Chapter 26: Fallen
Alessia
Three days… Three days of wet and rain and mud. The southernmost Hold of Skyrim was well known for their constant downpours. Though, Alessia had hoped they would find the glade before things got too soggy. They did not. In fact, what Dexion could tell them of the cave's location helped very little. According to the old man, the glade had not been used in many, many years. Most likely the forest had grown and reclaimed the entrance, hiding it from even the most well trained eye. And with zero visiting Moth Priests for the past many years, Wolf had nothing to track. No scents to follow. No tracks. It frustrated her inner beast to no end. Even Serana seemed at her wits end.
Despite the rain, Falkreath seemed its usual hustle and bustle with shopkeepers and street vendors shouting out their wares. Alessia ignored them as she made her way back to the inn, already aware of what they were selling and having no interest. Just that evening there was an issue with one of the shopkeepers. It was a man Alessia had never met before in Falkreath, and one she would be happy never to see again. Though she hadn't been to the forest town in quite some time, she liked to think she knew a majority of the business' and their owners. Not this boar of a man.
The two females and stopped at the man's stall when a bit of silk caught Serana's eye. The shopkeeper went on about where he had obtained the fabric, hoping to drive up the price. That was until Serana looked up and the man caught sight of her red eyes. He'd panicked and shouted an alarm. It caused quite the stir and everyone fled behind the nearest door. Of course when the guard responded to the "threat", Alessia had been forced to reveal herself and Serana. Something she had hoped to avoid while in the town.
Though she would never admit to be doing so, Alessia was hoping to escape Jarl Siddgeir's notice. Unfortunately it wasn't to be, and she'd been called to the Jarl's Longhouse to see the weaselly little man. Serana had wanted to come, but Alessia had refused. She thought it better her mate be no where near Siddgeir. At best the man was a sniveling coward, at worst… Wolf growled. Imagining that man anywhere near her mate made her hackles rise.
The tavern was welcoming, warm, and blessedly dry. She sighed heavily, sending an apologetic look to the tavern keeper, Valga Vinicia, tending the bar. Tracking mud and water on her floors simply couldn't be helped. But it seemed Alessia wasn't the only one to do so. The floors were mucked up splendidly and the woman didn't seem to worry too much over the mess. Even so, Alessia tried to removed as much of the muck from her leathers as possible before making her way to their room. Serana wasn't in the common area. It was fairly late. Perhaps her mate was asleep already.
Alessia opened the door to their room cautiously, hoping to lessen the creaking as to not wake Serana if she truly was asleep. She needn't have bothered. The room was surprisingly empty. The bed was made. Their small packs and belongings as they had been. The Elder Scrolls, locked in their magically sealed case and hidden under the chest of drawers, remained untouched. The table had been cleaned of their morning meal. And that was where Alessia found the note. Though curious and eager to know what her beloved was up to, Alessia set to remove her armor first. The leather had helped in keeping her underclothes dry, but still the shirt and pants were slightly damp. Her boots came off with a bit of resistance, making a sucking sound as her foot practically popped out of the footwear. To her displeasure, water trickled out of her boot as she tossed it to the floor. She sighed and walked barefoot to the table.
The note was folded in half, Serana's flowing script on the front. "Love" was the word her mate had used. Alessia smiled warmly. She'd never get tired of hearing that word coming from her mate's lips. Flipping the scrap of paper open, she read the single word signed with an "S".
"Downstairs." Alessia turned the note over to be sure she hadn't missed anything. Nothing more than the simple message. Apparently, Serana had found something in the Dead Man's Drink basement to keep her busy.
The stairs were a bit worn and creaked loudly on her way down. There was no sneaking up on anyone with those old planks of wood. Though it didn't much matter with all the racket from the large furnace just to the side of the stair landing. Serana was nowhere in sight. Who she did find was Narri, Valga's hired help in the tavern, tending to the furnace. The young woman started as Alessia approached, dropping the large hunk of wood she'd been holding.
"Sorry, Narri. I didn't mean to frighten you." She apologized and picked up the wooden log. "I'm looking for my companion. The dark haired young woman who-"
"Aye, the vampire lass." Narri smiled and pointed down the hall. "She's down there. Last door on the right."
As Alessia nodded her thanks and turned to go to said last door on the right, she couldn't help but notice the wink and sly grin from Narri. Or the eyes on her backside as she walked away. Narri certainly was easy on the eyes, and there had been some flirting between the two in the past, but there was no way in Hell that was going to happen. Ever. Serana would probably tear that pretty little thing apart… then set in on Alessia. The image made her grin a bit. Alessia was a territorial female to be sure. Anyone came too close to her female and Wolf's hackles rose. How might Serana act were the roles reversed? An amusing fantasy to ponder in times of boredom.
Had Narri not seen the ring and chain around her neck? Alessia was always careful to make sure it was plainly visible. Perhaps the young woman didn't understand the significance since it wasn't on her finger? Alessia sighed, wishing she were able to wear the ring properly as Serana did. But a surprise transformation would either damage the ring, or crush her finger. And should the need arise to take on her much larger wolf form, a broken finger right away would not go well. It would remain around her neck. At least until she was able to work out an enchantment much like her armor to removed the ring during a transformation. Time would tell.
