A.N As usual I don't own anything and I'm not worth suing. This chapter deals with sex between a person who would be considered under age in our society, religious practices and lesbianism. If any of this offends you feel free to skip this chapter, you won't miss much in the way of story. It does introduce an important character for later stories. Also, to the person who asked why this is tagged under Star trek voyager crossover it's because the story involves themes to do with the category.

Inside the entrance hall was dimly lit with candles and the scent of heavy incense permeated the air. The walls of the temples were decorated with carvings of couples, sometimes more of mixed genders and races in interesting positions, some of which Katrine was not sure were possible.

In the middle of the hall was a life-sized statue of a golden women holding a flower above her head. The goddess Dibella, Katrine gave a small bow in reverence before following Senna over to where two other women were waiting. One was a shy looking dark-haired lass in a blue dress, the other had blond hair pulled back into a ponytail and matched the innkeeper's description of Hroki.

"Wait here dear, we are just waiting on one more and as she lives right here in Markarth I'm certain she won't be long," said Senna before heading back to the front of the temple's entrance.

Once she had left Katrine turned to the other two girls and held out her had to the one she thought might be Hroki. "Well met, I am Katrine,"

The blonde gave Katrine a warm, if slightly nervous smile. "I'm Hroki, well met,"

"I met your father earlier, he is the inn keeper, yes?"

Hroki smiled "Yes that's him, how did seem?" she asked eagerly.

"In good spirits," Katrine answered.

"My mother mustn't have been there," the blonde muttered, Katrine gave her a confused look and the blonde just smiled and said "Never mind," So Katrine turned to the other and offered her hand.

"Well met," said Katrine smiling.

The girl gave her a shy smile "I'm Svidi," she said with a slight blush.

"So, Katrine where are you from?" asked Hroki.

"Falkreath originally, but I was in Ivastead with my family for the last couple of months," she explained.

Svidi's eyes bulged "Ivastead? Did you see the Dragonborn?"

"No unfortunately," said Katrine, the two girls gave a disappointed look, so she decided to quickly change the subject. "So Svidi are you from Markarth as well?"

Svidi shook her head "I'm from Riften, I live there with my older brother,"

"Is it nice there this time of year?" asked Hroki, Svidi nodded.

They spent the rest of the time talking about what they wanted to do after the trials. Svidi wanted to study at the bard's college in Solitude, Hroki was going to work at the inn but she really wanted to travel. Katrine told them that she would continue to study under her master before heading to Whiterun to join the Companions, which was something that she had been thinking of doing.

"Who are we waiting for, do either of you know?" asked Katrine after fifteen minutes of waiting.

"Anna," said Hroki "And we might be waiting a while, don't get me wrong Anna's lovely and one of my best friends, but she can be, well you'll see when she gets here,"

An hour passed by when a young redheaded nord fell through the doors.

"I am so sorry Priestess Senna, I was talking to my chicken about how nervous and excited I was about the trials and time just ran away from me, well it didn't really run away I don't think it can run or has legs, I" the girl was babbling and Senna had apparently decided to stop it.

"Anna! Calm down dear, you're here now. Go introduced yourself to the others and I'll let Mother Hamel know that everyone is here," instructed Senna.

Anna practically skipped over to them "Hey Hroki, isn't this exciting I've been waiting for this all year, I can't believe that it's finally today, can you believe it?" and before Hroki had even answered she turned to Katrine and held out her hand.

"Hi I'm Anna,"

Katrine was quite certain she had never known anyone born under the Shadow to be so excitable, those born under that particular sign were generally more reserved.

"I am Katrine, well met," said Katrine clasping the girl's arm.

"Wow, I don't think I've seen anyone with hair like mine before," said Anna gleefully. She then turned to Svidi and clasped her arm "Hi I'm Anna,"

Svidi, who also seemed in shock just held out her arm and returned the greeting "Svidi," she said seemingly unable to think of anything else.

"A woman of few words, my sister would like you she says that I talk too much,"

Katrine was just about too chime in and politely refute that when the doors to the inner sanctum opened and Senna walked back out.

"Daughters of the Shadow if you will follow me,"

They followed Senna into the inner sanctum which was decorated largely in the same style as the entrance hall except there was a heavy smell of burning sticks, it smelt of fresh mountain flowers, something sweet and sawn wood.

They were led to a cushioned bench across from which were three other priestesses, a copper skinned Redguard, a young Nord and a very beautiful older nord with waves of golden hair.

The older woman's eyes took in each of the newcomers in front of her, Svidi, Anna and Hroki all blushed. Katrine met the woman's gaze and felt the power behind it, this woman was definitely a powerful mage, as all head of temples seemed to be.

Katrine immediately stilled her mind as the Greybeards taught her and was glad she did, because the moment she felt safe in that the older woman gave her an amused smile, she knew what Katrine had done.

The older woman stood and addressed them "Good evening, welcome to the temple of Dibella, Goddess of beauty, art and sensuality, let us first recite the commandment of our Lady, then I will give you the history of the trials and why it was put in place,"

The priestess all bowed their heads with Katrine and the other girls following suit.

"Open your heart to the noble secrets of art and love. Treasure the gifts of friendship. Seek joy and inspiration in the mysteries of love,"

As they finished and looked up the older woman smiled.

"Wonderful, now introductions first, I see a couple that I know," her eyes moved over Hroki and Anna before continuing "I am the high priestess Hamal, beside me is Orla and Anwen," Katrine started at the fact one of the priestess shared the name of her family member, it will be very awkward if she is chosen for me, thought Katrine.

"And you have already met Senna, so the two of you I have not met, if you could state your full name for us, please," she gestured to Svidi.

"I'm Svidi Ma'am, just Svidi my parents were poor fishermen, I have no other name," the young woman explained.

"That's alright dear, perhaps you will make your own name one day and please call me Mother Hamal or just Mother, Ma'am makes me feel old," Mother Hamal said in a soothing tone.

Svidi nodded "Yes Mother,"

"Now Svidi, where are you from?"

"Riften Mother, I live there with my brother," explain Svidi.

"Wonderful and you dear?" Mother Hamal turned to regard Katrine.

"I am Katrine Kvatch, Mother Hamal, of Lakeview manor in Falkreath Hold," said Katrine.

As usual everyone's face showed mixes of shock and awe.

"As in Adrianna Kvatch?" asked Svidi.

Katrine sighed internally and nodded, every time, she thought.

"That would make your father Adrian Kvatch, but you don't look elven, so if his wife is not your mother then who is?" asked Hamal.

Senna cut in answering for her "That would be Annika Hanson Mother,"

Mother Hamal smiled "Ah, dear Annika how is she?"

"She is well, she is staying at the inn along with my older brother, my brother's mother and a family friend," explained Katrine.

"Good and where is your father?" asked Mother Hamal.

Katrine stiffened, she should have expected that question "He is dead,"

Mother Hamal's face darkened "Oh my dear I am so sorry, I didn't know, is this recent?"

"Last seed of last year, said Katrine.

Mother Hamal bowed her head sadly "May Tsun find him worthy and may he taste of Sovengard's glory, may he sup in the hall of valour and sit amongst the heroes of old," it was a traditional nordic blessing and it filled Katrine with a sense of peace to think that her father was sitting at the side of Shor, perhaps lifting a tankard to her victories against the dragons she fought.

Mother Hamal lifted her head and smiled at them.

