Azriel stood on the boulder, sniffing the air. She smiled under her hood at the twin moons and stars. The night was brisk, but beautiful.
My kind of night...
She looked at the moons thinking about the woman that they reminded her of. She missed Aela. The more time they spent apart, the more she wondered about her. This was the kind of night they would have gone on a hunt.
Aela was still at High Hrothgar, studying. The thought comforted her that werewolf was safe from the stupidity of the war around her, at least for now. She wondered how her studies were going and how much she had learned by now. It would take years, but with Paarthurnax as a teacher, she wondered if that was still true. She smiled thinking about Aela shouting at Vilkas or Farkas. She chuckled, thinking about Aela bitching out a Draugr before killing it. That's totally her style... Aela's the Queen of Shit Talking.
She sighed looking at the sky and then down at the woman patiently waiting below her.
Serana watched her with interest.
Serana and Aela were alike in some ways and others they were completely opposite. Both were brilliantly fascinating, their depths she could become lost in. It was painful how badly she wanted too.
Azriel sighed. I wonder if they'd get along...
She missed Aela's laugh and the way it made her feel so warm inside. Aela made her feel cared about and she cared for Aela.
Aela's outgoing nature and strength made her beautiful. But, her fierceness made her incredible.
When Azriel let herself envision it, Aela would make the perfect partner for someone, if she didn't kill them first. But, she didn't take the thought farther than that. The sadness she felt from it... Aela was too good for her and she knew it. But, it didn't quench her desire for the woman.
From the moment they met, Azriel had loved her. Her memories swirled around the first time she had met her. The depths of her silver eyes had burned their way into her mind.
Azriel groaned.
She closed her eyes and pulled her hood off her head, letting the cold breeze wash the night over her. She stood still, pensive as her thoughts ebbed and flowed. She let herself roll with it, drifting on the current of her memories and thoughts.
Azriel's wolf nipped softly at the edges of her mind. She felt her wolf's desire to hunt and shared it. But, her responsibility to helping Serana came first.
She looked back down at the vampire. The moonlight reflecting off her skin combined with the blaze of her eyes was stunning. Serana was silent, graceful, caring, and absolutely lethal. The vampire was too complex to try and sum up so tritely. But, if it wasn't true in its simplicity, she didn't know what was. Serana made her soul quake with a look and her will crumble with a touch.
Azriel shook her head, letting her hair tumble out of her hood.
Serana smiled at her and she returned the smile. Azriel thought about the way she felt when they touched and shivered. She could feel the bond they shared, it made her feel... a lot of things at once.
Azriel felt the dragon deep within her roar as she longed for the vampire's touch. She sighed letting the smile die from her lips. She had come to terms with her feelings for both of them, but both were out of reach.
The wolf howled in her mind.
The warmth she felt for both of them was suddenly swallowed by the coldness within herself. As desperately as she wanted to have them both close, she also knew she was being selfish. In the end, she would never have what she wanted from either of them. She wouldn't let her feelings and selfish desires hold them back from finding someone that would make them truly happy.
Her thoughts made her ache. What she wanted and what she could ultimately have ripped her in two.
"Are you going to spend the night up there, howling at the moons?" Serana taunted her quietly.
Azriel allowed herself a wolfish grin. "Depends."
Serana crossed her arms. "On?"
"Do you plan on joining me or not?" She teased back.
"Maybe."
"Maybe, huh? How about a definitive answer? But, I warn you. I may stay up here for the rest of the night if you say no. Then again if you say yes..." Azriel couldn't help a smart remark. "...you might be the one howling."
She heard Serana laugh, the next second she was standing next to her. The move surprised Azriel so much she nearly fell. Serana caught her and steadied her back in place, but continued to hold her after she had regained her balance.
"So, how do you propose on making me howl?" Serana's smile was full of mirth.
Azriel was in awe. "How the fuck did you do that?"
Serana laughed at the obviousness of her question. "I jumped."
Azriel stared hard at her. "The fuck you did! I didn't even see you move."
Serana shrugged, her arms tightened around Azriel slightly. "Well I did." She answered with a whisper.
Serana could still feel the deep sadness in Azriel. She would kill to take back that single sentence, now she needed a way to make things right.
Azriel narrowed her eyes at her. "How fast can you move now?"
Serana chucked at the question. "Faster than you, slow poke."
"On the count of three, jump down with me."
Serana let go of her. "Why wait?"
Azriel blinked and she was on the ground. Azriel stared at her for a second.
"That is fucking awesome!" And jumped from the rock next to her as Serana laughed hard.
"I got you to come down." Serana gloated with a smile.
Azriel glared at her playfully, then took her hand. They continued their walk as Azriel thought quietly.
"What are you thinking about?" Serana asked softly after a short while.
"I love nights like these and it makes me miss hunting on the plains. Really, I just the miss the thrill of it." A bark in her mind agreed with her.
"How long have you lived there for?" Serana looked over at her. Azriel had brushed her hair back and hooked it over her ear. The pale moon light complimented her skin and made her eyes almost look silver.
"Technically, since I was fifteen." She could see the vampire wanted her to continue. "After Helgen, I went to Whiterun. The Jarl was very polite, though he thought I was a criminal. In a way I was, but I wasn't for the reasons he thought. After I killed my first dragon, he made me Thane and gave me a house, but I didn't stay. I went to High Hrothgar first. After that I went to the College of Winterhold. When I was done studying, I went back to Whiterun since it was central in Skyrim and I had a place there. I met the Companions and joined them. So, Whiterun became my permanent home."
