Kun Neh Oblaan: Malingren Kalah

by RedWolfGirl

Malingren Kalah is a collection of short stories set in the Kun Neh Oblaan storyline. If you have not read the main story, be warned these shorts have spoilers. More details on the individual stories are in my profile.

2. Heart's Day

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Skyrim or it's characters. This story is based on the game storyline, but does on occasion fall victim to my creative liberties. Some things may be out of order, non existent, or go off on a completely new path. Hope you will forgive me, and enjoy.

WARNING: This story is rated M for language, violence, and sexual situations.

Heart's Day

Alessia

The crack of the lash was almost as bad as the pain from the blow. She strained against the chains that bound her to the stone floor, the length only allowing her to raise a mere foot up off the blood soaked ground. Already there was blood trickling from her raw wrists. She'd been pulling at the irons for days. Hours upon hours of sharp agony brought on by desperation. Eorlir, the boy in the shackles near her, a boy no more than fourteen years, kept talking to her.

The whip connected, red hot pain ripping into her bare back. They'd taken her clothes along with her dignity. Simply tore the fabric from her body and tossed it into a corner. She cringed away from the memory of what they'd done to her after that. The pain and humiliation too much to bear. What she could remember, what was safe to remember, was the face of the boy beside her. His voice keeping her mind away from the sweaty body atop hers.

"Look at me." He'd said. "Keep your eyes on me."

Eorlir did the same thing each and every time they came. Despite the angry blows he received for speaking in their presence. She kept breathing because of that boy. Survived because he cared. Once they finished with her, they'd move on to another female. And the boy would do the same for her. Because he cared, and could do nothing else. The lash rose and fell again, hot blood spraying on the stone walls of the dungeon. She screamed. And they laughed. They laughed and laughed and laughed.

"Look at me. Keep your eyes on me."

Alessia bolted upright out of the bed, the phantom memory of pain streaking across her shoulder blades. The scream was very real. Her own terrified wail ripping its way from her throat. The body beside her was up in an instant, hands reaching to grasp at her. For a moment, Alessia fought to distance herself. She was naked, like in the dungeon. Helpless. She scrambled out from under the blankets, getting tangled in them in her panic. The chains. The shackles in the dungeon kept her from escape. Alessia snarled, claws ripping at the restraints. Not again. Never again would she be a victim. A toy to be "played" with.

The cold floor rose up to meet her as Alessia tumbled out of the bed. She hit hard, grunting from the impact. The body in the bed followed after her, hands still reaching. Grasping. Grasping like the hands that had held her down while Mahrik raped her again and again and again. Alessia snarled, crawling away until she slammed into something solid. A wall. No, no, no. Not again. Not again. Escape. Escape. Have to get out. Have to get away.

"Alessia!" Someone cried. A female voice full of sorrow. The one coming after her. The grasping hands. The voice was… familiar. Like Eorlir, it was someone who cared. Strong yet… gentle hands gripped either side of Alessia's face, pulling so that she was nose to nose with the one who cared. "Please, Love. Look at me."

"Look at me." He'd said. "Look at me."

The nightmare faded. Worried emerald eyes came into focus. Alessia blinked. Once. Twice. "Serana?"

The female, her female, relaxed a little. Her mate. Her wife. Alessia was trembling, still fighting the effects of the nightmare. Her mate didn't push, didn't demand anything, but simply remained close. Allowing their mixed scent to soothe and calm her wolf. That more than nearly anything else could drive away the dreams. Slowly Alessia's breathing leveled out, her body recovering from the fight or flight response commonly associated with the night terrors.

"This was a bad one." Serana said softly, pushing back a sweaty lock of Alessia's hair. That was when she noticed her entire body was covered in a thin layer of sweat.

Alessia nodded curtly, once.

"The dungeon?"

Another nod.

Without a word, Serana rose and padded over to the wash basin in their bedroom. The bowl was new. The cabinet on which it sat was new. The bed was new. The whole house… new. Well, fairly new. The manor house lay in the hills north of Whiterun. Solstice; their home for the past three years. There was the gentle splash of water, then Serana returned with a damp cloth. Carefully, her mate wiped her body clean. The warmth of Serana's physical touch helping to further separate Alessia's waking mind from the dream. When she was done, Serana tossed the cloth aside and remained by her side.

Serana was naked, but seemed either not to notice or not to care. They'd made love that night, falling into contented sleep in each other's arms after. Judging by the moonlight shining through their curtained window, Alessia thought that had been only a few hours ago. Maybe less. Still, it was past midnight. The new day lay before them. The fifteenth of Sun's Dawn…

Alessia swallowed the lump in her throat, her voice breaking when she spoke. "Appropriate. To have that dream now."

Her mate touched Alessia's cheek, an unspoken question. Her eyes rose to Serana, finding her mate's lips suddenly against her own. The kiss was soft and gentle. The lips against hers parted slightly, another unspoken request for permission, which she granted. Serana deepened the kiss, her tongue gliding past Alessia's teeth to meet her own. Warm. Her female was so warm. And lovely. Beautiful and kind. And careful. Oh, so careful.

"Come back to bed." Serana whispered once the kiss had ended. "Let me make love to you again."

Despite the nightmare, despite the males who'd forced themselves upon her, tortured her, Alessia accepted Serana's offer and followed her to their bed. Had it been anyone else, any other body besides her mate's laying atop hers, she would have fallen back into a panic. Serana, and only Serana, could touch her so soon after she'd been mentally thrust back into Mahrik's dungeon. Her mate, her wife, was the only one who could burn away the memory. Even if only for a short time. At least until the dream returned again some future night. But then Serana would burn it away with her own body again. And again. And again. Until, perhaps one day, the nightmare stayed gone.

For a time, Serana's lips traveled slowly across Alessia's body. Her mate stopped to kiss each and every single scar. Every single lash scar. Claw scar. Teeth scar. Blade scar. Burn scar. All, save for a handful, were given to her in that dungeon. The last blemish her wife remained at the longest; a dark burn between Alessia's breasts. The result of being stabbed by a silver dagger. The silver from the weapon scorched and charred the very blood in her veins, poison to a werewolf such as she. Only Serana's skills as an alchemist had saved Alessia that night. The antidote preserved her life, but left a wound even a werewolf could not heal fully. The scar was hideously ugly, but Serana still pressed her lips to it. No doubt feeling the rapidly beating heart beneath the marred skin.

"He is gone, my Love. The bastard is long dead. You saw to that. He and his Sons are gone. They can't hurt you or anyone else anymore. Those he did hurt are beyond pain now. Safe and sound in the After. Laid properly to rest. At peace. Their families given closure. You saw to that too." Serana said the words as she often said them after one of Alessia's episodes. A gentle reminder that the horrors were in the past. Done with. Her mate kissed her way back up her collarbone, her neck, until they were face to face again. "You are safe. You are home. Your children sleep just down the hall. Your wife is in your arms. You are mine. I am yours. And I love you, my wolf. My mate. My wife."

Alessia didn't know when she started weeping. Perhaps she had been all along. Gently, her mate kissed away the tears. Kissed away the sorrow and agony that came with the memories. Serana made love to her. Slowly. Sweetly. All the while repeating those endearing titles. My wolf. My mate. My wife. A reminder of who Alessia was. And afterward Serana held her close until sleep took them both. There were no more dreams that night. No more pain. No more sadness. Only blissful, exhausted sleep. And Serana. Always, Serana.

---

The morning was its usual hustle and bustle. Chatter and slamming doors while the household rose for the new day and gathered into the hall for their breakfast. The children's bleary eyes cleared once they gazed upon their morning meal. The cook had piled platters on the table, enough food to feed an entire army. The children dug in, talking happily amongst themselves while they ate a meal of apple and cinnamon oats with eggs, bacon, ham, toast, and various other fruits on the side. Pitchers of water, milk and juice sat on the table nearest the children. Alessia and Serana often kept to coffee and cream in the mornings. After the episode last night, they would both need it.

The girls had flourished in the years since their move to their new home at Solstice. Sofie, a child now of fourteen winters, had grown unbelievably. Both in height and strength, as well as expanding her mind. Though book learning would never really be a favored pasttime for the girl, she kept to her studies and was showing great promise. As for her skills with a bow or sword, the young huntress rivaled even that of some of the seasoned warriors attending the Solstice Fighting Academy. Quick and lithe, her arrows rarely ever missed their intended target. Often Sofie would accompany her Mama on hunting trips, the two stalking and taking down prey just like a small pack of wolves. She'd taken to duel wielding swords, light yet strong. Alessia had recently hammered out a pair of blades for the girl's birthday. Twin swords that she hoped would serve her daughter well.

The girl's beauty had also grown. Though still young, she was remarkably tall for her age. She towered over many of her age, which drew more attention than her mothers liked. Mostly the eyes from the young men around the academy. Some who were far too old, but also from those whose age was a little more appropriate. The former were discouraged violently by Alessia or Serana, and even sometimes Sofie herself. After a solid rebuke from the young girl, the man in question also received a far more… intense rebuke from the girl's mothers. After one or two broken noses or boots to the groin, most understood the daughter of the mistress' of the house was off limits.

The latter were treated just as roughly by her mothers, though more often than not Sofie simply played coy or hard to get. A little habit she'd no doubt learned from watching Serana tease her wife, in Alessia's opinion. An unintended result of Serana and Alessia's flirting that was only funny for a very short period of time. At least until Alessia caught a young boy watching Sofie in a certain way and nearly came unglued on the rutting little bastard. Gods save them from teenage hormones. Which was why Lydia was made into Captain of the House Guard and given leave to pick and choose those under her command. Since the woman loved and cared for her Thane's children just as much as she did, only the best and most trusted were made into guards. And if a number of well trained and loyal guards didn't do the trick, the indomitable governess, Mrs. Barid Buxom, would. That woman had all the diligence and fortitude of a mammoth and the temper to match.

Lucia, now a young woman of nearly nineteen years, was doing well for herself. Her knowledge and skills in alchemy, given to her by Serana, had also grown substantially. So much so that she had attracted numerous job or position offers from many different jarls all across Skyrim. All looking to put her healing and medicinal skills to use in their courts. None so insistent than Jarl Balgruuf of Whiterun. Namely due to his son and heir, Frothar, and Lucia's betrothed.

Though Alessia's wolf still didn't like the idea of a male sniffing around her eldest pup, they had been courting for quite some time now. More often than not, Lucia was either coming or going from Solstice to Whiterun in order to see her future husband. The young man in question, now in his early twenties himself, had repeatedly insisted to his father that he was eager to marry. So had Lucia to her mothers. Repeatedly. And so had Balgruuf. Repeatedly. The jarl was an old man, reddish hair nearly completely gray with age. When last he and Alessia had spoken, the man insisted he wanted to see the face of a grandchild before he met the grave. It was not an unreasonable request. Still, Alessia hesitated. Allowing the marriage would mean letting go of her Little One. A hard thing to do, even if she would not be so far away.

On the days where Alessia's melancholy overtook her, Serana kept close by. Doing her best to provide comfort and council. Alessia often asked her mate's opinion on the matter. Lucia was after all Serana's daughter too. Alessia's say was no greater than hers simply because she'd known and loved their eldest daughter longer. Her wife felt the same as she did, not eager to lose their eldest child to another. Though Serana felt the same, she also knew they were not "losing" a daughter. They were simply gaining another son.

