Her eyes fluttered open and the world spun. She shut them again quickly. Her head and body ached tremendously. The sounds around her which woke her assailed her ears painfully. The throbbing they caused made her head pound. She tried to shut out the confounding noises. She didn't dare move. She had no idea where she was.
The racket didn't make sense. It's tapping. She corrected herself.
She gave herself a moment to adjust.
Slowly, she let her eyes open once more. She noticed how black the ground was. It was like looking at something that moved. She closed her eyes again. It made her feel sick, she couldn't stand the motion. She took a moment and let the debilitating nausea pass. When was the last time she had felt this terrible? Days, weeks, months, years… they all blended together.
The infernal tapping beat like a drum in her suffering head, but she didn't move or make a sound. She laid there for a long while, unmoving.
Finally, she decided to explore herself. The coldness around her seemed to have a flow. She could feel the chill permeate her clothing. Then she realized it wasn't just the effects of a cutting breeze. She was soaking wet and could feel her clothing moving in the slightest way around herself. It was almost as if they flowed with the coldness.
Where am I?
She moved her head slightly, rolling it gently to one side. She opened her eyes. The sky was dark grey, but the light that peeked through the dullness blinded her. She shut her burning eyes quickly.
That was a mistake.
She laid still once more, allowing another wave of queasiness to pass. Maybe I should do this slowly.
She cracked her eyelids. The light didn't seem as brutal as the first time. She let her lids part a little more. Light filtered in, allowing her to see the daylight for the first time without wanting to vomit. Strange.
She looked at the sky. It was like looking through cracked glass. This doesn't make sense.
She tried to move a little more, but pain tore through her body. She stopped, trying not to moan. The spasms eased as she relaxed back into place. She tried to remember the events leading her to where she was. It made her head ache so she just allowed herself to lay still for a while and slipped back into unconsciousness.
"Each word has meaning onto itself, each are vital in its own way. Together they achieve an effect you desire with you Thu'um." The dragon turned his head to look at her eyes, searching for comprehension. "This shall be your greatest challenge yet."
Aela nodded. He had explained the meanings before, but she let the dragon continue without interruption.
"I shall teach you how to clear the sky and bend it to your will. The first word is Lok, it means Sky." He breathed the word on the ground.
Aela read the word, the golden glow surrounding her as she did. The knowledge of it filled her.
"This word commands the attention of the Sky itself, demanding it hear you." Paarthurnax paused and inhaled her scent deeply.
"Vah." He breathed the next word on the earth next to the first, maintaining their connection. "The season, Spring. It brings harmony to the Sky, bending it to your will and the season."
He watched her as she read the word and mouthed it on her lips.
"Koor." The word appeared as he said it, in line with the last two. "Summer."
Aela read the three words repeatedly, saying them over and over in her mind. She understood his meaning and looked at him.
"Lok. Vah. Koor." She thought for a moment about each of the words. "Sky. Spring. Summer. The words command the sky to change as the seasons would."
The dragon laughed. "Pruzah, rinik pruzah! You understand their meaning."
Aela thought hard about her lessons and the words he spoke. She had taken to understanding him more without his translations.
"The language you speak…" Aela considered how to put her question. "…each word by rights has strength when tied to the Thu'um, correct?"
The dragon bowed his head to her. "Geh. Each is truth and all are power."
The dragon lifted his head and looked at the sky. "LOK! VAH! KOOR!" His roar was piercing.
The clouds and snow began to rescind. The Sun glowed brightly, burning through the few scant clouds and for a few minutes, the strong breeze subsided.
Aela smiled at the sunlight as it warmed her skin.
The clouds rolled back slowly and the first snowflake fell in front of her.
Paarthurnax sighed.
Aela watched him lower his head back down to her. "How can Azriel… er… Ahziial… affect the weather so much?"
"It is our Father's blessing to her. Ahziial is Dovah by blood and birth. She is his final creation, the last of her kind. She is as she was meant to be."
Aela stared at him. "What are you saying?"
The dragon's golden eyes glowed. "Ahziial los mon do Akatosh."
Occasionally, she'd hear a loud rumble. The soft tapping noise that was omnipresent was like a dull thud in her ears. Time had no meaning to her as she laid motionless on the ground. Calmly, she let her senses reach out to take in the world around herself, keeping her eyes closed.
She had no idea where she was or how she had gotten there. But, for some reason she felt safe.
That doesn't make sense either.
She reined in her senses and focused on herself. She could feel the cold wetness that encircled her. It slithered around her, wrapping itself around her like tentacles, enveloping her. For a second, she panicked, but she quickly steadied herself. She focused on the feeling of safety even in her strange environment.
Her memories crept back into her mind. She was with someone. But, where?
She allowed her eyes to open sluggishly on their own.
The atmosphere around her rippled.
She dug her fingers into the scorched earth and particles swirled around her fingers as she watched.
That's odd.
She scrapped her fingers again and the blackened soil formed a cloud.
Very odd.
She closed her eyes.
She remained still, allowing her world and thoughts to wash over her. Her memories churned from the depths of her mind. Boiling like froth, filling her head with images.
She had been running, chasing the werewolf.
The dead dragon.
Mortals dressed in strange, yet familiar armor.
The woman's emotions causing a massive storm.
The woman's fury.
Then her grief.
She had yelled, a wail so loud…
Azriel!
Serana opened her eyes, remembering everything. It crushed against her like a massive blow. Each memory collided with the next, ripping through her consciousness like the woman's torment had. The pressure in her head made her want to scream from the strain it caused. She wanted to cry out for the young woman.
She pushed herself up from the ground, breaking the thin sheet of ice she was laying under. Water poured from her body and armor. The rain and freezing wind pelted her as she looked around, kneeling.
Every one of her senses was ablaze. She had moved too suddenly and too slowly at the same time. The world spun around her as her being was assaulted by Nirn. Sounds, smells, feelings. Everything attacked her. She desperately tried to comprehend the influx of details that flooded her. She shook her head, trying to understand the portrait it painted. It was madness… everything all at once. She fought to focus, to understand one detail at a time. Her hands fled to her temples, messaging them.
Her mind flicked through each sense, narrowing itself to only that sensation. Minutes dragged for hours and slowly the revelations of where she was clicked. Serana looked around for the first time seeing everything clearly.
Then she saw them.
Aela gawked at him. "I don't understand."
The sky rumbled in the distance.
"Ahziial, is dovah. Only her body is joor. She is as our Father… her Father… made her. We are the kiir of Akatosh."
Aela stood there, wordlessly, in disbelief.
Paarthurnax waited patiently for her to digest the information.
"Akatosh… the Lord of Time?" Aela whispered.
"Geh."
"You mean the God Akatosh?"
"Geh." The dragon chuckled softly.
Aela sat down hard in the snow.
"Azriel, fuck me… Ahziial… is the daughter of a God?" Aela's mouth was dry. She could barely think straight.
The dragon chuckled harder. "Is this so difficult to believe?"
Aela looked up at the dragon. "A little…"
"Vahr?"
Aela stared at him. "Why? Because she's…" Aela stopped speaking, trying to wrap her head around it.
Why is this so difficult to believe? How can it be so difficult to believe after everything she's done? Everything we've been through? The first time I saw her… The first dragon we fought together... Why is this so shocking? She's fucking amazing!
"Where the others like her, children of Akatosh?" Aela finally asked.
"Nid."
Aela watched the dragon look away. That's odd, he never looks away when he speaks.
"None of them? You're telling me Akatosh made only one of his children Dragonborn?"
"We have much left to accomplish, young one…"
Aela put her hand on his snout drawing his attention to her. "What are you not telling me?"
"Krosis, young one. This conversation is at an end. We must return to your lessons, we have much to accomplish in a short amount of time." The finality of his words spoke volumes.
"Why did you tell me that Ahziial is a child of Akatosh?"
