Tolfdir wiped his hands on the towel as he approached the apprehensive pair. He sighed as he sat in the opposing chair from them. "The Arch Mage is still being tended to by our Restoration expert."

He folded the towel on his lap and continued. "Her wounds are being healed by Colette, who is attended by her students as we speak." He wiped his brow watching them visibly relax.

"The nature of her wounds… well as you know… were severe. With the amount of silver poison in her, I am truly surprised she is alive. Obviously, she was in a considerate amount of pain because of her extensive injuries."

Aela and Serana shared a guilty look.

"She didn't seem all right when we talked…" Serana mumbled. She knew Azriel hadn't been telling the truth.

"I'm very surprised that she had the cognizance to move or speak, even being partially tended too."

He looked at the pair reassuringly. "The silver poison will be neutralized from her veins soon enough. I will give you a recipe for the potion to give to Tilma, Lady Aela. Also, if you would, send her my regards. It's been too long since I visited with her."

Aela nodded in thanks, but Tolfdir held up his hand, letting her know he wasn't finished.

"The burns to her eyes are another matter entirely. Azriel's natural immunity to fire aided her from having lasting damage. However, the acidic nature of the spell will take a few days to heal. Right now, it is for the best she remains unconscious for her treatments."

Serana leaned forward. "Will she recover her vision? How many days are we talking about?" The questions left her lips rapidly in her concern.

Tolfdir shook his head in response to the worried vampire. "I'm not sure on either account. Her ability to heal herself exceeds anything any of us have ever seen before. It is quiet extraordinary how quickly she does heal. At any rate, the injury was made by combined destruction magic, thus we are using several methods to aid her natural healing process. For the time being, I'm hoping you both will convince her that rest, eating well, and keeping her bindings in place are a requirement. She cannot and must not be stressed right now. It is crucial to ensure that she remain absolutely comfortable."

Aela scoffed, interrupting him. "Have you met the Dragonborn? She can't sit still for more than five minutes."

Serana smirked as she thought of more questions.

Tolfdir smiled. "The regiment of potions will keep her sluggish for a while. Now please, follow me. I'll get you both situated in the Arch Mage's quarters while you wait."

He looked over both of the mud encrusted women, noting the damage to their clothing and armor. "I suspect you both will enjoy a hot bath and refreshment. Lady Aela, please feel free to help yourself to the kitchen any time you'd like. I shall have the students bring you food and beverages in the meantime so you both can rest."

He paused, thinking. He smiled warmly at Aela. "We recently acquired a lovely stock of vintage brandy, mead, and the Arch Mage's favorite vintage Tamika's West Weald Wine. I saved that for the next time she came around." He let the smile spread broadly and winked at Aela knowingly.

Another thought struck Serana as they walked. "It's not safe for us to remain here for a few days. If my Father sends his vampires here…"

"My dear, Lord Harkon would be foolish to attempt to gain access to these premises a second time." He smiled as Serana jumped at the open use of her father's name. "The Dragon Scroll that the Arch Mage has stored in our halls is perfectly safe and so are you. That, I can assure you of."

"He was here?"

"Not him personally, no. But, he did send a few of his subjects. We convinced them that it wasn't the wisest decision to attempt a heist."

Serana swallowed and nodded, but wasn't convinced by his assessment. She noticed Aela watching her again from the side of her vision.

Tolfdir was quiet for a moment as they walked. "Ladies, I will see what we have in the stores to replace your current garb. I do not have access to the Arch Mage's private chests, or else I would suggest looking there. After a bit of rest and refreshment, would you enjoy a tour of the College, Princess Serana?"

Serana smiled at him graciously as he unlocked the large doors. "I would. Thank you. And please, don't call me Princess."

"What about Azriel?" Aela was curious whether she'd be left in the infirmary or brought to her quarters.

"For the time being, she should remain in the infirmary. The potion must be directly applied to her eyes. It's rather… unpleasant for her. Lady Serana, I'll see to it that you are also brought refreshment. I'll whip up a batch of blood potions for you. That should tide you over until…" He paused considering his wording and then laughed. "…well until you find something more enjoyable."

Serana gave up on his formal way of addressing her and smirked at his choice of words.

