Chapter 2

I need to get out of this sun. Pulling my hood as far as it will go I avert my eyes from passersby's. Not having fed in days the last thing I needed was that kind of attention, especially in Wayrest. How did I let him talk me into this?

Rounding the corner I find refuge in an ally, the shade easing my mind of at least one thing. Curling up in the dirt I bring my knees to my chin, attempting to retain my ever-waning heat. Even in the middle of the day, dressed in a full black wool robe, I was cold. It comes with the curse I've learned, no matter how hot it is, the bitter aching bite of death follows.

"Excuse me mam, are you alright?" A younger Breton calls from the street, expression of worry on his face. "Are you hurt?"

Looking away I pretend not to hear with the twisted hopes that he would come closer, come within arm's length. "Sorry, I didn't mean to bother you, just wanted to make sure you're alright. Do you need some water?" his words becoming clearer with each passing second, his knees popping as he kneels beside, placing a foolish hand on my shoulder.

"That would be great, thank you," I gasped, wrapping my arm around him as if I was weak, the smell of his sweat filling my nose. With each beat of his heart my hunger grows, rationality fades.

"No problem, here," I could feel as he shifted away, reaching towards his waist, ignorant to the danger. Springing forward I wrap my hands around his mouth, sinking my teeth into his neck. There was a slight jerk in his movements before his muscles relaxed again, the metallic taste draining into my throat.

He's weak, already so weak. Releasing my jaw, I groan at my compassion. It wasn't near enough, barely enough to be considered a snack. Looking down at his flushed face he wheezed heavily, his muscle not able to hold him up right as he leans against the wall. There is no doubt he would have died. Covering my face as much as possible I still looked ill, and at this rate that wasn't going to change. Dipping out of the ally I hastily walk down the street. As busy as this city is, no time will pass before they find the boy, knowing what attacked him.

It can't be that hard to find, isn't she rich or something? Scanning the bustling streets I cautiously pass the guards, reverting my gaze to the ground. Which was that much more suspicious.

"Excuse me, can I help you find something?" A young, clearly exhausted Breton asks, her voice faux firm as she shifts in uniform.

"That obvious huh?" I reply softly, attempting to somehow look natural even though my appearance was everything but. "I'm looking for a friend actually, Shadre,"

"The Imperial? Interesting," she mumbles. "Follow the street across the bridge take a right, second door on the left,"

"Thanks!" Hastily I head towards the bridge.

"Uh, wait please! Sorry, with that hood I can't get a good look at you. Being a Dunmer isn't necessary a problem it's just,"

"Help! Someone help!" a woman shrills brining everything to a halt. "There's a body in the ally!"

"Wait here," the guard order before sprinting through the crowd, her hand on her sword.

"Not a chance," walking away from the ever-growing mob I follow the directions. Keeping my head down as more and more people head towards the scene. Topping the stairs, I lift my hand to the wooden door, shaping it into a fist before delivering three thuds.

I didn't expect an answer, honestly the thought of one made my stomach turn. The thought of the door opening, Serana dressed in modest clothes with an annoyed expression painted across her face. The thought of matching her crystal-like gaze looking down upon me in curiosity, much like she used to.

As the scene plays out in my mind the desire to be there only weakens, the thought of just leaving, telling Adrian the mission was a failure becomes more and more appealing.

"He's fine, just a bit dazed, bad news it was a vampire. Double the guards at the gates and make sure you keep this on the down low. The last thing we need is chaos,"

"Yes sir!" In a flurry of stomps they disperse, funneling down the cobbled streets. "Just another day it seems," in a sigh, the commander turns back into the barracks which naturally was right outside the door.

Remaining as discreet as possible I pull out a lock pick before making quick work of the door. Years of slavery, um, servitude, has taught me many skills that most see as, distasteful.

Shutting out the last sliver of daylight it was refreshing to once again be in darkness, but the luxury was short-lived. Slamming into my senses a foul metallic stench forces me to stumble back onto the door, it was blood and a lot of it.

Finding my bearings I let out a deep sigh before igniting a flame with a snap of my fingers. Stepping past a lightly decorated table I approach the stairs, immediately noticing the dried, almost black, pool on that had seeped into the wood.

"You left in a hurry," bending down I put the flame closer to it, the stale stench resembling rot food. Lifting my hand, I can see spatter across the stairs and wall, even on the ceiling above. "What a mess," lighting a nearby candle the room slowly illuminates putting it all in perceptive.

Minus the blood, her place was, unsurprisingly, nice. Filled with art, plants and Imperial style furniture that I'm sure brought her comfort. Heading towards the stairs I head down into the cellar aware of what I was going to find amongst the rabble.