Paarthurnax contemplated her question. "Knowledge is power, Aela. You must be prepared for everything that is to come."
The massive skeleton of the dragon was covered in icicles. Azriel sat on her heels in front of what was left of him. Her head was bowed, her hair and body soaked by the rain. She sat like a statue unmoving and seemingly unaffected by the chill. She was surrounded by ice to her chest. Like a cloak, it had spread around her covering everything in sight. Everything within five hundred yards of Azriel was covered in ice.
Serana stood shakily and looked around taking in the sight.
The section of the valley was completely flooded by water and covered in ice. The dull gray light filtered through the clouds and reflected off the ground. Everything was gray in color, except Azriel. She stood in contrast with her wet hair and black armor.
Carefully, she made her way through the ice and water to Azriel. The closer she got to her, the colder Serana felt. The frigid air stirred around her as she moved. It was thick and oppressive, palatable like something from her visions.
Azriel didn't move or acknowledge Serana as she stood over her. She simply stared at the skeleton of the dragon, inert.
Serana knelt beside her, breaking the ice loudly. She looked from Azriel to the dragon, her eyes following where Azriel stared blankly.
Serana closed her eyes for a moment and turned her head back to Azriel. She tried to think of something to say or do. She could feel the coldness that had replace the woman's heat. The bitter chill washed from her, stinging the vampire in way Serana didn't think was ever possible. She opened her eyes.
Azriel hadn't moved.
She could feel nothing other than sorrow. Azriel mourning the dragon's loss reminded her of a deep misery she had felt long ago. Long before Azriel had ever existed.
"Azriel…" She kept her voice gentle.
Azriel didn't respond.
Serana lifted her hand, but was unsure of whether or not to touch her. She was afraid Azriel might lash out at her in her grief.
"Azriel…" Her whisper sounded harsh to her own ears.
Azriel sat motionless.
Serana cleared her throat, still not getting a response.
She looked at her face, covered by her wet hair. The wind had whipped the long red-gold mane around her like snakes then plastered it to her skin.
She has got to be freezing.
Serana reached out carefully, worried. Before her hand reached Azriel, she could feel the deathly cold that surrounded her. It was thick and tangible, it had density to it.
How can someone so hot generate so much cold?
For a minute her hand lingered near Azriel.
"Ahziial…"
Azriel hand ripped itself from the ice, catching Serana's arm by the wrist. Her touch was the hottest blaze wrapped in the bitterest chill. Serana had never felt anything like it in her entire life.
She was so shocked by the rapid movement, Serana stiffened. Azriel's grip even surprised her. Serana had expected pain from it, instead it was gentle.
Azriel made no other movement, nor did she even blink.
Serana didn't attempt to free herself, nor did she try to say anything further. They sat quietly together for several minutes, neither moving.
Azriel slowly lowered her hand still holding Serana's wrist.
"Serana…"
Azriel's voice surprised her in its tenderness. Azriel had whispered her name as a lover would.
"Serana, I have to go."
The weight of her voice made each word heavy in Serana's ears. Each was slow and deliberate, yet delicate. She spoke as if she'd break glass with her voice.
Serana stared at her. "Go? Go where?"
Azriel blinked and turned her head towards her.
Aela rubbed her head before standing. There were so many loose ideas rolling in her mind, she thought she'd never be able to concentrate on her lesson.
"You must focus, young one." Paarthurnax gazed at her.
"It's a lot to think about…" Aela said honestly.
"I wish to prepare you for the trials that lay ahead. Your task will not be easy."
Aela laughed. "When is anything with that woman ever easy?"
Paarthurnax chuckled.
"You must say the words now. Feel them, understand them… know them. When you are ready, speak them."
Aela looked at the sky. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "LOK! VAH! KOOR!"
Her shout tore a hole through the clouds and they began to peel back, exposing the Sun once more.
Paarthurnax looked down at her. "Pruzah. Einzuk!"
"I have to go." Azriel repeated. This time, Serana could hear the misery in her voice. She felt the woman's despair and it broke her heart in two. There was nothing she could do to stop or change it. Serana felt completely helpless sitting next to her, unable to help her in any way.
Serana pulled her arm easily back and Azriel let go. Her hand fell back at her side once more through the hole in the ice.
Serana looked her up and down before answering. Azriel was in no condition to go anywhere.
"Where?" Serana asked again.
Azriel was silent for a few minutes, she turned back to Odahviing.
"I…" Azriel paused. "…I have to make sure you're safe."
Serana furrowed her brow. "Azriel, answer me. Where are you going to go?"
Azriel's eyebrows knitted together.
"I am going to take you to Jorrvaskr. To Aela…" Azriel swallowed. "…Aela will help you now. I have to go."
Serana's eyes grew wide. "What? No! Azriel, you're not making any sense…"
"I have to go." Azriel repeated for the fourth time.
Serana reached out and took Azriel's face into her hands. She turned her head to face her.
Azriel was staring off into space.
"Ahziial, look at me." Serana commanded.
Azriel blinked and her eyes focused on Serana's. Serana shivered at what she saw in them.
"Where are you going to go?"
Azriel looked at her and blinked again. "To kill the Blades…"
Third times the charm… "LOK! VAH! KOOR!" Aela's Thu'um scattered the clouds again, but just as quickly, they flowed back together.
The dragons circling in the sky began to land, watching her lesson with interest.
Figures. Damn dragons. Love to watch, but never say anything. Aela looked around. Especially, that gold fucker, what's his name again?
She thought for a moment as Paarthunax demonstrated the shout once more.
Saaraadgraat. Fucking bastard just glares constantly...
Aela waited patiently for the clouds to roll back. Her thoughts drifted as she waited. She looked at the small rock outcrop, the red dragon that always adorned the top of them was like a ruby against the snow. She missed Odahviing. She could only imagine what Azriel was going through.
Azriel's bond to Odahviing was so strong it had to be tearing her apart he was gone. Aela's eyes dropped to the ground as she considered everything Paarthurnax had told her.
"Again, young one." His voice interrupted her thoughts.
Aela looked at the sky.
She took a deep breath. "LOK! VAH! KOOR!"
Serana searched her eyes before speaking. "Azriel, you cannot possibly think you can fight an army!"
The rain had decreased to a drizzle.
Azriel's nostrils flared and her eyes held only hatred. "I don't plan to fight them. I plan to kill them. All of them!" Azriel growled deeply.
Serana could feel the fire of her anger burning hotly. It affected her just as much.
"Azriel, that will not bring him back!" Serana yelled, losing control of her own emotions.
Azriel closed her eyes and Serana instantly regretted her words, feeling the sorrow roll through her.
She calmed herself before speaking again. "Azriel please, think about this. You said they had an army… you cannot get yourself killed over this!"
Azriel opened her eyes and looked at her. Then she noticed something strange. She looked at Serana's face and under her hair. "You're ears are bleeding!" Azriel reached for her and Serana grabbed her wrists.
"No! Don't!" Serana panicked, yelling.
Azriel stared at her, taken aback by the harshness of Serana's tone.
Serana eased her grip and lowered her hands still holding Azriel's firmly in her own. "Azriel, you must never touch my blood. It could kill you."
Azriel gawked at her. "What? Why?"
"My blood is usually deadly to mortals. You mustn't touch it, no matter the circumstance." Serana said looking away. It was partially true. Her blood would kill a mortal. But, in Azriel's case that probably wasn't true. It would definitely burn away the wolf, making Azriel a vampire.
Azriel pulled her hands free of Serana's and looked around herself. She ripped her shirt sleeve off, handing it to Serana. "Here, if I can't do it…"
Serana took the sleeve and stood walking away. She rinsed it out in the surrounding water and washed her ears with it. When she finished she ignited the rag in her hands, letting it burn to dust.
Azriel watched her walk back over, knowing she had been the cause of Serana's pain. It deepened her grief further.
