A/N: I don't know how to ride a horse.
When they return to Castle Volkihar, Destra is surprised that Harkon and his goons aren't waiting for them. She sighs in relief and takes a seat. The laboratory has no windows, but she thinks it must be early morning. They have no way of knowing how much time passed while they were in the Soul Cairn, and Destra is exhausted. Serana rumages about for ingredients to make a poultice for Destra's wound, and as she does, she finds a few flasks of blood for herself.
Serana dresses the cuts, and Destra thanks her before allowing her eyes to close. While she sleeps, Serana feeds and sorts through Destra's food rations. There isn't much to choose from, but she manages to put a few things together for the elven woman when she wakes. She sits next to the slumbering wolf and closes her eyes as well.
The sun is high when their boat arrives back to Skyrim proper. With the second Elder Scroll in their possession, the next step is to retrieve the third and final. Destra is pleased that the most difficult portion will be convincing Urag to let her borrow the scroll. She knows she couldn't simply steal it, even if she wanted to. She is also pleased that Serana will get to see Winterhold. Destra does not prefer the icy climate, but even she cannot deny the beauty and majesty of the landscape.
They decide to purchase horses at the Solitude stables. Two horses will travel faster than a carriage through snow. Destra mounts hers with the grace of a practiced rider. Serana stands and stares at her own. The elf cocks her head at her companion.
"I've… never ridden a horse," the vampire answers. Destra cannot control the bought of laughter that overtakes her. Serana glares back. "You've seen where I grew up. Not exactly great for riding. Or safe for horses, with company like that."
"I know, I know, I'm sorry," Destra blurts between breaths. "I just wasn't expecting this to be the thing that trips you up." She dismounts and approaches Serana. "We have two options. I can give you a crash course in riding, or we can sell back your horse and you can ride with me."
"Oh, you'd like that wouldn't you?" Serana nearly purrs. Destra chokes on nothing.
"Right, lessons it is." They spend the next half hour on mounting, saddle position, and basic commands. Destra helps Serana up so she can get a feel for the seat. She mounts her own horse again, and they take to the road. Serana is tense, and Destra tries to distract her by explaining their route. Soon the vampire loosens up, and after about an hour, she seems to be enjoying herself. They travel through the afternoon, stopping occasionally to water the horses.
The pair arrive in Rorikstead a little past sunset. They stable the horses with one of the farmers and head to the inn. There aren't many people inside, save a few locals with drinks and their evening meals. A bulky man maybe ten years Destra's junior stands behind the counter. His face and arms are littered with scars. Destra approaches him and lowers her hood.
"Erik. I see you've taken over daddy's inn. Adventuring get to be too much for you? Needed a steadier supply of milk to drink?" she barbs.
"Destra. Heard you're not with the Companions anymore. Did they finally get tired of your weak sword arm, or are you just too senile to find Jorvaskr anymore?" the man bites back.
A few tense moments pass by. The room falls into an uncomfortable silence. Then Destra grins, and the man starts laughing. Erik comes from behind the bar and sweeps Destra into a bone-crushing hug. Serana blinks twice.
"Erik! How in Oblivion are you?" the elven woman says. "When did you settle back here?" Erik laughs again and releases her.
"Oh, I can't complain. The inn keeps me busy most days. Not as exciting as cave-diving, but those days ended a few years ago with this," he says and points down. Destra hadn't noticed the peg leg. She cringes in sympathy.
"Bandit, bear, or -"
"Troll," he finishes. They catch up for a few more minutes before Destra turns.
"Look at how rude I am. Erik, this is Serana. Serana, this is Erik the Slayer," she says. The two shake hands and exchange greetings.
"Destra here convinced my father to let me choose my own path and explore Skyrim. Even gave me the gold to get my first set of armour. Which reminds me," Erik says and pulls a bag of gold from behind the counter. "Been saving this for you for years now. Wasn't sure when you'd stop by next." Destra pushes it back toward him.
"You know I'm not going to take that. But if you've got two rooms, we'll take those," she says.
"I only have one at the moment, but the bed should be large enough for two. Hope that's okay." Destra feels her heartbeat quicken, and she hopes nobody notices. She knows Serana can hear it though. She tells Erik that would be fine, and he gives her the key. The three chat a bit longer over food, and Erik is polite enough to not ask Serana why she isn't eating. Serana enjoys watching Destra laugh with her old friend.
The two women bid Erik goodnight and retire to their room. Serana removes her cloak, her boots, and bodice. She is still fully clothed in her shirt and pants, but Destra still turns as she does so. The vampire notices and grins to herself. Destra carefully removes her own cloak and chances a look over her shoulder. Serana is staring at her and waggles her brows. The elf huffs.
"Do you mind?" she says.
"Not at all," Serana says and does not move.
"You are impossible."
"What? We're both women. And weren't you married? Surely you can remove your accessories without dying of embarrassment," Serana glibs. Destra glares at her. "Fine, have it your way." Serana turns dramatically and falls face-first onto the bed. Destra finishes removing her armour before sliding under the blanket next to the vampire. She mumbles goodnight, and Serana practically sings it back. Destra's burning cheeks are glad for the darkness of the room.
Destra is fifty-six years old. She knows she won't live forever. She wishes she were old enough to be honest with herself.
A/N: Whenever I think of Erik the Slayer, I think of Erik the Gayer.