The three women stood on the tower overlooking Winterhold with Tolfdir, Florentius, and the two dragons. A day had passed since the last attack on the college by the Stormcloak catapults. Tolfdir had assured Azriel the Stormcloaks could do nothing other than be an annoyance, taunting them with their flaming barrage. But, Azriel wasn't satisfied with leaving the Stormcloaks alive. She had a very large score to settle with them and a promise to fulfill.
Azriel looked over at her companions and sighed quietly. The two had taken to icy glares and frosty remarks once more since their meeting with Florentius. It was driving her nuts and her wolf agreed with a bark. Aela was constantly angry, in a struggle between her wolf and herself. Each time they stepped close to one another Azriel could feel the wolf's desire to be close, but Aela herself kept pushing Azriel away. Azriel's own wolf had been pacing nonstop, making it impossible for her to rest. It was frustrating her more with Serana's silently brooding demeanor. She felt Serana's emotions mirroring her own and Aela's and it wasn't easy to deal with.
"Tolfdir, get the mages back inside. We're going to take out those catapults and soldiers. Everyone will have to stay inside until the storm passes."
Tolfdir looked at Azriel confused. "What storm?"
Azriel watched Serana for a moment. She hadn't had any time to even begin to think about Serana using the Thu'um. Part of her didn't understand why she couldn't hear it. But, another part had a suspicion… one she needed to discuss with Odahviing in private. But, that like so many other things needed to wait.
"The one I'm going to call." Azriel answered him with a cool confidence. She had only used the shout once and it had nearly killed her. Yet, she had felt the power of it as Arngeir had warned her of. It was seductive, yet freighting in its magnitude. It was the only combination of words that could utterly destroy everything on a grand scale.
Tolfdir hurried and left without any further discussion.
Azriel looked at the dragons. "We need cover and we're going to summon a fog."
The dragons bowed to her waiting for her to begin.
She took a deep breath. "VEN MUL RIIK!" The shout left Azriel and the dragon's mouths like a trail of mist. It circled out around the college, gradually covering Winterhold like a dense blanket.
The dragons echoed her shout with her twice more, draping the college and Winterhold in a sinking fog.
Azriel looked at the two women's armor as the fog dropped below the tower. She mentally ensured that they had everything they needed to continue on. She had no plans to return to the college for a while and had taken time to gather everything in her ruck sack they'd need for their journey, including potions, bandages, and more food.
Azriel had spent the entire day before extensively tailoring their armor to Aela and Serana, finally enchanting everything in the night. Aela had helped her tailor and Serana had helped with enchanting. It was almost morning when they had finished with their preparations. She had only stopped when Aela forced her to eat and when Serana had drug her back to the bed for rest. But, Azriel's wolf had been too restless and had snuck back out of bed.
Azriel let her eyes wander the two women. She was glad she had so many things squirreled away over Skyrim. It came in handy when she needed it, armor and weapons included.
Aela was still rolling her shoulders under the heavier weight of the dragon bones on her armor rather than steel and leather. It had taken her time to fit the armor to them rather than herself and both seemed to feel more comfortable in their new gear. The dragon bone was limited on Aela's armor to her vital areas and fitted over lizard scale leather dyed to a rich brown. She had patterned it after ancient Nord armor previously, so modifications were simple enough to make.
Azriel had removed the original bone pauldrons and left them as simple leather straps fitting Aela's preference with a bow. The breastplate she altered to allow Aela more movement with both her bow and sword. Now it covered only her sternum and a small rib bone arced over her breasts covering her heart.
Azriel's best accomplishment in her own opinion was the bone spine that ran down the back and how it articulated with every movement the Huntress made. The armor was long on the sides like Aela's original armor. Azriel let herself linger on the skirt of leather and mail, know full well it covered Aela completely even if she never wore anything under her armor.
The thought made her growl with lust even if the Huntress was ignoring her completely. She couldn't help it, adding to her frustration.
The enchantments on Aela's armor played to her strengths. She enchanted her dragon bone and leather boots identically to Serana's muffle and water-walking. Her gauntlets boosted her archery skills and combat with her new sword. Her armor was enchanted to boost her heath and natural healing processes.
As good measure Azriel had given Aela a bracelet to wear over her gauntlet for water-breathing. Azriel had also given Aela a new cloak of a brown wolf enchanted identically to Serana's with chameleon and invisibility. Lastly, she gave Aela a matching gold and diamond ring and necklace. Both were heavily enchanted against fire and magic.
Aela had growled at the jewelry, but Azriel had silenced her. Reminding Aela that dragons, vampires and mages would still use magic so she grudgingly put them on.
