Author Notes

Soundtrack recommendation: Come Back Down by The Anix

~~-x-~~

19th of Evening Star 4E 206

Serana pulled herself together, stepping up from the makeshift bed built beside the fire. For the first time since almost dying, Serana felt well enough to be up and moving. Her stomach carried a scar she wouldn't ever remove. Even after three different potions and a lot of fresh blood, thanks to Matria, it took time. The wound could kill a regular mortal, and she knew it. This wasn't easy, even for a pure-blooded vampire.

"Where is Tenaya?" Serana asked, voice still a little weak.

"Downstairs. She hasn't come up since checking on you a few days ago." Matria replied.

She had no resentment towards Tenaya with more essential things in play. Tenaya made sure she was okay and returned to whatever she did. Matria grabbed her arm, helping her down the staircase to the basement. Her steps felt labored and weak. She didn't even trust her own footing yet.

Shadows danced across the walls. Serana looked to her love across the fire. Tenaya moved with a grace and ease she never thought possible. The sword in her hands flipped back and forth seamlessly. The woman she saw looked much different from any version of Tenaya, she remembered. Never in their time together did Serana see her move with such grace. Her feet spun around in perfect harmony to the blade twirling through the air. Every circle brought the majestic dance to reality.

"How long has she been going?" Serana asked of Grelka.

"She hasn't stopped for over three days. Not a single break I know of. I never saw anything like this."

Serana watched her move. The very thought she had made her smile. Serana froze her right hand and through an ice spike directly towards Tenaya's head. Without breaking form, Tenaya sliced it down and continued. Serana watched the smile on Tenaya's face through the waves of her blade. She froze both hands a second time, sending more spikes her direction. Tenaya cut each down without breaking away.

"I thought you had better aim," Tenaya said, stopping.

She walked over to Serana without hesitation. The two kissed deeply and passionately, making both Grelka and Matria uncomfortable.

"You haven't stopped for days, she said. How are you feeling?" Serana asked.

"Never better now that you are moving again. Tomorrow I will bring Azura back."

"We will be ready. I need to just get my feet moving again."

"No, Serana, I mean, I will bring her back. Where I am going might be a one-way trip."

Serana shook her head, pulling Tenaya close. "Put your pride aside. We are a team. We will help you."

"You are in no condition Serana. Who will go? Matria is not ready for that fight. Lydia has never faced a demon. Ivy and Dozan still need time to grow themselves."

"She is right, Tenaya, you need help. Tenaya is also right. You are in no condition to go. Ask and see if anyone will go. Let them have a choice." Grelka said.

Tenaya nodded, disliking the idea. Beyond Coldharbour was no place for anyone. She feared what could happen once they arrived if they arrived. The path was less than ideal. If they survived Coldharbour, they had to get to the portal in his temple. The road from there became no more relaxed. Three Daedra stood against them.

"You need the help of the Daedra on this one. I love you with all my heart Tenaya, but not even you can do this one alone."

"Meridia. She is the only one able to help. Only her and Azura know where it is." Tenaya put out.

"Good luck there. Do not forget Meridia hates the undead and cast you aside." Matria said.

Tenaya understood the problem as well as the journey to her temple. Getting there would be every bit as difficult as getting her to answer. Meridia owed her for clearing the temple out all those years ago from the hands of Malkoran. Her deeds had to mean something at this point. To think she would be as petty as the people of Whiterun, those thoughts scared Tenaya. There was a chance she wouldn't answer the call or speak. To do this would be the death of Azura.

"I need to get myself together, and anyone willing to do this should get ready."

The days of sitting back were gone. Tenaya knew what she had to do. She kissed Serana one last time in the basement. Her body felt stronger than it ever did. As a vampire, she pushed herself to limits she never knew. One feeding is all she needed to get the energy back. Matria followed her up the steps when Grelka kept Serana for a few moments. Matria needed to speak with her about a few things, whether she needed it or not.

Tenaya listened to everything Matria had to say. Serana knew things better than she did, but Matria knew enough of the dangerous situation she faced. Her body burned everything it had. The inside of her eyes glowed different as it was, now they truly stood out. Tenaya took the warnings in kind. She wouldn't put others at risk for her own bloodlust. Until Matria said it, Tenaya never noticed the thirst growing the closer they came to Ivy. Tenaya shuddered slightly at the smell in the air. Matria stood between them, her actions geared towards keeping Tenaya as far away as possible.

"I am surprised you didn't try to bite Grelka," Matria said.

"I was fine until you said something. Now I am famished…"

"Control it until you find a bandit out there. Remember who is friend and foe. Do not become what I did. You know what I am talking about."

