Mara let out a pleasant sigh, her eyes focused on the clear blue of the sky above her. She watched as the puffy white clouds slowly floated by, she and her friends relaxing in the back of a hired carriage. The three of them were en route to Fort Dawnguard. After leaving Harkon's court the three searched for a cure to Mara's vampirism, soon learning of a wizard living in Morthal named Falion. It was with his help that Mara could once more appreciate the benefits humanity had to offer.
For the first time in a long time, she felt the warmth of the sun against her skin and it didn't cause her pain.
How had she ever considered vampirism to be a blessing? Sure, it had its perks, but at the end of the day, those were heavily outweighed by its faults. Besides the obvious need to feed on innocent victims, or her closest friends, she'd also have to fend off the hatred of her kind. With the Dawnguard growing they too would have become a problem for her. They, like many others, would have doubtlessly compared her to monsters like the ones she saw in Harkon's court. She shuddered at the memory.
Looking between Inigo and Lydia, Mara couldn't help the empty feeling in her heart. She could only hope Serana was okay, considering the company she kept at that accursed castle. Deep down she wished she could save the vampire beauty. Perhaps find her a cure, now that she knew where to look.
"Thinking of Serana again, are you?" Inigo asked, grinning as she felt heat growing in her cheeks.
"How could you tell?" Mara questioned, looking his way with curiosity. He chuckled in response.
"You had this big goofy grin on your face. Do not worry, my friend. I am sure you will see her again"
"Oh, I'm sure you can't wait for that reunion" Lydia teased, giggling softly as a small irritated frown graced Inigo's face. Mara suddenly felt panicked.
"You don't like her?" She asked.
"No, that's not it" Inigo replied, now looking embarrassed. Lydia leaned forward with a playful grin.
"She calls him pretty kitty"
Mara couldn't help but laugh, especially as another irritated scowl grew upon Inigo's face. Reaching over and patting his shoulder reassuringly, Mara sat back and continued to bask in the warm sunlight while traveling with her friends.
Mara was delighted upon reaching Fort Dawnguard. Not only did she officially join their group, but she was reunited with the last person she expected to meet there, Serana.
She sought her out. The fact that Serana trusted her so deeply as to meet her here of all places really touched her. She soon learned they needed to find a moth priest and was delighted to learn that their first lead was to travel to the College of Winterhold. Now, once again relaxing in a hired carriage, she and Serana sat together, gazing at the late-night sky while Inigo and Lydia slept.
Mara's gaze moved from the blanket of stars to Serana, eyeing the breathtaking woman beside her. She looked so deep in thought.
"Hey, you okay Serana?" Mara asked, a hint of concern in her voice. Serana turned to gaze upon her, making her heart skip a beat.
"So far I think, thanks" she replied, offering a small smile. Mara smiled back instantly, unable to feel anything but happy when her vampire friend smiled at her.
"That's good. I was worried about you. I wanted to make sure you were okay"
"That's very kind of you," Serana replied, her smile dropping and shifting into a more nervous look, "Though there is something else. I just wanted to say how grateful I am for all you've done for me so far. No one's ever been so genuine with me, at least in a while. I was...lonely most of my childhood. My mother, at least for a time, was the only friend I really had, and then that prophecy came along…"
She sighed, looking away and now fully frowning. Scooting closer Mara placed a hand over hers, causing the other woman to look back at her.
"I'm sorry. I just needed to get that off my chest."
"It's alright, you can always talk to me about anything. I'm glad to have met you, Serana." Mara told her genuinely, squeezing her hand in an attempt to show her support. Serana shifted slightly, avoiding looking directly into her eyes. She suddenly let out a soft giggle as she replied.
"This is getting kind of awkward. I think I've suddenly felt an urge to feed on something"
Me, perhaps? Mara thought to herself, a soft blush coming to her cheeks at the unbridled thought. Pushing such ideas aside she brought her full focus back to her friend.
"I can tell there's something else. What is it? What's bothering you?"
"Gods, I am a terrible liar. Here it goes. I...I like you. As a friend, and as...a...traveling companion"
Just as a traveling companion, hm? Mara didn't buy it, not one bit. She looked so nervous as if she were confessing to her crush. She couldn't help but grin.
"Oh really?" Mara replied teasingly. Serana adjusted herself once more as she looked away.
"Stop it, your not helping"
Mara laughed, turning away from the vampire beauty to give her some time. This was good. She not only found a cure, but she now traveled with the three people she couldn't live without. One of which seemed to be growing on her as more than just a friend. Allowing one more passing gaze to fall on Serana, then to Inigo and Lydia, she knew her future was a bright one. No matter what came later she would brave it together with her small but wonderful family.