Serana's armor made Azriel smile equally as much as Aela's. She was very prideful of her creations and the formfitting leather armor was perfect for the vampire. Both in how it accentuated every curve that made Azriel drool out of desire and that it would never hinder Serana's body from moving quickly. The soft supple scales were collected from the tail section of a dragon. The small scales moved easily over the lizard skin she tanned beautifully into plush, yet rugged leather.
Azriel's own preference was black so when she had dyed the tight trousers and long jacket, she had dyed them as darkly as she could. For that she was thankful, because it looked stunning on the vampire. Azriel had used ebony clasps and buckles, but the simple design of the armor on Serana made Azriel want to rip it off her body when she had seen her in it.
Serana's armor had been enchanted with magical boosts matching the vampire's many talents. Her boots were still fine so she didn't bother finding her a new pair and her gloves were still safely tucked away in her ruck sack. She chose a long black wolf skin cloak for Serana and had enchanted it with chameleon and invisibility enchantments. It ensured when Serana wanted to hide she'd never need to use her own magic to do so. Azriel had given the vampire a gold and diamond jewelry set identical to Aela's. The necklace and ring Serana enchanted to healing the undead and boost her magical resistance. She smiled looking at the gold and ruby circlet Serana wore. The dual shield enchantments it held made the vampire almost impervious to magical and melee attacks. She had given one to Aela as well, but the stubborn Nord refused to wear it and threw it in her own knap sack.
To both, she had given a golden dragon broach and affixed them to their armor, which held a single droplet of her blood. Neither women knew it, but it would guard them and their clothing from any magical flame or frost, including a dragon's. She smiled thinking about the broach. It's amazing what someone can learn from a Sigil Stone…
Lastly, Azriel had made both women take a sword she had made from dragon bone and ebony. The swords were identical in style to the one she carried and crafted, since she had made them after the originals she carried. All the swords were single edged like a katana with a half leaf shape to the blade. The swords bore identical enchantments of fire and drain life.
No one was going to find them or hear them. If they did she was going to make sure that they wouldn't live through meeting the pair.
The mist snaked out over the bridge and Winterhold. It covered the ground and Stormcloak movements as the city became engulfed in the sparkling white fog.
Azriel was absolutely drained as she turned to the dragons. The last day involved so little rest and with preparations, she had been so busy. "I want you both to take out those catapults and get back here. Kill them and take the souls you desire, but do not land. Neither of you better not come back wounded. Or you'll find my foot entrenched in your scaly butts."
The dragons bowed and lifted to the sky.
Azriel thought for a moment about what she needed to do. Her head seemed thick like the fog they had summoned. The lack of rest was already taking its toll on her.
The three women watched as the dragons circled high into the air and then attacked.
"NOX ONIK YAH!" Azriel waited patiently for the dragon to come watching the dragons circling the sky before descending to attack again. Each time they came up she felt a bit of pride in them.
The large orange dragon roared as he dropped into sight from the clouds after a few minutes. Azriel let the grin spread as the dragon swooped low and landed beside her.
"Drem Yol Lok. My Thur, you honor me with your call."
Azriel reached out and touched his snout. "Drem Yol Lok, Noxonikyah. Thank you for coming. I have a request I hope you will help me with."
Azriel quickly explained everything she had learned to the orange dragon. In that short span of time Odahviing and Saaraadgraat returned. Both dragons landed and waited for her to finish speaking.
"Noxonikyah, go back to Whiterun. Warn Jarl Balgruuf about everything I told you. Make sure he tells Vilkas as well. Stay with Tekarseinsum and provide additional help. Do not fall prey to Blades from pride and kill any of the Dawnguard you see. They dress like him." She pointed to Florentius. "Aid the Jarl with any of his requests, but only the Jarl and the joor named Vilkas."
Azriel looked at Aela and Serana as they walked from the wall.
"The mages are finally inside." Serana said coolly walking back to her with Aela.
"Get going then. We'll meet you in Morthal." Azriel climbed onto Odahviing.
Aela, Serana, and Florentius climbed onto Saaraadgraat.
"We'll catch up. You three know the plan. We'll be there soon." Azriel waited for Saaraadgraat to climb into the sky and watched him vanish.
Odahviing swept upward, moving swiftly over the foggy city and Azriel smiled wickedly. She wanted history to remember the second great storm of Winterhold. Azriel drew her breath. Every ounce of her being was focused on destroying the miserable Stormcloak town.
"STUN BAH QO!"
