A Tale of Dragons: Tanz do Iiz ahrk Yol

Chapter: 11

A glimpse of the past

I was raised to follow and obey my parents' rules, to follow them without question, to do as they say when they say it. I was taught to have manners, to have respect for my elders, always let the men speak first, always smile when looked upon, be polite, don't speak your mind and don't embarrass your parents. I was raised to be a pawn in their search for power, for riches and respect. Even though my mother was the more kind of the two, she too was in the game, the game of power.

In the start, I didn't know I had any other options, so I followed their lead and did as they said, I was a pawn. I was supposed to be married away to a lord or maybe a Jarl, a royal nonetheless. I would be used so that my parents would have more soldiers, more gold and land. To be sold to the highest bidder, my happiness didn't matter to them, obviously. They were happy to give their only child away for their own hunger for power.

For centuries I obeyed the rules, I didn't open my mouth when I didn't agree on their plans, I simply kept my thoughts to myself. Humans were worthless, their politics were jokes in the eyes of my parents. I was to look down on the mortals, the were only good for one thing, to feed us. I was told of the savage beasts that follows the moon, werewolves. I was told they were mindless beasts, their only purpose was that they were good guard dogs to their vampire masters. It wasn't rare that a vampire had a werewolf as a slave, as a bodyguard. In fact, my father used a couple of wolves when he was traveling to the mainland to do business.

My point is that most of the things they told me was nothing but lies, what the world was like and the people in it. I was raised by a lie, a fantasy of what my father thought the world should be like. Centuries were taken from me, I have lost so much time, but now, now it finally feels like I'm getting it back. In the last few weeks I have seen more than I have in over four-thousand years, I've met more people, experienced things I didn't think possible, felt things I didn't know could be felt. I've been dead for so long, I had forgotten how it felt to live, to breathe, so see the beauty in this world.

For the first time in my life, I feel alive, I feel loved, respected, cared for. And it was all because of one mortal's curiosity, because of Khara, The White Wolf, my wolf.

They had been riding for a few hours now and had just arrived at the stables just outside of Markarth. Right from the beginning, Serana could sense that there was something about this city, something that felt wrong.

They got off their horses and paid the stablemaster. Khara saw that Serana's eyes were locked on the city. "You alright there?" Khara asked as she walked closer.

Serana turned her head towards Khara while still keeping her eyes on the city, she then looked at Khara. "I'm not sure, I got this strange feeling about the city." She said before looking back at the stone walls.

Khara nodded while she stood beside Serana as she too looked at the city. "It's a strange place alright. I haven't been much here, but if you think the city is odd…" Khara said as turned her head to look at the vampire. "Just wait till you meet the people." Khara took a step forward and gestured for Serana to follow.

They walked up to the gate where the guards opened the gates for them. "Keep your noses clean while in Markarth strangers." A guard said as they walked past him. They entered the city and their eyes roamed the streets as they walked further into the city.

It is an incredible city, it really is. It's unique and beautiful in its own way. Shops, houses and other buildings were carved out of the mountains. Moss and other plants covered the town, giving it an even more interesting look, there was even this little stream flowing through the city.

They were in the market area of the town. A few stalls could be seen from where they stood, as well as a few people. Khara hadn't been much in this city, she didn't know much about anyone here really. The Jarl seemed fair, but the people who dwelled within the city, well some of them seemed like they were carrying something dark.

"I guess we should start looking at the inn." Khara said as she turned around to look at Serana.

"Yeah, we need to get you some food as well." Serana said with a small smile, they had been riding for a few hours and she knew that Khara was hungry, she could sense it.

"Yes boss." Khara said with a grin. "Maybe, if there isn't too many-."

"The Reach belongs to the Forsworn!" A man yelled with anger in his voice as he drew a dagger and was about to stab an orc. The orc turned around with wide eyes, he reached for his axe as he took a step back, but he was too slow.

Serana moved fast and grabbed the man by his cloak and pulled him away from his target. As the man stumbled back, Khara kicked him in the leg so that he lost balance. As he fell to the ground, Serana drew her dagger and in the second the man hit the ground, her dagger met his heart. It was the right cause of action, if anyone else could see the fury in the man's eyes, they too would have done the same.

Serana pulled out her dagger as she looked up to Khara. They shared a quick look before the orc approached them. Serana stood up and put the dagger away as she and Khara looked at him.

"By Malacath." He mumbled as he stopped in front of them, eyes stuck on the corpse at his feet. He placed his hands on his belt as he inhaled deeply. He raised his eyes as he looked at the two women. "You two saved my life!" He said with a light chuckle.

Orcs are strong, tall and fierce. The one that stood in front of them were no exception, he was tall and was well built. He had a mohawk and strangely enough, no war paint on his face. His teeth and tusks were white and sharp, he was young too, maybe a year or two younger than Khara.

