This chapter is dedicated to my little werewolf Tomed Ceht who is my beast proofreader and idea sounding board.
And to Godamnet the Daedric Prince of Cliffhangers... I hope your pants implode! :)
Thanks for the good ideas, both of you.
Gabriella placed two bottles and two goblets on the table. She watched the vampire pace in silence. The vampire's footfalls were light, she'd made no sounds as she paced back and forth in the room. Gabriella watched her for a moment, realizing the vampire would make a good assassin, it was in her nature. She smiled to herself as she continued laying out her spread.
She moved to the dresser and pulled out a heavy package wrapped in fine paper. She set it on the table next to the bottles. She moved the plate of fruit closer to where she was planning to sit.
She sat in the chair, observing Serana as she tread her indistinct path to nowhere. Serana kept rubbing her hands together in thought. It was obvious the vampire was carrying on a mental conversation.
Gabriella cleared her throat, hoping it would get Serana's attention. But, Serana's thoughts were still miles away.
"Serana? Come and have a drink with me." She was careful to keep her voice soft. She gestured to the chair opposite of herself and smiled. She was well aware of the vampire's power and didn't want to piss her off.
Besides, it wasn't her style.
Serana wrung her hands as she walked over and pulled out the chair. She sat silently into it, her back square and hands resting in her lap.
Gabriella smiled at her, but she could see the vampire's tension. "Care for a drink?"
Serana shook her head, remaining silent.
Gabriella chucked.
"Raylen and I... took up a collection for you. I have another Sister who is a vampire." She pulled the cork on the flask and poured the mixture into a goblet.
"She is an excellent potions master. I doubt I'll ever be her caliber, but I hope you like the blood potion I brewed." She pushed the fine cup towards Serana.
Gabriella uncorked the second larger bottle and poured the dark fluid into her goblet. She smiled deeper and held up her goblet. "To new friendships..." and took a drink. Serana followed suit, but remained silent.
Gabriella put down her cup and leaned forward, placing her hand over Serana's. Gabriella sighed. "What did the little beast do to cause you this much displeasure?"
Serana looked up, surprised by the warmth of the gesture. The look on Gabriella's face and her comment made Serana smile weakly, in spite of herself. Serana shook her head once more, remaining silent. This time though, she didn't lower her fiery eyes to the table.
Gabriella sensed Serana's turmoil, deciding things may go more smoothly if she did the talking. "Let me tell you a little about my Sister Azriel, since we didn't get much of a chance to talk before." Gabriella relaxed back into her chair and took another drink. Serana's gaze was firmly on her.
"Azriel is young and outspoken. She excels at pissing people off, sometimes without intending to do so. In fact, I've never met someone so good at making others angry." She chuckled. "She is also brave, reckless, and absolutely unwaveringly loyal."
She paused looking at Serana. She tried to gauge the vampire's expression.
"Azriel is one of those people you only meet once in a lifetime. She is enigmatic. She burns as hot as her tempter. She's addictive... her personality, her spirit, and her boldness." Gabriella smiled knowingly.
"I've watched you long enough to see your attraction to her. She is type of person you will miss, when she leaves this plane at a young age."
Gabriella looked down at her glass, swirling the contents. She looked to the vampire, knowing she held her interest completely now.
"I don't know what your argument was with her. Nor is it any of my business. But, take this away with you. Azriel's attitude to the world is one of a person who has come to peace with the fact they will die sooner rather than later." Gabriella took a slow drink, her gaze never leaving the vampire's slack jawed stare.
"She knows she will never live long enough to have a family of her own, to raise children, or even possibly marry. She refuses to get close to anyone because she knows she will one day fail to return home to them.
"I have known Azriel for two and a half years. In that time, I have watched everything that she has sacrificed for Skyrim and Nirn. I have seen her after her battles, cared for her endless wounds, and listened to the selfishness of the people asking her for more.
"What I have never seen, is her turn a blind eye to anyone who needed her. Though everything she has done, the people of Skyrim first begged her for more, then ostracized her. Now they hunt her like a common animal."
Serana shifted closer in her chair, but Gabriella continued to speak.
"There is a civil war at hand. One army threatens her and her allies. The other would throw her to the front of their line. Neither cares about her. Between the people of Skyrim and the dragons, her days are numbered, even with her blessings."
Gabriella poured more Sujamma into her cup.
Serana sat speechless.
"These of course are simply my observations. She has never said anything herself. But, it doesn't take a seer to know why she is the way she is."
Serana stared hard at the dark skinned woman for a few moments, then once again to her hands. She had only just started to get to know the young Dragonborn, and the dark elf was right. Azriel was undeniably addictive.
The Dunmer smiled at her again.
Serana had so many questions.
"Why do you call her your sister?" Serana asked quietly.
Gabrielle leaned forward in her chair. "Well, we are obviously not blood related."
She contemplated the question she wanted to ask. "Before I continue, Serana. May I ask you a question?"
Serana nodded silently.
"How long have you been asleep?"
Gabriella watched the vampire tense. "Please don't be offended, I'm simply asking so I may answer your question fully."
Serana kneaded her hands together and looked to her lap. It took her a few minutes to gather herself, Gabriella watching her struggle with her decision.
"Is it that obvious?" Serana finally asked.