Lightning arced through the clouds and Odahviing pivoted in the air. The wall of wind slammed against them. The sky became electric as the rain instantly began to pour. Odahviing swooped along the cliff face, dodging lightning strikes in the deafening thunder as Azriel laughed.
The driving wind and rain pounded their bodies. Odahviing's wings beat hard against it. For a long while they made their way through the storm, finally leaving it behind and sailing to Morthal.
The gold dragon watched as Odahviing landed on the ground near the guards next to Florentius. He quickly greeted Azriel. "She's not here, but there were men here waiting for her."
Azriel looked at one of the guards in question and he nodded. "She left for Solitude several days ago with her family. They were expected to arrive tonight."
"Where are the Dawnguard?" Azriel asked looking at the hall.
"Only two left, but they're in jail, where they belong." The guard's firm answer was reassuring.
Azriel climbed the steps and Odahviing lifted off the ground to the roof top. Aela stood inside with her sword at Gorm's throat as he sat on the floor.
Serana stood silently watching from the darkened corner.
"Aela?" Azriel walked forward eyeing the battered man curiously.
"This worm betrayed the Jarl." Her husky voice carried every ounce of fury she felt. Aela's wolf prowled her mind, wanting to pounce.
Azriel grabbed the man a glowered at him, lifting him off his feet. "What have you done?"
"No… Nothing! I swear!"
"Guards, get out!" Azriel's Thu'um shook Highmoon Hall.
The guards quickly scurried, fighting at the doorway to be let through first.
Florentius and the acting Captain of the Guard opened the door, stepping inside.
"Please! Help me, they're crazy!" His feeble cries fell on the guard and Florentius ears making them both cringe.
"You betrayed the Jarl… how?" Azriel growl echoed off the walls.
"I swear I didn't." He gasped as Azriel shifted her grip. "The Dawnguard… they said they were here to protect her. I told them she was gone!"
Azriel let the man fall to the floor. "Serana… can you tell if he is lying?"
Florentius' eyes went wide. "No! Absolutely not!"
"I can…" Serana stepped forward and lifted the man. She licked her lips in anticipation of the meal.
"Get out, Florentius." Azriel growled.
"Guard that woman is a vampire!" Florentius yelled.
The guard shrugged. "So?"
"Stop if he's telling the truth…" Azriel said softly to Serana.
Serana pouted slightly in jest then sank her fangs into him.
Florentius took a step forward. Both, Aela and Azriel growled at him protectively. The guard ushered Florentius back outside.
After several minutes Serana let the man's lifeless body fall to the floor. "He was lying and we need to talk to those men in the jail."
Azriel scooped up Gorm's remains and the three quickly left.
Florentius was outside arguing with the guard, but stopped when Azriel handed Gorm's remains to the two guards outside the longhouse. "He betrayed the Jarl. Feed this corpse to the Slaughter fish."
"How could you let her do that?!" Florentius raged.
Azriel smirked. "Well, she was thirsty and she is a vampire… She does need to eat anyway and I just kind of enjoyed watching. I think it's hot."
Serana smirked behind her.
Florentius shivered at a momentary loss for words.
"Gael, we need to see those prisoners." Aela butted in, ignoring Azriel's sarcasm.
"Why so she can feed on them too?" Florentius was outraged.
The guard pulled his helmet off and smiled wolfishly at the Priest. "You do realize what Hold you are in, don't you? Every man and woman here would gladly give their life for Jarl Idgrod Ravencrone. Vampires, werewolves, and others live quiet and peaceful lives here. Those idiot townsfolk don't even realize that we exist here thanks to her. The Jarl doesn't tax us to death nor does she judge us. Instead she made us her personal guard and friends. So if that vampire swallows those fools whole, I don't care and neither does anyone here."
Gael put his helmet back on.
"Arkay preserve us." Florentius whimpered.
Gael barked out a laugh. "More likely Sithis will have you if you don't stop with your nonsense. Now, follow me."
Azriel smiled as she walked past the distraught Florentius and listened as his hurried footsteps raced behind them as they walked.
Gael opened the jail house and the quartet entered behind him. "Jorn, the Thane wants a word with the prisoners. Go on patrol for me, I'll take over here."
The older guard got up and brushed past Azriel. "Hail Sithis." He mumbled as he brushed past her.
Aela threw a questioning glance at Azriel, but Azriel ignored her. Aela balled her fist, irked by the snub. Her wolf snapped at her crossly, as warning to leave Azriel be.
Only one of the men was conscious and able to move. He slowly made his way to the bars, taking hold of them in his hands. He glared at all of him and stopped when his eyes landed on Florentius. Then he spit on Florentius.