Tenaya watched the pain in Matria's eyes, saying it. When she and Matria first met, Matria was in the very phase, she warned about. She didn't know good people from the wrong. All Matria cared about was blood and feeding on others. Had it not been for Serana and Valerica, her path would be very different. Meeting one of her own kind brought a sense of feeling back. Their trials were the same as hers. She realized she wasn't alone. Matria finally found a place to fit in.

Tenaya went outside into the freezing cold. Her body still dripped sweat, steam coming off every part of her exposed skin the moment the door opened. The sun added no relief with an all too familiar burning across her body. Tenaya walked around the lighthouse to the spot their water bucket stood.

The need to get cleaned up became evident as she looked over her body, marred by black marks from forging and sweat. She undid the mess of a ponytail; her hair looked blackened from dust, mangled, and dirty. She quickly dumped a bucket of water over her body. Chills instantly swept over her body, and a yell left her lips. The makeshift rag wiped her clean while the water shocked her just as she hoped.

As quickly as she ran outside, Tenaya ran back inside. She shivered for a moment and went to the fire without wasting a single step. Lydia stood back, watching Tenaya with a look of bewilderment. She started to wonder if Tenaya was crazy or beyond every level of insanity she knew. It wasn't beyond her to help Tenaya when she needed it, seeing her need an apparent change of clothes. It was one thing to walk around their house like this, but another to parade around with underclothes only.

"A fresh set of clothes are in the other room. Might I recommend a little more modesty next time." Lydia said.

Their eyes met, and Tenaya quickly realized what she meant. As soon as those words were said, Tenaya ran to the other room to get changed. The fresh clothes felt great compared to the wet of everything else. Between sweating and water, she needed them. Serana knocked on the door, entering with Tenaya still changing.

"You are really doing this, aren't you?" Serana said, acting like Tenaya wasn't in the middle of changing.

"I have to. We both know what my destiny is. I will be back, Serana."

"We cannot keep doing this to each other. It tears me up seeing you leave. Between you and I almost dying and our past, I really need you here with me. I need you, Tenaya. I need us."

"What are you saying?" Tenaya asked, stopping everything she did, listening to the wavering in Serana's voice.

"I just… I need you…."

Tenaya finished changing and kissed Serana again. She wanted her on the journey as badly as anyone. Splitting up again felt awful, but Serana was in zero condition for this. Serana opened the door for her to go out to everyone. Everyone stood in the entryway for her to lead them. Their eyes followed Tenaya, wanting some sort of answers, some hope to what would happen from here.

"I am heading to Beyond Coldharbour for Azura. If anyone cares to join me, it is your choice. Realize this place is a living nightmare, the combination of three evil Daedra." Tenaya said, putting the truth out for everyone to decide their own destiny.

"Since I am the only one with armor, I will join you," Ivy said.

"You realize what you agree to? We may not come back if we get there."

Ivy nodded, understand the gravity of what she said. Her armor was Tenaya's old. No one else had anything close to what they needed short of Grelka, but she would not join on the adventures. Serana lowered her head sadly, knowing she couldn't join this adventure. The others remained silent, all aware of the risk involved, none having armor capable of making this journey safely. Even Dozan, with the Dawnguard armor, knew it wouldn't amount to anything from the sound of it.

"Your armor is ready, Tenaya. I do not have a sword for you yet. This armor pushed me to the limits of everything I know." Grelka said.

She led Tenaya down the steps to the pieces sitting against the stones. Tenaya looked on in amazement, seeing something unique, something special. Dragon scales masterfully blended with ebony and malachite. The armor didn't have the usual black of ebony nor the tan appearance of Dragonplate, the malachite appeared to dominate most of the corset style armor.

Tenaya lifted the armor. This wasn't as heavy as she expected it to be. Things weighed more than the glass armor she remembered years ago, but things weighed a lot less than the ebony she knew Velatin wore.

"How strong is it?" Tenaya asked.

"It took a straight shot from your sword. Left a small scratch only. Against ebony, it will break eventually. The core of it remains malachite, but as you can see, ebony blends in, and the dragon plate fill the larger gaps where I didn't want exposure without ebony weaving. Your neck and chest are solid in the armor. The weak point is the stomach and shoulders where you wanted mobility. I could not use the dragon scale to reinforce. It is malachite with ebony lacing only for you to flex."

Tenaya inspected the armor further, marveling at the craftsmanship. She never knew something like this was possible. Grelka used techniques forbidden by their teachers, black forging, to make this work. Listening to Grelka discuss the void salts and how at high heat with ebony allows a unique bonding. The void salts alone broke rules they swore never to do. Grelka broke the promise for her friend. She knew Velatin could care less about trying to play by the rules, so why should they. Tenaya needed something special.

