Yes this is still going. College has invaded my life though, so updates are gonna take a little longer.

Astrid laid as still as she could as she waited for the the Night Mother to heed her prayer. Her body was nothing more than an burnt corpse now, holding on only because of her own stubborn pride. Still, she could feel Death pulling at her strongly, wanting to drag her under.

In the distance she could hear Babette and Nazir calling to each other. The unchild was screaming for Nazir to keep pulling. She could hear the groans and creaking on a pulley and then the low thump of something heavy hitting the stone floor. Metal creaked open and Nazir's voice took a calming tone.

Then the sweetest sound reached her ears. Silimari's voice cut through the pain. Her voice was cracked with panic but it was strong. She hadn't been hurt, her beloved sister was alive. Joy swelled in her broken chest, even with the knowledge of what was coming.

Footsteps approached her hiding spot, the flames on her candle wavering when she heard three gasps from the doorway. Astrid couldn't move her head very well, but it didn't matter. Silimari approached her body, bending down and gently lifting her scared head into her lap.

As the two spoke Silimari brushed her cheek softly, the white fur tickling the few nerves that adnit been burned away. The elder had tried to kill her and yet the Khajiit was still so tender to her. It shouldn't give her so much joy.

Silimari didn't cry, her voice didn't waver, and she hardly blinked. Still, though her tears of pain Astrid could see her eyes. The silver blue flames were cold, even with the love and fear she could see in their depths. The girl was trying so hard to hold back whatever she really wanted to say.

With the final request, to have Silimari end her life with the Blade of Woe, the flames fully died. The girl went cold under her, but her eyes didn't leave Astrid's. The hand not cradling Astrid's head reached for the weapon.

The Blade gleamed dully as Silimari pressed it to her chest. Both woman closed their eyes, Astrid gasping as it plunged into her chest. Her life bleed out into the others hand, and she felt the snow white Khajiit pulled her closer.

Astrid was welcomed into the void with the sounds of Silimari's heartbeat echoing in her ears.