Turning the corner he laid, or for what I could tell was a he. Crammed into a chest with the lid ajar between two crates was the torso of a man, a black hand imprinted on the dark cloth, only becoming visible the closer I got.

"You poor fool," Working for the Shadre's for many years I learned something about the family, specifically about the children, mostly Serana. She was clean, almost repulsively clean, but equally lazy. For her to leave a mess like this it was safe to assume she would be gone for a while, either inquiring on services to do it or gathering the gall to do it herself.

Heading up the stairs the options play out through my head. The capital of the Daggerfall Covenant was on full alert after my stupid little attack but knowing Serana the chances of her coming home within the week minimum was small.

"Honestly this might play out for the best," pinching the bridge of my nose I think on it optimistically. Looking at situation as time gained allowing me to search more fully for what Adrian sent me here for to begin with, instead of the actual fact that I imprisoned myself here. Overcome with exhaustion I know it doesn't matter, I'm going to be stuck here for at least a day. Heading upstairs it doesn't take long to realize that as long as the gore remains there is no chance for me to rest.

"And here I thought I'd never clean for you again," hissing under my breath I search for a bucket, opening the door towards the courtyard letting air rush in. With the thought of a hot bath as a reward, I push forward, doing all in my ability to pull the stench out of the wood, out of the house. As hours past it subsides, the wood returning to its natural color, the walls once again being white.

Dawn had arrived by this time and the racket out in the streets slowed. It was clear they were still looking for me, but as I sat on the steps in the courtyard the imperativeness, as well seemed to abate. Admiring the yard for the first time it comes off as bland, a place for pets to roam, and horses to stay. Though at this time it was notably vacant.

Looking towards the stable I think about Mercale. A pure white Imperial steed that was raised along Serena's side. Even with years past, I was confident he was still alive, still there whenever she needed him. I make this assumption on how she was back then, how she would tend to him herself, not letting anyone near his stable.

Turning inside I lock the door behind me. Taking a deep breath, the hours of air circulating the floor did its job, leaving behind a crisp smell. Being able to seal the body firmly in the chest I was confident that, for a time, the stench would wane.

"Think of it as a vacation, I get to indulge myself in a nice house for a bit, ransack it, find what I'm looking for then go back to Vvardenfell," rubbing my face I try to believe the words, failing to shake the thought that this was a massive mess.

Nudging off my shoes the cool wood brings no comfort to my already frigid body but the idea did. The simple fact that taking off my shoes, realizing that, for at least a little while I have no reason to run, hide, or fight. Heading towards the stove I heat some water before igniting all the candles upstairs. Much to my surprise it only took three trips to fill up the artfully crafted tub divided away in a small, though, luxurious corner next to her bed.

Undoing my robe I curl my toes into the soft fabric of her bath mat. The steam from the water tracing up my back bringing me the first feeling of warmth in days. Looking down at dimly lit chest I gently trace my fingers across the scares that cover it, from breast to stomach. There from when I first turned, right after the meld started and the Shadre's disappeared.

I was a young, ignorant elf that was more than willing to welcome any love to be had; happily accepting a Nord's offer to take me home. Even with little to no experience with a man the anxiety was nothing compared to the feeling that flourished inside me as my heart fluttered. The chance at a normal relationship with someone of my choosing.

But as such naïve young people do I fell right into his grasp, all the way up to the point where he sunk his teeth inside my neck. After a span of nightmares, vomiting, and cold chills my body changed, becoming ever more pale, sickly, fragile. But as the changes occur something else happened to the fire I'd always been able to wield. More potent, my resource, seemingly limitless, all at the robbery of daytime walks and physical appeal, well, to some.

After my turning was complete the Nord once again came to me, once again offered his acceptance, his love, and still foolish I accepted. We were five strong, all Pact based vampires set on a mission to clear a nest of Hircine's beast that had been plaguing the region. Who would have thought only one out of the five knew how to fight, me.

Within minutes the party was overrun, the Nord's intestines soaking the dirt while Dires tore at his throat. It was the same for almost all of them, gutted and whimpering, dead or dying. Then the bloodthirsty beast shifted their eyes towards me. I can remember the feeling of my nails cracking I held my staff so tight.

As a pack they came, lunging and lashing at my already failing robe. One by one they ignited, howling, no, screeching as I dug deeper into myself then ever before. There is no telling how long their onslaught lasted, how long I stood there, virtually naked and bleeding as claws ripped into me from every direction, but by the end of it, I was alone again. In the midst of burnt fur and flesh.

Bleeding and barely conscious I cauterized my wounds moments after I crawled out of the cave, passing out under The Rift sun. Three days would past before I came to, in the best and comfort of someone I knew none the less, of Adrian.

