"Serana?"

Akiseta's voice broke through the veil of sleep Serana was in, but she didn't want to open her eyes.

"Yeah?"

"It's morning, dear."

"That's nice."

"We have to get up."

"Must we?" Serana groaned.

Getting up was the last thing she wanted to do. She was comfortable in bed, wrapped up in the warm embrace of her lover. She felt content and peaceful, perhaps for the first time in her life.

"I would like nothing more than to stay here like this with you, iluukai." Akiseta's voice was soft. "But yes, we must get up."

Letting out a sigh, Serana opened her eyes. Akiseta was smiling at her.

"Welcome back to the waking world, iluukai."

"I'd rather stay asleep, if I could stay here like this with you."

Getting up meant they'd have to leave. And when they left, they would have to find the glade Dexion told them about, and Akiseta would have to read those damn scrolls. And she could lose her sight, or her mind. Or worse.

A frown came to Akiseta's face. "Is something troubling you?"

"It's just... where we have to go next. What we have to do."

"The scrolls."

Serana nodded. "I know Dexion said you would be fine. But he thought he'd be fine too. Look what happened to him. If something were to happen to you..." Just the thought of anything bad happening to Akiseta brought Serana pain. "I don't want to lose you. I can't lose you."

"I know you're worried, Serana. I am too. The thought of ending up like Dexion or Septimus scares me. But we have no other alternatives. Dexion made a mistake where he was concerned, but I have faith that he is right that I can read the scrolls."

Akiseta took hold of Serana's hand, and placed it to her chest, letting the vampire feel her heartbeat. "I want you to try and feel the same, okay?"

"I'll try, Aki."

Akiseta smiled, and kissed Serana's cheek before getting up. "I'll draw us a bath." She said as she picked her shirt up off the floor and slipped it on.

"Us?" Serana asked, sitting up.

"Yes, us." Akiseta leaned against the door. "Considering we shared a bed, I figured you wouldn't object to sharing a bath." She'd left the buttons and ties of the shirt undone, leaving the shirt open and her torso mostly exposed.

"No objections here." Serana told her.

Akiseta flashed a smile before exiting the room.

Serana laid back against the bed. She breathed in deeply, her lungs filling with Akiseta's scent, and her own scent, mixed together. She let out a content sigh before getting up. She picked her pants and shirt up off the floor, pulling them on.

"Hey, can you get a change of clothes for us?" She heard Akiseta call from downstairs.

"Where are they?"

"My things are in the dresser by the door, and I have some stuff for you in my bag."

Serana grinned to herself. "Does this mean I have permission to go through your stuff?" She couldn't help it. She swore she could feel the Argonian roll her eyes.

"Just get the clothes."

Serana chuckled to herself as she went to the dresser and got some things out for Akiseta. It took her a little bit to find clothes for herself in Akiseta's bag. After she gathered them, she went into the little bathing room. Akiseta was checking the water's temperature.

"This feels right." She said, shrugging her shirt off. She stepped out of her pants and underwear, and stepped into the water, letting out a soft groan. She turned her head to Serana. "Going to join me, iluukai?"

Serana nodded, setting the clothes aside. What does that mean, anyway?"

"Dear."

Serana liked it when Akiseta called her things in her native tongue. It made her feel special. She noticed Akiseta watching her as she slipped out of her shirt. The Argonian had her elbow resting along the edge of the bath, chin in her palm.

"Why are you staring at me?"

"I'm not staring. I'm admiring." Akiseta insisted with grin. "You seemed to rather enjoy my admiration last night, iluukai."

Serana bit her lip a little, feeling her cheeks heat up. Back in Winterhold, Akiseta had seemed to shy, tentative. Last night, it was like something awoke in her, some other side of her. It still seemed to linger. And Serana really liked it.

She slipped out of her pants, and joined Akiseta in the bath. The water was warm, not as warm as the spring had been, so it didn't take much time for her body to adjust. The bath felt really nice. Serana wondered how long it would be for they would be able to relax again.

At some point, she felt Akiseta's arms snake around her side as the Argonian pulled her into an embrace. She felt Akiseta's chest press against her back. She leaned back into the Argonian's embrace, placing her hands over her arms. Akiseta's hands slid down her stomach, and Serana hated that the water didn't allow her to truly feel it.

Akiseta nuzzled her neck, and drew the tip of her tail along her thigh. Serana bit her lip, gripping the Argonian's arms. She turned to look at her. Akiseta's expression was completely innocent, but a sly smile pulled at the corners of her mouth.

She turned around and sat up on her knees to roughly be at eye level with Akiseta. She placed her hands on Akiseta's cheeks, and pulled her in for a kiss.

A knock on the door caught them both by surprise. Serana fell back in the water as she pulled away from Akiseta.

"Mama? You in there?"

"Yes I am, Lucia. What did you need, sweetie?"

"I was wondering if I could play with Mila and Lars for a little bit."

"Of course, sweetie. Go ahead."

"Thanks, Mama."

After the little footsteps retreated, Serana and Akiseta looked at each other for a moment, before laughing. Serana climbed out of the bath, dried herself off, and started getting dressed. Akiseta stretched out onto her stomach, sinking completely into the water.

After getting dressed, Serana leaned over the bath. Akiseta was flat on her stomach, curled up slightly. She had her chin resting on the back of her hands, and was looking up at her.

"Going to get out?" She asked. Akiseta nodded.

Before Serana could move, Akiseta sat up quickly, and splashed Serana with water.

"Aki!" Serana snapped as water soaked her shirt and pants. "Seriously? You got me wet!"

"I'm well aware, iluukai." Akiseta said with a playful grin.

