A Tale of Dragons: Tanz do Iiz ahrk Yol

Chapter: 36

Throat of the World

Odahviing landed and let the women off as he took in the sight of the castle. Khara and Serana walked a few steps away from the dragon before stopping, they didn't really want this, to part ways so soon, but it would only make the reunion that much more memorable. That, and they both had things that they needed to do, Serana had to talk with her mother and clan, while Khara needed to join the Companions in the ritual that Vilkas mentioned. This way, they would be more efficient and Khara also had something in mind. The wolf had an idea, or plan rather, and it would be so much better if it remained a surprise to Serana. Khara simply needed to travel to Riften after she was done with the ritual, then she could come and get Serana who hopefully would be done with her things by then.

"So, what is this grand plan of yours?" Serana asked as Khara had hinted to something over the last day and Serana was simply too curious, she wanted to know what the wolf had in mind, she always did.

The wolf smiled as she shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know if its all that grand, but it's a surprise."

"You're not going to tell me, are you?" Serana asked as she tilted her head, a small smile at her lips as she knew just how easily she could make the wolf answer all of her questions, but…Serana looked past Khara and met Odahviing's gaze. Perhaps it would be for the best if she didn't use her, her skills on the wolf while out in the open.

"Afraid not." Khara said with a grin as she looked down to the ground.

Serana narrowed her eyes as she took a step closer. "Alright." They looked deeply at each other before meeting in a soft and loving kiss.

The way Serana moved her lips so skillfully against her lips made her entire stomach flutter, her chest felt so light. She completely forgot about everything else when they kissed, it was like she was under Serana's spell. It was almost scary how easily Serana could make all the worries just disappear, but only almost. She couldn't help but groan when Serana pressed even harder against her, she then also heard another noise, one that came from behind.

Khara furrowed her brows before breaking the kiss and turning her head to see what it was. Sure enough, Odahviing was watching them with great interest. When she met his gaze, he only straightened his neck as he continued to stare. It was amusing how he simply couldn't grasp what he was currently doing. Khara laughed before speaking. "Odahviing, do you mind?" Her voice was filled with amusement.

He looked at Serana, who was also looking at him with a shy smile, before looking back at Khara. "Nid, I do not." He answered honestly, why would he mind? It didn't bother him at all. He wasn't bothered by the way mortals showed their affection, if anything he found it interesting as he simply couldn't grasp why two beings would enjoy touching each other with their mouths. But he had such a different understanding of what the two women had, he couldn't fully understand it the way they did.

Serana laughed out as Khara simply shook her head at the overgrown red lizard. Khara turned back to Serana. "I'd love to continue, but I'm not a big fan of an audience."

Serana chuckled as she nodded, she agreed. "You will come back here after you're done with the Companions?" She asked, smile still on her lips as she found it hard not to do so.

"I also need to do something real quick in Riften, but I'll come here right after that." Khara promised as she took a step back, letting Serana know that they should get to it.

Serana walked backwards slowly as she kept her gaze with Khara. "What if I guess it?" She asked, and when the wolf didn't answer, Serana guessed away. "Solitude?" She wouldn't mind going there again since she had such fond memories from the previous times she and her wolf had been there, but Khara shook her head.

"Wrong, but good guess." She couldn't help but smile as she continued to make more room between them.

"Whiterun?" It was a beautiful city, the architecture was so incredibly unique. She hadn't seen much of Dragonsreach, so to see it again with the wolf as her guide would be entertaining for sure.

Khara shook her head as she chuckled, Serana could try all she wanted, but she wasn't going to tell. "Still wrong." She said with a raised voice as she continued to walk away, a smile firmly planted on her face as she did so.

Damn stubborn woman. "Fine!" Serana said as she let her arms fall to her sides, but she too couldn't keep her lips from forming a smile. She would let Khara have this little victory, but she made sure to remember to repay the wolf in the future, or…Why not right now? Khara was still somewhat nearby and so she focused all her thoughts on the woman. I could always just tie you up and make you answer my questions that way, Serana whispered through her mind to the wolf. The smirk on her lips showed Khara that she was so incredibly proud over herself in that moment.

Khara stopped abruptly and looked at Serana with wide eyes, her jaw hang as she found no words. She turned her head to look at Odahviing, but she then realized that Serana hadn't spoken the words, something she was very thankful for. Her aspects stood still within her mind as they too were shocked. Khara didn't have time to say something witty back as Serana took her leave, but not before sending a wink in the wolf's direction. Oh, and of course did Serana increase the sway of her hips as she walked. Khara had no choice but to join her wolf aspect as it released a whimper. She wanted to be annoyed at the woman for reminding her of her little secret that she had told the her some time ago, but how could she be angry at someone so… Khara shook her head, for she didn't really know just how to describe Serana with just one word. She just loved the woman like crazy, so for now she would let Serana have her fun, she was sure that the she would repay her in due time.