Tolfdir waved his hand over the key and a second appeared next to it in his hand. He gave them each their own copy. "The Stormcloaks in Winterhold have proved to be quite the nuisance, so I must excuse myself and check the barriers we have in place at our gate. I'm hoping the less than silent arrival of two dragons have not alerted our friends to the Arch Mage's appearance in Winterhold. Now if you please, excuse me."

The elderly mage bowed to them and briskly left.

Serana stared at the vast round room as they stood alone in the Arch Mage's quarters. "This room is fantastic!" She murmured taking it in.

"Your father's name is Lord Harkon?" Aela's voice cut her wonderment with its ire.

Serana turned to look at the irritated werewolf. "Yes. Why?"

"Because, your father has been chasing Azriel for a while and I want to know why. His vampires attacked Ivarstead weeks ago, killing everything in their path. They tried to set fire to the inn with the townsfolk inside."

Aela watched her, trying to gauge Serana for a reaction. "What does he stand to gain from her?"

Serana rubbed the edge of her temple and eyebrow. She let out a frustrated sigh. She looked at her hand, disgusted at the level of filth on her body. "Very well, I'll tell you. But, I'd really like a bath…"

"Your bath can wait." Aela let her satchel and Azriel's ruck sack down on the table. She rubbed the dirt on her face and looked at the shelf. It had been a long time since she had stepped foot in the room. She pulled a dusty wine bottle off the shelf and picked up two goblets. Smirking at the dust, she held them up. "A little wind please…"

The breeze tussled Aela's dirty hair, blowing the dust from the bottle and goblets she was holding.

"How the fuck did you do that?" Serana raised an eyebrow at her, knowing the Nord didn't use magic.

For the first time since meeting her, Aela sincerely laughed. The sound of it wasn't harsh as Serana expected, which surprised her at how lovely it actually sounded.

"The room is enchanted." Aela answered simply. "You don't actually think they dust this old College do you… Princess?" She added with humor.

"Ugh. Don't call me that." Serana chuckled. "I didn't know. The last time I was here, this place was very… different. I've never been in a room like this one before."

"Wait until you see the bathing chamber… but, that can wait. Wine?" Aela smiled genuinely and Serana blushed.

Serana narrowed her eyes at Aela in distrust. She was acting oddly for lack of a better term. "Why are you being so… well… considerate?"

Aela rolled her shoulders, pouring the wine. "You fight well and it's respectable."

Serana stepped closer to the table and looked at her squarely. "What's the real reason, Aela?"

Aela picked up the goblet and gaped at the vampire for a moment. She had no idea why she was suddenly nice to the vampire and had no means of answering her. "That is my reason. Now take your damn wine."

Serana reached for the wine, wondering if it would be thrown in her face. She was pleasantly surprised when it wasn't.

Aela took a sip of her own wine. "Azriel has expensive taste…" She turned the bottle so that Serana could see the label.

Shadowbanish Wine... never heard of it. Serana sniffed the wine and took a drink. The wine was warm like blood as it traveled down her throat. The taste of it was very pleasing, like the blood of a sorcerer. "Damn, that is good."

Serana slipped into the chair next to the table and Aela followed her example with a weary sigh. "So talk if you want your bath. Why is your father hunting you and Azriel?"

Serana rubbed her dirty face, feeling the mud flake in her hand. "My loving mother interred me in an ancient Ayleid rock to keep me away from my father. I was sealed away with an Elder Scroll to keep my father from fulfilling his damned Prophecy."

Serana and Aela sat in silence for a few moments enjoying the wine.

Aela looked at the vampire over her glass as she took another drink. "I apologize."

"For what?" Serana was taken aback by the apology. She knew what Aela meant, but wanted to hear her say it.

"For saying you deserved to be left in that cave, starving and alone. I can't imagine being sealed away for years was easy. Nor did I know about your past. I am truly sorry for my words, I saw they affected you deeply."

Serana looked away trying to forget her fears.

"Thank you for your apology. I… It did." She took a drink to calm her nervousness and Aela was patient with her. For that, Serana was more appreciative of the young werewolf.

"And it wasn't easy. I… I didn't sleep the entire time." Serana took a drink of the wine savoring the feeling and its taste. She let it relax her and calm her some more. She was finally starting to feel comfortable in the werewolf's forceful presence. She could see why Azriel was attracted to her.

