They sat in the shadows watching them. Serana's hand was firmly over the growling woman's mouth. "Azriel, you must be quiet. They'll hear you." Serana whispered.
Azriel mumbled and Serana removed her hand from her mouth. "What?"
"Then let me kill them," Azriel growled lowly, her hand on her bow.
Serana glared at her. "You don't even know if they're friendly or not. You just want to kill them because they're vampires."
Azriel tore her eyes from the five vampires and returned her glare. "They're Thalmor... they're vampires... they're in Skyrim, where the little fucking butterflies try to kill you. They aren't friendly, Serana!"
Serana rolled her eyes. "Be serious for just..." She never finished her statement.
"Okay, I'll be serious," Azriel whispered peering through her hair, standing. "I'll prove it to you."
She walked out from the small grove and started skipping toward the vampires, making as much noise as possible. "Hello!" She called out like a song, waving frantically.
Serana slapped her face with her palm as all five vampires turned in unison to look at her.
"Hey, can you help me out? I'm looking for the way to Ivarstead and I seem to be lost." She dug through her rucksack and produced her map. She waved it around as if she were fighting with it.
"Really lost!" She stopped about twenty feet from them to open it and scratched her head.
The Justiciar smiled at her. "Are you all alone, young one?"
Azriel looked up from her map. "Yes, that's why I was hoping you could help me. My uncle lives there, and he said he'd help me get into the Legion." She tried very hard not to smile through her lie.
"Pity. It seems you'll never arrive. I'm awfully thirsty." He started walking towards her as the others laughed.
Azriel smiled wolfishly. "That's a really bad idea, friend."
The Thalmor stopped walking with a laugh. "Is it? The way I see things, there are five of us and one of you, little girl."
Azriel growled inhumanly and let it build to a howl.
The Justiciar squealed and jumped back, pointing at her frantically. "Werewolf! Kill it!"
The other four vampires looked at each other and charged Azriel as she pulled her sword from her back.
Serana hopped over the rock and raced to her side with her dagger drawn.
"YOL!" Azriel held the fire shout as long as her breath would allow her to. She caught one in the blaze and charred him.
Serana locked in combat with two of the Thalmor. She moved so quickly, they couldn't keep up with her as she alternately slashed and volleyed ice spears at them. Eventually, her dagger connected with the warrior's throat. The other she drained with a spell.
She looked over to see how Azriel was faring and saw her dragging the vampire that had threatened her back by the ear. She had already dispatched the other. Azriel's strength and speed surprised her once again.
She shoved him to the ground in front of Serana. "I told you that it wasn't a good idea." She said pointedly to him.
She wiped her hands off on her sash belt and smiled evilly. "I told you they weren't friendly! But, No! You didn't want to listen to me..." Sarcasm dripped from each of her words.
Serana sighed with a mix of amusement and irritation at being wrong. "Azriel, please..." She looked down at the vampire and noticed his expression. She paused. "Speak."
"Is that another dog joke?" Azriel looked at her confused.
"Not you, him," Serana said smirking and pointing at the vampire on the ground.
Azriel looked down at the vampire, her evil smile growing. "Look, friend, she said speak. I suggest you do as she says. She's really thirsty and you are on the menu."
The Thalmor vampire's face grew more frightened. "My master has given orders for us to find the Dragonborn and Lady Serana." He said weakly.
Azriel laughed. "He called you a Lady. He hasn't heard you swear yet..."
Serana rolled her eyes.
Azriel was still laughing. "I guess tonight is your lucky night... or not. But you found us." She pulled her dagger and slipped it under his chin. "Stand." She growled at him.
Slowly the Justiciar rose, balanced on the point of her dagger. "Who is your master? Is his name Harkon?"
Serana stared at her; the smile left her face. She had never told Azriel her father's name.
"No. Vigalmo. I do not know any Harkon." He panted as Azriel cruelly dug the dagger into his throat.
Serana placed her hand over Azriel's. "What did Vigalmo tell you to do when you found us?" Serana couldn't keep her anger from her shaking voice.
How does Azriel know my father's name?
"We were to subdue or kill the Dragonborn and bring you back in chains. Once we had you both, we were to go to Northwatch Keep and send word to Castle Volkihar." The blade of the dagger was slowly digging in deeper, and the vampire was already on his toes.
"Castle? What castle?" Azriel looked at Serana. Wayne's words echoed in her ears.
Serana ignored her question. "Was that everything you were told to do?" She hissed.
"No. Our master believed the Stormcloaks would march soon to Falkreath. We were to help hold the Pale Pass." He winced. "He was right, we already dispatched the scouts..."
Azriel snarled at him. "How many more of you are there?"
He was bleeding profusely, his blood smelled powerful, and Serana licked her lips.
"There are five scouting parties and one detachment." His voice squeaked again from fear and pain.
"By the blood!" Serana breathed. "How many of you did he make?"
"Only one, Corelien. He turned the rest of us..."
Azriel looked wickedly at Serana. "Alright, now what do we do with this skeever? You can eat him, or I can torch him. You pick."
"No! Please! I can be of value to you. I am a high ranking..."
"Asshole." Azriel finished with a sneer. "I fucking hate you... you Thalmor are nothing but scum bags. Ten minutes ago, you were going to turn me into dinner. Now you want us to let you go? Fuck that. She either drinks you dry, or I am going to turn you into ash. I'm okay with either."
