Eight
Serana woke slowly. She hadn't moved from her sleeping position. Her hands were still wrapped around Stefan's waist. She looked up to find him sleeping peacefully. She watched him for a moment, watching his chest rise and fall as he breathed. She then rested her head on his chest and listened to his heart beat. It was slow and soft, like a melody.
"Good morning Stefan," she whispered.
She kissed him on the neck, scratching her fangs against his white skin. Stefan stirred. She watched him wake up.
He woke up slowly, he saw Serana looking up at him and beamed.
"Good morning Serana," he said happily. He kissed her hair.
Serana rested her head on his chest and felt his heartbeat gradually speed up as he saw her.
"I love hearing how your heart beats fast for me," she said ecstatically.
He chuckled.
"Did you sleep well?" he asked.
"The best I've slept in a thousand years,"she replied.
He smiled at her once more. He then leaned down and kissed her lovingly. They lay in silence for a moment.
"We'd best get moving," he said after a moment. "It's a long ride to Solitude and back to Falkreath."
"Wait a moment," she said clutching him tightly. "Let me just hear your heart beating one more time."
She lay on his chest for a moment longer.
"Yes," she said. "Let's go."
She pulled off the covers and climbed out of bed. She pulled on her boots and waited for him. He hoisted himself up and sleepily began reattaching his armour. He then followed Serana down the stairs. Serana sat herself by the fire as Stefan entered the alchemy lab. He return with a full goblet. He handed it to Serana who took it and placed it on the small table next to her. Stefan uncorked a bottle of potion and drank it in one. Serana watched him, trying to hide her feeling of guilt.
He placed the empty bottle on the table by the door. He then turned to Serana.
"Serana," he said.
"Yes?"she asked. "Did you need something?"
He kneeled in front of the chair she was sitting in.
"I have to go and get something," he said. "Something...important. Would you wait here for me?"
"Will you be long?" asked Serana. There was a note of worry in her sultry voice.
"Not at all," he said. "I'll be back momentarily."
Serana nodded. He kissed her forehead lovingly. He then stroked her face and stood up.
"Drink," he said pointing to the goblet on the table.
He then opened the door and closed it quietly, stepping out onto the cold Whiterun streets.
He walked past the Drunken Huntsman towards the Temple that he knew was in the centre of the city. He reached it and opened the door.
He stepped onto the wooden flooring of the temple and was greeted by a priest clad in orange and yellow hooded robes.
"Ah," he began. "Stefan, what can I do for you this fine Sundras morning?"
"I was wondering if you knew where I could find an Amulet of Mara?"he asked.
"Found your life partner have you?" he said. "That's wonderful news. But unfortunately, I can't help you."
"You can't?" asked Stefan.
"No," continued the monk. "You see this is a Temple of Kynareth, for Mara you would need to travel to Riften. They can help you with your request."
"Thank you," said Stefan.
"Not a problem my thane,"replied the monk.
Stefan took out 10 gold septims from his coin purse. He handed it to the monk.
"For the good work of your temple," said Stefan handing him the money.
"You are most kind," said the monk gratefully. "Thank you."
Stefan turned and left the temple. He then retraced his steps back towards the Breezehome. All around him, he could hear the sounds of the inhabitants starting their day. The market stall owners calling out to potential customers. The smithy next door began firing up and the sounds of weapons being made could be heard. In the distance he could see and hear Nazeem strutting around the city. Stefan shook his head and re-entered his house.
He opened the door to see Serana sat on the chair by the fire reading a book and drinking her goblet. She looked up and beamed as he entered. Her saw her fangs and his heart skipped once more.
"You're back," she said happily.
"Indeed," he replied. "It's not good to keep your lady waiting."
Serana's smile widened. He could see her eyes narrow and dimples appear on her beautiful face.
"What did you go out for?" asked Serana as he picked up some bread and cheese from the table.
"To find an Amulet of Mara," he replied. "We will need it for our ceremony."
"Mara?" asked Serana. "That name is familiar. She's the divine goddess of love yes?"
"Correct," said Stefan taking a seat next to her.
"In a temple," she continued.
"That's right," he said.
Serana shut the book she was holding with a snap.
"I can't get married in a temple," she said. "They give me...bad memories."
Stefan dropped the plate he was holding and threw his arms around her. She hugged him tightly in return.
"I know Serana," he said. "I know."
She released him.
"We don't have to get married in a temple," he said soothingly. "I just need the Amulet or the priest can't perform the ceremony."
"I'd like to get married outside," said Serana thoughtfully. "In the forest."
Stefan nodded.
"I'm not sure if many Skyrim weddings have been performed outside," he said. "But I'm sure I can get them to make an exception for you."
"Yes?" she asked.
"Certainly," he said. "You are my Vampire, whatever you want; you need but to ask."
Serana beamed at him.
"Thank you," she said.
"Where can we find an Amulet of Mara?" asked Serana.
"We would need to go to the temple in Riften," replied Stefan.
"Riften," she said. "Everyone seems to be so nervous there."
"Yes," he agreed. "I have never liked it much there either."
They were quiet while Stefan finished his meal.
"Thank you Stefan," she said.
"What for?" he asked.
"For everything," she replied. "You are so good to me."
She kissed him on the cheek, brushing his skin with her fangs again. She knew he liked it when she did this.
"C'mon," she said standing up. "We should go if we are retrieving an amulet too."