"Serana I am… I am so sorry I hurt you…" Azriel swallowed hard not sure of what to say. "I don't think my knowledge of healing applies to you, does it?
Serana shook her head. "No. I don't count as living."
Azriel found herself staring at Odahviing's remains once more. She closed her eyes and let out a deep sigh. "I ruin everything around me." She whispered.
"Aela, you must focus. Feel the words, know them as you know yourself." The dragon's voice was gentle.
Aela nodded in agreement. There were too many thoughts roaming her head for her to focus. "I think I need to meditate before trying again. I think it will help me clear my mind of my distractions."
Paarthurnax lowered his head. "Very well." His pride swelled at her. She was a rare gem, a warrior with control and understanding. Her mind ruled her desires she understood her own needs before another attempt showed great progress. It was exactly what he expected of her.
Aela sat down in the snow getting comfortable. She was use to meditating now and quickly relaxed herself. She let her thoughts and cares slip slowly away from her.
She let go of her musings over the words.
She closed her eyes to not see the snow.
Her ears shut out the stirring wind and the sounds of the other dragons.
Aela felt herself relax further, going within herself and escaping the world. She focused on the darkness. The catacombs of her conscious self surrounded her. Her heartbeat was the only sound and she focused on it.
Paarthurnax spread his wing over her, protecting her from the gale that had picked up. He looked up at the noon sky, thinking…
Serana knelt down and cupped her chin, turning her face back to Azriel's. Azriel opened her eyes, watching her.
Serana smiled. "No you don't, Azriel. I'll heal, please stop worrying about me."
Azriel thought for a moment, looking into her blazing eyes. "Blood. You need blood to heal…"
Serana nodded. "Yes, but not yours."
"It's my fault, Serana. I hurt you." Azriel's soft voice sounded like a plea.
Serana could feel her agitation, the boil of it beneath her skin quickened her heartbeat. The young woman in front of her made her blood burn hotter than the Sun did. "No, it's not. You were upset. I'll be fine, I promise."
Azriel looked around for the first time seeing everything clearly. "Serana, drink my blood. I owe you at least that."
"No."
Azriel growled. "What do you mean, no? I hurt you…"
"Azriel, I could kill you right now."
The ice surrounding them began to melt rapidly. Azriel reach out, grabbing Serana's dagger and started pulling it free of the scabbard. "I said yes."
Serana caught her wrist. "No, damnit! For once just listen to me!" She growled in return, pushing the dagger back into place.
"Azriel, I'll live. Right now I'm worried about you! Azriel, you cannot go running off to fight an army! I won't let you."
Azriel glared at her.
"They killed Odahviing! How am I supposed to let that go, Serana? He's dead! Am I supposed to forgive them and just carry on like he means nothing?" Her voice had gotten louder with each word until she was yelling.
Serana grabbed her and pulled her into an embrace. "No, Azriel. You're not."
Azriel pulled against her once then collapsed into her arms. Why does she have to feel so good?
"But, it also doesn't mean I'll just let you walk away to get yourself killed, Azriel. I won't let you, not for anything or anyone. I will not let you go!" Serana growled.
They held each other tightly as the rain fell lightly for a long while, the thundering had quit. Through everything, Serana had become this stabilizing force in her life. She was the cool to her warm and a means of reining in her own fire that threatened to consume her. Serana's touch eased the fractures of her heart and she wasn't willing to loosen her grip on the vampire.
Minutes ticked by in their silence.
Serana stroked her hair, the thirst she felt was paralyzing. Her body held a soreness that simply would not ease and her head pounded. She'd lied to Azriel, the offer of her blood was exactly what she needed. But, the idea that she could harm the werewolf crushed against her. The torture of her wants and needs rented her.
The Dragonborn's scent infiltrated her nose and tongue. The longer she held her, the greater her craving became. She tried desperately to focus on Azriel's feelings, not noticing her own hands roaming Azriel freely.
Azriel groaned from Serana's touch against her neck, sending shivers down Serana's spine.
Why does she have to feel so damned good? Serana's hands traveled her body and she could think of nothing else.
Azriel's thoughts left Odahviing for a moment to when they were on the plains. Her feelings for Serana had taken over her. She needed to apologize for her aggression, she valued Serana's friendship. How the fuck do you apologize for something like that? If that was all she could give, then so be it.
Azriel could feel how wet the vampire's armor was and sighed. "Are you cold?" Azriel asked.
Serana chuckled darkly. "Have you forgotten what I am?"
Azriel shook her head, her cheek rolling against Serana's shoulder as she did. "No. But, you are soaking wet."
You have no idea. Serana bit back her retort. Now is not the time for that. "I'm fine, Azriel. Stop worrying about me."
"No."
Serana pulled away, brushing the woman's hair from her face. "What do you mean no?"
Azriel sighed and loosened her grip. She pulled back to look at the vampire. "I will not stop worrying about you. I will always worry about you, so long as you choose to remain in my life."
Azriel's hand hovered near her face. "I take it you're safe to touch?"
"Depends on who you ask." A smile bloomed on Serana's face.
Azriel blushed and Serana felt her feelings change. It puzzled her. Azriel puzzled her.
She ran her fingers down Serana's cheek and brushed the wet hair away from her face. Then Azriel stopped, dropping her hand and looking away.
Azriel looked at Odahviing's skeleton and gritted her teeth. She slowly stood and water cascaded off of her. Azriel shivered. I swear to you I will kill them all for what they have done to you…
Azriel looked down at Serana and Serana looked at her. Serana smiled tentatively.
Azriel held out her hand to Serana. How can she be so absolutely beautiful? "Let's get you dry at least."
Serana took her hand and let Azriel haul her to her feet. She led Serana to a group of boulders next to Odahviing's skeleton. She wasn't ready to leave him just yet. But, as she looked at the vampire, she was determined to see the Serana at least be made comfortable.
They clambered to the top and sat next to one another. Serana's hand once again found hers. The jolt of their touch caught both of their attention and they looked down at their hands. Serana set their hands into her lap and clasped Azriel's hand between both of hers. Azriel sighed deeply and closed her eyes as Serana watched her with interest.
When Azriel opened them, she was looking at Odahviing's bones.
"It hurts so bad to look at him… to know… " Azriel bit her tongue. She refused to cry again. Her body hurt from the effort of restraining herself.
Serana's fingers found their way under her chin and she turned her face. "Then look at me, Azriel."
"It hurts to look at both of you." Azriel voice was horse.
"Why?" Serana's voice was just as low.
"Because, I hurt you. I knew I would. I can see it, I can… feel it." Azriel started to look away, but Serana's cupped her chin.
"What do you mean 'you can feel it'?" She asked delicately.
Azriel shrugged. "Since the first time you drank my blood. It's almost like I can…" Azriel thought about how to put her thoughts.
"Finish what you were going to say." Serana said quickly.
"It's like I can almost feel what you feel sometimes. I'm not sure though." Azriel had developed another thousand mile stare. "That sounds really stupid doesn't it?"
"No, Azriel, it doesn't. Are you empathic?" Serana tilted her chin and Azriel refocused on her.
"I'm not sure what that means." Azriel said honestly.
"It means you can feel another person's feelings."
Azriel thought for a little bit about it. "Just people?"
Serana considered the question. "Well, no I guess not. It would apply to any sentient being really."
"Then I guess in a way yes. I can feel what dragons feel. I can feel when they are near and things like that. I get a sense of what the joor feel fairly easily. I can tell what the Companions feel, especially Aela…"
Serana rolled her eyes, but Azriel had been lost in thought and missed it.
"… and lately, I feel like I'm starting to understand your feelings. Like now."
Serana furrowed her brow, she was truly curious. "Which are what?"