She finally managed to get onto Odahviing. He would carry her over the mountain tops and get her to Whiterun in no time. She was a little curious for what kind of ritual that the wolves would need her to attend to, perhaps if she really focused herself, then the feeling in her gut from Serana's schemes would vanish before she arrived there, hopefully.

Just before entering Castle Volkihar, Serana turned around and saw Odahviing and Khara turn to the skies. The smile she had on her lips vanished when the first face she was met with once inside was the face of her mother, Valerica.

The older woman simply stood still as she saw how Serana's face fell at the sight of her. Had something happened? Was her daughter injured, or had the wolf done something to her? She was about to ask, to ask what had happened and what was wrong, but the words never had a chance to come out.

She didn't see it coming, she didn't have a chance to move, block or avoid it. Her head turned to the side as a result of the impact, the entire right side of her face felt like it was on fire. Serana had just slapped her, she was almost proud of her daughter because she felt the amount of strength that had been put into it. But if she didn't lecture her daughter over what she had just done, then what kind of mother was she? She turned to face the younger woman, endless amount of words ready to roll of her tongue, but yet again something unexpected happened and she was pulled into a bone-crushing embrace.

This wasn't like them, a lot of time had passed since they had last done this, centuries in fact. It was strange, but Valerica returned the gesture as she held around her daughter. She swallowed before speaking. "What was that for?" She asked a little confused.

"You explained that I had been in Dimhollow for all that time, but you failed to mention that it was you who put me there." The muffled voice of Serana said.

Fair enough. "And this?" Valerica asked gently, squeezing around her daughter with her arms to show the younger vampire what she meant.

"I didn't have the time to tell you in the Soul Cairn, but I've really missed you." Her eyes were squeezed so tightly together that it almost hurt.

She smiled over those words, for she could tell that they were honest. With her arms holding around her daughter still she spoke. "I've missed you too, dear." And it was while she was holding her daughter that she felt something she thought that she would never feel again, she felt this tiny, small warmth. She wasn't sure if it was there at all, but she could feel it and she knew why it was appearing now, it was because after all this time she had finally been granted to be glad again, to feel. And it may not be much, but it was more than enough for the woman. "Come now, I think we have much to discuss." She said as she patted Serana on the back.

Khara entered Jorrvaskr and looked around, she spotted Aela and approached her. As she walked closer she felt herself become more aware of the place, or her wolf aspect did at least. The uneasy feeling that followed her were always present whenever she came to this place, hopefully they wouldn't have to stay for long. Just getting out of this place would feel better, even if the brothers and Aela came with her. It was hard to describe, but it felt like she was in a wolf's den, filled with hostiles that were ready to leap at her if she made the smallest of mistakes, there were no room for weakness in Jorrvaskr, and the wolf knew it.

She felt eyes on her as she moved, and she expected nothing less, but it didn't help with the uneasiness that hovered around her. She was tense and ready to do what was needed in order to protect herself if needed, something she hoped the other wolves knew well. When she reached Aela, the Huntress turned to meet her gaze. "I'm glad you could come, I think the old man will appreciate it." She said.

Wait, what? "What do you mean?" The Huntress spoke of Kodlak, that she knew, but what did she mean with, I think the old man will appreciate it. Kodlak was gone, dead, claimed by the Huntsman of the Princes, blessed to roam the Hunting Grounds for all eternity, but Kodlak didn't want that fate.

Aela just grinned as she grabbed her bow. "Hope you're ready, for we're going to go and see the old man."

Khara looked at her with confusion filled in her eyes. "Where are we going?"

"To Ysgramor's Tomb, let's go." Aela said as she walked past Khara.

Khara only closed her eyes and inhaled slowly, why couldn't just Aela have met her there instead. Damn woman, she heard in her mind, but she couldn't tell if it was her aspects who had said it or herself.

And so she turned around to follow the woman, she hadn't been to Ysgramor's Tomb before, but she knew of its location.

"And how do you know that they won't attack us?" Khara whispered as they walked further into the tomb. Her eyes were working like crazy to spot all of the ghost that were watching them.

"They are Companions and will not attack fellow members." Aela said as she led them through the old and dusty halls. Her words were true, these ghosts wouldn't harm fellow Companions.

"Aela,-" Khara hissed at her. "I am not a member of the Companions." She said as she walked a little faster to catch up to the Huntress, the eyes of the undead only making her feet move with more purpose than before.

"Then keep up." Aela simply said, taking some joy in seeing the always calm and collected Dragonborn having a bit of a panic. The ghosts of her fallen comrades wouldn't attack them, but Khara didn't know that and Aela found it humorous.

