Serana watched from the shadows as Azriel and Sapphire walked down the old brick corridor. The sewer held many places for the skirting vampire to hide. The enchantments on Serana's armor and cloak made her smile under her hood. Azriel had put quite a bit of thought into them and the aftereffect was prodigious. Azriel had played to her strengths and the enchantments had turned out to be amazing.
Azriel had told her that wearing the cloak would aid her skills with both magic and melee, which had surprised her. But, the best surprise was how well it hid her. The chameleon enchantment on her cloak shrouded her in complete darkness. Her boots muffled all sounds of her movements. As she stepped on the various puddles within the hallway, there wasn't even as much as a splash. She smiled as she walked over the water.
Azriel's knowledge of enchantments had impressed her, but now that Serana used them she was in awe of her knowledge. The woman was indeed the most talented enchantress she had ever met. Even better than her mother. Serana fully planned to use her new things to her advantage.
The soft purple glow surrounded the two women as they walked, talking softly. Serana spun the gold ring on her finger once more as the two rounded yet another bend. The life detecting enchantment on it was the best Serana had ever used.
She smiled to herself thinking about it. She hadn't worn her family's insignia ring in years, but it had captured Azriel's immediate attention. For that reason alone, she had given it to her and Azriel had smiled devilishly while she enchanted it. Azriel's smile had been worth it on its own. It had captivated her.
Serana listened to their conversation as they made their way to their destination. The quiet werewolf was agitated and rightly so, Serana thought sadly. The Nord had been doing most of the speaking during their walk. Serana had listened to their conversation of the sewers being expanded and how the older sewers were being reopened. She dismissed it as simple chatter on the other woman's part.
Serana hung back as they came to a lit alcove. In the center was a small garden full of various toxic plants. The pair turned left and Serana quickly followed, but stopped when she looked down. The cloak's enchantment had changed completely. She almost laughed when she saw that she looked like the brinks and plants of the place.
The smells of the sewer had also changed. Serana could smell the dirty, sweaty bodies of the mortals that lived there. She could feel her thirst rise for the first time as she haunted the shadows. The long dark tunnel they now walked through had several small alcoves. Serana followed the two when she saw the Nord put her hand on Azriel's arm.
"Zee, listen. Before we get to Niranye, there's some things you need to know."
Azriel looked at her arm then at Sapphire. "What?" Her voice held her aggravation.
Sapphire sighed impatiently. "She's... She's not the same. Don't go in there expecting to see her. She's changed. The things they did..."
Azriel growled and fully faced the woman. "What did they do to her? Why does everyone feel like they need to keep me in the dark?"
Sapphire crossed her arms. "I'm not fucking keeping you in the dark, Azriel. I'm trying to explain what those pigs did to her." She sighed. "The rest of us are just trying to make it day to day, so get off my case. Okay?"
"I'm sorry, Sapph. I know you hate apologies, but I am. I don't mean to snap at you."
Serana watched the woman drop her guarded stance and rub Azriel's arm. "I get it, you're stressed out... But, don't take it out on me."
"What did they do to her, Sapphire?" Azriel asked quietly once more.
"She's not in a good place. We sent for a Priest to heal her when she got here, but the fucker found out about the Ratway and refused to come down. We paid him off, but the best part is, he found out she was an Elf somehow and refuses to treat her now because of it. Some fucking Priest, huh? Akatosh really knows how to pick his servants."
Azriel shot her a hateful look that the woman missed in the darkness.
She shifted angrily. "I think we should just kill him but..."
Azriel growled once more, interrupting her, angrier about the last comment she made. "Why are you avoiding my question?"
Sapphire shook her head. "She's a high elf that was held in a Nord prison, Zee. Use your fucking imagination."
Azriel brushed past the woman and walked faster. Serana watched the Nord run after her and grab her, slamming her against the wall. "This isn't about you, Zee. You aren't going to help her a damn bit being angry and you know it!"
Serana watched as the woman held the werewolf against the wall. She bit her lip to keep the growl back watching the thief reach up and stroke Azriel's cheek.
"Zee, just... just listen to her. Like you did for me." Her voice was quiet. "Azriel, the weight of it... You can't imagine what it's like. I... I hope you never have to live through... anything like it."
Serana could sympathize with the woman, she instantly understood her meaning. But, her animosity at watching her touch the young werewolf consumed her. The woman was obviously interested in Azriel and it filled her with a selfish rage.
Azriel nodded, but didn't say a word. Sapphire took her hand and Serana watched her place two small vials into it. "Try to get her to take these."
Azriel looked at the vials in her hand. "Hafjorg?"
"No. Ingun." She took a breath before continuing. "The red one... Is in case she got a disease from those bastards. The purple one is for... because she might... Ah fuck."
"She's what, Sapphire?"
"She may be pregnant."
Azriel took a series of deep breaths, tipping her head back against the brickwork. She put the vials in her pocket wordlessly.