"You did an amazing job Grelka. I am speechless." Tenaya said.

"Put it on, then tell me how it is."

"Two pieces. Huh, nice."

"I know you well enough. Ivy took your other armor off. She showed me how you made it flexible. While I admit it is creative, I do not like how you left it thin around the waist. I corrected it on this one."

Tenaya slid off the robe and grabbed the armor. The leg armor went on very comfortably, much more than she expected. Her legs bent cleanly with the unique coverage Grelka added at the knees. Everything felt snug while strong at the same time. She slid the armor over her head carefully. A smile came over her face realizing Grelka padded the inside with leather to ensure it didn't cut against her skin during a fight. The armor slid down onto her shoulders, resting comfortably without any sharp edges. The lower part slid down like a skirt. Tenaya realized what changes she made the moment it rested on her thighs.

Her armor felt good. Grelka tightened the straps under her arms and under the skirted bottom in the back. Once the plate pulled tight to her body, Tenaya stretched out. She had most of the flexibility she desired. The skirt kept her from going too far, but the protection around her waist and hips felt better compared to the old set. She bent forward to her toes, then back to the ground. Tenaya liked the flexibility it offered while only being a little heavier.

"Remember what I said about the stomach. To get you the flexibility, you lost some protection. The ebony lacing helps, but it is thin, as you can see."

"Just like glass armor then, where the stomach is the moonstone. At least the malachite is stronger."

Tenaya felt rather pleased. The armor was so much more than anything she expected. This not long had the function she needed and the strength, it didn't look as gaudy as other sets of armor people seemed to wear around Skyrim. This armor would standout, she knew it. Once word managed to get around, the armor would become her calling card.

She walked up the steps to the waiting group. Everyone looked impressed with the craftsmanship. To see a unique set of armor in Skyrim was rare. The traditions through the providence kept most from altering anything. Almost no one would dare to make something unique, knowing the Nords held tradition above all else.

"Ready Ivy?" Tenaya asked.

"As much as I can be," Ivy replied.

"Then we need to get going. Making it to Meridia's Shrine before nightfall will be difficult as it is. Every bandit will be out there looking for me."

Tenaya slid her sword on to her belt. She made sure they had enough potions, thanks to the efforts of Matria. Lydia brought some food over to Ivy for the road. Ivy smiled, loading her small bag with the goodies Lydia put together. Tenaya put her hands out as a joke.

"What? She needs to eat too. You get to chomp on bandits."

"True, but they taste as bad as they smell."

"If that isn't the truth…" Matria mumbled.

Serana hugged Tenaya with tears in her eyes. The embrace wasn't quite like anything Tenaya remembered. Seeing Serana with her guard down completely was something new for Tenaya. She looked into the teary eyes, lifting her chin up to see her face completely.

"No one will ever take me from you again, I swear on the nine."

"Come back to me, Tenaya…"

Ivy and Tenaya opened the door to Skyrim with the others watching on. Tenaya raised a hand to her eyes, sun burning high in the sky. Ivy closed the door behind, looking around the area. Between the snow and sun, Tenaya could barely see more than fifty feet. The reflection of everything burned her eyes with brightness, unlike anything she ever remembered.

Together they walked from the lighthouse through the snow. Tenaya had no choice but to rely on Ivy for any potential trouble. Her eyes watered non-stop with the intense brightness takings its toll. She always wondered how Serana survived such conditions, traveling through some of the densest snow on the brightest of days. What Tenaya once took for granted now seemed to be the bane of her existence. She cursed under her breath with each passing step.

Ivy led them around Mzinchaleft, giving a wider girth than usual with the number of bandits out on the trails. She wanted to take no chances. Even with Tenaya looking to be at her best, the current situation put them at a substantial disadvantage with the sun sitting high in the sky.

"This was the place of my very first adventure. I came here with Deris, the Dragonborn, totally clueless to what help he would need. I was a little explorer back then. He suffered a wound inside a cave I explored. Back then, I looked for things to sell in Riften from abandoned caves. Draugr didn't scare me and died easy enough. Never in my life did I imagine things would end up here." Tenaya explained.

Ivy backed to her side, listening to the story from Tenaya. She had no clue this is where her time with the Dragonborn began. Shortly after, she met Grelka, and the two traveled together for a time. The Dragonborn taught them so much. She and Grelka learned to forge, some of them Grelka already knew, others came as something fresh. She traveled off and on with them, helping forge weapons on the road when it started to get complicated for Tenaya to do it on her own.