"You have good timing too, one more second and I'd be the one laying on the ground." He said as he poked the corpse with his foot. He looked back at the two and spoke once more. "I don't think I've seen you in the city before, you new around here?" He said as they had to move back as the guards made to move the body.

"Aye, that we are." Khara said as she looked at the guards who was carrying the body away from the streets. "Actually, maybe you could help us with something, if you don't mind that is." She asked hopefully. "We're looking for something within the Reach."

The orc's eyes lit up. "Really now, well I know these lands. I'm with the Stronghold to the north of here, Mor Khazgur." He said as he turned his body to Khara.

"That's good." Khara said as her eyes widened a little bit. "We're looking for a cave, not a lot of people know about it, it's old and hidden. That's all we know about it." Khara said with an apologetic look, she knew it wasn't a lot of information to go on.

The orc though about it for a moment before speaking. "I'm not allowed to share information with strangers, but I can bring you to the stronghold where you can talk to my chieftain, Larak." The orc said as he watched and waited for Khara's answer.

Khara narrowed her eyes at the orc. "And he will just allow us to enter his stronghold? Isn't there something we must do in order to be allowed inside?" Khara asked.

The orc nodded. "Once inside you will be challenged by Larak. It's a ritual, all outsider must prove their strength. But from what you two just did, I don't think that will be too difficult." He said with a small smile.

Khara smiled as she nodded. "Alright then, what's your name?" She asked as she turned her body towards him.

He straightened up as he brought his arm up to his chest and slammed it over his hearth. "I am Orgrim." He said proudly. He then looked at Serana and Khara.

Khara smiled as she reached her hand out. Orgrim looked at it before accepting. "I am Khara." She said. Orgrim smiled too as he looked to Serana, then shook her hand as well.

"Serana, pleased to meet you." She said as she shook his hand. He smiled as he took a step back and looked at the two.

"Now then, with that out of the way. I need to talk with the local butcher and then have a few words with the Jarl. How about I meet you two at the inn in, say four hours?" He said as he looked at the inn's entrance. Both women nodded in agreement. "Alright, I'll see you two soon then." He said as he walked over to where he stood before and grabbed a bag. He then disappeared as he walked further up one of the streets.

Khara and Serana entered the inn and saw that is was quite crowded. Serana ordered some food as well as a room in order to have some privacy. They weren't going to sleep or anything, but due to all the people in the inn, is was near impossible to hear what they were saying to each other.

They entered their room, it had a double bed and a table with a bench. Serana placed the plate of food on the table and sat down while Khara got out of her armor, the damn thing was heavy and it felt wonderful to get it off whenever she had the chance. Khara moved and sat down next to Serana as was handed a bowl of horker stew.

Khara's eyes lit up as she accepted the bowl, she didn't know what Serana had ordered. "Your favorite, right?" Serana said amused by the look of her wolf's face before looking down at her dagger and started cleaning it with a rag.

Khara smiled as she leaned over and placed a sweet kiss on Serana's cheek, before moving her lips to Serana's ear. "You're the absolute best." She said in a low voice as she placed one more kiss under her ear. The wolf then rested her head on Serana's shoulder.

Serana grinned as she put her dagger on the table. "Eat your food." She said amused. Khara hummed as she inhaled through her nose, sweet lavender. She then placed her bowl back at the table and moved a hand to hold Serana's head in place while she attacked the woman's face with her lips. Serana laughed as Khara kissed her cheek, jaw neck before gently biting her earlobe. Khara chuckled as she slowed down with her assault, she then leaned back grabbed her bowl again.

As they sat and ate in silence, Khara's mind had the wonderful idea to travel back a few years, much to the wolf's displeasure.


-Two years ago

Khara lowered her blade as she took a step back, she was breathing heavily and she was exhausted. She swallowed as she closed her eyes, demanding her heart to slow down.

"This was a mighty deed! The doom of Alduin encompassed at last, and cleansed is Sovngarde of his evil snare." Tsun praised as he approached Khara. "They will sing this of this battle in Shor's hall forever."

The other heroes of old cheered together. "All hail the Dragonborn!" They roared.

"You have done what many thought to be impossible, Khara. When you are ready to rejoin the living, just bid me so, and I will send you back." Tsun said as he smiled down at the woman.

Khara smiled as she used her hand to remove the sweat from her forehead. "I'm ready, Tsun, send me back." She said as took one last look at the beauty of this place.

"Very well. When you have completed your count of days, I may welcome you again, with glad friendship, and bid you join the blessed feasting." He said as he looked in blue eyes. "Return now to Nirn, and know that Shor is proud of you, we all are." He said with a warm smile before inhaling. "NAHL DAAL VUS!" He shouted and Khara's vision turned completely white, she could not see a thing.


Music blasted through the dining hall as people sang and cheered. A bard jumped on a table and started to sing. The Jarl had allowed everyone in the city to feast in the keep this day.