Serana watched the two of them stand together in silence. The sewer had become so cold she could see their breaths.
"Zee?"
"Yeah?"
"I think it's best if you don't tell her what they are for." Sapphire resumed stroking her scarred cheek.
They stood there for a short while in total silence before Sapphire moved. She stepped closer, her right leg squeezed between Azriel's. Azriel cleared her throat and pushed herself against the wall. Her right hand rested itself on Sapphire's waist.
"Look, I've been holding on to a job... hoping you'd want to make some coin and have a little fun. Gods know we both could use it." She trailed her fingers down Azriel's jaw.
"It's been a while, Zee." She smiled in the darkness. "All this shit's been rough. With the fucking war and the rest of the bullshit. I think we need a break when this blows over. You definitely need a break."
Serana's fingernails dug into her palm as Sapphire hand traveled down Azriel's neck and chest. She pulled Azriel close and their lips met harshly. Her nails dug into Azriel's stomach as she worked her way lower. She grabbed Azriel roughly by the front of her pants. Her fingers kneaded into Azriel's groin eliciting a feral growl that tore through Azriel's throat.
She spun Sapphire, pinning her to the wall by her wrists.
Sapphire smirked. "I'll take that as a yes?"
Serana was furious as she watched Azriel hold the other woman. Azriel's excitement at the Nord's touch made her seethe. She coveted the Dragonborn and her jealousy reared once more.
Azriel's face was next to hers. "Maybe..."
Sapphire smirked trying to wiggle free, Azriel adjusted her grip tighter, pushing the woman further into the wall.
"Just maybe?"
Serana could hear the arousal in her voice and watched in jealous rage as a wolfish grin spread across the heated werewolf's face.
"Maybe... But right now we have things to do."
Serana's body remained tense as she watched Azriel let go and start to walk away again. The Nord grabbed her by her hair and roughly shoved her against the wall.
"I want a yes out of you..." She panted hotly.
Azriel growled, but the grin remained. "Sucks to be you, doesn't it Sapph?"
Serana barley contained the hiss that almost escaped when Sapphire's hand gripped Azriel's hair tightly. Sapphire pressed her body hard against Azriel's.
"Fuck maybe, Dragonborn. Say yes." Her other hand worked its way under Azriel's light tunic. Her fingers found Azriel's breast and she pinched her nipple hard. Azriel snarled with pleasure, closing her eyes.
"What's wrong, Zee? Sense of loyalties overriding your sense of fun?" She breathed into her ear.
"What?" Azriel's voice was hoarse.
Sapphire's immoral grin betrayed her thoughts. Her lips grazed her cheek. "That bitch you're with..."
Azriel grabbed her hand from under her shirt and pulled it away. She shoved herself off the wall infuriated. "Her name is Serana, Sapph. Don't fucking insult her."
"Fuck sakes, Zee... chill the fuck out. I'm kidding! Just 'cause you're with her, doesn't mean we can't have some fun."
"We're not together, Sapph." Azriel growled.
"Oh please, Zee. She's been practically up your ass. I saw the way you look at her." She laughed. "She's totally your type."
"My type?" Azriel glared at her. "We're... it doesn't matter." She exhaled harshly. "Just never mind."
Sapphire grabbed her hand as she tried to walk away, pulling her around. "Never mind what? She not as fun as the hot red haired bitch you like to drag around?"
Serana clenched her fists in pure fury.
Azriel stared at her in disbelief. "Fuck you, Sapphire. Now you're insulting Aela too?"
"Oh come on, Zee! What the fuck?" Sapphire crossed her arms. "I'm not insulting anyone. I just want to have some fun. Where's your sense of humor lately?"
"I lost it falling off a dragon." Azriel grumbled.
Sapphire rolled her eyes and turned away. "Yeah. Right. Whatever. Let's just go."
"Sapph, just stop."
Sapphire turned back to her. "I swear to Sithis, you try to apologize, I'll fucking stab you."
Azriel sighed, she knew Sapphire and knew she was kidding in her own way. I didn't change the fact it rubbed her wrong. "I'm not going to apologize, I know... I know you don't mean anything by it. I'm on edge and I freaked out on you cause of it. Aela is... complicated, you know we're just friends... and Serana..." Azriel took a deep breath. "I'm not her type."
"Zee, I don't give a shit about how complicated things are with Aela." Sapphire laughed briskly. "But, I get it. And that vampire... are you blind? She's all over you."
Azriel rolled her eyes. "Of course she is. I'm mortal."
Sapphire smirked evilly. "For what is worth, the red head is hotter." She grabbed Azriel's hand and pulled her along as Serana silently steamed. "Then again, I have a thing for red heads."
Azriel rolled her eyes as they continued their walk.
Azriel put her hand on Sapphire' as she reach the door. "I want to see her alone."
Sapphire nodded to her. "I figured as much."