"Where's High Hrothgar?" Serana asked confused.
Azriel smirked. "I forget you don't know a lot of places. It's high up on the Throat of the World. It's where the Grey Beards live. They study the Way of the Voice in peace, students are now few and far between, but lately they've taken on more. They summon the Dragonborns there when the feel us and their voices travel Nirn when they call for us."
Serana nodded, deep in thought. "Who gave you your wolf blood?"
Azriel smiled. "Hircine himself, when I was sixteen. But, it wasn't blood magic. He gave me my wolf spirit for doing him a service. It's the most powerful kind and where the others come from. If they drank my blood, I mean."
Serana looked at her. "How many Daedric Princes have you met?"
"Almost all of them. Some I've really pissed off... There are only two that I haven't met and I have no intention on meeting if I can help it."
Serana stopped walking. "You've sought all of them out and they gave you audience? How is that possible? Daedric Princes don't typically show themselves to their own worshippers, let alone a solitary mortal."
Azriel looked at her, noticing she seemed upset. "I'm not exactly mortal, but I asked Azura why, she said it was because of who I am. Then she warned me about the two I needed to stay away from. So I did."
"How are you not exactly mortal and..." Serana narrowed her eyes. "...which two?"
"Jyggalag and Molag Bal." Azriel answer simply. "Though, I'll probably never meet Jyggalag. When I absorb the soul of a dragon it changes me. I take in their knowledge, their memories, and their life force."
"I see. And the rest? Azura herself told you about the other Princes?"
Azriel looked at her, thinking maybe she said too much. "Yeah, why? Look, I don't go looking for them. Shit just happens and I end up doing something for them. I can't even tell you how many problems Sanguine has caused me since I hung out with him the last time."
Serana stared at her, her jealousy gripped her hard. "What did you do with Sanguine?" Her voice was low as she hissed his name.
Azriel was confused. "Mostly, we got really drunk a few times. After that, it was a bit blurry. But, I'm pretty sure we trashed half of Skyrim on our first drinking binge together. We definitely trashed a couple temples. The Priestesses of Dibella were a bit pissed when we crashed their party the second time. And don't get me started about this last time. It's just a damn good thing Aela likes me." She laughed.
Serana was pissed. Another mention of Aela? "You think that it's funny?"
Her tone caught Azriel off guard. "Now? Yes. Hung over and cleaning up my mess, no. What are you mad about this time?"
"I can't even begin to explain to you the things people give up or do to meet one of them! Here you are telling me they throw themselves at you." Serana growled.
"No, just like everyone else on Nirn, they want something from me. Which also includes you." Azriel's voice was cold. "You like to ask me questions and get pissed about my answers. So here's a question for you. Why were you so interested in becoming a vampire?"
Serana glared at her. "I'm not talking about this with you."
She turned and started walking away.
Azriel grabbed her wrist, spinning her around.
Azriel's strength always surprised her.
"That's bullshit and you know it. I am always honest with you. You constantly ask me questions, but you never answer mine. I want an answer or you can find another Dragonborn to help you out."
Serana stared at her, taken aback by the force of her tone.
Azriel wasn't just threatening, she was serious. She crossed her arms, waiting for the vampire who just stood there staring at her. Azriel tapped her fingers for effect as she mentally counted the seconds that ticked by.
"Times up, I'm out. Good luck, Serana." Azriel smiled when she started walking back towards Riften. She knew Serana would fold.
"Wait, you stubborn ass." Serana called behind her.
Azriel's smile spread, but she kept walking. "Answer and I may reconsider." Her tone was playful.
Serana appeared in front of her and caught her as she stumbled. "What the fuck? See, now that's some bullshit too."
Serana smirked at the comment. "Fine, I'll fucking tell you." She took a breath to start. "My parents..."
Azriel laughed harshly. "That's not what I asked. I asked you why you wanted to become a vampire. I didn't ask you about your parents."
Serana rolled her eyes. "Then be quiet and listen, smartass. My parents worshiped Lord Molag Bal, I was raised to as well. We became vampires because my parents wanted to be immortal. They had everything else, deeds, titles, armies, everything... except they were mortal. They had heard of Lamae Beolfag and struck a deal with the Prince."
"You got immortality from their deal? How the fuck does that work?" Azriel furrowed her brow, watching Serana.
When Serana looked away she realized the truth. "They didn't give you a choice, did they?"
Serana contemplated her for a moment. "No. I didn't have a choice. My Mother told me it was an honor to be selected by the Prince himself. I had to go through with it."
"Your parents..." Azriel only growled, but she knew she couldn't finish the thought out loud. What she truly thought would only upset Serana. Even if she didn't understand the ritual, she had a guess about what it might have required. The thought repulsed her. The fact that Serana's parents would willing throw their daughter to the Prince of Domination, infuriated her like nothing else.
"Azriel, this is a gift. I don't regret the power it gave me..." Serana smiled at her and stroked her cheek. "...or the fact that I met you, because of it."
Her comment took Azriel by surprise and she smiled crookedly with a blush. "Come on, let's go. We still have a long fucking walk ahead of us."
They walked through the woods and after a few minutes Azriel felt compelled to tell Serana her thoughts. "I don't begrudge you for what you are, Serana. I really hope you believe that." Azriel said quietly.