"Now, the trials of Dibella began near a thousand years ago, the story goes that a Nordic girl of fifteen, who was chosen as Dibella's champion, had fallen in love with a young man who lived nearby, they decided to take their relationship further," Mother Hamal told them "Unfortunately the young man had little experience with women and as such it was a painful experience for her and she swore that she would never take another lover ever again, Dibella was distraught that one of Her's would never experience the pleasure of a lover's touch and devised a way so that no Nordic woman would have such an experience ever again," she paused.

"As time went on our predecessors implemented new changes as they found serious gaps in the education of young Nordic women, things that the priestess felt were essential for young woman to know were just not taught, for example basic healing magic's, vital potions and even how babies are made,"

The girls laughed at that, except Katrine who was still reeling at the idea that not everyone got taught basic healing magic's and potions.

"You may laugh girls but quite often I have a girl come in with the symptoms of pregnancy and not even think that it could be the case, yes Anna?"

Anna who had raised her hand asked "But wouldn't they have just learnt it at their trials?"

"Not everyone takes the trials, some can't afford to travel, some parents don't want their daughter to go through it, that is their choice and some girls will even have sex before they are old enough,"

Katrine blanched at the idea of that, it was other people's decision to not take the trials but a fourteen- or thirteen-year-old having sex, nope just nope, she thought.

"Are there any other questions?" asked mother Hamal.

Svidi raised her hand "Is it just Nordic women that can participate in the trials?" she asked.

"Not by rule, other races are quite welcome to participate, often we get those who live in Skyrim that want to be a part of the culture or those who have been raised by Nords, or even children of mixed couples, Nords and other races," answered Mother Hamal.

"Do men go through the trial?" asked Anna.

"Not exactly they are usually content with the trial of Talos, though they are quite welcome to come to us for instruction if they find what they learnt during that time lacking, and before anyone asks about it, the trial of Talos is an individual thing, it caters to what type of man is taking it and there for is a personal experience and was told to us in confidence by the men who come here, I will not discuss it with you just as I will not discuss what you will experience to others without your consent, you may decide to discuss it with each other if you feel comfortable but that is your decision," said Mother Hamal in a very serious tone.

"Any other questions?"

"How long will we be staying in the temple, I know we have to come back for the daily lessons but I have seen other woman stay at the inn after only staying one night at the temple?"

"You will stay at the temple until we know you can have sex without any pain, is something the matter dear?" Mother Hamal asked as Svidi blushed a bright red.

At being called out Svidi went redder still and shook her head wordlessly.

"Very well, to continue, for some it will take one night, those who do are quite welcome to stay if there is anything in that regard that they wish to learn or if they find themselves unable to afford to stay at the inn. For those that it takes longer there is no shame in it every woman is different and we all become comfortable at different paces,"

"What do you mean learn more in that regard?" asked Katrine confused, how much could there be to sex?

"Well dear, if you want to learn how to have sex with another woman and not try to figure things out the hard way and have it be awkward, we can certainly teach that. We can also instruct on different positions, how to spice up bedroom life using various items and we do in fact have book on the subject in your rooms, now I think I've bored you with talking enough for one day, if you have any more questions you can ask the priestess matched to you and I'll let Priestess Anwen show you to your rooms and you may take the time to settle in," said Hamal as she dismissed them.

They were each led to a room where they were told that the priestess that would be matched to them would join them later.

Katrine looked around the room that would be hers for the duration of her stay in the temple, the room was more luxurious then any place that Katrine had before though it did resemble painting she had seen of the royal houses of Hammerfell and a little bit of when Katrine was little she pissed off a guard in the Imperial City, really she only took one gold from his pocket he had blown things way out of proportion, but she had ducked into a door in a back ally and found herself in a lavish hall with a lot of underdressed people.

They had been really understanding and had praised Katrine antics had had given her chocolate and sweet fruits to eat while one of the bodyguards of the place had gone in search for her father, who upon seeing Katrine lounging on an overstuffed silk cushion surrounded by heavily made up men and women as she regaled them with her favourite stories, begun to laugh and made her promise to not tell her mother.

Katrine shook herself from that memory and began to study the room more, centre place of the room was a large four post bed that had been carved out of a dark wood, perhaps oak. It had been coated with some kind of polish that made it shine in the candle light and had been made up with purple silk sheets. At the edge of the bed there was a chest that looked like it had been carved from the same wood as the bed.

Beside the bed was an ornate desk, a couple of soft, red velvet chairs by an unlit fireplace and a bookcase that was filled with books. One of which upon opening Katrine found that was filled with some very interesting diagrams, some of which made Katrine blush. She put the book down and begun to unpack her things and think to herself as she did on what Mother Hamel had said about learning to bed another woman.

It was quite obvious to herself that she found other woman attractive, her crush on Aela was proof of that but there were other instances, a young elven female who was the daughter of a friend of the family, though that was before she started to bully Katrine, a young pick pocket in Bruma and even Katrine's first kiss had been to an older Nordic girl at one of the emperor's balls, what was her name again? Elle? Ellen? It was something like that, she had been so pretty and had loved Katrine's singing.

Come to think of it, it was unusual for Katrine to even notice if men were good looking unless they had more feminine features and even then she would only just acknowledge that they were pretty.

She was just pondering this realisation when the door to the room opened and Mother Hamal walked in carrying a bottle that read Colovian brandy.

"All settled in dear?" asked Mother Hamal.

"Yes, thank you Mother," answered Katrine as Hamal sat down the bottle she was carrying and poured it out into two goblets.

"Well then let's have a drink while we wait for the food to be delivered and we can get to know one and other, would you mind getting that started?" she pointed at the fireplace.

Katrine walked over and using a weak flame spell started a fire.

As she turned back Hamal was looking at her with a knowing look.

"I thought that you might have been a mage, it takes a bit to keep me out of a mind,"

"Is that type of magic not forbidden?" as far as Katrine knew mind altering magic's were heavily looked down upon in Skyrim.

"It isn't looked favourably upon, but it makes matching up a priestess with one of the young women a lot easier, we have found that the young women have an easier time if they are with someone who matches their personality,"

"So me pushing you out kind of messed with matching me to someone," supposed Katrine.

Hamal chuckled "It actually made it easier, with you being strong enough to keep me out made it obvious that there was only one option for you," Hamal told her as she handed her a goblet of brandy.

She had never had brandy before it was sweet and Katrine thought it was rather like wine except the bite of alcohol was harsher, it was a drink she thought she could grow to like.

"So as I've said I am to be your instructor for the trails and while we are alone I would prefer for you to call me Hamal alright," Katrine nodded.

"Good So why you tell me a little bit about yourself, you've obviously had magic training, was it at the college?"

"No, my father's widow taught me all I know of magic, though I haven't had much experience with illusion magic's but of what I have, Anwen believes that I would have aptitude to it," Katrine told her.

"Hmm, perhaps I could give you some pointers towards that as well as other things," said Hamal "And speaking on those things, I would like to know your experience in that area and before you tell me know anything you do tell me will stay between us, unless you give me permission."

"I have gone as far as some stolen kisses with other girls that I have played house with but for the most part I grew up with only my brother and sometimes my kinsman Olfina to play with and have obviously never had any attraction to either of them," Katrine explained.

"But what of these kisses? Were you attracted to those girls or was it something you did just in play, have you ever had any attraction to towards other people?"

"It was a little of both, I think and I have had attraction to other females there was one young woman in particular I had felt a great deal of attraction to and still do to this day, but never to any males as far as I know," said Katrine wondering what Hamal's reaction to this was going to be.