"Azriel called the place Dimhollow Crypt. In my day it held a different name… but that no longer matters. Azriel released me from my prison and guided me to Solitude. When I returned home, my father was waiting."

Serana noticed Aela was rapt in the story, taking in every detail. But, there was much more to her expression than just interest in her story. It held a certain hunger that made her blush.

"I wasn't sure who would be waiting, or if anyone one would. I took a precaution against the Scroll falling into my father's or the vampire hunter's hands. I didn't know who I could trust anymore so I hid the Scroll I was carrying in a shipwreck North of Solitude."

"Smart move leaving the Scroll out of your father's reach." Aela took a drink, her eyes never leaving Serana.

Serana could feel the blush deepening as the werewolf's eyes held her. She blamed it on the wine, which felt like it was going straight to her head. It was odd, because alcohol didn't affect her unless it was Daedric or in someone's blood. Even then, she couldn't get drunk.

"As I expected, he was more interested in his damn Scroll. He questioned where I was and who had released me. I had no idea who Azriel was or that she was Dragonborn when I answered him. He immediately sent word through the Province that Azriel was to be brought to him. But, I suspect he decided Azriel would be a problem for him, so I'm guessing he ordered her killed."

Serana sighed with regret. "Had I have known he would have done something so cruel, I would never have told him about her. I should have known better… I should have known he'd never leave her alone."

Serana ran her finger over the rim of her goblet lost in her contemplations.

Aela watched her in silence. Her curiosity got the better of her, watching the vampire's troubled face. The short time they had known each other, Aela simply had wanted to rip the vampire's throat out. Now, she had no idea why she felt pity for the creature in front of her. Among other things…

Even completely filthy, the vampire was distracting. Aela struggled with the conflict within herself, while her wolf took a nap waiting for her to figure it out.

Serana set her goblet on the table and turned her body in her chair to face Aela. "I don't think my mother intended to release me from that prison."

Aela took a long drink of her wine, letting her eyes wander the vampire. Coated in dried blood and mud, she was exquisitely beautiful. She crossed her legs under the table and set the goblet down. She poured another glass of wine and held the bottle up in question. Her stomach was twisting into a knot and it was driving her insane.

Serana looked from the table to the bottle in the air and nodded. She could feel the werewolf staring straight into her and chanced a look at her.

Aela let a wolfish grin spread slowly over her face as she looked into the vampire's fiery pools. The coldness was definitely gone, but the vampire remained aloof. Aela set the bottle on the table, waiting for Serana to continue. Watching the vampire bite her lip made her want to reach out and… STOP THAT!

The silence between them began to draw out longer and Serana shifted uncomfortably.

Aela smiled a toothy grin like a wolf ready leap on its prey. "Continue, Princess."

Serana let out a low hiss of disapproval. "You're enjoying that way too much."

Aela laughed and the sound warmed Serana. "You're right. I am."

Serana cleared her throat. "Azriel enjoys it as well."

The mention of the Harbinger's name brought Aela back to reality. She crossed her arms defensively and sat back in her chair, shifting her body warily.

"You're pissed again."

Aela glared at her. "I'm not."

"It wasn't a question, Aela."

Aela slammed her hands on the table top and Serana jumped with the stoneware. "Leave it be…"

"Or what? You'll finish ripping my clothes off?" Serana realized the foolishness of her wording immediately.

"You wouldn't be so lucky." Aela barked in laughter, even if the thought was very appealing. "Go take your bath, Princess."

Serana stood abruptly, sliding the chair back hard across the floor. "You have no idea what Azriel did to you, do you? I can feel what you feel, you know. So stop with your games! I don't appreciate it."

Aela was stunned by the question and the rest of her comments. It was out of the blue and the vampire's sudden agitation was befuddling.

Serana looked around the chamber for an obvious entryway, but found none. She could hear Aela growling in frustration as she started to walk around the room. The large room held no clues, as she turned looking for the door to the bathing chamber to escape. She wanted nothing more than to leave the infuriating wolf's presence, but there wasn't any indication of where the bath was located.

Aela grabbed Serana by her arms and pushed her into the bookcase.

"No, I don't. So why don't you explain it! Because, as much as I want to be angry with you, I can't find it within myself to be and that really pisses me off."

Serana's struggle against Aela should have been easier than it was. But, locked under her penetrating gaze, she was almost powerless to free herself. "Stop."