Azriel put her hand on the latch. "Sapph, the Priest... Where is he?"
"Bryn got him a room at the Bee and Barb. He hasn't left since he got here. Why?"
Azriel's eyes held only rage. "I think you're right. We should kill him. If you preform the Black Sacrament, I'll uphold the contract."
Sapphire furrowed her brow. "What about Astrid?"
Azriel's smile was pure evil. "Send her word. She can be pissed at me, just do the usual rate and send her the gold from my take."
"Why don't you just slit his fucking throat and be done with it? Saves some bullshit..."
Azriel sneered at the thought of giving the Priest an easy way out of life and giving him a cozy death. "I plan to, but I want to send his soul to the Void."
Sapphire grinned. "Not letting him out of this the easy way, huh? Alright, I'll do it."
Azriel pushed open the door and the little girl sitting on the floor looked up. Her smile grew and she jumped up to run over to Azriel.
"Azriel! You're here!" She wrapped herself around Azriel as she stooped low and picked her up. The little girl's hair bobbed as she giggled.
"I didn't know you were here, Sophie..." Azriel looked at Sapphire, who shrugged her shoulders.
Serana watched in surprise as the little girl hugged Azriel close.
"I couldn't let her starve to death in that shit hole you like to waste your coin on. Besides, Niranye freaked out and wouldn't calm down until she saw her."
Sophie pulled away, looking at Azriel. "Niranye is really sick. Is that why you're here?"
Azriel smiled softly at the little girl and brushed her locks from her face. "Yes. I came to see if I could help her. But first, how are you, Little One?"
Serana could hear the affection in Azriel's voice. The words Little One stood out in her mind... The Orc called her that...
Serana looked closer at the little girl and took in her features. Her jet black hair and green eyes stood out in contrast to her pale skin. She looked familiar, but different. The blood memories haunted Serana once more as she realized how much the girl in Azriel's arms looked like the girl in her memories.
The little girl's giggle distracted Serana from her thoughts and she watched Azriel tickle her playfully. For the briefest moment Serana saw joy on Azriel's face, the Dragonborn's smile was infectious as she felt smile on her own lips. For that one moment, Serana saw true happiness as she held the child. She realized once again that Gabriella was right. Serana allowed her own self a single thought more, looking at the young woman who cradled the child. It reminded her of fairy tale of a silly young woman, who once wanted a family of her own, so long ago. She brushed the memory away as foolish. That life would never happen, nor had she thought about it in millennia.
The joyful look disappeared just as quickly as it came when Azriel knelt down and set the girl on the floor. "Sophie, go with Sapph and I'll see you soon, okay?"
The little girl hugged her and kissed her on her exposed right cheek. "Please don't leave without saying goodbye to me..."
Azriel smiled sadly. "I won't. Promise."
"Come on kid, Auntie Sapphire is going to show you a new game..." Sapphire took the girl's hand and they started to walk down the tunnel. "It's called 'Slipping Spider Eggs into Vipir's shoes'..."
"Why are we going to put spider eggs in his shoes?"
"Because he's an a... A slimy jerk... And if you can put things into his shoes without getting caught, you can learn to take things too." Sapphire finished with a smug smile.
"You were going to say asshole, weren't you? Its okay, Azriel says it a lot!"
Serana stepped back as they both passed laughing. She looked back at the door way, Azriel had disappeared. Serana stepped quietly through the door. The room was large, but Azriel had walked through it and now stood in front of another door. Serana watched her palm a dagger setting on the table and push open the door gently.
Serana watched Azriel walk to the woman seated in a chair near the fire place and kneel down. Serana crept in the shadows where the firelight wouldn't reach.
For a minute, the woman stared at Azriel, neither spoke. Tears rolled from the Elf's eyes as she stared at the kneeling Dragonborn in front of her. She held tightly to the robes wrapped around her as if she depended on them for her very life. For a minute, neither moved. Then the Elf loosened her grip in the slightest, rage contorting her face, and she slapped Azriel hard.
The sound of the slap filled Serana's ears. She bit her lip, trying to control the desire to step forward and protect Azriel.
Azriel didn't move at all to defend herself. For another minute, Azriel's head remained bowed in front of the woman.
Serana watched Azriel twirl the blade in her hand and with her eyes lowered, she took the Elf's limp hand in hers. Azriel delicately placed the dagger handle in the woman's hand, closing her fingers around it.
Azriel lifted the woman's hand and the blade to her throat. She pressed the dagger point into her neck and lifted her eyes to Niranye's.
Serana fought with herself over Azriel's act, she offered her life to the woman for her grief. It was an act older than Serana, a means for atonement. Serana watched as tears slipped down Niranye's face.
She pressed the dagger into Azriel's skin, breaking it.
Serana took a step as a single droplet of blood ran down Azriel's neck. Azriel didn't move or make a sound. She waited patiently as the woman made her decision.