Hamal just smiled at her in a reassuring fashion "Don't worry dear, it isn't as uncommon as people may think I have met many women who have never had any interest in men, I have also had men come to me because they are having issues with women only to discover that it is because their interests lie in their own gender," explained Hamal "I've even met people whom had zero interest in sex itself and they have found great peace in themselves and with relationships that don't revolve around sex,"

"That must free up their mind for so much," said Katrine in amazement.

"Most of them have gone on to become researchers or mages, but I do believe that we are getting of topic," said Hamal "Does this mean that you would like instruction on being with another woman or would you prefer to just cover the basics and figure things out with what ever partner you have later?"

Katrine shook her head "I would rather learn now than risk hurting my partner,"

Hamal cupped the side of her face "Darling, I don't think that would ever be a problem with you," she lent down and gave Katrine a brief kiss that tasted like the brandy they had been drinking.

The room suddenly seemed warmer than it had been and Katrine's inside begun to flutter with butterflies once again. She was startled out of her head by a knock at the door and as Hamal got up to receive the food Katrine was able to use the meditation techniques they Grey-beards taught her to calm herself.

As Hamal set a platter of food down Katrine recognised it as a bowl of oysters dipped into Elsweyr fondue, as well a bowl of juniper berries and snowberries and two jazbay crostatas for dessert.

The first bite of oysters was like Katrine's tastebuds had died and was tasting the glory of Sovengard, they had been fried in butter and some kind of white wine.

As they ate the oysters and berries Hamal asked more about Katrine's life, they talked about her hobbies and interests and it seemed to Katrine as if Hamal was trying to put her at ease and she felt the barest tingle of magic trying to brush at her mind.

Katrine gave a Hamal a raised eyebrow as if to say "really?" then she got curious, took a deep breath and relaxed her mind and let Hamal in.

Hamal gave her a shocked look and Katrine felt a wave of calm flood over her, muscles she didn't even realise she had tensed relaxed.

"Well that is interesting, it's one thing to be able to keep someone out, but to be able to un-shield your mind is another thing entirely," said Hamal.

"I wanted to see what you would do," breathed Katrine revelling under the effects of the calm spell.

"And I wanted to see if you were able to keep me out with your senses dulled by alcohol, it's good that you can as long as you remember to keep your thoughts about you," said Hamal "If I were you I'd try and get training from the college, who knows what you could do with their resources,"

Once they were done with the oysters Hamal picked up one of the crostatas and held it up for Katrine to take a bite.

It was divine, Katrine moaned at the taste and she caught sight of Hamal's eyes darkening.

Oh, I am going to have fun with this, she thought as she finished the treat.

She took hold of Hamal's hand, noting that her fingers had been slightly stained by the desserts juices, and begun to clean the stained fingers with her mouth.

Hamal gasped then smirked "You little dramora," she said in a teasing tone.

Katrine nipped at the end of Hamal's finger "I aim to please," she said smiling.

"Well shall we get started then?"

Katrine nodded more excited than nervous now.

Hamal raised her hand to stroke Katrine's cheek, then gently grasped the younger woman's chin in between her thumb and forefinger.

"May I kiss you my little dramora?"

Instead of answering Katrine leant forward and met Hamal's lips with her own.

This was more than the kisses she had before it felt like it had started a fire inside her, she felt giddy and slightly out of control.

Her hands itched to do something and as if Hamal had read her mind "You can touch me if you wish, it will be a one-sided night if you don't," she said as she moved to kiss Katrine's neck. one of Katrine's hands move to Hamal's hips to move them closer, while the other almost of its own volition rose to thread itself in Hamal's hair. Hamal's hands were not idle either, moved to undo the straps of Katrine's armour.

Once free of armour Katrine knelt to take off her boots and freed herself of underwear.

Once completely naked Katrine's hands moved towards the satin rope that held Hamal's robe closed.

"May I?" asked Katrine, Hamal nodded.

She untied the rope and slid the robe of Hamal's shoulders.

Her skin is flawless, thought Katrine, she wasn't the first woman she had seen naked but she was definitely the most beautiful.

Katrine replaced her hands on Hamal's hips then ran them up the sides of Hamal's body to cup the outsides of Hamal's breasts.

Hamal gave out a gasp.

"Am I hurting you?" asked Katrine.

"Oh, my darling dramora, not in the least bit," said Hamal placing her hands on top of Katrine's and guiding them to rest firmly over the top of her breasts and squeezed.

Katrine soon got the idea and with one hand she continued to play with Hamal's breast the other moved to bury itself in the older woman's hair as she pulled her into a heated kiss.

Katrine had never felt like this before, like there was a flame burning inside of her.

She broke the kiss to let out a deep moan when she felt one Hamal's hands on her breast.

The older woman took advantage of Katrine's distraction to pepper her neck with kisses before latching on to the skin behind Katrine's ear and sucking.

Katrine found it increasingly difficult to control her breathing and thoughts during this exchange which was exacerbated by Hamal moving her mouth southward to Katrine's breast.

Not really used to being out of control and acting on some basic instinct Katrine twisted Hamal around and pushed her down on to the bed.

"Oof, well you are just full of surprises, aren't you little dramora?"

"I am just getting started," Katrine said with a confidence she was not certain she could back up, what was it her brother used to say, fake it till you make it?

She moved to hover above Hamal and pressed their lips together in another heated kiss, to which Hamal responded with passion.

While she had Hamal distracted Katrine hand trailed down the older woman's body to slip between her legs. Hamal's head fell back onto the pillows and gave out what sounded like a whimper.

"Oh, sweet Dibella, yes!" she cried out as Katrine slipped one, then two fingers into her.

"Ah, are you certain you've never done this before?" asked Hamal now sounding like she was the one having trouble breathing.

"I read a lot," said Katrine moving her mouth down to Hamal's breast to copy what Hamal had done earlier to her.

"I'm going to need you to give me the names of these book later for research," said Hamal chuckling, then hissed as Katrine grazed her teeth along the nipple she was playing with.

After deciding she had enough playing with Hamal's breast Katrine began to kiss her way down her body. Hamal's hands leapt to Katrine's head to still her.

"Wait, oh wait," she gasped.

Katrine stayed her head but kept her fingers moving.

"Is something wrong?" asked Katrine.

"This isn't exactly how it's supposed to go on the first night," said Hamal breathlessly. "There are certain things that are supposed to be covered first," Hamal looked like she was having trouble stringing a sentence together.

Katrine smirked at her in triumph, feeling a strange high from bringing this strong woman to her knees. "You can have you turn later, just let me have my fun," she said as she resumed kissing her way down.

She stopped shy of where she wanted and looked up at the high priestess and stilled her fingers as she waited for permission to continue.

Hamal's eyes were lidded and pupils were blown as she stared back at Katrine "I don't believe I'm fighting you dear,"

Katrine hesitated for a moment thinking back on what she had read in some Alik'r romances Olfina and her managed to sneakily buy from Ysolda and gave an experimental swipe of her tongue. She was rewarded with a shrill cry as Hamal's head fell back on to the pillows, one hand tightened in Katrine's hair the other gripping at the bedding underneath them.

Moving to where she had felt Hamal originally tighten her hand in her hair, she latched on to that spot and begun to lather that with attention while her fingers stated their motions again.

Hamal was giving out moans of increased volume with each thrust and had begun to move her hips to meet Katrine's fingers, her face flushed a pretty red and her eyes were latched tightly. After a time, Katrine felt Hamal's legs began to tremble around her and she began to tighten around her fingers she thought, she must be getting close to finishing, she thought.