Dipping my foot into the water the sense of alleviation brings me out of the flashback before overwhelming me as I submerge. Placing my hands on my lower back I gently massage as knots loosen in the heat. Many forget the wonders of a bath, what it can do for the mind, the body, both living or not.

Sinking deeper the water tickles my chin as I close my eyes trying to think of nothing for the first time in a long time. Forget about where I am, what I'm doing here, to truly live in the moment.

Ignoring the signs of waterlog I continually heat the water forcing the moment to last longer. Ignorant to the passage of time dizziness sets in forcing me to realize that it's over.

Stepping out I dry before wrapping myself in a vibrant blue robe that hung on the wall, a whiff of lilac mixed with Serana brings bile to my throat. "What was I expecting, it's her house," throwing the robe onto the pile I make a b-line for the bed. I knew it was going to smell even more like her but the idea of actually getting a full night's rest was too enticing to pass up.

Taking in a deep breath I let gravity take me, falling backward onto the messed rose shaded cover. As the warmth is sapped from my body I wrap up in the blanket place my cheek on the far side of the bed, horizontal from the pillows. It's a large bed and even if she slept in the middle the edge would be mostly untouched.

It did exist, however, her smell lingering within the stiches. Doing my best to ignore it I focus on the noise from the street, the passing of horses clanking on the cobble. Though much more active then what I'm used to it was somewhat comforting. Knowing that at any time the city was active, alive. That people were living their lives the best they could even at the latest of hours, getting ready for dawn.

That was all it took, a simple distraction to keep my mind off of things, then nothing.

Vvanderfall, Amaya Lake Lodge, Four Days Ago.

Glaring at my reflection in the Jasmine Tea it had turned cold hours ago. The liquid showing myself in a distorted, murky image that somehow appeared healthier then I actually looked.

"Would you like me to go get some Double Bloody Maras?" Calling from across the table Adrien chimes worryingly, his soft green eyes ignorant on how to deal with my depression, vampire or not.

He always struggled with stress, always demanding himself to fix everything he can, even when it's not possible. It's a trait that is starting to take it's toll, his formerly obsidian black beard and hair has lightened, peppered gray. Wrinkles now trace above his brow from furrowing, much like he was at this moment.

Looking past him I watch small pieces of ash fall like snow onto the swamp surrounding the walls. From the pomade the wild outside of Viveic seems distant, almost unreal. The fact that beyond the walls of a place I'm fortune enough to call my own was an abundance of wildlife that could kill me. And that is ignoring Red Mountain that sits in view of the lake.

But this is my home, to think anyone could go from a no one, a servant sold into Cyrodial and live the life I did achieve up in a house like this, having the influence I do.

"I'm fine hun, thank you though. Maybe if you could warm up some more tea that might help," shifting back to Adrian his expression softens, the wrinkles for a time subsiding.

"Are you actually going to drink it this time?" he teases.

"I'll do the best I can," unable to hold back a smile I hand him my cup before he steps into the house. One of the weird things about Dunmer architecture is the amount of floors not connected by in door walk ways. Within minutes the bedroom door opens as I hear him walk down more stairs towards the second, the kitchen is on the first. It was probably lost on me do the fact I was sold when I was young, only knowing the Imperial style for much of my life.

Surprisingly, Adrian didn't seem to mind.

Closing my eyes I take in a deep breath in an attempt to relax. It was something that would happen every month or so. It's haunting really, this sense of doubt, lingering within my heart, never enough to force my hand of jumping off this balcony, but plenty to make me think on it. As frustrating as it could be to focus, to even get dressed somedays, today was different. Adrian had come for The Gold Coast with news, a quest he had been working on for some time in order to make our family anew, burying the Imperial bloodline he had always seen as unjust, racist.

A quest that I wanted nothing more than to help with, I just wanted to see him here every night.

"Are you that tired?" nearly jumping from my seat Adrian looks down at me sympathically, a cup in his hand. "Sorry I didn't mean to startle you,"

"No, you're fine,"

"Do you want to lie down, I can make another cup later?"

"No, no, thank you," using every ounce of brain power I have I reach towards to the cup. Determined to stay focus I usher him towards his seat, giving him no time to refute. "So this thing you wanted to talk about," I start.

"Alice dear,"

"Don't try to sweet talk me out of this Adrian,"

"It's just,"

"There is nothing to debate, you came here, to me, your beloved, for help, and I want nothing more then to do so,"

Reluctantly sitting down he rubs his face, not certain on the idea. Reaching for his hand I pull it down to the table, gently rubbing over his callused palm. Even with the name Shadre. Life for Adrian had been less then ideal. Being one of three boys he was raised as the youngest, quickly shipped off to his nut case uncle to learn how to fight.

A forced life of militaristic control, a life breed to fight, to kill, is no better then one of a slave.

