A/N: Much longer chapter cause Destra's section is a two-parter, and Serana's is a multi.
Oh, and there is some implied smut in this one. It's not really for the purpose of being sexy, but y'know, there it is.
Destra and Serana emerge from the passage, and the sight before them is extraordinary. A valley lost to time stretches for miles in any direction. Animals the likes of which neither woman has ever seen graze and frolic around. In spite of what they just went through, both Destra and Serana take a moment to admire the beauty of this place. Neither is sure who reaches first, but as they walk to the next wayshrine, their hands intertwine.
The prelate of this wayshrine greets them much the same way as the last. Destra tells him she is ready, but the prelate stops her when she tries to enter alone.
"Once begun, the way must be completed by all who started. Your companion must join you," he says. Destra looks to Serana. She nods back.
"Very well," Destra says.
"Enter, then. May Auri-El's glow shield you from your enemy as you find fortitude in the Wayshrine of Resolution." They step inside.
—
Destra is in a field. She knows this field, and she knows the tower next to her. Bodies litter the burning grass. Bricks crumble, and the top of the tower hurdles toward the Jarl of Whiterun's housecarl. She lunges instinctively and tackles her out of the way just in time. Aela rushes to her and sighs in relief when she sees her lover is unharmed.
The dragon roars and spits a new wave of fire at them. Aela raises her shield in front of Destra. Fortunately, the flames are not for the trio. Unfortunately, the last of the squadron of guards burn where they stand. Destra nearly wretches at the smell of torched hair and flesh. Irileth does.
Destra has had enough. She tells Aela to draw her bow. On her command, fire as many arrows as possible. Destra waits until the dragon is flying straight for her. Now. Aela looses an inhuman volley at the beast, and it sweeps low to the ground to avoid the attack. A few still strike it, but this is not the goal. Destra leaps onto the dragon's back while it is distracted. She forces her blades into its skull over and over. The dragon wails and plummets to the ground. Destra leaps off before contact, breath heavy and ragged. Aela runs to her and kisses her furiously.
When they break apart, the dragon's body begins to glow. The skin flakes away, and the flesh disintegrates. A bright orb forms in the ribs of its skeleton. Before either woman can speculate, the orb rises and shoots toward Destra. When it connects, it absorbs into her body, and she falls to her knees.
A hundred thousand sights cloud her vision. A hundred thousand smells fill her nostrils. A hundred thousand sounds sing to her a deafening symphony. A hundred thousand memories that are not her own overtake her mind. She is a dragon, heavy and weightless. She is a dragon, master of land and sky. She is a dragon, invincible and mortal. Her new form craves a familiar direction.
Fus.
She knows this word. She knows its meaning. She is this word - force.
Destra stands. The energy of a thousand years of power fills her throat. She must show the world this power is hers. She shouts. FUS. The grass, the rocks, the skeletons, the very air bows to her will. They shift, move, fly in the direction she chooses them to. There is nothing in nature like her voice. There is nothing in nature like her. She will dominate any who would challenge her.
—
Alduin screams as Destra uses Dragonrend on him. His wings lock, and he falls to the grounds of Sovngarde.
"Dovahkiin? What have you done?" he cries. He tries to move his wings again, but it is useless. "To take a Dovah's wings… it is worse than taking his soul."
"I intend to take both, Brother," Destra hisses. Her eyes are wild and glow with the echo of her Thu'um. This shout is unnatural, born of man and spite. Neither Akatosh nor Kynareth accept it. Neither can condemn it either.
"You may try," Alduin bellows. He stands and lashes at Destra with claw and fang. She effortlessly dodges him, and the Nordic heroes of old rush to attack.
"No," Destra calls. "He is mine." They cease their movement, and Destra flies to Alduin, blades raised high above her. He hisses when they find his flesh. Again and again she cuts into him, laughing maniacally as she does. Soon, Alduin, the World-Eater, is nothing but diced flesh and blood. Unlike every other dragon Destra has slain, Alduin's soul is black.