Serana smiled at Azriel and pulled the Altmer close. She sank her fangs into an artery, quickly silencing him. Azriel let go of his black robes and watched with a smirk of amusement as Serana slowly consumed his blood. When Serana finished, they wordlessly gathered all five bodies and drug them to a clearing off the road. Azriel held a single flame in her hand over them. It jumped from her hand onto the pile and the fire consumed them with a brilliant yellow glow. She walked to the rock next to the pile and bent down. Her right hand glowed a bright red.
"What are you doing?" Serana asked quietly.
"Leaving a mark." Azriel pressed her hand to the rock, scorching in the imprint.
She placed the last remaining item that held her interest into her bag and stood.
Serana looked at the mark. "What is the symbolism of a black hand mark?"
"It's the symbol of the Dark Brotherhood. I'll explain on our way to Riften." Azriel answered standing.
Azriel watched Serana as she drank from the Bandit that remained. Serana had disarmed her and pinned her extremities down. The Bandits were few and far between this high in the mountains and were probably trying to avoid the soldiers below.
She got a rush from watching how the vampire immobilized the woman so quickly. It struck her oddly that Serana seemed to move faster than she remembered. So much so, that it was like she disappeared and reappeared in a new place. Something had changed and Azriel couldn't put her finger on it. But, as Azriel thought about it, she realized the change was recent.
The woman had fought hard against Serana and had even pleaded with them both. She had begged Azriel for help and Azriel had waved goodbye to her with a smile. Azriel heard Serana apologize before she sank her fangs into her.
Secretly, the whole event had turned Azriel on.
For the last three days, Azriel had a difficult time looking at anything but Serana. The more time they spent together, the more Azriel was fascinated by her. Everything about the vampire was different. She even occasionally complained about the weather and Azriel had found it endearing. Serana clearly had a very cloistered upbringing by the things she said. It was no wonder Serana had argued vehemently to come with her.
Thinking about it as she watched Serana drink, in some ways reminded her of her own life. It also made her realize it was one more thing they shared in common. Their time together over the last few days had changed the dynamics of the way they acted around each other.
Or at least, it did for Azriel. It was the little things like the way Serana walked closely to her or the way their fingers always seemed to brush. Azriel sighed as she thought about it. Serana filled an emptiness within her life. A vacancy she had chosen to ignore, until now.
For a vampire, Serana was... compassionate, not indifferent like her kin. The cold eyes she looked at the world through were a ruse. Serana was a puzzle that Azriel had been handed the pieces of to figure out. It surprised her that Serana could be genuinely caring. Azriel could see her loneliness and felt it tug at her. But Serana's presence also made her feel other things. She thought about the kiss they had shared in her room and Azriel shivered. The appeal that Serana possessed wasn't lost on her in the slightest. Her touch was exhilarating, but the reality of the situation was crushing her inside. The reasons she tried desperately to stay out of a relationship with Aela, now tormented her thoughts once again with Serana. She was attracted to both of them, and she knew in her heart she couldn't hurt either of them.
Azriel sighed softly and brushed off her self-pity as she watched the vampire drink contently. Her thoughts teetered around them. The life she daydreamed of; she knew she'd never be blessed with. The nagging feeling of her own ability to die annoyed her again as she watched. Azriel tried to shake the feelings off but couldn't. It frustrated her to no end.
When Serana finished, she picked up the corpse and threw it into the deep ravine. Her back was still to Azriel as the cold mountain wind whipped around her, tussling her black hair. "You really like to watch, don't you?" She turned, smiling.
Azriel shrugged, trying to play off her feelings and the fact the vampire had once again noticed her watching. She brushed aside the pain that made speaking difficult and forced a smile. "It's not every day I can. Besides, I find it... interesting." They were high in the Jerall Mountains. The wind was harsh, leaving Azriel's cheeks raw, but Azriel loved the view. She smirked again, trying to decide which was the better view, the valley or Serana.
Serana's smile spread a little more. "I guess I better get used to an audience."
Azriel crossed her arms in fake wariness. "Meaning?"
"We've been traveling for three days together. You've watched me every time I've fed..." Serana's smile broadened a bit more. "...and come to think of it, you watch me all the time, actually."
Azriel blushed and threw up her hands. "Hang on, you watch me eat. How is that different?"
Serana shrugged. She was enjoying teasing her. "I don't know. It just is." Her last comment was flippant just to get under the werewolf's skin. She liked the fact Azriel wasn't appalled by her feeding.
Azriel rolled her eyes. "The fuck it is." She started to walk by Serana, over her shoulder she added, "You like it as much as I do. Don't lie."
Serana caught her by her cloak and Azriel turned. Serana stepped closer to her. For three days she had thought about the kiss they had shared and how Azriel had woke her the next morning. Yet, for some reason they hadn't discussed it, nor had it occurred again. The more Serana had thought about it, the more she realized how quiet Azriel had been. She had barely spoken since she had told her about the Dark Brotherhood.
"Maybe I do." Serana ran the backs of her nails over the woolen sleeves of Azriel's gambeson.
Azriel swallowed hard and took a step back.
Serana caught her hand. "Why do you keep doing that?"
Azriel looked away and the vampire cupped her chin pulling her face back.
"You think it was a mistake, don't you?" Serana asked worriedly.
Azriel furrowed her brow. She understood what the vampire was talking about but decided to act oblivious. "What was a mistake?"
Serana stared at her. "Us. Kissing."