With that she pulled her fingers all the way out and roughly thrust three fingers back in.

Hamal's body stiffened and she let out a sharp cry, her back arching. After a moment she collapsed back onto the bed, breathing heavily.

Katrine took the time to gently and slowly pull her fingers out and put them into her mouth to clean them, moaning at the taste as she did.

She fidgeted slightly, her body still felt moaning. She needed something, she wasn't sure what it was.

Hamal sat up and let out a sigh, a look of deep satisfaction on her face.

"You, my little dramora are truly blessed by Dibella," said Hamal.

She pulled Katrine in for a hungry kiss, "Are you ready my dramora?"

Katrine nodded, she was currently comparing the feelings going through her to when she takes in a dragon soul or reads from a word wall.

Hamal rose somewhat gingerly from the bed, walked over to the chest and pulled out what looked to be some type of carved object and a leather harness. She fitted the carved object into the harness and slipped the harness on.

It was then Katrine noted that due to the shape of the object and where it was positioned on Hamal's body it looked like the older woman had a, oh.

Katrine swallowed, suddenly nervous.

What if it did not fit? What if it did.

Hamal gave her a comforting smile "Remember my dramora any time you want me to stop you just have to say so and we will, we don't have to do this tonight or indeed at all, you set the pace,"

Katrine squared her shoulders, she had never backed down from anything.

"If you are too tired out from my attentions priestess, you needed only to tell me but really there is no need to try to cover that up,"

Hamal's eyes tightened "Oh, we will see who is tired at the end of the night little dramora,"

She re-joined Katrine on the bed, placed a hand on Katrine's chest and firmly pushed until Katrine was lying on her back. Hamal then grabbed her legs and pulled Katrine down towards her, using a strength that belied her slender form.

Once situated properly between Katrine's thighs, the carved object pressed against the young red heads centre in a way the Katrine found she didn't mind, Hamal begun to press kisses against her mouth, her neck and breasts.

She felt Hamal's hands caress her and the older woman's hips begun to rock against her in a way that made her mind go blank, her breath become ragged and she felt like she was getting stuck by shock magic with every thrust.

Just when she felt like she could take no more of this sweet torment Hamal drew back, repositioned the carved object and began a slow thrust forward, this time the object slid into Katrine.

Katrine tensed when she felt the pressure inside became uncomfortable, which caused Hamal to still.

"Do you want to stop?"

"No, I am fine," Katrine told her as she relaxed her body and calmed her breathing.

"Alright tell me if it becomes too much,"

Hamal started the slow, gentle movements again her eyes never leaving Katrine's face as if she was waiting for the slightest hint of pain.

After a few minutes of getting used to the strange feeling of something being inside her, Katrine noted the return of the feelings of sweet torture return, only it was at a greater strength and she now really begun to have issue controlling her thoughts and breathing.

As Hamal's movements begun to speed up Katrine begun to feel like she was flying towards some kind of end and feeling the need to be closer to Hamal wrapped her legs around her and attempted to match her movements.

Just when she thought that she would die from the feelings speeding through her Hamal's hand snaked down between their legs and pressed down.

Katrine saw stars and for a moment it was if the universe had crashed down onto her, she went limp.

She was vaguely aware of Hamal getting off the bed, slipping the harness off of her and rejoining her in the bed.

"So, who is tired out?"

"I am merely resting until you fall asleep so that I may ravish you in the night, like all good dramora do,"

Hamal chuckled "I look forward to it,"

Katrine was awoken the next morning by a knock at the door to the chambers.

She extracted herself from the bed, careful not to wake a sleeping Hamal. She noted some slight tenderness in the groin area and as the person knocked on the door once again Katrine leapt up, dashed towards the door, grabbing Nyérë as she did.

She hid herself behind the door and called out "Yes, who is it?"

"It's just me Katrine, I have breakfast for the both of you," answered Senna.

In that moment Katrine realised how hungry she actually was, and pulled the door open forgetting that she was nothing wearing a stitch of clothing.

Senna's eyes wandered down for a moment, before flicking back up to meet Katrine's eyes.

"And a very good morning to you too Katrine, did you sleep well?" Asked Senna, her voice taking on a teasing tone.

"Extremely well," said Katrine as she took the food from Senna and placed it on the bedside table, then made to put on some clothing on.

"I would refrain from putting on clothing for the moment dear," said Hamal as she sat up in the bed.

"Oh, why not?" asked Katrine, curious.

"All the young women meet in the bathing chamber to discuss their experiences, now why don't you put that dagger down and have some porridge,"

As Katrine wolfed down the honey sweetened dish she revelled in the taste, living with the Grey-beards she had become used to a much simpler fare, even travelling on the road it was hard to find time make a hearty breakfast.

Once they had eaten their fill Katrine was made to slip on a silk robe while Hamal put on her orange robe, when they had dressed Katrine followed Hamal deeper into the temple.

They met the others out side a set of double doors, Hroki smiled at Katrine as she approached, it was a lazy smile that Katrine had seen once or twice on her mother and Anwen, her father had said that it meant they had a good night. She had not understood why he had looked like he was trying not to laugh but it dawned on her now.

The night before had obviously gone well for Hroki.

Anna seemed, what Katrine had begun to assume was her usual chipper self, though she did see a slight wince on her face as she shifted from one foot to the other.

Svidi however looked extremely put out.

As they entered the chamber they all gaped at the sight of the, Katrine struggled to call it a bath, she had seen lakes with less water, she supposed it was over a hundred feet long and at the deeper end of the pool it would be over her head.

Steam was rising from the water and Katrine took note of Dwemer like pipes that fed into it.

Remembering her mother's words to never trust anything in a Dwemer ruin she first dipped an edge of her robe into the water, when that did nothing she tried her toe, then her foot.

"Well Katrine, is it going to eat you?"

Katrine turned to face Hamal who was smirking at her actions, the others looking like they were holding in laughter.

"Laugh all you want but my mother has come home from Dwemer excavations with tales and bruises that gave me nightmares for days," she replied.

Hamal's face turned to one of understanding "I can understand your hesitation then, however the pool is nothing but hot water, it is quite safe,"

Katrine gave her a hard look, tried her whole foot in the water again, stripped off her robe and leapt into the depths.

She sunk down to the bottom, taking in the pleasure of being embraced from head to toe of such warm water before kicking off and making her way up to the surface once more. Emerging from the depths she left her it so only the top half of her head was showing above the water, every thing below her eyes were still in the blessed warmth.

The others giggled at her antics while Hamal gave a little chuckle.

"You girls enjoy yourselves, there are no lessons today as we like to let the young woman decompress after the first night," Hamal told them. "So, when you are all finished bathing if you wanted to go to your rooms or one of the common area's and play cards or something you are most welcome to, or just continue to enjoy the hot water, we will come collect you when it is time for dinner,"

After Hamal had left and the other girls joined Katrine in the pool discussion quickly arose about each other's experiences from the night before.

"It felt amazing, like I was outside of my own body," said Hroki smiling giddily "How about you?"

"It felt nice at first, but I was just to nervous that I asked to stop, Priestess Senna said it was fine, that a lot of women are to nervous the first night," said Svidi.

"That's what my sister told me," said Anna "Don't worry I was sort of same it was a little bit uncomfortable at the start and I kept getting distracted by my thoughts,"

Katrine just stared "I honestly don't know how you managed to even have a thought, I could barely remember my own name,"

"What do you think our first lesson is going to be?" asked Hroki.