The hallway was poorly lit, but her sense of smell led her straight to the correct door. Serana's scent was recent, but not so recent as to say she had just passed that way. Whatever her mate was up to, she had been at it for at least a few hours. Alessia knocked gently before pushing the door open. A plume of steamy air drifted out of the room and she quickly closed the door behind her. The room was small and lit with a slightly too large fireplace. In the center of the room was a large metal…
Alessia froze, all the air suddenly gone from her lungs. The large metal object was, in fact, a bathing tub. A very large bathing tub that Serana was currently bent over with her hand in the steaming water. She was clothed, if barely. A simple, and very thin, robe hung loosely from her mate's slender frame. The robe accentuated the perfect female form underneath, and Alessia wasn't ashamed to admit she was ogling. When finally Serana noticed Alessia standing there watching her, she smiled and walked to her.
Well, walk wasn't exactly the right word in Alessia's opinion. Her mate was a predator after all. The "walk" was more of a prowl. A gentle swaying of the hips and a lightness of foot that had Serana standing before her in three long strides. Looking down, Alessia noticed that the robe wasn't tied quite as tightly as was needed. The looseness of the belt left ample amounts of Serana's breasts on display. A display that was very, very much appreciated. Wolf growled hungrily as her mate stretched up and laid a light kiss on Alessia's lips.
"Took you long enough. I thought I was going to have to start without you." Serana nipped at Alessia lip then turned away. As she started towards the bathing tub, she slipped the robe off her shoulders very lowly. With an impish grin, she peered back at Alessia to be sure she was watching. Alessia was. Intently. Giggling at whatever expression was on Alessia's face, Serana purred, "Well? Are you coming?"
The amusing territorial fantasy would have to wait until Alessia's current reality was far less… appetizing.
"The innkeeper is going to be angry we got water all over her floor." Serana purred lazily.
The bathing tub was just large enough to accommodate them both. Of course it wasn't meant for the… activities that had just occurred within, but the metal held up admirably. And there was a considerable amount of water outside the tub. Alessia rested her back against the side while Serana snuggled into her breasts, using them as a bosomy pillow while she fiddled with the ring and gold chain resting there. It was beyond comfortable. The water was still fairly warm, a welcome relief from the chilly, rainy weather. The scent of steamed air, water, her mate's dry smell mixed with her own… Part of her wished they could remain in that tub until the stars fell from the sky.
"With all this rain I doubt she will notice a little extra water in the basement. But, I will leave her a tip when we leave." Alessia chuffed, playfully flicking her index finger at Serana's nose. "And this was your idea, Love. She will be angry with you."
Serana slid her fangs across Alessia breast, the nipple hardening right away. Her mate chuckled and glared up at her with mischievous eyes. "You enjoyed yourself though. I think that makes you an accessory. Paying the woman off might be our only course of action."
"Then we'd best make the most of it." Wolf rose with a growl and claimed Serana's lips, her tongue forcing its way past her fangs.
Her hands roamed everywhere, desperately trying to pull the two closer together. When Alessia was forced to release Serana mouth for air, Wolf took the opportunity to renew her mark on her mate's neck. The bite was hard, harder than she'd interned and she tasted blood. Serana had a grip on her hair, encouraging and desperate sounds begging for more. Alessia bit again, avoiding breaking the skin, and didn't let go.
Alessia pulled her mate higher upon her hips, spreading her legs with her own. One hand held Serana's head back while her teeth dug into the tender flesh there, and the other hand slid between her mate's thighs. Her beloved gasped and moaned when Alessia slid a finger inside. First just the one, then a second soon after. While she slowly retreated and then entered again, Serana began to rock her hips in time with Alessia's movements. Water splashed over the edge of the tub as the two moved together. It took a moment for them to hit a rhythm, but when they did…
Alessia bit again, this time switching to the opposite side of Serana's neck. That was all her mate could take. Serana arched, crying out her lover's name. Even so, Alessia's teeth did not release and her fingers didn't stop. Neither did Serana's hips. Her mate came again, harder and longer than the first time, before collapsing forward. Panting, Serana rested her head on Alessia shoulder while Wolf thrummed happily and licked at the new teeth marks.
After a while, Serana groaned and lifted her head. There was a slight pause, then a short laugh. "Now she's really going to be mad. We got more water on the floor…"
"I'll make it a very large tip." Alessia pulled her mate back down, settling the two much like they were before.
Oh, they were definitely getting one of these when Alessia began construction on a new house. Perhaps even a whole wash room centered around a massive tub built into the floor. With a draining system much like one she'd seen in Markarth, spilling water over the side wouldn't be an issue. Hot water obtained from a furnace much like the one in the inn basement. It could work with a few changes here and there. The pipes would need to-
"What are you thinking about?" Serana asked, tilting her head back slightly to look up at Alessia.
It was then she realized they'd been sitting in the tub silently for quite some time. She smiled down at her mate, thrumming at the bite marks on her neck, and kissed her brow. "Just… thinking on the future."
Serana returned the smile, though it seemed a bit sad. "My father?"
