Serana couldn't remember a time in her life she had ever felt this content. As she laid on top of the sleeping woman's body, she sighed deeply. Serana listened to her heart as it beat pumping her blood through her veins. Azriel's rhythmic breathing was hypnotic, pulling her closer to the woman.
Azriel's arm was around her, her hand in the middle of Serana's back. When Serana tried to move to lay next to her, Azriel had tightened her hold, keeping her in place. Serana wasn't going to argue under the comfortable fur blanket and lying on top of the woman, the electric fire diffusing through her body. Serana felt whole for the first time in her long life.
Serana kissed Azriel's collar bone as she relaxed and let her mind wander.
Telling Azriel about the darkest moment of her life still haunted her. Azriel hadn't judged her for it, but she could feel her ire. Azriel's hadn't been angry with her, that much she could feel. It was directed at her parents. Serana had lived lifetimes to Azriel's nineteen years. She could understand how someone so young could see her life in such an unfortunate light and, being honest with herself, it was depressing to think about. Time had allowed some of her wounds to heal. It had brought her closer to her mother, but had also put a wedge through her family. All because of this idiotic Prophecy...
Serana closed her eyes as she thought, letting her fingers trace Azriel's heated skin.
Her memories drifted back to Helaina. She followed the stream of her thoughts as they bubbled. The young girl's gentle smile floated through her mind… she hadn't thought of it in thousands of years. Her claws raked Azriel's arm lightly as the memories of the night they were caught kissing in the royal library flooded back to her. How her Mother had chastised her for her 'disgusting' behavior. She hadn't told Azriel the deep remorse she held for the girl's death or how it had affected her profoundly. Not entirely anyway. Serana sighed, letting her fingers roam over Azriel's arm that lay curled over her hair.
She'd never tell Azriel of the depression she fell into after the ritual and how she allowed herself to become more like her parents. How she had been drunk on blood and power, full of resentment at them. How close she had come to being more like them, murdering innocent people because of the loneliness and the entrapment she felt.
It had been the lowest point of her life and it had taken her years to climb back out of it.
She felt Azriel's arm tighten slightly against her as she drew a deeper breath. She listened to Azriel breathe, falling deeper into sleep. Serana closed her eyes and comforted herself by listening to Azriel breath.
Her thoughts lingered for a moment on her parents' reaction to the young werewolf under her. Father wants her power or her dead. Mother will look down on her...if Mother is even alive. She'll hate her because she is a werewolf and mortal. Neither of them will care that she's mine, they'd simply try to destroy or change her.
She opened her eyes and carefully moved to look at the sleeping woman's face. She already knew her Father wanted Azriel either dead or alive. She could only imagine what would happen to her if he succeeded. How much danger have I selfishly put you in?
She let her thoughts meander to the possibility of Azriel becoming a vampire. She wondered if she'd accept it as a gift or a curse. Serana speculated on how much it would change her physically and otherwise. Azriel is powerful in her own right, but becoming a vampire would make her stronger, but how much so? Serana licked her lips guessing at Azriel's power.
She thought about her Father again and felt sick. Would he force the change on her in exchange for her life? She shivered, disgusted by the thought of her Father touching Azriel. What if she allowed me to do it…? Would that even be enough to protect her?
She brushed a stray lock from Azriel's cheek. Serana let her finger trace the scars on Azriel's face. She moved her finger to her lips, tracing them breezily. They were up against so much. Azriel was being hunted by everything that drew breath in Skyrim. She shouldn't have to deal with her Father. I won't let him hurt you. He'll never get his claws on you for as long as I live.
Serana pushed her dark cogitations away, focusing on Azriel. She pulled her fingers away, trying not to disturb her while she watched her sleep. She felt Azriel's chest push against her own as she settled back down.
Serana's thirst scratched at her throat.
Azriel had been right, the more she fed, the thirstier she had seemed. Sating her thirst would have to wait. Azriel's blood eased her need to feed, but being around the young woman had made her craving stronger. Since the first drink she had taken from Azriel, the woman's blood had become her addiction. How do you go from the finest wine to water again? She smirked at the analogy as she fought the urge to taste her blood.