Serana looked at her moonlit face. She could see the sincerity and she could feel it as well. Azriel's feelings whirled inside of her as they walked. She noticed she was feeling them more now. It wasn't just her speed and vision that were affected by Azriel's blood, but also this connection they had. Azriel's feelings were definitely independent of her own and they were becoming more understandable.
"Anyone else on Nirn would, Azriel. Why don't you? I don't feel the fear or repulsion that others have of us from you. I never have. It's almost like... like you are fascinated more than anything."
"A vampire saved my life in Cyrodiil. She could have easily turned me into dinner, but instead she cared for me. I don't dislike vampires and I always try to give them a chance. Because of that, I have friends like you and Babette. I think if someone were trying to eat me instead of help me, it would have changed my opinion."
Serana smiled, but shook her head. "She couldn't have eaten you, Smartass."
Azriel looked at her. "I was in bad shape, Serana. I was a snack in her world."
Serana laughed at her comment. "No, Azriel she really couldn't have. Your blood would have destroyed her."
"What do you mean?" Azriel looked at her confused.
"How many vampires do you see downing dragons?" Serana asked playfully.
"Uh, none. Usually, they end up extra crispy." Azriel joked.
Serana giggled at the truth of her statement. "Azriel, a dragon's blood is incredibly powerful. If every vampire could drink their blood, they come up with imaginative ways to bring them down. You have dragon's blood and you have a dragon's soul. A half-blooded vampire would be mad to try drinking your blood. They would literally burn from the inside out."
Azriel gripped her arm and stopped her. "Serana, does my blood hurt you?"
Serana looked at her face, feeling the concern in her. She shook her head slowly. "No. It's... It's like nothing else I've ever had. You blood is... addictive. I crave it, it's so powerful and different it's... It's like trying to drink from the sun, the heat and power of it. Your blood is..." Serana shivered hard. "...my weakness. I desire it above anything else... I... I should shut up now."
"All done daydreaming about your Dragonborn snack?" Azriel joked, but inside a tsunami of butterflies whirled in her stomach. She couldn't say anything else, she was too embarrassed.
Serana smiled sheepishly and leapt at her chance to find out more about Azriel. It was rare for her to be so open and Serana wasn't going to let the chance slip by. "So this vampire, how did she help you?"
Azriel smiled at her and Serana felt the warmth roll off of her. "It's kind of a long story. It may take years for me to explain it."
"I think I'm okay with that." Serana said softly.
Azriel sighed, she wished that Serana's statement were true.
Azriel pushed the thought from her head and began her story.
"I told you I was a slave and that's true. The place I was held, I eventually escaped from. I was badly injured during my escape and before that as well, but I managed to get away. Once I was free, I was scared. I had never been anywhere before and I honestly knew nothing about the world around me. All I knew was to head North, a Priest had told me to find Skyrim. I only had this feeling telling me what it was. In the Imperial City, I stole food, because I had no concept of coin, people, or anything. I didn't even know what most things were called. So I took what I could and ran."
Azriel pulled her water skin from her ruck sack and took a drink. "I just knew if I was caught, either the guards or the Thalmor would kill me."
Serana interjected when she paused. "But, why? How would they know one slave?"
Azriel stopped walking and looked at her hard. "Do you remember when I asked you to call me by my chosen name?"
Serana nodded. "Yes. You said that for dragons, names have power. I saw that with the dragon you called." Serana remembered the conversation then added. "You said it would cause you problems."
Azriel smirked. "You haven't seen anything yet..." The smirk bloomed. "But, there's also another reason. I've only told one person that reason."
She started to walk again and Serana was instantly at her side.
Serana looked at her. Let me guess, Aela. "Well don't make me wait..."
"Serana, you must promise me you will never tell anyone who I am." Azriel said ducking a branch.
"You have my word."
Azriel took a deep breath. "I am known here in Skyrim as Azriel the Dragonborn. In Cyrodiil, I am known as Ahziial the Lion and the youngest Grand Champion of the Arena. My enslavement was to my Thalmor masters and I was forced to fight everything there. The Lion that gave me my scars was my first kill, hence my name. The Thalmor who gave me the scars on my back were my last kills when I escaped. But, it came at a price because I was badly injured."
Azriel fell silent as she walked, waiting.
Serana said nothing for a moment, then two. Azriel glanced at her out of the corner of her eye, and saw the cold mask of the vampire that matched her steps silently.
Azriel sighed. "You don't believe me." She said the words more to herself than to Serana.
Finally, Serana answered. "I do believe you and I know why you hate those Elves." Her voice was cold and hard.
Azriel looked away. "I shouldn't have told you."
Serana put her hand out catching Azriel around the waist and pulled her close. "I'm glad you told me. I promise I will never tell anyone who you are." Serana looked at her, sweeping the hair from her face. "You were fourteen when you escaped?"
Azriel nodded and said nothing as she looked into Serana's frigid stare.
"You're eighteen now..."
"Nineteen." Azriel corrected.
Serana furrowed her brow. "You told me you were eighteen."
"I turned nineteen the other day when I gracefully helped annihilate that forest. My birth date is the thirtieth of Frostfall."
"Azriel, that was two days ago. Why didn't you tell me?"
"Yeah, no. It's not important. I think it's interesting I was born one hundred and eight five years after the last Dragonborn died closing the Oblivion gates."
"It is important, Azriel. But, I don't understand. You don't know your parents..." Serana blushed as Azriel rolled her eyes at her.
