A/N: I be so rude.
After Durak's burial, Isran doubles the fort's patrols. Every member is on a twelve hour rotation, and two members are to construct defenses at all times. Gunmar works the forge like never before, Sorine creates more poultices and potions, and Celann revamps recruitment efforts. Destra and Serana leave for the Ancestor Glade. The sooner they find Auriel's Bow, the sooner they can end this.
Destra is sullen on the ride. Serana tries her best to make her laugh, and she is successful, but it doesn't last. She knows it will take time, but she wants to comfort the elven woman however she can. Destra greatly admired Durak, and Serana knows Destra blames herself. Even so, Destra appreciates Serana's comfort.
They arrive in Falkreath Hold the next day. Destra refuses to make camp, despite Serana's insistence. She can see how exhausted the woman is, but she also sees she is driven. Serana isn't certain the last time Destra slept, and she can't help but worry about her. She makes a note to force her to eat later.
They aren't sure where the Ancestor Glade is. Destra asks Serana what she thinks Dexion meant by "the scrolls will guide you." Serana doesn't know. She hands Destra the scrolls she's carrying. The elf waits, but nothing happens. She curses under her breath. Then a ray of light breaks through the tree cover. It lands on the mountains about a half mile away. Destra spurs her horse, and Serana follows.
The cave is at the top of a slope, and were it not for the guiding ray, it would easily be missed. They dismount and go inside. The cave is beautiful, if underwhelming. Several trees line the way, and a fallen log connects the two ledges that straddle the path. Destra sees no moths.
"Not very impressive, is it? If this ends up being a waste of time, your friend Dexion and I are having some words when we get back," Serana says.
"You and I both," Destra returns.
The women climb the slope of the ridge on the left and cross the fallen log. Behind a tree branch, Destra sees another opening. They pass through, and on the other side is a grand hollow. Dozens of ancient trees bask in a heavenly glow that rains down from an opening in the ceiling. Flowers Destra has never seen before sprout all about. Her breath catches when she sees the crystal pool at the bottom of the hill.
"Wow," Serana breathes. "I bet we're the first to set foot here in centuries. I'm… I'm glad you're here with me." She turns to Destra and smiles. Destra can't help but notice how Serana radiates in the light of the grove. Her heart skips a beat.
"There's no one I'd rather be here with," Destra almost whispers.
"Do you-" Serana breathes and exhales. "You must be more sleep-deprived than I thought." She grins weakly. Destra takes a step closer to her without thinking. And then another, and another. Serana flushes as deeply as she is able. "Destra?"
"Hm?" They are so close Serana can feel Destra's breath. Her eyelids are heavy and she shivers. She thinks Destra might be getting closer, but she can't think clearly anymore. She feels Destra raise a hand and run her fingers through her hair. Serana's eyelids fully close now.
"Looks like they like you," Destra says, and Serana's eyes snap open. On the back of her hand is what Serana assumes is an Ancestor Moth. "One landed in your hair."
Serana tries not to visibly deflate as she mutters an "oh." A larger cluster of moths is nearby, mostly around an ancient-looking tree. The bark is fragrant, almost like jasmine. This must be the canticle tree, Destra thinks. She looks around for the drawing knife Dexion mentioned and finds it in a great stone reliquary by the pool. They descend the slope, and as they do, Destra picks a tiny yellow flower. She offers it to Serana, who quirks a brow.
"For your reagents," Destra explains.
"Thanks," Serana says. She does not see Destra cringe at herself.
The drawing knife is heavier than Destra is expecting. She approaches one of the canticle trees and carefully removes a strip of bark. As she passes a group of the moths, a few begin to follow her. The moths shimmer, and as she collects more, Destra finds that her skin begins to shimmer too.
"Wow, they've really taken a liking to you," Serana says. "And you're sort of… glowing."
"This must be the augur Dexion mentioned. How many of these things do you think I need?" Destra returns. Serana shrugs.
"Until you feel mystical, I guess." Destra walks about until she has around twenty moths.
"I feel like my clothes will burn if I light up anymore," she says.
"Maybe you'd better get a few more, just in case," Serana winks. Destra smirks at her.
"I don't think you want me hot and bothered quite like that." Serana laughs. They head to the centre of the pool after returning the drawing knife. Serana gives Destra the Elder Scrolls once more.
"Are you ready?" she asks.
"I think so. If I go blind, you'll have to tell me what it looks like when I slap that old man."
Destra opens the first of the scrolls. Then the second and the third. Before her eyes, three cosmological maps appear. They begin to overlap and merge, and several brighter streaks paint across. Destra knows this pattern. There is no question that they represent the rivers and streams of Skyrim. Next, the mountain ranges appear, and finally the sigils of Haafingar Hold and the Reach burn into the corners of the map. In the mountains between them, at the northern end of a tributary, is an arcane rune Destra does not recognize. She knows it must be the location of Auriel's Bow.
The map fades and disappears entirely. Destra feels woozy, and she begins to sway. Serana is at her side and puts an arm around her. Destra leans into her, her head resting on the other woman's shoulder. They stay like this for several moments, even after the weakness fades. Destra straightens but does not detach herself from Serana's embrace. They lock eyes, and this time, Destra's breath hitches. She leans closer to Serana. Serana does not move. Their faces are just inches apart when their eyes close.
"There!" a voice hisses from the top of the ridge.
Destra and Serana's eyes shoot open, and they break apart. They see three vampires and their thralls rushing down the hill. Destra reaches for her crossbow, and Serana prepares her spells. A bolt finds the eye of the senior vampire while an ice spike takes her thrall. Destra draws her blades, and with a primal rage rushes the other thralls. Her flurry is as beautiful as it is deadly. Serana dispatches of the vampires. The two women look to each other, and they know they must move quickly.
Destra is fifty-six years old. She knows she won't live forever. She makes a note to punch Harkon square in the nose before ending his miserable life.