Chapter 2 - Now and Forever
"I will not be wed in Riften" Serana declared firmly, shaking her head at Vale's suggestion. Serana's hair was bound back revealing her ears, which Tai considered utterly adorable. His eyes lingered at her neck as he resisted the deeply fuelled urge to kiss it. He knew he couldn't kiss away the pain his temporary death had caused Serana, but he was willing to spend his life trying to make her feel better. He rubbed her legs gently, allowing his fingers and palm to brush up the familiar curves as if it were second nature. The leather of her pants prevented him touching her beautiful yet scarred skin, but he could feel the rises of some of the scars even still. Tears rushed to his eyes, but he blinked them away before Serana saw them. He did not cry out of pity, which many would if she chose to reveal it. No, he cried out of love and admiration. He was so completely smitten by the strong woman lounging across his lap and the bed that he would admit to his tears when he thought about all the pain she had endured, a fair amount of it was on his behalf. He hung his head for a second, remembering how he had caused her grief. It was his biggest shame.
"We could go to the Soul Cairn, have your mother there" Tai suggested, feeling his gut clench against his words. He did not wish to return to that place, nor face Valerica's wrath. He had promised to protect Serana he had failed; he knew that was exactly how Valerica would see it when it came to her beloved daughter. Black and white with Tai in the wrong.
"I… don't know what she would say about us" Serana confessed in a low, fearful whisper. The pain in her eyes cut Tai to the bone, making his body go numb for a moment as he understood the pain Serana felt. Before he knew it he had leaned in and placed a tender kiss on Serana's cheek, allowing his lips to linger for a moment longer than necessary. Her skin was soft marble beneath his lips, which also had an intoxicating taste he could not compare to anything he knew. She tasted like Serana. When he leaned back Serana's eyes shone sadly, begging him to reassure her. He quickly placed a kiss to the tip of her nose, smirking when Serana shyly retreated for a moment. The silent 'it's alright' that passed between them was not missed by anyone in the room.
"Candle Light" Z suggested in a soft, low voice, leaning away from the shadowy corner as she walked into the torchlight. There was something off about Z, Tai had noticed and yet he couldn't explain it. There was a certain glow about her, which only confused him further. Farkas didn't even react to it, which led him to believe it was in his imagination. He could still notice the way Serana's eyes narrowed at her, as if looking for the answer within the assassin's face. They both knew already that she would find none.
"Candle Light? Where is that?" Serana demanded with narrowed eyes. Tai winced at the sudden chill coming from his soul mate. Her eyes zeroed on Tai, flaming with anger and suspicion as Tai withered under the gaze. He knew he was totally lashed, both whipped and bound to the beautiful vampire who now had her arms crossed over her breasts. Tai resisted the urge to stare as he swallowed and rubbed the back of his head, enjoying the feeling of his nails against his scalp.
"The long or short story?" he asked in an attempt to stall. Serana blinked once before she responded.
"Start with the short one"
"Impatient aren't you, Rana?"
"Start. Now" Serana's tone left no room for negotiation. Tai winced under her angry gaze, knowing that both Vale and Z were watching in amusement. Vale snickered quietly, which was an obvious sign of her amusement. Z would give no outward indication from the shadows; instead, she would remain silent and allow the scene to play out. Neither of the women and fellow Dovahkiin, Dragonborn, were of any aid to the suddenly flustered Tai.
"It's a magical plane of reality where Divines, Daedra and mortals can communicate to make sure the world is running" Tai blurted out quickly, waiting for Serana's negative reaction. He was startled when the vampire nodded; flicking her eyes to Z and then to Vale before returning her gaze to Tai.
"That's how you're alive... well, you know. Isn't it?" Serana dared the question.
"Yes. Z made me a cham…" Tai's words were cut off by Serana's fingers on his lips. Again, he caught the faint taste of her and it was enough to silence him. His enhanced vampiric senses were overloaded by everything Serana. As a Werewolf he had been swimming in everything her, now he was drowning. Her scent, her taste and even the difference in how her skin felt to his touch was enough to make him fall in love with her all over again. Divines, he knew he was lashed.
"I don't want to know yet. Just let me enjoy you for a while longer before we bring reality into it" she said softly, pleading with shining eyes. Tai wordlessly wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into his embrace as he lay down, gently guiding her head to the pillow as she wrapped a hand around his arm. He lay there for a moment, gazing into her eyes with all the love his body could endure. It still didn't feel like enough. He saw everything flood through her eyes, painting a moving picture for him like memories he could see when he absorbed Dragon Souls.