The more Tenaya talked, the more Ivy listened. She managed to learn so much about Tenaya just from their conversation. Mzinchaleft brought her close to death for the first time when Falmer swarmed her and Deris. Both struggled with the numbers. She witnessed a shout escape his lips, all the falmer flew across the cavern. His ability to control such power saved her life.

"It is why I changed my name to Darix when he died. I honored him the only way I possibly could. Deris people knew, but Darix people didn't, except me. He deserved something, and it was all I could do."

"I never knew…"

"Most people don't, just Grelka and Serana."

"Living with everything you have; it is no wonder why you hurt so badly. For what it's worth, Serana regrets pushing you away. She pushed us across Tamriel to find you."

Tenaya knew what she spoke of. Little doubt remained in her mind; they belong together. What they shared went beyond just physical or emotional connections. Her and Serana joined in the deepest of ways, now only Tenaya knew of her deepest secrets. Only Serana knew about the agony Tenaya lived with. Together, they could pull through.

Bandits remained scarce the entire way to Morthal. When the snow gave to tundra and grass, Tenaya finally opened her eyes entirely without tears. The pain slowly fell away. Her eyes didn't ache like they usually do in the sun. Everything seemed so much easier without having to cover her eyes for through the trip. Tenaya looked ahead to the bustling city. More people roamed the streets than she ever remembered. Guards didn't seem too nervous until they approached.

The moment both stepped foot inside Morthal, things changed. A battle cry broke through the air. Tenaya turned with her sword pulled. A man wearing heavy armor, easily a set of carved armor, drew a great sword and ran their direction. Others fell in line with arrows going past her face. The armor stood up to everything Grelka promised as an arrow bounced off her shoulder without even a scratch.

Tenaya's sword clanged against his. Ivy took off, running towards the one with the bow to get rid of him. Tenaya moved with the same grace she showed in the basement. Her sword cut the inside of his thigh, where the armor was weakest. He dropped to a knee for a second, but that was all the time she needed. The sword twirled in the air before coming down through the back of his neck. His body fell to the ground when she yanked the sword free.

Ivy fought back the attacker with the bow. Another started to run towards her. Tenaya felt the fire form around her fingers, throwing the fireball his direction. She didn't aim at him, instead, choosing to target the ground in his path. Flames erupted steps ahead of his way. The very flames engulfed him as he tried to slow with no chance of getting away from the shockwave.

She looked around to see if anyone else felt like challenging them. Ivy returned to her side not too long after the fireball erupted. Both stood together, looking around through the city and its people to see if anyone else planned to die.

"Thank god you made this armor good. It stopped a dagger shot." Ivy said.

"Glad it did. Grelka did a damn good job with this. It bounced an arrow."

Both left the city as quickly as they entered. Neither wanted to remain in Morthal for any length of time given the welcoming they received. Tenaya picked the pace up through Dragon Bridge and to the Statue of Meridia. Ivy slowed her steps as the towering statue rose into the air. She never saw something so pretty and majestic in all her life, nothing up close like this.

Tenaya pulled her along carefully. They ascended the steps to the base of her status. The very beacon she helped restore lit the path. As dusk came to the sky, the glow from her beacon kept everything lit. Her light brought an end to the darkness. Tenaya went to the bottom of her status, where the altar sat. She knew what had to be given to get the attention of Meridia.

"You need to offer a piece of me to get her. She only will answer the call with an offering of the undead." Tenaya said.

"What?! I am not going to take a piece of you." Ivy yelled.

"It is not like we get a choice. Meridia only answers those who offer her a piece of the undead."

Tenaya slid the gauntlet down her arm, offering a small piece of her own flesh to be cut and extended for offer. Ivy pulled the dagger from the back of her armor, hands trembling the entire time. She cut the smallest of pieces from Tenaya's exposed arm. The blood from the cut offered signs she hadn't gone too far yet without feeding. Morthal didn't offer her much of a chance to feed.

"Now what?" Ivy asked.

"Put it down on the altar, between them."

Ivy set the piece of flesh down as directed. Almost as soon as the flesh hit her altar, the area began to change. Ivy felt her body lift from the ground a few feet. Tenaya knew the process very well. Meridia, if nothing, liked to make a grand entrance. Levitation seemed to be something she enjoyed a lot. Anytime she spoke with Meridia in the past, she found herself lifted from the ground with the greatest of views over Skyrim.

"Another follows the light of certitude. Thank you for the offering of undead flesh, purging this world of darkness."