The evil is gone
So, let life live on
We'll drink and we'll cheer for the hero we know
She did as foretold, and slayed the old dovh
She has released us from harm
Yes, that's what she has done

With a heart made of steel and fiery soul
She shouted the evil out of his storm
So come on now lads!
Sing along!

More bards and other people jumped up on other tables and sang along with the bard.

Our hero, our hero
Claims a warrior's heart
I told ye', I told ye'
That the hero would come!

With the Voice welding power
Of the ancient Nord art
I believed, I believed
That the hero would come!

It's an end to the evil
Of all Skyrim's foes
I was aware, I was aware
That the hero would come!

For the darkness has passed
And the legend still grows
We know, we know
The Dragonborn's come!

People threw their mugs in the air, roared and cheered as they clapped to the music. Everyone was celebrating and, why wouldn't they? Only a few months ago, they all thought that the end was near, that the world they knew would be devoured by the World Eater. And now, it wasn't. The Dragonborn had defeated the great evil and saved all life on Nirn, they were going to celebrate for hours upon hours, if not days because of this. Finally, a future could be seen again, and people sure was happy to see it.

Khara was sitting in a corner with her hood and mask up, she never was one for huge gatherings and such. She was wearing some different armor than what she normally wears in hopes that no one will know who she is. After a drink, she walks outside to the porch and moved over to the edge where she admires the view in peace. She removed her mask and hood and inhaled deeply.

"I find it a bit strange that the guest of honor is not celebrating with the rest of us." A smooth female voice said.

Khara turned her head and looked at the woman who was making her way over to Khara. The woman was quite pleasing to the wolf's eyes if we're being honest. The woman was wearing a simple dark shirt with leather trousers, normal leather boots and a belt. She was tall and well built. Her hair was blond and long, it fell over the woman's shoulders, she was quite pleasing to the eyes indeed.

"Why are you hiding out here?" The woman asked as she put her arms behind her back and leaned against the stone edge as she looked at Khara.

Khara watched the woman for a second before looking back at the scenery. "I was never one for big gatherings and such, too many people if you ask me." Khara said. The people in that keep don't even know my name.

"I get that, must be annoying that there is so many people down there celebrating you when they don't even know who you really are." The woman said as she looked back at the doors to the keep.

Khara eyes the woman in the corner of her eye, what she had basically taken the words out of Khara's mind. "Exactly!" Khara praised with a small smile. "I bet you that only a handful of people here knows my name." Khara said with a small chuckle.

The woman let out a little chuckle of her own before speaking. "Well, care to let one more know it?" The woman asked, her voice a little lower this time.

Khara turned her head to look at her, the woman rose an eyebrow as Khara made her decision. She gave a small nod as she raised her hand towards the woman. The woman grinned as she grabbed the offered hand. "I'm Khara." She said as she looked into green eyes.

The woman lowered her head a little while still looking Khara straight in the eyes, her grin widening the tiniest bit. "Pleasure to meet you, Khara." The woman said, as if testing to see how the name felt rolling on her tongue. "I'm Lyria." The woman said as their hands shook.

"What brings you out here then, Lyria. You're not enjoying the party?" Khara asked as she turned around and used her arms to hoist herself up in the stone fence.

Lyria looked back at the doors as she tilted her head. "I'm not really a huge fan of people in general, they make too much noise." She said as she turned her head back to Khara. "And most of them smell horrible." She said as she made a disgusted face, making Khara snort.

"You're right about that." Khara said amused. "What brings you to Whiterun then? I don't think I've seen you here before." Khara asked, she always remembers a face, always.

Lyria sighed as she titled her head back to look at the stars in the skies above them. "My parents died by a bandit raid while I was in town running some errands. They took everything and burned the whole house down." She explained. "So, I had nothing or no one anymore, I decided to come to Skyrim. I've always read about it in books and such. I've always wanted to explore the land, it's beautiful here, cold, but beautiful." She said with a smile.

"Like what you've seen soon far?" Khara asked as looked up to the skies.

Lyria smirked before answering. "Very much."

They continued to talk for hours about everything really. Lyria was really easy to talk too and she said things as she saw them. It was refreshing to have someone speak their mind for once.


-Four months later

Those hours on the porch with Lyria was one of the funniest nights Khara's had for a long time. As days turned into weeks, Khara would come back to Whiterun and run into Lyria quite often, they would have a meal and some drinks at the tavern and share tales of their adventures. Their friendship grew strong as time went on, and even thought Khara was unsure if Lyria would stick around or not, the woman kept being there when Khara showed up.

They got close, they were good friends. Lyria even helped Khara one time with clearing a bandit camp, they both used their bows and killed all the bandits before they even realized that they were under attack.