"To me, yes. But, then again, I spend quite a bit of my time around vampires and werewolves. One becomes use to their mannerisms." She chewed her thoughts carefully. "Your's are... old fashioned. I noticed when I first met you." She finished.
Serana sighed. "The world has changed so much. I feel so lost at times, it's not just little things... It's everything! The weather, the people, the way people talk, what people wear. It's just..." Serana took a deep breath. "...overwhelming."
Serana unknotted her hands and crossed her arms, rubbing them.
"Who woke you?" Gabriella asked softly.
Serana swallowed. "Azriel did. It was confusing, to say the least."
Serana sighed and pushed back her chair and rose. She started pacing, this time she continued to speak.
"My surroundings had changed. Azriel wasn't who I was expecting. She was the first thing I saw and she was so unbelievably different... It added to my confusion. The way she spoke, her looks, the way she was dressed. I had never seen anything like her. She was both befuddling and intriguing."
Gabriella exhaled with a whistle. "Were you attracted to her when you first saw her?"
Serana stopped pacing and looked at Gabriella. "Like I said, my surroundings had changed, so I was more confused. But yes, I was, it was the way she looked, her manner, and the fact she was so young. Then I smelled her and it terrified me that she was a werewolf."
Serana started to pace again. "I didn't know my surroundings anymore so... I asked her for her help." She paused to pick up her goblet. "We were walking and I tripped. I remember doing so a few times. She ended up carrying me to a cave. I needed blood and at that point it was bad enough to consider killing the one person that saved me."
Serana took a long drink. Her guilt had resurfaced. "Then she did something I never expected. The act was so unbelievably kind, I hated my very nature for the first time in thou... in a long time."
Gabriella waited patiently.
Serana stood staring at the cup in her hands. "She hunted for me... I never have needed it before. No one has ever..." Serana growled at her own thoughts. "No one has ever shown me kindness in such a way. It astounded me."
Serana looked at Gabriella again. "When we parted ways, she was constantly on my mind. I vowed no matter what, I'd try to find her again."
"I take it when you both arrived here, this is where you found her?"
"Yes."
"To answer your question..." She motioned for Serana to sit. "...Azriel is my Sister because we belong to the family that chose us. Do you know who the Dark Brotherhood are?"
Serana shook her head. "My life was... sheltered to say the least. My parents kept their dealings private."
"Then perhaps you know who the Morag Tong are?"
Serana slowly nodded.
"We have been their rivals since the Second Era." Gabriella swirled her cup again, allowing the vampire to place the pieces in her mind.
Serana sat completely motionless. "You're an assassin."
Gabriella nodded watching her work out the rest.
"Azriel is an assassin?"
"She is and a damn good one. She's naturally stealthy and her... how should I put this? Talents... make her both a good thief and an excellent assassin."
"That would explain her scars." Serana mumbled.
"No, she never approaches her intended. Her scars are all from battles and her past."
Serana looked away. It didn't change her opinion of Azriel in the least. But, she had never held good opinions of either thieves or assassins. She rubbed her temples.
Gabriella lowered her cup. "Does it bother you?"
Serana sighed. "That she is a thief and an assassin? No."
Gabriella took a drink and pulled an apple close. Serana sat in silence while she ate.
"Who is Aela the Huntress?" Serana finally asked.
Gabriella chuckled. "I think I understand why you argued."
Serana felt her jealousy return.
"She's a well known and respected Companion, who comes from an equally well known line of women who have all been Companions. Supposedly, all the way back to the original Five Hundred."
"When Azriel was sleeping, she called me Aela." Serana's hands returned to her temples.
"Serana, do not let your natural tendency to be jealous affect your friendship with Azriel. Aela and she are both Companions. Aela has been a travel partner on many of her adventures over the last two years. Aela would have followed her to Sovengarde, if she'd let her. They are extremely close friends."
"Then she said she loved her." Serana finished with a hiss of contempt.
Gabriella had anticipated what was coming. "Serana, she was sleeping! One cannot control their dreams... especially Azriel. She has been dealing with nightmares for years. Her beast spirit already prevents her from resting, but her nightmares make it impossible. She hasn't slept in months. That is why she has been feverish.
"And of course she loves her. They have battled time and again by each other's side. They have cared for one another, tended to each other's wounds... Azriel is the Harbinger of the Companions. She is an Alpha wolf and pack leader. She cares for her pack. I'd be more surprised if she didn't love them."
Serana crossed her arms, her anger had risen once again. Her jealousy had consumed her, but Gabriella chastising her made her feel foolish.
"Serana, how long have you known Azriel?"
Serana blushed. "A couple of weeks."
"Do you plan to hold all of her lovers against her?" Gabriella asked inquisitively. "Because if you do, you'd have a bit of a list."
Serana stared at her hard again.
Gabriella shrugged. "She's young and lonely. Her affairs never last more than a few meetings, I can assure you of that. I can honestly say she has never slept with anyone that held meaning to her. I've already told you she refrains from true relationships. Surely you must understand that?"
Serana sighed. She did understand, it didn't mean that she liked it.
"And Aela?"
"Serana, do not let this consume you. You will push her away before you get to know her. That would be a shame." Gabriela took a drink. "I see the way she looks at you as well." Gabriella finished and smiled broadly.
Serana blushed.