Aela pressed her harder into the shelves, their noses almost touching. "I said explain it. I should be dead, how did she stop Hircine from claiming my soul."

Aela's warm breath danced across Serana's lips and her entire body quaked as the werewolf's icy burn seared her arms. The burn spread throughout her body making her stomach hurt from the tension within herself.

"Let me go, Aela." The words left Serana as a whisper.

The argentite layers bent in the pale light of the magelights. Their expanse held a frosty acquaintance that hadn't existed before. Serana could feel the wolf's fingers loosen, but remain on her arm with the barest restraint. The onyx of her pupils absorbed her in their bottomless zeniths. The heat from Aela's body beckoned her closer as Aela blinked slowly.

Aela shoved herself off the vampire lazily. "I want an answer, Serana."

Serana blinked at the sound of her husky voice and tried to look anywhere but Aela. "How are you doing that?" Her words were breathy as she tried to shake whatever spell she was under.

Aela narrowed her eyes at the vampire and the wolfish grin reappeared. "I'm not doing anything and you're not answering my question."

Serana suddenly knew what prey felt like after so many years as a predator.

Aela took a step backward, holding her ground. Her eyes never leaving Serana's as she moved. It was amusing seeing the vampire so enthralled. "Well, speak."

Serana tried hard to find words as wolf's breathing came heavier and quicker with her arousal. "Azriel claimed you."

Aela's eyebrows threatened to leave her face. "She did what?"

Serana inhaled and the wolf's scent weighed heavily on her tongue. The rich frosty smell spiked with the spice of leather mingled with salt and wood. Serana tried to calm herself enough to let the words come out controlled, but failed miserably.

"Azriel is a dragon and the daughter of Akatosh. The Princes would be daft not to try to sway her to their own purpose, but their power over her really doesn't exist, not in a way we can understand. Couldn't you feel it? Hircine should have put up a fight for you, instead he laughed it off. Any of the Princes would crush anything that got between a soul and them… he didn't. And I don't think he can. She is part Aedra, which means she claimed your soul for herself and beat Hircine to it. She doesn't have to play by the same rules you and I do."

"Hircine is Lord of the Hunt. He's interested in the hunt itself, not winning."

"You sure about that? Because, the other Princes aren't so kind." Serana wasn't convinced.

Your prayer has been answered my young wolf... Aela opened her mouth, but no sound came out. The memory of the black dragon pushing into her made her shiver. She swallowed and tried again. "What does 'undagaar'mean?

Serana rubbed her temple as she answered. "It means 'finally'. Why do you ask?"

Aela sat in the chair she had backed up to.

"When Azriel kissed me, I saw and felt a dragon. It pushed my soul back into my body and then it latched on to me. I can't really explain it well. It said 'undagaar' right before she broke the kiss."

Serana found a chair and threw herself into it with a long sigh. "Aela, I'm fairly certain I understand Azriel's feelings for you…" She took another deep breath. "…and how you feel for her. Azriel claimed your soul for herself. You're as much of a mate to her as I am."

Aela stared at her for a minute before speaking. "Wolves mate once and for life."

Serana shook her head with annoyance that woman still didn't understand. "Maybe you do, but you have a choice. You can choose not to become her mate."

Serana paced around the large circular room. Aela had seemed to take her explanation better than she thought she would. Then again, the explanation defied a reasonable person's logic.

Then again, multiple spouses wasn't unheard of in her day. How many wives were in Ysgramor's group of five hundred companions during the Return?

Serana's own emotions had seemed to turn as she had watched Azriel and Aela glow. The purplish-golden light that surrounded them had encompassed her as well. She had seen the tethers binding each of them. She had instinctually known what Saaraadgraat had been telling Azriel and couldn't deny her the encouragement to save Aela.

Serana stopped pacing and looked at the room. It was truly amazing the amount of magic the old college truly held, but also how much it had changed.

Aela had silently walked to the old wall and ran her hand over a symbol etched in the stone. The portal opened and she silently disappeared through it. Serana didn't bother to follow. The woman needed time alone and so did she.

Serana glanced at the portal. Aela had been gone for almost an hour.

She looked up at the oculus watching the snow that drifted through it change to rain as it became heated. The garden that bloomed under the oculus was damp and the reagents that thrived in the mage light were fully blossomed. The privacy wall was home to resting torch bugs. Their small yellow light contrasted beautifully with the blue mage light.