"Isran was right about you, Priest. Knew he had to send you off sooner or later. Too bad you didn't get yourself killed and do us all a favor."
Florentius wiped his face, shaking in rage at the insult.
Azriel glanced at him. "Welcome to this side of the fence, Priest."
He looked at her and shook his head. He lowered himself into the guards chair and sat quietly as Gael stepped to the lock and opened it.
"Thirsty?" Azriel smiled at Serana.
"Do you really need to ask?" Serana entered the cage and grabbed the man. She sank her fangs into him without any remorse. It was fresh blood and being close to Azriel was becoming too much for her.
Azriel and Aela stood watching her. Azriel smirked listening to Aela's breathing change. "Sexy, isn't she?" She whispered.
Aela glared at her, but the soft suckling sounds drew her attention once more.
"You should let her drink from you…" Azriel whispered again, this time Azriel brushed Aela's burning hand with her fingertips. "…it's not what you think."
"Stop if you know what's good for you." Aela growled under her breath, but Aela's wolf howled at her. It was calling out and Aela chastised it.
Azriel turned with an amused grin, facing her, she stepped closer. "Or what? I can smell your lust and I know you can smell mine. I hear that wolf calling so loudly, it's deafening. You want to rip her clothes of just as much as I do and your wolf wants you to. Why are you fighting us?"
Aela walked out, slamming the door as she left. Her wolf snapped at her in disgust.
Serana let the man's body drop as his life slid away. "What was that about?"
Azriel cleared her throat and worked up a false smile. "She needed some air. They stink."
Serana snorted, she had felt the werewolf's desire and anger at the same time. "Try feeding from one. You're lying, I can feel you both, you know."
"Finish the other one. We can talk outside." Azriel said thinking as she picked the man up. "Gael, we can dump them in the river for you. Thanks for your help."
"Anytime, Thane. Just make sure the Jarl makes it home safely."
Azriel pushed open the door and walked out to the boat dock. The men would be gone by morning with the number of hatchling Slaughter fish that lived under the docks. She dumped him unceremoniously in the water after a quick search of his body.
Aela watched Azriel the whole time. She smiled at Aela knowingly and it pissed Aela off. Her game with Serana was… complicated and even her wolf was betraying her.
"Florentius, wait here for the Jarl. She'll need to know everything you can tell her." Azriel watched the man open his mouth then shut it with a nod. He walked quietly back to Highmoon Hall to wait.
Aela decided that now was a perfectly good time to chew Azriel's ass when she stepped close. Damn that grin…
Azriel stood appraising Aela in the sunset. She stepped closer to the Huntress and reached out, brushing her hair from her face. She let her hand linger on her cheek, her thumb stroked Aela's lips. Azriel wolf howled, calling to its mate.
Aela forgot about the speech she planned to deliver, too distracted by her wolf. The mischievous gleam in Azriel's eyes taunted her. She wanted several things at once, but the implications of what she wanted made her angry. Her wolf's resistance to her was the most irritating part. I don't want to share with that leech so stop pressuring me!
A low rumble filled Azriel's chest as she pushed her self away from Aela. "I gave you what you wanted. Is it still not enough?" Her wolf snapped in her mind, angry as she was. It could hear the call of Aela's wolf and it's frustration with Aela.
"I wanted you as my mate. I didn't mean I…" Aela's furious rant was cut off by the guard's door slamming open.
"Azriel, we need to go… Now!" Serana appeared at her side as she heard a splash in the water.
"Figures she'd interrupt." Aela huffed.
Azriel gave Aela on last glance before looking up at the dragons. "Odahviing!"
"What did you see?" Azriel looked at Serana's flushed face. The gold in her eyes seemed more prevalent, making them seem more like burning fires rather than twin hearths.
Odahviing landed next to them.
"They're going to assassinate the Jarl and her family on the road." Serana's agitation flared looking from Azriel to Aela. She could feel every bit of frustration and conflict in both women. Azriel's wolf howled continuously in the reaches of her mind. Since taking Azriel blood and her bond she heard the wolf inside of her, feeling it constantly. Sensing the conflict in Aela was a struggle for Serana. She was frustrated with both of them and it was wearing her out. Azriel's nearly constant anger was already too much for her, but adding in Aela's emotions was breaking her down.
Azriel looked up at Saaraadgraat. "Once the Jarl has returned, go find the other Dovahhe. We will still need any that will listen."
The golden dragon bowed to her as they left.
Odahviing soared over the marsh and caught sight of the road. The Legionaries were fighting the Dawnguard soldiers with Aslfur.
Azriel looked over her shoulder at the other two women, drawing her sword. This is where I get off… She pushed Serana's hands off her and jumped. "FEIM!"