"I found my sister,"

In a howling gust wind blows ash onto the promenade, sprinkling onto the table, into our drinks. But even as it picks up, a dark cloud looming above us as an omen of the coming storm, I was silent. Starting into his eyes there was no thought, no words, no breathing. I had no idea how long It had been since I seen Serana, but it wasn't long enough.

"We better head inside, looks like it is going to get pretty rough," gently brushing my hand he stands grabbing both of our drinks before turning towards the door.

As the door closes behind him the first drop of rain splashes onto the table. What are you doing? Clenching my jaw my brain refuses to answer, my body refusing to move. If you stay out in this weather you'll get sick, he will physically come and take you inside and you know that. Do you want to look like a child, just move dammit,

Scratching the surface of the wooden table it splinters, impaling into my nail bed. It will pass, eventually. It will be as if someone flips a switch and everything is fine again, I can talk, sing, love, I just wish I knew how to do it myself, knew how to go inside to Adrian and let him continue. "Just the thought of her still does this much to me," my words are frail, barley audible in the intensifying rain.

"Come on, Alicia," calling from the door he walks out to me, bending so he can wrap his arm around my waist.

"I can walk," I nearly sob in embarrassment. "Sorry, just give me a second," hesitating he gently kisses my cheek before backing away allowing me to stand on my own. Looking down at the table light pink traces of blood run in small streams away from my finger. Forcing air into my lungs I push myself to my feet, walking past him into the bedroom.

It was modest, in respects to the house anyways. Being purchased recently, the time and dedication it would take to truly make the home into my own had hardly taken shape, mostly Dunmer furnisher that I carried over from my last place, Adrian never owned really anything.

Taking my hand without a word he removes the splinter, wrapping the wound with a cloth. "You need to be more careful,"

"You're too good to me,"

"Hardly," laughing softly his callused finger rub across my cheek, tugging my hair behind my ear. "I remember when you first came to the family estate. I was no older then 14 and when I saw you from the carriage on the way to my uncles. A curious, ashen elf with the look of disgust on her face while seamstress measured her head to toe. I don't think my heart rate had ever been as high as it was then, lightly fantasying about what they would design for you, when I would be able to just gawk at you. Though being honest, most of those thoughts weren't innocent," placing his forehead above my ear I couldn't help but to laugh at his story, one I've heard many time before, but one that always made my heart flutter.

"Get some rest dear," he starts, the heat of his breath fading from my neck.

"Tell me them,"

"Hmmm?"

"The not so innocent thoughts, I want to hear them," bumping hips I turn towards him, running my non-injured hand through his hair. Placing my forehead on his, his flustered face putting heat into my chest, my face. I, at the grasps of my fingers had the greatest man to ever exist, and his warmth could, as it has before, break this mental blockade.

"Are you sure? I," pressing my lips to his I cut his sentence short inching closer.

"I appreciate your sympathy, but this, us, is one of the few things that make me feel alive. The girl you had these thoughts about years ago is still here, and when you talk about that, when we do that, It reminds me that one day I'll be cured, and that feisty dark elf you talk about so fondly will be here, all the time. Fewer spells like this, less feeding, more warmth between us, the eight I'm thrilled just thinking about it," giving into the grin that lined my lips I pull him close once again, wrapping my arms around him.

"When I first seen the seamstress, I knew what they were thinking, about how the basic crap they were going to dress you with was a disservice. You deserved something more fitting, showing every inch of you. When I saw you I didn't think of someone who fit in the role of a servant, I seen someone who was a fire, demanding all the attention in the room, the true lady of a house,"

"There is a time however it all came to a head, it was a time that I regret not testing the waters, seeing what you would be willing to do. I remember you cleaning my sisters room, you, somehow making a pale white servants dress look like something royalty in Cyrodiil wear. But as you bent over fixing the sheets of her bed I passed by in the hall, seeing the curve of your bare feet as they teeter off the bed. The arch of your back as you stretched the blanket forward, the fabric stretching across your hips. It was the first time I'd seen you in months, but you'd only become more stunning over the time. As you groaned, your back arched, your hair bobbed in the pony tail you always wore, your feet curled in frustration I couldn't help as my mind thought of my stepping inside locking the door behind,"

"I thought of grasping your foot, rubbing my nose across the arch taking in your smell before shifting my lips to your heel, your calf. I thought about how your muscles will tense, the gasp you would make out of surprise as I trace my lips under your dress, licking your calf. I'm not sure how you realized it was me but you relaxed, clenching the covers as you laid your head onto the bed, becoming more and more relaxed as my nose traced your thigh,"

"Stop," I managed to gasp as heat filled my face, his story playing through my mind. "Don't tell me anymore," slipping off my shoes and socks I trace the floor up the stairs and towards the bed, pulling the blankets off. Doing my best to position myself as I was in his fantasy I stretch amongst the bed, trying but failing to get the ends to met under my own weight. "Show me Adrian, make that fantasy real, now,"

Using his mind as a script I feel as his hands grab my left foot, not thinking, not talking, his nose tickling from toe to heel before the heat of his tongue over takes me. Burying my face into the cloth, clasping it within my palms. Taking his time I feel every movement, every subtle graze of the hands, every nudge if his nose as they climb up my thigh, building a fire within me.