The walls were nothing but shelves. Books, reagents, soul gems and magical items lined the stonework. The room hummed with magic, ancient and forgotten magic that pulsed around her.

The fur rugs and small nooks made the place feel homely. Serana looked up to the floating loft and smiled. The ancient desk and chair invited her to sit in it, but she wondered how one was supposed to get that high without levitating or teleporting.

Serana sighed, casting one last glance at the portal that hung in the wall. Aela definitely needed some space and the time apart would be good for them. Too much had occurred in such a short span of time and Serana wanted nothing more than to curl up with a good book. Well that and a very hot bath, a long night of love making, and plenty of blood… She laughed at her own thoughts. About the only thing she was going to get was the bath and the book.

Serana groaned, walking to the book shelf. Azriel seemed to be so far away, so far from her reach. Had it really only been just hours since Serana heard her strong accent speak to her on a painfully hoarse voice? It felt like ages since the last time they touched, but the reality was only a few hours. Days had passed since they had shared a single, bliss-filled night alone together. Tragically, it felt like years.

Azriel hadn't just surprised her by moving on her own after such horrid wounds. She had fought, been injured again, and then shared her soul with Aela.

The mages' words haunted her thoughts as Serana stood in front of the book shelf staring at the titles. Azriel could have easily died at any point and I'm sitting in this room, hoping she'll be whole enough to touch and taste while flirting with her friend. How selfish am I?

She needed a distraction and a book was a good one.

Lusty Argonian Maid… that book is terrible.

Sixteen Accords of Madness… pass. I've seen my fill of madness.

Book of the Dragonborn… read that.

A Dance in the Fire, books one through… way too long. Maybe later.

A Biography of Barenziah… too many to read right now.

The Last Great Battle of the Arena, Fourth Era 201year

Serana stared at the book and pulled it from the shelf.

A knock at the door interrupted her. Before she could answer, the door opened and five heartbeats filled her ears.

"Come and be quick, J'Zargo is not an errand boy." The furry cat rounded the corner and froze looking at Serana. "The old Mage did not tell J'Zargo a vampire waits in the Arch Mage's quarters."

A small female Mage pushed past him. "Who did you think the blood potions were for? Her pet dragon?"

The female Mage bowed to Serana quickly. Her large tray floated beside her. "Master Tolfdir sent us up with these. Where would you like them, milady?"

Serana smiled and the fur on J'Zargo's back puffed up under his robes. "Anywhere is fine. Please, my name is Serana."

The Breton smiled at her. "Gwynn, a pleasure…" The tray and several others floated to the table laden with food, drinks, potions, and clothing. "He also asked me to pass you and Lady Aela a message. The Dragonborn will be awake in two or three hours, but has asked that you both wait to see her."

"And why is that?" Aela's voice commanded attention from everyone.

"We'll be bringing her up here after her next treatment and bandage change." Gwynn offered quickly.

J'Zargo purred looking at her and Serana wasn't going to argue with him.

Aela was freshly scrubbed and wore a sleeveless green tunic and simple doe skin breeches. She was carrying Azriel's rucksack and her cuirass. Her hair was braided out of her face and she raised an eyebrow at the Mage.

Gwynn smiled at her sadly and continued. "I'm going to guess he didn't tell you that the potion that they're applying to her eyes burns like lava. You probably don't want to hear her screams. Colette has to use about five different silence charms on her."

Aela set the bag down with a sigh.

The others filed out quietly, leaving J'Zargo and Gwynn alone.

"Once the potion is administered we'll bring her up her. She'll be more comfortable here." Gwynn said quietly. "Is there anything else we can get for you?"

"Yes... This one has but to ask. J'Zargo will happily be of service."

Serana smirked at the Khajiit.

Gwynn and Aela rolled their eyes.

"Five seconds ago you weren't an errand boy, now that Lady Aela shows up, you're willing to do whatever?"

"Thank you, Gwynn, we're fine." Serana couldn't help noticing Aela's angry stare at the Khajiit. "J'Zargo, if you have any spare blood you could live without..."

J'Zargo's tail bushed out and he turned, running to the doors.

"I think I'm going to like you, Serana." Gwynn laughed heartily, following J'Zargo out.