Serana shifted lower and rested her head back on Azriel's chest. She traced the scars on her left shoulder. She felt weak after their passionate night together and let her weight fully rest on the werewolf. Their affair had lasted the entire night and it was almost dawn. She looked over to the remains of the wooden bed piled against the wall and smirked. After so many nights of sleeplessness and everything that had transpired, Azriel had surprised Serana with her stamina. Serana stifled a laugh thinking what would happen when the woman was rested and well fed. I won't be able to walk for a decade. Damn Animal.
Serana let her thoughts fade as Azriel's heartbeat thumped like a drum in her ears steadily, lulling her into sleep. Her eyes drifted closed and she sighed contently once more.
Serana's eyes fluttered at the pounding sound that intruded her ears. At first she thought it was Azriel's heartbeat, but it happened again.
Someone was at the door downstairs. Serana groaned, knowing one of them would have to move. She lifted herself up and looked down at Azriel, making sure she wasn't awake. This had better be important or I'll rip whoever it is in half... Serana begrudgingly pushed herself away from Azriel and rolled to the side of the bed.
I'm not answering the door naked.
She looked around the room and her eyes landed on a dresser. She got up and took a couple of steps to it and quietly pulled it open, rummaging around for something suitable to wear. She quickly pulled on a dark linen shirt and baggy linen pants. By the time she made it down the stairs, the interloper was practically beating down the door again.
Serana unlatched the lock and was knocked over by Farkas.
"Where's Azriel?" He shouted.
"She's sleeping." Serana hissed at him. "So keep it down."
The large wolf wiped his brow and looked down at her exhaling hard. "Thank Talos she's safe…"
A peculiar look crossed his face as he looked at her, then he sniffed the air. Farkas almost fell back out the door turning bright red as he did.
"I'm sorry… for disturbing…you and… Azriel… I… shit." His stammered words made Serana blush deeply as well. He turned his head trying not to look at Serana.
"It's fine, just… keep it down." She could already feel the blush in her own cheeks. "What do you mean 'thank Talos she's safe'?" Serana added.
Before he could answer his twin pushed through the doorway. "Where's Azriel?"
Serana sighed. "Sleeping! Now will someone explain to me what the fuck is going on?"
"Thank Talos…" Vilkas muttered looking at his brother.
"Keep it down!" Serana rubbed her temples. "And who the fuck is Talos?"
"Azriel, WAKE!" Vilkas yelled, just as she finished her question, glaring at Serana.
The three of them heard a crash from upstairs and footsteps run across the floor. Azriel ran down the stairs tripping over the fur blanket she had stripped from the bed and was wearing as a robe. She barely managed to recover as she stared at the three of them.
Serana smacked her face with her hand watching the disheveled Dragonborn catch herself against the wall.
"What the fuck, Vilkas? I almost died just then..." Azriel rubbed her eyes furiously to clear the sleep from them.
The two men stared at her and she self-consciously pulled the blanket tighter.
"There's been an attack in Whiterun. There are a lot of casualties. We need your help."
Azriel's curses interrupted him.
"The Priests need your help tending to the wounded. Meet me at Dragonsreach when you are finished." He turned to leave, glaring at Serana.
"Wait… I don't understand. The Stormcloaks attacked?" Azriel said catching him before he left.
"No." Vilkas growled. Revulsion marked his words and his glare fell on Serana. "Vampires."
Azriel looked at Serana's surprise and returned his glare. "She had nothing to do with this!"
"How do I know that?" Vilkas snapped at her.
Azriel stepped closer to him and her scent hit him hard. "She was with me all night. She's been with me for two weeks and hasn't left my sight."
Vilkas growled and spun on his heel, walking quickly out the door without a response.
Azriel rolled her eyes and looked at Farkas.
"I believe you, Sister." Farkas' face was beet red.
Azriel looked at Serana. Her face was a mask, but Azriel could feel her sorrow and her indignation.
"Let me get dressed, Farkas. I'll be right back." Azriel said with a sigh.
Farkas nodded.
"I'm sorry for disturbing you." He added to Serana.
A city guarded hurried towards her doorway. "Dragonborn! You're here! Thank Talos! The Jarl requests your presence at Dragonsreach immediately."
"Gods damnit! Really?" Azriel cursed again, grabbing Farkas' arm. "Tell Jarl Balgruuf I need to attend the wounded. I'll be up when I finish at the Temple." The guard nodded and ran back toward Dragonsreach.