Azriel hit the ground landing on her feet. As she stood she heard two more thumps behind her.
Serana appeared next to her. "Do you think I'm just a pretty face?"
Azriel smiled. "No, I know so..."
Serana punched her lightly in the arm with a grin.
"Get a room." Aela huffed becoming corporeal.
"Want to join us when we do…?" Serana let the words out with playful laugh, running forward with Azriel. She hoped the barb would snatch Aela from her anger.
Bitch! Aela ran to meet the Dawnguard in battle. She had no desire to be left out of the fun. But, the vampire's snide remarks were infuriating to her.
The three were ready for the Dawnguard. Their bolts reloaded slowly and the three moved fast to dodge them. In hand to hand combat the Dawnguard mortals were no match in strength or speed.
Aela patched up Aslfur as Azriel and Serana spoke to the Jarl.
"Gorm sold you and your family out. He told the Dawnguard your location and expected arrival. He knew they were coming to assassinate you and your family. He's been trying to get you removed from the throne for a while now." Serana tried to keep her explanation as painless as possible for the Jarl.
"I knew he was up to no good!" Aslfur snapped as Aela finished bandaging him. "He's been acting strangely for a while now."
Idgrod the Younger peeked at Azriel from the back of the carriage. She tried as secretly as she could to get Azriel's attention.
"Lady Serana took care of the remaining Dawnguard in your jail. Your men should be commended for their capture. Gorm has been dealt with." Azriel added. "That's how we knew their plans. We've left an acquaintance named Florentius to explain everything in detail to you when you arrive home. He can give you a better understanding about the Dawnguard and their relations with the Stormcloaks than I can. There is also a dragon waiting for you. His name is Saaraadgraat and he is trustworthy. I'm going to ask another to escort you home through the old roads."
"That would be interesting..." The Jarl smiled and looked at her near frantic daughter. "…though the marshes are safe, Azriel."
"I apologize, my Jarl. I just wish to see you and your family home safely since we cannot accompany you there. I know the marshes are safe with Movarth's kin patrolling them. But, it would bring me a bit of peace knowing the Jarl would accept my offer." Azriel smiled winningly at her and Idgrod relented.
"Very well, call your dragon. But, if you would do this old woman a favor. I believe my daughter will go into a fit if you don't talk to her." The Jarl smiled back at Azriel knowingly and Azriel sighed.
Aela snorted. "Of course she will." She mumbled the words quietly enough that only a vampire or werewolf could hear them.
Jarl Idgrod looked at Serana appraisingly. "Thank you, Lady Serana. For both your help and your insight."
Azriel glared at Aela. "Of course I will speak with her."
Serana looked to the back of the carriage. The young woman sitting in back was as red as a tomato. Aela's jealousy of someone so young amused Serana. Serana took a few steps close to stand next to Aela then she felt it. The mortal family in the carriage was extremely powerful mystics. Almost too powerful for mortals…
Azriel smiled as she walked to the back of the carriage. She spoke quickly in muted tones to the young girl in the back.
Their hushed voices made the werewolf growl. Idgrod made her just as jealous as Serana.
Serana focused on Azriel's conversation out of curiosity. Listening past the Jarl as she spoke lovingly to her husband to calm him down.
"Azriel, you must listen to me! There's more to it than just that."
"Idgrod, I'm sorry. I promise you I'll come back. We'll sit down and talk about this all you like."
"Azriel I'm begging you, get rid of that vampire!"
"Serana isn't a threat. I trusted her with my life…"
"I saw her in my dreams and she kills you! Please, just get rid of her. She'll betray your trust."
Azriel pulled the girl into a tight hug. "You are so very wrong this time. I'll be back and we'll talk about this soon. I promise. But, I must go."
Aela stared at Serana and stepped close to her. "That girl is never wrong, Vampire." The whisper was so low only Serana could hear her and the werewolf's bitterness was back. The word 'vampire' dug under her skin, tearing an invisible hole into her.
"Fruun! Skah! Dirn!"
Azriel walked back to Odahviing to wait. She rested her hand on his snout mulling over Idgrod's words wondering what she had seen.
Serana could feel Aela's fury twisting severely inside of her. She could feel the confusion within Azriel. I control the monster. I'll never show that to Azriel.
The midnight blue dragon dropped from the clouds. Within moments it was on the ground near Azriel and Odahviing.
It was the largest dragon Serana had ever seen up close. By the blood of my ancestors… does she fight every one of these dragons to get them to side with her?
Long spikes protruded from its back and down the full length of its tail. The four longest on its tail set outward. One swipe and everything around it would be destroyed.