"Well, you're thirsty. You've been thirsty, it seems like the more you've have to drink, the thirstier you gotten. I've watched you almost every time you've fed. It's confusing you. But, it's odd because you do this thing and I can't read you at all. So what you feel and your body language are in conflict. I don't understand it and it comes and goes. It's more like snippets, it's fleeting. I don't have any kind of control over it when it comes to you. I hate the fact you are such a damned mystery all the time." Azriel didn't notice that she had vocalized the last sentence.
Serana smiled broadly, exposing her fangs. "You are just as much a mystery to me, Ahziial."
Azriel growled faintly at the sound of her name. "Serana, you said when you drink my blood it shows you things. What does it show you? Tell me exactly what you've seen."
Serana sighed. She figured Azriel would eventually ask. She took a deep breath and started talking.
Azriel rubbed her face. Serana had told her about the blood visions and each interaction with her dragon soul. Serana talked about sensing Azriel's feelings and the constant chaos. Azriel was quiet throughout everything. When Serana had finished, Azriel questioned her on her senses and feelings through each vision. But, mostly she had focused on Serana's feelings when she had interacted with her soul. Azriel had asked Serana about her sense of Azriel's own feelings.
"That's um…." Azriel didn't know what to say.
Serana felt her thoughts whirl. Her own feelings collided with them and together they formed a whirlpool of emotions. Serana didn't feel uncomfortable herself, but she could feel Azriel's discomfort.
"Serana, you know more about me than anyone else on Nirn." Azriel said finally.
Serana stroked her cheek, feeling Azriel press into her touch. "Azriel, I care about you. I want to know as much as I can about you." Serana thought for a second. "Everything about you…" She kissed Azriel softly on the lips.
Azriel sighed, breaking the kiss. "Serana, I'm…"
Serana shook her head. "Shut up and kiss me."
Azriel coiled her fingers into the vampire's hair and crashed her lips into Serana's. The heat of if spread over Serana's body in an instant, making her clothes steam. Azriel pulled the vampire closer, crushing Serana into her body. She was a slave to Serana's will, her own turbulent emotions making her hunger for Serana.
But, Azriel felt wrong kissing the woman passionately near the remains of Odahviing.
Azriel pulled away too soon for Serana's liking and she sighed. She watched Azriel glance at Odahviing and then back at her.
"I'm sorry… I can't… not here." Azriel looked away again.
Serana ran her fingers down Azriel's cheek. "It's alright. I understand. I know this isn't easy on you. I was just hoping to distract you."
Azriel scoffed. "Distract me? Is that it?"
Serana rubbed her forehead. "Damnit. No, that's not what I meant. It sounded right in my head."
Azriel made to hop down and Serana stopped her.
"You're grieving, I know that. I didn't mean it like that. I really wish I could say the right things around you."
Azriel closed her eyes trying to calm herself down. Anger blistered her and she tried to curb everything she was feeling. It took her a while to get herself back under control. "It's fine. I'm sorry."
"It's not fine, Azriel. I'm really good at fucking up a moment." Serana sighed still feeling her own clothing steam. She was almost completely dry and the rain was evaporating because of Azriel's body heat before it reached them. I just need to be honest with her…
"Look, it's… whatever. You need to feed don't you?"
"Yes, I do. But, I already know what you're thinking and I won't drink your blood again."
Azriel glared at her. "Why not?"
Serana could feel the chaos inside of Azriel once more. "I already told you why."
"So you're saying I'm weak?" Azriel countered.
Serana felt her anger and lashed out. "Azriel, you know damn well that's not at all what I'm saying. You haven't rested in days. You haven't eaten a single thing. You're grieving and I'm just supposed to drink your blood like nothing is wrong with you?"
Azriel's temper boiled over. "I'm the one who hurt you. I know my blood is powerful and you are going to fucking drink it! What am I supposed to do, watch you suffer because of something I did to you? That's not fucking right, Serana. I love you and I'm the one who should be taking care of you because of what I did! Not the other way around. Now, shut up and bite me before I make you!" The words rushed from her in one rapid emotional flow. She realized what she said when it was too late to stop herself.
Shit.
Serana stared at her, her mouth hanging open. "What did you say?"
Azriel silently cursed herself straight to the Void.
Azriel started turning red. She could feel it. "I… I said… shut up and bite me."
"Before that."
"I know my blood is powerful and you are going to fucking drink it."
"After that."
"I'm not ever repeating that." Azriel felt the heat rising in her cheeks and spreading over her body.
Serana's eyes blazed. "Yes, you are."
"I'd rather walk through every plane of Oblivion." Azriel was certain she was very red.
"I can make that happen…" Serana said with a devilish smile.
"I'd rather fight Alduin again..."
Serana crossed her arms. "Azriel, what did you say?! The part in the middle, damnit!"
Azriel shook her head and looked away.
She felt Serana's cool fingers on her jaw and knew she was done for. The words had come out of their own accord, and she knew Serana wasn't going to drop it. I am so fucked…
Azriel remembered the dagger.
She unbuckled her armor and let it clang to the ground as Serana pulled her back around to face her. She reached over and pulled Serana's dagger from its scabbard before she could stop her. "I said I love you. Now shut up…" She drug the dagger over her shoulder. "…and fucking drink my blood."
The smell and the sight of Azriel's blood cracked Serana's resolve. She caved instantly to the desire burning inside of her and pulled Azriel into her. Her tongue lashed across Azriel's wound, lapping greedily at the blood that poured from it.
Azriel moaned in pleasure against the vampire's crushing grip.
Every bit of lust, hatred, and sadness poured from her and into the vampire's mouth. Her desire for Serana and the desolation from the loss of Odahviing transferred through her blood. Serana could taste the sweetness of heartache and burn of her passion. Azriel's potent blood was better and hotter than the last time she tasted it.
She needed the woman as much as Azriel needed her. She could feel it through her blood as she swallowed it. Serana's nails dug into Azriel's flesh as she surrendered to the Dragonborn's will. Serana sank her fangs into her shoulder and Azriel cried out from both the pleasure and pain of it.
The perilous gloom swallowed Serana as she drank. Ebony tendrils stirred around her then lashed out, enveloping her in their inky murk. They pulled at her in every direction, but their tug dragged her down.
As swiftly as they had snatched her, they released her in the shadow of Azriel's soul. Serana looked around in the dimness that surrounded her. She felt for Azriel through her blood. She was definitely conscious.
Ahziial?
A figure appeared before her, different than before. The Dragonborn stood before her in both her mortal and her true form. Azriel's mortal form was draped in the scaled armor of her true self. On her head sat a jagged crown made of bone and horns. How odd, yet fitting.
"I am before you. You called me, yet you still wonder that I am here. This form appeases you?" The reptilian coldness swelled in her mind. The pounding of Azriel's blood filled her veins with the fiery life of the Dragonborn.
I care for you for who you are, Ahziial. Both the mortal and the dragon.
The Dragonborn inhaled deeply. "Within myself, you cannot hide your fractures from me." The black clawed hand stroked her face. "I feel as you do."
Serana could feel Azriel's consciousness fighting for control.
Which is how?
"I wish to be whole, Serana. Release me."
From my embrace?
"From the chains of myself." The serpentine voice coiled around her as the black clawed hand shoved against her.
Serana withdrew her fangs from Azriel's shoulder and pulled away from her. Serana licked Azriel's blood from her lips and looked down at her chest. The pain in her body had eased. Azriel's hand was still in place there. Serana looked at the Dragonborn's eyes which glowed brightly.
"What is this feeling you have?" Azriel's voice was reptilian, but it wasn't cold. Her fingers were caressing Serana's chest when they rested.
It's now or never… "Love, Ahziial." Serana cleared her throat. "You feel my love for you." Serana swallowed. "I am in love with you." Her voice was a whisper when she finished.
Azriel opened her mouth and exhaled a soft golden breath, leaning forward she kissed Serana deeply.