Azriel sighed. The disappointed look on the vampire's face made the pain more tangible. "No, I don't think it was a mistake."
"Then why are you so distant? Have I done something wrong again?"
"No, Serana." Azriel inhaled deeply. Of course, she'd noticed.
Once again, the crushing pain she felt in her chest radiated through her body. How could she explain things to someone else that she barely could admit to herself? Her throat closed and her jaw ached, she just couldn't form the words.
The whole thing was foolish. She barely knew Serana and Aela was miles out of her league. Azriel wondered when she'd wake up and realize it, yet Aela persisted. It was her persistence that had made her buckle. Azriel knew she had fallen into a trap of allowing herself hope that one day, just maybe, she could have what she so desperately wanted, a family of her own. She knew the desire was selfish given her life.
Azriel shook her head once more. It is a dream, a foolish and childish dream... "It's just..." Azriel froze. She could feel them close, and they knew she was there. Lost in her own thoughts, she had missed the feeling and now they were almost out of time. She lifted Serana and shoved her under the rock overhang, pressing their bodies as far under it as they could go.
"Azriel, what..."
Azriel's hand cupped over her mouth, she stared into the vampire's eyes and shook her head. She pressed her body hard into Serana's, her face was next to her ear. "Listen to me, they'll be here in seconds. You must run..."
Serana was confused by what Azriel was saying, she shook her head no.
Azriel growled and pressed her body harder into Serana's, "You said you'd run when I told you to. Don't argue with me, I'm trying to protect you." Azriel's whispers were fierce in her ear. "We passed a cave an hour ago. The way you've been moving lately, you'll be there in minutes. I'll meet you there soon. Run when I have their attention. Don't stop... no matter what...and don't look back. Alright?" Azriel removed her hand.
The roar of several dragons shook the mountainside.
Serana's eyes went wide. "Azriel, I know how to fight!"
Azriel cut her off. "Not them! You've never fought a dragon, Serana. They'll destroy you."
Azriel started to pull away from her and Serana grabbed her by the shoulders. "Let me help you!"
"YOL!" The dragon's fire burnt the path outside of the outcrop. Azriel pulled her cloak up and slammed her body over Serana's.
"We're out of time, they know I'm here." Azriel craned her neck to look at the opening. She turned back to Serana. "Run when I have their attention, not before. Use your cloak to hide yourself. Don't stop until you get to the cave and don't look back!"
"DOVAHKIIN, COME! DEATH IS WAITING FOR YOU!"
"Fuckers need a new line..." Azriel growled. She looked at the vampire and pressed into her once more as fire exploded around them again. "Get ready..."
"Azriel, please! You don't understand..."
Azriel clasped the vampire's head in her hands kissing her deeply. Serana forgot everything she was going to say and surrendered to her. Azriel let go, the kiss only lasting a few seconds, but it left Serana breathless. Backing away with a faint smile, Azriel spun on her heel and was gone.
"Damnit." Serana cursed to herself. I really need to explain things to Azriel.
Three dragons circled high in the air looking for her. Gold led purple and green.
She knew this would be a hard fight and the mountainside offered no room for it. She looked at the cliff, the dragons still hadn't spotted her. It's now or they'll find me before I get the chance... She looked back for a moment to the shelter she had run from. Serana stood watching in the shadows, her fiery eyes never blinked. Azriel held up her hand in a motion for her to wait.
She focused her thoughts on one thing, then her voice rang out. "OD! AH! VIING!" Her shout echoed through the trees, off the rock, and high out over the valley. It confused the dragons that searched for her. She whispered the words to the new shout he had taught her carefully. "Hahnuheim. Ofuun. Mindok." She looked once again to the sky, the three dragons swooped low. This time, he would see what she saw. The whispered shout had been a means for the Dragon Priests to allow the dragons to view the world as they saw it, he once explained. Now she used it as a means for him to understand her need.
I need you... She felt the rustling in her soul, rumbling through their connection with his answer. Azriel walked purposely out into the open. The overhang she had hidden in with Serana was surrounded by trees and shaded from the morning light. She could still feel the vampire's eyes on her.
The golden dragon roared as he approached, the other two lagged behind. She waited patiently. Her timing had to be right and Odahviing wasn't close enough yet. "Dovahkiin, I have come to claim my right as Thur!"
Azriel shrugged. "You've come to the wrong place. I'm not Thur. You're looking for Paarthurnax. Try the Throat of the World..."
"You defeated the eldest! I, Saaraadgraat, will defeat you and claim my right as Thur! The Old One shall be no match..."
Azriel watched the horizon and watched the red dragon's wings beat rapidly as he flew. Need to keep him talking... "I have a better idea, Saaraadgraat. You yield to me... you get to keep your soul and your two bitches behind you as an extra bonus prize. If you don't yield, I kick your ass, and take your soul and the souls of the two bitches behind you. At this point, you really want to go with the first option. It works out in your favor."
"Insolent child! I will have your soul!" He roared. The two dragons above him roared in agreement.
Azriel laughed, but her rage swelled. "Did you really need to bring friends? If you're such a badass, why don't you just fight me yourself?"
The gold dragon had enough. "YOL!"
Azriel dove under the dragon and ran forward. She ran hard to the cliff, her eyes on Odahviing as he approached.
Serana stepped fully out to the grove, watching Azriel run. "Azriel, what are you doing? You can't possibly mean to..."
Azriel jumped as far as she could over the cliff.