Gabriella pushed the large wrapped package towards Serana. "This is for you. Before you wear it, give it to Azriel. She is an amazing enchantress."
Serana looked at her questioningly, then took the package and unwrapped it. She unfolded the black cloth and stood. The long travel cloak had a hood, its fabric was tightly woven and thick. The fabric was soft and beautiful. Serana smiled as she set it down and picked up the folded black leather garment below it. It was a deep black leather jacket with ebony buckles and spaulders. The ebony had ancient Nordic symbols etched beautifully into them.
She sat it down on top of the cloak and lifting the matching leather breaches from her small boon. A set of black leather boots fell out of the remaining package as she lifted it. Tucked inside each boot was a gauntlet.
The leather breaches were soft and tied in the front. The boots were equally as soft with ebony buckles and toe caps. The long gloves were simple black soft leather with ebony wrist bands and finger caps that ended in claw-like points. The knuckles had a spiked ebony cap over them.
Serana smiled and hugged Gabriella. "Thank you so much for this gift!"
Gabriella returned the hug. "You're clothing gives you away as a vampire, never mind the fiery eyes and pale skin. At least now when people look at you they'll not instantly know what you are."
Azriel sat at the table with her hand knotted in her hair. She had already finished two bottles of wine and had worked her way through another.
The bar maid made her rounds as Azriel watched her hips sway. She rubbed her face with her free hand. As attractive as she was, the woman held no interest for her. Her interests were elsewhere and one of them was pissed at her.
Azriel rubbed her face a second time and sighed.
Maybe I should just get sloppy drunk.
She was glad she had already talked to Raylen about her supplies and for a place for Serana to stay. It left time for her to get shit faced.
The bar maid sauntered her way towards Azriel. Azriel watched her, but her thoughts kept drifting to two other people.
How is it possible to have feelings for someone you just met? Fuck, how is it possible to have feelings for two people?
The bar maid smiled at her and set down the bottle of wine. "Can I get you anything else?"
Azriel smiled, she needed a distraction. She sat up slightly. "What do you... recommend?"
The girl blushed and leaned down. She couldn't have been more than twenty-two. "Is it true you are the Dragonborn?" She whispered.
Azriel forced a smiled. She hated that question. "Depends."
The girl giggled. "On?"
"I need some kind of payment for my answer. The better my payment, the more honest my answer."
The girl smiled knowingly. She leaned forward, breathing hotly in Azriel's ear. "Meet me in the back in five minutes." She ran her finger under Azriel's chin.
Azriel smiled and nodded. The girl made a display of swishing her hips as she left. Azriel poured more wine into her mug and waited impatiently.
Azriel finally drained the mug and made her way in the back with her fresh bottle swinging carelessly in her hand. The back room was a crowded warehouse of supplies for the tavern and the underground inn. She strolled leisurely through the endless rows looking for the blonde woman.
Azriel found her in one of the last rows she searched. The area was full of extra bedding and backed to a hallway with a stone doorway. The girl sauntered forward holding two cups and a large handled flask.
"I didn't think you'd come." She said.
"I wanted my payment." Azriel smiled. "What your name?"
"Halja." She smiled in return. The young woman set down the cups and jug on the shelf and wrapped her arms around Azriel, kissing her hard on the lips. Azriel slipped her hands under the woman's frock and she pulled away.
Tapping Azriel on the nose playfully, she wiggled free of her hands. "Oh no you don't, not until I get my answer."
Azriel laughed at her. "Payment for information, mistress. That's how we work."
The girl straightened herself out, her playfulness vanished. Halja slipped her hand behind her back and pulled out a dagger. "How about I just slit your throat?"
Azriel laughed harder. "What will that get you?"
"A promotion in the Stormcloak Army and a hefty purse." Halja snarled holding the dagger forward menacingly.
Azriel's face fell. "Put down the dagger, I don't want to hurt you. I'm just looking for some fun."
The stone behind Halja moved. Wayne stepped forward with lighting reflexes and grabbed the girl quickly. Azriel didn't get a chance to protest as he snapped her neck and let her fall.
He reached under his shirt and snatched something out. In two steps he slammed it into Azriel's chest and she looked down.
He was holding a parchment with the symbol of the Black Hand. He turned dropping it on the girls warm corpse. His silver eyes gleamed. "Astrid said to leave this bitch someplace visible."
Azriel stared at him as he moved to slide her onto the bedding, then propped her up.
He turned and stared coldly at Azriel. Then he punched her hard in the face, knocking Azriel on her butt. "...And that is for bashing my head into the wall over a fucking whore vampire."
Azriel rubbed her face and growled. Her anger was instant, clearing the fog the wine had left. But, Wayne kept talking.
"Vampires like her killed my daughter... my only family. So you'll forgive my hate for them. I don't know what you see in it, but I hope for your sake you wake the fuck up." He spat at her.
Azriel stood. "It wasn't Serana that killed you daughter you stupid fuck."
The Redgaurd narrowed his eyes at her. "It didn't have to be her. They ripped my baby to pieces. She was only ten years old. I hunted them for months across that frozen wasteland to a castle in the North. They all dress like her... She's one of 'em. A Volkihar vampire! They all wear those insignias, their leaders wear those collars. Filthy creatures!