"What happened after that?" I gasp in an attempted mask to show him I wasn't wrapped around his finger.

"You grabbed the head board," he started as I wrap my fingers around the wood. "Trying your hardest to muffle your moans as I traced the outlines of your panties," the heat of his words slams into my thigh as his nose inches higher, his hands lifting my rob onto the small of my back.

"Skip the next part," I coo, cutting my eyes over my shoulder at him. Shirtless by this point his chest peppered with the same black hair only adoren the rest of it that was carved like stone. Even though the thought of he came about it disgusted me, the fact his family shipped away to train night and day. It was a lie to say I hated to look at him, actually I loved it, my body let me know that fact every time I seen him, the heat that built between my thighs.

"I thought you'd never ask," lunging towards me like a lion I feel as his hands grab my hips, pulling my panties to my calves. Closing my eyes I clench my teeth in anticipation, overwhelmed by the fact that even know, with me dressed in rabble, moping about not caring about the world around me he lusted for me this much. Stretched across our unmade bed, hand still aching and wrapped in bandages, more then ready to lose myself within him, even for a short amount of time.

"If you don't hurry up I'm going make this as vanilla as possible," I chime as a slight pressure builds near my clit. It was a habit he'd developed over our time together, light jesters to push the bounds, seeing how much he could get out of me. Most times it was a lot, today was different. I longed for more than tantalizing play, I wanted the warmth and rest that came after, I wanted it now.

Taking the threat to heart he wraps his fingers around my lower thighs, gently pulling them apart forcing my waist to sink towards the bed. Closing my eyes, my chest follow suit burying into the sheets as it took every fiber of my being not to push back into him.

Gliding the tips of his fingers up my thighs, to my hips, he gets the most out of every moment before jerking me towards the edge of the bed, inching inside of me. I feel my heart escalate as a soft moan leaves my lips. Slowly he gets more aggressive, thrusting deeper as his nails dig into hips, pulling me back into him with every stroke.

Clenching the covers pain swells in my wounded hand but it does little to stop the tension in my muscles as he goes deeper, my body feeling hotter. "Keeping going," panting the words come out weak, drowned out by the moans being forced up from my lungs, the sound of him ramming into me echoing around the room, easily overpower the thunder outside.

Slamming me with enough force to lift me knees from the bed I wrap my ankles around his waist as a shiver runs up my spine. Driving me to throw back my head in a gasping scream. "Just like that, Adrian!" barley able to keep oxygen in my lungs his thrusts send ripples through my cheeks as he starts to groan, holding me tight so each exhilarating stroke goes deep inside.

Grabbing my thighs, he easily flips me onto my back, pulling my waist off the edge of the bed before lifting my ankles behind my ears. Reaching towards his chest my fingers glide over the beads of sweat that covered him, too weak to dig my nails into his muscles before he lunges forwards kissing at my chest and neck.

Pinning down my hands he shifts his weigh giving my no chance to move as his fervor returns, his aggression more then what it was moments ago. With each passionate thrust his groans become more aggressive as his lips laid near my ear. Though it was mine that overpowered even the storm that was wholly raging outside, as my heated body begin to sweat, my sense becoming overwhelmed.

"Ah, fuck," in a low growl he sighs as he slows, each thrust filling me before he pulls out, immediately kissing me ecstatically, making it even harder to catch my breath. "You're amazing," he softly whispers before peeling himself off of me.

"And your messy," I tease as I look down, his cum tracing out of me, down my thigh and onto the sheets. Not even wanting to deal with it I use the rest of my strength to pull myself fully onto the bed, my chest rising and falling rapidly as I try to calm down, my muscles laxed, eyes heavy. Without a word he gently wraps me in some blankets brushing my hair from my face. Kissing me he places his forehead on mine, his green glaring endearingly.

"I love you," I whisper, smiling up at him.

"I love you too, not get some rest,"

Early Following Morning

With an eerie light slowly bringing me to I open my eyes to see the candle on the desk flickering from across the room, the windows reflecting it, black void on the other side. It was late, or extremely early. Unwrapping my partially nude body I was out long enough to become stiff, though that never took long so the passage of time was mute to me. Lifting myself off the bed my robe falls to my knees making the cold that had settle in the room a bit more bearable.