Aela waited for the pair to leave and turned her glare on the vampires amused face. "What is so funny?"

"I think I like watching you be angry at someone else for a change. It's exciting to say the least…"

Aela ignored her comment. "Azriel should be dead."

"What? Why would you say that?" The amused look on Serana's face was gone, replaced with disbelief at Aela's cold statement.

"That bolt to the heart should have killed her." Aela matter-of-fact manner disturbed Serana.

"Are you alright? You're treating Azriel like... I don't know what. But, I don't like it."

"I looked at her armor. Do you remember the patch sewn on the inside?" Aela picked the armor up, looking at it again. She held it up for Serana to look at.

Serana stared at the holey armor. There really wasn't much left of it after the dragon attack and the Dawnguard bolts finished it.

"Azriel never had a chance to repair her armor. Each fight she's been in has degraded it and it's literally falling apart. She hasn't repaired this in a while from the looks of it. The bolt that struck her heart should have killed her, but it didn't. I wanted to know why. The patch isn't a patch at all. It's a pocket. Here..." Aela handed the cuirass to Serana.

Serana looked at it.

She wasn't a smith, nor an expert in armor, but Aela was right. Azriel's cuirass was falling apart. She flipped it open to the inside. The soft doeskin was well worn and the pocket had been cut open. She slipped her hand inside, but the pocket was empty. Aela's movement caught her attention and she looked at the werewolf.

"Azriel has never let her armor or her weapons fall into such a state in all of the time I've known her. She's a talented smith, but the state of her armor..." Aela shook her head. "I can only guess by looking at it, she hasn't taken the time to repair anything. It's like she's been tempting fate."

Aela looked down at her hand. "This was inside." She handed the worn and folded heavy paper to Serana.

Serana took the paper quickly unfolding it. Inside the folded paper was a large dried flower and an ancient medallion. She read the writing on the paper.

Reagents Found in the Wilds of Cyrodiil

Serana flipped the paper over.

Something to remember me by...

~ Eamal

"Who is Eamal?" Aela was sincerely curious why Azriel wouldn't have mentioned a person whose amulet she carried next to her heart.

Serana looked at the flower and the delicate scent struck her. All the time she had known Azriel, the soft floral scent had been on her skin. The flower itself was almost unrecognizable dried and flattened. It was obvious she had been carrying it for a while. "What is this?"

"It's Azriel's favorite flower, a Sacred Lotus. They're found in the shallow ponds of Cyrodiil. I've never seen one in Skyrim except at a shop. It's too cold here for them to grow."

Aela watched Serana flip the medallion in her hand. "I've never seen anything like that before. From puncture on the gold, that's what stopped the bolt from killing her."

"I have, but this one is older than I am." Serana replied looking at the dragon design before flipping it again. Wolf, bear, snake, and moth... But the design in the middle is destroyed...

"What do you know of Azriel's past?" Serana's contemplative tone spoke volumes to Aela.

"Before she came to the Companions? Almost nothing. She's very silent on the matter. I only know she went to the Greybeards and here before she came to us. There are of course stories of what she's done that filtered to Whiterun. She doesn't speak of her life outside of Skyrim at all."

"This medallion is Nedic. It's ancient and like I said, older than I am. The symbol that was in the middle would have been a clan marker. Now, it's gone." Serana read the paper again. Eamal...

"And how old are you?" Aela was fascinated. She guessed the vampire to be quite old, but hadn't a clue as to her true age. Three hundred years maybe?

Serana looked back up at the question and smiled. "Twenty-five." She said it without missing a beat.

The immediate answer amused Aela and she couldn't help but laugh.

The sound of her laughter made Serana's stomach do a flip.

"Damn. That makes me more ancient than you, vampire."

Serana felt her eyebrow creep slowly upward. The sting that came with the word vampire no longer existed. "With respect, Elder. How much older?"

Aela's silver eyes gleamed brightly at the smart retort. "I've seen twenty-six winters. This will be my twenty-seventh."

Serana furrowed her brow. "I'd have guessed you twenty-two at most."

Aela let the grin spread on her face. "The wolf slows down the aging process. Now, who is Eamal?"

Serana knew she wouldn't let it go. "You'll have to ask Azriel. But, if my suspicion is correct, then Eamal is older than twenty-five." She handed back the page, flower and necklace.