"I know you heard me when I was upset. You know who my father is." Azriel's tone was flat.
Serana cleared her throat. "I do. It's just..."
"Unbelievable like a story book character? Or say some vague and pointless person from a Prophesy?" Azriel smiled sadly. "Because, that's what I am to you. Isn't it?"
Serana sighed. "I'm really good at insulting you, aren't I? Azriel, I don't mean the things I say to come out the way they do." Serana decided to just go for another apology. "When I said your scars were lavish, I meant it as a compliment, not anything else. I'm sorry the things I say seem so hurtful. I truly don't mean them that way."
Azriel opened her mouth to answer, but closed it again. She decided what she had to say would have hurt the vampire's feelings further.
"Well, you worshiping the Prince of Domination is a tad unbelievable in my world. I think you are too caring for mass enslavement and murder." Azriel said softly.
Serana's face was unreadable and for a full minute, she said nothing.
"That's in the past, Azriel."
"I still don't believe it. You'll never convince me that was ever you." Azriel replied quietly. "I guess that's why you didn't put your collar back on?"
Serana nodded with a small smile. "I felt lighter when you took it off. I'm never wearing it again. That was never me, it was my parents. I hope that you can believe that."
They stood wordlessly together for a minute.
Serana finally broke the silence. "How do you know what day you were born on?"
Azriel shrugged. "I just do."
Serana held her in place and Azriel shifted around. "Would you please say something? I hate not being able to read you. I feel like I'm missing something."
"I'm sorry. I was just thinking I'd like to rip out the throat of every Thalmor we come across."
Azriel smiled. "I'm game for that. Pompous assholes. I make a point of it every chance I get."
She looked at the vampire's stoic face. "What's bothering you?"
When Serana didn't answer, Azriel tried to move. Serana stopped her.
"I was also thinking..." She leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the lips. "...I'm glad you escaped and are here with me now. I like the way my life is going now that you are in it."
A large wolfish grin spread across Azriel's face. "Me too. And we need to keep walking."
Serana smiled devilishly. "Why is that, Ahziial?"
Her name stretched as it left Serana's lips and she watched Azriel's eyes go wide. A white vapor escaped Azriel's lips and she became translucent for a second, then solid once more. Serana's eyes grew wide with fear and Azriel stared at her in disbelief.
"How the fuck did you do that?" Azriel demanded.
Serana shook her head. "What just fucking happened?"
Azriel stared at her. "How the fuck do you know how to call me?"
"What?!"
"You called my name through the Void, Serana! How do you know how to do that?"
Azriel closed her eyes and was silent as she searched her mind.
"Fuck me, it counts as permission." She whispered.
"Azriel, what the fuck are you talking about?"
"I told you my name and you accepted my conditions. It has to be part our connection." Azriel mumbled.
She looked at Serana and saw her confusion. "Meaning, you know how to say it properly. You know the ancient language as well as I do. Which means, when I told you my name and you promised to protect it, you could use it to call me like a dragon can. Wait here, I'll show you. I'm going to go to that tree. Say my name again just like you did, when I get there."
Azriel walked away to the tree in the distance and waved to Serana.
Serana whispered her name. "Ah. Zii. Al."
She watched as Azriel materialized in front of her the same way as before.
"Now that, is fucking awesome!" Serana said with a smile as Azriel stared at her.
"You ever call my name when I'm in the bath, I'll kill you for sport." Azriel said, the smile growing on her face.
Serana felt her stomach flutter at the thought. The grin Serana wore told Azriel exactly what she was thinking. "That's a tempting thought."
Azriel glared at her playfully, but inside she was melting. "Whatever. Just don't do it on a whim."
Serana took her hand and they continued their walk. She sighed. "You are no fun whatsoever. So this is a part our connection, huh?"
Azriel nodded. "I can make a pact with a dragon and we can call each other from anywhere. Dragons can fly fast, but calling our names we reach through the Void. That's how we hear one another. I can pull a dragon to me close enough for them to fly. I, however, lack wings. So, if they call me to them, I would appear on the ground near them."
Azriel paused thinking for a moment. "You also have a soul and our connection is..." She looked at Serana with a smile. "...intense. Sorry, I don't know how else to put it."
"It is." Serana's smile made Azriel's insides turn to goo.
"I'm guessing that all that is required is two souls to be willing to make the pact. So I can make one with you. Well did make one. Made one. Whatever, you know what I mean. But, what's odd is I feel like our connection is really different and there's more to it than just this."
Serana thought for a moment and let a smile slowly spread across her face. "So I can just call you from anywhere?"
Azriel shrugged. "I guess so. I haven't tried another plane of Oblivion, so I'm not sure. But, I know for sure it works here on Nirn."
Serana smiled so broadly her fangs were gleaming in the moonlight.
Azriel shivered at the sight, the vampire was gorgeous.
"So back to this vampire."
Azriel tried to remember where she was. "Um... Anyway I escaped the city. I knew nothing about the outside world, or where I was going. I stole a little food and some meager supplies. I was traveling for a short time and there came a point where I had run out of everything. I didn't know anything about plants or cooking and I was so hungry I ate grass because I thought if the animals did, so could I."
Serana glanced at her again as she pulled the branches aside for Azriel to walk through.
"I was absolutely starving. I didn't have much energy left to go on. It was cold and raining and I was really out of it. I saw a rabbit and killed it with a spear I had made. I skinned it and really didn't know what to do with it, so I just ate it. Then I got sick, really sick... the rabbit I ate was diseased. By this point it was raining really hard so I was cold, sick, and still starving."