When she absorbs it, she falls to her knees. She coughs and chokes as though she's swallowed poison. The visions that fill her mind are unlike any she's seen. She sees Akatosh himself casting her from the Beginning Place. She is confused, scared, and embarrassed. She feels fury overtake her in this mortal plain. She sees both man and dragon bow before her might. They revere her. They worship her. They fear her. She likes this power.
A few insolent creatures challenge her along the way. Most are of no consequence. One or two, like that Shor cretin, defeat her in battle, but they cannot destroy her. She is the Harbinger of the End Times. She is the first of a god. Not even the "heroes" atop the Throat of the World know how to kill her. They only purport her further to her destiny. She does regret that her own brother, Paarthurnax, betrays her. He, too, exists in this new world. But he cannot raise an army against her this time. Only two mortals, a human and an elf.
The elf is formidable. She fears her, but she will not show it. She is still master of this world. She will not bow to her or anyone else. She does not care that this elf is Dovahkiin, the Last of the Dovahkiin. She has eaten many Dovahkiin before this one. She will raise her long-dead brethren, destroy this curr, and rule this world before she chooses to end it.
She does not anticipate the elf will learn the shout created by the old Nords. She does not anticipate the elf will use it on her at the summit of the Throat of the World. She does not anticipate the elf will follow her to Sovngarde itself. And she most certainly does not anticipate the elf will kill her and steal her soul.
Destra does not focus the sum of this knowledge and these memories into mastery over a new Thu'um. She cannot. There is nothing constructive about these thoughts, this life, this soul. Instead, she focuses this energy inward. The soul within her soul entropies and tears itself apart. Alduin is gone. But Destra still feels his presence. Destra thinks he might be part of her forever.
She laughs maniacally again as tears stream down her face.
—
Serana gazes at herself in her bedroom mirror again. Or she would be, if she still had a reflection. She is a vampire. It has been six months since Coldharbour. Serana hasn't slept. She isn't certain if it is because of her newfound resistances or because she cannot bear the thought of the nightmares she is certain she will have should she close her eyes. Even though there is no consequence for her body, the restlessness takes its toll on her mind.
Her parents are fighting again. It's all they've done since the ritual. Serana keeps hoping it is about her. About how unfair it was to put her through that. It never is. She cries every day for hours on end, but they argue about which vassals deserve the "gift." She still physically hurts from the touch of Molag Bal, but they argue about which village they should feed from next. She thinks she might never trust either of them again, but they argue about power.
Serana punches the mirror. Her hand is full of glass, and blood drips onto the vanity. Even her blood is wrong. One of her servants runs into her room at the sound of shattering. The young woman is human, and she is terrified of the Volkihars' new form. But she comes to Serana anyway. Serana remembers her name is Alessa.
"My lady?" Alessa says. "Your hand…" She gingerly takes Serana's hand between her own. "May I?" Serana nods.
Carefully, Alessa pulls the shards of glass from Serana's hand. Serana knows that at one point in her life she would have winced at their removal, cried maybe. Now she feels immune to new forms of physical pain. Serana thanks Alessa when she finishes dressing the wounds. The young woman blushes and tells her it's nothing. But it is not nothing. It is the first display of uncalculated and selfless care Serana has received, possibly her whole life, she realises with heaviness.
Serana also realises Alessa is still holding her hand. She finds she does not mind. In fact, it feels nice, and she tells Alessa so. Alessa takes her other hand too. Serana's stomach turns, and not in an unpleasant way. Without thinking, she leans forward and kisses the handmaiden. The young woman returns the kiss with gusto. She gently pulls Serana until she sits on the edge of the bed. Alessa moves to straddle Serana's lap, deepening the kiss and fisting her hand into Serana's hair. The vampire wraps her arms around the handmaiden's waist and allows herself to be led in this way.