"Why aren't the brothers with us, or anyone else for that matter?" Khara asked as they continued to walk. She looked around her with each step she took, she didn't feel like she was in any danger, but that feeling have betrayed her before.

"They didn't think it to be wise, their hearts are still filled with grief and anger." Aela explained as they walked, her eyes stuck on the path ahead.

Khara looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "And yours isn't?" The wolf asked.

"It has grief in it, yes, but not anger. I chose not to anger myself over the death of the old man, but to focus on the memories that I have of him instead." Her voice was strong and everything indicated that she was speaking the truth, and the wolf believed it.

Their conversation stopped there, but their feet did not. The halls were long and dark, but that too came to a stop in the end. They were in a room now, a huge room. As far as Nordic ruins go, this room was in its own right…Beautiful, it was truly stunning. Chandeliers hang from the cealing above, endless amounts of lit candles filled the room, art of the old Nordic heroes filled the walls and in the middle of the room there was a fire, but the flames weren't red like most. No, these ones seemed to copy the wolf's eyes, it was as blue as the purest water, like the most intense lightening.

But that was not all, because standing with their hands close to the bluish flame stood a ghost, a shade of another Companion, but this one was no mere member of the guild, it was Kodlak. There, right before them stood a man that Khara was sure she would never ley her eyes on again. She was surprised, and very thankful when Aela did the talking. "It's good to see you again, Kodlak." She greeted her old friend with a warm smile.

Kodlak laughed as he walked up to his friend. He placed both hands on her shoulders as he looked at her. "I thought that I would have to wait much longer to see your face again." He pulled her into an embrace. "It's good to see you too, Aela." He also send a nod over to Khara, who gladly returned it. The hug broke and he looked at her again. "Now tell me, why are you here?"

Aela smiled at him, eyes filled with warmth. "To give an old man one last wish." She reached behind her and showed Kodlak it. It was a bag, and inside it was one of the heads of the Glenmoril witches. She didn't say anything else as she threw the bag into the fire, and it caught flame in an instant.

Kodlak stumbled back as he gripped his chest piece, something was moving within him, trying to get out. It didn't hurt, but it was far from comfortable as it felt like something was being ripped out of him. He was forced down on a knee as a red light came out of his chest and as it happened, he felt his connection to his inner wolf fade.

He felt how the need to hunt vanish from his mind, he felt how his need to satisfy his inner beast fade. The red light took on a form, that of a huge wolf and it leapt to the flames, being swallowed by it. The flame burned brighter and blue embers filled with small spots of red hovered around them. Kodlak's eyes were wide as he heard the sound of howling all around the room.

The flame swallowed the beast, Kodlak remained on the ground for a moment longer before standing up, slowly. He felt a little numb, and perhaps a little lightheaded as he was finding it difficult to stand straight. But it too faded over time, and it was easier to breathe again. He looked to Aela and he was forced to smile, for he felt free. "I…I don't know what to say."

"Then don't say anything, there is no need for it."

"But there is." He walked closer. "Before death claimed me, I failed at passing on the title of Harbinger." His words caused Aela to look at him with awaiting eyes. "And everyone knows that the Companions need a Harbinger." He said with a clever smile.

Aela nodded. "Just say the name and I shall tell them." She said, for she was more than willing to do as the man asked. She thought of who it would be, who would be the new Harbinger. Vilkas would be a good candidate, for he was strong and took action, even if it was poorly made decisions. Farkas was out of the picture, for obvious reasons, she harbored no ill thoughts towards the man, for he had his heart in the right place, but his mind was another matter entirely. She was about to let her thought reach the other members of the guild, but Kodlak stopped her.

He smiled at her over hearing her words, it filled his heart with pride. "For so many years now I've been blessed to have you in my company. And I've seen you grown from a little careless girl into a fully grown and responsible woman. Your journey have not been the easiest, but what hardship that came over you, you welcomed it head-on and with a strong heart. Never have you made a decision that came without thought and worry for those involved and that, that is the sign of a born leader." His words caused her to simply stand and listen, for she thought she knew what was about to happen.

He walked closer and placed a hand on her shoulder as he looked deeply into her eyes. "My girl, I have never been more sure than what I am in this very moment. And I am so very proud of you, of the person you've become. Over the last years I've seen you become your own person, the perfect successor…" He placed his other hand on her shoulder, he needed her to feel the weight of the words that were about to come. "And so it is with great joy and honor that I say these words, Aela. I hereby give you the title of Harbinger of the Companions. Let it be known to all, allies and enemies, friends and foes. May you carry it with pride, but also modesty. And may it be an example to those who seek glory, and may it be a warning for those who seek to abuse power. May your name echo throughout the mountains, letting all know of your name and responsibility, of your gift and burden."

