Soft splashing disrupted the nights otherwise completely silent atmosphere. Moonshine reflected itself on the sea's rather calm surface, splattering the black painting with white specks. A soft and unexpectedly pleasant breeze wove through Serana's luscious black locks and grazed her skin with cool fingers. Thankfully her vampirism sheltered her from the Ghoastsea's chill.
Her female companion, on the other hand, shivered slightly in the frosty air.
The elf was leaning against the boat's narrow bow, the coat Serana had given her prior still slung tightly around her shoulders.
Only now did the vampire spot a silver gleam on the queen's ear. Earrings.
She wore earrings.
A small silver nub with an emerald implemented inside sat on the left ear's tip and a purely silver one sat on the ear's lower edge. Hanging in between was a thin, ornamental chain. Said chain wasn't long and did not hang too low, as to not hinder her from fighting.
It was pretty.
And somehow it did fit the elven queen's character. Not too bold, not too elegant and maybe even somewhat daring.
Tearing her gaze away from the sleeping woman Serana observed the view before her once again.
Both of Nirn's moons were up in the air looming over the Vampire's head as she started ahead.
Only that the moons weren't the single thing towering above her and the sleeping elf.
Approximately two hundred meters away a lonely castle stared down at the small boat. Moss clung in the shade of the ancient walls like a straggly beard. The once proud turrets had crumbled in places giving the impression of a disheveled party hat. What was left of the once proud structure stood in spite of itself, defying gravity in its precarious way?
It was obvious whoever now commanded the vampire court cared little for outer appearance and order.
One of the many aspects speaking for her father being the one to greet her as soon as she'd put as much as a foot inside.
Serana felt everything but alone under the castle's gaze. Its mere presence gave Serana the sensation her every move was observed. By whom she didn't know. And to be honest she didn't want to know.
Only the sky of perfect midnight velvet calmed her.
Stars so brilliant she felt she could touch if only she tried reaching out, drew her in. Star after star grasped her view, a never ending void of light that projects no means of guidance unfolding just before her eyes.
Endless, untouchable.
Serana knew whatever would happen her father's taint would never be able to influence the nightly sky. It would forever remain independent, a cluster of hope for any person capable of understanding its beauty.
Powerful yet slow pulls moved the vessel forward and it cut through the water as though there was nothing but air.
Steady swaying, a cool breeze upon her skin and the fleeting sentiment of being everywhere yet nowhere, of being everyone yet none.
For the first time in so long, Serana felt alive.
Her lungs filled with oxygen even though she didn't need it. Keeping her breath for a long second she relished in her feeling.
She let go of it the moment Arya's soft snores ripped her out of her thoughts. Who would've thought an elf of all creatures would allow her such freedom once again.
Especially one from a parallel dimension.
The vampire couldn't believe her luck. Not only had she finally been freed after thousands of years, no she had possibly even found a friend.
A soft smile stretched across her reddish lips.
Friend.
Maybe returning home wouldn't be that bad after all.
As much as she detested Harkon there were certain vampires she had come to like talking to back in her days. Hestla, the blacksmith, as well as Garan Marethi.
Serana remembered pestering the old dark elf for stories when she was but a child. He had never complained and always told of the greatest of adventures.
And he had been the first to find out about her sexuality at the age of sixteen. From then on the adventurous tales of his always featured a heroic pair of females.
Serana's smile largened.
Blood reserves waited inside the castle's dungeons meaning she wouldn't have to restrain herself this much around Arya anymore.
The blood-thirst Serana felt wasn't the usual thirst lesser vampires felt when about to go crazy. It was more of a primitive, animalistic craving for the red, liquid drug. Her entire life she had tried taking as less as possible, never feeling quite alright with feeding off of others. Right now she still had to partially physically restrain herself from jumping onto the elf.
If only they could've stumbled upon some bandits on the way.
They probably would've. If they hadn't flown on a dragon's back.
Serana concentrated on the distance between boat and island.
Approximately one hundred meters.
The castle was coming nearer.
With every other pull off the paddles, Serana's discomfort grew even knowing possible friends were inside the stronghold.
She knew her father would be the one waiting behind the building's doors.
Her mother would've freed her had she had the chance to.
Dread filled the vampire's, dead heart.
Who knew what happened to her mother. They had never had a loving relationship common between mothers and daughters, but she had been Serana's mentor nevertheless. Everything Serana knew about magic, about survival came from her mother.
The only reason the vampire was still walking on this plane was due to her mother's efforts and sacrifice. It was little short of miraculous the older woman had survived Molag Bal's requirements. Even more of a miracle was Serana's relatively unharmed survival.
Fifty meters.
The elf chuckled in her sleep, the sound calming Serana's restlessness.
She wouldn't enter the wolf's den alone this time.
Everything would turn out alright.
"Somehow, it always does," the ancient being thought, throwing one last gaze towards the two moons before they disappeared behind one of the crumbled towers.
This took forever and I'm really sorry for the pathetic result. I had major writer's block with this and only managed to finish it now. In other words, I haven't forgotten about this story, I swear!