"I won't rest until they are all dead. Volkihar vampires care for nothing, they have no honor. Their castle reeks of death and decay. They're worse than the beasts that live in caves. Conniving animals with a pension for torturing werewolves and other vampires... You're a fool for protecting it. It will turn on you!"
Azriel snapped at him, her transformation was close. In her state she was ready for a fight and her wolf was on its fringes. Their voices combined, "She's mine. Back the fuck off!"
Wayne backed to the passage way, his eyes were wide with surprise. "You can't transform again... That's not possible!"
"I'm Hircine's Champion, my wolf was his gift." Her growl was animalistic. "I am not bound by your pathetic diluted blood." The feral voice that finished was purely the wolf.
Wayne sprinted for the door, Azriel transforming to chase him. The Redgaurd was fast. He rounded the corners and leapt over carts that were in the way. He was running back towards the tavern.
Azriel's paws hit the rock with force, propelling her forward as she chased the large man. She knocked the carts aside and crashed through the doorway as they raced around the network of passages that lead back to the inn.
Azriel gained on the man as each obstacle slowed him by a second or two. They were almost back at the tavern when Azriel launched herself at him. They crashed through the wooded wall.
They tumbled together over the tables, Azriel tangled in chairs and two screaming Khajiit. Wayne jumped up, drawing his dagger. Azriel roared, summoning the Wolves of Hircine to her side. Wayne's eyes bulged at the sight.
In the matter of a few minutes the tavern had filled with people. Now in their midst was one very pissed off werewolf and one very scared Redgaurd.
"Azriel, I have told you countless times you cannot kill him!" Gabriella was livid.
Azriel looked in the direction of the voice and roared again. People tripped over themselves trying to get out of her way.
"I am seriously considering rolling up parchment and swatting you with it until you get the message!" Gabriella's hands were on her hips.
The werewolf looked between Gabriella and Wayne.
Azriel grabbed a chair and smashed it, then she transformed.
"If he threatens Serana one more fucking time, I'll rip his flesh from his bones." Azriel breathed heavily.
She looked at Azriel then Gabriella grabbed the man by his dreadlocks and pulled him close. "Serana has been claimed. Extract your vengeance on the rest, but you are bound by our rules. Serana is off limits to you. Is that clear?"
The man growled lowly. "Perfectly."
"Good. Now, has the deed been done?"
His growl sustained itself as she pulled harder. "Yes."
Gabriella let go of his hair. She looked at Azriel. "Serana is waiting for you. I suggest you two talk."
Azriel huffed as she closed in on her room. The door had been fixed, but remained ajar. She took a deep breath and pushed it open. Serana stood with her arms and legs crossed against the back wall, staring at the floor. The sound of the door made her look up.
Once again, Azriel found herself at a loss for the vampire's thoughts. It annoyed her to no end that she couldn't read Serana like she could other people.
The door latched behind her and the two of them stood staring at one another. Azriel closed her eyes and counted to ten, then opened them again. Serana hadn't moved.
Azriel decided to play her game and ignored her. She walked to her chest, grabbing her ruck sack and digging through it. She was still angry and absentmindedly scratched her neck.
Azriel patted her chest and frantically searched her bag. She then ripped the lid of the old chest open and dug through the useless junk inside trying to find her necklace.
"Here." Serana said softly.
Azriel stood abruptly and slammed the chest shut. She looked at Serana's extended hand, which held her prize. She took two steps toward Serana, but stopped short.
"Take it. I won't bite you." Serana's expression had softened.
Azriel looked at the necklace again. "Are you still angry with me?"
Serana uncrossed her legs and stepped forward, closing the distance between them. Once again, the two found themselves standing closely together. Azriel inhaled her scent and groaned. The vampire's aroma was intoxicating, her arousal was immediate.
Serana reached forward gently and pulled Azriel's hand from her side. The burning electricity made them both look down. She turned her hand over carefully and placed the necklace in her palm. But, she didn't remove her hands from Azriel's. Instead, she locked their fingers together.
Serana made to speak, but Azriel's presence was too overwhelming for her. The woman's rapid heartbeat, the smell of her blood, her scent... it was like a lifetime had passed since she had been near her. The last of Serana's jealousy melted away. She desired Azriel's closeness and wasn't willing to throw it away stupidly.
"No. I'm sorry I reacted the way I did." Serana managed weakly.
Azriel swallowed hard. The cool electric feeling of Serana's hands was disorienting. It made her ache to think Serana could pull away from her any moment. Azriel shifted closer, the act made Serana look up.
Their eyes locked and time slipped away.
Azriel reached the fingers of her left hand up and traced her cheek with their tips. Gently she stroked her cheekbone and across the valley of their hollow. Serana exhaled with a puff and closed her eyes. Azriel traced her way forward, then back. To the edge of her nose to her ear. The intensity of the light touch made Serana wet and she moaned softly as Azriel's fingers made their way to her jaw line. The movements were slow, steady, and soft. It was as if Azriel's fingers were a breeze.
Serana felt how close the woman was. Her breath held the fragrance of wine. Azriel's nose brushed Serana's gracefully. The heat of the contact forced Serana to draw another breath. She inhaled Azriel's scent fully, their arousal was mutual.
She felt Azriel breath on her cheek. "Forgive me."
"For?" Serana's voice was the quietest of whispers.