Azriel sighed quietly. "Do you really want to hear this?"
Serana nodded. "I want to know as much as I can about you. So yes. I want to hear it."
"Alright." Azriel took a moment to collect her thoughts.
"I tried to continue on, but I stumbled and I fell into a gully. The grass was wet and at the bottom I landed in a pool of water. I guess she heard the splash. I just remember this person rolling me over and then picking me up. I have no idea what I actually said, but I remember thinking that I just wanted them to let me die."
They crested the small hill and Azriel stopped to check her map. "We're about half way there."
Serana nodded. "Good, then there's time for you to finish."
Azriel gave her a sideways glance. "You're going to owe me a story next."
Serana smiled at her.
"I woke up in a cabin, I remember hearing the rain on the roof. The place amazed me. There were books and jars everywhere. Herbs hung drying from the ceiling and the fireplace was roaring. Most of those things I didn't have words for, so I stared at them amazed. The bed I was on was covered in furs. I had never slept on anything other than a stone floor or dirt. So, it was wonderful."
"I was still out of it, so I laid really still. That's when I noticed her. She was working on potions, but at the time I had no idea what she was doing. I knew I needed to get away, but I was really comfortable and I was exhausted. The thought of moving hurt, so I laid there, watching her. I guess she knew I was awake and she turned around. She was wearing a cloak, so I couldn't see her, which scared me."
The memory played through Azriel's mind as she spoke.
"You're awake. I can sense you are frightened, don't be. I have no intention to hurt you, young one." Her voice was very gentle.
Ahziial nodded and remained quiet.
"You are still very ill and your injuries are grave. It will take some time to heal..." The woman walked over and sat down on the edge of the bed. "Drink this. It will help ease the symptoms of the diseases you have."
Ahziial stared at the goblet and then shook her head no.
The woman reached out and stroked her bruised right cheek. "I understand your hesitation, young one. But, the fever you have will kill you. I know you are in a great deal of pain and you are scared. Drink it, I am only trying to help you."
She held the goblet to her lips and Ahziial drank.
"Now rest, it will also help you sleep."
"The next time I woke up, she was humming to herself. I remember she moved fast, like you do. I thought I was really out of it since I'd never seen anyone move that way before. I remember her stopping and looking at me. That's when I noticed how different she really was, but she was also very beautiful at the same time. I wasn't afraid, more curious. Her eyes were redder than Tabithah's, her skin was pale like yours, as pale as a lotus. In fact, her eyes were a lot like your, just the color was red, not orange. Then she smiled and I remember just staring at her because she had fangs."
"Who is Tabithah?" Serana asked thinking.
"I told you about Marduk. Tabithah was the closest thing to a mother I've ever had. She was a Dunmer prisoner like Marduk, and she was my cage-mate. She taught me to how to control my magic and how to heal myself. I think she cared about me more than she showed."
"I see. I want to come back to that later, but for now continue please."
Serana's quiet answer made Azriel look over at her again. "I really need to know what you're thinking."
Serana shook her head. "I was thinking about, well... everything you've said so far. I have more questions, but I want you to finish."
Azriel smirked. "You know, I've never told anyone any of this..."
"You're curious, but not afraid... That's a first." The woman's smile grew.
Ahziial's nodded, but said nothing.
"Why do you not speak? I see the questions you have and I know you are not mute." She approached her bedside and placed her cold hand on Ahziial's face. "You are still feverish, but I suspect it is because of your wounds more than a disease."
"Why are you so cold?" Her voice sounded fragile in her own ears. "Are you ill?"
"I think first, maybe we should introduce ourselves, youngling." The woman smirked at the question. "I am Eamal. What is your name, little wanderer?"
Ahziial shook her head and the woman's hand traced her scars. "Perhaps, I should guess?" Eamal said with a light laugh.
"Why do you call me young, when you don't look older than me?" Ahziial asked quietly, the woman's touch calming her nerves.
"Looks can be deceiving, little wanderer. Now, will you indulge my curiosity for your answer?"
"I'm afraid too." Ahziial answer honestly. "If you were to know my name, how do I know you won't tell anyone?"
The woman laughed. "That is a good question. You have trusted me thus far, how did you know I simply wouldn't kill you? Instead, I have cared for you. All I ask in return is to know your name. You know mine. It is only fair..."
Ahziial exhaled, thinking hard about what to do.
"Ahziial."
The woman smiled, her fangs sparkled in the fire light. "So the youngest champion of the Arena lies in my bed. How very... interesting."
She brushed her fingers lightly across her cheek once more and then found Ahziial's hand. "Tell me, Ahziial, do you know what I am?"
She was confused by the question. "A woman?"
Eamal laughed again. "You are very sweet for noticing. You have never seen someone like me before, I can sense that. Yes, young one, I am definitely a woman. But, I am also a vampire."
Ahziial furrowed her brow. "I don't know what that means."
Her cold fingers entwined with Ahziial's. "I am neither alive nor dead. I drink the blood of the living and dine on their flesh. My heart beats only to move their blood through my veins. I breathe only when I need to speak. I am cold, because my body does not heat like yours."
Ahziial's eyes went wide. "To you, I'm food?"
Eamal ran her fingers through her hair. "Normally, yes. I have ignored my thirst around you. You are different and I felt pity when I saw you lying in the water. I only wished to help you, which is why I brought you here."