"Oh, fuck me!" Her exclamation was lost in the angry voices of three surprised dragons. Serana ran fast.
Azriel threw her arms and legs wide to slow her descent as she watched the distant valley grow closer. The height of the cliff left ample time for Odahviing to get to her. She hoped. The icy wind that smashed her face made it impossible to breathe. She could hear the dragons behind her, and she felt all four draw near.
Serana ran for the switchback they had passed earlier in the hour. It opened, overlooking the valley below, and gave a magnificent view of the cliff Azriel had thrown herself from. The landscape passed in a blur as Serana moved.
Azriel felt the three dragons in their pursuit. She was running out of time, and she closed her eyes. Odahviing! Come on!
The red dragon pivoted in the air, he snapped his wings back and dove after her. They had done this a thousand times before and he had no plans to not catch her this time.
As she plummeted towards the ground, Azriel could feel the three dragons losing their chase to the red one that was trying to catch her. Odahviing was fast, he was easily the fastest and most fearless dragon she had ever met.
"Ahziial!" His voice boomed around her.
She opened her eyes and tried not to scream for him, the ground was coming up rapidly to greet her. She turned her head to the side he was so close, but she couldn't chance reaching.
Once more she forced her body to spread farther, the force of the air fighting her in her free-fall. She managed to spread out just as his nose was level to her. She reached for the horn on the side of his head, her fingertips grazing them.
"Get closer!" She looked back at the ground. They had less than a minute.
Her outstretched fingers made contact as he adjusted, and she grabbed hold. She pulled herself as hard as she could onto his neck. "I'm on! Pull up!"
Odahviing pulled out of the dive in time to skim the tree line of the valley.
Azriel drew her sword as he climbed rapidly into the sky. "Nice! I think that's the closest we've ever gotten!" She patted her hand on his head.
"We had plenty of time, briinah!" He chuckled as he circled upward on a current.
Azriel leaned close to his face. "The gold one is their leader. We need to take him out first."
Odahviing roared in agreement.
They circled up on a warm draft, the three dragons biding their time high above them. Azriel waited, a bow would do her no good, but she kept her sword in her hand. Her left hand held a single spark, waiting...
Odahviing climbed steadily and rapidly. Just as steadily and rapidly, Azriel could feel her rage building as she allowed it to finally consume her. Anger was her best friend in a fight, and she knew this one wasn't going to be easy for either of them.
The wind whipped around Serana as she watched the battle below from the mountain crag. The red dragon engaged the golden dragon head-on. Blasts of fire and ice erupted in every direction as the large animals circled in the air. Bolts of lightning flew from the red dragon, assailing the green and purple dragons, and keeping them distant. Azriel's blood had indeed changed her senses. Even at a great distance, Serana could pick out details like never before.
Serana was absorbed in the details, smothered by the grace of the dragons as they moved. Slowly, the fight climbed in altitude as the deadly aerial battle raged. Each pass the gold dragon made of the red one, seemed to bring them closer to Serana. The green and purple dragons raced higher above, each trying to take out the rider and her dragon. She tried to focus on the rider, a speck against the scene. The closer they grew; the more worried Serana became.
Fireballs and lightning shot in every direction as Azriel focused on her two adversaries. Serana could feel on the edge as the wind bit at her. The fight was too far for her to help, yet close enough now for her to see every detail of the battle unfold. She could see the anger on Azriel's face as her hair whipped wildly in the wind and her cloak billowed out from behind her. She could pick out the wounds on each of the dragons as they flew.
The sense of helplessness consumed her as she took in every detail. Each minute of the fight seemed to drag on for hours. With each passing minute, she realized how true Gabriella's words had struck her. Azriel was an enigma, one she had waited generations for. A single misstep and her beautiful spark would cease to exist forever. The thought caught in her chest, breathing became difficult. Her stomach sank and Serana realized for the first time that Gabriella's words about Azriel leaving the mortal plane at a young age were prophetic.
As Serana watched, she felt her heart hammer at the thought of losing Azriel. In the short amount of time, they had spent together, her loneliness had lessened. The thought of losing the only person she had ever called a friend made the pain within her worsen. Serana's hands kept alternately opening and closing tightly. Her anxiety rose with each close call. The two dragons Azriel fought were becoming bolder. They darted in, alternating their attacks. They had almost pulled her from the red dragon's neck twice. The two dragons dashed above and below the red and gold dragons. They picked and clawed as they shot past, Azriel countering with her sword and lightning. Serana could hear the dragons' words clearly as they antagonized the pair.
The red dragon chased the gold dragon through the sky. They were now high enough in the air to be in front of Serana, yet still too far away for her to help. Serana was beyond frustrated and worried. She had a terrible feeling that something would happen. She watched closely as the fight was nearly at eye level to her. The tide turned and the red dragon gave chase. The gold dragon's wing had been injured by its flame. She watched Azriel stand precariously at the base of the dragon's skull, her hand latched onto his horn. Azriel spun her blade in her hand. The red dragon was almost on top of the gold. Serana inhaled sharply. She could see Azriel's intention and her focus. She was going to jump from one to another.
Serana watched the intensity burning on the Dragonborn's face. When the red dragon was near to his target, he extended his talons and pulled his wings up. Both the rider and her dragon had miscalculated the other two dragons' speed, as the green dragon took his chance. Azriel couldn't keep them at bay halfway hanging off the red dragon's neck. The green dragon dashed downward, catching her just as she bounded by the cloak. He lifted rapidly off into the sky and the red dragon crashed into the golden one. Time slowed as Serana cried out. She watched the green dragon swiftly climb. It let go of Azriel high in the air and she fell silently once more.