Their first son, Blaise, came to them about two years past. The sad result of the vampire siege on Solitude. Both his parents had fallen in that battle, two Imperial Soldiers who had somehow managed to get their seven year old son out of the city beforehand. The boy had hidden in a nearby barn, finding comfort in the horses there, until the owner of the stables found him. Geimund and his wife Katla put the boy to work in the stables. Though they were not openly cruel to him, they were not kind. Neglectful would be the correct term. Alessia and Serana had gone to the city on business, overseeing the finished repairs of their assets in Solitude. When they'd stabled their horses, young Blaise had been totally smitten with Alessia's mare, Jasa. After only a short conversation with the boy, she and her mate had taken him in. Taken him home. And there he had remained ever since.

The boy was shy at first, spending most of his time in the stables with the horses. Alessia had taken careful steps in acclimating him to his new life with them. Never pushing. Never forcing him to interact until he decided he was ready to do so. Those first few weeks Alessia simply spent time with the boy and the horses. Together they bathed, brushed, fed, watered and, otherwise, cared for the gentle beasts. Eventually, Blaise came out of his shell. Asking questions. Talking about his mother and father. Talking about himself. Slowly, Serana inserted herself into his daily life. Having him help in the garden along with the girls. Side by side, they picked weeds, watered the plants, removed the many unwanted pests. When the boy was willing to pick up a relatively horrid creepy crawly, much to his sisters' squealing terror, he'd laughed and laughed until his sides had hurt. After that, he opened completely and truly became part of the family.

A light, warm touch on Alessia's hand pulled her thoughts out of the past. Serana was looking at her, worry evident in her eyes. In a small voice that the children wouldn't overhear, her wife asked, "Are you alright, Love? You've barely touched your food."

Indeed, she hadn't much of an appetite. Even Wolf's normally voracious hunger was stymied. Alessia tried to comfort her mate with a small smile. "Fine, Love. I've just go a lot on my mind is all."

The words did little to ease Serana's worry. Alessia could see it in her eyes. So, her mate did what she always had. She showed her wolf all the love and affection anyone could ever wish for. Her wife picked up the spoon, gathered a small bite of the grain, careful to test the temperature with her own tongue, and held it to Alessia's mouth. Despite herself, Wolf thrummed happily as she accepted the morsel and chewed. Next was a piece of fried pork. Then some butter and jam smeared bread. Then a small sip of hot coffee to wash it all down. Their children often witnessed little intimacies between their mothers; chaste kisses, sometimes deeper kisses, hugs and embraces and so on. The sight of one of them feeding the other by hand at a meal was nothing new.

Alessia caught a glimpse of of Lucia watching with a small knowing smile on her young face as her Mother lovingly feeding her Mama. She and her daughter had spoken often of late on the subject. Frothar had been a perfect gentleman with her, but Lucia had also been on the receiving end of such devotion. Her future husband opened doors for her. Stood as she entered the room. Helped her sit in her chair. Kept himself between her and anything he perceived as a threat to her safety. Kissed her hand as he wished her goodnight. It set Alessia's mind at ease to know her Little One was so loved by the one she loved. When the time came to let her go, that knowledge would make the separation easier to bear.

Before long, Alessia's bowl was empty and her belly was full. That seemed to satisfy Serana enough that the look of concern lessened on her beautiful face. A pleased smile taking its place. Alessia leaned over and kissed her wife. Taking their bonded scent deeply into her lungs. Soothing and calming like nothing else in the world ever could. When it was over, Alessia returned the smile. "Thank you, my Love. For everything."

"Anytime."

Trying to lighten the mood, Alessia grinned and glanced down her mate's body. "Anytime. Sometimes more than twice in one day."

"Three even." Serana purred, playing along. Her mate's eyes flicked to the children nearby and continued in a low whisper. "We haven't done it on the table in a while. We can tell the kids to busy themselves elsewhere. Order the guards and staff away for an hour or two."

That brought on a near subsonic growl from Alessia, remembering the last time they'd had the house completely to themselves for the night. Oh, the memory of her wife's bare breasts in the hearth firelight, long dark hair splayed atop the table, her excited and pleasured cries echoing throughout the manor halls as Alessia settled between her thighs and worked her into a frenzy… Serana grinned wickedly, her own thoughts perhaps returning to those few hours spent skin to skin. The look on Alessia's face must have been feral because her mate seemed to really be considering the idea.

"Tempting." Alessia thrummed, but shook her head. "But we don't have the time. Jarl Balgruuf expects us in Whiterun by this afternoon. Getting tangled up in you would insure neither one of us arrives on time."

Seeming genuinely disappointed, Serana sighed. "You're right. Maybe… when we get back?"

The hungry way Alessia's eyes lingered on her wife's lips and then dragged downward was all the reply necessary.

---

"Lucia, if you are not in this wagon within the next five seconds…" Alessia didn't need to finish the treat. It had been made and followed through far too many times in the past for Lucia to take it lightly.

Already in the wagon with Serana, Blaise whispered to Sofie, "How many dresses has she tried on?"

"This is number four." Sofie answered, crossing her arms and huffing in her hunting jacket, plain shirt, pants, and boots. The girl had never taken to the frilly things Lucia had, preferring to dress similar to Alessia. Her elder sister came rushing out of the manor in a green dress with gold accents, her hair neatly combed and styled. As Lucia pulled herself into the wagon and sat at her sister's side, the younger girl snickered. "The blue one was better."

Lucia looked down at herself, somewhat miffed, and made to get back out of her seat. Serana stopped her before Alessia could. "Do not move, young lady. Sofie, cut it out. Your Mama and I have had enough."

"More than enough." Alessia growled, gently prodding Jasa forward. In the driver's seat of the wagon, Serana got the draft horses moving. They didn't even make it to the end of the road before the squabbling started.

"Mama, can I ride Jasa with you?" The boy begged, leaning out as to not be heard by his fussing older sisters.

Alessia couldn't blame her son. Lucia and Sofie didn't fight often when they were younger, but that had changed as they'd gotten older. Mostly it wasn't anything serious; Lucia wanting to get Sofie in a dress and Sofie not having it, or Sofie leaving her weapons strewn about their room and Lucia snapping at her. They were different in many ways, yet somehow still wished to share bedrooms despite there being ample room for both to have their own space. Again… teenagers.

Without speaking, Alessia guided Jasa closer to the wagon so that Blaise might hop on. The instant he made to leap, Sofie complained. "Hey! I want to ride the horse!"

"He asked first, Sofie." Alessia said, turning a glare on the girl as she tried to stand and follow her brother.

She sat with another whine. "That's not fair. I'm older."

"Do not make me turn this thing around." Serana hissed.

"Fine by me. I don't want to go to Dragonsreach anyways." Sofie huffed. "All we're going to do is sit around and watch Lucia make googly eyes at Frothar."

Alessia sighed, already wishing for a bottle of ale in her hands. "Sofie, Aunt Aela is going to be there too. Why else do you think I asked you to bring your weapons? Your Auntie said she wants to see your progress. Maybe even take you hunting."

That second part wasn't exactly true, but she was hopeful. Alessia fully expected Aela would demand to do so anyway. Or at least be bribed into doing so. Maybe. Sofie let out a shriek of delight. "Really? That's great! Better than sewing with Dagny for hours. And hours."

"Do you think Aunt Aela will let me go too?" Blaise asked tentatively. "I'd much rather go with Auntie and keep hearing her call me a whelp than hang around Nelkir very long. He's strange."

"Alright, you two. That's enough of that." Alessia chided. "Remember that Dagny and Nelkir are the jarl's children. I am still a Thane of Whiterun, and as such, Balgruuf's vassal. Our Jarl has been kind enough to invite us into his home to stay during the festivities. You will be respectful to both our host and his children. Am I clear?"

There was a chorus from the two, "Yes, Mama."

"And Lucia, you remember the rules. You are not to be alone at any time with Frothar. I expect you to behave as a lady should. Is that clear?"

With an insufferable groan, Lucia said, "Yes, Mama. I know the rules."

"Good. Because you and Sofie will be sharing a room."

Lucia blinked. "What?"

It was Serana's turn to cut in. She turned and grinned back at the young woman. "Did you honestly think we'd let you have a room all to yourself with Frothar so near?"

"But- But-"

Both Sofie and Blaise giggled.

"Mama, just because you and Mother can't keep your hands off each other doesn't mean-"

"Think really hard before you finish that sentence, young lady." Alessia warned. "Don't think I don't know he's tried sneaking into your room before. You forget I'm a werewolf. I literally have a nose for these things."

More giggling.

Lucia turned bright red with embarrassment. "Mama…"

Chuckling a bit herself, Serana said, "You asked for that one, Sweetheart."

"I'm nineteen. I'm not a child anymore."

Alessia sighed a bit sadly, "So you keep reminding me."

"So…" Lucia hedged after a long pause. "Does that mean I can have my own room?"

"No!" Both Alessia and Serana shouted.

More giggles.

Are we there yet? Alessia groaned internally.

---

Whiterun was no worse for wear after the vampire attack those three years ago. The structures were rebuilt, its people returned, and the city prospered. As if the fires from that night had never happened. Breezehome had been rented out to a young couple with a newborn of their own. The shopkeepers coffers were fit to bursting with the investments Alessia had made in them. All was good.

Currently, the entire city was bustling with activity. Preparations for the Heart's Day Festival. There would be drinking, singing, and dancing in the inns all over Skyrim. Free rooms would be given to visitors tomorrow night. Rooms likely given to lovers in honor of the Lovers, Polydor and Eloisa. Many a man or woman might trace their conception back to the night of the sixteenth of Sun's Dawn.

Many gave quick greetings to Alessia and her family as they traveled through the streets. Alessia had spent a very large portion of her life in Whiterun. So had Lucia. It had been the first place Alessia and her mate had called home together. Despite the many years Alessia looked forward to in their new home at Solstice, Whiterun would always hold a special place in her heart. Serana walking by her side suddenly took Alessia's hand, intertwining the fingers together. She amended the thought; a special place in their hearts.

As they passed the Gildergreen, Alessia raised their joined hands to her lips and kissed each of her mate's fingers one by one. Serana simply smiled at her. "Brings back memories. How many times did you kiss me under that tree?"

"Plenty. But, if you recall, Love…" Alessia winked at her wife. "A majority of the time, you were kissing me."

Serana raised one eyebrow. "Was I?"

"Mmm-hmm… I distinctly remember my backside being pressed against the rough bark."

"Ugh…" Lucia groaned in disgust, still a bit angry from their earlier conversation. "Are you two going to be like this the whole time we're here?"

Serana purred. "If I'm lucky."

"I think it's nice." Blaise cut in, to everyone's surprise. The moment their eyes landed on him, he stammered, "I mean… it's gross because you're my mothers, but… also… nice to see you love each other so much."

Chuckling, Alessia mussed the boy's hair. "That we do, Pup."

"Just you wait, Little Brother." Lucia huffed. "After a few more years, you'll be tired of it."

"Or maybe you're just jealous you and your boyfriend don't get to do that stuff yet." Blaise muttered under his breath.

"Betrothed. Frothar is not my boyfriend. He is my betrothed."

The boy rolled his eyes. "I don't see a ring. He's your boyfriend."

Lucia turned red, but not out of embarrassment. "Only because Mama won't give her blessing."

"Here we go again…" Sofie sighed.