Azriel's lips touched hers with a velvet delicacy. The calefaction left Serana's senses in a frenzy. She moaned into her lips, never expecting something so ethereal from Azriel.
Azriel's lips captured her lower one, drawing it into hers and gently consuming the vampire's lip. She followed the contours with her tongue. Sucking softly as she moved, she released it only to pull it in once more. Azriel growled softly into the kiss as she released Serana's lower lip and Serana moaned. She didn't want the kiss to end.
Azriel moved forward and trapped her upper lip with her own. She pulled slightly on it, dragging her teeth lightly across it. Serana trembled and Azriel wrapped her arm around the woman's waist, drawing her closer. She lifted the woman slightly and stepped forward, pressing her against the wall.
Azriel ran her fingers into Serana's hair and pushed back slightly harder. Her movements increased and Serana answered her with equal urgency. Their lips hungrily devoured each other, the kiss devastating them both completely.
Serana's claws dug into Azriel's side, tearing her linen shirt. Azriel's free hand fled to Serana's collar. The intricate lock clicked in an instant and Azriel pulled it free.
Azriel growled deeper as Serana's nails raked up her side. Serana desired to touch her skin, tearing her shirt down the front with her claws. She pushed back against Azriel, sliding her hand across her stomach.
The feeling of Azriel's burning skin against her hand sent waves of arousal down her thighs. She felt Azriel's muscles flex in her hand and moaned loudly into her mouth. Her hand moved slowly across the scarred plain, feeling her curves, taking her in.
Azriel pressed into her harder, her kiss was exuberant. She pressed her tongue into Serana's, demanding entrance and Serana eagerly obliged it. One's hunger was matched by the other's need. The two were passionately entwined.
Azriel grabbed Serana's hair deliberately and pulled away from her. Serana exhaled sharply at the loss of Azriel's lips on hers. For a moment the two stared at one another, then Azriel pulled her head back and kissed her throat. Serana's eyes nearly popped at the sensation of the mortal's lips at her neck. Her body responded with shivers of delight as Azriel delicately kissed her lines. She worked methodically up one side to the center, tipping the vampires neck to the breaking point. She ran her tongue down her throat ravenously.
Serana dug her nails in once more, this time into Azriel's tender scarred back. She felt the girl wince and she inhaled sharply. Azriel's hand reached behind her and pulled Serana's hand free, sliding it back to her stomach.
Serana trailed her fingers gently over her muscles to her ribs. Serana snaked her fingers of her other hand into Azriel's hair and pulled Azriel back to her lips.
Azriel slipped her fingers from Serana's hair, dancing them teasingly across her neck. Serana felt Azriel's hand on her shoulder, then the slightest tug on her cloak. She felt it as it fell to the floor. Azriel ran her hands down Serana's back as they kissed feverishly.
Azriel pulled away from Serana and the vampire let out the slightest whimper. Azriel traced her hands over Serana's armor to her shoulders. "You don't need this right now." She pulled the buckles free and pulled the armor off.
The corners of Serana mouth curled into a soft smile. "Sneak! I didn't even feel you undo the buckles."
Azriel chuckled softly. "That was the point."
The comment made Serana laugh and she wrapped her arms around Azriel, spinning her around and pressed her into the wall.
Azriel cupped Serana's cheek, thumbing her lips once more. Serana's lips spread into a seductive smile and she resumed the kiss.
Azriel's hand trailed down her blouse, tugging at it teasingly. She laced her fingers into Serana's obsidian thicket, pulling her deeper into the kiss. Her other hand freed Serana's blouse from her breaches and she snaked her hand underneath.
Serana groaned as Azriel's hand found her flesh. Her fingers glided between her waistband, following the bow of Serana's hips.
Azriel righted her grip in Serana's hair, once again pulling them apart. "Bite me." Her voice was a horse whisper.
Serana shook her head weakly.
Azriel pulled her back into the daze of their passionate kiss. Her tongue once more found itself twirling around Serana's. Azriel dragged her tongue roughly across her razor sharp teeth, gouging her tongue. Serana's eyes sprang wide as Azriel's blood filled her mouth.
Serana pinned the woman to the wall, sucking hard on her tongue. One hand knotting itself into Azriel's hair, the other holding her in place. Serana fought for control with her thirst, trying desperately not to bite off her tongue. With every ounce of her will, Serana pulled away. Fire danced macabre through her mouth and down her throat and her eyes burned through Azriel.
Azriel smiled bloodily at her. "Bite. Me." Her voice a growl, her fingers still in Serana's hair.
"I'll kill you Azriel... I can't..." Serana hiss was desperate. Her thirst for Azriel's blood was insatiable. Azriel's fingers firmed their grip and she reached her other hand up, ripping the collar of her tattered shirt away from her and tearing it down her chest.
Her strength dissolved Serana's resolve as she pulled her close once more. "No. You won't... I trust you, Serana. I want to do this for you..."
Serana hissed and pushed her head against the wall. She felt Azriel tense and Azriel grabbed on to her waist, expecting the pain of the bite. Serana's lips crashed against her throat, kissing the woman ravenously. She drug her fangs across her neck, savoring Azriel's taste and scent. Azriel's grip in her hair and on her hip would have crushed a mortal.