The seconds seemed to tick by, one on Odahviing, the next she jumped. She felt the jerk on her cloak and watched confused as Odahviing grew distant inside a second. She held tightly to her sword; it was the only thing firm in her world. Then she felt her stomach hit her eyes as she fell.
Azriel plummeted rapidly toward the valley. She was still high above Odahviing, but the air was so thin she couldn't make a sound. The sunset was at the point where it was just touching the mountain. The beauty of it caught her attention for a sheer fraction of a second and she wondered at its beauty as she fell.
A shadow darkened the light. She realized in the next second, the purple dragon was soaring directly into her path. Her sword was still firmly gripped in her right hand and mentally she uttered a fast prayer to the Gods to be on her side. The purple dragon was flying fast and low. His target was firmly latched to the golden dragon's back and trying to rip off its wings. Its timing could never have been worse or so right. Just as he passed under the Dragonborn's path, he looked up, realizing something was above him.
Azriel thrust her sword with all of her might straight down, still praying to whoever would listen. The blow was teeth jarring and her aim, even if she tried again every day for the next thousand years, would never have been better. Her sword plunged into the eye of the purple dragon.
Her body cantilevered off the sword, the force of it broke her arm instantly and her descent. Her body slammed harshly against the dragon's head, but its face went slack. The dragon's wings continued for a few beats before she felt their descent. The collision of the sword through the dragon's weakest point had killed it mid-flight. Azriel reeled in pain as she clung tightly to the falling beast with her good arm. She realized now, the only place she had to go was down. She swallowed hard and let go.
Serana watched Azriel and the purple dragon plunge through the air. The two, for a minutia of a second, seemed to fall together, then the dragon pulled away. Serana's nails dug into her stomach as Azriel flipped end over end through the sky. Never in her life had Serana felt pure dread for a mortal's life as she did now for Azriel.
The victorious roar pulled Serana's attention as the red dragon hurled the gold one away. She watched as Azriel's small body collided with the golden dragon, and the two became one.
Azriel's mind tried desperately to decipher what was happening. The blear of blue and white meshed turning rapidly in a deranged motion. The kinetics drove the air from her lungs, and she lost focus on the world as it spun. The disorientation wretched against her, causing her to vomit uncontrollably. One moment she was in the sky, the next she was being assailed by trees. The dragon's body plowed through the alpine forest, with Azriel firmly attached to him. The sound was deafening and the pain unyielding. Azriel lost consciousness.
The dull throe thrummed throughout her being as Serana watched the forest below. The alpine biome under her swam as the dragon and Azriel crashed. Slowly, she backed away from the edge, she was hopelessly disoriented. The thought of Azriel surviving was distant and pointlessly optimistic. Despair devoured her entirely as she ran. Her mind conjured images of carnage as she descended the mountain tirelessly. The path splintered and Serana stopped. She looked over the edge of the sheer cliff, at what was left of the forest just below.
Taking the path would take her longer, but the steep slope was more dangerous. Serana made her decision quickly and descended along the rock wall.
The battle between the two dragons continued to rage as she worked her way precariously downward. Occasionally, she looked up to see how the red dragon fared. The green dragon was smaller but slower. The large red dragon was forcing it downward. Serana concentrated on not killing herself as she picked her way along the arduous rock. The roars of the dragons changed once more, and she looked over her shoulder. The red dragon had forced the other to the ground. They were now at the base of the mowed-down forest. Serana jumped the last thirty feet to the snow. The red dragon had landed a killing blow and crawled into the trees. The smell of blood was rich in the thin air.
Cautiously, Serana walked through the devastation. Downed trees were everywhere. The closer she drew, the greater the desire grew within her. The scent of blood was thick in her mouth and nose.
The sight that greeted her would forever be burned into her mind. The golden dragon had decimated the forest, plowing rock, trees, and snow aside, forming a sheet of ice. Its body lay at the edge of the plowed terrain against a small mountain of debris. Blood flowed like a small creek, carving its way through the snow. Steam wafted off the creek and the blood formed a pool. The sheet of ice was stained red. The large path was marred by a smaller one. The headless body of the green dragon lay at the start of the bloody run. Serana watched the purplish gold light surround the guardian that stood watch, gently speaking to Azriel.
In the center of the mowed valley was Azriel's crumpled but moving form. Her clothing was shredded, she had twigs embedded in her hair and clothes. Blood covered her face, pouring from a ragged wound across her forehead. She had freed herself from her armor and was pressing on her rib cage. From the way she was laying, it was obvious her limbs were badly broken. Blood had soaked through the thick green wool staining it black.
The breath that Serana drew earned her the unwanted attention of the red dragon. It protectively stood near Azriel with its head hovering over her.
Azriel tried to move but she felt the blistering pain rip through her body. "What are you looking at?" The weakness of her voice surprised her. She pressed on the next rib, snapping it back in place, moaning harshly as she healed it.
Odahviing growled possessively and she tried to look again.
"Odahviing!" Her voice was barely audible.
He cocked his head slightly, his eye fixed on her for a moment, then back on his new foe. "Sosnaak, Ahziial." His low growl carried the words harshly.
"Azriel?" Serana voice called out at the same time.