"No, after that."
Her mate blinked. "Us, you mean?"
"Yes, but not just you and me together." Her grin grew wider. "Dream with me, Love. If you could do anything, go anywhere, be anything… What would you do?"
"I… guess I never actually gave it much thought. Besides being with you, and maybe children..." Serana shook her head. "I don't know. What about you?"
Alessia sighed. "Honestly, I'd never really considered anything much beyond the next crisis. And the one after that. But… I'd always wanted to build a school."
Serana blinked again. "A school?"
"A fighting school. Sort of… a training course. They had something like it in Cyrodiil. Teach young fighters or farmers how to fight or defend themselves properly. Some would carry on to join the Companions, or the army, or a mercenary band, or adventuring, or… just return home to their families and crops without fear of a bandit attack they didn't know how to defend against."
"That sounds like something you'd do." Serana chuckled, swirling her hand around in the cooling water.
"But that's just the school. My real dream is a large home to call my own. Perhaps a few pups and a wife."
"Alright. A Fighting Academy, a house full of screaming children, and a nondescript dark haired, red eyed wife in your bed." Serana grinned up at Alessia when she pricked at the vampire's ticklish spot on her hip. "And what possible events can you see in my future?"
Many different images came to mind, and Alessia suggested as many as she possibly could. "You could attend the College of Winterhold. Expand your magic or even teach. Or you could do more traveling. Maybe even set out with a Khajiit caravan outside Skyrim. Go to Cyrodiil, Elsweyr, Valenwood… Wherever you liked. Or you could do more with your alchemy. Open a shop. I'm sure you'd excel at that."
Her mate was quiet for a time, staring at the ring on her finger. "Would you… Would you go with me? If I decided to travel, even away from Skyrim, would you come with me?"
Without a moment's pause, Alessia said, "Of course. Once Lucia is… betrothed and wedded nice and proper with a family to call her own, I'd follow you anywhere. Adventuring is in my blood. Except…"
There was a look of real worry on Serana's face. "Except?"
"Well, I have a promise to keep once this is all said and done." Alessia explained about the Stormcloak soldier she'd encountered in Dimhollow Crypt. The one with the lost little girl, Sofie. She'd mentioned the child once before, but hadn't told Serana her plans as of yet. "Once it became clear things with the vampires was to become a lengthy process, I hired some trusted men to start searching for the girl. So far…"
"Nothing." Serana finished for her.
Alessia nodded. "But I will keep my word. Once that is done, I will gladly go with you."
"And what of everything else? The academy, the house, the family?" Serana sat up, rising to look her square in the eye. "Not to mention the pack? The Companions? The Dov?"
"Serana," Alessia stopped her, "Before we settle down and start our new family, we can live a little first. If that is what you want, we will figure it out."
Serana kissed Alessia lovingly, taking her time before allowing the air she needed. "I will think on it."
Seeming satisfied with her decision, Alessia's mate took her mouth again. Slowly stroking with her tongue until she felt satisfied with that too. She then began making her way down Alessia long neck, trailing kisses as she went. Her mate had already fed but spent a moment licking at the healing bite wound. Fire shot through Alessia body, an erotic sensation Serana loved to inflict upon her. At the sound she made, her mate kept at it for a short while before continuing on to her collarbone. Then her breasts, cautiously allowing her fangs to scrap over the tender flesh as she licked and sucked at them. As always, Serana paused at the silver scar there, touching the burnt flesh softly with her fingers. Her lips. When she continued downward, Alessia moaned. It appeared they were going to get a lot more water on Valga Vinicia's basement floor.
Serana
Feeling both clean and dirty, Serana followed her mate back upstairs a short while later. They'd attempted to mop up some of the water, but to little avail. It appeared the tip would be a great sum of coin. Alessia didn't seem to care much at all, though she teased Serana heavily. Of course she didn't mind the teasing one bit either. The play was a fun distraction from the stress they were both under.
Three days and no sign of the glade. Then the incident with the stall keeper. The silk fabric had been beautiful. The color was what caught her attention, the icy blue almost the same shade of Alessia's eyes. Serana hadn't even heard the man speaking until he reached down to point out another, more expensive silver cloth. Once she looked up… the man paled and started yelling. After that, Alessia had been called to the jarl. Serana could feel the anger and irritation from her mate as she'd left. It wasn't directed at her, but still… That was when she'd inquired Valga Vinicia about renting the bathing quarters for a few hours. Though she knew Alessia in no why blamed her for the incident, it was an… apology of sorts for making such a mess of things with the stall keeper.
The upstairs felt cold as the mountain in comparison of the bathing room. Serana suddenly couldn't wait to be under the covers and snuggled up to her very warm werewolf. Outside their room, she felt Alessia pause a moment. She sniffed, and looked at the handle as if it might burn her hand. Before Serana could ask what was wrong, her mate chuckled and turned back to her with a very put on smile. Forced.
