Serana tried to not feel nervous as Muz-Lari sat cross-legged on the floor, facing her mother's books.
She was being honest when she told the young dragonborn that she would respect her decision on how to enter the soul cairn. And she would. But she couldn't help but feel…something at the thought of turning Muz-Lari into a vampire.
She was also glad that they were the only ones on this particular adventure. It would have been a lot more awkward suggesting taking a piece of Muz-Lari's soul or her becoming a vampire if any of their other friends were around.
Serana turned away from Muz-Lari and started looking at her mother's alchemy station.
How did her mother get this stuff down here without her noticing?
Serana couldn't remember the last time she had been open with anyone who wasn't her mother. Yet, she found herself at ease with Muz-Lari. She was less peaceful with some of her other companions, but maybe that was more of an issue with her than them.
Serana scanned the ingredients in her mother's stash. Some of these were valuable and they were all preserved very well. She was sure that they could still be useful.
A series of dull thumps echoed in the room.
Serana looked up, distracted by the sound. She quickly realized that it was Muz-Lari slapping the floor with her tail as she hummed to herself.
Sighing, Serana grabbed a handful of ingredients and set them up on the alchemy station.
Time seemed to stand still as Serana lost herself in potion making. The two women sharing the small laboratory, yet each leaving the other to their thoughts.
"Serana."
Serana looked up from the alchemy station to see Muz-Lari standing on the upper floor of the lab. The light of the portal casting strange shadows on her face.
"I've made my decision."
Serana nodded.
"Alright. What do you want to do," she asked, infinitely grateful that her voice was steady as she addressed her friend.
written for whumptober day 19: bitten