Azriel looked at Farkas' red face. She did a once over to make sure he wasn't injured. "Farkas, what the fuck happened?"
Farkas looked down at his feet and Azriel shot Serana a glance. She could see the irritation on the vampire's face and looked back to Farkas.
"They came over the wall dressed like Legionaries… No one suspected them." His voice trailed off.
Azriel pulled the blanket closer to her skin once again. Farkas was avoiding something.
"Is everyone okay?"
The big man groaned and shook his head.
"Farkas, damnit! Tell me who is hurt!" Azriel growled in exhaustion.
"Zee, get dressed. We really need you right now." He kept his eyes on the floor.
"She hasn't slept, she needs to rest. Why can't these people help themselves?" Serana hissed, speaking for the first time.
Azriel looked at her. "It's alright, Serana. I'll sleep later."
"Azriel, you haven't slept in almost a week!" Serana shouted at her.
Azriel took a deep breath, reaching out from under her blanket and stroked the vampire's cheek. "Drem, Serana."
She watched Serana visibly relax. "Farkas, give me a few minutes. I'll be right back."
Azriel walked up the stairs, hearing Serana on her heels.
Serana grabbed the blanket when they entered the room to stop Azriel. "Azriel, please!"
"Serana, they need my help. I need to find out what's happened." Azriel furrowed her brow. She had too many things weighing on her mind. "I don't expect you to come with me to the Temple. I'll be home soon. Stay here and rest. Besides, it will be safer here for you. Everyone is going to be seriously paranoid."
Serana hissed in anger. Not only was Azriel determined to help these people who seemed incapable of doing anything without her, her own fears were getting in the way of being with Azriel.
Azriel had dress quickly meeting Farkas at the door. She looked back at Serana. Azriel could tell Serana was upset that she was leaving.
"Serana, I'll be home soon… promise." Azriel stepped close to her and kissed her quickly.
Azriel blushed when she turned to Farkas, his silver eyes flashed in question.
"What about Aela?" He asked quietly as they walked up the road to the Temple.
Azriel looked at him and sighed. "Farkas, can I ask you something?"
He didn't look at her, he was still blushing. "Sure."
"Do you think it's possible to be in love with two people?" She said the words slowly, so she wouldn't have to repeat herself.
Farkas cleared his throat. "I'm not sure, but I don't see why not."
"You love them both?" He asked quietly after a second.
Azriel looked up at him. "Yeah, I do." Azriel started walking again. She had finally said it out loud. Now what the fuck do I do? She peeked at Farkas, wondering what he was thinking.
"You gonna tell them?"
"I don't know how too…" She took a calming breath. "How do you tell two people you love them?"
He laughed softly. "Same way you'd tell one?"
Azriel rolled her eyes. Not helping, asshole…. "I think they'd just get pissed and end up hating me."
"I dunno, Zee. I doubt Aela could ever hate you." He smirked as he grabbed the door handle to the Temple. "But, Aela hates competition and I can't image that vampire will like Aela."
"Farkas, keep it a secret. Okay?" She asked nervously.
"No worries, Shield-Sister. I don't envy you and I don't want Aela angry with me."
He smiled as he pulled open the door. "Does this mean we can't pick up women at the tavern anymore?"
Azriel shoved him through the doorway.
Azriel watched the city guard dance from foot to foot as he waited for her to finish. She picked up the towel and wiped her hands, letting Tilma stitch the woman she worked on. Azriel was beat. She wished she could have stayed in bed with Serana the rest of the day, but things were looking far more dismal than she had expected.
Azriel looked around the room watching the people that tended to the victims of the attack. Arcadia was administering her potions to a couple of Legionnaires seated on the floor. Tilma was stitching up a city guard. Farkas was guarding the doorway. The Priestess Danica was making rounds between the beds of the seriously injured. Priest Acolyte was closing the eyes of another woman soldier who had died. Azriel watched as he pulled the blanket over her and motioned for a couple of city guards to carry her away.
That's the sixth person we lost in an hour...
Azriel threw her bloodied towel in the corner, furious. The guard ran over to her. "Please, Thane Azriel. The Jarl has said matters are urgent! You must come with me if you have finished."