Once again, Serana was truly afraid for Azriel's wellbeing. The look on Azriel's face was that of remorse, but it also held a sense of peace as to what could possibly happen.
Serana knew Azriel would let Niranye take her life, if that was her choice.
Niranye watched the droplet slowly roll down Azriel's neck and dropped the blade. The woman collapsed off of her chair in a torrent of tears, sobbing into Azriel's arms.
Serana observed Azriel as she silently comforted the woman that cried in her arms and soon Niranye spoke. The tale of degradation explained the torture she had endured at the hands of the Stormcloaks. Serana felt the weight grow in her chest as she watched Azriel listen in complete silence to the woman's ordeal. Each detail more gruesome than the last, the Dragonborn's face emptied of emotion. Tears and words tumbled endlessly from the woman and Serana felt immense guilt for intruding on the degrading conversation. She knew all too well the woman's suffering.
Yet, she justified the intrusion to herself. It was the only way to understand Azriel.
She focused on Azriel as Niranye spoke, watching her eyes and the vacancy of the human that once resided in them. Serana couldn't tell what was going through her mind anymore, her eyes had lost their humanity. All that remained was the animal within her. The layers of gold were striated with a reptilian coldness, the eyes of a dragon.
Eventually, the Elf only cried and Azriel held her in comforting silence. When her sobs had grown quieter, Azriel lifted the woman and carried her to her bed. She rested her gently onto her pillows and pulled the two vials from her pocket. She removed the corks offering them one at a time to Niranye, who downed them without question.
Throughout everything that had happened, Azriel never made a sound.
Serana had seen enough and made her way out of the room as Azriel began to heal the woman of her injuries. She walked as a phantom through the old sewer contemplating everything she had witnessed. She felt sorrow. She had followed Azriel to gain an understanding of her. Yet, she had this hollowing guilt because she felt like she had betrayed an unspoken agreement they had established somewhere along the way. Once again she comforted herself with the knowledge that it was the only way to truly understand someone. To observe Azriel without her knowing, was to observe her life without a certain bias.
Serana pushed open the door to their shared room. The smell of stale, cold food assailed her nose, but so did the smell of the young wolf. Her smell was unique to her and her alone. The smell of fire and animal. Serana inhaled the scent, letting it wash over her. It's was then she noticed a faint smell, something hidden in it. But, she couldn't figure out what it was.
Serana felt empty without her near. She cursed herself again for her own temper and the hateful words she had spoken. She knew they would wound her, but she hadn't considered Azriel's feelings, only her own.
Now, she was alone again.
She didn't remove her hood as she quietly searched the woman's belongings. Her curiosity had not out weighted her caution. The wardrobes and dressers held nothing but either new clothing or ruined clothing, which was at some point abandoned.
She turned her attention to the two chests. Neither were locked and both contained old weapons and other things, but nothing worth noting. She turned to the black chest in the middle. The caved box seemed to radiate a soft power. She knelt down next to it and ran her fingers across it. The box hummed and the ancient symbols became luminous, then dark as her fingers left it. She looked at it with a smirk, the lock was magic. She smiled to herself and placed her hand on the top.
The ancient symbols glowed, strong and bright. She read the words as they lit.
Speak, I shall open...
Serana inspected the sides and front of the box. The symbols depicted an old battle, somehow it struck her she should know it. Dragons on the side shimmered and moved; men sent arrows high from the front at them. Serana watch in wonder as the scene played out.
Serana heard Azriel's heartbeat as she approached. She quickly stood and the symbols faded. She moved to the corner, not sure if the woman would welcome her presence, she decided to remain hidden.
Azriel opened the door, not remembering the path she took to get back to her room. Her feet had simply carried her along. She entered and the shut the door, leaning against it. She closed her eyes trying to calm the anger festering inside of her. She focused on her breathing, but the smell of the vampire and stale food made her head spin.
She looked around the room thinking quietly to herself. She missed the vampire's cool touch and calming presence. But, it didn't dampen the hurt of her words and even though her words were carelessly hurtful, Serana had been right. She had no idea about real families and had assumed the vampire had wanted to end her father's life. She would kill to have the vampire there... even if the woman simply glared at her for being equally thoughtless with her own words. She needed to apologize somehow, but she was at a loss. She had left her behind callously and had no idea how to approach her now.
She shook her head. Her body ached badly, she was exhausted, and she was hungry. But, nothing held her interest other than revenge for Niranye. She had made up her mind and she was set on her path. The Stormcloaks were nothing but vermin and she would kill every single one she crossed paths with.
Azriel knelt in front the black box. The last two days had been unbearably taxing and she tried to reel in the sudden force of emotion that smothered her. Azriel carefully pulled her amulet from her neck and crushed it in her fist. She couldn't look at it. Tears were at a flooding point and the pressure in her chest made her feel like she would explode.