"I gave you my blessing, Lucia. Years ago." Alessia argued.

"To be courted, Mama. Not to be married."

"Yes, because you were still a child at the time."

"Well, I'm not a child anymore."

"You might of fooled me since you are behaving like a child."

"You just don't want me to be happy." Lucia snarled. "You want me to be alone and miserable for the rest of my life."

Surprised, Alessia halted her step. "Lucia, you know that's not-"

"Yes it is! You want me to stay your 'Little One' forever! You're selfish, Mama! You're selfish and mean and I hate you!"

"Lucia!" Serana hissed.

The words felt like a physical blow. They hit so hard Alessia almost staggered backwards. Lucia ran off up the stairs to Dragonsreach, bawling up a storm. Too stunned to do anything like maybe go after her daughter, Alessia just stood there and watched her go. A cold pit opened up in her stomach and she felt like throwing up. What had just happened? Lucia… her Little One… said she…

"Sofie, Blaise, go on ahead. Tell Balgruuf we'll be up in a moment. Say nothing more." Serana said to the pair gawking between their disappeared elder sister and their Mama. After a moment in which they didn't do as told, Serana said a little harsher, "Go."

They left.

Serana approached cautiously, slowly putting herself in Alessia's line of sight and said, "She doesn't mean it, Love."

Curious, Alessia touched her chest. "Huh… Still there. For a second it felt like my heart had been ripped out."

Her mate placed her own hand over Alessia's heart. "No. Still there. And still as big as ever."

"Not right now it isn't. It feels as though it's fallen down into my guts. Apparently that means I'm selfish and mean and…" She averted her gaze, blinking away tears. "And our daughter… hates me."

"No, she doesn't. Lucia is just upset." Serana said insistently. "Alessia, look at me."

When there was no response, Serana placed her fingers lightly beneath Alessia's chin and pulled up. More of a request than a demand. Alessia obeyed, hesitantly. Serana carefully wiped away the tears, then kissed her wife softly once. Twice. Then pulled away.

"You are selfless. You are kind and gentle. Your wife and your children love you. Lucia loves you, no matter what she says." Serana said the words slowly and carefully. "Do you hear me, Alessia? Do you understand me, you stubborn, bull headed…"

The string of insults continued for a little while longer, each one widening the sad smile on Alessia's lips. She chuffed. "Must you always insult me, Love?"

"It seems the only way to get through that thick skull of yours."

Alessia chuckled. "Well… Mother knows best, after all."

"Yes, I do." After a long pause, Serana rested her forehead against Alessia's. "I will talk to her, Alessia. I know that will be difficult for you, but maybe it's best if I try first."

She nodded. "You might be right. Likely she doesn't want to see me right now."

"Mother knows best."

---

"Difficult" was exactly the right word for the next few hours. They'd been received happily by Balgruuf and his children; or rather Balgruuf. Dagny and Nelkir looked as though they couldn't care less who was visiting their keep. His eldest son, Frothar, was nowhere to be seen. Likely chasing after his weeping betrothed. Balgruuf gave Alessia a curious look, no doubt wandering exactly why Lucia had been so distraught, but said nothing. Alessia sighed and shrugged her shoulders helplessly. The jarl eyed his own daughter for a moment, sighed, then nodded once in understanding. Teenagers…

Settling in took very little time. Alessia and Serana were given the usual chambers they used whilst visiting Dragonsreach. The children were given a much smaller room, one to either side of their mothers. Blaise would have his own room, much to Sofie's continued whining. That was until she saw his quarters were no bigger than a fair sized closet; one near half the size of the one she and Lucia would be sharing. After a brief squabble, one in which Alessia and Serana broke up quickly with a snarl or a hiss respectively, they each freshened up for dinner in the main hall.

The meal was elaborate, but one Alessia found she could not fully appreciate. She ate heartily, not wanting to offend their host, though tasted none of it. Nor could she focus enough on the conversation to add anything of any value or significance. Thankfully, Serana bore that burden for her wolf. Her mate also insisted on holding Alessia's hand under the table, squeezing gently whenever she thought it needed. Dagny sat alongside Sofie and Nelkir sat beside Blaise, much to the displeasure of all four. None of them spoke much to each other save when their awkward silence drew the attention of their parents.

Lucia refused to look in her Mama's direction. Refused even to speak directly to Alessia unless absolutely necessary. And even then they were quick, clipped words. Barely even muttered. Frothar, sitting right across from his betrothed, watched her worriedly. The young man even shot quick glances in Alessia's direction from time to time. The glances were… disheartened. Helpless even. Like he wanted to help in whatever way he could, but was unsure exactly how to do so. Likely the young man was trying to work out how to best help his betrothed while still remaining in Alessia's good graces. It was, after all, Alessia's word that would either bless him or damn him.

Frothar, as she'd mused to herself only just that morning in Solstice, was a good sort. He treated Lucia well and often professed his love. As did Lucia. The young man was brave and courageous on the battlefield. Just the past year, bandits had overtaking the roads south of Riverwood. She'd requested that Balgruuf send his son along with Alessia and the Companions to deal with the cur, driving them out of the Helgen ruins. It had been a test to see what the boy could do outside the protection of his father. A test he passed handily. The Companions hardly had to lift a finger to deal with the bandits. Frothar and his men drove the brigands out and reclaimed Helgen. So… Alessia didn't doubt the young man's courage or resolve, or even his strength and ability to protect Lucia should there be a need.

As she sat and barely heard the back and forth between Balgruuf and Serana, Alessia pondered Lucia's accusation. Not the "selfish", "mean", or… the rest, but the thought that she wanted to keep her eldest daughter small for forever. Her "Little One". Surely that was the hidden desire of all parents. Watching their children grow and flourish was by far one of the most satisfying and joyous gifts a mother could ever wish for. And… if she were being honest, the most terrifying. Alessia's natural born instinct was to protect. To provide.

Was it possible that she was truly trying to keep Lucia small in her eyes? To deny the idea that her Little One was no longer… little? A frightening thought. One in which Alessia found herself instantly struggling with. Her head suddenly grew light. Her heart pounding in her ears. Had Alessia not been seated, had her mate not been holding her hand… She might have fainted right then and there. Serana's grip tightened ever so slightly, obviously sensing her wolf's panic. It took considerable effort, imaginably enough to move a mountain, but Alessia regained self control. She looked to her eldest daughter and tried imagining herself in Lucia's situation. To want so badly to be with Serana and unable to do so because another's opinion or-

Or selfishness… The idea had Alessia checking again to be sure her heart hadn't been torn from her chest.

"You're selfish, Mama!"

Perhaps… there was more to Lucia's accusation that Alessia liked to admit. Frothar was a strong, intelligent, loyal and kind young man. The issue was not in his worth. He was well suited, in fact. And Lucia… loved him. Wanted to be with him. That alone was enough for Alessia. Still, despite her obvious bias, she believed Lucia worthy of Frothar as well. It was a good match. A strong match. So… if the problem wasn't with the young couple, then the issue laid within herself. Alessia was perhaps… being selfish…

Not selfish, Wolf insisted. Cautious.

Curious as to what her inner beast thought on the matter, Alessia posed the question. Are you sure? There seems to be no logical reason to postpone any longer.

Alessia felt Wolf's eye roll. Sarcasm wasn't something natural to her beast. It was something picked up from Serana. Cautious. Instinct say not right time. Not right moment. Whelp Little One not understand Blue Eyes hesitation. Not understand patience. Blue Eyes wiser than whelps.

Why the hesitation then?

Another eye roll, accompanied by a huff. Has Blue Eyes lost ears? Not right moment. Instinct say so.

Alright… My instincts are telling me something is wrong, but I just don't know what that is?

Wolf shook her figurative head. Not wrong. Just not right yet.

So… not selfish. Just cautious. Waiting for the "not wrong" and the "not right" to turn into the right time or moment.

Maybe little selfish. Wolf admitted with a little whine. Want keep whelp in den. Keep pup long time. Wolf agree. Not want male… Frothar mounting pup.

Ugh… Alessia winced. I don't want to think about that…

But… Little One not Little One now. Grow. Angry with Blue Eyes for caution. Little One want mate of own. Natural. Still make Wolf want growl. Bite. Snap.

Alessia sighed her agreement. So what exactly is my instinct trying to tell me? What is "not wrong" yet "not right"?

Wolf growled in agitation. Blue Eyes lose eyes and ears… Has not pay attention? Idiot…

"Alessia." Serana's somewhat frightened whispering pulled Alessia out of her inner conversation. She blinked and looked to her mate. Serana wasn't directly looking at her, though her eyes were darting frantically back and forth between her and the conversation on the other end of the long table. Her mate relaxed after a moment. "You weren't breathing."

"I wasn't?"

"No. Not for at least a full minute."

That explained the dizziness. Alessia gave her wife a small smile, squeezing their still intertwined fingers slightly. "I'm alright, Love. Just got lost in my head a little."

"Wolf?" Serana asked. "You had that look you get when you two converse."

Alessia nodded once. "She was busy calling me an idiot."

"Oh?" Her wife raised one eyebrow in interested amusement. "What for this time?"

"Our current… predicament with our eldest."

Suddenly less amused and more curious, Serana looked directly at Alessia finally. "And what does she think?"

"For one, I'm an idiot."

"Love, she and I have been telling you that for years."

Alessia sniffed at the wolfish grin on her mate's face and decided not to dignify the comment with a further response. "Second, I'm only being a little selfish. Third, Wolf agrees with my hesitation."

Serana blinked at that. "Really? Why?"

"She says, and I quote, I am 'not selfish. Instinct say not right time. Not right moment.'" Alessia ran her fingers through her hair in frustration. "Something is off. In Wolf speak, 'not wrong' but 'not right'. Apparently I'm both deaf and blind, and haven't been paying attention."

"And thus why Wolf called you an idiot…" Serana seemed to be fighting off a grin. She failed. "Lost in thought indeed."

"Thoughts?" Alessia asked. "I could use an opinion from my better half."

Serana smiled at that, but the look disappeared in concentrated thought. After a moment, Serana shook her head. "I'm not sure what Wolf means. Let me think on it for a little while?"

Before Alessia could respond, Jarl Balgruuf stood from his seat at the head of the table. "The hour grows late, my honored guests. I suggest the children retire for the evening. They will no doubt need the rest for tomorrow's festivities. Alessia, might I request your presence in the library for a few mugs of ale? Madame Serana, you are likewise invited."

Judging by the looks she'd been receiving all throughout dinner, Alessia figured the request was more of a demand. Balgruuf must have something he wanted to discuss outside the earshot of the children. She nodded, "Of course, my jarl. Lead the way."

"As you wish, Balgruuf. I will join you once I've seen my children to their beds." Serana said, eying Lucia intently. "Children, kiss your Mama goodnight then come with me."

The two younger children said their goodnights, each giving Alessia a hug while she placed a quick kiss on their brows. Lucia hesitated. For a moment Alessia thought she might simply turn away and mount the stairs without so much as a muttered word. Serana gave the girl a look and a low warning growl, then she reconsidered. The hug was far too quick, far too cold. Still, Alessia held her daughter a fraction longer than the others.

"Goodnight, Lucia. Sleep well." Alessia said softly. Not the usual, "Goodnight, my Little One." It felt wrong passing through her lips, but what else could she do? She didn't think Lucia wanted to be called 'Little One'. At least not that night.