"Why?" Ahziial didn't feel afraid, but her curiosity was killing her.
The vampire's fingers traced her lips. "The way you smell to me is different and I've only ever smelled blood like yours once before. Yours is powerful and very potent, so much more than the last. I am just as curious about you, as you are about me. But, don't worry, little wanderer, I have no intention on making you a meal."
Serana hissed.
Azriel looked at her. "What is it?"
"It's... nothing. Continue." Serana growled.
Azriel rolled her eyes. "No. We have an agreement. I'm honest with you and you tell me what you are pissed about."
"She was toying with you. It wasn't possible for her to drink..." Serana stopped altogether. "Unless... No, that's not possible."
Serana tapped the collar of her jacket absentmindedly.
"Oh for fuck sakes, would you please just spit it out!" Azriel laughed. "I swear, you try to make me crazy some times. What's not possible?"
"Azriel, I have to think about it more. I promise I will tell you. Continue your story."
Azriel sighed. "Fine, but I really want a fucking answer out of you. It took a long time for me to even have strength to stand. We spent every day together in her house and she taught me about the things I didn't know or understand. Things about Cyrodiil and its recent history. She taught me the differences between Colovians and Nibeneans. She showed me how to use magic in ways beyond what Tabithah had taught me. She even gave me my first book and was delighted when I could read it."
Azriel smile was faint. "The Legion took it away from me, but I got it back in Helgen. I still have that book."
Azriel paused remembering.
"I was like the village idiot. I had no concept of things and she patiently explained them. She taught me what was safe to eat from her knowledge of alchemy. I spent a month recovering and in that time she taught me a means of surviving I would have never have known on my own."
Azriel's face became thoughtful, remembering everything. "I'm surprised, thinking about it, she didn't kill me for being so dumb. She was so endlessly patient with me..."
Azriel became quiet.
Serana smiled at her. "You became attached..."
"I did." Azriel thought for a moment and Serana noticed her smile had changed altogether.
"When I was stronger, we'd go for these walks together and gather herbs. I'd help her and she'd encourage me to hunt. She showed me ways to know if an animal was okay to eat and how to clean it. Then she showed me how to prepare it, she'd laughed when I burn it. I burned the shit out of it every time, but still ate it because I couldn't be wasteful."
"When I was strong enough, I knew I had to leave. She was very kind and had taught me so much..." Azriel glanced at Serana. "Do you want to hear a confession?"
Serana nodded.
"You asked me before what kept me from attacking you when I opened your sarcophagus. It was your eyes, Serana. Your confusion... and your loneliness. I couldn't, because I wondered if you were like her."
Azriel smiled tenderly. "In a way, you are very alike."
Serana looked at her quizzically. "How so?"
Azriel looked at the cliff side and stopped walking. "Because you are both very lonely. She never said as much, but I don't think she had much of a choice in her life either. She was always so sad in a way."
Azriel smiled fully looking at Serana. "You owe me an answer."
Serana laughed. "You haven't finished."
Azriel stared at her incredulously. "Yes I have."
"No, you haven't. What happened when you parted ways?"
Azriel became quiet. "It was... difficult. Well, for me. She told me about the rebellion and warned me to not go. I told her I had too. So for a short while, she walked with me."
"Ahziial, Skyrim is a dangerous place. Stay. You know you can remain with me for as long as you like."
Ahziial sighed. "Eamal, I can't. It's just gets harder every time you ask me too."
Eamal laughed. "I know. That's why I ask. I enjoy your company, little wanderer. If you are resolute in leaving at least promise you will return someday." She ran her fingers down Ahziial's cheek.
"You could come with me..." Ahziial responded quietly.
"No. I will never return to Skyrim, Cyrodiil is my home. Besides, it would only cause problems... with others." She sighed quietly. "Promise me you will be careful. Your life will never be an easy one."
"It never has been." Ahziial mumbled. "I promise, I will come back and I'll be careful."
Eamal smiled and kissed her gently. "Go and good luck, little wanderer. Don't forget your promises to me."
Serana exhaled hard. "She refused to come with you to Skyrim?"
Azriel nodded. "She had told me before she had lived here. It was how she became a vampire. She didn't talk about it other than that. I figured, she just hated Skyrim and since she had her place in the woods, she was happy there. I never her really pressed her for an answer. It just felt wrong to do so."
"What exactly did she look like?" Serana asked curious.
"Well, like a Nord. She was maybe sixteen? She had very long blonde hair. Her eyes, like I said, were like yours just red, not orange. Very red actually and they glowed brightly. She was tall like us and her skin was just as pale as yours. I didn't really see her as anything, but beautiful. I didn't understand how she would be dangerous, until much later."
Serana was absolutely silent.
Azriel crossed her arms. "Are you ever going to tell me what you are thinking or do I have to pry it out of you?"
Serana smiled weakly. "Could you find her home again?"
Azriel nodded. "Yes. She made it clear how to find it on our walks. Why?"
Serana remained silent for a few more minutes. When she spoke she did so quietly. "Did you... love her?"
Azriel cleared her throat, keeping her voice low. "I don't know what I'd call it." She looked down at her boots. "A crush, I guess... is probably the best way of putting it."
Serana looked away and Azriel caught her hand. "Serana, she took me in, healed me, and then taught me about the world. She spent all of her time with me and always made sure my needs were taken care of. I didn't see her as anything other than caring. It wasn't much of a stretch that I'd become attached so easily. At that point in my life, she was the first person that didn't beat me or try to kill me."