"Candle Light sounds perfect" Serana finally whispered, offering a shy smile. Tai sat up a little, leaning on his elbow as he gazed down at Serana with her hair coming out to one side of her head like a little tail. He chuckled at the cuteness, brushing aside a few locks of hair that had made their way free of her binding and across her face. Eventually he lowered his lips to hers, savouring the feeling of fire and ice within his veins before he whispered to Serana.
"You're perfect" Tai said sincerely. His smile was soft as Serana leaned closer to him, placing her forehead against his as she gazed into his eyes. She was still blown away by the honesty she saw shining within, even if they had changed from blue to the intimidating glow. Somehow he would always remain perfect to her. She knew how far she had fallen when she let the cheesiness slide. Unfortunately for her and Tai, the onlookers in the room had not developed the ability to overlook anything. When Vale cleared her throat Serana leaned back quickly, ducking her head as Tai rolled his eyes.
"Seriously you two, you're too adorable" Vale said teasingly. Tai again rolled his eyes as did Serana. Neither were going to argue on a point they knew they would lose.
…..
"Nervous?" Z's voice was soft as she walked into Tai's room. He stood in front of the magic that allowed him to see his reflection trembling like a newborn fawn standing on its own for the first time. His pale fingers fidgeted with the leather laces on his deep blue shirt. He was wearing it beneath the royal vampire leather breastplate, along with a small cloak. His body was trembling and the strings were uneven. He had no idea how Farkas had done this, with Z being the woman of all the women in Skyrim. The mysterious assassin was quite simple in her way, yet only Farkas truly understood that way. Tai had observed them together and surmised they were similar to Serana and him, although different in their own ways. Where Serana and he were loud about their love, Z was reserved and private. That did not stop the affectionate little acts Z did that showed she was indeed his brother's wife. The stunning dark haired, pale skinned, midnight eyed assassin belonged to Farkas heart and soul, even to the point she had fought her way from Sovngarde to be by his side again. Tai was quite satisfied to remain petrified of Z, just as he was petrified about everything involving his wedding.
"My wedding… My wedding to Serana" he thought, pausing as the paralysing sense of icy dread worked through his dead veins. He was making the biggest commitment of his life to the most important person in his existence in a place where the Divines themselves would pay attention. His knees almost gave out at the thought of Molag Bal crashing their wedding. The anger that boiled in his gut was enough to strengthen his shaking limbs and force him to gather his fist. Z noticed this and raised her brow for a moment before a look of understanding passed across her face. After her moment of sympathy her features resumed their calm perfection, chilling Tai to the bone in the process.
"Neither Daedra or Divine shall interfere with this ceremony Tai, you have my word as Harbinger of the Companions, Listener to the Dark Brotherhood, champion of The Nightmother, Sithis and Sheogorath" Z stepped up to him and stopped before him, reaching up with her nimble fingers to quickly fix the strings that had troubled him for half an hour. He took a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself, but his singing nerves would not still. Z gave him a look filled with sincerity before she whispered again.
"Most importantly. I give you my word as your sister, and your friend" her words reached his heart as she gazed into his eyes. He swore her midnight eyes had become a deeper, softer shade of blue in that moment. He found himself lost in her eyes for a moment, drowning in the emotion of gratitude and love he felt for her. She continued to straighten his clothing as he took a deep breath. After a moment he wrapped his huge arms around her and pulled her close, pressing a kiss to the top of her head as she tensed in his arms. After a moment she relaxed and wrapped her arms around him, smirking into his shoulder as he whispered.
"Thank you"
….
The room appeared like where Tai had found the Elderscroll, due to the combined efforts of Z and Vale. Once he had communicated what he wanted they had made everything look perfect, right down to the moths avoiding them. The landscape was a hidden Gem accessed through a Dark cave. Sunlight shone down, glittering with the dust from the Elder Moths, bathing the hidden glade in a greenish golden tinged light that made everyone seem to shine. Waterfalls fed the water surrounding the platform, where Tai stood waiting for the love of his life, dressed in a blue shirt with a dark leather breastplate and a small dark cloak edged in silver. He felt amazing as he waited, shaking with the barely restrained nerves.
Z was stunning in her own dark dress, which fitted snugly around her form without restraining her movement. The silver stitching against the black material made the Companion and Dark Brotherhood symbols stand out. The dark leather chest she wore underneath the material did not diminish the beauty.
Vale was reusing her own dress, which was a beautiful green with a light chocolate leather corset holding around her chest. Gold, vine leaf designed metal wrapped around her breasts, highlighting what wasn't in huge abundance on her lithe frame. Tai's attention fell to the woman beside her however.