"Older than twenty-five? Seems hardly realistic if you ask me… But, I'm asking you, Serana." Aela let the smile sneak back onto her face.

Serana smiled at the sight. She was beginning to enjoy Aela's company. "Especially when you think about how many times I've turned twenty-five over the years."

Aela looked at the trays the Mages brought up. She picked through the clothing trying to find something more suitable to wear. Azriel's lanky form and choice of shorter tunics and pants did nothing for her. Between the Mage robes and clothes she found a simple suede dress and pulled it out. "How many years?"

"About four thousand and five hundred years or so."

Aela turned around with a disbelieving gasp. "What?!"

"Vampirism halts the aging process nicely." Serana said smiling at her. "Eamal was a vampire that saved Azriel's life when she was leaving Cyrodiil. That's all I'll say. The rest is for her to tell you."

Aela stared at her, still hung up on her age. "How are you so old?"

"It's… a long story. Longer than I really want to get into." Serana really wanted that bath.

"Fine, so a vampire saved her life. Why carry around a…" Aela looked up at her and back to the small treasures. "You're not telling me something."

Serana shrugged.

"She wouldn't just carry these mementos around for no reason, especially, sewn into her armor next to her heart. I find it hard to believe, so why don't you explain why a vampire would help her."

"Are we just mindless raving beasts to you?"

"No, you're not." Aela cleared her throat, thinking about her answer deciding to leave it simple. The past is the past…

"So this Eamal. Why didn't she just drain Azriel and move on?" Aela flipped out the dress, looking at it. "And turn around. Azriel's clothes do nothing for me on my body."

Serana obliged and continued, wishing she could watch. "Azriel has the blood of a dragon. To us, her blood smells like fire. But, when she told me about the vampire and how she acted around Azriel, I guessed I wasn't the first ancie… older vampire she had met. I have my suspicions about who Eamal may be, but I never told Azriel."

Aela slipped the dress over her head and worked her hair out of her braids. "Alright, she has fiery blood, that much I know. What difference does that make? You can turn around now."

For a moment Serana could only stare at the werewolf. Aela's hair spilled over her shoulders in front of her. The light brown color of the dress complimented the light tan and rosiness of her skin. The dress itself was a simple strapped dress that traveled to the middle of her muscular thighs. Azriel's amulet hung around her neck and the color of it against Aela's skin made Serana's mouth water from a hunger that had nothing to do with her need for blood. Serana was at a complete loss for words. She's gorgeous!

As she slowly drank her in, Aela coughed lightly, drawing Serana's attention back to the werewolf's smirking face from her chest. "Did you get lost?"

Serana instantly blushed, knowing Aela was throwing her own words back at her. "I was thinking."

"Mmhmm. So… continue. Speaking, I mean." The argent hues glimmered mischievously at her. "I don't mind if you ogle while you talk."

Serana blushed and looked away. I need a cold bath… "Anyways smartass, a weak blooded vampire can't drink a dragon's blood. But, the vampire Azriel met had commented on it. It's as if she knew Azriel was Dragonborn and had definitely met another in the past. So she was probably a half-blooded vampire or pure blood. But, I've been locked away for a very long time. I'd have no idea if my parents made her or not. But, I doubt it based on Azriel's description of her. I'd like to ponder it more before giving an answer."

Serana watched Aela take a seat next to the trays and cross her legs. Her eyes lingered on the Nord's lightly tanned legs.

A really cold bath…

"You blush quite a bit for a vampire." Aela couldn't resist the barb.

"Oh, shut up." Serana bit back at her. "I'm going to take a bath."

"I find it amusing." Aela poured a goblet of wine for herself. She set another goblet and a bottle in front of Serana. "Here… for your bath."

Serana tucked the goblet in her pocket and picked her book up. She reached for the bottle and Aela grabbed her hand. The icy fire burned her skin and she forced herself to stare at Aela's hand. Serana could feel Aela's eyes burrowing into her.

"This other vampire…" Aela pulled Serana's hand closer, forcing the vampire to look at her. "What was her connection to Azriel beyond saving her life?"

Serana could barely think looking at the werewolf's eyes. It was like Aela held some kind of power over her with a simple look. That's ridiculous… "Azriel became attached after they spent time together."