"Something they feel is important for young woman to know and perhaps they will want to make an impression on us, so maybe a healing spell," supposed Katrine.

"Does anyone know any healing magic's?" asked Svidi.

"I know a basic one, it is not anything impressive but it will stop someone from dying from blood loss long enough to get them to a proper healer," said Katrine showing them the basic hand movements Anwen had taught her so long ago.

"That's more than I can do," said Anna "My parents hate magic,"

"What do they do if they get sick or injured?" asked Svidi.

"Go to the alchemist, it's a big thing in my family, my sister hates it she wants to go to the college and Da wants her to marry into the Silver-Blood family,"

Hroki scoffed "Good luck with that, your sister hates the Silver-Blood brat,"

After they had finished bathing they went to a common area and spent the day playing card games, gossiping about their lives and what they planned to do after.

It turned out that Svidi shared Katrine's love for the bardic arts so while the others listen and talked Katrine and Svidi got out their respective instruments, Svidi had brought along a lute that had apparently been a gift from her Mother before she passed and Katrine was never without her flute.

They spent the afternoon entertaining the others with various songs they knew, sometimes the girls would sing along, other times they would make up words to hilarious results trying to trip up the two playing which was how Hamal found them at dusk.

"Well, I must say I don't think I have ever heard that rendition of the maid of Stros' Mkai," she said looking like she didn't know whether to laugh or not.

"Sorry Mother Hamal," said Anna who had been the one to come up with that particular verse.

"Not at all dear as patron of music I'm sure Lady Dibella is most pleased that you are using her Gift to form friendships," she said smiling. "Unfortunately it is time for dinner,"

Dinner was an interesting affair with the girls giggling while they regaled the priestess with the days events, and even though Katrine was animatedly joining in with the conversation the hairs on the back of her neck kept standing up.

As she subtly looked around she noticed that the other priestess kept glancing between her and Hamal knowingly, her eyes moved to Hamal's and as their eyes met Hamal gave her a slight wink.

What has she told them about me, I wonder, she looked over to Senna who met her gaze and blushed.

Katrine sniggered under her breath then turned back to the conversation, she did however meet Svidi's eyes who gave her a curious look.

After dinner Hamal corralled them together "Now, I understand that it's Hroki's intention to leave us as for the evening, you did well with your trial dear not many pass the first night, you will be expected back for daily lessons,"

"I will mother Hamal and thank you," said Hroki.

"Not at all dear, now Katrine I know we got rather distracted last night, so I never got to ask you whether or not you wanted to learn anything beyond the initial night, you are free to go if that is what you wish, how ever if you would like further instruction on being intimate with other women you are most welcome to stay, " Hamal told her, Katrine could almost see the pleading in her eyes.

"I think I would definitely benefit from more instruction, if that is all right with you Mother Hamal," Katrine said.

"Did you want me to pass on this to your mother Katrine?" asked Hroki trying not to smile.

"Oh please do and try to remember what her face looks like when you do so you can tell me tomorrow," said Katrine in a deadpan manner which was met with the young women's laughter.

After they said their goodbyes to Hroki the girls retired to their respective rooms while the priestesses went to their evening prayer.

Katrine set to her evenings meditation and once that was done, she continued her sketch of the dragon of Helgan that she had yet to finish.

An hour passed before she finally heard Hamal quietly the room, almost as if she was trying to catch Katrine by surprise as she stepped up behind her.

"What do you and the other priestesses talk about when your not with anyone?" asked Katrine as she laid her piece of charcoal down.

Hamal brushed Katrine's hair to one side and laid a kiss on her shoulder.

"Mostly we talk about different experiences, ways to help young woman if someone is having a particularly difficult time, if someone shows exceptional talent," said Hamal trailing kisses up to Katrine's neck Katrine arched it, trying to give Hamal more access.

"What did you tell them about me?" asked Katrine breathlessly, she could feel Hamal's mischievous smile against her neck.

"Enough to make them very, very jealous," Hamal told her emphasising each word with a lingering kiss.

Katrine laughed as she stood to pour herself and Hamal a goblet of wine.

"So, what will we be learning tonight,"

Hamal took a sip of her wine before answering "Considering your skill with your hands and that silver tongue of yours I was thinking of skipping that and heading for something a little more challenging,"

With that she got out a similar harnessed object she had used to enter Katrine the night before, though this one was larger, and helped Katrine into it.

"Now because I have so much faith in you, not only will I be instructing you on using this I will also be teaching you to be gentle, which honestly is something a lot of young people have difficulty with, do you think you can do that?"

Katrine answered by placing a soft kiss to the older woman's lips and gently brushed her hair out of her face.

After a few moments of more soft kisses and guided gentle caresses Hamal pulled away.

"Did I do something wrong?" asked Katrine breathlessly.

"Oh no, my little dramora, I just think we should move this to the bed," said Hamal as she took Katrine by the hand and led her backwards until she was splayed out on the bed and she gave Katrine a playful tug on the hand, pulling the young woman on top of her.

Katrine waisted no time in placing soft kisses and teasing touches down Hamal's body coming to rest at the apex of Hamal's legs and spending ample amount of time and attention there, which Hamal voicing her enjoyment with increasingly loud moans.

However it wasn't long before the older woman put a stop to Katrine's attention by pulling the young red head up for a kiss, and gripped at her hips to bring Katrine to wear she wanted her.

As she slowly entered into the older woman she watched the look Hamal's face in in fascination, as the priestess eyes fluttered closed, her mouth fell open in a gasp and her head fell back onto the pillows, which gave Katrine a perfect opportunity to pace kisses onto Hamal's neck, to which the older woman hummed in response.

Lost in this slow rhythm that rather felt like dancing, Katrine could not tell if it was mere moments or hours before Hamal started to beg for her to move faster and harder.

Hamal's breath quickly became un-even as Katrine found an angle that had the high priestess digging her nails into her arms and it wasn't long before Hamal arched her back up of the bed, her mouth agape in a silent scream before collapsing back onto the bed.

Hamal was still as Katrine stared down at her and if it were not for the rise and fall of her chest Katrine would think she had killed her, as it was, she recognised the signs of someone who was unconscious.

Trying to ignore the heat from in between her legs Katrine undid the harness and went to find one of the other priestesses to let them know that she had somehow knocked out the high priestess, though perhaps a cold bath was in order first.

As first lessons went Katrine was pleased to have guessed right that they were taught various healing magic's, though a little stronger than she was used to using.

Other lessons included some basic alchemical training, the potions they covered were healing potions, fortify health potions, cure disease potions and even some resistance to frost and fire which Katrine was shocked to lean could double as keeping away the affects of cold or hot weather.

Those were the type of lessons that Katrine excelled at and even helped out the others.

Then came the lessons that she wasn't so good at.

"Ow oh, you little!" Katrine kept herself from saying some thing that probably weren't appropriate in a temple as she had somehow managed to stick herself the needle for what was probably the fifteenth time as she attempted to sow a patch onto the piece of fabric she had been given.

"Careful Katrine, don't injure those fingers Mother Hamal will have my head if you do," said Senna from the front of the room.

The other girls had sniggered at the priestess comment, as Svidi lent over to once again help Katrine untangle the mess she had made with the thread, the two of them had quickly developed a fast friendship based on their love of the bardic arts.

Anything to do with sowing or fabric was difficult for Katrine, though she did quite well when they had been asked to make stuffed toys for the children at Honnorhall. As well as making baskets and pottery, though she thought her bowel was absolutely fine as it did what it was supposed to do and was roughly bowel shaped.