The unfamiliar use of her name rather than the pet name also seemed to strike something in Lucia. She flinched, a fraction of a movement that Alessia could almost think she'd imagined. Lucia muttered, "Night."

Then she was gone. Alessia felt her heart break all over again. Never in their many years together had the usually warm ritual felt so… forced. Serana gave Alessia a small sad smile, then followed after their children. Alessia watched her go, fighting off a wave of melancholy. She prayed Serana was able to speak with Lucia. Perhaps better understand the outburst and find some way to fix what Alessia had unknowingly broken. Somehow.

Alessia followed Balgruuf out of the room and into a large library. High backed cushioned chairs stood beside the already blazing hearth fire. Already, there was a jug of ale present along with three awaiting mugs. Balgruuf took his seat and directed Alessia to one across from him with a polite, "Please."

The ale was sweet, tasting heavily of honey. A pleasant distraction from the unpleasant conversation she and her old friend were about to have. The jarl remained silent for a short while, sipping happily at his own mug as Alessia enjoyed her own. When at last he did speak, it was direct and to the point.

"Trouble with your girl?"

Alessia nodded with an accompanying sigh. "We had a… quarrel on the way here."

"Aye, Frothar said something about it. My son chased after her when she raced into Dragonsreach weeping up a storm." Balgruuf chuffed. "If I had a Septim for every time my own daughter said she hated me…"

Alessia frowned down at her mug. "This is the first time I've heard it. I find that I don't care for it much."

"Neither do I. But it is a burden every parent must bear. Doing whatever you feel is best for your child, despite them hating you for it. Although… Dagny mostly only ever damns me when I refuse to buy her a new dress every other day of the week." That gave them both a short laugh, albeit a sad one. After a moment, Balgruuf raised his eyes to gaze directly at Alessia. "The girl claims you have denied my son the honor of her hand. Is this so?"

Ale nearly spewed out of Alessia's mouth and nose. She hacked and coughed for a minute, trying to recover from the shock and surprise. "No. I never said such a thing."

Looking a bit relieved, Balgruuf asked, "Then you give your permission then? They may marry?"

"I haven't given my blessing yet either." Alessia admitted. "That was what the quarrel was about. Lucia doesn't understand my hesitation."

"She isn't the only one, Alessia. Many do not understand why you will not grant Frothar permission to wed Lucia. Myself among them."

Groaning a little, Alessia corrected, "It isn't that I will not, Balgruuf. I simply have not."

"And why is that? Why have you not?" Balgruuf asked. His voice had risen in tone and frustration bordering on anger or insult. "Do you somehow find my son lacking? Some fault in his character or devotion to your daughter?"

Sensing that her response, if not carefully worded, might cause the conversation to develop into a shouting match, Alessia said slowly, "I find Frothar a fair match for Lucia. I can see he loves her dearly, and she him."

That seemed to temper Balgruuf's rising ire. Still, he asked, "Then what is it? What is stopping you?"

Something struck a nerve in Alessia, making her own temper flare. An irking sense that may provide some clue as to what exactly was stopping her. Checking her tone, Alessia set aside her mug and spoke calmly. "Balgruuf, you wish me to answer a question I have not been asked yet. Frothar has not asked me for my permission or my blessing. You have done this. Lucia has done this. Your son has not."

"I am his father. The boy needn't do so."

"Wrong. You are not marrying my daughter. Frothar himself as yet to come to me and ask for Lucia's hand."

Balgruuf huffed. "You know his heart, Alessia. You know he desires to marry your daughter above all things. To ask this of him is-"

"My right." Alessia cut in. "I am Lucia's mother. Serana is Lucia's mother. Neither one of us have heard, from his own mouth, his desire to marry our daughter. Not a word. Frothar has courage. That I have seen with my own eyes. And yet he hasn't had the courage to face me."

The jarl paused for a moment, thinking. Reluctantly he nodded. "Aye, I see your point. We simply expected a positive response and did you and your daughter a dishonor in that assumption. I beg your forgiveness."

Alessia nodded.

"So, that is that then? If my son were to ask your permission directly, you would grant your approval?"

No… Alessia thought to herself. Though the conversation had been on the right heading, it still felt like they had only scratched the surface. Still, she responded, "I would be more inclined to do so, yes."

"And your wife? What would be Madame Serana's response?"

Alessia chuffed. "I do not speak for my wife. She has a mind and tongue of her own. But I will venture a guess and say that her response will likely mirror my own."

"Understood." Balgruuf drained his mug and rose from his seat. Alessia rose with him instantly, showing her respect. "I will speak with Frothar on the matter. Expect him to seek you out sometime on the marrow."

Alessia bowed slightly as the man left the room. Serana entered just as he was leaving, pausing to wish him a good evening. Once they parted, Alessia joined her wife at the door. "How much did you overhear?"

"Everything after he accused you of finding his son lacking." Serana said eying the library, then glancing in the direction Balgruuf had gone. "Is it really only because Frothar hasn't asked our permission yet?"

Fingers tugging at her hair, Alessia sighed. "No. Not exactly. I mean… yes, that had bothered me, sort of, but that isn't the only reason. Something about that still feels…"

"Off?" Serana provided after Alessia's words trailed off.

Alessia nodded and sighed heavily. "Maybe I need to stop focusing on the problem. Distract myself for a while."

"Likely. Take your mind off the issue for a time. I have some ideas on that. Considering… I have a mind of my own and all. And a tongue." Serana purred as she turned and strode away, adding just a little more sway to her hips that was natural. "And speaking of 'off', I have a few things you can take off me."

---

Alessia returned to herself first after their lovemaking, panting while still lying atop her mate. The bite on her neck tingled a little, but it was a familiar pang. They'd been loud enough that surely there were to be a few blushing maids or servants giving them looks in the morning. Alessia hardly cared. At worst she'd get a few uncomfortable looks, at best, a few winking eyes or sly grins. Maybe even a high-five or two. It wasn't the first time, and it wouldn't be the last. Though she was still a little… concerned, Serana kept asking for the rough stuff. And Alessia was determined to do absolutely anything to please her mate. With near astronomical effort she rolled off the bed, unstrapped the length from her hips and set it aside, then retrieved the water basin and cloth. As her mate came to, Alessia carefully and gently washed the sweat from her body.

Serana came back with a soft groaning purr. "Mmm… I love it when you do that."

With a thrum of her own, Alessia asked, "Do what? Wash you?"

"No, not exactly. Well, yes, I do, but that's not all." Serana rolled onto her side, propping herself up on one elbow. "I mean when you let go. Stop worrying that you might hurt me and trust your instincts."

Curious, Alessia rose to meet her gaze. Odd that that had just been on her mind. "You mean let Wolf take over?"

"If that's what it means to follow your instincts, then yes. Your beast seems to understand my limits better than you do sometimes."

Alessia pursed her lips. "Serana, my beast is exactly that. A beast. Taking you that way is far more compatible with being mauled by a bear than making love to you. Pardon the wording, but my instincts demand less of a love making and more of a rutting fuck. Though part of me really, really likes having you like that, the other part worries it's a degradation. You are my mate. My wife. Not some field to be plowed."

Serana caught Alessia's cloth filled hand, stilling it for a moment. "Tell me, Love, who's idea was it to wash me?"

"Well… mine, I guess. Or maybe Wolf's." Alessia said, blinking at the question. "Why?"

"You didn't used to do this. Not until after I asked for that." Serana pointed to the leather straps laying on the nightstand. Alessia would have to remember to put it away before they left in the morning. She could only imagine what the maid would think it was. Serana continued. "Not until after I asked you to let go a little during our love making. To let your instincts out a bit more."

Alessia thought about it. Surely there was a time before their honeymoon when she'd cleaned Serana up after having sex… Surely… At least once. But then… here of late, Alessia had done so every single time after. Every single time… Was it Wolf influencing her actions?

"And, barring last night, when was the last time you had a nightmare?"

Alessia opened her mouth to answer. Paused. Thought about it some more. Then shook her head. If she had to really think on it, then perhaps Serana had a point. Warm fingers touched her cheek, pulling her gently to face her mate's smiling lips and gleaming eyes.

"I trust you, Alessia. All of you. Your bestial side included. Not once in all the years I've known you have I ever felt afraid of Wolf. I ask for the rough treatment because I know you will never hurt me. Not ever." Serana's words were soft and loving, yet strong and firm. "Your performance tonight… Love, you might call it a 'rutting fuck', but I say you're satisfying your wife in every single way possible. And in every position possible."

They both chuckled.

"Letting your beast out a bit more is having a positive effect on you. I see it every day. The nightmares are fewer and far between. You're less stressed. You're calmer. You lose your temper less often. And when you do lose it, you hardly ever shift. There's less aggression. All very positive things. Less burden. A healthier you."

"So… Let me see if I'm understanding you correctly." Alessia mused. "You endure a literal pounding nearly every night so that I'm healthier?"

"In a way, yes." Serana said.

"So, this is all for my sake? My benefit?"

"Well, I wouldn't say that." Serana purred, trailing one long finger down Alessia's forearm. "I did mention how satisfying your performances are. Having you release your beast on me is hardly a burden. In fact, tonight was probably one of your finest sessions yet."

Alessia grinned at that. "Oh really?"

"Alright, maybe the second best. Or perhaps third… defiantly top ten. Our first time was better by far. Probably because I'd wanted to be with you for so long. It made an impression." Serana chuckled, no doubt remembering their first time together.

Alessia remembered she'd been recovering after being turned into a vampire, losing her mind, then returning to her former lycanthropic state. She and Serana had made love repeatedly that night, hours and hours spent in each other's arms. Nearly the whole night until dawn when… Lucia, young and innocent Lucia, had interrupted by barging into the room without knocking. Alessia recalled the embarrassed and shocked look on her daughter's face. Later, she recalled the pure joy on Lucia's face when she and Serana had announced their betrothal. A happier time it seemed.

Seeming to know where Alessia's mind had gone, Serana said, "She doesn't hate you, Love. Lucia is just upset and confused."

"I know." Alessia took a deep breath, returning to the task of cleaning the sweat from Serana's skin if only to give herself something to focus on. "I just don't know how to talk to her when I don't even understand what's wrong myself."

"She knows it's not an easy thing she's asking of you. She agreed with me that much at least." Serana said, allowing Alessia to swipe the warm cloth over her belly. "Lucia is ashamed of herself. Ashamed of what she said to you in the courtyard. She knows it's not true, and that you'd do anything for her."

Alessia nodded, listening.

"I told her she needed to apologize first thing in the morning. Understand what it is to be in your shoes, then try actually talking to you about it. I hope that will clear the air. For you both."

Again, Alessia nodded. "Any thoughts on what I asked earlier? About Frothar asking me for permission?"

"Well, my mind has been outside my body for the past few hours. Not a lot of rational thinking going on with you naked and so… hungry." Serana purred. It earned her a chuff and a gentle pinch on the butt. She chuckled then continued on. "Mind blowing organisms aside, I think I actually do have a little to say on the subject."

"Really?"

"Your better half indeed." Serana smiled once, then grew serious again. "Do you remember what you said to me in the market square the morning after we told Lucia about us? You told me you'd hoped I'd marry you eventually, but I was panicking over asking the Gods to bless the marriage and so on?"

Thinking back, Alessia nodded. "Yes. I said I'd hoped to call you my wife one day, but just having you at my side was more than enough. I remember."