Serana feels as though she is on fire when Alessa presses her back to the sheets. Despite being beneath the woman, she feels safe, and this surprises her. She wants to touch Alessa. She thinks she wants Alessa to touch her too. This baffles her. But Alessa takes her hand and intertwines their fingers when Serana tries to. She looks up at her in confusion and embarrassment. Alessa kisses her on the forehead.
"Soon, my lady. But for now, you need sleep," she whispers. She is right, Serana knows.
—
Alessa wraps herself behind Serana after locking the door. She holds her in her arms until she feels the vampire's breathing slow. Then she closes her eyes.
It has been a month since Serana began seeing Alessa in secret. A month since they began sharing an intimacy Serana didn't know was possible for her. She barely knows Alessa, but this doesn't matter. She knows she is kind. She knows she is beautiful. She knows she won't hurt her. She knows she holds her when she cries. This is all Serana needs for now.
Alessa sleeps in her bed most nights. They used to lock the door for fear of Serana's parents learning of their liasonship, but neither of them has tried checking on their daughter. It might have made Serana sad were it not her preference now. She does not know what they would think of their only daughter sleeping with another woman. She wonders if it would make a difference now that their… condition makes the necessity of heirs far less relevant.
But Alessa is still a human, and a servant at that. Serana knows her father would object to her dallying with someone so common, man or woman. Her mother would simply tell her it is a waste of time better spent on studying the arcane. Besides, why should Serana spend time on a relationship with a creature she'll outlive? Serana laughs bitterly to herself. Maybe this is something they would actually agree on.
Then the thought occurs to her. Alessa is asleep, head on Serana's shoulder, arm draped across her abdomen. Serana kisses her hair and gently stirs her. Alessa looks up at her, part confusion, part affection painting her face. Serana kisses her lips, and Alessa giggles.
"Again already?" she lilts.
"Alessa, do you want to be with me?" Serana asks candidly.
"Of course I do, Serana," she answers just as seriously.
"I want to be with you too. Always." Serana gazes at Alessa, a hint of desperation hidden behind her crimson-amber eyes.
"I would like that, my lady," Alessa says. There is a question in her voice, but she does not ask it. Serana answers it anyway.
"Let me turn you." It is neither a command nor a request. Alessa stares for a few moments.
"Will not Lord Harkon and Lady Valerica be furious?"
"If they pay enough attention to find out, they will have to go through me to get to you," Serana tells her. Alessa's smile is brighter than anything Serana has ever seen. The other woman nods and kisses her.
"I've never turned anyone," Serana admits. "My mother turned my father. She said it's a very… intense experience. For both."
"I trust you," Alessa says.
Alessa lies on her back, and Serana lies next to her. Gently, Serana moves Alessa's hair from her neck. She looks to her one last time for permission. The handmaiden nods. Serana kisses her neck before biting her. Alessa winces at the action. Serana strokes her arm, her hair, her face. She tenses a bit before going deadly still and closing her eyes. For a moment, Serana is worried. Then Alessa opens them, and what once were sky blue orbs now glow a deep sanguine. She reaches up to her mouth and touches fangs that now replace canines.
Before Serana can ask how she feels, Alessa is on top of her kissing her deeply. Serana is surprised but quickly responds. Alessa's ravenous lips find her neck, her chest, her breasts, her stomach, and beyond. They spend the next several hours in bed. By the time they are finished, Serana is certain she has made the right decision. She will tell her parents of their relationship. Alessa is hers, and they will not touch her.
—
Serana paces nervously outside her father's inner sanctum. It has been a week since Alessa's turning, and they have decided to tell Serana's parents today. Alessa takes Serana's hand and kisses her cheek. She calms somewhat, but her stomach still knots. She knows her father will not take this news well. They wait for half an hour before a servant beckons them in.
Harkon and Valerica sit across from each other at a small table. A map is spread before them, and Serana can tell they've been arguing. Wonderful. She clears her throat. After a few moments, Harkon looks up. His disinterest in seeing her is as obvious as it is hurtful, and Serana tries not to flinch. Alessa stands behind her, eyes downcast so as not to give herself away prematurely. Again, Serana clears her throat.