Azriel growled at the man. "I'll let you know when I'm finished! You'll see me walk through that door right over there. Until then, piss off!"
Azriel felt a small hand on her arm. "Go dear, there's nothing else you can do. It's in the Gods' hands now. You're needed elsewhere." Tilma said softly to her.
Azriel nodded to her then hugged her. "Thanks, Tilma. Be safe."
She walked to Farkas and pushed open the door. "Let's go see the Jarl and Vilkas."
The guard practically cheered, hearing her words and ran to join them.
Azriel and Farkas stepped into the sunlight and she took a deep breath. The smell of blood and bile had filled the Temple. The repulsive smell saturated her nose. She looked around the pavilion and saw the cloaked figure seated under the Gildergreen tree. In a few short steps, Azriel was in front of her. "Serana, why are you here? You should be…"
"In bed with you." Serana said smiling under her hood. "But, you had to go. So I figured I wait for you here while you rushed off to save these mortals. Besides, it's still early enough to climb back under the furs…"
Azriel smiled wolfishly at her. "Yes, please, and thank you. Except we won't be sleeping."
Serana chuckled as she stood and stretched. "I may hate Temples, but I couldn't just lay around idly." She leaned closer to Azriel. "And I don't plan on sleeping."
The breeze blew around them, rustling Azriel's hair from her face and Serana caught the evil gleam in both of her eyes.
"My Thane, we must go. The Jarl is waiting." The guard said impatiently, finally catching up to her. He glanced at Serana's hooded figure, but paid her no mind.
Azriel rolled her eyes and made a funny face. Serana laughed.
"Fine, lead on." Azriel scoffed.
Farkas grabbed her arm. "Zee, there's something you need to know." Farkas said softly stopping her in her tracks. "I just don't know how to tell you. I've been trying to figure it out while we were in the temple."
Azriel smiled at him encouragingly. "You figured out who Vilkas is sleeping with?"
Farkas groaned. "No. But, whoever he is, Vilkas won't even tell me."
"Damn! Lydia, Aela and I have a bet on who it may be." Azriel caught Serana rolling her eyes when she said Aela's name. Azriel shook her head. So much for them getting along…
"My Brother likes to keep his affairs private. It doesn't really bother me. So long as I don't have to crack heads over his broken heart."
"Well what is it then? Stop stalling and fucking spit it out." Azriel was getting impatient. She knew he was hiding something.
"My Thane… Harbinger… Please!" The guard interrupted and was dancing back and forth again.
"Okay, seriously, shut the fuck up and let him finish." Azriel's temper flared at the interruption.
Farkas cleared his throat and looked at his feet. "Brill and Calder are dead… and Lydia disappeared sometime during the attack."
Everything went silent for a second as Azriel stared at him.
She took a step backward.
Her mouth opened, but she didn't utter a word.
She looked from Farkas to Serana, not registering the sadness on his face or the concern on hers.
Azriel turned her head slowly, his words sinking into her. She looked at Dragonsreach and started to run.
Azriel crashed through the doors of Dragonsreach. She felt the rush of air push against her and Serana was instantly at her side. She could hear Farkas' heavy steps as he raced up the stone stairs behind them. Azriel didn't wait for him. She sprinted passed the guards and towards the Dunmer woman with Serana next to her.
Serana recognized the Dunmer woman from her blood visions and pulled her hood over her face as she got close.
"Irileth! Where's Lydia?!"
The dark skinned elf sighed heavily. "Come Thane Azriel, the Jarl is waiting."
Azriel grabbed the woman and turned her around. She searched the elf's angry red eyes for her answer. "She's not…?"
"She wasn't found with the others." Irileth's answer made her heart heavy. "Come child, the Jarl has been patient long enough."
Irileth pulled away from her and led her up them up the stairs.
Vilkas stood arguing with two Legion officers over the large table holding a map of the city. The Jarl spoke in hushed tones to his personal guard and Steward.
"My Jarl, the Dragonborn has arrived." Irileth announced loudly.
Serana looked over at Azriel, but Azriel's was focused on the man Irileth addressed.
The Jarl turned to greet her with a smile.