Thousands of images flashed through Serana's mind. A jumble of thoughts from dragons, people, places, battles, and emotions flowed through her. Serana heard the roar of the dragon and the howl of the wolf within herself. Lifetimes of memories and emotions ran like water through the rapids in her mind. The hottest hot and the coldest cold encircled her body. She felt the tethers latch on to her soul as Azriel bound herself to Serana. Pure energy flowed from Azriel into Serana in a fluid rush, staggering in its magnitude. Every fiber of Serana's being felt the electricity of Azriel's fire flowing through it.
Years crawled by in seconds.
Serana felt the heat and the cold rescind slightly, but the energy remained as Azriel pulled away from her gently.
The two of them sat breathless with their eyes closed in silence for a long while.
Aela shifted around, breaking herself from the stillness of her meditations. She took a few moments to gather herself before standing. Paarthurnax removed his wing, exposing her to the elements once more. She was always grateful for the dragon's compassion as she stretched herself.
"Are you prepared to begin again?" He asked quietly.
Aela was determined to succeed. "Yes. I'm ready."
The dragon took a step back and Aela looked around. She was aware of all the dragons' eyes that were on her.
She looked at the sky and tilted her head back. She closed her eyes focusing on her breathing. She took a breath, then another. "LOK! VAH! KOOR!"
The shout pulsated through air, ripping the clouds aside. The clouds rushed way from the hole she had punched through them as if in fright. She watched the sky and the shades of gray turn blue.
Paarthurnax lowered his head and looked at her. His pride in her, threatened to burst open his chest. She was truly blessed by Kyne. He had sensed it the first time he met her and as quickly she had learned, he knew it was true.
"Hi los nuk." He said simply, making Aela smile.
Azriel opened her eyes and looked at the sky. She had heard the shout and watched in wonder as the clouds began to fade. She looked at Serana, who sat wordlessly with her eyes still shut. She reached out and covered Serana with her hood.
Serana opened her eyes and smiled at her. Whatever Azriel had done had been amazing. She noticed the look on Azriel's face and her smile faltered.
"What is it?" Her concern colored her voice.
Azriel shook her head. "It's nothing." She glanced at Odahviing and sighed. "I just remembered something."
Serana could feel her body vibrate. She felt fantastic. What is this magic? "Azriel, what did you do to me?" Serana asked excitedly, she couldn't help herself.
"I shared my soul with you. Well, a piece of it." Azriel said tenderly, smiling. "I'm tired of the tension between us. I wanted you to understand how I feel." Azriel cleared her throat and couldn't stop the blush from spreading. "How you make me feel. How I feel about you."
Serana smiled at her. "Why now?"
Azriel looked at Odahviing and exhaled. "Because of him… Odahviing encouraged me too." She smirked. "He told me to live for the now."
Azriel looked back at Serana. "I don't want to hide what I am and how I feel anymore. Why didn't you tell me how you felt before now?"
Serana looked away and Azriel gently cupped her chin, turning her back again. Serana sighed looking at her. "I didn't have the courage to tell you. I don't deserve your love, not after everything I've done in my life."
Azriel smirked wickedly. "Fuck the gods and fuck your past. I keep telling you to tell me what you want. If the gods have a problem with you, then they can deal with me."
"Azriel, not even you can stop a god." Serana laughed.
"I already have." Azriel winked at her.
"So what now?" Aela asked, unsure of what to do next.
"You must return now, you are ready. The rest you will learn with time." The dragon fixed his golden eyes on her silver ones. "If you need me, young one, I give you permission to call me."
Aela looked at him in question. "Call you? How?"
The dragon laughed deeply. "Speak my name to the sky and I will come. The names of the Dov are also words with meaning and power. My name, Paar. Thur. Nax. The parts make the whole. Focus on the sum of the parts, will them to summon me with your Thu'um."
Aela mouthed the words, instinctively focusing on the feeling the words gave her. Her breathing changed as she thought. "I understand."
The dragon lowered his head to her and nuzzled his snout into her hand. "Go now, Lady Aela. You will find the Dovahkiin near Whiterun."
Aela nodded. "Lok, Thu'um."
The dragon chuckled. "Su'um ahrk morah."
They sat quietly for a little while. They had shifted so that Azriel was holding Serana to her chest.
Serana looked at the dragon, musing over everything, then to the Dragonborn. "Azriel, I don't know where dragons go when they die. I know he meant a great deal to you…"
"Aetherius." Azriel mumbled looking at Odahviing.
"What?" Serana pulled slightly away to get a better look at her.
Azriel looked at her and wiped away a single tear that strayed down her cheek with the back of her hand. "Aetherius… They return to a realm of Aetherius if their soul hasn't been claimed. You know, like Sovngarde, but um… not Sovngarde, if that makes sense."
"Yes, it does. You mean if you don't take their soul?"
Azriel nodded sadly. "I didn't kill him, nor did another dragon. If a dragon had killed him he would have claimed his soul. It's the same with me. A dragon can kill another dragon or Dragonborn and claim the soul. It's like the prize for winning. But, the same is true for me. If a Dragonborn kills a dragon or, I assume, another Dragonborn, we get their soul. With it comes power all of their power like I told you before."
She shifted slightly to hold Serana closer again. "Odahviing was killed by men so his soul returned to Aetherius."
"Isn't that how you told me Alduin raised them? I'm guessing he couldn't raise the ones that were claimed, right?"
Aela turned and started to walk away. A thousand thoughts ran through her mind. The dragon had only created more questions without any answers. She thought about how well she actually knew the Dragonborn and realized she hadn't scratched the surface of her. She knew nothing about her past, nothing about her upbringing, and very little about her outside of their time together. What she did know was that she loved her. Their bond of friendship had always been something more. She'd felt it, but Azriel had always hesitated.
Aela thought as she walked past the dragons and began her decent. She thought about leaving this place and her return to Whiterun. Aela stopped, contemplating the wind and the snow. She watched it rip and tear against the side of the mountain. She smiled and shouted at the sky.
"Yes." Azriel answered simply. Something nagged her, something important.
Serana noticed her face and emotions change. The chaos inside Azriel had lifted like a fog in sunlight. Serana smirked at the analogy, but it was the best she could come up with. Since Azriel had shared her soul with her, Azriel's feelings were as clear as the summer night sky that she loved so much.
Serana reached out, taking her hand between her own. The shock had changed, but what replaced it was unexplainable. I thought the kiss was hot… Azriel's hand felt like solid vibrating heat.
They both looked down at their hands. For a second, they forgot about everything else. Then both of them spoke at the same time. "How the fuck are you doing that?" They had spoken in unison. They shared a look and giggled together at the faces they both were making.
"Okay, seriously, how are you doing that?" Azriel asked.
"I was about to ask you the same thing." Serana said still giggling.
"You've never felt this warm before…" Azriel muttered.
Serana raised an eyebrow at her. "Warm? I feel warm to you?"
Azriel rolled her eyes. "Yes, warm. How are you doing that?"
"Well 'warm' was the last thing I thought you'd say…" Serana smiled at her.
Azriel smirked back at her. "Fine, you feel warm and like you are trying to shock me to death. I'm totally vibrating. Your hand feels like its resonating."
Serana looked back at her hand. "You do too, except you're hotter now."
Azriel laughed. "Thanks!"
Serana smacked her playfully in the arm with her free hand. "You know what I mean, Smartass."
"You'd think I was boring if I wasn't a smartass." Azriel said coyly. A black bird caught her attention as it landed on Odahviing's ribcage. Azriel glared at it and it exploded.
She grunted and looked back at Serana, who was staring at her.
"What?" Azriel looked at her quizzically.
"That explains it. I thought you were just a shit-hot destruction mage…" she said excitedly. "…you're a pyrokinetic!"
Azriel laughed. "No, not just with fire. It's just super effective here in Skyrim and my favorite."
Serana licked her lips. "Explain."