The booming voice Tenaya knew was Meridia. She couldn't forget the sound, no matter how hard she tried. Azura felt so soft and gentle, Meridia so firm and commanding, yet full of hope.

"I come to you, Meridia, to seek your help. It is my flesh, you answered." Tenaya said, interrupting the sermon Meridia would surely give.

"You bring death to this place! Begone!"

Suddenly, the beacon fired a shot of light directly at an unprepared Tenaya. She could not move or adjust to the oncoming beam, light exploding against her armor. Tenaya fell to her knee, looking directly at the statue. She knew Meridia watched their every move now.

"It is only you who can help me. Do you turn your back on Azura now?" Tenaya yelled, standing up.

"Tenaya Darix, I warned you my help was out of reach. Here you stand, defiling my sanctuary from all who seek the light."

"Was it not you who said a single candle could banish the darkness of the entire Void? Do you fail to remember my blood spilling to save your temple from the defiler?"

"You are darkness, Tenaya Darix! There is no light inside you. Your flesh turns undead. Mortality escapes your reach. To welcome a wolf as protector of sheep brings death to all."

Another shot of light hit Tenaya in the chest. The force knocked her over, body feeling the pain from the light itself. She struggled to get herself up, the power inside those shots from the beacon killed countless undead creatures before. She hurt, everything hurt, but she managed.

"Is that all you have, Meridia? Or is your light weak because I am not darkness as you say. The light I have is stronger than anything you can try to hurt me with."

"You have no light, Tenaya Darix. You are the corrupt flower that ruins the bloom."

"You are wrong. I will take your beacon as proof of my light."

Tenaya walked to the base of Meridia's statue, coming to the altar with a piece of her flesh for the offering. She looked directly at the glowing statue eyes, choosing to stand up to the Daedra instead of kneeling down to her. Tenaya didn't know what would happen with the beacon in her hands. She knew Azura gave her light, her friends fueled the light. She needed to prove to Meridia right now, she wasn't corrupt. Her body lifted in the air slowly, stopping before the glowing eyes. Tenaya looked on, fearless, seeing eye to eye with the Daedra.

"Do you not fear death?" Meridia asked.

"I do not fear what cannot kill me. It is shameful to allow Azura to suffer because of your pride. How long until they come for you? You helped save my life." Tenaya replied, hiding her emotions.

"A mistake I can fix the moment you grab my beacon."

"When you see you are wrong, you will take me to Beyond Coldharbour."

"So be it Tenaya Darix."

Meridia lifted her body higher into the air, Tenaya staring directly at the beacon. The odd item glowed a vibrant white, illuminating everything around. Ivy stared from the ground, wondering what conversation they just had. Meridia moved her close enough to touch her beacon.

Her hands extended slowly towards the beacon. The light pulsed the closer she moved. Each pulse that touched Tenaya made her pull her hand back without knowing what Meridia planned. Tenaya clamped down on the beacon while light flooded over her body. She let out a scream as her hands tightened to the beacon. The area started to glow brighter, Meridia increasing her power through the beacon.

Tenaya held on as tight as she could. The beacon burned her hands, her undead hands. She had no choice but to endure the pain. What should have happened didn't. She didn't die. Her body took everything Meridia threw at the beacon, and only her hands burned. Tenaya lowered her head in agony, her fingers turning black from the number of burns starting to consume them.

"As I said, Tenaya Darix. You are corrupt." Meridia boomed.

The beacon exploded with light. Meridia's statue and the area looked as it would during the daylight. Everything lit up like a second sun. Those walking along the path stood in wonder, unsure what just happened. As far away as Solitude, the pulse lit the air like the daytime. People wondered what happened.

Then, it ended. Tenaya fell to the ground, hitting with her armor rattling. She laid there motionless, smoke coming from all aspects of her armor. Tenaya's helmet rolled away, coming to a stop at the base of her statue.

"Tenaya!" Ivy yelled, running to her motionless body.

"The undead cannot claim my beacon. Spread my word to anyone who tries. Not even the mightiest of the undead can withstand my light."

"Are you sure?" Tenaya said, rolling over, holding the beacon.

"It cannot be!" Meridia boomed.

Tenaya moved to her feet very slowly. The last burst of light took the air from her lungs, the fall hurting only enough to irritate her. Tenaya raised the beacon over her head. She offered the beacon back to Meridia as a sign of respect. The beacon left her hands and returned to the spot above her statue. Silence from the Daedra spoke loudly. Meridia learned quickly about Tenaya. She wasn't just an undead creature. She indeed had the light inside her.

"You will take us to Beyond Coldharbour," Tenaya said flatly.