"Where the fuck have you been, Dragonborn?" The Imperial Officer said brushing passed Vilkas and storming towards Azriel and Serana. "Where were you while Whiterun was under attack? People were killed under your nose! This mess was preventable! I know you were here in the city. These soldiers' deaths are entirely your fault."
Azriel ignored him and kept walking towards Balgruuf. "My Jarl, I've just come from the Temple of Kynareth. Everyone there has been attended to, well those that lived. What's happened to Lydia? Who's looking for her? Do you know where she's gone?"
The officer was pissed at her disregard of him and she didn't care.
"I know you heard me, Dragonborn! This incident was preventable. Your Housecarl is the least of our concerns! Unless you're protecting her because she lead the attack!"
The officer made a grab for Azriel and Serana slammed him against the table, baring her fangs. "Don't you dare touch her!"
Irileth and other's drew their swords as Serana's hood fell away, exposing her burning eyes and angry pale face.
"STOP!" Azriel's Thu'um rumbled off the palace walls.
Farkas huffed as he reached the top of the steps. He saw swords drawn and raced to Azriel's side, drawing his own to protect her as Serana threw the man aside effortlessly.
Azriel stood between the guards and Serana with her hands out.
"Have you lost your mind? Why have you brought this creature here?" Irileth shouted furiously at Azriel.
"Me?! He's insinuating Lydia lead last night's attack!" Azriel's temper burned.
Balgruuf stepped forward. "Stop! All of you!" He looked around the room ensuring everyone heard him, his eyes landing on Azriel.
The Legate picked himself up off the floor, glaring at Serana. Vilkas moved next to his brother and Azriel, waiting for someone to make the next move.
Balgruuf glared at the Legionnaire. "Legate Cipius, in my Hold no one attacks the Dragonborn under any circumstance!" Balgruuf stepped close to Azriel. "I consider her a friend and savior of Tamriel, as do my people. As for her Housecarl Lydia, she is one of my kin. We all care for her safe return and it's just preposterous that she would lead an attack against her birth home."
Balgruuf didn't wait for the Legate's response. The Jarl watched Azriel draw Serana behind her. "Azriel, I know you are concerned for Lydia. We are doing everything we can to find her. I expect you have a reason for bringing a vampire here?"
Azriel was slightly worried by how calmly the Jarl had spoken. He was watching her intently, she glanced left and right to make sure there wasn't a threat to Serana from the Legion soldiers. She could sense everyone's edginess and it made her hair stand on end.
"Jarl Balgruuf, this is Lady Serana." Azriel made a gesture at Serana, who stepped next to her and bowed to the Jarl. "She is under my protection and I trust her with my life. I ask you give her a chance, the same as you gave me. I know right now bringing a vampire to Dragonsreach may not seem opportune, but I implore you to listen to her. We've tried the Dawnguard, but they refused to listen to us."
The Jarl considered Serana for a moment. Her cold eyes disturbed him and he could feel his skin crawling under her scrutiny. He looked back to Azriel, the intensity he saw in her eyes was more disconcerting. As time had progressed, the young Dragonborn's eyes had held something that had become more disturbing to him, but he couldn't put his finger on it.
He skimmed the group of Legionaries and his own soldiers. Proventus was silent staring at the Dragonborn, his mouth hanging open. He looked at Irileth and watched her shake her head slightly. Overly cautious woman…
His eyes fell on the warriors of Jorrvaskr, watching them stand next to their young Harbinger. He exhaled, looking back to Azriel. So young with so much responsibility... How many times has she asked for my trust and turned out to be right? "If you trust her that much, I will take her on your word, Dragonborn…"
Azriel bowed her head to him. "I do, my Jarl. Serana may be vampire, but she will not harm anyone in the Hold without provocation. She's not a mindless beast like the Dawnguard or others would have you believe."
He looked at Irileth and motioned for her to put away her sword. "Lady Serana, do you have an explanation as to why this is happening?"
Serana took a breath. "I do. The attacks and the reason behind them are one in the same. My Father seeks to enact an ancient Prophecy, ending the Tyranny of the Sun. In doing so, he wishes for vampires to walk freely and to enslave all of Nirn. My Father has gone mad with this quest and I want to stop this."
"We're supposed to listen to these lies from a vampire's silver tongue?" The Legate spat.