On one evening at the tavern they were sharing a meal while listening to a bard sing, when Lyria offered Khara something. "I've been wanting to ask you something for a little while now." She said as she searched her pocket for something. She pulled out a piece of paper from a pouch and placed it on the table in front of Khara. Khara leaned over the table and looked at the paper as Lyria moved over to sit next to Khara. "There is a legend that inside this old crypt-." Lyria pointed on the map. "That there is an old enchanted ring inside that can turn the wielder into a ghost, the can't be seen, felt, smelled or heard." She explained.

Khara let out a low whistle. "That sure sounds interesting, it's quite the legend, if it's true then it must be one of the most incredible enchantments in existence." Khara said as she looked at the notes on the paper.

Lyria nodded as he rested her arm on Khara's shoulder as she leaned closer. "Yeah, I know, right? I've spent weeks trying to find its location, but that right here-" She nodded to the map. "If it really does exist, that's where it'll be." Lyria said with a smile.

Khara looked at Lyria, who was really close to her now, and asked. "So, what did you want to ask then?" She said amused, she already knew.

Lyria rolled her eyes before looking deeply into Khara's eyes. "I was wondering if you wanted to accompany me there." She said in a low voice as Khara's eyes turned back to the map. "I'd be nice to an extra pair of eyes with me. And besides, rumors say that you know how to handle that." She said with a lower voice as she poked Khara's sword with her index finger.

Khara could help but feel the warmth of having Lyria so close to her, she could even smell the woman's scent and it only made her heart beat a little bit faster than normal. She nodded when she saw that Lyria was looking at her with hopeful eyes. "Alright, alright." She said with a smile. "When do you want to leave and find this ring of legend." She asked as she turned to look at the woman next to her.

"Tomorrow?" Lyria dragged out the word, hoping it would be okey for Khara.

"Sure, I got nothing planned." She said with a grin.

As they continued to talk and plan their little journey, Lyria kept her arm on Khara's shoulder. After a little time, Khara almost forgot that is was there, until it moved of course. Lyria leaned closer to Khara's ear and whispered. "That man over there have been watching you for a while now." Her voice was low.

Khara raised her eyes and looked at the man before lowering her gaze again. "Too bad for him, he's only wasting his time." She responded with a small grin.

Lyria tilted her head a little as her eyes shamelessly roamed the man's body. "Well, he certainly isn't the worst looking man in this place." Lyria turned her gaze to see Khara's reaction.

Khara narrowed her brows as she spoke. "I'm not interested." She simply said.

Lyria smirked. "No? Not what you prefer?" She asked, something about her voice demanded Khara to answer her.

Khara snorted. "You could say that."

Lyria smirked as she turned her attention back to the map, there was still so much they would have to talk about before heading out.


-Six months later

"Thank you again for letting me come with you, I love the view from here." Lyria said happily as she stretched out her arms, closed her eyes and inhaled deeply.

"It's no problem, I'm just sorry that the Jarl is having a party, but it was nice of him to let us be here." Khara said with a smile as they walked over to the edge of the porch. Lyria turned around and looked at Dragonsreach as she leaned back against the stone fence. It was dark and the guards hadn't lit the touches on the porch yet, mainly because of the guest the Jarl had in his keep. Many royals and other important people were here today.

"Well thanks, it means a lot." Lyria said as she moved over to where Khara leaned against the fence and placed an arm over the woman.

Khara kept her eyes on the keep as she shrugged her shoulders while smiling. "Now what kind of friend would I be if I didn't get you here on your birthday." Khara said with a soft voice.

Lyria beamed at her and placed a quick kiss on Khara's cheek. Khara's eyes widened at the gesture, for the last weeks now, Lyria had been touchier of late, her hands would linger a little while longer than normal whenever she touched Khara, she would even kiss the woman's cheek every now and then, as she just did. And Khara had to be honest with herself, it felt good.

As Khara got lost in her thoughts, she almost didn't notice that a man, a royal by the looks of it, came into view. He was carrying his daughter in his arms, speaking to her with a soft voice. Khara had to smile at the image, it was quite adoring to see a man act so sweet to his child, not many would do so in a place like this, where others could see.

Khara noticed that Lyria's arm was no longer on her, she turned her head while still smiling. "Lyria?" She asked. Where did she go? Khara turned her gaze back to the man who was still talking to his daughter, he must have senses her eyes on him because he rose his gaze and med Khara's eyes. He smiled politely to her as he turned her head to Khara's side. The man's eyes widened as he took a step back.

Khara narrowed her eyes as she took a step forward and turned around. What the? "What in Oblivion are you doing, Lyria?" She asked unsure of what to tell the woman. Lyria was standing a few feet to her side, on top of the fence with a bow in her hands, she was aiming at the man. Khara moved to the side to stand in the way, so that Lyria could shoot the man, he was holding his daughter, an arrow would harm the child, if not kill her.

"Damnit, Khara. Get out of my way." Lyria commanded with a growl. Khara's eyes widened, she had never heard that voice before. Lyria's eyes would not meet hers, they were stuck on the man and his daughter. "I don't want to harm you." She said with anger.

