Thanks for all the support from everyone so far. I appreciate it so much. And thanks to Unknown Anomaly and Taking N0tes for leaving such wonderful reviews.

I was always a little disappointed that Valerica and Serana never turned into Vampire Lords(Ladies?), especially since they have the power. I would have loved there to be a scripted part in the game where at least Serana had, just once.

We're getting a little closer to the finale, but not for some time yet. It's slow burn for a reason, my dears. I've still got some things planned for these two ;)

The three women grasped the hilts of their blades. Akiseta positioned herself in front of the two vampires.

"Stay your weapons." Durnehviir said. "I mean no harm."

"Forgive us if we have a hard time finding that to be true." Serana replied harshly.

"The hostilities before were necessary, vampire. I was bound to an oath."

"So the Ideal Masters did have a hand in this." Akiseta said.

Durnehviir nodded. "Yes, Qahnaarin. I have roamed this place for years in unintended service to the Ideal Masters."

"Even a dragon can fall fool to them." Valerica mused. "I mean no offense, of course." She added when Durnehviir narrowed his eyes in her direction. "They played me for a fool, too."

"How did you end up here, exactly?" Akiseta asked.

Durnehviir sighed. "Surely, Dovahkiin, you know of the ultimately fatal battle between our breathen so long ago?"

"Yes, I do." Akiseta remembered hearing of it all from Paarthurnax. Dragons dying from their own desires to prove their dominance.

"I sought alternative answers to retain my superiority. I began to explore the forbidden art of Alok-Dilon, necromancy. It led me to the Ideal Masters. They assured me of powers unmatched, that I would be able to raise legions of undead. In return, I was to serve them as a Keeper, until the death of a woman named Valerica."

"And they didn't tell you she was immortal." Serana figured.

Durnehviir nodded. "I learned too late that the Ideal Masters favor deception over honor. They had possession over me, but my soul remained away from there grasp. Still, I ever long to fly in the skies of Tamriel again."

"Why can't you?" Akiseta asked.

"I have been here far too long, Qahnaarin. I share a bond with this dreadful place. If I were to leave for too long, I would perish. Which is why I ask a favor."

"What favor?"

"I give you the right to call my name from Tamriel, Dovahkiin. If you do this, I will be your Grah-Zeymahzin, your Ally. I can even teach you a powerful Thu'um."

Akiseta felt her heart go out to Durnehviir. Languishing here for uncountable years as a slave to cruel, tricking beings. It must have been horrible. His only desire now was to have a few moments of time in Tamriel. She couldn't turn his request away.

She placed both her hands along the side of his snout. His scales were coarse and rough. "I will grant you this request, Durnehviir. You have my word."

Durnehviir grinned. He touched the tip of his snout against hers, letting out a please groan. "You have my thanks, Qahnaarin."

Akiseta smiled at him. She looked back at Valerica. "I suppose we should be off. You're certain you won't come?"

Valerica nodded. "It would put us all in far too much danger. Beside, if Durnehviir wouldn't mind, it would be nice to have a conversation or two."

Durnehviir regarded her. "A conversation might be nice."

Valerica looked back at Akiseta. "The offering alter is a bit north of here. You can't miss it."

"Thank you, Valerica."

Serana gave her mother one last hug, and they ventured off to the alter.

The gem was on the top. Akiseta felt a pull to it. She snatched it up, and leapt off the alter before the strange crystals struck her with their draining energy. The gem burned away in her hands, and she felt a huge wave of rejuvination flood through her, and she was finally relieved of the painful hollow ache inside her.

"How are you feeling?" Serana asked.

"Great." Akiseta rolled her shoulders, and rubbed her neck. "Amazing, actually." It felt wonderful to feel whole again. "How are you feeling? You know, about... things?"

Serana shrugged. "I'm alright, I guess. I just.. I just wish Mother could come with us. I've missed her so terribly, for so long."

Akiseta understood. She longed for her own mother at times. And her father. She placed her hands on Serana's shoulders. "We'll come back for her, after this is all over. I promise."

Serana gave Akiseta a small smile, and pulled her into a hug. Akiseta was caught a little off guard, but smiled and returned the hug. It was strange to feel the cold of Serana's body against the temperatureless air in the Soul Cairn, but it was also nice. Holding her was nice. 'Hugging. Hugging her. Not holding her.' Akiseta felt a warmth in her cheeks. And her chest.

She pulled away from the hug. "We should get going. We do have that other scroll to get."

"Right, yeah. Do you know where it is?"

"Of course. I made sure it was kept somewhere safe. But before we go get it, I'd like to go to Solitude. I need to restock on supplies."

Serana's eyes seemed to light up. "Sure, okay. I've always wanted to go to Solitude."

Akiseta chuckled. "I'm glad it's unanimous." She was glad it see Serana looked a little happier. She'd been through a lot, in both such a long time and such a short time. Seeing the vampire smile was nice.