"You know, I just remembered a funny story about my first trip to Falkreath Hold. Did I ever tell you about Aventus Aretino?" Something wasn't right. Her mate was glancing around the short hallway and down into the common room. And she was speaking a little too loudly. Unnecessarily so. Like she was making sure someone at a distance could hear her speaking. Someone at a distance, or someone behind a closed door…
Trying to play into whatever Alessia was doing, Serana shook her head but flicked her eyes to the closed door. It was the best she could do to let her mate know she understood. "No, though I remember you mentioning the boy."
Relief flooded into Alessia eyes as she turned back to the door and continued on with the story. "Aventus lived in Windhelm with his mother until she died. Him being too young to remain on his own, Jarl Ulfric had him sent to Honorhall until he came of age to reclaim his family estate. The boy, as well as the other children of the orphanage, were brutalized by the headmistress. Once he escaped and returned home, he called upon the Dark Brotherhood to take care of the horrible woman. Rumor got around that Aventus had performed the Black Sacrament, but the Brotherhood hadn't answered his call. I did."
Alessia opened the door, the hinges creaking loudly as she pushed it in all the way open. The room was dark, the moonlight not penetrating the cloudy nights sky seen through the window. The room was much as Serana had left it. It was apparent Alessia had returned here first and removed her armor and boots before making her way downstairs. The watery footprints of her first passing were dry and there were no other prints to be found. Still, her mate glared into the darkness for a moment more before continuing on with the narrative.
"I went to the boy, and witnessed him performing the Black Sacrament over and over again. He mistook me as one of the Brotherhood's assassins. I didn't deny it, but I didn't approve it either. The mistress died, as Aventus wished, and he payed me with the only thing he had of any value. A family heirloom that I eventually returned to him." Alessia stepped into the room cautiously, Serana following directly behind. "It was a few days later when I received a missive stating 'We know'. A short time later, I was abducted in my sleep and awoke in the marshlands by a very irritated representative of the Dark Brotherhood."
The attack didn't come from the left, right, or front, but from above. Alessia must have sensed the blade coming for her because she shoved Serana backwards and out into the hall before moving to evade the shadowy figure herself. How the assassin had had clung to the top of the door frame she would never know. The masked assassin was silent in her movements. And it was undeniably a her from the slender female form Serana could see beneath the skin tight black and red suit. Alessia scrambled backwards, trying to draw the attacker away from Serana. Unarmed, her mate was at a distinct disadvantage. But, as Serana soon learned, that mattered very little.
Serana dove back into the room, ready to aid Alessia in fending off the assassin. The two were locked in a dangerous series of precise movements. Choreographed almost. It was like looked at a mirror image of her mate's fighting style. Swift. Agile. The assassin's blade just missing Alessia's flesh as she evaded to just the right angle and distance to avoid it's edge. Serana moved in, preparing a shocking strike to disable the assassin.
The figure apparently noticed her approach, but Alessia wouldn't allow her to disengage long enough to do anything about it. Sparks leapt from Serana's fingers and the assassin was forced to either take the shock or dodge it and open herself to Alessia's advance. She chose the latter, and payed for it. The electric jolt struck the bedside harmlessly, and Alessia nailed the assassin in the skull with a spinning kick. The force struck the assassin to the ground, forcing her to drop her dagger. Alessia snatched it up and advanced.
Though the kick was enough to send anyone into unconsciousness, their attacker was up and ready to defend herself. Or at least try to do so. The blow to the head must have slowed her down because the fight was over in a matter of seconds. Alessia hooked her foot behind the assassin's and they both tumbled onto the bed. The blade went to the assassin's throat and the woman froze.
"Astrid." Alessia growled, removing the assassin's mask.
The woman beneath was… breathtakingly beautiful. Where her wolf was dark, this Astrid was light. Long blond hair spilled from the mask hood. Though it was fairly hard to tell from her vantage point, the woman's eyes were of a similar color to Alessia's. The woman smiled, but it wasn't a happy smile. It was a cold, calculated smile that sent chills down Serana's spine. Her jaw almost dropped as the woman actually purred and wrapped one long leg around Alessia's hip, pulling their midsections together tightly.
"Alessia, you dog. You know I'm married." Astrid chuckled as Alessia growled. Her mate didn't move, ignoring the woman's teasing. Though she knew the woman was simply trying to get a rise out of them, Serana felt the urge to zap the bitch until she removed herself from Alessia. Seeing the angry look on her face, the woman laughed again and said to Serana. "Oh… What with all that moaning downstairs, I figured you'd satisfied her enough, little vampire. I guess this one needs a real woman to-"
"What are you doing here, Astrid?" Obviously, Alessia had heard enough.
"Awe… No more fun?" The blond sighed heavily. Dramatically. With a glare in answer, she seemed to give up the playful kitten act. "As you wish. I guess I can adult for a little while. How did you know I was here?"
"I smelt you."
The woman pouted slightly. "Even with the oil?"
"Yes." Alessia growled again, pressing on the blade ever so slightly. "What do you want?"
"Can't a woman visit an old friend?"
"We are not friends, Astrid." From the woman's reaction, the words seemed to strike deeper than any blade ever could. With an irritated snarl, Alessia shoved off the bed and allowed Astrid the freedom to stand should she wish. "Not anymore."