Azriel reached up, her hand touching his mouth. "No." She pleaded. "Odahviing, she's alright."
Azriel tried to turn, but the suffering she was enduring was too great, "tell her it's okay... She understands..."
Odahviing's golden eye focused on her again.
"Please..." Azriel's voice was below a whisper.
The dragon raised his head once more. "Approach, Vampire. But I will kill you if you harm her."
Serana nodded and stepped forward tentatively. She understood the ancient dialect he spoke perfectly.
Azriel's moans and cries of pain assaulted her ears as she slowly walked. She wanted to run to her side, but the dragon watched her closely. She wouldn't chance alarming it. She could hear Azriel's bones grinding back into place. Azriel cursed each time, then groaned through her gritted teeth.
Serana took in Azriel carefully. Her nose was broken, her right arm was mangled, and her right leg was twisted. Part of a branch had impaled itself through her thigh. Serana knelt at her side, the shock of seeing her covered in so much blood was paralyzing. "By my ancestors... Azriel..." Serana barely choked the words out.
Azriel healed the last rib as Serana watched, with her eyes closed. When she finished, she lay there trying to catch her breath. "Serana, I need your help." Her voice was ragged as was her breath.
Serana nodded. "Anything."
Azriel slowly opened her eyes, tears slipping out of the corners of them. "My right arm is broken and dislocated. My leg is shattered, and I feel something in it." Her voice trailed off and her eyelids fluttered. Serana was at a loss.
The red dragon leaned over her and inhaled deeply. "Tolsek. Vorey. Fask." The words he breathed out were gentle like a lullaby and Serana watched a soft glow radiate from Azriel. Her eyes opened more fully, and her skin was less pale. The blood from the wound on her head stopped flowing and the skin started to heal. Her breathing was less shallow and became steadier.
Azriel looked at her intensely. "I need you to set my bones before I can heal them. Whatever's in my leg, you need to take out. Odahviing can't do it."
Serana inhaled sharply. "Azriel, the pain you'll feel..."
"You have to do it. I can't." Azriel's voice had more strength to it but was still very weak.
Serana nodded. "Alright, let's start with your arm." Serana tried staying upbeat, but the words felt harsh in her mouth.
She moved painstakingly slow, ripping the sleeve open to expose her skin.
The displaced open fractures in her arm made Serana wince. "Azriel..." She looked at the young woman's pained face. "This is really going to hurt."
Azriel closed her eyes tightly. "Go ahead."
Serana expected to hear the Dragonborn scream as she worked. Instead, the woman gritted her teeth with each snap of the bone back into position. Tears streamed from her eyes and the groans that escaped her were subdued.
When Serana finished with her arm, Azriel slowly healed it.
"You have to relocate it now." She said, her breathing labored. She was sweating profusely and in the late afternoon, it had grown significantly colder.
Serana took the healed arm in hers, placing her hand under Azriel's shoulder, she pulled hard upward. This time, Azriel cried out.
Odahviing move his head close once more and breathed gently onto her. His voice was like a hum. "Tolsek. Vorey. Fask."
Azriel's body suffused once more.
Serana moved downward and inspected her leg. "Azriel, I have to break the wood and pull it out. That's what broke your leg."
Azriel dug her fingers into the firmly packed snow. Her body ached terribly. She lifted her head for the first time, trying to keep her legs still. The wooden spear looked huge, and she collapsed once again.
"Serana, just do it."
Serana split her pants around the intrusion, the slight movements caused Azriel to whimper. She placed her hands on the branch, snapping it cleanly at the top. Azriel groaned through her clamped mouth and waved Serana on. She gently lifted her shattered leg enough to pull the offending branch out of her leg and Azriel screamed. Azriel placed her luminescent hands at the top of her thigh and worked her broken bones back together with Serana's help.
For a few minutes, Azriel lay in the snow in silence staring at the afternoon sky. Serana waited patiently by her side, with her fingers entwined with Azriel's. They had restored all her breaks, but Azriel had lost a lot of blood and was badly beaten up. Serana wondered why she just didn't finish healing herself.
Azriel's thoughts were muddled by the realization of how close she had come to dying and to the life she still felt in the gold dragon.
"I need to get up." Azriel's voice was still very weak. "Will you help me?" The question seemed to embarrass her.
"Azriel, you need to rest..." Serana started.
"No. I need up."
"Azriel, you are badly injured. You need..."
"Serana, the other dragon is still alive." Azriel snapped at her.
"Ahziial, his life is nearly at a close..." Odahviing's voice rumbled softly near her ear.
Azriel struggled to rise on her own, pulling her hand from Serana's. The loss of Azriel's touch made Serana feel empty. Her thoughts hovered around everything that had taken place. Azriel's mortality had deeply affected her. The struggling young woman was fierce, to say the least, but the pain she still felt was etched plainly on her face.
Serana took her gently in her arms as Azriel tried to stand. "Let me help you." Azriel relaxed into her arms and Serana lifted her carefully as she stood. As Serana held her, she realized she didn't want to let go.
Azriel leaned on her for a moment, she knew what had to come next. But the thought of losing the vampire's comforting touch made her body ache worse.
Azriel sighed. "Wait here."
She pushed herself away and limped gingerly to the dragon. Odahviing was right, the dragon was badly wounded. His breathing was shallow and labored. Blood flowed from his mouth and ears.
"Saaraadgraat." She kept her voice low.