She bit her lip, and tried to focus her thoughts elsewhere, ignoring the warmth again.

The trip to Solitude hadn't taken to much time out of the day. The change from the lack of temperature in the Soul Cairn to the cold air in Skyrim was both irritating, for Akiseta at least, and relieving.

Serana couldn't help but feel excited. She'd always wanted to visit Solitude. From the balcony of her room, she'd had a little glimpse of the palace, but to actually see the city would be wonderful.

The guards greeted Akiseta in a friendly manner.

"Always nice to see you, Akiseta. We were wondering if you'd be attending the festival this month."

Akiseta frowned. "The fes..." Then realization spread across her face. "The festival! I almost forgot!" She turned to Serana. "You're going to love this."

Before Serana could ask for an elaboration, Akiseta grabbed her hand and pulled her inside the city. The Argonian led her to a marketplace. "Wait right here. I'll grab the supplies, and then we can enjoy the festival."

Serana watched her walk off, then looked around the city. It was beautiful. The stone streets and buildings were bathed in the light from the setting sun. Flowering bushes edged the sides of the streets and the corners of the buildings. Tiny little flags and lanters were strung together and hung up on the walls. It was just as beautiful as she'd imagined.

Akiseta came back. "All done. Ready for the festival?"

"What kind of festival is it?"

"The Burning Of King Olaf."

Serana tilted her head. "A festival celebrating burning a king?"

"A false king. A man who grabbed power by threats and lies."

"Like so many of nobility." Serana murmured.

Akiseta nodded. "Yeah. The Bards College used to hold it every year, but Elisif banned it, feeling it was in poor taste after her husband was killed. I help the Headmaster, Viarmo, convince her why it should be held. She was so pleased she wanted it to be a weekly event. I though that was a bit much, so I suggested it should be monthly."

"And Elisif, the Jarl, took your suggestion?"

"Uh huh. She likes me quite a bit. I've done a lot to help her and the peole in this city."

"Not to mention Skyrim itself."

Akiseta scratched the back of her neck. "Yeah, I really have, haven't I?" She shrugged. "Anyway, you'll love the festival. It'll be starting as soonas the sun fully sets. Let's go."

Akiseta led her to the Bards College. Serana took a seat while Akiseta caught up with her colleauges. The Argonian joined her a little later. She pulled out her lute, and began to play something. Serana didn't recognize it, but it was lovely.

"You play beatifully, Aki."

Akiseta smiled. "Thank you."

"Did you study much here?"

"No, not really. The teaching here felt a littel to slow paced for me. Mostly explaining the song and the appropriate chords and finger positions and such. I didn't have the patience for it. Viarmo let me study some songs book from all across Tamriel."

Serana nodded. Akiseta learned the music well enough without attending classes. The music she heard Akiseta play was pleasing. It took her mind of the past few hours. Or had it been days? It was hard to tell how long they'd been in the Soul Cairn.

It was all a lot to process. Seeing her mother after so long, saying the things she'd kept locked up. She still felt an ache inside. She knew that it would have been dangerous for her mother to come with, but she selfishly wanted her mother to be with her.

Then there was the truth behind the prophecy, and what her father had planned for her. That he planned to kill her. When her mother had told her, she was over come by shock and disbelief. She never thought her father would become that far gone. When she pondered it now, she felt empty, and maybe a little numb. She wasn't sure why. Maybe she was still trying to accept it. Maybe she didn't want to.

And then, there was Akiseta. The Argonian had come to her aid many times. Unknowingly in Dimhollow, when she freed her from that damn crypt, then when she agreed to take her home, then saving her from the venom of Frostbite spiders, and then saving her from death in the Soul Cairn.

Serana never picture herself as someone who needed saving. 'The noble damsel in distress.' It was sickening to even think about it. She didn't like being the victim. She didn't like being caught in moments of weakness. She didn't like being vulnerable. She'd been that way before, and it clawed her up inside when she thought of it. So she chose not too.

Her adversions to vulnerability were also part of why she'd never wanted to be courted. The people in the court had never caught he interest in the first place. And they had never truly cared about her in such a matter. It was always about what they could get by trying to earn her affections. Using her for their own ends. Like everyone in her life.

Except Akiseta. The Argonian cared about Serana, for who she was. She treated her like a person. Treated her with compassion, and understand. Treated her like a friend. If she were to put her life in anyone's hands, it would be Akiseta's.

The Argonian had been vulnerable. Serana had seen her in a few of those moments. Akiseta had shared a few more with her. And Akiseta didn't hide those away, not completely. She shared them when she knew there was trust. Wasn't trust a moment of vulnerability? Wasn't affection?

Akiseta had had someone special in her life. And she ended up getting hurt. The tattoo on her face was a reminder, and were the scars on her arm. And yet, Akiseta was still happy. She didn't let her hurt take her life from her.