Now able to see the woman more clearly, Serana noticed a slight discoloration of the milky white skin on Astrid's right cheek that stretched down to her throat and disappeared into the armor suit. The woman sat up, but didn't stand. Alessia kept the blade, plopping heavily down into the chair near Serana.
Astrid cleared her throat. "You've been in town three days. With the message you sent warning about the vampires, I'd hoped it meant…"
Alessia huffed, glaring down at the dagger in her hand. It was an unusual weapon. The metal was dark and wickedly curved. Slowly, she laid the weapon down on the table. "What are you doing this far south? The Sanctuary here is gone."
"We're all here. Nazir, Babette, Veezara… Even Arnbjorn. Cicero refused to leave the Night Mother." The woman stood and went for her weapon. Not as a threat, but simply to reclaim it. Alessia growled in warning, which made Astrid think twice. Serana stood behind her mate's chair and placed calming hands on her shoulders. Her wolf was wound tightly. It meant the slightest thing could set her off. When Alessia did not reply to the answer she gave, Astrid continued. "We are here to remember. Tomorrow is the anniversary of the attack."
There was another growl, and Astrid flinched. "They still don't know, do they?"
Astrid said nothing.
"Of course they don't. Otherwise you wouldn't be alive right now." Alessia stood, grabbed the dagger and practically threw it at the assassin. "Get out."
"Alessia…"
"I said get out!" It wasn't a loud shout, but loud enough to get her point across.
With a sigh, Astrid sheathed her weapon and started for the door. The woman paused before going through it, which made Alessia tense. It was all Serana could do to keep her wolf planted in her seat by sheer force of will and pressure on her shoulders. Without turning her head to look at them, Astrid said quietly, "Come tomorrow night. The others miss you."
And with that the woman left, closing the door gently behind her. The two females remained where they were for a while. One minute turned into five. Then five turned into ten. Nearly half an hour passed before Serana dared to move. It made Alessia flinch when she did so. Serana crouch before her mate, looking into eyes that were… Angry? Confused? Hurt? A storm cloud of emotions raged in those eyes she loved so dearly.
Without a word, Serana poured her mate a cup full of wine laced with her usual medications and handed it to her. She drank it down quickly, hardly wincing at the bitter aftertaste the herbs often left in her mouth. Then, Serana pulled her to her feet and put her to bed. After a few moments securing the room, locking and barring the door with a chair, and latching the window, Serana joined Alessia under the covers.
Her mate looked for all the word like a female drowning in bad memories. Serana rolled to her side and pulled Alessia's face so that she might look at her. There was that old wound again. That old hurt that never quite healed. It was another scar on her beloved's soul that Serana hadn't known was there. She leaned in to kissed her mate. Pausing a mere hair's breadth away in case Alessia didn't want to be touched right then. There was no hesitation in Alessia's answer.
After they parted, Serana stroked her mate's cheek gently. "Talk to me."
"It's not a part of my life I'm particularly proud of." Alessia whispered.
"You know I don't care about that."
Still seeming unsure, Serana kissed Alessia again. This time she didn't stop. Not until she was certain her mate knew how much she loved her regardless of whatever she'd done. More kisses. More light touches. More gasping breaths and gentle sighs. Serana didn't hold back anything, both wanting to comfort her mate and replace Astrid's lingering scent on Alessia's skin with her own. To reclaim her mate. It was a fair amount of time spent skin to skin before Alessia seemed ready to talk. The worry and stress lessened some.
The rough fabric of the blankets scratched at their bare skin as the two situated themselves comfortably. Serana rested her head on Alessia's shoulder while their legs tangled together. Alessia pulled her close, as she always did after they made love, and began to talk.
The story was a continuation of the one she'd been telling before Astrid's mock attack. Alessia had completed the contract, accepted the offer for entry into the Dark Brotherhood, and began working with Astrid to bring the organization back to life again. When it became clear that Alessia's actions had not only gained her respect amongst the other assassins, but also the favor of the fabled Night Mother herself, Astrid became fearful that she might lose her leadership over the Dark Brotherhood.
The two had become quite close friends during those times. Astrid had become almost as a sister to Alessia, teaching her all she knew about the art. Even though Astrid's husband, another werewolf, disapproved of the friendship, it still remained strong. That was until the Night Mother informed Alessia, whom she had named Listener and thus the only one able to actually hear the Night Mother's commands, of the Dark Brotherhood's biggest contract yet. The assassination of Emperor Titus Mede II. The completion of such a task would see the organization returned to its full glory. But it was not to be so. The fear Astrid had felt took hold, and she betrayed Alessia. Astrid had warned the commander of the plot and sent Alessia into a trap. Sent her to her death.
"I escaped Commander Maro's trap, but the damage had already been done." Alessia stroked at Serana's arm, seeking comfort that was instantly given. "The Penitus Oculatus ravaged the Sanctuary. By the time I got there, Festus and Gabriella were already dead and the hideout set ablaze."
Serana felt the rise and fall of Alessia's chest as she breathed in a deep calming breath. The memory couldn't be a pleasant one.