Meridia never answered. Ivy and Tenaya stood there before the world went dark. She knew this feeling all too well from Azura returning her to Skyrim. When the world came around, they stood in front of Meridia. Where they were, neither knew. Tenaya assumed this was her plane of oblivion, Colored Rooms, random floating islands with the blue hues all around. What they saw didn't look like anything back on Nirn.

"I will take you to Beyond Coldharbour. From there, the only way out will be finding Azura." Meridia said, speaking in regular voice and tongue.

"That is all we ask. Azura will return with us." Tenaya replied.

"You carry the light inside you with the darkness. The prophecy speaks of you. I know this now. Your journey will be difficult. The Aedra made the portals, never intending them to be found or used. A guardian of their own choosing protects each. Remember this, Tenaya Darix. You carry the Daedra on your shoulders into their world. I will give you my light."

Meridia started to glow brightly. The light she radiated started to surround Tenaya as well as Ivy. What words she spoke were not understood. Neither heard the tongue. They both stood still as the light became brighter before vanishing.

"Both of you are granted my light and are now considered one of the Auroran. Tenaya Darix, you are the only undead creature I have ever accepted here. Do not make me regret this decision."

"You won't."

"Follow me."

Both fell into line beyond Meridia. The island they walked along looked different than the rest. Meridia went through the middle of this island to the very far side. She descended the stairs, which resembled clouds, waving her hand to both Ivy and Tenaya. Ivy nervously moved onward, going down the steps slowly. The walk down the steps seemed to take forever. Ivy looked up the steps to no longer see the island they left.

Meridia came to a stop and pointed forward. She said nothing, bowing her head their direction. The orange glow started to get stronger the further they walked. Heat surrounded them both while the smell of decay flooded the air. Their first steps from the location push them on a large rock in the middle of a lava field.

"We are here," Tenaya said.

"By the nine…" Ivy gasped.

Everything around looked like a cross between Coldharbour and the Ashlands. Nothing about the place seemed promising. The air burned, and their skin felt frozen. Tenaya started hopping between the rocks to get to solid ground. Ivy did her best to keep up, quickly realizing she didn't have the same level of strength or speed.

One close call made Ivy wonder if this was a horrible idea, never imagining a place like this existed. Tenaya hopped on until they were on solid ground. Ivy kept up through the area, ready for this to be over. Tenaya pulled her sword, knowing too well the surprises this Daedra liked to put out. Every step kept them both on guard. She waited for something to jump out, but nothing did. The fear started to consume them both. Scream of their friends filled the air. Illusions of their loved ones being tortured popped up when they looked around.

"It gets worse, Ivy. Remember, it isn't real." Tenaya reassured her.

The visions became more vicious with each passing step. Phantoms appeared to run after them, scaring Ivy to the point she screamed. Tenaya quickly rushed over, covering her mouth. When the phantoms flew through their bodies, Ivy started to realize this place was the worst of anything she imagined. Trying to keep herself together proved more difficult. The first Daedric warriors approached. Tenaya's sword cut them down in battle while Ivy did her best not to get killed. She wasn't ready for a war like this. Her presence just kept two of the warriors from ganging up on Tenaya.

Both circled the central spire in the middle of a lava lake. Between the lava and the ash floating through the air, things looked less than welcoming. Only one way to the center existed. Both walked ahead, swords on guard. Tenaya saw no one like before. They crossed the bridge of bone and ash together, hands at the ready.

Tenaya looked around, having been here before. She knew the games Mehrunes Dagon, Malacath, and Molag Bal liked to play. They made this plane from scratch, something by all rights shouldn't exist. It went against the rules set at the dawn of time. Daedra was granted one plane on Oblivion, no more, no less.

Azura sat under the spire, locked in a desecrated cage. She bled. That much Tenaya knew. Her condition wasn't fitting for the god she was. Tenaya looked around one last time before sprinting to the side of the exposed cage.

"Azura, wake up," Tenaya whispered with Ivy looking around.

"Tenaya?" Azura said, weakly.

"Yes. Time to get up and get you free."

Tenaya went about trying to figure out how this lock worked. This wasn't some sort of lock with a key from the way it looked. No openings of any kind. The only thing she saw was how it all seemed completely solid with no means to actually separate it. She fidgeted with the bars on the cage to be stung sharply every time she touched what looked like metal.

"Umm, Tenaya…" Ivy said, tapping her shoulder.

She turned her head to meet the gaze of Malacath. Tenaya stood up, drawing her sword. Malacath clapped his hands together, seemingly pleased by their progress, almost anticipating their arrival. His influence over Velatin became apparent, their mannerisms identical. Ivy pushed her back against the cage for a moment as he approached.