Serana watched Azriel's body shake as she wept quietly, sinking farther into the floor and withdrawing into herself. The tears she shed were a constant stream. Serana silently cursed herself for remaining hidden. The woman's pain was clear and she had selfishly overlooked the possibility that Azriel would need comforting after everything that she had witnessed.
She had blown her chance to redeem herself.
Azriel held her fist close to her lips, anger shook her quiet voice as she spoke. "How could you curse me more? To live a life that destroys everything around me! Everything I touch is damned." Tears rolled down her pained face. "How am I better than Alduin? You should have let him claim my soul... This world, it's so full of hatred. What have I accomplished saving it?"
Azriel opened her hand and Serana saw the amulet of Akatosh. "A father shouldn't condemn his daughter to a life so cold. The emptiness... the never ending loneliness... I can't do this anymore! How much must I endure?" She took a shaky breath. "I am so tired of it all. So tired..." Azriel's growl deepened. "...of being Dragonborn. I am tired of being you daughter, Akatosh." She threw the amulet against the far wall.
Serana's mouth fell open.
Azriel wiped her tears away on the back of her sleeve. She looked up at the black box. "BEX!" The word was a soft roar and purple flames burned the center of the box. In a second it was over as the lid popped open.
"Sapphire was right, Lord of Time. You know how to pick your servants." She spat.
Azriel reached into the box and pulled out a small bundle swaddled in crimson cloth. The power that radiated from it chilled the room in an instant. "How ironic, yet perfect."
She reached in a second time and pulled forth a blood red mass. She stood and quickly stripped.
Serana smirked... The woman seemed to never wear underclothes.
She untied the small mass and pulled a loose fitting top and pants on. The boots she tied quickly and rose braiding her hair.
Serana watched her with renewed interest as she bent once more and picked up the small parcel. Azriel unwrapped the object and Serana fought against a gasp.
"Lord Dagon's razor..." Azriel's smile was pure evil. "Tonight, it will find your servant's throat."
She kicked the box shut with her foot. "SRIN!" The chest melded together.
Azriel closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "Lucian." She opened her eyes as the word left her lips.
The solitary word made the room go dark, the candles that had lit when Azriel walked in, extinguished at once. The word itself had stretched as she spoke like it was said quietly into a vast emptiness.
Movement on the walls caught Serana's attention. She felt a presence, a mass so dense it filled the room. Shadows danced and a single form moved rapidly across the wall in front of Azriel. The feelings Serana had, brought the vampire on edge.
Something was coming.
The large shadow had an odd shape, a form. Serana realized it was a man as the shadow pulled away from the wall, becoming corporeal.
"There is murder in the air... I. Can. Taste it."
The voice was so cold, it made Serana shiver.
Azriel's serpentine voice surprised Serana more. "Hail Sithis!" Azriel smiled a wicked grin. "There is, dear brother. Tonight, another soul will find his way to the Void."
The specter laughed. "A contract written in blood... The Sacrament has been performed. But, I sense your hesitance, dear one."
His voice rolled like a black wave in the night, cold and unforgiving.
Azriel nodded. "I asked for the contract, our sister Sapphire has performed it. But, Astrid has not approved it. Is... Is this allowed?"
"Hmmm." The specter started to pace and stopped in front of Serana, observing her with interest.
The coldness that rolled from him made Serana shudder under his gaze. She felt his connection deep in the Void.
"There was a time that it was not. Things have changed... The Speaker will eventually know, my dear Sister." He paused and smiled directly at Serana. "I feel our Dread Father's will. The Priest of Akatosh... his soul shall be claimed this night." The specter's voice flowed like a deep river, his eyes lingered on Serana only a moment longer, before turning back to Azriel.
Azriel stuffed the blade into her belt. "Come, Brother. I'm in the mood for blood."
Azriel pulled the hood over her head. When she turned, Serana saw the Black Hand print on the front of her blood red clothes. Together the specter and Azriel slipped through the door.
Serana exhaled hard and pulled her hood off.
Azriel pulled herself up onto the roof. Like a shadow she moved along it, leaping to the roof of the inn. She worked her way to the side of the inn as the specter traversed the roof and disappeared inside.
Azriel pushed open the wooden window and ducked inside. The hallway was bathed in a warm glow from the sconces on the wall. Azriel willed them to dim as she walked silently down the corridor. The specter stepped forward from a closed doorway and beckoned her inside.
Quietly, the lock clicked and Azriel pushed open the door.
The Priest hummed to himself as he wrote in his ledger. A hefty stack of coins sat near a large purse. He was obviously counting them.
Azriel glared as she quietly approached him from behind. She pulled the dagger and caught the man's mouth in her hand, crushing it closed.
"Priest of Akatosh." Her whispers like venom. "The woman you condemned to rot in a cell made of flesh will never know peace... and neither will you. For that, I condemn your soul to the Void."