Azriel looked at the rocks that littered the ground and they lifted into the air. They began spinning, forming ice around them. Then they exploded.
Serana's eyes grew wide at the sight. "You're an atmoskinetic? That's exceptionally rare. My Mother is telekinetic and my Father would kill to have you join him."
"Fuck your parents. They're assholes for everything they've done to you. I'd rather die than join your Father."
Serana looked away. "Azriel, I know my parents aren't the best people on Nirn… but I still love them."
"It doesn't mean that I shouldn't put my foot up their ass for the things they've done to you." Azriel growled.
Serana sighed and wouldn't look at her.
Azriel ran her fingers through her hair. "Serana, I'm sorry. But no one should treat you that way."
"Just drop it, okay?" Serana said angrily. Azriel was right, but she didn't want to hear it.
"No, I'm not dropping it. Your Mother locked you in a box for how long and left you there? You Father is a controlling dick that hasn't done a fucking thing for you. Maybe…"
Serana turned, her eyes burning. "I know that! It's my fucking life. But, I still care for them!"
"I'm sorry." Azriel said quietly, looking down at her feet.
Serana sighed and squeezed her hand. Azriel was right and the last thing she wanted to do was argue.
"I'm sorry too. My Father is a complete dick. Azriel, I know you don't understand, I'm just asking for you to try. I know three people, them and you. In the short amount of time I've known you, you've done more for me than they have my entire life." Serana paused. "You've made it so easy for me to love you. You are so completely different than anything I've ever known."
Azriel smiled and looked back up. She stroked Serana's gaunt cheek, looking at the fire in her eyes. Then a thought struck her.
Alduin raised them. He brought them back from Aetherius.
Azriel's face went slack. Then her eyes grew wide at her insight.
Serana sat up. "What is it?"
"That's exactly how he did it! Serana, you are a fucking beautiful and amazing genius!" Azriel grabbed Serana's face and quickly kissed her.
Azriel jumped to her feet on top of the boulder dragging Serana up with her.
Serana smiled absolutely lost. "Uh, thanks? What did I do?"
"I'm going to raise him!" Azriel said excitedly.
"What?"
"I'm going to raise him!" Azriel repeated eagerly.
Serana shook her head, not understanding her meaning. "Azriel, necromancy doesn't work like that…"
Azriel looked at her confused. "Serana, I can't make a bunny twitch its tail with necromancy. I suck at it. I mean I'm going to call him from Aetherius."
Serana put her hand on Azriel's steaming forehead. "Azriel, you're feverish…"
Azriel laughed, interrupting her. "Serana, trust me."
"…and obviously delirious." Serana finished.
Azriel hugged her. "No, will you listen to me? When I found out I was Dragonborn, I went to the Blades leader, Delphine. Together we went to Kynesgrove. Alduin was there and he raised Sahloknir. He attacked me right afterward and I killed him. I didn't understand really what had happened until I took his soul."
Serana pulled away from her and watched her with interest, but was still confused. "Azriel, are you telling me you can actually call a dragon that has been killed back to its body? If that's true, you're a necromancer's wet dream!"
Azriel smiled and hopped down from the rock, splashing into the ankle deep water.
"You're a necromancer, I'll settle for being yours."
Serana blushed hard at the remark.
"Serana, knowledge is power. Odahviing's skeleton is intact. His soul is as well, but it's in Aetherius. I know the words and if I can take a few minutes…" Azriel stopped talking.
Serana looked at her face and jumped down next to her.
Serana cupped her chin. "What is it?"
Azriel swallowed. "Serana, can I be really honest with you?"
Serana smiled. "I kind of expect it at this point."
"Serana, I'm not any different than Alduin." Azriel shivered. "I have spent my time in Skyrim fighting or learning everything I can about magic. Everywhere I can."
"Azriel, there's nothing wrong with that. That doesn't make you like Alduin." Serana said gently.
Azriel rolled her eyes and looked at the dragon's skeleton. "No, you're missing my point."
"Serana, there's some things about me you need to know." Azriel said quietly.
Serana sighed dramatically. "I knew it, you're married."
Azriel looked up at her. "What? No!"
Serana laughed at the look on Azriel's face. "It's too late now since you shared your soul with me. You're mine now, but I'd really hate to be known as a home wrecker."
Azriel smiled, but it quickly faded and she looked down at her feet. "Serana, dragons seek to dominate and enslave. Truth for them is found through magic and power. I'm not any different from them, except I lack wings and a ginormous body. Some of them call me their Overlord, a title once held by Alduin. Now Paarthurnax has claimed it as his right. Part of me acknowledges that I am their Overlord. The human part desperately wants nothing to do with it. I'm constantly fighting the dragon I am. The desires for conquest…" Azriel took a deep breath. "…includes everything in my life, even you."
Serana placed her hand on Azriel's. "Maybe you shouldn't fight it. From what I've seen, you should embrace it. Well, not the dominating and enslaving part. It's not all it's cracked up to be. But, you should embrace who you are, not just parts of yourself."
Azriel looked at her, surprised. "Serana, I fuck up everything I touch. I've even hurt you. How can you stand there and say that? I'd rather die than hurt you again."
Serana interlaced her fingers with Azriel's, her other hand stroked her cheek. Serana pulled the woman closer and rested her forehead against Azriel's. "Azriel, you need to be whole, just like I do. You need to balance yourself out. Chaining part of yourself away doesn't help you in the least. I love you for who you are, you are my dragon."
Azriel's eyes slid shut and she pulled Serana into a kiss. She ended it just as quickly, resting her forehead back on Serana's.
"You have no idea how much I love you." Azriel sighed.
"I think I have a pretty good idea." She was disappointed Azriel had ended another kiss so quickly.
Azriel swallowed and looked from Serana to Odahviing. She let go of Serana's fingers and stepped in front of him. Azriel knelt in the water and Serana sighed at the loss of her touch.
Serana watched Azriel's eyes slip closed. From where she was standing, she could see the dragon and the Dragonborn in profile.
The feelings from the Dragonborn were overwhelming at first. Then, she felt something new, almost peaceful. She realized it was the first time she had ever noticed a sense of peace from Azriel.
Azriel's shoulders relaxed.
The breeze changed to a warm gentle gust, which was completely out of place for that time of year. A scent filled the air, one of fire and animal… but something else that was floral. Serana realized it was Azriel's scent, but much more dominant.
Azriel's feelings grew stronger by the second. The desire she felt had shifted. The young woman was soaking in the energy of the living things around her. Serana finally understood the true diversity of her magical abilities.
Energy pulsed from Azriel in waves as she stood.
The sensations excited Serana and she licked her lips, thrilled by it. Azriel was powerful and it turned her on like nothing else watching her.
"Zu'u los Dovahkiin ahrk zok suleykaar do pah Dov." The whisper made the air vibrate.
"Zu'u Ahziial. Zu'u los mon do Akatosh ahrk faal Dovahsebrom. Zu'u los nunon gein wah ald Alduin! Dii Thu'um fent kos honaan!" Azriel's voice boomed.
The water around her began to boil and steam. The ground shook with the power of her voice. Cracks emanated in all directions around her and the water began to sink into the ground faster than it evaporated.
Serana watched eagerly as Azriel continued.
"Hon zey dii zeymah, Zu uth hi wah gir!"
The ground around Odahviing's body began to glow with a black light. It poured from the ground like a reverse waterfall. Pieces of earth and rock rose into the air around him, riding the current of light. The wind swirled around them, warming them.
Through its blackening haze Serana watched, completely engrossed. She tore her eyes from Odahviing's body and looked back to Azriel. Her eyes glowed brightly like never before.
"Dii zeymah fen lahney, dahik Zu fen nii wah kos!"
The dragon's skeleton began to glow brightly. The golden light surrounding his bones joined the black light which poured from the ground.