Serana sighed and ran her fingers over Azriel's. The heat and electricity made her shudder. "Your blood is unbelievably strong. Any vampire other than a pure-blooded vampire would be destroyed trying to drink it, so they would be repulsed by it. Azriel, your blood smells like fire. I can only imagine that it didn't change based on the fact you are also a werewolf. But, you weren't a werewolf when you met her."
Azriel shook her head no, looking around, she sat on the rock close to her. She rubbed her face and looked at the ground, thinking.
Serana watched her for a moment. It was obvious Azriel didn't understand her meaning.
"I can see why she was so interested in you. Why she took pity on you, rather than destroying you." Serana said quietly, her hand holding Azriel's. "Did you ever think of going back?"
"From time to time I have. I never really thanked her for what she did for me. I didn't know how too. I felt at peace in her company, but looking back I think she wanted a companion of her own. I could never be that for her, then or now."
Azriel looked up, reaching out, she pulled Serana's hood away. She looked at the vampire for a moment and sighed. Her fingers traced her jaw slowly, she felt Serana tremble under her touch and she closed her eyes. "I have a question for you, Serana."
"What is it?" Serana's voice was gentle.
"Why didn't you kill me?"
Serana cleared her thoughts before answering. "You are very different, Azriel, your blood, the way you look, everything is so..."
Serana took a breath and looked around trying to find the answer. "...alluring. The way you command the arcane, your very presence, anyone would find you intoxicating. Even my parents would hesitate around you, because you radiate power like no one I have ever met before. What you are... you..." Serana hesitated. "...you captivated me."
A smile tugged at the corner of Azriel's lips. "Can I ask you another question?"
Serana stood holding out her other hand, which Azriel accepted. "Alright."
Azriel arched her eyebrow allowing the smile to claim her. "Why do you get so jealous?"
Serana fought with herself over her answer. After everything Azriel had said, she didn't want to press her own thoughts. She decided it was best to leave things abstract for now.
"You are my only friend. It's hard for me... watching you pay attention to other people." She said simply.
Azriel nodded and faked a smile. It was affirmation of her thoughts from earlier, the vampire's jealousy stemmed from loneliness and nothing more. She sighed heavily looking at the cliff face and the familiar outcrop that marked the canyon entrance. Azriel pushed aside her feelings of worthlessness and her disappointment.
Serana looked away, feeling the weight of Azriel's emotions. She could have kicked herself for not being honest with the werewolf. She hated the fact she was constantly disappointing her.
"It's just over there. Are you sure you want to come? This won't be easy for you." Azriel pointed in the direction of the cliff.
Serana nodded feeling the burden of her half-truth.
"I know it won't, but I'm determined to see this through. I have to stop my Father." She kept her voice low.
"Keep your face hidden and let me do the talking at first. They don't need to know what you are."
Azriel's voice was cold again and Serana wished she could take back what she had said. She didn't have the courage to tell Azriel the whole truth.
Azriel pushed open the large door and the guard immediately approached her.
"Where's Isran? We need to talk. It's important."
"No one enters without passing the test. Not even you, Dragonborn." The Nord answered haughtily.
"How about this, you step aside and I don't kick your ass? How about that?"
The man shrugged and held up his hand. He blasted her and Serana with a ray of light.
"What the fuck? I'm tan enough!" Azriel held up her hand to shade her eyes.
"They pass, let them in, Sjon." Isran called from above. "You're right. You and I need to talk, Dragonborn. Come upstairs and bring that friend of yours."
They walked quickly up the stairs and met Isran at the top. "Your man, Calder delivered your letter. Quiet guy. Refused to stay, too bad really, I could have used him for a job." He started walking down the corridor. "I figured you'd show up at some point."
He looked over his shoulder at her. "So you found a nest and an ancient vampire with an Elder Scroll. Then, you just let it walk away? You should have killed it when you had the chance."
Azriel glanced at Serana, but her face was well hidden under her hood.
"You make it seem so cut and dry, Isran. It wasn't. That ruin was obnoxiously long, full of pissed off vampires, and I barely made it through. Besides, she's not a bad person just because she's a vampire."
"It is not a person." He rounded on her. "And it's always cut and dry when it comes to their kind. They wouldn't spare you if they had the chance! You should have killed it and taken the Scroll. You're food to them, you'd do best to remember that, kid."
Azriel rolled her eyes at him. "You'd be food if anyone could get past the bitter taste you'd leave in their mouth. So why don't you listen first and freak out after you hear what I have to say."
Isran shook his head. "Stendarr preserve us. No wonder there's a hefty price on your head. You just don't quit, do you?"
He kept walking into a small room full of torture equipment and the remains of vampires. Azriel shuddered when she looked at the rack in the doorway and felt Serana brush her fingertips. She wanted nothing more than to hold her hand, but wouldn't give Isran fodder to attack with.
When she entered the room all the way, her eyes landed on the whipping post and she started to shake. She couldn't control it.
Serana touched her fingertips to Azriel's lightly, trying to comfort her. She watched Azriel stare trembling at the devices the room contained.
"What the fuck?" Azriel's voice was horse. "You can't possibly..." Azriel looked at the skulls piled up in the room. Sharp teeth and bone littered the floor and there was blood everywhere. "How could you be so fucking cruel?"