"Drem. Yol. Lok. dii Thur. Fos los hin uth?"
"Drem. Yol. Lok. Fruunskahdirn. Kiibok joor jun bodein. Hi fen jaaril niin ahrk remain ko Morthal erei zu'u bel hi."
The dragon chuckled. "Hin mindah has .rinik pruzah. Zu'u fen thaar, dii Thur."
Azriel nodded, smiling. "Saaraadgraat los ko Morthal. And Fruunskahdirn, if the Blades show up, I want you to leave. Do not let your foolish pride detract from my command."
"The Blades will not come to Morthal, Thane Azriel. Their lives are not in jeopardy." The Jarl chimed in. "Now we'll be off. Thank you again, my friends."
Azriel inclined her head to the Jarl and threw Idgrod the Younger a crooked grin. The girl blushed under her dark locks.
"Azriel, one last thing…" The Jarl caught her attention as she climbed onto Odahviing.
"Yes, Jarl Idgrod?" Azriel answer climbing onto Odahviing.
"You'll find what you're looking for in Dragon Bridge, not Solitude."
Azriel nodded and looked at the young dark haired Nord that clung to the back of the carriage. "Idgrod…" Azriel whispered to her as the carriage rolled away.
The girl narrowed her brow.
"You were right, I shouldn't have taken the beach route."
The young sorceress eyes went wide as Azriel patted Odahviing, signaling him to take off.
"Land there!" Azriel was sick of Serana and Aela's bickering on their short ride. Serana's barb had irritated Aela and Aela was nearly rabid in telling Serana off for embarrassing her.
"Sosnaak, Ahziial. Kos ulaakei." Odahviing landed near the dead horse and cart.
"That much we know…" Serana hopped off the dragon with Aela and Azriel to inspect the carnage. Serana was ready to bash Azriel and Aela's heads together.
The dragon chuckled at Serana's cheek.
Azriel walked to the bodies and started going through them. Both women's comments back and forth for the short trip angered her. Her body ache wasn't helping in the least with her temper.
"Serana, make sure there's no one else out here. I'm not in the mood to be surprised."
Serana glanced at the brooding Dragonborn before disappearing.
"So few guards, it doesn't make sense." Aela immediately began to scout the area, finding a bloody trail leading away from. "Azriel. There's more blood on the road."
Azriel searched the last vampire, pulling out a note out of the corpse's pocket. "Aela, read this."
I have new orders for you, Lorna.
Prepare an ambush South of the Dragon Bridge. Take the Moth Priest to Forbear's Holdout for safe keeping until I can break his will.
~ Malkus
Serana appeared behind the vampire, waiting to ambush the pair it was watching on the road. She quickly snatched the vampire up, biting into his neck. When she had finished draining him, she set his body back onto the ground and walked back up onto the road to meet her companions.
"How old is this place?" Aela whispered. "And why in the name of Hircine does it stink so damn bad?"
Azriel crouched behind the railing of the old Ayleid ruin between Serana and Aela. "I'm more interested in how they got that dragon in here."
Azriel looked to her right where Serana was surveying the scene. "This place looks like the one I found you in. Aela, do you see those statues? They tend to come to life at the worse time and for fun, they're made of stone." Azriel quickly dug through her ruck sack and pulled out a quiver full of dragon bone arrows. "Use these."
Aela moved farther to her left, looking past the five stone columns to the ancient bride over the underground river. "There's more of those shadow hounds, but I only see two."
Serana mentally tallied the number of vampires that walked the old ruin's catwalk. "They're called Death Hounds. There are ten guards on top, and who knows how many more inside."
Aela scooted closer to Azriel and Azriel put her hand on Aela's. Aela jerked her hand free. "Don't touch me." She growled fiercely at Azriel.
Serana looked away with a frown as Aela transferred her glare to the vampire.
Azriel shook her head with disgust. She mentally counted to ten, trying to rein in her fury. Serana's renewed aloofness and Aela's bitterness had finally taken a toll on her. Never mind the fact she still felt terrible from her injures and had ignore the rest Tolfdir had argued with her about. The fight with the Dawnguard had been a painful reminder of her recent wounds.
"Let's go right instead of left." Azriel scrutinized the farthest point of the ancient fortress. "That wooden bridge is over something and I don't want to alert the entire fortress we're here." Azriel dropped over the ledge followed by Serana.
"I'm taking out those dogs." Aela whispered over the broken off balcony.
"What? No, Aela…" Azriel growled watching Aela disappear.
She looked at Serana irritated. "Come on, let's go."