Serana was breath taking in the same dress Tai had seen her in when they first danced together. It was snug around her upper body, yet it fell away in a cascade of blue silk from her waist down. Her dress was low-cut, revealing her delicate collarbone and a few of her faint scars. Tai didn't notice these however, he only saw her skin glowing like diamonds in the romantic lighting. Her hair was free and brushed, it shone and Tai imagined it was still as soft as silk. She wore a silver necklace, which was filled with sapphires. Tai recognised the necklace from her Castle.
"Talos save me. She is beautiful" Tai wasn't sure if he whispered what he thought. His whole body trembled in nervous excitement as Vale removed her hands from across Serana's eyes. Instantly the orange orbs found Tai, who smiled gently at the love of his life. Serana's gasp filled the glade as she looked around in wonder. Tears threatened to pour from her eyes as she returned her gaze to Tai and took a step towards him. Her eyes never left his as she closed the distance between them, every step bringing them closer to their union. Tai was openly trembling and his palms were sweating as Serana came closer. Each step she took however began to wipe away his doubt. He would love her forever. He would love her for her beauty, which to Tai was everything. Nothing, not even his nerves, would be allowed to ruin their wedding. He swallowed, watching Serana take another step towards him. Eventually she stopped, standing beside him as they faced Gelebor, their priest for the wedding and the only remaining Snow Elf.
His distinguished features were bright and happy, and his white blonde hair was still the typical Elf style Serana called a dead cat. He wore his armor, but somehow this did not seem out of place. It was polished and shining brighter than the sun, and yet it still did not out show Serana. Tai was awestruck as he took her hands and turned to face her, watching Serana mirror his movements. For a moment he was lost in her eyes and his whole body refused to move. He even forgot to breathe. As Gelebor cleared his throat Tai took the quick gasp of air he needed, making Serana smile in amusement at him.
"By request, this ceremony shall be nothing but a group of the closest friends and family witnessing these two pledge themselves to one another for eternity. If Serana would like to start" Gelebor spoke in a warm voice, offering a ring to Serana. She took it with a trembling hand, then gazed into Tai's eyes. All her fear evaporated into nothing as she saw the look of utter adoration in his changed eyes. She could barely contain herself as she began to speak.
"Tai. I've never really had a true friend until I met you. You've brought out the best in me, and brought me back to this world. You make me stronger. Without you, I'd have never even left that tomb. I would have been too afraid to be myself forever, and I would have lived long enough to see myself die all over again. I remember you saying nobody saw you, but Tai I see you. You are the most incredible, infuriating yet loyal man I have ever met and I love you. You've encouraged me to stand up for myself and given me the courage to even be here today. With this ring, I pledge my life, body and soul to you. Now and forever" Serana slid the cold metal onto his finger. Her hands no longer shook as she held his hand between hers for a moment, rubbing her thumb over the knot design Tai had created before his death. The new vampire smiled, reaching his hand out to accept his ring for Serana.
"Serana. I've never been lucky, or important. I tried many different masks on, many different lives and many different people in an attempt to find where I belong. I was lost, then I found you. You gave my life some meaning again; you taught me how to live. You are the most beautiful woman in my life, and I hope to be enough to keep you happy forever. I promise to dedicate my life to making you smile. With this ring I pledge my life, body, and soul to you. Now and forever" Tai's voice cracked with emotion as he slid the ring onto Serana's finger. He saw tears streaming down her cheeks, but he made no move to remove them. When Serana sniffed and wiped her eyes with a hand he smiled, allowing her to enjoy her happiness for a moment longer.
"I declare this union witnessed. You may now kiss your bride" Gelebor announced in a booming voice. Everybody clapped as Tai stepped closer to Serana.
With a single movement he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her body closer to his. Her arms wrapped around his neck as she pulled herself up against his lips, nibbling his lower one for a moment before she settled. Fire and ice flooded Tai's veins and overloaded him with a sense of euphoria. Before he knew it he had bowed over, dipping Serana as he continued to kiss her. Cheers continued to erupt from the crowd as he broke the kiss to whisper to Serana.
"I love you" his whisper was filled with the tones of his dedication and admiration. Serana smiled gently at him, brushing her hand down his cheek before she placed a quick, tender peck of a kiss to his lips again.
"I love you"
…..
AN: Again the short chapter, I didn't feel like drawing it out too much. I'm sure you can all imagine the excess nerves and fidgeting I haven't written excruciating detail about.
Song for this chapter is "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri. I felt that fitted perfectly.
Stay tuned for some married life, Vampire rulings and most importantly… Valerica.