Serana looked at Akiseta. The Argonian was playing a new tune, just as lovely as the other one. She nodded her head softly to the music, her tail swishing gently. She looked more peaceful than Serana had seen her look in a while.

Maybe vulnerability wasn't always so bad.

The festival was more entertaining that Serana had expected. A large crowd had gathered, and they all cheered when the effigy was set abaze. Bards played lively tunes on their instruments, and people danced jovially. Sweets were available, as were meat pies. Serana hadn't ever thought 'meat' and 'pie' could be coherently put together, but after trying a piece from the one Akiseta got, she wondered why no one had ever thought of the idea back when she was a mortal, when it would have been far more satisfying.

And, of course, there was the spiced wine. Serana had quite liked the bottel Akiseta had shared with her the night the first met. The spicey kick was flavorful, and made her feel warmer for a few fleeting, precious moments.

She and Akiseta watched the festivities in a secluded corner of the courtyard, away from the flames and the crowd. They were well enough away that Serana decided to pull her hood down. Akiseta was dressing in her warmer clothes.

"Enjoying things so far?" Akiseta asked.

Serana nodded. "This is really something. The lights, the music. It's all lovely."

"I told you you'd love it."

"You were right. And I suppose I have you to thank for being able to enjoy this."

Akiseta shrugged. "I guess."

Serana shook her head, smiling. Most people who were capable of what Akiseta was, and had racked up her list of accomplishments would indulge in it all. Akieta's humility was refreshing to see, after all the egos and indulgences she'd seen rise around her.

She glanced around, a couple of people slow dancing catching her eye.

Akiseta followed her gaze. "You ever dance with anyone like that?"

"Nope." Serana said, taking a drink of her wine.

Akiseta raised her eyebrows. "Really? I know you've never had an uxith-beeko before, but surely there have been attempts to court you."

"There have been. But I was never interested in any of them. Would you dance with someone you'd rather see fall off of a balcony?"

"...no."

"I rest my case." Serana took another sip.

"Would you like to?"

Serana turned her head back to Akiseta, wondering if she heard right. "Huh?"

"Would you like to dance?"

"With you?"

"Have you someone else in mind?"

"Well, no. Of course not."

Akiseta set her goblet down, and held out her hand. "So... woud you like to?"

Serana thought for a second. Would she? She had never been one for close contact, especially in the most recent centuries. But, she didn't mind Akiseta's touches, or hugs. She set her goblet aside, and took Akiseta's hand. "Show me."

Akiseta smiled. "Just follow my lead."

She gently pulled Serana closer, and guided her hands around her waist, then put her own on Serana's shoulders, and guided her into the gentle swaying motions. Serana felt a little awkward at first. Being this close, it was easier to see the Argonian was taller than her. Akiseta offered her another smile. Serana smiled back, and turned her head away a little.

This was just awkwardness. Not nervousness. She wasn't nervous. Definitely not nervous.

Maybe a little. She wasn't sure why. Her mouth felt dry. She wasn't thirsty or anything. She was a little surprised when Akiseta pulled her closer. She felt the Argonian's tail come up and wrap around her waist. She looked up at Akiseta.

"My people like to have... closeness, when we dance." Akiseta explained. "Does... does that bother you?"

"Not at all." It was true. The awkwardness, and nervousness if it was there, were fading.

Serana rested her head against Akiseta's shoulder. The Argonian was warm. Serana had missed having warmth to herself. She could heart the Argonian's heartbeat, which was elevated some. Probably from the festivities.

Right?

Of course.

'Don't overthink. Just enjoy this.'

She felt Akiseta's chin on her head, and heard the Argonian make a sound she'd never heard before. It sounded like the one Durnehviir had made when he and Akiseta touched noses. She must have been happy.

"Enjoying yourself?" She asked.

"Mhm." Akiseta murmed. "This is nice. I haven't danced with anyone like this since I left Black Marsh."

Serana felt the Argonian stiffen, and their dance came to an end. Akiseta pulled away. A guilty look sat on her face. Looking away, she placed a hand on left side of her face, tracing the tattooed root patterns.

"Aki?" Serana said softly.

Akiseta dropped her hand to the back of her neck, rubbing it. "We should probably get going."

"Now? It's.. it's kind of late."

"I know. But we do have things to do. It's a long walk to Winterhold. I think the carriage driver will take us now, if I pay him a little extra. Come on, let's go."

Serana let out a soft sigh, pulled her hood up, and followed Akiseta. 'Maybe I shouldn't have said anything.'

She knew that they had things to do. But, selfishly, she wished the dance had lasted a litlle longer. She missed feeling the warmth from Akiseta.

She felt a warmth all her own in her chest, but she pushed it aside. It had been nice while it lasted. Whatever it was.