She was at a loss of words, or so she thought. "I'm honored." She managed to let out.

"And speechless, it would seem." Kodlak said with a smile as he chuckled.

She too laughed as she lowered her head. "I won't disappoint you."

"Don't worry for me, I will be fine. Just don't disappoint yourself, that is what's most important." She nodded at his words. Kodlak then heard something in the back of his mind, something he had dreamed of for endless nights. He closed his eyes and smiled. "I can hear the distant horns of Sovngarde calling for me." He mused.

Aela grinned as she patted his shoulder. "Then go and join the blessed feast, old man, you've waited long enough." And with those words Kodlak took a few steps back.

He slowly faded as his eyes locked with hers. "Thank you." Was the final words she would ever hear of the man's voice, and they were filled with pride. He vanished, and so did the flame in the middle. Aela felt a tear escape her eyes as she turned around, first now remembering that she weren't alone.

She looked at Khara who was looking quite amused, a stupid smile on her lips. "What are you looking at." She asked the woman.

"The new Harbinger, apparently." To hear that title come from someone else really made it sink in for the Huntress, and it gave her the most amazing feeling.

Khara didn't need to ask why she had come with her, she knew it in the second she saw the look on Kodlak's face when their eyes had met. It was like a final goodbye, their last farewell. And even though they traded no words with one another, she knew it was more than enough for the both of them. And who knew, maybe they would meet again when the wolf had lived her last days. Maybe their paths would cross each other again in the future.

Khara walked past the market place of Riften, it was late and the shop keepers had retired for the day. She shook her head at herself, had she been faster she might have managed to catch Madesi before the argonian had closed up his shop for the day. She didn't think too much of it as she walked down to the Guild, she simply would have to try again tomorrow.

She had walked this path so many times in the past that her legs simply walked on their own accord while her mind continued to let the thoughts wash over her. She was a little disappointed, because now more time needed to pass before she could return to Serana. And she so badly wanted to be with her, every second of every day. And with what she had planned, well…She just wanted to do it already, enough time had passed and she was afraid that if she didn't do it now, then something would come up that would only force it to be yet again delayed.

Before she knew it, she was already in the Flagon, she was made aware of it when Brynjolf invited himself to her table and placed two mugs full of mead down for them. He was supporting a huge grin as he sat down. Khara eyed him with skeptical eyes, he was most certainly up to something, she could almost smell his mischief. "What got you in such a good mood?" She asked the thief.

Her chuckled as he leaned back. "Oh, I'm just high on life, lass." He said as he took a sip of his drink, there was nothing like a cup full of happiness in the form of Black-Briar Mead to end a successful day. "Now lass, why back in town, got any business?" Brynjolf said as he sat down next to his Guildmaster and friend. "Oi, did you hear me?" He asked once more as he waved a hand in front of her eyes.

She smiled as she leaned her head back, she knew he was up to something and frankly, she wasn't in the mood right now. "Leave me alone, Bryn." She tried to dismiss him, they were the only ones left in the Flagon, everyone else had called it for the night. She wasn't ready for his dry jokes and witty words right now.

"Not until you tell me what crawled up your arse and died, you're in a foul mood." He said as he got comfortable in is chair, the man was clearly not planning on leaving anytime soon.

Khara groaned as she rested her chin on her hand. She looked at hin before speaking. "I'm just waiting for something, once I have it I can leave." And go back to Serana.

"What is this something?" He asked, but it almost seemed like he acted by the way he had said those words.

She thought about it. "It's…An item for Serana." It's not a lie.

He nodded as he drank. "Why didn't she come with you?"

"She needed to talk with her mother." She told him.

Brynjolf flinched over those words. "That explains it then, trouble with the in-laws?" He tried not to, but there was a small smirk on his lips. For he knew something that Khara didn't know he did, and that was so very pleasant to the man, because it so rarely happened.

Khara seemed to choke on the air over his words, when she recovered she pointed at him and spoke. "Not married." She said sternly, she wanted to make that point very clear to him.

Now his smirk turn into a shit-eating grin. He threw a small bag onto the table. "Not yet at least." He said amused. "I was at the market earlier, shared a few words with Madesi. He said he had an order finished for you, and with me being the lovely-charming-likable-man that I am, I offered to get them to you." Khara's eyes widened as she grabbed the bag and reached down to grab the two items within. She brought her hand up on the table and opened her palm. Brynjolf let out a low whistle when he saw the rings. "Holy mother of thieving, they're magnificent." He almost whispered.

Khara nodded slowly before putting them in one of her own pouches. "Wait, how did you know they were rings?" She asked, for she could see that he hadn't opened the pouch and looked at them, how did he know?