"Fucking idiot…" Serana said out loud what Azriel had been thinking. Even if it was more heated than Azriel would have liked, it was honest and she agreed with Serana. Azriel wished they'd just get over themselves, Aela in particular.
They made it as far as the stone pillar before Serana stopped her. "Azriel, I know why she's angry."
Azriel let out an exasperated sigh. "I'm not fucking blind, so do I! Now can we please keep moving?"
Serana had so many things she wanted to say as she looked at her. "Look, maybe… maybe we should go slower. Not rush into things."
"Do you mean crawl to them backwards? Because I can't go much slower than being stopped at this point, Serana." Azriel huffed, looking back at the old fort. Serana's fingers found her chin, pulling her back around.
"I mean us." Her voice was the faintest whisper.
Azriel glared at her then looked away. Serana had placed the final breaking burden onto her already exhausted shoulders. Now she was over it with both of them. Serana's constant wavering and Aela just being her heard-headed self was too much. She couldn't take it anymore. She felt like screaming and walking out. Azriel crept forward to a pile of rocks surrounded by bushes, waiting for Aela.
As the seconds ticked by, she had made up her mind.
Within five minutes the Huntress sat behind the rock. "Okay, what's the plan?"
Azriel looked at the two of them with the frostiest glare she could muster. Her eyes were striated with cold-bloodedness and focused it on them.
"The plan? The plan is for you two to sit and talk about your next adventure while you cover my back. I am going in there to find this scholar and drag him out… willing or not. Aela, you take out anyone over me. Serana, make sure no one gets out alive and spot for Aela… your vision is better than hers"
"The fuck it is!" Aela snarled at the perceived insult. Her wolf snapped at her again and she shoved it to the back of her mind.
Serana furrowed her worried brow. "What do you mean you're going in there? Azriel there have to be thirty vampires that will kill you!" Her voice conveyed her panic at the rashness of Azriel's statement.
"Then sit and plan my funeral for all I care." Azriel snapped at them. "But, you're not coming with me. Not now and definitely not later."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Aela was definitely insulted.
"I said I'm leaving! You two can figure out what you're going to do with yourselves. I'll have fulfilled my promise to you, Serana. Aela… I hereby proclaim you Harbinger of the Companions. You should have been the Harbinger in the first place and I'm not going back."
Aela and Serana shared look of concern that out stripped their own annoyance with each other.
"That's not how it works, Azriel." Aela replied heatedly. "You can't just walk out on us."
Azriel continued, ignoring their turmoil completely. "Your cloaks are enchanted with chameleon and invisibility, so take care of them. When you want to use the enchantment, flip the hood up and simply think about disappearing. I blessed them under the shrine of Nocturnal I had next to the enchanting table. Stick to the shadows and no one will ever find you."
"Where are you going?" Serana was near a panic.
"I said I've had it with the both of you, are you deaf? I have shared my blood, my soul, and my heart. You both act like I'm the worst thing that's ever happened to you, especially you, Aela. Nothing I do will ever be good enough for either of you. I see that now. So, I'm leaving. It's what you want and I'm giving it to you. You're fucking welcome." Azriel pulled the letter from her ruck sack. It bore the magic seal of the College of Winterhold on it.
"Azriel, please! We can discuss this after…" Serana was torn between slapping her and drawing her into a tight hug to restrain her. Every bit of Azriel's heated emotions flooded out and she felt sick from the way they made her feel. Serana's irritation was with all three of them, for letting things get as bad as they were. But, more so with herself for not trying to stop it.
"Now! We're discussing it now, Serana!" Azriel was fuming. "I'm leaving Skyrim after I settle my score with the Blades and Ulfric Stormcloak. I'm going back to Cyrodiil to the College of Whispers. You two can do whatever you want, but you're not coming with me. We. Are. Done. Was that clear enough for you? You two can run off after this. Maybe you'll finally fuck and get over that tension you both have." She rammed the letter back into her bag and stood pulling her hood over her head. The shadows bent to hide her. "Shadow hide you." Azriel turned and literally disappeared from Aela's sight.
Aela scanned the river then turned to look at Serana who was still watching Azriel. "This is your fault, Vampire." She made to leave to follow Azriel and Serana caught her.
"This is our fault, Aela." Serana rubbed her temples for a few seconds and then dropped her hands. "I feel everything you both feel. I want what you want, Aela. Why can't you understand that?"
Their faces were close together and Aela noticed for the first time the vampire's sweet scent. Like a mountain flower and... it's definitely floral. Why am I thinking about this now?