"And do you remember what you told me after I made the comment about not deserving happiness after all the horrible things I'd done?"

Alessia paused, again casting her mind back in time. "I said, 'Then we don't ask for their blessing.' Meaning, we don't ask for the Gods blessing."

"Your exact words were, 'I don't give a damn about their blessings or their approval.' Sound familiar?" Serana asked, eying Alessia carefully. "Love, when it came to us being together, you didn't want or care for anyone's blessing or approval. We wanted to be, and so we were. Then we got married. Despite everyone telling us we couldn't or shouldn't, we did."

"I…"

"Alessia, you don't want Frothar to ask for permission. You want the man who loves our daughter, the man who our daughter loves, to not give a damn about anyone else's blessing or approval. You want him to simply ask Lucia for her hand. Want him to do exactly what you did. Marry the woman you love and tell the rest of the world to fuck off." Serana laughed at Alessia's expression. "Love, you want for our daughter what you and I have. A love that blooms despite the lack of water or sunlight or air. A love that wasn't supposed to exist, but does. You want Frothar to literally tell his future mother-in-law to shove it and marry her daughter despite any disapproval."

"I'll be damned…" Alessia muttered. "Could it really be that simple?"

Chucking, Serana gave her a quick kiss then leaned back onto the pillows with her hands behind her head. "You in a nutshell, my Love. You're fairly simple. Vastly amazing, but easy enough to understand. At least to me."

"So wise, my Mate." Alessia chuffed and sat the basin and cloth aside before stretching out beside her mate. Serana purred contentedly, rolling to rest her head on Alessia's shoulder. "Thank you for the insight. I'll keep that in mind for tomorrow."

"For when Frothar comes to speak with us?"

That made Alessia groan a little. "Ugh… What a mess. Here I go telling Balgruuf I'd give my consent if Frothar asked me in person, and now I discover that I actually don't want him to ask me anything."

"Did I also mention you were sometimes very difficult?" Serana smiled, turning her head slightly to look at Alessia.

Alessia eyed her. "I do know the definition of 'difficult', Love. It happens to be the exact opposite of simple."

After a moment's thought, Serana nodded. "Yes. Yes it is. You are sometimes difficult. Not complicated, just difficult."

"Alright… now I'm confused." Alessia said. "Am I simple or difficult?"

Another paused, then Serana gave her mate a quick peck on the cheek then settled in for sleep. "Yes."

After that, Serana would say nothing more on the issue despite Alessia's podding. Finally giving up, she chuckled and kissed her wife's brow. "So wise, my Mate. What would I ever do without her?"

Serana cracked one emerald eye and said in a mischievous tone, "There's always that tavern wench in Falkreath."

That earned her a flick on the nose.

---

Aela came to Dragonsreach's main hall early the next morning. Alessia had sent her a short message the moment they arrived, hoping that she would be willing to take Sofie and Blaise hunting that next morning. Originally, Alessia had wanted to join them on the hunt but with the situation was developing with Lucia and Frothar she thought it best to make herself available. Her forebear looked slightly disappointed at that, or rather irked, Alessia couldn't decide which.

"Do I look like a babysitter to you, Sister?" The female growled.

"Of course not, Aela. I would go, but…"

Aela sighed and looked highly put out. "Yes, you explained the whelp's outburst."

"Thank you for this." Alessia smiled at her forebear. "If it's any consolation, the kids were eager to see their Auntie. They've missed you."

The female huffed, but seemed pleased. "It wasn't I who moved the whelps out into the middle of nowhere. I would visit more, but am too busy doing your duties."

"That's only because you insist on making me keep my command. You are acting Harbinger, like it or not."

"I do not. I am not." Aela snarled low, more frustrated than angry. "Kodlak made you his successor. Not I."

The exchange was one they'd had many times. Alessia said the exact same thing she'd said all those times before. "Yes, and I made you my successor."

Aela snarled under her breath, glaring down at her boots. "Has anyone ever told you that you are a very frustrating female?"

"Actually, yes. Serana did quite recently. Though the word she used was 'difficult'."

The female huffed. "Very wise, your Mate."

Alessia laughed. "I said that too."

Quick footsteps echoed from the upper balcony. Sofie and Blaise's surprised and delighted faces appeared at the rail. "Aunt Aela!"

Despite her usual glumness when dealing with children, Alessia saw the genuine smile on her Shield-Sister's face. The slight gleam in her eye as she looked up at the pair. "Ah, there you whelps are. Hurry up and grab your things. There is game afoot and your Mama wishes us back in time for the feast."

With that, the two dashed off towards their rooms to obey. Alessia grinned at Aela. "Careful, they might start to believe you actually like children."

"I do not." Aela sniffed. "But, they are yours and so I tolerate them."

"Of course."

A second later Sofie and her brother came racing down the stairs, Blaise tripping over his own foot and nearly tumbling the rest of the way down. To Alessia's surprise, Lucia strode down behind her siblings, though at a much more sedate pace. The young woman kept her eyes downcast, glancing up once or twice as she approached. Aela ignored her completely as she fought to calm her two younger charges. That done, the female set her emerald eyes on Lucia. The girl flinched, but knew better than to run. Aela bent and whispered something into Lucia's ear, which Alessia could hear perfectly.

"Be patient with her, Child. Our beasts make it hard for us to part with those we wish to protect. Be grateful you have a mother who desperately wishes to do what is best for her daughter." The words were a bit of a shock to Alessia, considering who was speaking them. But… then again, Aela was a mother of sorts. The female had cared for and guided Alessia during the days after Mahrik's dungeon, doing what was she believed to be in her best interests. The thought seemed to strike Lucia too. Shame reappeared in the girl's eyes as Aela rose and barked at her charges. "Alright you two. Let's move. Let us pray to Hircine for a nice fat boar to bring to the feast."

After the hunting party was gone, neither Alessia nor Lucia had anything for a long while. Though part of her wanted her daughter to be the first to speak, Alessia thought best to do so. "I feel like stretching my legs a bit before breakfast. Maybe see how the festival preparations are coming along. Care to join me?"

Seeming relieved, Lucia nodded and followed outside. The morning was bright and sunny with a slight chill on the wind. Winter would soon end and spring would return to Skyrim. A time of awakening and new beginnings. The blossoms of the Gildergreen were already open and beautiful. Interesting considering it was about this time that Alessia was venturing into Dimhollow Crypt, unknowingly about to awaken Serana and change both their lives forever. She smiled, remembering those first few moments after the tomb opened.

How very beautiful Serana was. The memory of that first thought still made Alessia's heart flutter. Her future mate had looked so confused. So lost. Alessia herself was just as startled, just as confused. Finding a female hidden away inside that crypt had been the last thing she'd expected. Even more unexpected, they'd grow so close so quickly. Fall in love. Marry. Have children. Spend their lives together. A true, unforeseeable blessing.

"Mama, about yesterday…" Lucia said in a small voice beside Alessia. "I didn't mean what I said. I don't hate you. I know I hurt you and you've done so much for me and… I'm sorry."

The courtyard was very quiet, peaceful in the morning sunlight. Very much like a day many, many years ago when a little girl sat on a nearby bench begging passers by for a few coins. Lucia had been so small then. So tiny and frail. She'd taken sick only a few days after Alessia first brought her in. Had she spent just a few more days on the streets… she might have died. It broke Alessia's heart to think of that day, but also…

"I know you are, my Little One. I understand. You were angry and upset. You still are." Lucia opened her mouth to protest, but Alessia waved her off and motioned towards the nearby bench. Her daughter looked a little worried, still ashamed, but obeyed. Alessia sat beside her daughter with a small groan, wincing at the shock of cold, wet, stone beneath her backside. Lucia giggled a little, which was her aim. "You were sitting here when I first saw you. Do you remember?"

Lucia nodded. "I asked you for money."

"And I asked why you were begging." Alessia touched the cold stone, remembering just how threadbare Lucia's rags had been that day. "You broke my heart that day, Little One. From the moment I saw you, I knew I couldn't let you stay out here. Not when I could give you more. A house to live in. Food. Clean clothes. All that I didn't have at that age."

"Mama, you gave me much more than that." Lucia took Alessia's scarred and rough hand in her own. "You gave me a home. Family. Love. More than that, you gave me a future. A life of my own. And how did I repay you? I spat in your face and acted like an entitled, spoiled brat."

Alessia chuckled. "To be fair, I did spoil you. Probably more than I should have."

"You also taught me to know better." The young woman smiled up at her mother, a sad smile. "I know this isn't easy for you, Mama. Even if you weren't… you know, I know it's hard."

"Perhaps one day, when you have a daughter of your own, you will understand the pain of letting her go." Tears threatened, but Alessia blinked them away. "I owe you an apology as well. Last night, you were… partially correct. I have my reasons, but still I have been a little selfish. Your Mother and I have only ever wanted the best for you, Lucia. Don't ever doubt that."

Though she kept her tone even, Lucia seemed concerned. "Will you not let me marry Frothar?"

"No. I mean, yes. I will, but… that's not- Me giving my permission was never the issue."

"Mama, you're not making any sense." Lucia said curtly. "Maybe Mother can explain it better?"

Alessia sighed. "You have no idea. Your Mother practically had to spoon feed it to me before I understood it myself. But it's my hangup, so I'll be the one explaining it."

That brought a sincere smile to Lucia's face. "Let me guess, it's a wolf thing?"

"Sort of… Likely it's just a me thing. Well, me and your Mother." Alessia explained. "When Serana and I first meet, we both knew right away there was something between us. Something different. Something special. After she left that first time… I was, not in a good place. I worried constantly. Was she alright? Was she in danger? What could I do to help? So on. When she came back… When we both admitted how we felt…"

"You were happy?"

"Very, but scared too. Two women was hard enough for some people to take, but a vampire and a werewolf? Even if most didn't know what I was… most didn't like the idea. Even Serana feared what people would think or do. If not for her sake, then for mine. But, I loved her anyway." Alessia chuffed. "I could hardly do otherwise."

Lucia shook her head, confused. "Not that I don't think this is completely romantic, Mama, but what does this have to do with me?"

"That's what took your Mother so long to beat into my head. We were a pair in love that really, really shouldn't have been. Everything said otherwise, but we were. I wanted us to get married. Serana… didn't."

That surprised Lucia. "She didn't?"

Alessia shook her head. "No. She didn't think she deserved it. To be happy, that is. Didn't deserve the Gods blessing."

"What did you do? How did you convince her?"

Smiling, Alessia looked at her daughter. "I said, 'Then we don't ask for their blessing. I don't give a damn about their blessings or their approval.' And I didn't."

Lucia blinked in surprise. "Really?"

Alessia nodded. "So, we had a private ceremony when Serana felt she was ready. A few vows, rings, and then we- Well, made it official in… other ways. Not entirely traditional, but I filed the necessary paperwork to make Serana my legitimate wife in the eyes of the law."

For a short while, Lucia remained in quiet contemplation. Alessia let her think, taking the time to simply relax and be. When the young woman finally spoke, it was in a slow, calm voice. "So, what you're telling me is you don't want Frothar to ask your permission to marry me. You want him to not 'give a damn about the blessings or approvals' of others and just… ask me. Is that right?"

"Right."

"It's a little scary that as backwards as that sounds, that actually makes sense." Lucia rubbed her temples. "Has anyone ever told you how very, very odd you are?"