The most interesting lesson came in late one evening just after dinner in the form of a heavily pregnant woman who had gone into labour and had been rushed into the temple.

The mother had been quite happy for the girls to sit with her as her family and the child's father had wanted nothing to do with the child.

As Katrine sat next to the young woman, and at Hamal's instruction had been sending a low level calm spell through their held hands, she noted that the mother barely looked two years older then Katrine.

But as Hamal placed the squealing infant in it's mother's arms the mother looked like the greatest day of her life had just occurred.

After the girls had helped the woman and baby set up in a spare room they had all separated to their individual chambers, Katrine was left to ponder the days events.

"What is wrong little dramora?" Hamal asked seeming to note the far away look on Katrine's face.

"That woman can be barely older than I and I am certain that I am not ready for motherhood,"

"It's a good thing you're not interested in male attention then, otherwise that is a risk most woman take when falling into bed with someone," said Hamal.

"You know what I mean how is she not freaking out, I would be,"

"She has had some months to get used to the idea, that is why the Devines made pregnancy so long,"

"And what of the father, how can anyone hope to raise a child alone in this land? Is there something that can be done to force him to take responsibility," Katrine thoughts turned to her father, he never would have abandoned his child.

"It will be up to the Jarl if they wish to enforce some kind of action, but I can promise you that if the father continues to deny the child the Gods themselves will make certain to punish him, in this life or the next,"

Katrine frowned "What do you mean?"

Hamal's face turned dark "When you become a parent you must place your child's well-being above all else, your love, your family, your ruler and even your Gods. If you don't the Devines themselves will make certain that you face the consequences even if they must wait till you enter the after life,"

Hamal's face lightened after that "But let's not dwell on such dark thoughts, we have time to make up for and not much longer to do so,"

As the days of Second-Seed came and went Hamal seemed intent on making up for passing out on Katrine in every way she could.

In opposition to Katrine's time of utter ecstasy Svidi was still having problems and Katrine had overheard a conversation with Hamal and Senna that maybe they would have to bring a young man in to help.

The morning of the evening before Katrine's birthday found her and Svidi alone in in the bathing chamber, Anna having left evening trials the day before.

"What is wrong with me Katrine, am I broken or something?" Svidi had asked dejectedly.

"No of course you are not broken, I heard Hamal and Senna talking and they thought it might be that you just have no interest in women at all and that they were thinking of bringing a man in," said Katrine wrapping her arms around Svidi in a comforting embrace.

"Well, that's not exactly true I have liked maybe one other woman," said Svidi looking up at Katrine before stuttering "But we are just friends and any way I doubt the priestess would let that happen, what do you suppose we will be learning today?"

Katrine looked down at Svidi's blushing face and lifted her chin up to look at her.

"Would you like it if I kissed you right now?"

Svidi blushed even harder than she had been.

"Um, yes,"

Katrine smiled and gently pressed her lips to Svidi's.

This was different then kissing Hamal, it was sweeter and more innocent with a little more feeling behind it.

It reminded Katrine of her first stolen kiss but it was quickly becoming less innocent as hands were brought into play and there was also the fact that they were not clothed.

It probably gone further if it weren't for a voice that cried out "Oh Gods, my eyes, I'm blinded!"

Katrine and Svidi broke apart to see Hroki starting at them slack jawed and Anna trying to shield her face in her hands.

"Um, good morning, is it time for morning lessons already?" asked Katrine calmly.

"Uh yeah, Hamal sent us to get you both as your late," said Hroki looking between the two.

"Well we had better not keep her waiting," said Katrine as she swam over to the side of the pool.

The lesson that morning was on basic nutrition and what was a good diet based upon the various seasons and how to keep up a good healthy diet during winter when supplies were scarce.

Though they were all listening and taking notes, for some reason they were all a little distracted.

Anna was staring down at her parchment, her face matching her hair.

Hroki was glancing between Katrine and Svidi, looking like she might start laughing at any given moment.

Svidi was staring off into space a soft smile on her face and every now and again would bring her fingers up to softly stroke her lips.

Katrine alternated between smirking at Svidi's actions and getting distracted by the gap at the front of Hamal's robe.

"Alright, can anyone tell me what is going on today, you all seem a little distracted?" Hamal asked.

"You might want to ask Katrine and Svidi that," Anna said still staring down at her parchment.

"Well Katrine?"

Katrine pulled herself out of her daze of wondering of how many love bites would fit in the gap of Hamal's robe to look down at the last thing she wrote.

"Even sugar has its place in a healthy diet?"

"What?"

"Is that not the last thing you said?" confused having missed the conversation.

Hamal looked back at her notes "Huh, well let's all try to pay attention please today is the last lessons we will have together and this is very important,"

They all groaned at that.

The day had passed quicker then most and Katrine found her self both excited and put out, she had enjoyed her time at the temple and not because what most would think, what she had enjoyed the most was she felt normal again, like she was a regular Nordic woman surrounded by others like her.

She wasn't certain she wanted to go back to being the legendary Dragonborn.

"Hey Svidi," she managed to catch Svidi after dinner before they would return to their rooms.

"Yes Katrine, what is it?"

Katrine looked around to make certain no one was watching before pulling Svidi in for a searing kiss.

She pulled back and whispered in the girl's ear "Tonight try to imagine I am the one doing the things to you, it might help," she said and she placed a kiss on her cheek and heard the girl give out a slight moan before heading to her room for the evening.

She met Hamal in her room and the priestess smiled sadly at her.

"Well, my darling little dramora, tonight is our last night together whatever shall we do with it?"

"I may have a couple of idea's," said Katrine moving to kneel before Hamal.

"Well let's not waste any time then,"

A couple of hours into the night, plus a few changes of positions, found them interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Oh Adrea! What?" cried Hamal from atop of Katrine.

"It's Senna Mother, I have some news about Svidi's situation that I think you're going to want to hear," said the muffled reply from beyond the door.

Hamal gave a disappointed growl as lifted her self her position on Katrine's lap and busied herself trying to find where Katrine had thrown her robe.

Senna could not have waited half an hour longer thought Katrine as she poured herself a drink of the slightly harsh alcohol.

She couldn't hear what was being said, but whatever it was Hamal had found quite funny.

"Oh, now that is interesting, I'll tell you what Senna take the night off and I will deal with this little predicament," Hamal told the younger priestess before rounding on Katrine and gave her a teasing smirk.

Oh no, what now? Thought Katrine.

"Oh, little Dramora, did something happen between you and Svidi that I should know about?" asked Hamal her voice taking on an almost sing song tone to it.

"It was just kissing I promise," said Katrine wondering how much trouble she was in.

"It's alright dear I am not angry, in fact this may be the solution to your friend's problem, put on a robe and let's go see her. Oh, before you do, we may want to swap that out for something smaller," said Hamal pointing at Katrine's lap.

Hamal and Katrine found Svidi sitting on her bed looking slightly put out herself only wearing a robe.

She looked up as Katrine and Hamal entered and blushed as her eyes met Katrine's.

"Well, enjoy yourselves, I'll be in our room attempting to sleep if you need anything," said Hamal as she left the two alone.

Katrine turned back to Svidi who as soon as the door closed spoke.

"I'm sorry Katrine I couldn't get what you said out of my mind and it was helping, a little too much though because I started to moan your name,"

Katrine laughed "That must have shocked Senna,"

Svidi chuckled "It did, then she started laughing and she got up and I guess she went and told Hamal,"

Katrine moved to sit down on the bed beside her "If you do not want to do this, we can say we did and you can wait for someone you really want, not someone whom you sort of like,"

Svidi shook her head "No I think I would like to try this," she said moving closer to Katrine.