"I was able to get the others out. Well, sort of. I was able to provide an escape route with Nazir's help. That stubborn wolf, Arnbjorn, wouldn't leave until Astrid had been found. But the male was recently hurt and unable to move very quickly. Nazir and Veezara dragged him out kicking and screaming with Babette close behind. Though I already knew what Astrid had done… How she had betrayed me… I still went back inside to find her." Alessia paused for a moment, seeming lost in that long ago inferno. "The place was coming down. Some of the rooms were blocked off with debris. I got to the Night Mother's coffin and just… Well, I heard the Night Mother call to me. It was a force I could no more fight than I could stop breathing. The coffin closed in on me and I was stuck in that tomb with her corpse until the fires died out."
It explained how sympathetic Alessia was about Serana spending all those years stuck in the tomb. Even for a short period, at least she could understand it.
"I think I slept. All I know is that when the coffin opened again, I had that same urge pulling me towards a certain part of the ruined Sanctuary. That's where I found Astrid. She was… burned almost beyond recognition. But alive. Unbelievably, alive.
That explained the strange discoloration on Astrid's face and neck. Healed burn scars.
"She wanted me to kill her. Begged for me to kill her. She'd even performed the Black Sacrament with her as the sacrifice, offering the leadership of the Dark Brotherhood to me." Alessia shook her head, a low growl escaping her lips. "I wanted to. Gods, I wanted to kill her for what she'd done. What she'd caused. I held the Blade of Woe in my hand. Raise it to strike her heart, but… I couldn't do it. I couldn't kill my friend despite what she'd done."
Serana felt a hot droplet on her head and looked up to see her mate silently crying. Before she could rise to wipe them away, Alessia continued.
"I healed her instead. Put everything I had into it, but it wasn't enough to heal her completely. There would be scars." Alessia huffed. "She screamed at me the entire time. Cursed me."
"And you left after that?" Serana did wipe the tears away, gently. Alessia started, apparently not realizing she'd been weeping. Even so, she didn't protest.
"Yes. Once I carried her out of the ruins and got her to the second Sanctuary with the others, I left. Gave no explanations. Told no one what I'd learned. Just left."
"And the Night Mother?"
"Royally pissed off I imagine. I never got anywhere near that coffin again. After a while of ignoring her summons, I think she got the message. Eventually, I stopped hearing the call. I think the distance made it harder for her to reach me. Good riddance." Finally, Alessia rolled over, coming face to face with Serana. "I never wanted to lead the Brotherhood. I was more than willing to follow Astrid's commands regardless of what the Night Mother had to say. But in the end, it didn't matter. She just had to keep the control. And because of it, two of our own died horribly. I would forgive her for betraying me, but not for the rest. Not ever."
"Will you go to the memorial tomorrow?" Serana watched the conflict in Alessia's eyes for a long while. It pained her to know her mate was suffering, and that there was nothing she could do about it besides provide comfort and understanding.
"I would like to. If only to see the others again, and to pay my respects to Festus and Gabriella." Her mate thought a bit longer. "Arnbjorn won't be happy to see me. Other than being an ex-member of the Companions, and therefor hating my guts as Harbinger, he always took Astrid's… um… 'teasing' a bit too seriously. The fact that I'm another werewolf… makes things worse."
Serana hissed a little at the thought of the "teasing". She could still smell that cursed woman's scent on Alessia's skin. Part of her wanted to go hunt Astrid down and drain her dry. "Yes… I understand that completely."
Alessia blinked. "A-About that. Astrid and I never… It wasn't like that between… She's married for goodness sake. Arnbjorn would have had my-"
Serana let loose a growl of her own and rolled Alessia onto her back. She straddled her wolf, leaning in so that they were eye to eye. "I may not be able to mark you like you do me. You heal too damned fast for that. But hear me right now, if that woman so much as glances at you in that way again… I will tear her limb from limb. That goes for any other female who looks your way. You are mine. Understand?"
The sadness faded from her wolf's eyes and was replaced by that impish grin Serana loved so much. "Did I mention how sexy you are when you act all possessive?"
Serana grinned, remembering the similar statement she'd made at High Hrothgar. "Funny. Now shut up and kiss me."
Alessia
"I'm sorry, Love, but this part is non negotiable." Alessia held up the blindfold, knowing her mate was going to throw a fit. And she did.
"The Brotherhood doesn't even use this Sanctuary anymore. Why does me knowing where it is matter?" Though she protested, Serana didn't resist as Alessia blinded her.
"Because I'd rather not test the Brotherhood. And I'm already breaking a few rules by even allowing you to come." The blindfold attached, Alessia helped her mate up on Jasa's backside. The horse shied a bit, but steadied after her mate pat her rump affectionately. Mounting herself, Alessia grabbed the reins and guided the mare towards the southern gates.
The morning had been a slow one. They'd woken fairly late in the morning, having stayed up quite a bit later than normal. Breakfast was simple porridge with blobs of butter and honey. Though the morning was fairly uneventful, that breakfast was unbelievably entertaining. At least from Alessia point of view. The meal was served by Narri. And the woman was shamelessly flirting with Alessia. Going so far as to slide her hand across Alessia's shoulders.
