The architectural style of Dawnguard's fortress is quite unique throughout Skyrim. Of course, according to Simon, it leans more towards the 'classical European style' of reality. The fortress is built into the mountain, and from an aerial view, it roughly resembles the Chinese character 'between'. In fact, many tower-like structures can be seen, suggesting it's a construction of several connected towers.
Entering through the tall, spiked wooden door, one can clearly feel the stylistic characteristics of Roman architecture, most notably the various arches. Whether barrel vaults, groin vaults, or even the towering dome of the main hall, they all brought a knowing smile to Simon's face.
The building's interior decoration is very simple, even showing significant signs of age and dust. However, it is well-equipped with all necessary functions, integrating defense, barracks, logistics, imprisonment, interrogation, and other essential combat measures.
The main hall's dome deserves a mention because it is open to the sky, allowing brilliant sunlight to directly illuminate the spacious and empty center of the hall (in the game, due to a modeling error, sunlight cannot penetrate, and from the outside of the fortress, the dome appears sealed). This design reminded Simon of the Roman Pantheon, which also has a light-admitting dome, though the Dawnguard fortress's dome is more like a chimney, while the Pantheon's is a nearly perfect spherical dome.
Rain and snow would cause water ingress, so the main hall's floor is designed with drainage channels, showing a thorough attention to detail.
Additionally, there is a special mechanism at the dome that can move a simple lens to its center. This lens is very special because its core component is the Beacon of Meridia.
This Daedra controls life, vitality, and light, and harbors an extreme hatred for undead creatures. It is said that Meridia was once an Aedra, but later willingly cast itself into Oblivion, transforming into a Daedric Prince. It is one of the Magna-Ge, the spirits who broke through the shackles of Oblivion at the dawn of creation, punching tiny holes in the sky.
Although Meridia is the only Daedra considered not entirely evil, Simon is truly unfamiliar with it and has no intention of interacting with it.
After all, he is now a mature Necromancer and must know how to protect himself and his ghostly subordinates.
In contrast, Isran, the Redguard, is very fond of Meridia. Like most Redguards, he deeply detests Necromancy, which desecrates the bodies of ancestors.
The effect of the lens on the dome is to amplify the sun's exorcising power; any undead creature struck by such light will be burned to death.
Isran sighed contentedly, "It's time for this castle to reclaim its glory. In the Second Era, it belonged to a lord of The Rift, which was a stain."
Simon had read in other books that the Dawnguard was founded in the First Era by the then-lord of The Rift. However, listening to Isran, it seemed to originate in the Second Era. It was hard to tell who was right, and Simon, not being a historian, had no desire to dig deeper.
Serana stood in the shadows, out of the light, and mused, "In the time before my slumber, the Vampire hunters who opposed my father also called themselves Dawnguard. Coming here in person today, I almost feel as if time has reversed."
The members of the Dawnguard were quite curious about this young lady of Volkihar, especially after hearing that she was determined to abandon her vile Vampire bloodline. They felt a sense of camaraderie, as if they had found a kindred spirit.
Xi Lang quipped, "So this beautiful lady is indeed quite old, after all. You look so young next to Baishan."
Serana raised an eyebrow, "Thank you for the compliment. That's one of the countless reasons I'm attracted to him."
Simon touched his face, "I think I look alright, quite masculine."
Hearing this, the burly man, Gunmar, nodded in agreement, "Indeed, Baishan, your face is ruggedly ugly!"
Everyone chatted and laughed. They came from all corners, but according to them, the guards were mainly Nords, Orcs, Redguards, Wood Elves, and a few other races. Other races seemed to have little interest in this line of work. Since there were no High Elves, everyone would usually direct their jokes at the Thalmor.
"Sup? Got any High Elf jokes?"
...Simon invited everyone to Winterhold for the New Year, but the diligent Vampire hunters declined. Taking advantage of the time remaining before the end of the month, Simon visited the Temple of Mara in The Rift. The priestess, Dyana, still had her mysterious demeanor, showing no surprise at seeing Simon and Serana arrive hand-in-hand. She even teased them upon meeting, asking if they wanted her to prepare a wedding.
Simon and Serana simultaneously refused. "No need." "Sorry..."
After speaking, the two looked at each other.
Simon: "Serana, I don't want to get married, not because you're not good enough."
"I know, but I'd like to know why."
"Uh, because I'm not ready yet."
"Coincidentally, neither am I."
Dyana observed the two shy anomalies with a peculiar gaze. She sighed, "Love is such a mysterious destiny, transcending time and space and life and death. There is a wondrous fate between you two. Mara has already sent a Revelation. Would you two like to hear it?"
Simon responded to the priestess with an even more peculiar gaze. He half-suspected Dyana was a charlatan, or perhaps an avatar of Mara, otherwise, how could a divine Revelation appear just like that?
"Uh, I'm all ears."
Dyana took a deep breath, slowly exhaled, clasped her hands, lowered her head, and chanted:
"Seek life from the light,
"Seek peace from the darkness,
"All encounters are not coincidences,
"The divine has already arranged,
"The moment of reversing life and death,
"Is truly the time of dawn."
Simon was again perplexed by her subtle phrasing, but Serana beside him seemed to be deep in thought.
"I understand."
"What do you understand?"
"I need to ask Lord Meridia for help!"
"Wait! No," Simon led her aside, lowering his voice, "You are an undead creature; it will kill you."
"No, didn't you hear Mara's Revelation? Seek life from the light, the time of dawn is the moment of reversing life and death. As long as I pray devoutly, the Lord will grant my request, but..."
"No, I don't agree."
Simon, without further ado, pulled Serana out of the temple.
Serana let the Troll lead her out of the city gate, then mounted the motorcycle and sped off.
She leaned close to Simon's ear, "Haven't you always been a very open-minded person?"
"That's because my friends and family around me rarely have strange ideas."
"Will you support this strange idea of mine?"
Simon was silently angry and did not answer. In his peripheral vision, the world on both sides of the road was a chaotic blur. The distant mountains were silent, standing like a forest, and the thick clouds in the sky hung very low. After a while, the motorcycle drove under a dark cloud, and snowflakes haphazardly pelted the barrier, feeling like rain against a windowpane. Simon finally calmed his mind.
"You don't have to worry about being a Vampire. In fact, we still have plenty of time to research how to break it, just as it has given you this ample time."
Just wait a bit longer; in a few years, someone will figure out a ritual magic to remove the Vampire bloodline. Absolutely do not go to Meridia; that would be a one-way adventure.
"Baishan, you don't understand. A Revelation cannot be avoided."
"When did you start believing in fate?"
"When fate frequently knocks on your door, you can't help but believe."
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