Isran smiled. "Sometimes, we need to coax them into talking." He put his hand on the rack. "If this doesn't do it..." He pointed at the whipping post. "...that one does. It's extreme, but effective."
He paused for a moment then looked at her. "You need to figure out which side you're on. This is a war and it's them versus us. I intend on winning this war, using every means possible."
Azriel shook hard. It took every ounce of self-control she had not to kill him. "They're still people..."
"Is that what you think when they rip good men to shreds? They're animals, nothing more."
The wolf howled in Azriel's mind. "I'll show you an animal..." She growled lowly.
"That's your problem. You're not seeing this clearly. If you don't like my methods why did you come back?" He snapped at her, missing the fact she was a werewolf.
Serana stepped forward and Azriel tried to stop her. "Serana... No."
"It's alright, Azriel." Serana looked at Isran. "She came back because of me..." Serana pulled her hood back. "...because I was the one with the Scroll. I know why this is happening and I want to stop it as well."
Isran looked between Azriel and the vampire. "Are you insane bringing this fiend here?!"
"Just listen to what she has to say." Azriel yelled at him. "She's risking her life to be here and she's trying to stop this as well. Can't you hear?"
"Life? What life? She's just a walking husk, reanimated by some Daedric Prince's evil power. Give me one reason, why I shouldn't kill it where it stands." He snarled at her.
Azriel smelled the air around her as she grabbed Serana's cloak pulling her back next to her.
"I'll give you twelve reasons you'll never make good on that threat." Her voice was only the wolf's and pool of ice grew around his feet.
Icy stalagmites jolted upward, spiraling rapidly into the ceiling, confining him in place. The icy bars formed sharp, spiked branches pointing inward.
Azriel's canines and claws had extended, the threat to Serana was too great to ignore.
Shouts emanated from downstairs as smoke poured through the halls. Azriel could hear their panicked yells becoming more urgent as the flames poured from the mortar of the fort's walls.
"You'll hear their screams as they burn to death in this tomb. When I finish with them, I'll eat your heart while it still beats in your chest, joor. I'll never let you closer to her than you are now. Those are my reasons, now listen or die. Choose!" Her Thu'um shook the fortress walls.
"Azriel..." Serana ran her hand over her cheek. "You made your point. Let them go."
Serana's touch cooled her anger. Azriel looked at her and Serana smiled gently. "Azriel, please..."
The flames extinguished and Isran let out a quiet breath, but his icy prison remained. "I'll listen, Dragonborn. But, it doesn't mean I give a shit about you or her. I don't really care who you are! How dare you threaten my people?"
Azriel growled at him and he stepped back from the bars. "She has information on why the attacks are occurring and you can't see past the fact she's a vampire. Why don't you just listen and maybe you'll hear something useful. You sent me to find out what they're up to, but you've ignored everything I've done. Now, shut up and listen, you fucking dick."
He tried to burn holes through her with his eyes. "Oh, this ought to be good." He took a calming breath. "Fine Leach. Let's hear it."
"Azriel told you she found me and the Elder Scroll already, but she didn't know why I was sealed away with it. My Father became obsessed about a prophesy to control the Sun. It would allow vampires to walk during the day. My Mother and I didn't feel like inviting a war with all of Tamriel. These attacks have to do with it... The Prophecy I mean. It speaks of a way to block the Sun permanently. A way to create an endless night giving vampires control of the world. My Father went mad over this Prophesy, he wants vampires to be able to walk Nirn. If it happens, he would enslave everyone."
"You believe this load of shit?" He asked Azriel.
"Yes! Fuck, do I have to dance naked just to get your attention? She's right and she is trying to help. Somehow she is key to this and I'm trying to protect her. She has information and it's valuable to stopping these attacks from happening."
Isran was still glaring at Azriel. "Where is the Scroll now?"
"I've hidden it in a shipwreck. It's too deep for mortals to get to. My Father would never think to look for it underwater." Serana said pacing. "The problem is, no one can read it."
Azriel rubbed the back of her head. "That's why we came here. I figured you'd have heard of this Prophesy or know what to do. Plus, once we figure it out, we could stop these attacks from happening permanently."
Serana sighed. "Thinking about it, were kind of fucked. The only people who can legitimately read an Elder Scroll are Moth Priests. But, they're half a continent away in Cyrodiil."
"I've never heard of this Prophesy, but a scholar arrived a few days ago from Cyrodiil under a peace banner. He was heading North from the Pale Pass. I overheard his carriage driver asking some farmers for directions to the old College when I was staking out the old road."
Azriel sighed. "Great, at least we have a place to start. I guess it's better than nothing. "
She waved her hand at the frozen cage and it melted instantly, splashing gallons of water over Isran.
"Thanks, bitch. I was really needing a bath."
Azriel smirked. "You can thank Stendarr I didn't leave you there for threatening Serana."
"You ever threaten my people over this thing again..."
Azriel hit him with a silencing spell. "Just shut up already, asshole."
Serana slipped her cool fingers into Azriel's and Isran's eyes went wide. He glared at the two of them making a threatening gesture.
"Let's go. We're not going to get any help from these assholes." Azriel spat.
Serana smiled maliciously at him, showing her fangs.
Azriel looked at Isran one last time with an equally wicked glare. "A vampire saved your life today, joor. You'd do well to remember that."
I hope you enjoyed chapter 21. Sorry it took so long to post. It was my birthday the other day and well... you know.
This is my present to you guys... So now, it is your turn. I'd really appreciate your thoughts! What do you think so far?