Akiseta looked out over the water. Her mind was a bit of a mess at the moment.
"Are you alright, Akiseta? You've been staring out at the water for a while now." Wayfinder asked her.
"Just tired, my friend." Akiseta sighed. It was mostly true.
After arriving at Dawnstar, she had made her way to Wayfinder's ship to try and clear her mind. She was still thinking about her fight with Serana. She had hoped Serana would be back by now. But she also didn't blame Serana for leaving like she did.
"You do look exhausted. Maybe you should stay at the inn." Wayfinder suggested.
"Nah. Sleep won't fix this. I have to take care of things anyway."
"Okay. Well, take care my friend."
"You too, Captain."
Akiseta grabbed her bag and walked off the ship. She waved to several of the townsfolk, putting on the best grin that she could. After reaching one of the houses, she knocked on the door, and gave a tired smile to the woman who answered.
"Akiseta? What brings you here?" Brina asked.
"Business, Brina. May I come in?"
"Of course, of course. Come in."
Akiseta sighed as she sat down in a chair at the table. She set her bag on the floor next to her. Brina brought over a couple cups.
"Some tea?" The older Nord asked.
"Yes, please."
Akiseta gratefully took the cup, and sipped the tea, shivering slightly as the tea warmed her body.
"Mmm. Do I taste Jazbay?" She asked.
"Yes. The acidic content of the juice brews well with the tea, don't you think?"
"Indeed I do." Akiseta said, taking another drink.
"So, what brings you by, Akiseta?" Brina questioned. "You said it was business."
"It is. It's about this war. As you know, it isn't getting any better."
"I know. And Skald is no help. You've done wonders keeping us safe from the dragons, but if he sends anymore guards to aid the Stormcloaks, we won't be able to defend ourselves from bandits, or even a skirmish party."
"I know. That's why I'm here. The townsfolk look up to you. They turn to you when they need help. You could lead this town properly."
"I suppose I could. But, Skald would never step down, and especially not to me. And, I couldn't challege him. Even if I were to win, it goes against my values."
"I know. But I can. I did it before, with Korir. I can take over, and then step down and let you take over. As long as you agree to support me, and me alone. The the Empire."
"I do agree, and I suppose it could work. But I don't think Skald would agree to challenge you."
"I have to try something, Brina."
"Alright, Akiseta. I wish you luck."
Akiseta stepped into the White Hall, listening as the door creaked shut behind her. She walked right up to Skald's throne. The old Nord sat there, his usual hard expression plastered on his face.
"Well, if it isn't my rarely present Thane. To what do I owe this visit?" He asked.
"I'm here about the war, Skald." Akiseta stated firmly.
"I was waiting for this. Everyone else has had their.. opinions. Now I see it's time for your two septims."
"I have the right. You have no idea what the war is doing to people."
"I've been involved in it longer than you, lizard."
"You've been stretching your Hold thin! You're dooming your town! Dawnstar deserves a Jarl that cares about its people. And you're not that."
"Oh? So that's what this is about. You think I would step down for you?"
"Are you backing down from an official challenge?" Akiseta questioned, raising an eyebrow.
Skald scoffed, and then laughed.
"You may have gotten Korir to fall into that, but not me. I won't accept your challenge bacause a lizard has no right to challenge fair combat."
Akiseta clenched her hands into fits, and let out a quiet growl. She started to speak, but fell silent as the door creaked open. The scent that followed was so sweet, and the voice nearly brought tears to her eyes.
"But a Nord is acceptable to you, right?"
Serana pushed her hood down, magic bringing up her human appearance as she approached. She briefly glanced at Akiseta, seeing the shocked look on her face. Feeling an overwhelming wave of guilt, she turned away, focusing her attention on Skald.
"Serana, right?" Skald asked. "Heard about you. Got yourself caught up in vampire slaying after losing your family, correct?"
"I did lose my family to vampires, yes."
"Heard about what you and Akiseta did up on that island up north. Very heroic."
Serana scoffed. "Yeah, I revel in the glory. Now, you didn't answer me. You'd accept a challenge from a Nord, wouldn't you?"
Serana was long familiar with Nordic customs. She'd been since the oldest of them began. She knew Skald couldn't turn down an honor combat challenge from a fellow Nord.
"If you insist of trying to take my Hold from me, fine. But I am a true son of Skyrim. Talos stands with me. Can you say he does the same for you?"
"No. I can't." Serana answered honestly.
Talos probably didn't see her as a true daughter of Skyrim. She'd been alive far before he'd ever been born. And maybe she had forsaken being a true daughter of Skyrim by becoming a vampire, not to mention a Daughter of Coldharbor. But it didn't matter to her how Talos saw her. Or how any of the other gods did either.
"But I don't need his support. You seem to however, old man. Don't be foolish. Step down willingly."
"Bah! A true Nord never back down from a fight!"
Serana sighed, drawing her sword. She undid her brooch and shrugged off her cloak. "Have it your way."
Skald rose from the throne. Ignoring the protestd from his court, he drew his sword and approached. They stared at each other, blades raise. Serana slackened her pose, and tilted her blade towards the side a bit. It was a signal for Skald to make the first move.
Due to the Jarl's age, Serana was holding back on her strength. She was surprised when the force of Skald's strike nearly knocked her blade from her hands. The old man was stronger than he looked.
Serana danced away, and recentered herself. Then she swung at him, not holding back as much. Their blades crossed several times, the metalic sounds ringing in Serana's ears as they echoed in the hall.
After some time, Serana parried one of his strikes, and hooked a leg bejind one of his, and knocked down. She kicked his sword away.
Skald groaned, tyring to get up. He fell on his side, groaning louder. Looking down at him, Serana felt both pity and guilt.
"It's over, Skald. Stand down, now. Please."
"A true Nord doesn't stand down." Skald muttered, managing to get onto his knees. "You'll have to kill me to best me. My ancestors will welcome me with pride."
Serana sighed. She stepped in front of him, and lifted up her sword. After a small moment, she drove the blade throughhis chest. Sge felt the life enery of his blood flor through her from the sword as it ended the old man's life.
'Stupid old fool.' She thought, looking away.
She looked over at Akiseta, who had not moved or spoken during the fight. There eyes met, and it was like the world melted away.
After getting Brina set up as Jarl, she and Serana left the town. They were going to make a brief stop in Winterholf, then make way for Windhelm.
They paused by an icy cliff, and looked at each other. Before Serana could speak, Akiseta pulled her into a hug.
"I'm so sorry, iluukai. I'm so sorry." She apologized.
"I'm sorry too, Aki." Serana said, returning the hug.
Things had been so tense between them for so long. It felt good to just feel Akiseta's arm around her, to be in her embrace.
Serana shifted around a little, and pressed her lips to Akiseta's. The kiss was reciprocated, and Akiseta's tail wrapped around her waist.
Akiseta's lips felt so good, and Serana deepened the kiss, moaning softly. Her heart fluttered as she heard Akiseta make a similar sound.
The Argonian pulled away with the brightest grin on her face. Serana grinned as well. They didn't need anymore words as they mounted Arvak and headed for Winterhold.