Doing my best to stretch I look around for any signs of Adrian only to find a recently placed bottle next to the candle. A Double Bloody Mara. "You're truly a darling," walking over I pull the cork placing the bottle to my lips. It was smooth, a drink made for the living that happened to be flavored with a light amount of blood. Just enough to briefly sate a vampires hunger.

Debating on taking a bath or braving the terrace going down stairs the linger of us still remained on my body, making the choice in hindsight not that difficult. Heading down from loft I'm delighted to see tubs of fresh water already waiting to be warmed next to the tub. "Shame you're not up here we could take one together," unable to stop the grin on my lips I ignite the stove before heading towards the wardrobe. Pulling out my black spider silk lounging robe not bothering with anything else.

Filling up the tub I strip in front of the steaming water, kicking the used robe across the floor, getting it close enough to the hamper. Submerging myself I flip through the assorted scents and soaps I'd been spoiled with. It was something I grew an affinity for early in my affliction. Strong scented products to help cover up the staleness. It took Adrian a time to realize however that even though he didn't mind, I did.

Deciding on the soft mixture of nightshade and water I empty the vial with some soap creating a nice faded purple shade in the water. Closing my eyes I sink deeper gently rubbing the bubbles water across my skin.

"You look refreshed,"

"The eight!" nearly jumping out of the tub I cover my breast, Adrian leaning on the divider, a smirk pulling at his lips.

"Did you get your drink?" he asks, having a hard time keeping his eyes on mine.

"I did, thank you, when did you go out?"

"After you went to sleep, ran to Vevic and got a couple of things, some new aromas to not sure if you noticed. Some High Elf was selling them," motioning over towards the vanity I noticed a light blue vial had been added to the collection.

"Oh I didn't notice, thank you,"

"Feeling better?" Grabbing up my robe from the poorly attempted kick he throws them in the hamper looking back towards me.

"I am, thanks to you," shifting in the tub I cross my arm on the edge resting my chin on it. "Who know how long that spell would have lasted if you hadn't come home,"

"Anytime you need me, you know I'll be there. I'm just excited you'll start cleaning up after yourself,"

"Have I ever done that?"

"A man can dream,"

"So, I'm not the answer of your dreams?" I jab crinkling my nose before rising out of the water.

"Believe me, that isn't true at all," he coos softly, his eyes unable to focus on one point. With a soft laugh he walks towards me as I step onto the mat. Without the time to turn a warmed towel wraps around my shoulder, a gentle kiss placed on my cheek.

"I might have to head out soon though," whispering softly he gently rubs the cloth over my skin, lightly massaging with every pass.

"Why?"

"What we talked about last night, my sister and all," letting the towel fall he grabs the laid out robe draping me in it before placing his hands on my waist, turning my towards him.

"What do you expect me to do?"

"Stay here and rest,"

"You know that isn't going to happen," I reply sharply.

"After last night," he starts.

"It doesn't matter,"

"Alicia,"

"It doesn't matter. What I said last night is still true, I want to, no, I will help you, even if it involves Serana. I'm your partner everywhere, in every aspect, not just here,"

Loosing his grip I can tell as his jaw clinch, contemplating his next move. A true waste of time really, once my mind was set he knew there was no changing it. "There's a ring," he says before a long pause.

"A ring?"

"Well, I think there's a ring," sighing he rubs his hands through he hair before pacing the floor. "Do you know who Nayru Virian is?"

"Of course, she's virtually a legend here,"

"Well apparently her and my sister are a thing, or had a thing, or something. I wasn't even aware Serana was into women honestly,"

Sadly, I did.

"Either way," he continues. "They met up about a year ago on The Gold Coast, the information overall is shifty but every broker I've talked to have said the same thing, they were there to get a ring, my mother's,"

"And what importance is this ring other then being Avierina?"

"You know more then anyone I care little for my family, so this whole thing isn't out of sentiment. The ring was passed down for who knows how long but apparently the crafter of the ring, my distant grandmother or father, was a respect priest of Arkay. The ring was supposedly the embodiment of their power and respect, and had the ability to, in short burst, call forward the powers of Arkay to aid the wearer, as long as they were from the Shadre bloodline,"

"So you want to get this ring because it has power?" I question, still unsure of his motive or why this is even coming up.

"Not only power my dear, the power of Arkay, the power of life and death," rubbing my cheek the excitement that plastered his face was clear, and it was slowly making sense.

"The power to bring the dead," I start.