"Great work, Tenaya Darix. You found a way to Beyond Coldharbour, on his day no less. A smart move but expected."

"Where is your other friend?" Tenaya asked.

"Preparing an army. I knew you would come. You swore an oath to Azura," Malacath said, pulling the sword from his back. "Your death is all it will take to bring Nirn to its knees."

Malacath lunged for Tenaya. His sword came down in the exact spot she stood. Tenaya moved to the side and returned an attack against Malacath. His strength pushed her aside like a toy. Tenaya scrambled to her feet with eyes on Malacath. He looked directly to Ivy, pointing a sword in her direction, promising she would die only after Tenaya did. He refused to dishonor Tenaya in the fight.

"A big promise since I am not dead," Tenaya said, twirling her sword.

"Soon. How about we skip the subtle playing and go to the end of this battle. You fight a Daedra as a mortal. My next strike will be your death." Malacath promised.

"Your biggest mistake is thinking I am some sort of mortal. I may not be a Daedra, but I can bring you to you down."

"Then, we fight your way. I will give you the honor of the death you choose."

Tenaya sheathed her sword to the laughter of Malacath. She stared directly at Malacath, watching him pace the ground four bodies from where she stood. She unhooked her armor, letting it fall to the ground. All that remained on Tenaya was the armor over her legs and a leather top, refusing to undo anything else beyond the upper armor and gauntlets. Malacath returned the gesture. He lowered his armor to the ground the same. His garb remained the only thing to cover any part of his body.

"This fight will be with honor. On my word as Keeper of Oaths, no one will interfere," Malacath said with a level of respect Tenaya didn't expect. "You have changed, but it matters not."

'By the nine, I hope you know what you are doing, Tenaya." Ivy murmured.

He flexed every muscle he had in his body. Tenaya rolled her neck from side to side. She grabbed her sword as he grabbed his, both circling without a concern for anything else happening. A thunderous yell echoed through the chamber before the two prepared to do battle. Malacath appeared to know his presence loomed. Mehrunes Dagon climbed down the spire from the top, seeing Tenaya with a vengeance in his eyes. His axe dropped down from his hand, feet slamming tight into the ash and dirt on the ground. He lifted the axe above his head.

"Mehrunes! She is mine!" Malacath yelled.

"Fool! We can kill her now. Move aside!" Mehrunes Dagon boomed in return.

"This is my fight. You can have the other once the proclaimed one is dead. For me to break this vow is to break my oath."

"End it quickly then. I would enjoy feasting on their souls."

Tenaya tensed up, seeing another Daedra enter the mix. Mehrunes Dagon wouldn't be denied anything. His history worried her more than the fight with Malacath. She could control the fight, but she couldn't restrain a Daedra with no boundaries. To make it worse, she knew her time was now limited. Molag Bal would return at some point with a vengeance.

"Where were we?" Malacath said.

Tenaya bowed, allowing Malacath to surge. His sword clanged against hers, the strength of the blow sending her backward. Tenaya rolled her neck again while Malacath walked around like he stalked his prey. He charged back with a swing enough to drop Tenaya to a knee. His rebound almost connected against the side of her head.

"As I thought, you are no match for a Daedra." Malacath boasted.

A small smile lit up Tenaya's face. Ivy looked on more worried than ever. She rested close to the cage with Azura looking on. Neither seemed confident with anything they witnessed. Tenaya had no chance against a Daedra at this point in time, Azura looking directly at her champion with more concern. Every exchange ended in the same way. Tenaya barely held herself against the strength and power of Malacath, his form perfected from the ages of practice.

Azura backed away slowly with a look of defeat. Tenaya couldn't stand against Malacath no matter what she did. When he approached and came for the kill, Tenaya pulled away at the very last moment. Ivy lowered her head with each passing exchange. She felt her own life slowly fading away as a result of Tenaya starting to lose the battle.

"Are you done playing yet, Malacath?" Tenaya asked. "I thought you promised to give this everything to get to the end?"

Ivy and Azura both became interested again. Malacath tilted his head to the side slightly. The Orc Daedra slowly became enraged by the comment. He leaped through the air with his sword overhead. The speed alone made Ivy lose him for a moment. She never saw anyone move in such ways. Tenaya never moved or wavered. She waited while his sword slowly lowered. Her sword came up just in time to save her own life. Malacath pushed down with everything he had. Tenaya pushed back with the same, her face shaking some from the force she put against him.

