell that knocks her out. Ena tenses. "Have her carried to the end of the bridge." The gate guard moves to collect her unconscious body, as Harkon turns to Ena and says, "Stand still," before lunging forward, fangs sinking into her neck as she slumps, also unconscious.

They're both getting off lightly. Perhaps Harkon is mellowing with age. Or he's just pleased with recovering the Elder Scroll, or doesn't want to alienate Elana herself by harming her companions unnecessarily. Mm. She needs to find her mother.

"Now what?"

"Now we get our new guest settled in - and you tell me where you've been all these years."

"Are my rooms in the west wing still intact? We can put her there until she wakes up."

"They are." He directs someone to move her.

"I'll go with her." Stall for as much time as possible.