Serana couldn't stand the agony of the closeness any longer. Her teeth pierced Azriel's throat and Azriel moaned. Serana's mouth burned as the molten heat of Azriel's blood seared her as she drank. The world around her melted away and Serana felt her mind spin. A shadowy blackness enveloped her as she slipped into Azriel's blood memories.
"You! Come here!" The towering old woman whined at her. "I told you to clean up this mess you filthy animal! You are absolutely useless... You stupid, stupid child!" Serana felt the sting of the slap. "No one wants you, little Dremora! That's why you're here with me. You'll always be here with me!" Serana looked at the other children in the barren hall.
An older female child took Serana's small hand. Her green eyes held unshed tears, her pale cheeks were red and swollen. "Please, Mistress. She doesn't understand."
The old woman flew into a rage, slapping the black haired girl hard and knocking her away from Serana. "Silence! I will not have you talk back to me. Just because the little beast is mute, does not mean she can't push a simple broom!" Serana watched as the woman kicked the little girl across the floor.
"People want children that obey! Not little beasts that talk back. This is my orphanage, as punishment you two will not be viewed until you learn to obey me!"
The vapor of the memory shifted.
The tall Orc with blue eyes and jet black hair reached toward her. Serana felt his hand on her shoulder. She held out the dagger and he inspected it. He laughed heartily and she felt the warmth his laughter gave to her. "That's a good blade for your first try, little one. Now, make me a hundred more! Heat and steel, child! Soon, you will be better at the forge than I am!"
Serana drank deeply as smoke and ebony spun around her. Azriel's grip began to loosen.
The dark elf was at eye level. "Remember everything we have taught you, child. You will only have your fire and your blade at your side. The beasts here will smell your fear Ahziial, the Arena is only a place for death and those about to die. Watch them, conserve your strength and magic, never give them the first strike and never throw your weapon." The Dunmer kissed her smooth left cheek and pushed her through the metal gate. Serana turned and looked at the woman one last time.
She walked forward as the crowd jeered at her. She reached the center of the ring, the sun was blinding overhead. She was frightened as she looked around. She looked up again, the people... there were so many. They were chanting 'fresh blood.'
A gate, opposite the one she had walked from, slid open. She saw it moving in the shadows, its large hulking frame frightened her before it stepped into the sun. The animal moved warily from the shade to the entrance. She could already tell it was enormous. It stopped to smell the air, then stepped into the light. The mountain lion roared when it saw her.
The memory faded and a new one took shape.
Agony blazed across her back as she was dragged through the passageway by her hair. Her arms and legs were numb from being stretched. The torch light grew light and dark as she was pulled along. The journey seemed to never end.
The voice hummed a tune, as if he were strolling along without a care in the world. It seemed like weeks before he finally stopped.
He snorted. "This is it, your grand prize..." He laughed loudly making, her ears ring from the echoes. "Pray I throw you hard enough to break your neck."
She heard the metal grate against stone. The man dragged her to the doorway and she looked into the man's face. The Altmer leered at her. "Ahziial, youngest Champion of the Arena..." He laughed again. "I hope you enjoy your reward." He threw her hard.
Serana landed roughly, tumbling, until she came to rest on something soft, yet hard. The world around her spun and the air was ripe with decay. She shook her head and looked down at what she landed on. The Orc's milky blue eyes stared into her soul through his rotting face.
Serana crushed her fingers deeper into Azriel's flesh. Her insides were smoldering from the sweet delirium of the dragon blood.
She was running. The border had to be close! Skyrim would be her salvation.
A soldier stepped from the bushes... She was surrounded by them. "Where are you going, Stormcloak?"
The mist of the memory swirled. Serana could hear the clashing of Azriel's heartbeat in her ears.
"What's your name, Prisoner?"
"Fuck you."
"Please, just tell me your name."
"...Ah... Ahzi ... Azriel."
"Captain, she's not on the list."
"Send her to the block with the rest of them." The woman said.
"But, she's not on the list!"
The female soldier looked at him. "You have your orders, Soldier."
The man sighed. "I'm sorry." He was looking right at her. "You look like a half-breed to me. Where are you from?"
"Does it matter?" She answered warily.
"We need someplace to send your remains, child." He said softly.
She rolled her eyes at him. "Send them wherever the fuck you want."
"Fine, Cyrodiil where you were captured."
"No. Skyrim!"
The man looked at her for a moment. "Very well, Skyrim." The man sighed again.
Azriel's hand slipped from Serana's waist. Her head touched Serana's shoulder.
The scarlet haired woman's smiled through her green war paint. "Not bad! You hit the target this time!" She laughed happily at her own joke.
"Fuck you, Aela! I hit the bull's eye all ten times!"
"Azriel, it's as big as a damn mammoth!"
Aela stepped back next to her and she split all of the arrows with her own. "You need to practice more, Whelp."
"Okay, seriously, fuck you." She held out her hand and incinerated the target.
Aela laughed again. "You also need to learn patience, my friend."
"Look, I'm just not keen on using a bow. And dragons require a fuck load of arrows."
"Bows are tools you simply need to learn, it can help you."
"Yelling at a dragon still seems to do the trick..."
The woman's silver eyes twinkled with mischief. "I'll show you yelling." Her finger traced Serana's cheek.