Serana narrowed her eyes. She stood up, and shoved Akiseta back down into the bath. The Argonian just laughed.

"You should thank the gods you're so cute." Serana said, and started upstairs to go change into something dry.


Akiseta chuckled to herself as she dried off and got dressed. She heard a knock at her front door. It was Aela.

"Good morning, Aela. What brings you here?"

"Good morning, Aki. Just wanted to say hi before I head out on my next job." Aela leaned against the doorway, sniffing. "So, you and the vampire?"

"How..."

"Adrianne told me that you and your new 'friend's' relationship when I ran into her at the tavern last night."

Akiseta sighed. "Of course she did."

"As for the rest..." Aela smirked in a suggestive manner. "A bath can't fully wash away certain scents from noses like ours."

Akiseta felt her cheeks grow warm. "Right.. well, did you want anything else?"

"So, did you do that thing I mentioned to you?"

Akiseta shifted around, feeling uncomfortably warm. "Aela, please.."

"What? I'm just saying. I know you wouldn't really get it, being an Argonian and all, but us 'landstrider' females rather enjoy it."

"Look, I know that. Would you just..." Akiseta bit her lip. 'Gods damn it..."

Aela crossed her arms. "Oh, you know that, do you?"

"Aela, for the love of Mara, please shut up." Akiseta begged.

"Why the coyness, Aki? People do talk about this stuff you know."

"I know, and you're a prime example, but if I'm going to talk to someone about something this personal, it will be my uxith-beeko, so please shut up."

"Alright, alright. Sheesh. I just know it's been quite a while, for you, and I wanted to let you know I'm happy for you. Probably not as happy as you currently are," Aela teased, to which Akiseta rolled her eyes. "But happy. I owe Adrianne twenty septims."

"Well, I appre... wait, owe Adrianne twenty septims for what?"

"I'll be seeing you, Aki." Aela said, walking off.

"Hey, wait!" Akiseta stepped outside. "You two made a bet?" She called.

Aela just waved over her shoulder. Akiseta shook her head. She looked over at Serana, who had joined her at the door. "I don't need to ask if you heard any of that."

"Yeah, I heard it."

"I'm sorry about all that."

"It's okay. You have... interesting friends."

Akiseta rubbed the bridge of her nose "That's one way to put it."

Serana took her hands, gently rubbing her palms with her thumbs. Akiseta smiled, and leaned down to kiss her.

A small giggle caught her attention, and they turned to see Lucia peeking out from the side of the house. Lucia muttered a quiet " Uh oh.", and hid behind the wall.

"Lucia. Come here." Akiseta said sternly.

Lucia came out from behind the house, smiling sheepishly. "Yeah, Mama?"

"What have I told you about eavesdropping?"

"Don't get caught?"

Serana let out a chuckle. Akiseta shook her head. "Lucia, we do need to talk."

"Okay."

Akiseta led Lucia to her room, and they sat down on the bed.

"I'm sorry for eavesdropping, Mama."

"It's alright, Lucia. I'm not mad. I just wanted to talk to you."

"About you kissing Serana?"

"Yes. I just want to know how you feel."

"I.." Lucia shrugged. "I don't know. How long have you two been a thing?"

"Not very long."

Lucia crossed her arms. "Why didn't you tell me yesterday?"

"I don't know. I guess I just needed to think of what to say to you."

Lucia looked at her hands thoughtfully. "You really like her, right?"

"Yes, I do."

"And she really likes you, yeah?"

"She does, yes."

"And you're happy, right?"

"Yes, I am."

"You've always said you only want me to be happy. And want you to be happy too." Lucia smiled. "And I like Serana. She's really cool."

"She likes you too." Akiseta pulled Lucia into a hug. "I love you, my little flower."

"I love you to, Mama."

They went back outside, where Lydia and Serana were talking.

"...and that's all there is to it." Serana was saying. "And I kept my word. She's fine."

"I can see that." Lydia looked over at Akiseta. "Aki, may we speak a moment?"

"Of course, raj-beeko."

They stepped around the side of the house.

"So, you and her." Lydia said.

"Yes, me and her. Everyone is taking a really keen interest in that. Who told you?"

"Farkas. Aela told him. Aki, I know you were really heartbroken when you left Thari-Na, and I know you've been a little lonely..."

"Oh, kaoc, Lydia. Seriously? You really think that's what this is?"

"Aki, I'm just co..."

"Concerned. I know, Lydia, and I appreciate your concern for me. Look, I have been lonely sometimes. You, Aela and the others, anyone I call a friend, none of you can really understand the things I've been through. Meeting someone who does, someone who really does, was one of the greatest things to happen to me. My feelings are real, Lydia, and so are Serana's."

"I'm sorry, Aki. I didn't mean to imply you weren't thinking clearly. I just care about you. You're right. I'm happy for you."

Akiseta smiled, giving Lydia a soft hug. "Thank you, raj-beeko."

As they walked back around the house, Lucia ran up to Akiseta. "Mama, when do you think you'll be able to come home again?"

"I don't know, Lucia. But, no matter where I go, or how long I'm gone," She crouched and placed Lucia's hand on her upper chest. "You are always right in here, and I want you to always remember that, my little flower."

"I know, Mama. I will." Lucia put her arms around Akiseta. Akiseta hugged her daughter tightly, kissing her on the cheek.

Lucia also gave Serana a hug. "I want you to keep being okay too, okay?"

"I will be, milady."

They waved goodbye as they exited the city. Akiseta cast a glance over her shoulder.

"Hey, it's okay." Serana told her. "You'll be able to come home soon."

Akiseta smiled. "No. We'll be able to come home soon."

Serana looked back at the walls of the city, and a small smile came to her lips.


Iluukai: Dear.