"Mother, Father," she begins.
"What do you need, Serana? We are discussing important matters," Valerica says as she finally looks up.
"I have- well, I wanted to tell you- that is-"
"Speak with purpose, or do not speak at all," Harkon bites. Serana does flinch at this. Alessa places a hand on her back, and Serana straightens.
"I'm seeing someone. Romantically," she hastens. Neither Harkon nor Valerica reacts. "My handmaiden, Alessa." Again, no response. "And I've… I've turned her." Both snap at this.
"You what?" Harkon hisses. Serana takes Alessa's hand and brings her to her side. She looks to the lord and lady, eyes aglow. Harkon stands. "By what right do you bestow this exceptional gift upon such… refuse?"
"This gift is mine to share with whomever I see fit. I earned it, and Alessa is my lover. You will not speak of her like that," Serana retorts. Harkon is before her in two strides. He strikes her.
"And you will not speak to me in such a manner. I am your lord and father." Serana straightens and glares at him. She steps in front of Alessa.
"It's already done. There is nothing you can do," Serana says. A grin spreads across Harkon's face and he chuckles.
"My daughter, if you believe that, you are far more naive than I thought," he barbs. Serana's face betrays her confusion for only a movement before she realises what he intends.
"No. You will not harm her. She is mine," she says. Alessa whispers Serana's name. Harkon grabs The handmaiden's arm. Serana tries to separate them, but Harkon's strength is greater, and he pushes her back. Alessa reaches for Serana as Harkon drags her across the room, but it is too late. Serana tries to scramble to her, but Valerica blocks her path.
"There is no stopping him. I'm… sorry," she whispers to her daughter. Serana tries to step around, but Valerica restrains her. She watches in horror as Harkon forces Alessa to her knees. He draws his sword. The last thing Serana sees before Harkon plunges the blade into her chest is Alessa's terrified eyes.
—
When Serana and Destra awaken, both are quiet. Destra is deep in thought, and Serana's chest aches with a pain long buried - but not forgotten. She isn't certain if she should tell Destra what she saw. It was centuries before she was buried with the Elder Scroll, and although she has never forgiven her father, she doesn't think the memory still affects her. Then she realises it must. The wayshrine would not show her such things if it did not.
Destra knows she should tell Serana about her final battle with Alduin. It is something she's never discussed with anyone, not even Aela. She needs another person to tell her if she is evil. Evil for becoming one with the World-Eater, evil for slaying so many of her kin, evil for enjoying the power their deaths brought her. She craved their end so that her prowess could grow, and this thought disturbs her more than anything else about herself.
Hesitantly, Destra asks about Serana's experience. Serana is silent for several moments before turning to the elven woman. She tells her about those early days as a vampire, about the intense loneliness, the confusion and anger. She tells her of Alessa, the time they shared, her turning, and her murder. Serana is proud of how few tears she sheds. Destra smiles at the joy and bristles at the tragedy. She understands better than most the ecstasy of young infatuation and the finality of its end. Serana does feel lighter, and she wonders if this levity is what the initiates of old experienced on their own journeys through the vale.
Of course Serana asks Destra what she saw. Of course Destra tells her. Serana is sympathetic. She tells Destra that she is not evil, that she did what she had to to protect the world. Destra nods, but Serana knows she does not believe her. She may never believe anyone who says as much. If Destra allows her, she will gladly spend the rest of eternity proving to her that she is a good person.
Destra is fifty-six years old. She knows she won't live forever. But she is not too old to change her mind.
A/N: The part with Alduin is meant to be an exaggerated truth on the actual events of the battle. His memories are also based on lore and my interpretation of his story.
Serana's relationship with Alessa is written to intentionally make Serana seem naive at that point in time. I wanted to show that she still maintained some innocence after the ritual and that she has experience with puppy love, so when she discusses her emotions in Destra's time, they're genuine. Also, based on the game, vampire lord transformations are instant as opposed to the multiphase disease regular vampires go through.