She swallowed hard, taking the woman's hand. "I'm sorry, Aela, I simply can't."
Her silver eyes shown with disappointment. "You have someone, then?"
She shook her head. "No. No one. You know this." She sighed and held up her right arm. "Someday, it won't be just an arm that gets bit. I... I care too much about you too disappoint you like that. I'm sorry, it's just easier this way. Besides, I don't want to ruin our friendship."
"Azriel, life is meant to be lived. You cannot possibly want to spend it alone. You can't live in fear of death..."
She shook her head. "I'm not afraid to die, Aela. I know someday soon, I will. I won't hurt you like that. It's better if we don't get involved..."
Azriel's hand fell from Serana's hair to her shoulder. Her knees gave and Serana pulled her closer.
"JOR! ZAH! FRUL!". Their voices cried out together. The black dragon in the pink sky crashed against the ground with a roar. The sky began to rain rock.
The blonde Nord shoved her hard. "Now! Dovahkiin! Strike! It must be you!"
Serana drew her sword. Swallowing her hate, she ran with them at the largest dragon she had ever seen.
"Come, bring me your souls! Gormalith, I will feast on yours first!"
Serana's mouth opened, but the voice was not her own. "JOR! ZAH! FRUL! Today, I will have your soul, Alduin!"
Her sword battered the dragon, as the force of the others' shouts slammed into it. The dragon snapped and bit at her. Each countering the other with another strike.
The battle raged endlessly. Serana's arms and legs were weak with exhaustion, sweat poured from her body. Her throat ached from the use of her Voice for hours on end.
Finally, the dragon lunged and Serana grabbed its horn, leaping onto its head. She landed blow after blow, driving her sword into its skull.
The dragon did not burn, but simply dissolved.
The golden blonde clasped her heavy shoulder. "Even here, where heroes throng, few can match this mighty deed." She laughed happily. "What glory! The gods themselves must envy us for this much earned honor!"
The shadowy mist danced once more, her vision shifted.
The vampire regarded her coolly, his stare was pointedly directed at her. "Find the Dawnguard. I think you will learn the information you seek. I assure you we are not the cause."
She rolled her eyes. "Let me get this right. In order to find my answers, you want me to go find the Dawnguard?"
Movarth laughed, "Yes. Think of it as an exchange."
"What do I get out of this deal?" She asked irritated.
"You will find your information. I wish to know if the Dawnguard already know of our existence. Throw them off our trail, this way we will be left in peace. In exchange, we will leave our doors open to you whenever you wish. I know of the price on you head." Movarth answered slyly.
Azriel's heartbeat slowed.
The heavy air collapsed around Serana. She felt Azriel's unconscious space enfold coldly around her like a blanket.
She could feel eyes on her as she drank. The liquidity of the cimmerian shade had immense density. Through the gloomy hades, she saw a soft red glow. An outline. The specter had no real composition she thought. Then she heard the feral growl and she focused on it.
The form of the wolf shimmered. Its soft red light became a beckon she seemingly moved towards, propelled by an unknown force.
The wolf paced to and fro, yet remained leashed. As though it were waiting.
The murk felt oppressive, palatable.
Serana searched the Dragonborn through her blood, she was unconscious. Her heart held strong, but the beat had slowed more. She was once again tethered to Azriel's dreams.
She felt the stirring from within herself. She felt the magnitude of what surrounded her, yet wasn't around her. The wolf continued to pace.
She became wildly aware of being watched as she consumed Azriel's blood. Not just by the wolf, but by Azriel herself. Never before had Serana drank from a mortal with that kind of cognizance. Her mind formed a single thought.
Ahziial.
Golden eyes blinked into existence. The silhouette of the dragon was unrecognizable in the blackness, yet she felt it. Just as she felt the power from Azriel's blood cascading through her veins.
Serana... you must release me.
The reptilian voice slammed hard against her mind. Serana fought hard to clear her mind of the voracious craving, the blood drunkenness that now consumed her. Her entire being radiated heat like a flare. She felt herself pulse with a kind of power she didn't understand.
Serana pulled her fangs from Azriel's neck, the small wounds started to heal right away. She lifted Azriel's limp body and carried her to the bed. She carefully laid her down on her back. Her hands shook as she removed the remnants of her tunic. She smiled when she realized the woman wore nothing underneath. She slipped Azriel's boots off and pulled the blanket over her.
Serana felt like she was vibrating. The dragon blood pounded through her. She sat on the bed next to Azriel and she looked at her hands. They were trembling, though she couldn't see a difference in herself, she felt it.
Her senses seemed to have changed, for the better. But, there was something else that was different. Her thirst had eased, for the first time since she had been made a vampire, it was almost gone. Serana wasn't sure how long it would last, but Azriel's blood definitely was sustaining.
She laid down next Azriel and propped herself up on her elbow to watch her sleep. Azriel was faced away from her and Serana gently turned her head towards herself. She brushed a rouge lock of hair from her face and ran her fingers across her scared cheek.
A mountain lion in Cyrodiil...
Serana carefully pulled back the blanket and looked at her shoulder. She hadn't noticed the depth of the scars, nor how long they were before. Other things stood out too and she peeled back the blanket farther.
Silvery scars crossed Azriel's chest and Serana folded to her curiosity. The young woman was bare to her waist and Serana could feel herself become wetter. She watched the gentle rise and fall of Azriel's chest, as her fingertips traced each of her scars on her chest and stomach.