Azriel rounded on him. "She's not like the ones attacking the Holds, you Imperial pig. She has more courage than anyone you Imperials put together by simply standing here. She had a mind of her own and more importantly, ears. So don't insult her."
A few of the Nord guards snorted, even Balgruuf had cracked a smile at her outburst. Only the Dragonborn would insult an officer of the Empire without regard for her own well-being.
Irileth sighed deeply and kept her voice low. "By Azura's grace child, learn when to shut your mouth…"
Azriel flashed a smile at her. "He is a pig, Irileth." She muttered under her breath.
Azriel looked at the Legate again, her smirk turning to a snarl. "Whether or not I'm here doesn't change the fact your soldiers couldn't stop vampires from sneaking over the walls dressed like your men. If you and your precious soldiers were doing their jobs, you wouldn't need my help."
"Are you insinuating that my men can't handle themselves?!"
Azriel rolled her eyes out of spite. "Obviously, Dumbass."
The Legate was more irate than before. "I lost several good men to those fiends. And you want me to believe this one is harmless? We should kill it!"
Serana glowered at him, her hands balled into fists. "I'll remember that remark the next time I'm feeling hungry."
"Insult her again and you'll be dead before you draw another breath." Azriel growled.
"Enough! This is getting us nowhere." Balgruuf held up his hands, exacerbated.
The Legate glared at her, ignoring the Jarl. "Threatening a Legion officer carries a punishment of time served in the stockade and public flogging."
Azriel chuckled darkly, stepping toward him. "You better send Tullius your inheritance. Because, I'm going to kick your ass all the way back to Cyrodiil."
"I said ENOUGH!" Balgruuf yelled finally losing his composure.
"Jarl Balgruuf, Legate Cipius has a point. The Dragonborn should have been defending the city during the attack. We all know she was here."
Irileth rubbed the bridge of her nose and Vilkas groaned. Azriel glared at the young Nord Captain that had spoken.
"Where were you and this vampire during this attack, Dragonborn?" The young captain said the word Dragonborn full of scorn.
"We were in bed, since you asked so sweetly. Where were you, Captain? Sucking the Legate's dick like a good little kiss-ass?" Azriel was at the end of her patience. If he couldn't show them respect then she be damned if she'd be polite for anyone.
"Fuck you, Bitch." The Captain snapped back at her making a rude gesture.
The Legate scoffed at her. "You were asleep while the city you call your home was attacked? Some hero you are…"
"I never said we were sleeping, asshole." Azriel smiled wickedly at him. Serana rolled her eyes and muttered a curse under her breath. Azriel caught Balgruuf looking at her, he grinned slightly.
"Legate Cipius, even the Dragonborn requires some time for herself. We cannot expect her to aid in every misfortune to befall us. It's an unrealistic expectation to have. She continuously travels Skyrim and cannot be everywhere at once. She has nothing to do with the failings of our soldiers. That falls strictly to us."
The Jarl turned to Azriel. "Azriel, if you and…" Balgruuf nodded to Serana. "…Lady Serana know the reasons for these attacks, end them. Whiterun suffered greatly last night to a few vampires."
"These vampires are different than the ones that attacked the city the last time. Some of the people injured during the attack, died right away or soon after. I don't understand why though." Vilkas quickly jumped in. He didn't look at Azriel, instead he was making a point of trying to stare down Serana.
"More died at the Temple." Farkas finished.
"It's the disease these vampires carry in their blood. It sounds like the ones that attacked were half-blooded vampires. The disease they carry is more potent. Most mortals aren't strong enough to accept it and the disease kills them. By spreading their blood they make weak-blooded vampires pawns for their army. Those who don't survive the infection, die from it. It's their way of striking fear into mortals and to cull you into submission. I suggest making sure everyone has plenty of potions handy if they attack again."
When Serana finished, everyone stared at her silently.
"Do you believe her now, Legate?" Azriel asked breaking the silence.
"Azriel… " Balgruuf's voice was almost inaudible. "…whatever this madness is, end it quickly. Whatever they are trying to do, stop them from succeeding."
Azriel watched Serana for a moment. She could feel the vampire's resentment.
"That's it? You're just going to let the Dragonborn walk out on you with this thing in tow?" The Legate shook his head at them. "We need her here!"