Before she could protest and explain the advance was unwelcome, Serana snarled and snapped her fangs at Narri's hand. She would have caught it had the woman not reacted as quickly as she had. The glare Narri received promised pain and misery should she continue with the flirting. The woman glanced between the two females, one hissing menacingly like an angry cat and one staring at the other and grinning like a fool. Her eyes lingered on the slightly visible and freshly made bite marks on Serana's neck. Narri got the message and promptly walked away.
Once the woman was gone, Serana calmed down and glanced at Alessia. She was still grinning. Her mate narrowed her eyes and frowned. "What?"
"Oh, nothing. Just deciding exactly how much I love watching you do that." The grin turned feral. "I've decided that I love it quite a bit."
"Good. Because last night's statement still stands." Serana smiled mischievously and returned to her breakfast.
The two had stuck around a bit after breakfast, and Alessia waved over the innkeeper when she finally caught sight of the woman. She placed a large sum of coin in the woman's hand, apologizing profusely for the mess downstairs. Valga Vinicia's eyes practically popped out of their sockets. After the woman returned to her duties, Serana had asked exactly how wealthy Alessia actually was. The conversation led to the many houses she owned, most of which were rented out to various tenants who paid monthly. There were also shops she'd invested in or purchased which also paid a monthly portion of their profits. Then the few plots of land outside the main cities where farmers and ranchers paid their rent in goods.
Serana had stared at her slack jawed. "Exactly how much money am I marrying into?"
Alessia laughed and kissed her mate soundly before answering. "Let's just say when I said you could do anything, or go anywhere, I meant it."
Though the road was muddy and pockmarked with deep ruts from numerous wagons, Jasa got along well enough. The rain had slowed during the night, giving them a brief respite from the wet and cold. Thunder echoed in the distance, promising a very short respite. Serana held on tightly to Alessia's waist as they left the main road. The risk of falling was a bit higher since she would not know the terrain laid out before them. But this was a path Jasa had taken many times before. Even though over the years the forest had reclaimed the small trail, the mare trod along easily.
They traveled a few miles into the forest. Deep enough that what little daylight remained in the day would not penetrate the forest canopy. At that point, Alessia allowed Serana to removed the blindfold. They'd traveled enough away from any landmarks for her to know where they were. It was an hour more before they arrived at the Falkreath Sanctuary. Darkness had fallen and it was becoming far too treacherous for Jasa to walk.
They dismounted and allowed the mare to graze freely. The Sanctuary entrance was just over the next hill and down a steep embankment. Though Alessia imagined the Brotherhood would hold the ceremony inside, voices could be heard ahead. She froze before climbing the next rise. Did she really want to face these men and women? Look upon the faces and lie to them about their leader? The reason she simply left the first time was exactly due to that. She hadn't the stomach the lie to their faces, nor to forfeit the life of her friend.
She felt Serana's hand on her shoulder, and drew courage from it. At the very least she could be near. Watch the proceedings from afar. That would do. The hilltop overlooked the small ravine which hid the Dark Brotherhood's infamous door. Or what was left of it when the Penitus Oculatus raided the hideout. The light from the many torches did not reach up so high. Satisfied with their vantage point, Alessia nodded to Serana. Her mate understood and remained at her side.
In the ravine stood five figures, each holding a torch and looking somber. The one closest to their hiding spot was Veezara, the Shadowscale. The green scaled argonian was born under the sign of The Shadow in Black Marsh. The male once told her that his order was dying out, and that he believed himself the last of the Shadowscale. He once saved Alessia life during an assassination gone wrong. Had he not been there, she would have surely been overpowered and killed.
Nazir, the next man she saw, had always been the grumpy one. Or at least he was always grumpy with her. He handled the contracts, often giving her the lowest of the low simply because he didn't think she could handle the higher paid ones. The Redguard soon learned otherwise. As per usual, Babette stood at Nazir's side. The three hundred year old vampire was stuck in the body of a ten year old girl. Often she'd comment that her innocent appearance made killing far easier.
Standing before the gathered three was Astrid and her husband Arnbjorn, the ex-Companion and werewolf. The man was big. Almost rivaling Farkas in size. Alessia had only seen his wolf once before, an old brownish brute with lighter patches on his ears, arms and legs. At best the male tolerated Alessia's presence. Though he was not technically an Alpha, it was only because he had no other wolves to call pack. Astrid was his wife, and that was all he cared about.
Though Alessia listened to whatever it was Astrid was saying, she didn't much care to hear it. It was a speech about the importance of family and how Festus and Gabriella were a crucial part of that family. Hypocritical. Were those gathered to hear exactly how much stalk their leader put into "family", they would turn on her in a heartbeat. Arnbjorn would protect her, as any wolf would do for their mate, but even little Babette was more than a match for him. Let alone Nazir and Veezara along with her.
Alessia sighed and tried to show some respect for the fallen. They were, after all, her reason for being there in the first place. Regardless of the lies Astrid was spewing. Serana stood at her side, their shoulders touching ever so slightly. A constant reminder that she was not alone in this. Reflexively, she leaned in closer and thrummed lightly. As unpleasant as the moment was down in the ravine, she was happy her mate was at her side. Now, if only they could remain unsee-
"Alessia!" The little girl shriek destroyed any hopes she'd had about coming and going unseen. Babette, the attentive little vampire, had apparently caught sight of them standing outside the light. The girl dropped her torch and bolted for the path leading up to the hill. The remaining four all turned and looked up at them. Two looked quite pleased to see her, one most certainly not, and the last seeming on the fence.