"What are you doing!" Khara yelled, shocked. What the fuck was Lyria doing? And why was her voice different? She didn't even recognize the woman's eyes anymore, they were still green, but they were cold as ice.

"Damnit…" Lyria said as she met Khara's eyes. "I said move." She said with a cold voice as she let her grip on her arrow loosen, letting the arrow fly. It flew past Khara's throat, giving her a little cut before continuing its journey towards the man, towards the little girl. Khara's hand shot up to her cut as she almost couldn't believe what had just happened. She just stood there in shock.

Lyria threw the bow away as she looked behind her, down the drop, before looking back at Khara. She smirked as she spoke. "I again, want to thank you for making this possible, dear." She said with a cold, yet smooth voice as she looked beyond Khara. "Shame the girl had to be in the way." Lyria said as she moved to stand on the very edge of the fence.

Khara was struggling to speak. "You used me." She said in a low, hurt tone. "Your name isn't even Lyria, is it? She said as she was fighting to keep the tears away.

"I needed to complete a contract, and you helped me do it." The woman said with a wicked grin. "I'm sure we'll meet again, Khara." She said as she jumped of the edge, leaving Khara alone.

Khara's lips were trembling, her head felt heavy and hollow, her thoughts full of disappointment, anger and annoyance. She turned around to see the father lying on his back with his daughter still in his arms. A huge pile of blood was forming around him from the arrow that impaled them both. Khara was struggling to stand as it felt like her mind was falling into chaos. I trusted her.


-Present

"Are you alright, Khara?" The voice made Khara blink her eyes in order to see clearly again. Khara turned her head and looked at Serana, who was watching her with worry in her eyes.

Khara cleared her throat before speaking. "I'm f-fine." Her voice trembled as she spoke, damnit. Khara turned her gaze away from Serana, she didn't want Serana to see her like this.

Serana's eyes widened a little as she moved closer to Khara, she placed one hand on her wolf's shoulder as she moved the other to Khara's cheek, forcing the wolf to look at her. Their eyes met and Serana could see the tears in the wolf's eyes. "Tell me, please." Serana pleaded as she used her thumb to caress the wolf's cheek.

"It was just a bad memory is all, I don't want to bother you with that." Khara said with a weak voice, damn, why was this so hard to talk about?

"It's clearly bothering you..." Serana said as she used her other hand to wipe away the tears rolling down those smooth, warm cheeks.

Khara sighed as she let her gaze fall. "My mind thought that now would be a good time to remind me to what happened the last time I let my guard down with someone." Khara said, scared that Serana would misunderstand her words, so the continued. "Please don't be mad, I'm…I'm not that good with words." Khara said as she furrowed her brows, she didn't want to make this sound wrong. "I love you and I trust you, and I know that you won't betray that, that you won't betray me." Khara explained. "But this damn memory is making it hard to ignore the idea of you or someone betraying me again." Khara lowered her head and closed her eyes. "I just can't stop that damn thought to make its way into my mind, I'm sorry." She said with a low, trembling voice.

"That's not your fault." Serana said as she moved to kiss Khara's head. Khara moved her head to look at Serana. The woman moved their foreheads together as their eyes lock. "If I ever meet the person that did this to you…" Serana's eyes changed. "I swear I'll make them regret it." She said as she kissed Khara on her forehead again before pulling Khara into a tight embrace. "Who did this to you, what was their name." Serana whispered.

"Astrid." Was all Khara said as she only focused on Serana. She could hear her wolf aspect growl at the mention on the name. My teeth to her neck, the wolf aspect said with anger as it paced back and forth in Khara's mind.

Serana kissed her wolf's neck before speaking. "Let's lay on the bed, there is still a few hours till Orgrim gets here." Khara nodded and rose before following Serana to the bed.

Serana laid down and Khara moved to straddle Serana's waist as she looked down on the woman. She smiled a small smile as she bent down and kissed the woman full on the lips as Serana held her in place. "You're so..." She mumbled against cool lips as she felt Serana smile into the kiss. "The day I walked into Dimhollow is the best damn day of my life." She mumbled as she continued to kiss Serana deeply.

"Stop now, before you make me cry." Serana mumbled amused as she kissed her wolf back.

Khara hummed as she moved her lips to the woman's cheek, then her ear. "I won't ever stop. You're everything to me, Serana." Khara whispered. The need to be close to Serana was only getting stronger for every passing day. Khara wanted more, craved it. She wanted to make Serana feel how she made Khara feel. The lightest of touches made Khara's body crave more. The moment their eyes met, she needed to get closer. I want more, Khara said in her mind. Geh? A deep voice within her answered.

Serana reclaimed her wolf's lips and she couldn't help but smile into the kiss. As their kiss turned longer and deeper, Serana could feel the air around them turn warmer. She opened her eyes and could see a ling around them, her eyes widened as she broke the kiss. There was this light blue aura around them, it was faint, bit it was there. "Khara?" She whispered, what was this? And why did Serana feel so warm? She could feel the heat radiating from Khara, but this warmth came from within herself.