Azriel drug the dagger across his throat and held him as he bled. She dropped his head in a pool of blood, his body slumping over the ledger.
She wiped the dagger off on his robes and scorched a hand print into his back. She stood smiling, admiring her work.
"The Dread Father is pleased with your work, Child." The specter said as he faded.
Azriel turned and disappeared from the room, closing the door behind her. She left the way she came and as she ducked back through the window, the sconces returned to their normal glow.
Azriel ran across the rooftop and dropped down into the shadows. She darted quickly from one to the next, heading back to the Ratway. She peered over the railing and spotted a Stormcloak officer slumped against an old rowboat.
Azriel jumped lightly down, landing as quietly as a butterfly next to the drunken man. For a moment she contemplated him.
He'll do...
Serana heard the woman's rapid heartbeat as she approached, but she heard a second heartbeat as a slow thump. She quickly stood and pulled her hood over her head once more. She could still feel the woman's rage; it was a deadly hum inside of herself.
Azriel burst through the door, dropping the hooded man on the floor hard. She smelled the room around her. The vampire had been there, her scent was strong.
She shut the door and walked to the man, kneeling down over him. She stripped the hood from his head, but he was still out cold. Azriel removed a gag from her pouch and stuffed it in his mouth. She checked the knots on his wrists before proceeding.
Azriel held out her hand and snapped her wrist. A vortex opened against the back wall and a Dremora stepped forward. He looked around the room for a moment, his eyes resting only for a second on Serana, then he walked to Azriel and knelt.
"My Lord, what is your command?"
Azriel looked down at the man she held and placed a finger on his forehead. "Wake." Her Thu'um was a whisper, causing the air to vibrate and the man stirred. He looked at the hooded woman and tried to fight against his ties.
Azriel chuckled softly. "You, my dear, are pretty fucked. You picked the wrong doorway to pass out drunk in."
Azriel removed her hood and smiled wolfishly as the man's eyes sprang wide in fear.
"You dress like a bear, but you have the heart of a snake, Stormcloak." Azriel stood looking at the kneeling Dremora.
"Vyrrny, bring me a Sigil Stone." She said simply.
The Dremora slowly looked up at her. "Lord Dagon will not be pleased another is missing."
The wolfish grin Azriel wore spread. She picked up the man effortlessly. "Then bring him this. He is my sacrifice in trade." She shoved the man at the Dremora who caught him by the throat.
The Dremora smiled. "Yes, my Lord." He stepped through the portal and vanished with the Stormcloak.
Azriel's shoulders slumped. She felt very tired all of the sudden. She drug her feet as she walked to the black chest. "BEX!"
Purple flames seared the opening and the lid sprang open. Azriel pulled off her clothes and threw them in. She sat naked for a moment, thinking about what she needed from the box before she was to leave for Fort Dawnguard.
She pulled another bundle of enchanted clothing from the chest and set it on the floor next to her. The set was as black as night and a certain coldness washed from them. She reached inside and pulled a dragon bone bow from the chest and two identical dragon bone swords.
Serana looked at the swords and the bow. The style was totally different than the ones she had lost.
Azriel set all three on the floor. She dug around inside and pulled a large blue bag out and set it next the swords. She pulled a long wrapped package from the depths and sealed the lid to the chest.
Azriel rose and went to the wardrobe, Serana watching from the shadowy corner in silence as the naked woman pulled fresh clothing from it. She pulled a pair of black leather pants on and slipped a lightweight black tunic over her torso.
Serana felt a pang of disappointment seeing her with clothes on.
Azriel got dressed in time for the vortex to reappear. The Dremora stepped out and knelt in front of her, holding out the stone. "Your sacrifice appeases Lord Dagon."
"Thank you, Vyrrny." She said holding the stone close. "Now, go."
The Dremora stood, backing into the portal.
Azriel turned, facing the center of the room. The candles that lit the room extinguished and she held the stone in her hand away from her. It began to turn slowly emit a soft fiery glow. It lifted off her hand and floated just above it. The runes cast a hearth-like glow onto Azriel's face. Their shape wiggled and danced as she stared at it, transfixed.
Serana watched her face go slack as the stone rotated slowly. The dark magic filled the room with a warm, wet weight. It was oppressive, but it intrigued Serana with its power.
The room around her ceased to exist, only darkness and fire surrounded her. The knowledge filled Azriel as the words spiraled by and filled her as though it were something she had always known. It left her with a craving when it ended, a need to have more. The knowledge was like an addiction. A seed had been planted in her mind by the dark magic of the stone and now it had blossomed. It only took a few minutes, but when Azriel looked up she had understood the knowledge contained in the stone.
Azriel didn't think it was possible to ever feel so tired as the stone touched her hand. She could barely move as she walked to her pile. For a moment, she considered laying down next to her things, but she needed to finish. She sniffed the air once more.