Alessia sighed. "That seems to be the trend of the past few days. Though your Aunt Aela said 'frustrating', and your Mother said 'difficult'. And 'simple', though I don't quite understand that conundrum."

"Eh, she's got a point though." Lucia said, earning her a sharp bark of laughter from her Mama. "So… if I go talk to Frothar right now, tell him what you said… You won't try and stop him from proposing to me? You'll be alright with it?"

A low growl rose up from Alessia's chest. One she didn't catch in time, but stifled quickly. "As you said, letting you go is never going to be easy. You were right. I do want to keep you my 'Little One' forever, but… I cannot. Not if this young man makes you happy. Not if you love him."

Lucia kissed the back of Alessia's hand, hot tears streaming down her cheeks. "I do, Mama. Very much."

"Then… That's all I need to know. I am… so very proud of you." Now Alessia was crying. "Go on. Go talk to him."

Her daughter rose quickly, racing a few steps towards the keep. Then Lucia stopped, spun, and flung her arms around Alessia. "Thank you, Mama. I love you."

"I love you too. Now…" Alessia pushed the young woman back a bit, wiping away the tears on Lucia's cheeks. "Stop wasting time with this old wolf. Go on now. Get going up those stairs."

And then she was gone. Alessia sat for a good long while on the bench, suddenly not caring at all about the cold water seeping into her pants, or the hot tears still streaming unbidden from her eyes. She didn't try wiping them away. No point. Cleaning the first droplets off would only make way for the rest that followed. She only noticed she wasn't alone after her nose told her Serana was nearby. Alessia's eyes rose to watch her mate descending the stairs, a familiar sad smile on her face.

"I thought I might find you here." Alessia said nothing as Serana sat beside her and took her hand in her own. She sometimes still expected to feel cool fingers instead of the now warm ones. Sometimes she forgot her mate was now only half vampire. An immortal who had given up forever to be with a mere mortal female. "How are you doing, Love?"

Alessia felt her chest again, feigning surprise to find her heart exactly where it had always been. "Still there. Still beating. Though, I'll admit, it hurts a little right now."

"Lucia bumped into me while I was looking for you. She said you talked."

Alessia nodded. "She agrees with you. Though she used the word 'odd' instead of 'difficult'."

Chuckling, Serana lifted Alessia's hand to her lips. They were very warm on her skin. As were the tears. "So, am I to presume we to be attending a wedding soon?"

Another nod. "Probably sooner rather than later. Balgruuf will want them married as soon as possible. And… there will be a grandchild… eventually. Later rather than sooner in my opinion. But…"

Serana's breath caught. "Grandchild… I- I hadn't even thought that far ahead. My Gods… Alessia. We'll be grandparents."

They were both quiet for some time after that realization. Both simply content to sit together, holding hands, and dreaming of future days. Future blessings.

Out of the blue, Serana said, "I want more."

"More what?"

"Children. I want to adopt more. Soon."

Alessia blinked at that. "Really?"

"Didn't we get a letter from Honorhall a few months ago? About the children there?" Serana asked, a bit intently. "I want to take them all. Every last one."

"There's four at the orphanage right now. Five if you count the boy we heard about from Jarl Skald in Dawnstar." Alessia said, slightly stunned.

"All of them, Love. I want them all."

"Serana… you know the more we take in, the more we have to eventually let go again. Lucia will just be the start. Are you sure you're-"

Her mate's lips locked onto hers, cutting off whatever Alessia was saying. Suddenly, the question didn't matter at all. When Serana came up for air, there was an almost crazed smile on her face. "Yes. So long as you still want a big family. A bigger family. A whole pack of them?"

A slow smile spread across Alessia's face. Before she could stop herself, she was kissing Serana. Hard. And she didn't give a damn who was watching. She let go after a time, a bit breathless. "Gods, I love you. I love you so damn much."

---

The engagement was announced during Balgruuf's Heart's Day dinner at Dragonsreach. Though Alessia hadn't wanted Frothar to ask her permission to marry Lucia, the young man still came to her and Serana beforehand. Not to ask a question, but to give thanks and respect. He bowed low, as absolutely far down at it was possible for a person to do while still on his feet. Lucia, still holding her future husband's hand, did the same. Alessia and Serana mirrored the gesture, but not before glancing at the new shinning gold bands around their daughter and new son's fingers.

Once the formality was done, Alessia pulled both children into a big hug and whispered into Frothar's ear in a voice low enough that only Serana would hear. "Treat our girl well. Hurt her in any way and I will…"

The threat was a small one, but one that the young man took very, very seriously if judging by the paleness of his face. Serana winked at the boy, indicating that she agreed with the statement her wolf had made then gave the two a hug. Something more was said because Frothar flinched slightly. That earned Serana a sharp bark of laughter from Alessia and a horrified look from Lucia.

"Mother! Please!" The girl said, face flushing.

The announcement was made, much to the gathered nobles elated cheering. After the toast, the singing and dancing started. Sofie and Blaise stayed fairly close to each other, dipping and ducking the avoid Dagny and Nelkir's attention. Many a young suitor eyed Sofie, no doubt wishing to ask her for a dance. She'd accepted only a few from some of the men she knew. Even Blaise accepted an offer or two from some of the young ladies in the room. The siblings even danced with each other on occasion, mostly as a means of escape when they saw either Dagny and Nelkir approaching. Lucia danced with Frothar the most, breaking from time to time to dance with others; one of her mothers, Blaise, Sofie, one or two of her future husband's cousins, Nelkir, and even Balgruuf himself.

Alessia watched her children run about the main hall, Serana talking happily with Arcadia nearby. Some approached her to offer their congratulations, well wishes, and inquires; how the new Academy was going, how the children were, how her wife was fairing, and so on. Only a handful asked for a dance, from her or Serana. Which was fine with Alessia. Wolf didn't much like anyone's hands on her mate's body, even for something as innocent as a dance. And Serana's own territorialism felt the same way.

"Alessia." Aela approached. The female had been horribly late to the feast. This was the first time Alessia had seen her forebear.

Alessia smiled at her old friend and offered the chair beside her. "You're late."

"I overslept my nap." The female sat heavily with a deep sigh.

Now that Alessia was looking directly at her, she noticed her friend seemed… sad. Tired. "Aela, what's wrong?"

The wolf eyed her, saying nothing for a moment. Then said lowly, "Nothing that you need worry yourself over."

"Well now I am worried. What is it?"

Another long sigh. "My sleep has been… restless of late. As no doubt yours as been."

Suddenly, Alessia understood. Her nightmares around this time were usually quite bad. But… aside from the night before last, the one before they left for Whiterun, the dreams had stayed away. All thanks to Serana. Aela didn't have such a mate to help her through troubled times. Which surely her forebear's nightmares were horrible this time of year, just as Alessia's were.

"Actually, for the past week, I've only had the one bad night."

That seemed to surprise Aela. "Truly?"

"My mate… helps. She's come up with a-" Alessia halted, feeling her face starting to heat, "Method that keeps the nightmares to a minimum."

"I… see. And what might this 'method' be?"

Alessia fought her blush. How to explain without delving into her sex life? Surely Serana wouldn't appreciate her telling anyone, especially not Aela because of their… history. Telling her forebear that letting Wolf cut loose on a hunt was one thing, and something Aela did quite often anyway. Telling her to let Wolf loose in the bedroom as often as possible was another. Which only worked because Serana was strong enough as a half-vampire to withstand Wolf's frenzy on a nearly every night basis. Perhaps… subtlety was the best course of action.

"Serana… helps me work out my frustrations with Wolf. Therapy sessions, in a way."

Aela glanced at Serana, who was still talking with Arcadia. "Therapy?"

"Yes."

"Would it be possible for me to have a few sessions with-"

Alessia just about snarled, "No!"

Aela blinked, though she didn't seem to take offense. Though she hadn't reacted much, everyone standing nearby flinched in surprise. Serana eyed them curiously, then made her way over. She smiled at Aela in greeting and placed a calming hand on Alessia's shoulder. "Is everything alright?"

"Nice to see you, Serana. Your mate here was just explaining to me a certain method you use to help ward off her nightmares. I was asking what that method was but," Aela eyed Alessia, "I seem to have hit a sore spot."

Alessia felt more than saw Serana's lip twitch as she fought a smile. She purred softly, "Oh, it's definitely a 'spot' alright. One Alessia hits very, very often and quite… thoroughly. Sort of what makes the whole thing work."

Aela narrowed her eyes, glancing between Serana and Alessia. No doubt trying to piece together what in the world was going on. Alessia said nothing, tried to give away nothing though she knew her face was red as red could be. Then… it dawned on the female and Aela eyed the bite marks on Serana's neck. Marks that her mate was doing absolutely nothing to hide, and grinning the whole time.

Aela's eyes shimmered with barely concealed amusement. "Oh, I see. So a few sessions with me are certainly out of the question."

The involuntary, territorial growl Alessia gave was more than enough answer. Both females laughed heartily, both nearly in tears. A bit mortified, Alessia buried her head in her hands. Chuckling, Serana kissed her brow and turned back to Aela. "There's more to it than just… that. Our situation is, after all, unique."

Aela knew almost everything about Serana and her sudden "half-breed" transformation. The only thing they hadn't shared with the female was that Serana's immortality was still attainable should she change her mind about her mortal state. That little fact was known to only Falion, Valerica, Alessia and her mate, and Auri-El himself, since he was the one who'd granted such a boon.

Something shifted. Aela's nose twitched and her eyes darted to the other side of the room just behind Alessia and Serana, something that made the female sit up and pay attention. There were so many different smells in the room that it was hard to pick up whatever had caught the female's eye. Still, it didn't stop Alessia from turning to look herself. A familiar red headed woman carefully pushed her way through the slightly crowded room, eyes looking in their direction.

"There you are. I've been wondering where you've been hiding." Ysolda approached, giving Alessia and Serana a smile in greeting before rounding the table. Aela rose to meet the woman with a pleased smile on her face and a deep rumbling thrum.

To both Alessia's surprise, the two kissed. She blinked, unable to do anything else. Serana bent down and whispered in her ear, "Love, you're going to catch flies if you keep your mouth hanging open like that."

"How did the hunt go?" Ysolda asked once the kiss was done.

"As expected. The young huntress has grown in ability and skill, but the boy…" Aela chuffed, then glared at Alessia. "The whelp complained about the chill constantly, and frightening away all the prey in the area. Someone has been neglecting his training. He rides well, for his age. The Harbinger at least hasn't neglected that."

Still, Alessia said nothing. Ysolda giggled, "Are you alright, Alessia? You're staring."

"You better not be ogling." Serana warned playfully. The tease brought a very real, very threatening, low growl from Aela aimed at Alessia.

That snapped her out of her stunned surprise, her own beast snapping to attention. Aela took an involuntary step towards Ysolda, pulling her bodily against her side. A clear signal to any other wolves present that the female was off limits. Alessia bared her teeth slightly, rose and stepped towards Serana. It wasn't that she had any interest in her forebear's mate. None at all. The issue was that Aela's wolf was just as territorial as Alessia's and found the threat necessary. Two territorial wolves were never a good mix, especially when their mates were nearby. Serana and Ysolda kept perfectly still, though it was obvious that neither of them very much liked what was going on.