Khara opened her eyes and looked at Serana. Khara felt something different, she felt different. Her heart was razing, but she didn't find it any harder to breathe and she could feel this electric feeling travel through her body, pulsing through her in waves. She let her eyes move and she too saw the aura surrounding them. Khara's mind went blank as she felt the presence of fire within her increase. She moved back to sit on Serana's lap as the feeling within her increased.

Serana moved to sit as well as she turned her gaze back to Khara, whose eyes were now a bright blue and glowing and her wolf's brows were furrowed.

Khara felt this urge to speak, but she had nothing to say. Zu'u fen tinvaak, goraan gein. A deep voice from within her spoke. Nii los tiid, it said. Khara let out a breath as her eyes found Serana's. "Voth hi zu'u fen ofan daar gron." She said as she held Serana's eyes. What's happening? Khara thought confused. These weren't her own words.

The blue aura turns brighter as some purple joined it, it almost looked like that light that stormed to Khara when she had slain that dragon back at Ivarstead.

Serana's eyes widened as it made its way towards them, it surrounded them tighter. Serana's jaw tightened as leaned closer to Khara. "What are you saying?" She said in a low voice.

Khara's hands found Serana's sides and pulled the woman into a tight embrace. She moved one hand up to Serana's neck where it caressed the skin, trying to calm her down. "Fah do hi, dii yolos los mul." Khara whispered, she couldn't control herself, the words were forced out of her.

Serana closed her eyes as she marveled in her wolf's warmth, she could feel the aura now, and it made her feel even warmer. Khara's words echoed in her mind and her eyes shot open when she understood them. Because of you, my flame is stronger, is what her wolf had light of the aura came closer to her and roamed her body, before stopping with its movements.

"And I wish to give a part of it to you, if you accept." Khara said. Serana didn't know if Khara was still speaking in the dragon language or not, but she understood it perfectly.

It made sense now. Khara's eyes were glowing that bright blue because her dragon aspect was showing itself to her, it was offering something to her, something very personal. Was this something dragons did? Or was it only Khara who could do it.

"Do you?" Khara asked with a soft voice as her lips brushed against cool skin.

Do I? Serana asked herself. There weren't many things she wanted in life, but she was positive that being closer to her wolf was something she wanted very much. At times Serana finds herself wanting to give Khara something as well, for example, her blood. Turning someone could was incredible intimate for a vampire, and Serana would be lying if she said she didn't want to turn Khara. The idea of doing the blood bond with her wolf was extremely tempting. So, when her wolf offered her something that will bring them even closer together, she had to accept.

"Yes." Serana whispered as she moved her hands down to Khara's tights before pulling her wolf closer. She closed her eyes and inhaled her wolf's scent.

Khara smirked before pulling a bit back so that she could capture Serana's lips, her hand moved to the woman cheek as the aura around them turned brighter. It flowed into Serana and theirs lips stopped moving as a new feeling entered the both of them.

Serana's eyes shot open as voices entered her mind. Images were in front of her, visions even. She was seeing Khara's memories.

Hold! You are under arrest! Images of Helgen were showing. She goes to the block. Blood, bodies, corpses, death. Buildings burning, people screaming. Something was in the skies above. Afraid, she feels afraid, scared, small and helpless. I am Alduin! I will have your soul, Khara. Riverwood, the blacksmith. Move to Whiterun, have to go to Whiterun. The city is closed. Dragonsreach, the Jarl. Go to the watchtower. More death, more corpses and smoke. A dragon. I am Mirmulnir! Hear my voice and fear me! The dragon lies die on the ground before her. The aura comes, it hurts. You are Dovahkiin.

Serana's eyes were forced shut as the memories were becoming too much, it was overwhelming. Her grip on Khara weakened as the images continued.

Use the shout if you know it, Dovahkiin! Paarthurnax, Alduin. A difficult fight. This is humiliating. Odahviing, trapped. A temple with a portal. Sovngarde. Alduin. I am eternal! I cannot end! Alduin's fall, his death.

The images entered Serana's mind at an incredible speed. It felt like chaos as she could see hundreds of images.

The way they walk, what they're wearing. It's a dead give-away. The voice echoed in her mind. Riften, the Guild. A old man, Mercer. Looks like this place will be your final resting place. More pain, a sword to the stomach. Dwemer ruins, two friends. It's over Mercer. A fight, an escape, a celebration. Cheers lads! To the new Guild Master!

The images faded as a warm feeling entered Serana.

You summoned me, my Jarl? Morthal, the Jarl needed her help. Go to the mountains, to a cave there. A puzzle, a pain in my hand, blood. The ground shook. A woman, Serana.