"Come on now, this is insulting. I've known you for a little while now, haven't I? I know how to read you, and your looks. It's obvious that you're head over heels for the girl, and what else am I to think when you go talking with one of the most talented jewel craftsmen in the province?" He was enjoying this so very much from where he sat.

She narrowed her eyes and leaned closer. "Were you spying on us?"

He raised his hands defensively. "I was merely observing, lass. I was talking with Grelka over by the Keep when you made your order." She did not look amused. "Old habit, I swear." He added.

She dismissed it. "Yeah, yeah…" She mumbled.

He slowly let his grin fade away, letting his more serious face be seen. "So, Serana's mother?"

"Oh yeah. I don't think she likes me much." The wolf said with a frown.

He looked at her. "Did you insult her?"

Khara shrugged her shoulders. "I kind of ran at her, grabbed her then pulled her through a portal, I haven't really spoken all that much with her." She then lowered her head on the table.

They talked some more, and it wasn't all that bad, she hadn't really seen this side from Brynjolf before. He was always the man who tried to cure everything with humor before trying anything else, he normally didn't act like this at all. It made her see him in a new light in a way, and it made her wonder just what had happened to him for him to have this always happy act of his. She now saw that it was a way to protect himself. And just like herself, he too had walls, but just how old and tall were they?

It was probably the way she was now looking at him that caused him to release a nervous laugh. "Do I have something on my face?" He joked.

Khara shook her head. "No, I've just…Never seen you like this."

He tilted her head and looked at her. "What, somewhat sober?" He said in an attempt to lighten the mood.

"I don't know, I guess we never really had any serious conversations, did we?" She didn't wish to pry, to possibly open old wounds.

"Aye, guess we haven't." His eyes roamed the table. "So I take it things are quite serious with you then, you and Serana?"

"Well, I did just follow her to a realm of Oblivion and back." Khara said with a small laugh.

He laughed too. "Damn…"

"Yeah, she gives life meaning." She said in a low voice, it felt so very strange to talk about Serana with such affection in front of another.

Brynjolf leaned closer and clicked their cups together. "Cheers to her then."

She nodded, smile firmly planted on her lips. "Cheers to her." As she was about to drink, Brynjolf took it from her and drank everything it held. "Oi, I was using that." She laughed.

"You just told me that you were waiting for something, and when you had it you would leave." He grinned. "Well, now you have it, so what are you still sitting here for?" He stood up and lifted Khara out of her seat.

"Alright, alright! I'll leave!" She laughed out as she began walking with him over to the door.

With his hands on her back, leading her towards the door, he spoke. "I'll take care of any business and such while you're busy, I can only imagine that you would want a few days off." He knew what it was like to be in love, he had been there himself a few times in the past, and he knew how he always felt like he never had enough time. A life to share with another was never for him anyways, he liked what he had now, where he was and who he was there with, good friends and people who he could trust, and of course there was the mead, the man couldn't ask for much more.

Khara thought about his offer. "I won't lie, that is a tempting thought."

He chuckled. "Go Khara, I'll hold down the fort." He said as he suddenly handed Khara a backpack.

She didn't ask what the bag was for, sometimes is was nice to let things be a surprise. "Cheers Bryn, I owe you." She said as he closed the door on her, something that only caused her smile to grow. She just stood there for a moment, she let it sink in and swallow her whole, for now she had what she came for. She then realized that she was standing completely still and darted towards the gates of Riften, she needed to get to Castle Volkihar.

Valerica watched her daughter as they sat at a table. They had talked for a while now, but neither could say for just how long, because as they sat and talked, all sense of time had just vanished. And that was alright, it was okay. For they talked of so many different things, both the good and the not so pleasant things.

She could see that the young woman sitting beside her was still her daughter, but she also saw that she was different from the person that she once knew. "You've changed." She said, voice low and gentle. Serana met her gaze, their eyes were looking into each other as Valerica spoke once more. "I can't recall ever seeing you like this."

Serana looked at her, a little unsure of what she meant. "Like what?"

"So grown." Her mother told her.

Serana lowered her gaze as a small smile graced her lips. "A lot have happened since we last spoke." She said and she meant from before the Soul Cairn, she spoke of the time before she was led into Dimhollow and she knew that her mother understood her perfectly. "I've seen so much, met so many." Her eyes were filled with something that Valerica hadn't seen in a very long time, Serana looked happy. "Learnt more than I thought possible." Her eyes said more than words ever could, she was glowing.

Valerica smiled as she recognized the look in her daughter's eyes. "I've also never seen you this cheerful."

Serana grinned. "How can I not smile? You're finally back and…" Her words faded, unsure if they were wise to be spoken yet. She had let her excitement get the better of her, and now she was forced to face the consequences of that.