Katrine smiled and lent down to press a soft kiss on her lips, which was eagerly returned.

Several increasingly passionate kisses later found Katrine distracting Svidi from untying her robe by planting kisses on her neck.

"Katrine I am trying to concentrate here," complained Svidi.

"Are you? I had not noticed," said Katrine absent-mindedly.

"Right," said Svidi and with all her strength she tackled Katrine to the bed, both of them giggling as she did.

As Katrine caught her breath Svidi had taken the opportunity to climb onto her lap.

"Oh, no what are you going to do to me?" asked Katrine jokingly.

"Well first I'm going to take this robe off you," said Svidi as she went back to work untying the knot.

As it fell open Katrine sat up so she could slide the robe off her body, she reached for the tie to Svidi's robe and looked up at the girl "Do you mind if I take this off you?"

"No, please," said Svidi.

After Katrine made short work of the knot Svidi just stared down at her body.

"Um what now?" she asked Katrine.

"Would you like me to take the lead on this?" asked Katrine in a soothing voice "Also how do you feel about Calming spells?"

"Okay,"

Katrine gently reached out to her with a slight calming spell soothing her friend's nerves at the same time she gently guided the girl till their positions were flipped with Katrine hovering over her placing light kisses and teasing caresses until Svidi was squirming and begging Katrine for her to stop teasing.

As she positioned herself between the girl's legs she started to increased the strength of the calming spell at the same time as she began to bite and kiss at Svidi's neck.

"Take a deep breath, then relax for me as you breathe out,"

As Svidi did what she was instructed Katrine thrust her hips forward.

Svidi hissed in slight discomfort.

"We can stop if you need," Katrine told her.

"No, it's fine I think, just go slow,"

Settling on a slow gentle rhythm Katrine watched Svidi's face for any signs that the girl was suffering from any discomfort, but instead was met with a look of slowly building pleasure, till the young woman was practically clawing at Katrine's hips in an effort to get her to move faster.

Increasing her pace Katrine moved back to alternating kisses on Svidi's neck or meeting the young woman's lips in a frenzied kiss.

While Svidi was distracted by Katrine kissing her, Katrine trailed her hand down to play just above where they were joined causing Svidi to tense up and her mouth drop open in a silent scream.

Moving off the brunette Katrine noticed the young woman wince slightly.

"Are you alright?" she asked her.

Svidi gave her a sleepy smile "I'm fine, a little tender but nothing a bath won't fix,"

"Do you want to go for one now? I am certain Hamal would let us,"

Svidi just shook her head "Right now I just want to cuddle up and sleep if that's alright with you?"

Katrine smiled "That sounds fine to me,"

The next morning Katrine woke with Svidi curled up in her arms and she smiled, what a wonderful way to begin my birthday she thought.

"Good morning," she said as she placed a kiss on her friend's head.

"Is it morning already? It feels like we just went to sleep," said Svidi as she sat up in the bed.

"Yes it is morning, if you want to have a bath before we have to get ready for today's ceremony I would suggest that you do so," said Katrine as she sat up and stretched out her back.

"I might just do that, um this isn't going to effect our friendship is it?" asked Svidi.

Katrine smiled at her in a reassuring manner "Not if you do not want it to,"

Svidi smiled and busied herself getting ready for a bath as Katrine got up and begun to search for her robe.

As she made her way to leave the room Svidi called her back "Happy birthday Katrine," and she pressed a quick kiss to her lips and darted out of the room.

Katrine stood in the spot for a moment before smiling and started of towards what had been her room for the past month.

Her birthday, she did not feel any different than she did the day before, she wondered if everyone felt this way.

As she entered the room, she found Hamal sitting on the bed with a sad look on her face.

"Is there something wrong?" asked Katrine as she moved to sit beside her.

"No dear, it's just you would think that I would get used to saying goodbye to my charges and in some ways, I have," explained Hamal "You should have seen me with the first young woman, I cried, she cried which only made me cry harder," the older woman said getting lost in a memory for a moment.

"But I got used to the goodbye, but every now and again someone special comes along who, for what ever reason breaks through that wall I put up and I am back at that first goodbye again,"

"I could not imagine doing that month after month, you are much stronger than I am," said Katrine. "I think I would want to leave with them,"

"I almost did that first time, I wasn't much older than she, but I felt called to this place, this life and to the service of Lady Dibella,"

They sat in silence for a moment before Hamal spoke again "But let's not focus on such sad thoughts, today is your fifteenth, it is a blessed thing to occur on the day of your ceremony, the stars of your birth must have been very auspicious,"

Katrine tensed now there was something she did not like to talk about, even Olfina didn't know this about her.

Hamal looked at her face "It can't be that bad, could it?"

"Fifteen years ago, on the night of my birth it was a storm, so not many people knew but the priestess at my birth told my father the Serpent had graced me with it's cunning,"

Hamal winced "For some the serpent may seem like a bad omen, often favouring assassins and thieves, but it is also the patron of the orphaned," she reasoned "The serpent is a cunning and intelligent creature there is no malice in what it is or what it does, it exists plain and simple, there is nothing wrong with having venom as long as you control your bite,"

Katrine laughed "Speaking of bite how long is it until the ceremony has to start?" she asked

Hamal gave her a stern look "Now Katrine, if I am late to start the ceremony not only will I never hear the end of it, but I will personally make certain that you will regret it,"

Katrine gave her a sad look "But we never got to finish last night, surely we have a little time?"

"No, give me those pleading looks all you like little dramora but I have been at this far longer than you have been alive and I am not about to back down," said Hamal firmly.

"Oh Devines, how are you so good at that," gasped Hamal as Katrine roughly thrust into her.

Katrine chuckled in her ear and grasped at the older woman's hips to increase her pace and depth.

"Who was it that said we didn't have time enough?" asked Katrine as Hamal's nails gripped into her shoulders.

"I don't know, but they are a fool whoever they are," said Hamal.

Katrine begun to move rougher and faster, the object attached to her was rubbing against her in such a delicious way.

She was so close when they were interrupted by a knock at the door.

Hamal groaned in frustration and wrapped her legs around Katrine's hips preventing the her from pulling away.

"Senna if that's you I am going to kill you!" she yelled at the closed door.

"Sorry Mother Hamal but we're ready to start the ceremony," It was Senna and she sounded like she was trying not to laugh.

"Give us a moment we won't be much longer!" cried Hamal, then she screamed as Katrine lightly bit down on her breast and pressed her thumb on her centre. With one last hard thrust Katrine joined Hamal over the edge.

"In all my years I have never been late for a ceremony!" hissed Hamal as they quickly made there way to the entrance hall where the ceremony was to be held.

"I am certain that the others will forgive us, just blame it on me," said Katrine quickly tying the rope on the ceremonial robe she was now dressed in.

Hamal stopped at the door that led to the entrance hall and gave her a wicked smile. "I want you to remember that you said that, because the ceremony has witnesses,"

Katrine frowned "Witnesses? Who?"

Hamal's smile got wider "Why don't you go through the door and find out,"

Katrine pushed her way through the door and looked across the hall. Her eyes met familiar blue and the colour drained from her face. She tried to back her way out of the room but found she couldn't as Hamal's hand on her shoulder pushed her forward.

"Sorry we're late, we were dealing with a little dramora problem," Hamal told the people gathered.