It was odd to see herself from Khara's view. She could feel something, but it was Khara's feelings, her opinions and how she saw it all. Serana's breath hitched as she felt incredible warm, happy, content, wanted, cared for, loved. This was what Khara felt for Serana, and it felt amazing. She moved her head so that she rested her forehead against Khara's. Their eyes met and something was different.

"Was that okey?" Khara asked unsure, she had never done that before, she didn't even know that she could do it. It was rare that her dragon aspect would wake and speak with her. She was worried of what had just happened. She saw some images of her past and felt old feelings, did Serana see it too? She must have, something was different in those orange eyes.

Serana looked into blue eyes, the glow was gone now, the eyes she loved so much were back normal. Was that okey? It was beyond okey. Khara had shared her feelings, her past, her memories and opinions with her, just now. She had opened up to Serana, the amount of trust needed to do something like that, Serana felt proud of her wolf. She moved a hand up to stroke Khara's cheek as she smiled at the woman. She moved and pressed her lips against her wolf's, she could answer with words, but she knew that he wolf would understand this answer.

Khara hummed happily as her arms around Serana tightened. "I wish we had more time." Khara mumbled against Serana's lips.

Serana smiled into the kiss as she understood what her wolf wanted. Orgrim would probably be here soon so, they would have to leave their little bubble in a few moments, but till that time came they would just enjoy the other's embrace.


"Do you travel to Markarth often, Orgrim?" Khara asked as they walked up a path, they had been walking for a little while now. They left their horses back at Markarth due to the narrow and steep road they had to use to get to the stronghold.

Orgrim turned his head and smiled as they walked. "That I do, we have a few hunters back home, but I'm the one who sells the pelts and such to the traders in the city." He said as he looked ahead, he could see now see Mor Khazgur. "Let me do the talking to Larak, he can be…Aggressive to strangers." He said.

"Alright." Khara answered. She turned her head to look at Serana and she had to smile. Just having Serana with her felt good to the wolf. As she looked at her lover she wanted to let Serana know how she made her feel, she felt a tingle in her chest.

Serana felt this warm feeling in her chest, this happy feeling, a tingle. "I know you're looking at me." She whispered with a smile without turning her head to look at Khara.

Khara let out a low laugh. "How?" She asked.

Serana turned her head and looked at Khara. "I can feel it." She said with a grin. She turned her head back to watch where she was going, the terrain was quite hard to walk on.

Khara narrowed her eyes. "Yeah?" Khara wondered if she could make Serana feel other feelings too. She slowed down a little so that she was directly behind Serana. Her eyes roamed the woman's back before falling to her leather covered ass. The sway of her hips, the way her legs moved. The wolf let her thought go wild as her eyes were stuck on her woman. She felt warm and excited and that warmth fell down to between her legs. She then focused on that tingle in her chest, hoping that Serana would feel what's she's feeling.

Serana's eyes widened as she felt that same tingle, but this time it wasn't in her chest, it was lower. Serana stopped as she spun around to look at Khara, with wide eyes and her mouth hang a little open.

Khara stopped, let her arms go behind her back as she sucked in her lips in order not to laugh at Serana's flustered face.

Serana smirked and flashed her teeth. In the second she showed her fangs, that smile on Khara's face disappeared. The wolf swallowed as her eyes were stuck on Serana's fangs. Serana walked back, closer to Khara, leaned close to her wolf as she placed a hand on her chest and whispered. "I'll always win, Khara. And I will make you pay for that." She whispered in her most seductive voice.

Khara whimpered as Serana moved away from her. The wolf found out that what she just did was a very bad idea. She did get an idea of how this, soul-bound-share-thingy worked though. It made it so that Khara could share her emotions, feelings and memories if she concentrated enough, that is at least how she had just done it. A little talk with Odahviing in the near future would be wise. She didn't think that it worked both ways though, because she was the one who gave something away. She gave Serana a piece of herself, maybe it could work both ways? Perhaps, all these questions made Khara tempted to summon her brother, but they were a few feet away from the stronghold now. Meeting up with a dragon might now be the best of ideas.

Khara ran up to Serana and they walked up to Orgrim who was waiting for them at the gates. He smiled at them as they got closer. "Right. Just stay behind me and I'll introduce you to the chieftain." He said.

Both women nodded and followed the orc through the gates. They walked up to the longhouse and could see an orc sitting in a chair in front of it. The orc, who must be Larak, spotted them and rose from his seat. Other orcs also looked at them, but let their chieftain handle it.

Orgrim walked straight up to him, only stopped a few feet in front of Larak. Larak looked past Orgrim and looked at the two women before turning his gaze back to the orc in front of him. "You better have a good excuse to bring outsiders within the stronghold, Orgrim. You know the rules." Larak said with his deep, dominant voice.

Orgrim bowed his head in respect before speaking. "These two saved my life in the city, I was about to be stabbed by a forsworn when they entered. They didn't know me, and still they held me, a complete stranger. Because of that, I offered my help to them." Orgrim said, his voice held an even tone as he spoke.

