1st of Morning Star, 4E 207
The first day of the new year. This was what they called the New Life Festival across all of Tamriel. Lydia sat in the corner, propped foot, heavily wrapped from being injured during the battle before Tenaya's war with Velatin. Grelka found herself spending more time outside than in, unable to join the gloom inside. Ciphen and Dozan went about their work together, Ciphen practicing his enchantments while Dozan attempted to learn the magic himself.
Serana, however, chose to isolate herself inside the library, the only place she felt comfortable anymore. Books brought a sense of peace as they did for so long when her family was together. Now, the books allowed her to escape from the pain. Those doors remained closed almost every minute of the day, Serana was only willing to venture out long enough to find something to eat and return to the candlelight inside.
This became the new normal. Valdimar tended to his duties while everyone tried to keep their minds occupied in some form. No Daedra was coming to visit anymore, no offerings of hope, no words to make everything better.
Tenaya walked in with her usual limp for Daedra cannot heal all wounds immediately. She sat beside Serana who put the book down upon seeing her mate come forward unexpectedly.
"The time has come for us to leave. You feel it, as do I. Our friends will not understand so easily."
"No, they will not, Tenaya."
"Only three of us can make the journey where we must go."
"Maybe she is too much of a liability. Matria doesn't get things… yet…"
"Are you good for this journey? I know what you sacrificed to the Divine to save my life."
Seran nodded, standing up methodically. She knew the price they paid could be recovered once this evil was banished. The Divine answered her calls and saved the life of Tenaya with only one payment.
"Azura, I hope you are right about what it cost us."