Her mother knew though, there was more to be said, there was another. "And the wolf." She said gently.

Serana looked at her in an instant, just what did she mean by that? The words she had just said indicated that she knew, that she knew about them, but the way that she said them sounded so genuine. She couldn't help but feel a slight worry within herself, because she being with another was never a problem, she knew that, but her being with another woman…She didn't know how her mother viewed that. And she knew that her mother's opinion on the matter wasn't all that important, but there was still this part of her that hoped that her mother approved, that she was fine with it. But isn't that something most children want from their parents? To be pleased with them, to be proud? She didn't know what to say so she only gave her mother a weak nod. She couldn't deny it, she didn't even think she would be able to deny it even if she tried, the whole idea of saying no just sounded impossible to her.

Valerica carefully took Serana's hand in hers. She gave it a gentle squeeze, along with some more words. "I know that our path haven't been like most, but that doesn't make what I'm about to say any less true. I want you to know that all I ever wanted was for you to be safe, to have a good life, filled with the things that you love, with people that you care greatly for. It's all any mother could ever wish for their children." She placed her other hand on Serana's and leaned closer. "And if she cares for you just as much as I can see you do for her, then what can I say? This world is filled with so much dread and hardship, we must take what we can, must we not?" She smiled. "From whoever is willing to offer it to us." She was about to say more, but a hug from her daughter interrupted her.

"It's really good to hear you say that." Serana mumbled as she held around her mother. She felt relieved, because she didn't want any more secrets between them and knowing that her mother was fine with it felt beyond amazing, it was great. "I wish I could have told you this sooner, like a few centuries ago." She chuckled.

"It certainly would have made all those plans with the Jarl's sons much easier, you have no idea of the planning it took for them to be introduced to you, but better late than never, dear." They both laughed over that, for they both saw the humor in it. "Now, I think I've kept you for long enough." She said as she moved back a little, out of her daughter's embrace and stood up.

Serana gave her a confused smile, but then she felt it, that warmth. She couldn't help but smile because she knew what that meant, she too rose from her seat. "I…-" She shook her head before planting a kiss on her mother's cheek. "Thank you." She added as she gave her mother another quick hug.

With her mother telling her that she should go, and with that feeling in her chest, Serana didn't need to be told twice. She gladly walked towards the exit, her smile growing with each step she took, for she had a pretty good idea of who was on the outside of the castle right now. And when she finally reached the door and opened it, she spotted her, the wolf.

Khara gave Serana an confused look, for how could she have known of her arrival? Khara was literally reaching for the door when Serana had opened it. "How did you-." Soft lips paused her words. This was a very pleasant surprise. Two cool hands held her face in place as she was met with such eager lips, she was so surprised in fact that she didn't even hold Serana, her arms were just still, hovering awkwardly in the air as they had received no commands from the wolf's mind. After some seconds however, her arms fell down to Serana's hip as she was finally able to keep up.

Serana smiled into the kiss before moving her head back the tiniest bit. She loved how the wolf's eyes had no glow in them now, she loved that she could do that to Khara so easily.

"What was that for?" Khara asked a little dazzled and out of breath.

Serana grinned as she moved some white hair out of the way. "Do I need a reason?" She asked as her eyes followed her hand as it ran down a smooth cheek. She saw that Khara shook her head, letting her know that she could do that whenever she wanted to. Their eyes met and both smiled at the other. "So, where to now?" She asked as she now noticed that night was upon them, as she could clearly see the stars in the skies, she could also see that there were clouds carrying promises of a storm was under way and would be upon them soon.

Khara leaned into her touch. "Throat of the World?" Khara asked, hoping that Serana would want to go there too, because she really wanted her to come.

Serana smiled, for she remembered the wolf saying something about it before. "Do you want me to sing there? In the tower of the Greybeards during the night, when the light dances in the skies?" Serana asked, pleased that she still remember the wolf's words from so long ago.

Khara looked at her with that special look, that one look that was only shown to Serana alone, and only shown when Khara was under her spell. "You remember that?" Her voice was low.

"I do, hard not to." Her eyes fell down the wolf's armor and she smiled. "And yes." She whispered.

Khara beamed at her and bent her knees a little so that their eyes connected again. "Yes?" She whispered back. The excitement in her voice was so pure and it easily reached Serana's ears.

Serana chuckled as she nodded. "Yes, Khara. I'll go with you."

That was all the wolf needed to hear before grabbing Serana by her arms and pulling her down towards the dragon who would happily take them to the mountain.