Whether the vampire would speak on a personal level to her again or not, she knew that she would soon want to go. Stopping her father was important to Serana and Azriel knew the sooner they left the better. She had sensed the vampire's urgency. But, the idea of doing anything other than sleeping was painful. Azriel dropped the stone into the blue sack with the others and sat down on the floor. Her weapons needed to be enchanted, but the time and energy it would take she knew she didn't have. She was unbearably tired.
She moved her hand to the wrapped object she had set to the side. She pulled it close, she had only ever used it once before and it had decimated her enemies. Slowly, she unwrapped it and was surprised by the intense glow of the sword. The sword only ever glowed around the undead. For a full minute, she sat there puzzled. Then the realization struck her. The smell, the glow, it meant only one thing.
"Laas. Yah. Nir." The whisper fell from her lips as she stood slowly, still holding the glowing sword.
She glanced left and right, seeing nothing.
"This sword is unique in its properties." She said the words casually as she turned, keeping her eyes on the floor.
"It only glows when it's near the undead." She slowly lifted her glowing golden eyes from the floor towards Serana.
Serana felt Azriel's indignation within herself and she blinked, for a second she saw the dragon standing in front of her.
"It's called Dawnbreaker. It's a gift from the Lady of Life, Meridia. How long have you been watching me?" She snarled.
Serana pulled the hood back, but pushed herself against the wall. She could feel the sword's power and she didn't want it close to her.
Azriel took a step forward, spinning the sword in her hand. "I asked you, how long?!"
"Azriel, please put down the sword."
Azriel took another step and Serana could feel her rage becoming worse. "I fucking asked you how long you've been creeping in that corner. And you tell me to put down the sword?"
"Please, Azriel... that sword... It's making me nervous."
"How long have you been there for, Serana?" Her voice was booming.
"Long enough to watch you throw a man to a Dremora, now put down that fucking sword, Ahziial!"
Serana's voice stopped her advance and she looked at her hand. She looked at Serana's worried face. She turned and threw the sword behind her into the wall, where it stuck. Azriel didn't notice the power Serana exuded over her by using her real name, nor had she noticed the force of her voice. Only her plea.
Azriel's body still vibrated as she looked at Serana. "Why? Why would you spy on me?" Her voice was disbelieving as she stood there looking at the woman bathed in red light.
"How could I approach you Azriel? You've been nothing but angry!"
"That doesn't justify spying on me!" Azriel stepped closer.
Serana stepped forward. "You aren't exactly approachable when you're pissed."
"You're the one that's pissed at me, again!"
The two moved closer to each other, as moths would draw to flame.
"Azriel, you've been pissed for days. You were angry before you fought those dragons. Now, all I feel is your constant rage! It's making me angry and I don't like it."
"Where in your mind does that justify spying, Serana?"
"Azriel, I am trying to understand you. I feel like every time we talk, we argue. I just want to understand why you are the way you are. You let me start to get close to you and then you shove me away. I don't understand it and I'm tired of your mixed messages."
"That doesn't justify you stalking me like... like..."
Serana crossed her arms defensively. "Like what? A vampire?"
Azriel stared at her. "I wasn't going to say that. This has nothing to do with you being a vampire and you know it."
"Doesn't it?"
Azriel rubbed her head. "Why the fuck do you think I'd care about that? Serana, I see you as a person! I don't care that..."
"You think just because you're mortal, I see you as food. Not that I'd actually want to have a legitimate friendship with you or that I could possibly be capable of such a thing! You see me as a monster, just like everyone else does!"
Azriel felt like Serana had punched her, she could feel her body shake as she realized how long the vampire had been following her.
"Serana." Her voice was low, but she couldn't keep that from shaking as well. "How long have you been stalking me?"
Serana glared at her. "Long enough to know how you feel."
"Do you have any respect whatsoever when someone asks to be left the fuck alone?" Azriel clenched her fists in anger. "Do you know how absolutely violated I feel right now?"
"Violated? Fucking really? Azriel, I want to know you! But, I have to get past all of your anger and I don't know how too. I can't understand you at all. Yes. I followed you. But, I did it because I'm trying to figure you out. I did it because I..."
"You really want to know about me?" Azriel yelled, shaking.
Azriel was so close Serana could feel the heat from her body. The woman's heat made her body ache. It distracted her and her thirst was burning in her throat. She had almost said her true reasons, but Azriel had interrupted her. Now, she lost had lost her courage.
"Yes, Azriel. I do." She kept her voice quiet.
"Fine! I'm tired of being me. Tired of constantly being so alone. I am sick of every petty fucking thing that people want from me. I'm sick of everything, Serana. I constantly question why I didn't just let Alduin have this world!"
Serana could feel her blistering body heat rising, but the temperature in the room plummeted.
"I would give anything to have what these fucking bastards throw away on a whim. I just want something normal." Azriel's voice cracked as she continued.