"Hi fen hon zey. Odahviing alok!" Azriel took a deep breath and prayed to Akatosh.
"SLEN! TIID! VO!" Azriel's shout was thunderous.
The skeleton began to shake hard. The bones moved back together of their own accord. The skeleton rose, standing. The glow around him became blinding and the dragon skeleton crawled forward, stretching it bony wings and neck.
"Dovahkiin! Dii briinah Zu lost hon hi Thu'um med lovaas wah dii sil. Zu'u los hinah wah uth dii, Thur!" The skeleton roared in response.
Serana's jaw fell open as she watched.
"Alok Odahviing! Kun hin staad ont einzuk ahst dii reid ol nii lost seik wah kos!" Azriel commanded with a roar.
Flames engulfed the dragon's skeleton. In a spectacular flash of light, the red dragon was whole and Odahviing roared deafeningly into the sky.
Serana gaped at the dragon in disbelief.
Aela let the door to High Hrothgar close quietly behind her. The Greybeards had bowed to her as she left. It was still a little bittersweet, knowing she was leaving.
Aela hefted her pack over she shoulder and adjusted the straps. She was about to groan thinking about the lengthy walk down the mountain side and back to Whiterun. I'm not a milk drinker.
She smirked at the thought. She gripped her shield and adjusted her bow. Aela started her walk down the mountain thinking about her reunion with Azriel. The smirk became a smile. She was excited to see the Harbinger.
She thought more about the things Paarthurnax had said. She didn't believe for an instant that Azriel was the only child of Akatosh born as a Dragonborn. Not the way he had acted.
She walked briskly, contemplating their discussions as she did. She looked at the sky noting the time. If she made good progress, she could get to Ivarstead by nightfall.
She didn't notice the golden dragon stalking her.
Odahviing lowered his head and fixed his golden eye on hers. "What took you so long?"
Azriel broke into a run and launched herself at him. She threw herself onto his face, hugging him tightly. "You bastard! You ever leave me again, I'll raise you just to kill you myself."
The dragon laughed deeply. "Come now, Briinah…" Odahviing inhaled her scent. "…you must admit you missed me."
Azriel jumped off him and punched him in his face. "Don't you ever make me cry again, you fucking Asshole!"
The dragon shook his head. "Krosis, Thuri. I did not mean to add to your sorrow."
Azriel hugged him once more. "Odahviing, I'm serious. Don't ever leave me again." She whispered.
"I had no intention to do so, Ahziial." He cooed back at her.
Serana watched them for a few moments, sitting contently as Azriel hung off the dragon's head, hugging him tightly.
When Azriel let go, Serana could feel her sadness once more.
"Odahviing, you need to go back to Paarthurnax and tell him what's happened with the Blades." Azriel paused thinking. "If they're bold enough to attack you on the plains then they could attack anyone anywhere, including High Hrothgar."
Azriel cringed at the thought. The Greybeards could easily handle a small group of men. But, the last time Azriel had been to Sky Haven Temple, Delphine had been actively recruiting like crazy. The Blades' numbers had swelled to over one hundred. But, that was ages ago…
"Odahviing, how did they overwhelm you?"
"Their arrows held a toxin that made breathing difficult."
"Damnit! Are you serious?" Azriel bellowed.
Serana walked over to her and placed her hand on Azriel's shoulder to calm her. Azriel reached up and took her hand, holding it.
Odahviing looked between them and chuckled. "It seems much has occurred since we parted ways, Briinah." He turned his head and fixed his golden eye on hers. "I am happy you have claimed a mate."
Serana smiled broadly with a dark chuckle. I like the sound of that…
Azriel blushed madly. "Don't change the subject, Odahviing."
The dragon sighed. "Very well. I killed several of them before I could no longer fly."
"Why the fuck didn't you call me?" Azriel growled ferociously.
The dragon chuckled. "It was a matter of Kah."
Azriel crossed her arms. "You didn't call me because of your Pride?"
Serana could feel her anger blaze and the dragon took a step backward. "Geh."
"Serana, hold my swords, I'm going to plant my foot in this dragon's ass."
Odahviing's eyes went wide.
Serana chuckled and ran her fingers through Azriel's hair.
"Maybe you should let him off the hook, just this once." Her voice was a purr, making Azriel shiver.
Azriel looked at Odahviing and growled, pointing at him. "Just be thankful Serana is here right now, or I would kick your ass."
Azriel wrapped her arm around Serana's waist possessively, not thinking about her action.
But, it made Serana smiled broadly. This is exactly what I was hoping for from our mutual admissions.
"Odahviing, go back to Paarthurnax. If Delphine leads the Blades there, she would attack the Greybeards first. We need to protect them and ourselves. She has an army and I don't doubt she's been grooming them for that kind of attack. I doubt it's safe for any dovah to travel alone if they are using poison to force you from the sky. The Blades shouldn't be shown any mercy when we find them either." She paused, thinking if she should add anything. "And I'm making you armor."
The dragon growled at her. "Nid. Zu fen ni ahtiid qah!"
Azriel narrowed her eyes at him. "You'll wear it and you'll like it. Just trust me, okay? Now get going and no hunting without me. I'll call you soon."
"Zu buriis ful, strunmah los vothni ziig." Serana laughed at his comment and Azriel smiled. The dragon stretched his wings and lifted into the sky.
Azriel watched him go, sighing. She realized she was being watched. She looked at Serana, the vampire's eyes burned. Azriel looked down realizing her arm was wrapped around her.
"Mate, huh?" Serana's sultry voice drew her attention back up. Serana was smiling broadly, her fangs exposed.
Azriel blushed and cleared her throat. "I… um…" Azriel stammered trying to think of something to say.
Serana closed the gap between them and pulled Azriel close. "I think I'm okay with that."
She leaned in and kissed Azriel. Azriel thought she was going to disintegrate.
It took the entire afternoon walking, to get close to Whiterun from where they were on the plains. It was dusk and most of the way, they hadn't really spoken. Azriel was dead tired and Serana seemed to be tired as well.
Azriel looked over at her as she rubbed her temples. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, it's just really bright out here still. I don't know how you can stand it."
Azriel laughed. "I'm a werewolf?" She looked at the fading light. "It's almost dark anyway. We'll stop and rest at Whiterun. We should find you someone to drink before that though."
Serana nodded and Azriel thought for a moment. "There's a hunter's camp not far from here. There are usually poachers that hang out there. We could check and see. Or you can…"
"I'm not drinking your blood Azriel, you can barely walk. I'm not carrying you back to Whiterun unconscious."
Azriel growled under her breath. "Fine. The hunter's camp it is." Azriel turned sharply right, pulling Serana along. They walked for about fifteen minutes before they could hear drunken laughter.
Azriel crouched down and Serana snuck forward. Two men sat drinking and laughing around a fire. Serana contemplated which to attack first.
"Hang on, Tolvik. I'll be right back." One of the men got up and walked behind a bush and Serana smiled. The man sitting at the fire never heard Serana approach him from behind. She lifted him off the ground, her hand firmly over his mouth and retreated away from the fire light.
A few minutes later she had finished him and left his corpse to be found by animals. She snuck closer to the other man as he reappeared from the bushes. In a second, she was on him, pinning him down. She sunk her fangs into him as she crushed his mouth closed so he couldn't scream. She drank deeply from him, sating her thirst.
When she finished, she extinguished the flames of the campfire and walked back over to Azriel who was smiling.
"What?" Serana asked, smiling back at her.
"I'm just a tad jealous." Azriel said with a laugh. "The way you pinned down that hunter was hot."
Serana slowly smiled widely, letting her fangs show. "I promise to pin you down later… mate."
Azriel slipped her hand into Serana's and they started walking together.
Azriel was laughing. "Anything you say… Princess."
Serana rolled her eyes with a laugh. "Fine. Take me to bed… Empress."