Tenaya slid to the side, his sword slamming hard into the ground. Her foot kicked his stomach unexpectedly. Malacath stumbled backward, never seeing the kick coming. Her other foot found the sword, sending it flying the other direction. Tenaya dropped her sword to the ground with him backing away to get his weapon. She clamped her hands together with the glow rapidly, lighting her up against the spire. She took the same approach Malacath did, leaping through the air with her hands coming down, barely missing him. The ball of light exploded, shockwaves rippling against the spire. What damage wasn't done to Malacath, broke the lock binding Azura.

"She finally believes," Azura said out loud.

Ivy turned to listen to what Azura had to say, noticing the lock broken. Azura finally smiled. She quickly realized her strength came not just from herself, but the light had Meridia there as well. The blast wasn't just the belief of one, she had the belief of others. Malacath had to figure it out the same way. Tenaya grabbed her sword and charged Malacath. Mehrunes Dagon looked on with anger from the spire. Both he and Malacath looked on confused.

Tenaya and Malacath clashed, his strength no longer seeming as insurmountable compared to earlier. She swung her sword around, Malacath stumbling by the flurry he didn't expect. Tenaya's eyes met Ivy, who managed to get Azura from the cage. All she needed was enough time to let Azura get some strength back. The spire controlled her light, blocking her from the others who needed it. Azura walked around free. Ivy picked up Tenaya's armor and rejoined Azura, both out of sight from the fight raging.

The moment became short-lived when Malacath unleashed his full fury. Tenaya went flying through the air, her back landing hard against the ground. The sword flew from her hand, but she didn't care. She pulled herself up, picked her sword during the run to Azura. Mehrunes Dagon yelled with his full fury. Fireballs started coming down through the air once he realized Azura walked outside the spire. A golden glow lit the air around Ivy and Azura. Tenaya ran as fast as she could to get back, her only way out was Azura. Malacath, in his anger, threw the sword in her direction. She joined Ivy and Azura in the orb. Ivy spun her around, pulling Tenaya tighter to the group.

Without hesitation, Azura took the group from Beyond Coldharbour to the base of her statue on Skyrim, knowing the risk of crossing into Nirn. Tenaya took a moment to catch her breath. She stood there, arm and arm with Azura, the Daedra she chose to be champion with. Azura smiled, embracing Tenaya like a mother with a lost child. She rubbed her arm with the realization Tenaya believed in herself. She accepted her destiny and fate.

"I should not be able to exist on your plane. I do not know how I managed to transport with you. The magic containing the Daedra grows weaker like they said. Before, I was a mere illusion. Now, I walk your plane of existence." Azura said.

"Tenaya…" Ivy mumbled, falling to the ground.

The celebration was short-lived. Ivy looked up from the ground with a sword sticking through her chest. She sacrificed herself to save Tenaya's life. Tenaya let go of Azura, kneeling to her friend. Azura joined Tenaya before yanking the sword from her body. She looked over the fallen woman, seeing the depth of her wounds. Azura shook her head, the truth self-evident.

"She will not survive this wound. Her heart grows weak." Azura whispered to both.

Tenaya went to her friend on the ground. Ivy coughed up blood, her time growing short. Tenaya grabbed her hand, needing her to know how grateful she was for this. When Tenaya went to speak, Ivy shook her head. She knew the time was about to come to an end. Ivy's hands trembled, letting Tenaya go. She lifted the helmet from her head, handing it to Tenaya.

Azura backed away towards her statue. The Daedra clapped her hands together, the ground of Skyrim seemed to shake instantly. In a few short moments, Tenaya watched the real power of the Daedra before her eyes. A light, bright enough for Tenaya to turn away from, illuminated everything again. The statue itself turned golden white. Brightness flooded Skyrim as the ground trembled faster. Clouds pushed away from where they stood, the sky seems to open over their heads.

"Come to my side Tenaya Darix. Place a hand on my shoulder." Azura commanded.

Tenaya walked carefully as she was directed. The light grew stronger. People who saw the light raced up to the top of her shrine. A small crowd of Azura's followers stood on the steps in awe, their Daedra standing before them. Ivy's body lifted to the air. The glow illuminated from her hands grew more intense. The light drowned out Skyrim. Azura stood in the middle of it all, channeling every ounce of power she could summon to open a path.

Ivy lowered to the top of Azura's marble shrine in Moonshadow. Azura's presence alone caused the ash to fade away to flowers. Blood red water turned crystal clear. The fallen realm of Moonshadow no longer looked broken where they stood. Her shrine, her temple, started to luster one more time. Ivy rested on a bed of flowers and marble. Her wounds slowly closed themselves with Azura's light radiating over her body.

"I welcome you to Moonshadow, Ivy Starsmith, my life forever in your debt. Rest now..."