"Back alive," with a massive smile across his face I understood, the whole reason this was coming up, the project he had been working on and spending so much money on, was me. "I've asked tons of scholars, almost all of them agree, if any divine can do it purely, it's Arkay, and I have the birth right to do it,"

"What's your plan?" I push forward, even with doubt of this pseudo folk story he was telling me. He had my trust, and that was enough.

"The information I received had my sister and Nayru together at the same time a high ranking Dark Brotherhood officer named Calldormo went missing. Calldormo was much more then that however, he was a very wealthy auction goer who was the last known official owner of the ring. However there was a lot of, drama, around the auction,"

"What do you mean?"

"All of this is gossip really but from what I've heard the ring was actually in possession of the Morag Tong, why they had or wanted it I have no idea but they are adamant they never sold it, meaning it was stolen,"

"So you are hunting a heirloom that during the meld somehow got in the hands of Morrowind assassins. Stolen from them. Placed in an auction where a rich Dark Brotherhood assassin won it. Only to be presumed dead after your sister and a famous Tong assassin, who are apparently lovers, show up in the same region he was in?"

"Seeing the connection?" he asks.

"Loosely, but where's the ring now?"

"I can only assume with Serana,"

"Where's she?"

"Apparently she has made quite a name for herself for the Covenant. Gaining both fame and wealth she has bought a house in Wayrest," he shrugs.

"And you think the ring is there?"

"It's the best lead I have," defeat in his tone.

"So, it is in Serana's house, do you know where she'll be?"

"Surprisingly yes, I've got solid information she's on a vacation of sorts, she has been seen in Wayrest many times in the past couple of days,"

"I feel there is something you aren't telling me," walking over to the desk I turn the chair towards him before taking a seat, hanging on his every word.

"This is the part I'm not so sure about," walking past me he leans again the desk. "Since ehe day Calldormo went missing Serana has made many trips to Coast, sometimes staying there for weeks at a time, usually seen walking the roads between the two cities there. Not so great sources have actually placed her in the Brotherhood sanctuary every one of those days,"

"Wait, If Naryu and Serana are lovers there is no way she joined the Dark Brotherhood. I didn't even grow up in this region and I am more then aware of the bad blood between those two factions," I chime in.

"That logic makes the likelihood of her joining that much more. Nayru bailed on her that day and there are no records of them meeting up since, actually there is no evidence Nayru has left Morrowind at all," he sighs rubbing his face, he hadn't slept at all, that much was clear.

"So, your sister had a spat with her lover and joined a cult, can't say I'm surprised but how does that get us the ring?"

"Well if the ring was supposed to be retrieved by Serana and delivered to Naryu I'm certain that delivery never happened, meaning the ring stayed with Serana. Her joining the Dark Brotherhood however might help us with a different venture, due to the fact she very well may be the Listener,"

"Wait, what's a Listener?" I ask, showing my ignorance.

"The highest rank anyone could obtained within the organization, a rank that supposedly is given from the Night Mother herself. Either way we know she works predominantly out of The Gold Coast Sanctuary. Which means if something was to happen there, she would have no choice but to take care of it, something like treason,"

His words peaking my interest I scoot to the edge of the seat, fascinated with the political dance he was painting.

"The Dark Brotherhood has a strict set of rules called the five tenants, it's probably best you don't know how I learned this. If a member of the order happened to break one of these rules there is swift and harsh judgment handed to the individual, if there is evidence of a larger issue, what is known as a purification takes place, a cleansing of any and all possible conspirators who had broken one of the tenants,"

"I've hired someone to play the role of delivering this news to her in Wayrest, added with a crew to kidnap some members. Once she gets to the sanctuary she will have no choice but to act, not saying she will choose purification but either way will buy enough time to properly search her house,"

"So, let me see if I got this," I sigh scratching my head. "You are going to set in motion this elaborate lie that will likely get many individual's killed so you can break into your sisters house to steal a ring that may or may not be there with the hopes it'll cure me,"

"It's a bit more complicated then that," clenching his jaw he shifts his eyes away from me, he was ashamed and it didn't take long for me to figure out why.

"Money, you are getting paid for this,"

"We, are getting paid for this," he rebukes. "I have been in close talks with official from Anvil and honestly, it was too good of a deal to pass up,"

"How much?"

"If official get to enter the sanctuary to find it unoccupied within a weeks' time, one million, and if this plays out the way I'm thinking, it will come with little to no blood on our hands,"

It was a lot of money, something that was always in demand. Added with the ring, I understood his logic, even though it disgusted me. "Is that after everyone is paid?"

"No, but even then, we are looking at about seven-hundred, this is one of the biggest contracts I have ever caught wind of, throw in the chance of getting you cured, it was way to good to pass up,"

"So where will you be?" I ask, doing me best to ignore my conscious objection.