"And what would that be?" Larak asked.

"They're looking for a cave, I think I know of the one they seek, but I know I'm not allowed to share that information with outsiders." Orgrim explained.

"So, you brought them to me." Larak said as he walked past Orgrim to get a better view of the two standing behind the orc. "I take it you had the challenge in mind?" He asked his fellow orc as his eyes were stuck on the females.

"Yes." Orgrim said as he turned his body around.

Larak nodded as he approached the two. "You can only get, in this case, information by becoming a blood-kin to the stronghold. You become one by fighting a chieftain and winning or lasting for five minutes within the circle." Larak explained as he pointed to a medium sized circle on the found a few feet to their right. It was marked with stones.

"Okey, and the rules are?" Khara asked.

"No magic, no weapons, no armor, just yourself and your opponent." Larak said. "Everything else is allowed, but if you somehow end outside of the circle, you lose." He said as he crossed his arms. Khara nodded as she looked over at the circle.

"Would the both of us need to do this, or just one?" Serana asked.

Larak looked at her. "Just one." He said with a nod. "If you wish to take the challenge, then you're welcomed to stay here till it starts. It will be held at dusk." He said as he looked at the two.

"We'll take the challenge." Khara said with a polite smile.

Larak nodded. "Very well, talk to Orgrim if there is anything." And with that, Larak returned to sit next to the longhouse.

Khara watch around them, seeing if anyone was watching them, before walking closer to Serana. She put her hands on her belt and leaned closer to the woman. "As much as I want to fight, I sort of want to see how you move around without your spells and dagger." Khara said as she looked at Serana's face.

Serana smirked before locking her eyes with her wolf's. "Yeah?" She whispered. "I think it might be the best idea since I heal faster than you, plus you won't have to get out of your armor." Serana said as her eyes fell down Khara's body.

Khara nodded as she inhaled her scent. "You're also stronger." She said.

Serana smiled. "I'm also frustrated from earlier, it will feel good to just let it out. Even though I would rather do it in another way and with someone else." She said as she winked at her wolf, who blushed at her words.

"I'm sorry about that." Khara mumbled as her gaze fell to the ground.

Serana laughed as she walked over to Orgrim. "No, you're not." She said.

Khara felt her lips turn into a small smite at her words. No, I'm not.

They walked over to the orc and asked him a few questions about the fight and so. Larak might not be the biggest orc, but he is strong and extremely fast and agile. Serana's vampire reflected will come in handy here as will her strength, if they're lucky, Larak will underestimate her greatly.

"There is still a few hours till dusk." He said as his eyes roamed the skies. "How about some food or something to drink? Or both?" He asked.

Khara and Serana let out a little laugh as they accepted his offer. The walked over to his hut and sat down as the orc prepared them something to eat. Throughout the whole time they sat at his hut, Khara and Serana would share these little glances, something felt different between them, and by all that is divine, it felt incredibly good.

Serana's eyes followed the setting sun as they sat at the hut, her eyes marveled at the beautiful color that took over the skies. She looked back at her wolf, who was in a very interesting conversation with Orgrim about crafting and working the forge. Serana smiled at the amount of energy Khara had when she talked about something she had a lot of knowledge about. Orgrim too looked like he enjoyed himself. Serana's eyes were stuck on Khara's blue eyes as she watched her wolf speak. Khara looked over to Serana for a moment and smiled that sweet, special smile that was reserved to Serana alone. She then felt a warm hand appear on her thigh before Khara continued to chat with Orgrim.


Dovahzul Translations

Dragon aspect: Geh? - Yes?

Zu'u fen tinvaak. - I will speak, young one.

Nii los tiid. - It is time.

Khara: Voth hi zu'u fenofan daar gron. - With you I will give this bond.

Fah do fi, dii yolos los mul. - Because of you, my flame is stronger.

My opinion on the Chapter and info:

Alrighty, not much happened in this chapter I guess. We meet Orgrim and if you know from, where I took the name then you are awesome. I was struggling a little on how to write the part with Khara's past and all, but I hope it's not too confusing to understand where or when that happened.

Also, when Serana get some of Khara's memories, well, it looks a bit chaotic, but I was going for that so, yeeeeah.

I like to take little things from other places and place them in my story. Things from movies, TV-shows, games and books. Some of you might have spotted the song that a totally took from Game of Thrones a few chapters back :3

I also have to say sorry.

"SORRY!" Zep yelled. The weather has been pretty great the last few days so I've been out on the roads with my sweet Akira (My motorcycle, yep that's her name). That's why this chapter is out so late.

I think the next chapter will be hard to write because I really don't like the falmer, I think they are boring and just not all that interesting, but I will probably get some idea on how to get through it.

As always, thanks to all the people who leave those sweet, sweet reviews on this story! Me like it very much!

I'll talk to ye' in the next one.