"Dramora? How did a dramora get into the temple?" asked Annika.

Senna coughed and as Katrine's eyes met hers she could tell that she was hiding a smile.

Katrine looked at the people gathered she could see Hroki and her mother and father, Anna and a woman that looked to young to be her mother, Katrine guessed it was her sister. Svidi was standing next to a young man that was probably her brother, as their eyes met Svidi blushed and looked at the floor.

And finally Katrine's eyes roamed over to where not only was her mother standing but Tomas, Anwen, Lydia and even Oddok was there.

"Never mind dear Annika, it was only a little one and young Katrine was able to help me banish it," said Hamal as she gave Katrine's shoulder a squeeze.

"If all the young women could come up to the statue of Lady Dibella they will find the bowl they made,"

Katrine joined the others, who were also dressed in a similar robe to Katrine, in front of the statue that was set into a pool of water with four bowls each filled with water sitting on the edge, Katrine easily recognised her bowl. She picked it up being careful not to spill the water as she did.

"As you pour you water into the pool think on all you have learnt in the last month, think on the bonds you've made, the experiences you've shared and think on your hopes and dreams for the future,"

As Katrine poured her bowl of water, she caught Svidi's eye again and gave her a wink.

"Set back please except Hroki if you could stay by the pool and Priestess Anwen could you stand by your charge,"

The Redguard priestess stood beside Hroki as Hamal approached them.

Hamal spoke some quiet words to Hroki, who was silent for a moment before she gave Hamal a nervous smile and nodded.

Hamal turned to the people gathered "Hroki has chosen to forgo a privacy screen for her blessing and so I would ask the men in attendance to be respectful as she disrobes,"

Katrine noted Hroki's father's fist tighten as Priestess Anwen helped Hroki out of the robe in and into the knee depth water.

"Hroki what you stand in is not just water but the collective experiences of numerous women who have come before you, their hopes and dreams and the bonds that they made,"

Priestess Anwen helped Hroki to kneel and Katrine watched as Hroki was instructed to cross her arms over her chest. The Redguard priestess whispered something in Hroki's ear before placing one hand on her forehead and the other cupped the back of her head and she was dunked back into the water and held under for a long moment before she came up gasping and spluttering.

The young blonde stared at the statue of Dibella in what seemed to be shock while priestess Anwen helped her out of the pool.

"If a member of Hroki's family could come forward please?" asked Hamal.

Hroki's face turned from one of shock to embarrassment as an argument started between her parents over who would be the one.

"Mother, Father I'm cold and wet and the other's are waiting, so why don't you both just do this next bit!" hissed Hroki angrily.

Her parents looked like they wanted to argue but didn't under Hamal's stern gaze.

"Family members of Hroki before you stands no longer a girl but a woman who is ready to take her place on Nirn, now that may not be what you had envisaged for her as she grew but as you help her redress Dibella asks that you continue to show her love and give her support as she finds her place,"

And Katrine watched as Hroki's parents helped her put her robe back on and she could not hep but feel jealous of Hroki when her father gave her forehead a kiss, Papa used to do that for me, she thought.

Katrine watched as the same blessing was given to Anna and started as the first thing out of the other redhead's mouth as her sister moved to help her redress was "The statue spoke, it spoke to me," and her eyes widened even further when her sister said "Yes I know Anna, hush I know," did the statue speak or was Anna's sister just humouring her, Katrine's eyes met Hroki's and the blonde nodded in a way to suggest she heard something too.

As Senna stepped forward to help with Svidi's blessing Svidi whispered something in her ear. Senna thought for a moment before going over to Hamal and having a quiet word with her.

"What's going on?" whispered Hroki to Katrine. "Um, I am uncertain," she whispered back.

"Katrine," said Hamal "Would you kindly help Senna with Svidi's blessing,"

"Oh, you didn't," hissed Hroki with a smile on her face as Katrine made her way over to stand with Senna and Svidi.

Katrine helped Senna instruct Svidi into the pool and to kneel in it.

"Now one hand cupping the back of her head and one hand on her shoulder, then when I say we're going to dunk her," Senna said to Katrine.

As Hamal continued with the blessing Katrine heard Senna tell Svidi "Take a breath dear," and as Svidi took a gulp of air Senna nodded to Katrine and they both pushed Svidi under the water.

Katrine stared down at Svidi's face under the water and as their eyes met Svidi's eyes widened in shock and her eyes darted from Katrine's to the statue and back to Katrine again, Katrine frowned what was going on?

"Now Katrine, pull her up,"

As Svidi came up spluttering and gasping for air she turned to Katrine "She sounded like you,"

Who sounded like me? Wondered Katrine and what in oblivion is in that water that caused all three of her friends to hear something, maybe the priestesses were using some kind of illusion? Yes, that was it, Katrine relaxed Hamal would not do that to her, she knew it would not work.

"Alright and now for our birthday girl, Katrine if you could join me by the pool," said Hamal as she made her way over to the pool.

"Alright now, you've seen the others do this," Hamal told Katrine in a quiet voice. "Do you want a privacy screen brought in so no one sees you naked body?"

"No, I am fine thank you Hamal," Katrine told her. "Alright let's get that robe off you," said Hamal as she continued with the blessing.

"Really Hamal in front of my mother have you no shame?" teased Katrine in a low tone so only Hamal could hear her. A slight reddening of the cheeks was all the indication that Hamal heard her, however a clearing of the throat caught Katrine's attention and her eyes were drawn to her mother who was pinching the bridge of her nose. Damn I forgot her super hearing, thought Katrine, one day I will learn to do that.

"Step into the pool," Hamal instructed once Katrine was out of the robe.

"Now remember to take a breath, my dramora,"

"I hope the blessing in the water does not burn me," shot back Katrine.

Hamal gave her a wry smile and pushed her back, giving Katrine only seconds to take a breath.

I deserved that, thought Katrine as she stared up at Hamal's face.

"You probably did," a voice reverberated though the water and the temperature seemed to increase to that of the most comfortable bath Katrine had ever been in.

Katrine's eyes widened as the statue behind Hamal turned it's face to regard her.

"Be at peace Dragonborn and know that you go with not only my blessing but the blessing of the Father of dragons," Katrine watched in shock as the statue morphed into a colossal gold dragon.

Katrine was pulled from the water coughing and spluttering as she had somehow swallowed some of the water, though she didn't remember opening her mouth.

She stared at the statue as Hamal out of the pool "Would a member of Katrine's family step forward to help her?" said Hamal breaking Katrine out of her stupor.

Katrine watched, once again, in shock as her mother and Anwen nudged Tomas forward.

He helped her back into the robe, tied it off for her and even tilted her head down to give her head a kiss just like their father used to. As she looked back up into his eyes she realised that Anwen was right, there was so much of their father in him, once you looked past the sharp elven features it was like looking at a younger version of her father.

Katrine let her self be led back over to where the others were huddled to stand beside them.

"Daughters of shadow go forth having received the blessing of Dibella and know that wherever you go you carry our Lady's guidance," said Hamal "And you may use the rooms to dress in something a little more comfortable for out side,"

After they dressed the girls met with the priestesses once more to say goodbye, well Katrine and Svidi were saying goodbye as Anna and Hroki lived in the city they would see the priestesses for other things.

Hamal gave Katrine a tight hug and whispered in her ear "Let me know whenever you're in Markarth, I'll look forward to a little chat with my favourite dramora,"

As they exited the temple Katrine took one last look back at Hamal, who smiled sadly, tears present in her eyes, before the door was closed.