The dragon shifted slightly and looked at her. "Dovahkiin..." His voice carried on harsh breaths. "You come to end our battle..."
Azriel shook her head. "No, Elder. I come to offer you the sky. You are a worthy opponent and would make a strong ally. I offer Grah-Zeymahzin."
"Dovahkiin, you honor me with your words. You have proven yourself as Thuri..."
"I am not Thuri, the Old One is..."
Blood flowed from the dragon's mouth as he spoke. "You still do not understand our ways... Even if I chose Grah-Zeymahzin, you cannot undo death. Mine... is waiting."
Azriel growled and placed her glowing hands on the dragon's snout. "Not today."
Serana watched Azriel and the resplendent light that surrounded the dragon. The hues that radiated from Azriel and the dragon entranced Serana. She had never seen magic used in the way she was now. The light from Azriel's healing spell was so bright, it was almost blinding.
She searched the dragon as she worked, his injuries were extensive. She was methodical, letting her own discomfort slip away as she channeled her energy. Azriel worked for a long while before her knees gave. Her scratches and wounds began to bleed once more. But she continued until exhaustion made her collapse into the snow in front of him.
Serana moved to be at her side when the Odahviing growled at her. He placed his head in her path. "No, young one. That is not your place."
Saaraadgraat shifted his position and tilted his head to look at her. "Drem, Dovahkiin. You have proven your fearlessness and your strength..." The dragon bowed his head. "You have humbled me, my Thuri."
Azriel lay in the snow, she was exhausted. "Saaraadgraat, my true name is Ahziial. You have my permission to speak it. When you have rested, go to Paarthurnax. Listen to the Old One and find peace in his ways..."
The golden dragon stretched his wings and lifted into the sky. Azriel laid on her back, too tired to move, watching him leave. She heard Serana's light footsteps as she walked closer and knelt next to her.
Serana slipped her arms under Azriel and pulled her up into a tight embrace. 'I thought I lost you..."
Azriel laughed softly. "You're not getting rid of me so easily..."
Serana stroked her bloody hair softly and held her close. The vampire's lips faintly grazed her ear as she spoke. "I was so scared you were gone. Promise me... you will never leave me... I can't bear the thought; you are my only friend."
The sadness in Serana' voice made Azriel's chest hurt. Serana's touch made the misery of knowing her promise would be a lie. The knowledge of the lie was detestable and Azriel closed her eyes, the pain was worse than broken bones. It made her feel hollow. "I promise, I won't leave you." She whispered back.
Serana's long black eyelashes grazed her forehead, her nose delicately tracing her cheek. Azriel felt their lips brush and dug her fingers into the vampire's hair, pulling her lips closer to hers. Serana tugged her bottom lip into her mouth and sucked the sweet nectar of her blood from it. Her fingers of her right hand ran down her arm, stroking it tenderly. Their lips worked together tempestuously. Azriel's desire grew.
Serana pushed her tongue into Azriel's mouth, tasting her. She reached her hand under the hem of Azriel's gambeson, her cool fingers traveled her side. Her touch elicited moans of pleasure from the young woman she held gently in her arms.
Azriel tangled her fingers in Serana's hair forcefully. Her arm was wrapped around Serana's waist and she slid her hand around to the front, letting her hand travel her torso. She started to unbuckle Serana's jacket.
"Ahziial." The dragon's bored voice interrupted them.
Azriel waved him away.
"Ahziial." He wouldn't be deterred.
Azriel pulled away with a groan, she looked at Serana apologetically. She peered over Serana's shoulder as the vampire moved her hair, kissing her neck.
"By the Gods, Odahviing, this seriously had better be important." Azriel could barely concentrate.
"Night approaches, as does the snow."
Azriel scowled at him, shivering as Serana cold fingertips traced the muscles in her stomach. Serana nipped carefully at Azriel's neck, taking care not to break her skin.
"Um, I'm a little busy..." She pointed to the vampire.
Serana giggled into her neck at their exchange.
"Ahziial, the storm will be strongest here."
Azriel sighed. "Damn interloper..."
Serana giggled again, pulling her hand out from under the remains of Azriel's thick wool jacket. Serana looked at it for a moment and realized Azriel was sweating profusely. Serana sat up quickly, she suddenly realized what the dragon meant. "We need to find shelter."
Azriel smiled. "Uh, alright, there's a cave..."
Serana stood, dragging Azriel to her feet. "No, Azriel, you're sweating and you're feverish. We need to get you someplace where you'll be safe."
The rapid change from sitting to standing made Azriel's head spin. Serana held Azriel's hand, looking from her to the dragon. She could smell the snow and looked at the angry clouds gathering rapidly in the sky. A blizzard was coming, and she didn't realize how out of sorts Azriel truly was. The woman was mentally and physically exhausted by her ordeal.
She stepped forward towards the dragon. She was concerned for Azriel's life and if the snowstorm caught them, she'd freeze to death.
Serana bowed to the dragon. "My Lord, where can we find shelter from the storm? Is there a place nearby?"
The dragon chuckled and bent down. "No one has called me Lord in ages, young one. Come, there is a place. I shall take you."
Serana held back, apprehensive of climbing onto the dragon. She looked at Azriel for direction and Azriel smiled at her. Azriel climbed onto him, and Serana picked up her armor, handing it to her. Azriel stuffed it into her rucksack and held out her hand. "Don't look so worried, Serana. Odahviing is the best flyer on Nirn."
