Unseen Visions

Setting New Sights

Back at the fortress, once you realize Dexion Evicus cannot read the Elder Scrolls you’ve assembled, ask him what you need to do to unlock the knowledge contained in the Scrolls. He tells you that Tamriel has a scattering of secluded locations known as Ancestor Glades. The one in Skyrim is located in the Pine Forest. Performing the “Ritual of the Ancestor Moth” within the glade should provide the answers you seek. The ritual involves carefully removing bark from a Canticle Tree, which then attracts Ancestor Moths to you. When seven swarms of moths are following, they provide you with second sight, which you need to decipher the Scrolls. You’re welcome to ask Dexion additional questions about his blindness, but for now you have the location of the Ancestor Glade.

• Elder Scroll (Blood)
• Elder Scroll (Dragon)
• Elder Scroll (Sun)

With all three Elder Scrolls on your person, set out from your fortress, heading toward Falkreath Hold and the Ancestor’s Glade. It is located high in the southern mountains close to Pale Pass, near the Bloodlet Throne, and is easily accessible from Angi’s Camp (but not from the woodland below Peak’s Shade Tower). A small copse of trees and a stone route marker are the only clues to this hidden grove.

Enter the crack in the mountain and into a small cavern; step across the fallen log and through the small winding tunnel, and the glade’s majesty soon becomes apparent. Although you’re free to fully explore the turquoise mineral pools and splash about in the water, simply follow the ancient stone steps down and around to the glade itself. No one has been here for centuries. Duck under the three ancient henges to reach a carved pedestal shaped like the insignia of the Moth Priests. Floating in the middle of it is the Draw Knife. Take it.

• Draw Knife

Locate one of the Canticle Trees (there’s one just to the right of the pedestal, although any of the pink-blossoming trees within the Ancestor Glade will do), and begin to carefully scrape away, harvesting the Canticle Bark until you have enough and your quest updates.

• Canticle Bark

Elder Apparitions

Dotted about the glade are several Ancestor Moth swarms. They are friendly (very friendly, once you walk into their cloud of fluttering wings), and there are more than the seven swarms you need to attract. 
Simply walk the rest of the path as it winds through the glade’s rocky outcrops, looking for swarms as you go. You can retrace your steps back up to the glade entrance if you wish. But don’t lose your footing on the slightly treacherous terrain if you decide to explore off the beaten track. Once the seventh swarm has found you, a beam of bright light emanates from the pedestal altar where you found the Draw Knife.

Stand in the middle of the light (you may wish to speak to Serana about the wondrous tranquility you’re experiencing), and then access your Items > Books Menu and read the Elder Scroll (Blood). Your vision swims with light and ancient knowledge. You automatically bring out the other Scrolls and your vision changes. It is as if you’re gazing down from the heavens, looking at the Reach and Haafingar Holds. The runes of Markarth (to the southwest) and Solitude (to the northeast) are visible, glowing red. Between the two, in the Druadach Mountains close to a Karth River tributary, is a third rune. The rune marks the place to uncover and the entrance to the location of Auriel’s Bow!

Quest Conclusion

Serana was worried—you were as white as a Snow Elf—but after conversing with her, you are imbued with the knowledge of a place called Darkfall Cave. Serana reckons you both should set off immediately, before the forces against you are able to track you down. The quest now concludes.

Postquest Activities

Dawnguard Main Quest: Touching the Sky begins immediately. You can ask Serana about her knowledge of Auriel’s Bow before leaving this place. On your way out, prepare for an ambush!

A complement of Dawnguard soldiers, including an Armored Troll, descend from the entrance, determined to thwart your deviant progress. Cull them or flee if their might becomes too much for you.

A half-dozen Vampire Thralls, controlled by a Master Vampire, head down from the entrance, with only one purpose in mind: to crush your hopes of progress. Defeat these night stalkers or flee before them.