Odahviing landed in the courtyard of High Hrothgar and close to where the women were headed, he couldn't have landed closer even if he tried. Between all of the dragons he would fight, all the bandits he would defeat and other beasts who he would hunt, this was a pleasant change of actions. He was glad that Khara didn't doubt of calling him to her aid, even if it was just to get to another place. It was like his time to relax and to recharge. That, and he enjoyed being in the young joor's company. For he had made a promise to the wolf; to always answer her calls, to always offer his aid if needed. And when he lowered his scale covered body closer to the freezing cold ground, he felt a warm hand caress his neck as the wolf descended. The gesture was simple, and if he didn't know the wolf, or the basic actions of mortals and how they showed affection, then he wouldn't pay it any mind. However, he knew what it meant, it was a thank, a gesture of gratitude. His eyes followed the form that was Khara as she made her way over to his head.

She kneeled down and smiled gently at him. "Thank you for this." She whispered as she help onto the backpack lazily hanging over her shoulders.

He didn't speak, he didn't need to trade words with the young wolf as he knew that she saw his eyes and what words they held within them. He simply kept their eyes connected as he took to the skies once more, ready to face off more dangers that this world had to offer him.

Khara's eyes followed him for as long as they could before turning to find Serana. The woman was standing still, arms around herself as she let the cool winds surround her. "Cold?" Khara asked as she walked up to her.

"Not really." Serana said as she looked down to her feet, then up again. "It's just and old habit, I guess?" She turned around as her gaze followed the wolf.

Khara then took Serana's arm and slowly guided her towards the tower, she couldn't help but feel herself becoming more and more excited for what was about to happen. They reached the tower and Khara opened the door for the both, allowing Serana to enter it first.

It felt good to be out of that storm, truly. Serana was about to make the climb for the top of the stone structure they were now in, but suddenly the form of white hair darted before her and leapt up the stairs. "Just take your time!" She heard Khara yell to her, and she knew that the wolf needed a little time to prepare something.

Serana's eyebrows narrowed as she could clearly hear the wolf move things around, her heartbeat increasing rapidly. "How much time should I take?" She asked back as she ever so slowly made her way upwards.

Khara stopped her movements and pondered of what to say. "Like, take a moment to appreciate the fine stone put into this grand tower of old!" She grinned to herself as she heard Serana laugh over her words. She could hear that Serana was still moving, but that she did indeed take her time in doing so. "How much have you appreciated thus far?" She asked after a few moments.

"About half of it." Serana answered, letting the wolf know that she didn't have all that much time left. "Should I turn so that I can appreciate it some more?" She asked, eyes on the stairs as a smile was playing on her lips and hands in her pockets.

"No, no that won't be necessary." Khara said as she was finally done with her little plan, or at least one part of it. She quickly let her eyes run over her work, making sure that it was all there, and when she was pleased with the sight, she allowed herself to speak once more. "You can come up now, unless you wish to admire more of the tower?" She would have to thank Brynjolf for this, the items that was in the bag was perfect.

I'd much rather appreciate someone else, Serana mused in her mind as she took on the last steps the tower had challenged her with. And when her foot came in contact with the floor instead of another step, her eyes rose and widened at the sight before her.

Candles, there was candles all over, all of them lit. There was a brazier in the middle of the little room, filled with firewood that had already been introduced to the heat of fire. Up against one of the walls there was a few blankets, woolen ones, so she knew they would aid in keeping the cold at bay. There was also some pillows up against the wall, just a few feet away from the ledge. For the room was open to the world outside, they could probably have seen Windhelm if the storm weren't present. Her eyes spotted two cups and a few bottles of wine and mead next to the makeshift bed.

Her eyes left the ground in favor of her wolf who had taken off her armor, now only standing with her common clothes on, the mere sight of it caused Serana to envy the woman's ability to stay unaffected by the weather. It was cozy, the way the light of the fire and the candles lit up the dark room, it made her feel warm. "So, this was your surprise?" She asked as she continued to look around them.

Khara guided Serana over to where the pillows and blankets were and spoke. "A part of it."

Serana sat down against the wall, but her wolf did not. "There's more?" Serana asked with a laugh. This was more than enough, this was lovely. She could see herself and the wolf sitting her for hours on end, just talking about all sorts of things.

Khara faced Serana and kneeled down, a charming smile on her lips as she did so. "There are three things left." She said. "The next one being me showing you something. The second being me asking you something, and if you say yes to the second, than the third is on you to fulfill."

Serana narrowed her eyes and she smiled a little confused, it sounded like the wolf was speaking in riddles. "Then let's begin."

Khara grinned like a madwoman as she grabbed Serana's arms and pulled her up and guided her to the middle of the room. She faced the woman towards the open wall, the one that showed the storm. She leaned closer, hand on shoulders and spoke with a quiet voice. "What do you see?" She asked, lips close to Serana's ear.