Serana smiled. Azriel's laugh made her heart feel lighter. And she took the woman's hand, letting her pull her onto the dragon's neck behind her. Serana threaded her fingers through Azriel's right hand and held on.
Odahviing landed on the low side of the mountain, in a secluded recess. It offered protection from the wind and snow that had already picked up. Serana slid off his neck first, followed by a bleary-eyed and shivering Azriel.
Azriel dug through her rucksack and produced two apples, her water skin, and a bed roll. She threw out the bed roll and sat down hard on it. She quickly ate the apples and drank from the skin as Serana watched her fumble. It was obvious the woman was aching and beat from the day's events. Azriel dug through her sack one last time, producing a small red vial and a bear skin blanket. She drank the contents of the vial, flipped out the blanket, and pulled it over herself as she lay down. Serana walked over and sat down on the bed roll next to her in silence. She was already asleep.
Serana sighed as she laid down on the bed roll next to her. She wasn't tired and her thoughts about the woman sleeping next to her were nagging at her. She stroked Azriel's tangled hair softly, trying not to disturb her. Azriel rolled in her sleep onto her side. Her left arm found its way over Serana and her left leg curled over hers. Serana smirked, tucking her arm under Azriel's head, and pulling her closer.
Odahviing stretched his wing around the two of them, closing out the night sky. He curled his head into his wing, but his golden eye was fixed again on Serana. "It seems I was wrong, young one," his voice was quiet.
The vampire lifted her gaze to meet his. "How so, my Lord?" Her reply was just as low in volume.
The dragon chuckled once more. "I am Odahviing. You do not need to call me Lord." He paused. "I had expected you to harm her. Instead, I only sense your care for her."
Azriel's body began to twitch. Serana pulled her closer, her touch calmed the tremors. She looked back at the dragon. "I do. I will never hurt her and if I can help it, I will never let harm come to her."
"I sense the honesty of your desire. But, even you, daughter of Coldharbour, cannot change her fate. Remember that."
"What do you mean?" She was taken aback by his statement and knowledge of what she was.
"Soon, you will understand." Odahviing's eyes closed with sleep.
Azriel smiled, looking down at the sleeping vampire.
"You care for her?" The dragon watched her. He asked the question with care in his voice.
Azriel looked at him. "Yes." She looked back down at the sleeping vampire.
"And your pack mate?"
Azriel was surprised by the question. She contemplated the dragon for a moment. "Yes."
"Yet, you will not get close to either..." His eye fixed on hers.
Azriel swallowed as she looked down at the sleeping vampire. "Odahviing, my life... The reality of it..." She sighed and looked at the pale blue sky. "I can't."
The dragon watched her internal struggle. "Do you fear failing them?" He nudged his nose into her hand.
She looked down and stroked it. "I don't want to be what hurts them. Today was close." She looked at him. "It was close for both of us."
"Yet, we were victorious, Ahziial. One should not live in fear for the future but for the thrill of the now."
"Says the dragon..." She looked at him with a smile.
Odahviing pushed her towards the vampire. "Wake her. I will give you your privacy, briinah."
Azriel waited until he had crawled to the edge of the ledge. She moved to Serana's side, wincing as she knelt next to her. She lightly caressed her cheek, bending down, Azriel kissed her as softly as a breeze.
Serana pulled her into an embrace, returning the kiss at first subdued, but it quickly built to a hunger. Azriel slipped lower, the werewolf returning the kiss as passionately as the vampire. Serana tightened her arms around her, and Azriel groaned in pain. Serana smirked as Azriel pulled away. "Careful, I could get used to this."
Azriel grimaced. "Can you get used to it without breaking me in half?"
Serana ran her hands over the young woman's tousled hair. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you."
Azriel sat up and rubbed her rib cage. "It's alright, just don't squeeze and, for the love of Akatosh, don't make me laugh. I think I may break again." Her crooked smirk extended into a smile. "It seems I did a damn fine job at losing my weapons, so now we need to change plans and actually stop in Riften," Azriel added.
Serana sat up and folded the blanket. "What's in Riften?" The mischievous gleam in Azriel's eye told her she may not like the answer.
"Besides a fuck load of Stormcloaks? The Thieves' Guild is headquartered there. I keep a serious stash of things locked away. There isn't any place safer in Tamriel."
Serana looked at her quizzically. "Azriel, you're being hunted by Stormcloaks, maybe we should just get you weapons someplace else..."
Azriel laughed and moaned at the same time. "I told you not to make me laugh. You'll understand when we get there. Besides, we're going the back way in. Those fucking idiots will never see us." Azriel packed up her things and pulled another red vial from her rucksack. She drank it quickly and made a face. "Why does something so good for you have to taste like shit?" She mumbled.
Serana scoffed. "Maybe you should try not crashing through a forest."
Azriel cleared her throat. "Maybe someone," she looked directly at Odahviing, and the dragon's eyes went wide with surprise. "Shouldn't hit me with a dragon when I'm busy falling."
Odahviing chuckled. "You complain too much, Ahziial. Besides, our father did not gift you with wings. I merely gave you your own."
Serana looked at the dragon, then at Azriel. He was being sarcastic, but it was what he said that confused her. 'Our father'... It stuck out in her mind.
Serana saw the snowball explode in his face and the dragon laughed harder.
Azriel smiled at her as she stood and held out her hand to Serana. "Feel like flying again?"
Serana smiled and let Azriel pull her up. "With you? Always."