"The Gold Coast do to the logistics I felt it best to be there in person incase anything comes up, I'm responsible for the people I'm hiring and I be damn if I fail them,"

"So, that means I,"

"Will be going to Wayrest," he finishes, a sympathetic look on his face. "Or you can stay here, like I want you to,"

"Like hell that is going to happen," playfully lifting my foot I place it on his chest before he gently kisses it. "I guess we should get ready to head out then,"

"You know," he whispers nudging apart my robe. "We could leave at day break,"

"We could, and as enticing as that is you forget one very important thing my dear. I hate the sun," pushing him back to the desk I fix my robe before standing. "Go get some rest, we both have a long trip ahead of us, and no matter what happens you better be back here, with me, by the end of the week,"

"I wouldn't have it any other way,"

Gardner House, Present.

Opening my eyes to the pale glow of the moon through the window I shake off the stiffness that overcame my body. Securing the cover around me I lift to my feet. All the heat had left me by this point, the frigid floor feeling warm. Letting the blanket fall around me I stretch my hands towards the ceiling, dull pops going up my spine, in my shoulders.

It's something that's learned early on in the affliction process. Stiffness, soreness, and general discomfort that settles in one's muscles forcing a habit of stretching almost constantly.

Relaxing my arms I glance over at the pile of clothes still lying on the floor, clicking my tongue at the thought of putting it back on. Looking around for other options I spot her wardrobe, biting my lip at the thought.

"She used to have a cute style," chiming in the darkness I pull open the doors. Sorting through gowns and dresses of the highest quality, I can tell many had never been worn. "Well, you never lost that,"

Thumbing through the catalog of motifs I look for something equal in comfort and modesty, a combination that in this case, was hard to find. Grabbing a black Imperial style jerkin and matching breeches it was hardly my style but given the circumstances, would suffice.

Curiously pulling the pants past my thighs I'm surprised as they reach less then an inch above my ankle. Growing up I was always quite a bit taller than Serana, though I guess a lot has changed since then.

"I guess it's time to see what I can find," lacing up my boots I examine her vanity for anything that resembles a jewelry box, but nothing is ever that easy. "You were never one for subtlety, there has to be some, somewhere,"

Relying completely on my sight the candles on the floor burned out hours ago making it that much more difficult. Closing auditing the bathing area I move towards the bed, before the wardrobe once again, finding nothing.

Igniting a small flame I carefully use the light to get a better look at the bookcases and surrounding shelves. Aggravation building with each passing minute as I become more annoyed and verbal. Each nook hiding nothing out of the ordinary. Searching the last, notably creepy, mounted head I notice a dim light bleeding through the window, daybreak. Pinching the bridge of my nose I hold back a scream extinguishing the flame.

"Well, at least I've got more time now," heading down the stairs I reach for the door to the courtyard with hopes of overhearing any gossipers that walk the streets. Though the chances were low, a glimpse of hope lingered that the news of the day would no longer be that poor kid.

Stepping out a cool rush of air brushes my face, the morning sun bringing some warmth. Pacing near the massive gate I hear nothing, no words, sleepish yawns or disgruntled groans. Placing my ear against the wood I close my eyes focusing only to hear a blow from a horse feet away, inside the courtyard.

Frozen I cut my eyes towards the stable to see a pure white Imperial steed staring back at me, ear forward as to contemplate walking up towards the stranger in his home. Turning towards him his age becomes apparent, as does the modest marking on his face. Trying to keep my bearings I remain calm not to alert him.

"Hey, Mercale," whispering softly I inch forward, eyeing an oak next to the stone fence. There was no guarantee the horse was Mercale, that he was indeed curious to see me and not annoyed, but I didn't really care to find out.

The gate was locked and was likely too complex for me to pick in a reasonable amount of time. Serana could be in the house, somehow missing me as I walked into the courtyard but she was definitely nearby. With the streets still seemingly quite I place a hand on the bark, it would take little effort to scale the tree, leaping down on the street below before hightailing it out of the city.

Keeping an eye on him a sharp ache rushes through my hand as I grasp the branch. Finding my footing creaking from the door puts a knot in my throat. With each step echoing off the walls I hold my breath as she comes into sight. Her dark brown hair short enough to show the back of her neck. A blue and black jacket hugging her as matching guards do the same, two Imperial daggers at her hip. She hadn't been back long.

Fumbling with a key she unlocks the gate before heading towards the street closing it behind her, her eyes never glancing back towards the stable. Regaining the knowledge of how to breathe I collect myself once again focusing on getting out. Topping the wall before falling onto a dog house I stay out of sight, making sure she passed.

She came home way too early, she seen what happened, she might have even seen my clothes. I got caught, maybe not in the act but now she knows something is up, which is bad enough.

"This is going to be a mess,"