"I want someone that can see past how ugly I am. I want someone that cares for me. Even if it was just for a day. I would give my life... my very soul for it. I want to know what that feels like to be held by someone that cares for me like I care for them!"
Azriel's body shook from her sudden emotional outburst and her exhaustion. Rage filled tears slipped down her cheeks, the words pouring from her like a stream. "I want to know what it feels like not to feel constantly angry. But, I don't know how too... I don't know how not to resent the life I have. To not have any choice in it. I don't know how to keep going anymore."
She took a shaky breath and stepped in close to Serana. They were inches apart. "I wanted a life in Skyrim that was nothing like this. I wanted to be free of my chains. I wanted a family of my own eventually..."
Azriel's chest heaved as she spoke and Serana could feel every bit of chaos inside of her. She felt her bitter disappointment and her honesty. With every word Azriel spoke she felt the unbearable weight on Azriel's young shoulders. She heard the crashing of her heart drumming in her ears, and she knew she needed her blood.
"But, I can't have those things because I'm fucking Dragonborn. I'm more of a slave now than I ever was in Cyrodiil!" Azriel's eyes practically were glowing.
"I have some special blessing, don't I? Let me tell you how special it is to watch the world around me constantly fall to pieces. No matter how hard I try, there's always something else. Some new thing that can't wait and only I supposedly can fix. Do you know what it's like? Can you understand? I bet you can't. Want to know what the fucking best part is? Every life I touch is somehow shittier than before I got there. I am the reason so many peoples' lives are destroyed. Kodlak, Marduk, Tabithah, Savos, Mirabelle..." She held up her fingers as she went through their names.
"They're all dead because of something I did! So you tell me how I'm not supposed to be angry. Tell me how I'm supposed to feel! Because... because, I can't do this anymore. I am so lost, Serana."
Serana grabbed her and held her close, feeling her body collapse into her. The static charge welded them in place. For a moment, Azriel didn't move. Serana felt her arms slowly wrap around her, then she pulled Serana closer. Serana sighed as she did.
Neither spoke for a while and Serana carefully stroked the shaking woman's hair. The closeness was comforting and painful for both of them. The shock of their mutual touch burning them both with its intensity to the point neither could speak.
The minutes ticked by, but they didn't move.
"This war..." Her voice was a ragged whisper. "I could have stopped it. I could have killed Ulfric Stormcloak when I had the chance, but I let him live when I walked out. I'll never forgive myself for what's happened to Niranye. I could have saved so many peoples' lives... saved Niranye from this... but, I didn't. It's my fault..."
"Shhhh, Azriel..." Serana breathed the words into her ear as she brushed her hair away. Serana pulled her as close as she possibly could, holding her tightly. Serana's fingers entwined into her hair, keeping her in place.
Azriel held Serana in an emotional grip that she wasn't even aware of it. The woman's sorrow ate through her. But, the feel of Azriel against her, the smoldering tension between them was driving Serana over the edge and her thirst was overpowering her.
She felt Azriel shake her head. "I don't see you as a monster, Serana. I am the one that is a monster. I have no remorse for the people I kill, but I have heard yours. I cause more damage than a legion of dragons. You shouldn't be around me... I'll just do the same to you. In some way, I'll end up hurting you too."
She inhaled the woman's scent and let it flood over her. "No, Azriel, you won't."
"You were right before..."
Serana's lips grazed her ear as she spoke. "About what?"
Azriel shivered as she pulled back slowly looking into her burning eyes. The vampire's fragrance filled her nose and mouth. Azriel drank the woman in, her own desires caught in her chest. She wanted Serana close to her. She shook as she realized how empty she felt without her near.
"I don't know anything about real families. I'm sorry for what I said about your Father. I thought... I thought that was what you wanted. I didn't understand."
Serana pulled her back into her embrace. The mortal's heart was beating rapidly, the sound made her mouth water. Serana struggled for the words as she fought against her thirst. It was painful. The desires she had, the craving was for only this woman's blood and for Azriel herself.
Azriel's hands traced Serana's form, down her back then up her sides. She closed her eyes tightly, feeling her body under her leather armor. The vampire's cold body in her arms frustrated her further. She wanted her there. She couldn't get over how comforting she truly was. She was still angry at her intrusion and at herself for her episode.
Serana's hand worked its way under her tunic and onto her back, pulling her closer still. The wetness on Azriel's cheeks brushed against Serana's and Serana couldn't control herself any longer. Her lips grazed Azriel's skin on her jaw as she spoke quietly. "Azriel, I'm sorry for before as well. I purposely wounded you with what I said because I was angry."
Serana slowly kissed down her throat and Azriel moaned softly. Azriel's hands knotted into Serana's hair pulling her in tight. Her lips burned icily against her skin and the want in Azriel made her heart race. Serana's fangs drug across her skin and Azriel's body burned.
She couldn't let go of the vampire if she tried.