In less than a minute, Babette was hurling herself into Alessia's arms. Though she knew the vampire was at least six times her age and most certainly not a child, Alessia often treated her as a child. She was truly glad to see her. "Hey there, munchkin. Been behaving yourself lately?"
"Of course I have. I'm just a well behaved little-" Babette cut off once she caught sight of Serana standing nearby. "I'm guessing that's your new undead squeeze?"
"That, Babette, is my mate, Serana. Love, this is my friend Babette." The little vampire let go and gazed curiously at her mate. To their surprise, when Serana stepped forward to greet her fellow vampire, Babette flinched back. Curious, Alessia nudged the non child. "What's wrong?"
"Apologies. But are you perhaps the Serana? Princess Serana from Castle Volkihar?" The little girl asked.
"I am." Serana said cautiously, looking to Alessia with a question in her eyes.
Babette just grinned maliciously up at Alessia. "You sure know how to pick 'em. All my vampire contacts have been a buzz about this 'escaped Princess' of late. And here you have stolen her away. Clever little wolf."
"Sister!" The hissing voice of Veezara came from up the path. A few seconds later, the Shadowscale was tackling Alessia just as fiercely as Babette had. "It is good to see you, old friend. We were afraid you wouldn't come."
Alessia grunted at the impact, trying her best to remain on her feet. She heard Serana behind her chuckle a bit, seeming quite amused with all the affection. "It's good to see you too, Veezara."
"Come on." Babette tugged at Alessia's hand. The girl was amazingly strong for such a little thing. "Nazir will want to say hello."
As the little vampire pulled Alessia along, Veezara escorted Serana himself. The argonian was an assassin, a murderer by trade, but Alessia knew he wouldn't harm her mate. If not because he respected Alessia, then because he knew she would kill him for it. And make it hurt.
In the small clearing, Nazir waited patiently until the four came into the firelight. The man was a cautious one. Especially after the attack. Alessia always wondered if the man had pieced together what had happened. Why it had happened. Or if her friend thought she was responsible for the attack. Either way, Nazir approached and held out his hand in greeting. Alessia took it immediately, nodding to him with an uneasy smile.
Nazir returned the nod. "Nice of you to join us, Listener."
Alessia winced. "You know I'm not in the service of the Night Mother anymore, Nazir. Just Alessia, if you please."
"Just checking. One can hope you'd returned to your senses." The man chuckled and clapped her on the shoulder. "Good to see you, Alessia. Babette missed you terribly."
"So have you. You just don't want to admit it." The vampire child chirped. She then skipped over to Veezara and Serana, giggling happily. "Look, Nazir. Our little Alpha wolf went and got herself a vampire princess for a mate. Isn't that just so tragically romantic?"
"And brought her here, I might add." The man looked to Serana, seeming to size her up. Without missing a beat, Serana pulled the blindfold from her pocket and held it up for all to see. Nazir smiled. "Well in that case, greetings Princess."
The teasing went on for a bit more, Serana taking it all in good nature. Alessia felt the glare from the other two present, but ignored them until absolutely necessary. Astrid for obvious reasons. But Arnbjorn… Wolf was not pleased to be around the male again. He often tried to dominate where there was no need. He was boss here, Wolf understood and respected that. The fact that Arnbjorn constantly reminded her of it grated on her. There was dominance, and then there was bullying.
"Astrid! I told you she'd come." Babette giggled and danced around the two standing separate from the others, either not noticing or not caring about the tension there.
Alessia sighed, knowing the time had come to speak to her old… well, accomplices. She looked at them, keeping her face blank of all emotion. "Astrid. Arnbjorn."
Astrid nodded, "Thank you for coming."
The werewolf just growled.
"Oh, don't be like that, Arnbjorn." Veezara groaned.
Babette echoed the argonian's sentiment. The vampire girl turned her back on the rude werewolf and smiled at Serana. "So, how did you and our little Alpha meet?"
Alessia listened to the conversation, happy enough to let Serana answer the majority of the questions. She'd figured Babette would be interested in Serana when she learned her vampire's age and linage. The far younger vampire's curiosity was insatiable. Then there was Babette's quite adept skills in alchemy. Once Serana mentioned her interest in the subject, Alessia would be lucky to ever speak to her mate again.
Thunder rumbled and lightning flashed in the distance. Far closer than it had been a few minutes ago. The wind was picking up as well. A strong gust of chilled air swept down into the ravine, tickling her hair as it passed by. Alessia sighed heavily, knowing the trip back to town would be a long and wet one in the darkness. With any luck the rain would hold out until-
The rolling thunder hid the guttural snarl until it was too late. Something big and heavy hit her from behind, tackling Alessia to the muddy ground. With a horrifying clarity, she recognized the popping sounds. The sharp pain filled yelps. The deep rumbling snarl as teeth sunk into her shoulder. Alessia screamed as more thunder pierced the night.