"I think the vampire may have as well, don't you agree?" Aela let go of her hand, watching Serana closely. "I'd almost say it's ironic."

"Why?" Serana picked out a set of clothing for herself, trying to avoid Aela's deliberate stare.

"Two vampires falling for her? It's almost like you're drawn to her powerful blood, not to her. Not really. Can your kind even see past her blood to who she really is?"

Serana froze with resentment. "Are you mocking me? How can you possibly think you understand our relationship? You haven't a clue as to how I feel for her."

The wolfish grin spread across Aela's face. "I can feel it, Vampire. I know of your desire for her blood. As for the rest of her, that remains to be seen."

Aela's words stung as she walked into the warm waters. She let her fingers trail the surface as she walked to the center of the small pond.

Serana tried to lose herself in the serenity of the bathing chamber. Not that it really was a chamber, but more a plane of Oblivion that the Arch Mages turned into a private bath.

The cliffs that surrounded Serana were green and lush. Trees decorated the tops of them with the beauty of their reaching points. The pine fragrance mingled with the scent that could only be described as greenery. Ferns, leaves, and rocks dotted the waterline. The beautiful waterfall had carved a bowl shape in the cliff and splashed happily, drawing her into the deep clear waters. The sky sparkled with millions of stars, each point burned hot like ice in the ebony ink in which they swam. Masser and Secunda hung lazily over her as if taunting her back to Aela's unsympathetic words that haunted her.

The monster boiled within, coiling and sulking in the shadows waiting to strike. Truth was sometimes a difficult thing to swallow.

Serana set down her book and wares on the large, flat basaltic boulder. Time had worn it to the shape that it was, cracking it and reshaping it. Serana in a way envied the boulder. Time had changed it from its original form, making it more beautiful.

Time had not been as kind to her.

She was nothing more than a blood drinking monster that time had only made more lethal and more powerful. Not that she regretted in the least bit the power it gave her, she had earned it. Power was her right and she embraced it.

But, I am still a monster…

Serana unbraided her hair and dunked herself full under the crystalline sultriness. She let it flow around her, cradling her in liquid calefaction. The currents gracefully caressed her skin, pleasing like a lover's touch. She let her body sink into the depths, coming to rest on the rounded cobble floor of the pool. She exhaled that last of the air in her lungs, watching the bubbles float to the surface sluggishly. The stars rippled in the sky through the water as Serana laid back onto the stone cobbles. The flow of the water kept the rocks from becoming slimy or unpleasant.

For the first time in ages, she thought she could find a bit of peace, if only Aela's words would seek their exit from her mind.

The Huntress' words rippled like the waters around her.

Could she honestly see past the power that Azriel extruded to the person? Without a doubt, her mind answered her.

But, the young Dragonborn's blood was a siren that never stopped calling to her. It tempted her in ways she had never known existed. Her thirst pricked at her, hungrily gnawing its way up her throat. The mere thought of Azriel's blood was enough to drive her to the brink of depravity. She'd do anything to have it.

Could she control it? Control the urges she felt as Azriel had asked her to?

Serana closed her eyes, shutting out the stars, listening to only the water around her. She searched herself for the elusive answers and found only silence. She pushed deeper, looking for solace in finding the truth within herself.

Azriel was her mate.

But, was Azriel truly safe from her? In allowing herself to mate with the Dragonborn, was it simply to possess her power for herself? Was she only capable of being the monster that desired her blood?

The silence that answered her was deafening.

I'd like to say the Arch Mage's bathing chamber is a 'real' plane of Oblivion. One that exists on the Eagle Creek Trail outside of Portland Oregon, known as Punchbowl Falls. I can already hear the battle cries of "To the Google!" If you ever get a chance, you definitely should visit. But, do so in the summer, because the water is glacial run-off. (READ: Cold as hell!)

Thank all of you for reviewing and for the interesting conversations over PM. I really enjoy them. I'd especially like to thank my little fluffy werewolf, Tomed Ceht for her patience in the multiple edits and endless rambling I've put her through for this and every single chapter. LoL

Lastly, DianeDarkestNite I'm not sure what a fanfiction format is suppose to look like since everyone has their own style. I prefer it to look like a book rather than a wall of text. (I'm dyslexic and I can't read it otherwise.) That's why I limit paragraphs to three to five sentences at most. It gets confusing for me to read. :P