"I have a fucking name, you thick skulled troll." Azriel broke her gaze from Serana and looked at the Legate in hate. "The next time you insult her, Tullius will need to promote the kiss-ass next to you."
"She can't fight everyone and everything, Imperial." Vilkas snarled at him. "You blame her when over one hundred men were on duty inside the walls last night. Most of them were your men. One person isn't going to make a difference, not even her. If they can stop this from happening again, it one less thing for us to worry about here."
Vilkas turned to look at her. "Go, Harbinger. The Jarl is right you need to focus on this Prophecy." He looked from Azriel to Serana, his face had softened slightly. "We'll find Lydia if she is alive and we'll stay here in Whiterun to protect the Hold. But, if you need us…"
Azriel nodded at him.
The Legate shook his head in disgust. "Might I remind you, Jarl Balgruuf, you requested our aid. This city is under Martial Law now. The Dragonborn is not going anywhere."
Balgruuf closed the distance between them in two long strides. "You fool, Quentin! She is the Dragonborn! The woman went to Sovngarde to defeat the World Eater himself! Do you think that you could keep her in some prison? She needs to stop whatever is happening and she can't do that from here."
Quintus sneered at him. "Yes I can hold her. Guards, arrest the Dragonborn."
"Tekarseinsum!" Azriel's Thu'um shook all of Dragonsreach, knocking several of them from their feet.
"Dovahkiin! Fos los nii hi hu'um?" His response was immediate and vibrated the palace walls.
Everyone froze and the Legionnaires went pale.
"What the fuck was that?" The Legate's voice quivered in fear.
Azriel narrowed her eyes at him. "That… is my lockpick."
The dragon's footsteps shook the floor as it approached the double doors to the War Room.
"BEX!" The doors swung wide and the dragon's head appeared through the large doorway.
Serana smirked in amusement. "Only you would invite dragon into a castle."
The legate's eyes went wide with fear. "You have a pet dragon?"
"Fool, I am no one's pet!" The dragon growled at him and smoke puffed out corners of its nostrils. "Zu'u los skah do dii hokoronne!"
"Yeah, great idea moron, piss off the giant fire-breathing carnivore. You realize you're a tasty snack in his eyes right?" Azriel joked maliciously.
Balgruuf sighed deeply and Proventus fainted.
The dragon fixed her with his golden stare. "Zu'u los ahst hin uth, Dovahkiin." Smoke puffed from the dragon's nose as it spoke.
"Daar jul los mey, Tekarseinsum."
The dragon laughed deeply, large curls of smoke rolled from its mouth. Serana bit back a laugh.
Azriel looked between the Legate and the Captain. "You still want to arrest me? Go ahead, Snack."
The Legate shook his head slowly back and forth.
Azriel walked to the dragon and rubbed his snout gently. "Wheezy, I need you to search the plains at night. Hunt vampires if they stalk the plains to attack the city. But, be careful. The Blades have been hunting the Dov. If you see them, do not attack them, stay out of range of their arrows. They're using a poison to force dovahhe to land. Beware of these idiots as well. Our pact is with the Jarl, not the Empire. Don't trust anyone but Jarl Balgruuf." Azriel spoke in the ancient language to ensure he understood her
"Rinik eyvir, Dovahkiin."
"I demand to know what you are saying to that beast!"
Azriel scowled at the Legate, her patience was gone. "Beast? The only beast I see is you, joor."
"Dragonborn, what's your plan?" Balgruuf tried to rein in the group back under control.
"My Jarl, Tekarseinsum has agreed to help keep watch of the city walls. He'll ensure the vampires remain at bay from the city, but you'll need to order your men not to fire on any dragon that approaches the city unless they attack them. I'll leave it to you to explain the pact with the Imperial Legion."
She resumed stroking Tekarseinsum snout. "Naak mok waan rok meyz lov hi, Wheezy."
Serana couldn't restrain herself any longer and laughed at her comment.
Irileth rolled her eyes with disdain. She didn't understand Azriel's words to the dragon, but she had a good guess. "So much for Azura's grace…"
"Jarl Balgruuf, I wish to see Calder and Brill before I leave." Azriel said quietly.
The Jarl put his hand on her shoulder. "You have my condolences for your losses." He nodded to Vilkas and Farkas as well. "Irileth, show Azriel to her comrades' remains."
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