Serana took her time in answering that question, for there wasn't really much for her eyes to find. The clouds were black and grey, rain and snow poured down from them as lightning showed itself every now and then. "Not much, it's all so dark and, well, lacking." Lacking in colors, the storm before them blocked out the beauty that the night skies had to offer.

Khara hummed. "It's quite dull, isn't it?" She offered.

Serana tilted her head to the side, it was a good description of the sight. "Yeah."

"Cover your ears and close your eyes. Remember the sight before you." Khara said, and when Serana moved her hands to cover her ears, the wolf walked around her. She saw that those orange orbs were hidden from view and smiled. She turned towards the skies and closed her eyes as well.

She let the sound of her own breathing consume her as she meditated, as she collected her powers from deep within. She was about to use the shout that forced the weather to vanish, but she wanted it to fully clear the skies this time, she wanted to be able to see as far as possible. And if that was to happen, then she would need her shout to hold more strength behind them, more force. She inhaled through her nose and exhaled through her mouth as she connected with her inner dragon, asking if she could tap into that power she so rarely used, to be able to summon the strongest of shouts.

The dragon flew around within her mind, answering her call, reacting to it. The way its claws scratched around, the way the sound of its wings echoed within was all the wolf could hear. She felt a heavy feeling settle in her chest and grow rapidly as she continued to let the divine power charge up. She felt her fingers tingle, she felt how her feet screamed at her to move due to all the unused energy flowing through her, she felt it all.

When the dragon within calmed down she knew it was time. She opened her eyes and felt how they burned in that bright blue color of theirs, she could feel the very heat of it. She stretched out her fingers, took on a strong stance and parted her lips. She inhaled deeply and let one of the most powerful shouts leave her. "LOK VAH KOOR!" She could feel it leave her, she could actually feel it.

The thundering sound that followed was almost deafening to her ears. She was sure that all of Skyrim could hear it, but to them it would just sound like thunder. She caught up to her breath and turned around, Serana was still standing so very still, eyes still closed, ears still covered. She walked behind the woman and brought her hands up to cool arms. Slowly she removed the woman hands from where they were and whispered. "Open your eyes." She whispered as she moved to stand beside the woman. For a second the wolf was worried that she had made Serana deaf due to the level of noise her shout had produced, but relief washed over her when she saw the woman opening her eyes.

It was impossible not to look, to stare and admire the beautiful sight above her. How could something change so quickly and so drastically? Never before had she seen so much, there was so much color. There was green, purple, blue and orange, and there was endless more. This sight made even the most tended of noble gardens seem like nothing in comparison. She had seen paintings before with rich colors, but never had she seen the colors in the way that she is now, they were filled with life, energy and much, much more.

She could see the endless amounts of stars behind the lights that moved like waves above them. She could see Masser and Secunda and how they so perfectly fitted into the picture her eyes were capturing. The clouds were gone, and it looked like they had been banished from the skies, for she looked around but saw none. And the wind, the wind was gone too, the only thing that filled her ears were that of the crackling fire behind her, that and the wolf's heartbeat which seemed to increase by each passing moment. Serana noticed it well and turned her head to face the wolf.

And when she looked at Khara's face she saw something different, something she had only been blessed of seeing only a few times. She knew that what she had just witnessed was nothing compared to what the wolf was about to say, what she was about to ask. She wasn't sure what it was that was making Khara look at her the way that she did, but she knew that she couldn't look away. For perhaps the first time in a long time, Serana was entranced with those blue orbs of light. She saw how the light in them faded until they were no longer there and she knew that something was about to happen, something dreamlike.

My opinion on the Chapter and info:

I don't have a whole lot to say about this chapter, it was more of a filler or a way to make the next chapter happen, which will be filled with a few things that I've wanted to write for a long time and I feel like that now is the time to do it. I wanted to make Serana to have a longer conversation with her mother, but I just couldn't find a decent topic for them to talk about that would make a whole lot of sense. I find Valerica, all in all, to be a difficult character to write because I don't know a whole lot about her. Her past is filled with mist, her personality isn't all that clear for she doesn't have too much to say to us in the game. However, I can find something more for her in the future, I just need to put some time into it and do some research on her.

I'm sure most of you already know of what will happen in the next chapter, so I don't have the element of surprise which only means that I will have to make up for it with some interesting and pleasing conversation and writing I guess, I'll give it my best, I promise.

The next questline is still under work, but I have an idea of what where to take the story until it's finished and ready to be fully written down. I feel like it's time to touch some of Skyrim's other big quests and even though I might not complete them yet, I can still visit them and provide some information about them.

Also, for those of you who don't know, Masser and Secunda are the two moons that orbit Nirn. The more you know! 😊

That's all I have to say for now! Thank you for reading and I'll see you all in the next one, take care!

-Zep