Alessia was the Alpha, the more dominant of the pair. Yet, Aela was her forebear, which gave her some power over her moonborn child. Their beasts didn't want to fight, but the ritual couldn't be avoided. Alessia's body language said everything that needed saying. Wolf had no interest in another wolf's mate. She would not attack and try to take said mate. She would, however, defend what was hers. If Aela's wolf didn't back off…

Message received. Now that their wolves had reached an understanding and their territory established, both Alessia and Aela began to relax. Calming themselves with the unspoken language of their wolves. After a long tense moment, Serana said to Ysolda, "Wolves…"

The woman nodded her agreement with a sigh. "Aela was like this the first few times around Farkas and Vilkas. I wasn't sure what would happen with Alessia since she already has a mate."

"Some take more than one mate." Aela said in a rough voice. "Though I know my Alpha does not wish for a second mate… I can't help myself. I'm sorry, Shield-Sister."

Alessia chuffed. "Now you know what it's been like for me these past few years. Wolf wants to throttle anything or anyone who even looks at Serana. It's very-"

"Annoying." Both Serana and Ysolda said in unison, much to the wolves' chagrin. They both made their apologies to their significant others.

That done and Serana satisfactorily pacified, Alessia asked as she motioned between Aela and Ysolda, "When did this happen?"

"A few months ago." Aela answered.

Ysolda giggled. "She won a bet."

Alessia blinked at that. As did Serana.

Seeing their reaction, Aela explained. "Some of the Companions were playing a game of Spoils in Jorrvaskr. I got suckered into a round two and wound up losing a large sum of coin. I still don't know how Torvar cheated."

"I was currently in Jorrvaskr talking with Vilkas about a contract. You remember the one? The wagon going to High Rock?" Ysolda provided.

Alessia nodded, and Aela continued. "Torvar already owed me a fair sum, but wasn't too keen on the idea of letting me off the hook for the loss. So, we made a bargain. I would do one task of his choosing, a dare of sorts, then we would be square. It just so happened Ysolda was passing through on her way out. The drunken fool saw here and thought he knew the way to win."

Alessia started laughing. "He didn't…"

"He did." Ysolda smiled.

"Not many are aware of my… preference for females." Aela said softly, a slight blush on her cheeks. "When he said that all it would take was for me to kiss the barmaid…"

Serana chuckled, then said to Ysolda, "Bet that was a surprise."

"Yes." The woman grinned at her wolf. "Especially when Aela arrived on my doorstep later that night."

Now Aela was redder than her hair. She cleared her throat and said evenly, "I escorted the wagon to High Rock and we… bonded."

"As in…" Alessia started to ask, and her forebear nodded. "Aela… That's… remarkable news."

"Yes." Aela nodded once. "It is. I… understand- I mean, I can appreciate what you two went through during the vampire attacks. I never imagined… I don't know what I would have done if it had been my mate. I don't think I would have been strong enough to handle it as well as you did, Alessia."

At that, Alessia shook her head. "You're just as strong as I am. And even more stubborn. You had to deal with me, after all. That takes a serious amount of skill."

"Tell me about it." Serana groaned, earning her a pinch to the backside. Which earned Alessia a playful smack on her shoulder.

There was a small break where no one spoke. In that time, the music died out and another song started. Couples eagerly got up and rushed to their places for a new dance. Ysolda tugged at her mate's arm. "Come dance with me, Love. You promised."

"As you wish." But before the pair moved off, Aela looked to Serana. "Perhaps we might talk about… therapy methods at a later date?"

"Soon. I promise." Serana nodded with a sly smile.

Ysolda gave her wolf a raised eyebrow. Aela smiled. A genuine, loving smile. "I'll tell you in a bit."

After the pair disappeared onto the dance floor, Alessia sat back in her chair. There was an astonished smile on her own face. Astonished and pleased. "Never in a million years would I have expected that to happen."

Serana took a chair beside her mate. "That Aela would find someone, or that it would be Ysolda?"

"Either. And both." Alessia shook her head. "I mean, think about it. How many times did those two interact with each other, pass one another on the street? For years they were living in the same damn city. Why didn't the bond kick in before now?"

Her mate thought about that for a few heartbeats, then suggested, "Maybe it was Aela deciding to move on. From what I understood, she'd been holding a torch for you for years. Now that she doesn't see you everyday, perhaps she finally let you go. Perhaps Ysolda was always her mate, but just couldn't see that with you in the way."

Alessia huffed. "You make me sound so… special. I'm not anything remarkable, Love."

"Alessia, you shine so brightly at times that even I can't take it." Serana grabbed a handful of her wolf's hair and pressed their lips together roughly. Once she let go a good long while later, she purred. "And if we can sneak out of this shindig and go upstairs, I'll show you just how… remarkable you are. It's nearly time for your therapy session after all."

Alessia glanced around, a sly grin on her face. With only a quick flick of her eyes towards the exit, the two rose and snaked their way through the crowd towards the stairs. They got there without anyone stopping them. They raced down the hallways, glancing around one last time to see if anyone noticed them. Serana giggled as she pushed Alessia through the doorway ahead of her, locking the door behind her.

---

Alessia awoke with a start, eyes popping open wide but seeing nothing but dark. Her startled jolt from sleep was due to another dream, though this one she couldn't quite remember. Something about falling from a great height and waking before hitting the ground. There was blood in her mouth, indicating she'd bitten her tongue in her surprise. Had there not been something lying across her body she might have bolted upright in bed as well.

Serana's solid weight lay nearly fully atop Alessia's body. Despite her mate's now living body, she often unconsciously sought out her wolf's comforting warmth. Alessia's wife snored softly, body still limp in sleep. That made Alessia' smile. Thankfully her sudden jarring into wakefulness hadn't disturbed Serana's sleep. Gods know the poor female needed the rest after the night they'd had in between the sheets. How she managed to function so well day in and day out was totally beyond Alessia.

Despite wanting some water from the pitcher on the nightstand, Alessia didn't move a muscle. Waking her sleeping female so she could simply get a sip of water was out of the question. Instead, Alessia gently wrapped her arms around her mate and wallowed in their bonding scent and the peaceful quiet of early morning.

Alessia dozed in and out of sleep until pale light shone through the single stained glass window. She watched it for a time, not knowing she was thrumming until Serana started to stir and she stopped. Her mate's head rose slowly, bleary green eyes taking a moment to focus. When those eyes rose to meet Alessia's blue, a slow sleepy smile crossed Serana's face. Her mate sighed and rested her head on the chest beneath it, still gazing up at Alessia.

"Been up long?" Serana said softly, almost a whisper.

"A little while. Just enjoying the sunrise and stillness." Alessia's fingers traced a light line up her mate's shoulder, settling on her cheek.

Serana leaned into the touch. "Did you sleep well?"

"Well enough."

That seemed to worry Serana, her body tensing slightly. "Nightmare?"

Alessia shook her head. "Just a dream. No nightmares."

Sighing in relief, Serana relaxed. Her nose twitched. "Are you bleeding?"

"I bit my tongue when I jolted awake." Alessia explained. "A falling dream."

To her surprise, Serana rose up a little and pulled at Alessia's lip with one finger. Obviously wanting her to open her mouth. "You must have bitten it bad. Let me see."

Obeying, Alessia opened wide and allowed for the examination. Her mate made a tisking sound. Around the fingers in her mouth, Alessia asked, "Ish ie tat awd?"

"No. Nothing you can't heal from in an hour or so. Smells like a lot of blood for such a tiny cut. I've given you worse bites than this."

"Tho kan ay av my mout bak?"

A wolfish grin appeared on Serana's face. She purred softly, "Only if my fingers can be replaced by my lips."

The pleased rumble that crawled its way up Alessia's throat made Serana chuckle darkly.

"So, I can take that as a 'yes'?" Serana's question turned into a playful yelp as Alessia suddenly rolled and pipned her mate onto the bed. She purred loudly, raising one smooth thigh up and around Alessia's hip. Alessia bared her teeth, which only made Serana's eyes smolder. "Uh-oh… Looks like the tables have turned."

Alessia chuckled. "Playful little fox this morning, aren't you?"

"Yes." Serana nipped gently at Alessia's chin. "So, are you going to play with me Wolf? Or do I start playing with with you?"

Out of pure curiosity, Alessia raised one eyebrow at her mate. "And how would you go about the latter?"

With a wicked grin, Serana wriggled her wrists loose from Alessia's grip. Her hands made their slow way along Alessia's arms, then shoulders, then ribcage, and settled on her backside. Using her grip, Serana slid her way down in between Alessia's legs. Wolf watched her, not moving an inch until otherwise instructed. Her mate used her hands to do so, guiding Alessia's hips down and showing her exactly how she'd go about the latter.

---

The next day was spent tying up loose ends. Balgruuf called Alessia and Serana into a meeting in which they discussed details for Lucia and Frothar's marriage. The young couple was present for the talks, adding their input when necessary. Though it wasn't usual for the intended pair to be in on the planning, Alessia and Serana wouldn't do so without their say. Balgruuf agreed instantly and called for the couple to join them. Mostly the details included time and date, but since Lucia was to marry the heir to a jarl, the talks were a bit more than simply the wedding schedule.

Lucia's dowry was a big conversation. Alessia had already sat aside a great sum of coin for her eldest daughter for when she married. Though it was not the whole reason Frothar wished to marry the young lady, the jarl's family was extremely wealthy, but it needed to be discussed. In most marriages of the age, the dowry would simply be taken by the bridegroom as his after the bond had been set. This would not be the case here. The coin Alessia gave to her daughter was to be used only by Lucia should the worst happen. By "worst", that meant that if, for whatever reason, Lucia was widowed. That sum was for her and any children she might have bore in that time.

Though some fathers of the groom took offense when the parents of the bride insisted upon this, but Balgruuf did not. Too often had the perceived husband taken the dowry as his own then left his wife alone or dead. Not that Frothar would do such a thing, but Alessia still would not allow the risk. Balgruuf was a good man and understood. Even added a considerable sum to the dowry himself. The first of many gifts he would bestow upon his new daughter-in-law and future mother to his son's heirs.

Next was the date for the wedding. Though Alessia thought Balgruuf would insist on a date sooner rather than later, the man simply looked to Lucia after the question was asked. "That I thought I would allow my newest daughter to answer. I know most women are particular as to the day they wish to marry. Lucia, what day might you prefer?"

Without a moment's pause Lucia answered. "Last Seed. The ninetieth, if possible."

That caught both Alessia and Serana by surprise. Serana spoke before her mate could. "Lucia, that's nearly half a year from now."

Lucia nodded, smiling as Frothar took her hand and said, "My promised wished to honor her mothers by also being married on the same day they were."

Again, it took the females by surprise. Lucia turned her smile on Alessia. "If I can be only half as happy as you are with Mother, then I will count myself blessed beyond compare."

Frothar chuffed. "Not that I'll settle for my wife being only half as happy…"

Lucia winked at him, then turned back to her mothers. "Why not start off on the same day you two did? If that's alright?"

Alessia couldn't bring herself to reply. Her throat had closed up in her attempt to keep herself under control. Luckily, Serana was far better at that. Her wife took her hand and smiled at Lucia and Frothar. "My wife and I would be honored. Thank you both."

Though Lucia accepted her Mother's words, she still looked to Alessia. "Mama?"

Still unable to speak, Alessia nodded and smiled.