Temptation to taste her flesh once again consumed Serana. This time the reasons were different.
Azriel's memories were still vivid in her mind and she inspected her right arm. The long jagged scar on her arm looked as though a large animal had chewed on it. She reflected on the blood visions for a moment and realized one had.
Serana looked at her wrists, she had seen those types of scars so many times before on the cattle in the castle. Serana pulled the blanket off entirely and moved to her feet. Taking care not to disturb her, she looked at her ankles.
Her head droned as she ticked through the images that haunted her mind. She heard the almost inaudible footsteps approaching the door. The Dunmer's heartbeat was a dead giveaway as to who it was.
Serana ignored the soft knock and rolled Azriel onto her stomach. The dark brown burn marks on her back were like welts from a whipping. The skin between each mark looked as though it had been mostly left undamaged, but there was very little of it. Azriel's back showed a story of intense pain and Serana shook her head. The whip marks overlaid the marks left by the lion on her shoulder, but another odd silvery scar ran from her right shoulder to her left hip and back up to her side. The scar cut into the welts, it was newer.
Serana heard the lock click and felt the change in air as the door opened.
"I see you figured out how to keep her quiet. I'm impressed, it only took you an hour to knock her out." Gabriella smirked. "Forgive my intrusion, but I figured you want to help speed her along." She set down eight small bottles of dark green fluid on the table. She carried a red, green, and a pale blue potion to the bed.
Once again, the vampires face was a mask. Serana's fingers traced the silver wound.
"When a werewolf is wounded by a silver weapon, the mark lasts indefinitely. That is, if they survive the wound and the fever that always follows." She opened the red bottle. "The one on her back almost killed her."
"This will help her heal faster. I don't detect you took a lot of her blood, but it was definitely enough to shut her up for a while." Gabriella smirked as she lifted Azriel enough to administer the tonic.
"The other marks she has had since I have known her. She never speaks of how she got them and I have never asked. I consider it quite rude to ask a person who tortured them."
"What made the marks on her back?" Azriel had told her in the cave, but Serana still didn't know what it was.
Gabriella adjusted Azriel. She had given her all three of the potions. "This never leaves us?"
Serana nodded.
Gabriella stood. "It's called a fire whip... normally they're used to make sure the victim dies a painful, lingering death." An orange glowing ribbon grew from her hand and burst into flames. The flames contracted and the ribbons became like flexible, red-hot metal straight from the forge.
"Azriel, has a natural resistance to fire... Normal men, grown men, cannot take very many lashes..."
Serana rested her hand in the middle of Azriel's scarred back.
"...They beat her for weeks to do that much damage to her body." The whip in Gabriella's hand sparked out of existence.
Azriel quietly finished getting dressed. She looked at the sleeping vampire once more and sighed softly. She picked up her amulet off the floor and put it back on. Her amulet of Akatosh was her good luck charm and she had a feeling she'd need a lot of luck in the coming days.
Selfishly, she wanted to wake Serana, but that would make saying goodbye more difficult. She watched the vampire, wondering if sleep was the same for her. Azriel examined her features as she slumbered.
Serana was beautiful.
Azriel caved to her internal struggle and sat down next to her. She dragged her fingertips across her eyebrows, following her brow. She traced her cheek bone and lifting her fingers, she bent down and lightly kissed her lips.
Serana opened her eyes and smiled into the kiss.
Azriel pulled away. "Oh good, you're awake."
Serana caught her by her armor. "Yes, well, it's rather difficult to sleep through something like that."
Azriel smirked. "I'm glad I'm not boring."
Serana noticed how armed she was and narrowed her eyes. "Are you going somewhere?"
Azriel nodded. "I'm going back to the Dawnguard. They may know something about this prophecy and what to do. I've already talked to Raylen... You'll be safe here."
Serana pushed Azriel back and sat up. "Fuck that. I'm coming with you." She jumped out of the bed and grabbed the package that Gabriella gave her.
"Uh, no. You're staying here. The Dawnguard have a nasty habit of butchering your kind. You going to them is like waving a steak in front of a starving dog."
Serana turned on her. "Azriel, I still remember how to fight. I don't need you trying to coddle me like a child. I am coming with you."
Azriel rolled her eyes in frustration. "Sure, walk into the vampire-killers fort. That's a genius idea."
Serana glared at her. "I can be very persuasive..."
Azriel stared at her hard. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Not when you're dead!"
Serana crossed her arms. "I'm coming with you, whether you like it or not."
Azriel put her hand on her hip. The vampire was determined, but she was stubborn. "Fine. But, you will do everything I say, when I say it. If I tell you to run, you had better run."
Serana continued to glare at her. "Fine. But, I am coming with you. You aren't getting rid of me that easy."
Azriel couldn't help her smile.
Serana smiled gently in return and picked up her pile. "Before we go... Gabriella gave me these. She said you were a master enchanter."
Azriel took the load from her and looked through it all. A very large and mischievous smile formed on her face. She looked at Serana's discarded armor on the floor and then to the vampire. "Let's go wake up that pesky Elf. I need to borrow her table for a couple of hours."
Please review! I am eager to read what you thought!
No really, I'm dying!