Azriel stopped walking and looked at her. Her body blazed at Serana's suggestion. "Where did you hear that?"
Serana returned her gaze, still smiling. "The men you killed this morning called you Empress. Now come on, let's keep walking. I really want out of these clothes and into a hot bath. And you need some damn sleep... after I have my way with you."
Azriel shook her head, laughing at her comment. "I don't really remember them at all. I barely remember anything from this morning." She closed her eyes for a moment trying to remember what happened. "Fuck they did, didn't they?"
Then Azriel started to laugh harder. "I guess there's no point in denying it." She looked at Serana, who stood rooted in place.
"So… It's true? You're the Empress of Tamriel?"
Azriel sighed. "Supposedly it's our birth right to rule. It's all rather ridiculous, though. Tamriel has an Emperor, Titus Mede. The Nords and Redguards hate him, the Elves think he's an idiot, and I could care less if a troll ate him."
Serana raised her eyebrows as they started walking again.
"I think what's awesome is how pissed Delphine is going to be when that Knight returns. You drank her lover dry." Azriel laughed remembering it.
"Get back to the part about you being the Empress of Tamriel." Serana said brazenly.
Azriel rolled her eyes. "I'd rather get to the part where we're in bed together." She glanced at Serana's smile.
"Patience, Dragon. All in good time." Serana said saucily.
Azriel laughed brusquely. "Sassy bitch…" She stuck out her tongue at Serana who laughed.
"The Dragonborns have all been the Emperors or Empresses of Tamriel since Saint Alessia in the first era. The last Dragonborn Emperor was Emperor for like a day, and that was Martin Septim. He died becoming the avatar of Akatosh to fight Dagon in the Imperial City during the Oblivion Crisis. Since then, no Dragonborn has sat on the throne, because there hasn't been another Dragonborn that anybody has known of. The Throne of Tamriel is supposedly to be ours by birthright, a gift granted by Akatosh himself. Personally, I have zero desire to ever sit in a chair with that much responsibility. And to be perfectly honest, I'm a little sick of the Gods and their gifts. It just ends up being a massive headache for me and I can't imagine trying to rule an Empire."
They walked for another hour, talking before arriving at the city.
"What happened to this place?" Azriel looked at the Imperial soldiers littering the landscape and the endless barricades surrounding the walls.
"Serana, keep your hood on. I don't want them freaking out that you're a vampire. Let me do the talking alright?"
Azriel led her through the barricades and passed a line of farmers and merchants trying to enter the city. She approached a frazzled soldier checking his list and walked past him. The Imperial guards step forward, pointing their spears in her face.
"Hold. Back of the line, Citizen. Everyone goes through the checkpoint." One of the guards stated flatly.
"Go fuck yourself." Azriel growled at him.
People behind Azriel cheered.
Serana sighed. "Smooth, very smooth." She whispered sarcastically.
"I said…" He pushed his spear closer to her. "…back of the line, Citizen."
Azriel snatched the spear in her face, snapping the tip off in her hand. "And I said, go fuck yourself." She threw the spear tip on the ground.
Five guards stepped forward drawing their swords. Azriel growled menacingly at them.
"She's the Dragonborn!" Someone yelled from behind them in the line.
Azriel didn't look to see who had yelled.
"Get to the back of the line, Citizen before we arrest you and your friend."
"You milk drinker, do you know who stands in front of you?" A smooth voice came from behind them. "Why don't you run and tell your Legate you arrested the Thane of Whiterun, Harbinger of the Companions, and the Dragonborn? You're a moron, now get out of her way." Athis stepped from the darkness, wearing his wolf armor and smiled at Azriel.
She returned his smile as the guards backed up, sheathing their swords.
Athis walked forward and greeted her with a hug. "Harbinger."
"Slick move, Elf." Azriel replied, happily hugging him in return.
Athis shrugged. "Least I can do. We're guarding the City with them as you have requested." He glanced at Serana and took a quick step back.
Azriel caught his wrist. "It's fine, we're together. She's not a threat."
Athis looked at her and nodded, he kept his voice low. "You might want to get inside quickly then, before they notice your friend."
"Athis, tell Vilkas I'll be at Jorrvaskr in a few minutes." She added and took Serana's hand.
Athis watched her, staring down at their hands, then nodded. "Alright." He looked at Serana once more before leading them through the Legionnaires to the gates.
Azriel sighed. This isn't going to be good if Athis reacts like this.
"Let's go, Serana."
They walked through the gates and past Warmaiden's. She waved to Adrianne as she passed by the woman and Adrianne returned her wave with a soft smile.
Azriel walked to the second house on the right and dug through her ruck sack for her key. She pulled the key out and looked at it nervously. Her home was small and frankly, cluttered. She glanced at Serana for a second.
"Is something wrong?" Serana watched Azriel just stand at the door.
She held the key and returned Serana's gaze nervously. "It's not a castle, but this is my place…" Azriel felt really nervous. "I hope you can get comfortable here. I know it's not really what you are used to."
Serana shook her head, understanding her hesitation. "Azriel, I'm not that kind of girl. The castle wasn't really ever my thing."
Azriel cleared her throat and opened the door to Breezehome.
Aela pushed open the door to Vilemyr Inn. The place held a few scattered Stormcloak officers and locals drinking. She walked up to the innkeeper at the bar.
"Good evening, I'd like a quiet room for the night." She said keeping her hood on.
"Ten Septims please, m'lady." The old man smiled at her.
Aela placed the small stack of gold on the counter and the man scooped it away.
"Follow me please, I'll show you to your room." The old man said shuffling his way out from behind the bar. "I'll put you up in a room with a private bath. I hope this will be to your liking, young lady."
He led her to a back room, farthest away from the patrons of the bar and pushed open the door. "There you are, enjoy your stay."
Aela stepped inside and shut the door, letting the lock click. She walked to the bathing chamber and pushed open the door, looking at the tub. It was small, but it would do. She took off her satchel and set her weapons down on the stand. She walked over to the tub and ran the hot water into it, as it filled she got undressed.
She really hadn't wanted to stop for the night, but after her long walk down the mountain and her day, she needed to get some rest. She had plenty of coin to hire a carriage in the morning for Whiterun.
Milk drinker… Aela laughed at her own thoughts as she folded herself into the hot water.
Gods this feels good! Aela let herself relax into the tub with a smile. Her walk down the mountainside had been pleasantly uneventful. It had allowed her time to think. She had passed several pilgrims along the way, most of who had only called out in greeting to her as she passed by. Minor interruptions…
Aela had felt watched the entire way down from High Hrothgar, but she chalked it up to feeling nervous about seeing Azriel again. Her thoughts drifted to the Dragonborn. She had been thinking about her the entire walk down the mountain and now wasn't any different. She had made up her mind and had decided to tell Azriel her feelings for her. She thought about the kiss they had shared before Azriel left the summit. Her body shivered in delight and it made her stomach ache worse.
Aela ran her fingers gently down the inside of her thigh. She could feel her own wetness, even in the bath water. She sighed knowing her own ministrations wouldn't fill her craving. She wanted Azriel as her mate and wasn't going to put off the conversation any longer, nor would she take 'no' for an answer any more. She understood Azriel's fears of disappointment. But, the idea that Azriel wouldn't be with her because she feared disappointing Aela by dying wasn't a reason to let a life together pass them by. It's time we have a long discussion about us...
Her wolf howled in agreement. Aela knew she loved Azriel, she had known it for a long time. She also knew for a fact the woman loved her by everything Azriel did. If Azriel wouldn't make a move, then Aela would. She was absolutely determined and nothing was going to stop her from claiming Azriel as her own.
Aela sank under the warm water, smiling at her thoughts.
Even in death, Odahviing has amazing cock-blocking skills! I hope you enjoyed this chapter and as always, comments are welcome. A lot happens in this chapter, sorry about the length of it.
-Red