---

Alessia and Serana took the wagon ride home alone. The children, despite their previous resistance in going to Whiterun, had asked to remain one more day. Lucia to spend more time with Frothar, promising to behave themselves. Sofie and Blaise were asked by Aela to go on another hunting trip, which they happily agreed. Serana and Aela had had their talk, as promised. Alessia hadn't liked sharing some of the finer details, but her mate thought it best to get her viewpoint. Aela had vastly enjoyed her Alpha's discomfort, poking and prying just to see what embarrassing tidbits fell out.

The issue was with Aela's mate, though no one had directly stated that fact. Serana as a half-breed was physically capable in enduring the "therapy" on a near nightly basis, whereas Ysolda, as a mere human with human limits, could not. At least not as often, or as… intensely. Aela accepted the necessary information, but would say nothing about how she intended to apply it for the sake of hers and Ysolda's privacy. Which Alessia was more than happy to grant her. Instead the forebear simply said she would speak with her mate on the subject, asked if the children would like to go on another hunt, then that was that.

Regardless of how trying the past few days had been, Alessia felt light of heart and lighter of spirit. She suspected her unease before their trip to Whiterun was due to all the unresolved questions regarding Lucia's betrothal. Now that those questions were answered, a date set, dowry addressed, and so on, she felt at peace. Even Wolf seemed calmer. But… that might have something to do with Serana's applied "therapy" Alessia was now aware of. It made her smile over at her mate driving the wagon. How well Serana looked after her wolf. How much she cared.

Alessia hadn't noticed she was thrumming so loudly until Serana glanced over at her. "What?"

"Just thinking about how much I love you." Alessia said as she guided Jasa a little closer to the wagon's side.

Serana grinned. "That seems to be on your mind a lot lately."

"Because it's always true."

"Likewise, my Love." Serana said. After a long moment, the smile turned a little wicked once their manor home came into view over the hilltop. Serana purred, "I seem to remember a promise you made before we left Solstice."

"Oh? What promise was that?" Alessia knew very well, but wanted her mate to say it.

"Something about you and me. Alone in the house. Doing something other than eating on the table in the main hall." Then Serana thought about it. "Actually… eating was exactly what I had in mind at the time."

Alessia chuckled. "And now?"

"Oh, that's still on my mind. But seeing as how the children won't be home until tomorrow… Perhaps there's a lot more on my mind."

"So, to be clear… If I were to ride ahead and tell the housing staff they have the rest of the day, and most of the night…" Serana purred louder at that little addition. Alessia amended, "all of the night off, that would please you?"

"So long as you pleased me repeatedly."

Alessia barked a sharp laugh. "You're terrible, Love. What am I to do with you?"

"If I'm lucky you'll bend me over the table and…" And Serana detailed exactly what she wanted. Alessia gulped and it took absolutely everything she had to remain calm. Her mate noticed the effect she was having, and kept on going for a while longer. Eventually she ended with, "But… seeing as how you're still here, and not racing ahead to clear the house…"

With that Alessia kicked Jasa into motion, the mare obeying instantly with a burst of speed. Dust and dirt rose in her wake as she rode on ahead. Serana's joyous laughter echoed behind her as she slid to a halt at the barn, startling the stable master in the process. Alessia gave him a swift hello and darted down the path and into the manor, also startling many of the servants. It took time but eventually the word got around, most believing the time off was in celebration to the finally finalized marriage of their mistress' eldest daughter. The house emptied in a hurry, understanding that they were not to return to work for any reason before sunrise on the next day. None of the servants lived in the manor, having quarters in the servants housing down the hill a ways, so that was not a problem.

By the time Alessia returned to the main hall, Serana had already unloaded the wagon and placed the single trunk of their belongings nearby. Her wife was sitting on the table, waiting patiently. Two glasses of wine sat at her side. Alessia could tell by the smell that it was her favorite wine. Beside the glasses was a neatly wrapped box, tied carefully with violet ribbon.

Seeing Alessia notice the box, Serana hopped off the table and offered the box. "I know the anniversary of our meeting isn't for a few days still, but I hoped you wouldn't mind me giving this to you a little early. It seems like the right moment to me."

Curious, Alessia accepted it, noting the lightness of the package. "I thought we agreed, or rather you made me promise, we weren't exchanging gifts. Only for our marriage anniversary."

Serana huffed. "You pulled this on me during our honeymoon. I figured I was allotted at least one."

Giving no further protest, Alessia carefully opened the box. Inside was a small bit of cloth. Wrapped carefully inside the cloth was a familiar object set into a fitting attached to a thin bit of twine. It glowed faintly, the swirling lights inside the gemstone pulsing at Alessia's touch. A black soul gem. Not just any black soul gem. This was the gem holding immortality. Serana's immortality. Confused, Alessia looked up at her mate.

"That belongs to you now." Serana said. "Wear it if you want, or keep it somewhere safe."

"Serana, I don't understand. Auri-El gave this to you just in case you changed-"

"I don't want it anymore. I'm not going to change my mind." Her mate gently closed Alessia's hands around the small gem. "Who else am I to give my immortality to other than the one I plan on spending eternity with?"

"But-"

Serana silenced the protest with her lips. The kiss lasted until Alessia felt as though her lungs would burst. Her mate panted slightly, eyes boring into hers. "I made my decision years ago. Do not give it back to me. Not ever. No matter what. Promise me."

Alessia growled, not liking that at all. "Serana, I-"

"No, Alessia. No. You're not going anywhere I can't eventually follow. Accepting that soul gem back will make it harder for me to do just that." Serana snarled. "Give me this. Promise me, damn you."

Slowly, reluctantly, Alessia slid the rough twine around her neck. It settled directly above her heart. That brought a smile to Serana's face. Her mate's long fingers gently touched the gem. Though it had pulsed gently at Alessia's touch, Serana's touch made the thing sing. It vibrated slightly, recognizing the owner of what it held. The fingers left the gem and it silenced. Serana's touch slid from above Alessia's heart and up the skin of her neck, past her jaw, and cupped her cheek.

"Right where it belongs." Serana purred as she rose to kiss Alessia again.

Wolf rose as her mate's warm tongue touched her own, stroking slightly until it nearly drove Alessia mad. Without knowing she had, Alessia backed her mate into the edge of the table. Her hands pulled Serana to her tightly, despite her wish to be gentle. Serana had no such reservations. Her mate's clever hands pulled at the clothing that separated their bare skin then pulled her down on the table atop her. They made love on that table for what felt like hours. Repeatedly and vigorously. Sometimes Serana asked for the length of leather and the rough, dominating treatment, but mostly not. When she did, Alessia obeyed. Wolf seized control and took Serana as hard or as softly as she wanted, relishing each and every sound that she pulled from her mate's lips.

When at last both lay exhausted on the the table, something in Alessia pushed her to action. With great care, she lifted Serana into her arms and carried her upstairs. Their bed lay neatly made, blankets and soft pillows positioned with care. But Alessia ignored it for now. Instead, she padded to their private bath. The room was large and designed to both Alessia and Serana's specific desires. The deep pale stone tub was placed level with the floor, stairs leading down into it with seats carved into the sides. Alessia sat her mate on the seat, kissed her once before turning to turn on the water. This had been what she'd paid the giants for. Pipes carried water from a nearby spring into the house. A specially designed water system heated the water. Alessia fiddled with the gears a little, testing the water temperature then climbed out of the tub again to retrieve their soaps.

Serana watched silently, somewhat dazedly, but said nothing. When the tub filled enough, Alessia cut off the water and set to her task. She washed clean the sweat and blood on her mate's skin, taking care to be gentle with the more tender places. Still, Serana winced slightly when the soft cloth touched the skin between her thighs.

Alessia whined a little, a slightly Wolf sound that indicated her guilt. "I'm sorry, Love."

Her mate shook her head with a sigh. "Don't be. I know you were trying to restrain yourself, but I didn't want you to. I like it when you let go, remember?"

Though it lessened, the guilt remained a small voice in the back of her head. Perhaps with more time, it would fade. For now, however…

"After all, I'm the one who keeps pushing Wolf's buttons. It gives me a wicked sort of satisfaction to know I can make you crazy for me." Serana purred a little, drawing a chuckling thrum from Alessia. Her mate took the cloth and bar of soap from her and twirled her finger once. "Turn around. I clawed your back up pretty good."

Indeed she had. Aside from the many lash scars there, Serana's fingernails had drawn blood repeatedly. But, unlike the physical reminders of time spent in that dungeon, Alessia wished the marks given to her by Serana would stay. She'd bare those scars proudly. Likewise the ones on her neck from Serana's teeth. But, that was impossible for the most part. Her werewolf healing wouldn't allow for it. By morning, the marks of their deed would be gone.

Once clean, warm lips pressed between Alessia's shoulder blades. "Thank you, Love. Thank you for doing this for me. With me. I know it worries you, but trust me, I'm very, very happy."

"Then I will continue to do so, and be honored in pleasing my mate."

"Good. Now turn back around and I'll get the front."

Alessia obeyed and watched as Serana carefully washed the sweat and blood from the neck and shoulders, breasts and so on. The soul gem lay glowing brightly between them, tinting the water with a violet light. Though she'd promised, Alessia asked, "Are you sure you want me to have this?"

Though there was a hint of irritation, Serana nodded and calmly said, "Yes. I'm sure. Though… if it's going to keep glowing like that, maybe you should hide it somewhere."

Alessia agreed. No sense in risking anyone learning what it was and trying, foolishly, to steal it for themselves. "I have a small lock box for it. I'll put it downstairs with the rest of my hidden things. It will be safe there."

Serana nodded. "I don't need to know where."

"Top shelf next to Hircine's ring." Alessia said instantly, earning her a glare from Serana. "Just in case something happens and you need to find it. Say… your mother wants it for study."

Though she knew that was only an excuse, Serana said nothing more on the subject. Her eyes locked onto Alessia's neck, eying something there that made her frown. "Did I do that?"

Alessia checked. It was a bite, one that had bruised slightly. "Yeah. That was when we were… You told me to do that… thing you like and…"

"Oh." Serana said, remembering. "Yeah, I was a bit… excited and out of control. Sorry."

"I didn't even notice at the time. It will be fine by morning." Alessia saw the small bit of worry in her mate's eyes, and didn't much care for it. She pulled Serana's chin up so that their gazes met. "Looks like we both get a little banged up when we're lost in each other. But we're both strong enough to take it, aren't we."

Serana smiled, turning to place her lips on Alessia's wrist. "What would I do without you, my wolf?"

"Just as lost as I would be."

A soft purr echoed Alessia's thrum. They remained in the tub until the night was deep and the water was cold. After that, they took great care in patting each other dry then padding to the warmth of their bed. By then, Serana's lips were back on Alessia's skin. Tasting and touching each of the many scars. Alessia remained perfectly still, watching and thrumming. They made love again soon after. Without the overpowering urge to dominate and claim, they took their time and savored each and every second.

Afterward, Alessia held her mate close as they both faded into sleep. The dream she had was a good one. No dungeon. No pain or blood. No cruel faces. Not even Eorlir's frightened yet determined eyes. Just a dream in which she and Serana sat side by side on the bench in the garden. They'd aged considerably; both of their dark hair streaked with gray. Though her own skin had sagged, Serana showed far more age. But still those green eyes were bright and loving, filled with the joys of a life spent with the one she loved. A very, very good dream indeed.