Serana contemplated the wolf, her pale silver eyes held so much hurt and resentment that Serana acted on instinct. Serana ran her fingers down her cheek, leaning forward she kissed Aela gently.
And way too briefly for Aela's liking.
Serana smiled as she rocked back on her heels. "She is our dragon and we need to claim her. I'm not willing to let her go and I can feel you aren't either. We either share..."
Aela snarled at her words. "Our dragon? It's obvious who she chose."
Serana crossed her arms unwilling to give in to the wolf's overpowering stare. "She chose both of us, remember? So you either deal with it or we both lose her. I, for one, am not going to let her just walk out of my life. Are you willing to just let her go?"
Aela balled her fists together in anger. She knew, without a doubt, Azriel would disappear. She had done so in the past. How many times was it my own fault? "What do you propose we do?"
Serana swallowed, she had been thinking about everything since Azriel had bonded with Aela. "I think… we should take everything slowly. Aela, I'm tired of arguing. I want your friendship and…" Serana stopped. She wasn't sure how to continue. So many years of loneliness suddenly seemed swept under by unending tides of change. So many things had switched in her life it was all surreal and overwhelming. She didn't know what to say to the young Nord in front of her.
Serana caught Azriel as she crossed the river, hopping from stone to stone.
"And?" Aela tried hard not to sound eager for her to finish her thoughts.
It's now or I lose everything I care about… "And I want…" Serana blushed, she couldn't help it. "…more from you." She didn't have the courage to look at the wolf. Serana felt Aela's fingers brush her cheek gently as a warm breeze. They left a frosty trail in their wake as Serana looked up into her steel eyes.
"How much more?" Aela's voice was barely above a whisper. Her jaw ached from the movement, her muscles were solid from the force of Serana's words riveting her together.
"Everything… with you and with her." Serana answered just as quietly. "I'm tired of being so alone. The time I've spent with you… you're a good and caring person, Aela. I want you in my life as much as I want Azriel. But, I can't keep arguing. I can't keep feeling your rage."
Aela leaned forward and pressed her lips to Serana's just as briefly as the vampire had kissed her a few minutes before.
"Are you sure that's what you want?" Aela whispered, pulling away.
Serana's eyes were still closed. She listened to the blood flowing through the werewolf's veins. "I'll do anything for Azriel and for you, if you'll let me."
Azriel hugged the side of the fort contemplating her next move. She inched her way along the wall and peered into the open floor of the large fortress where the dark dragon was chained down. Azriel looked up at the ceiling and smiled. In the recess of the ceiling were large wooden doors where rock had once had been. That answers that question…
There were vampires milling about near the dragon. Some were antagonizing it with raw meat. Others goaded it, thinking they were safe. Azriel could feel her hate rising with the anger she felt from the dragon. Soon you will be free... or dead.
Azriel heard the first body fall outside of the walls, then the second. Fuck going slow. I'm so sick of this bullshit. She stepped out of the shadows pulling her hood off and summoning the flames around herself. She was fed up, tired, sore, and really angry. She had planned on a quiet assassination. But, her anger intervened. She wanted to vent her frustrations on something and the vampires were going to be that something. "Hon zey! Zu'u los Dovahkiin ahrk Thur. Hi fen pah ag!"
The fire pit blazed upward as the vampires all rushed forward to where Azriel was walking in the open. The bonfire blew a column of fire into the air and it bent to engulf Azriel, jumping from the ground. The fiery hurricane that surrounded her pulsed outward. The closest vampires were incinerated in the storm's first wave. Their burning bodies added to the heat Azriel was generating. She took pride in her flame.
The dragon pulled desperately against the chains to no avail. Azriel watched another vampire fall from the catwalk into her blaze. Each new fire adding to the now unbearable heat she was generating. More vampires appeared, only to drown in the inferno. The walls and ground around her began to turn to glass. The blaze that surrounded her felt so good. To let out every ounce of anger, to let go of the rage in something tangible. To destroy everything she didn't want and keep the pieces she did want.
Azriel walked to the dragon's head where it was lashed to the fallen column. The steel trap around its mouth held the dragon's jaws closed. Its wings were adorned in steel netting, while its legs and tail were fixed in place with heavy chains.
The flames that surrounded Azriel flickered out of existence as she looked at him. "Drem yol lok, Zuwuth." She tilted her head to look at him. The dragon finally gave up its struggle, never feeling the heat of her flames in the first place.
"Hin paak Zu'u fraan." Azriel pulled her sword hearing footsteps coming down the stairs and from the opening she had entered from. "Kah los sahlom, neh vodahmaan daar mindaht."
The large Orsimer vampire rubbed the last of sleep from his eyes staring at the glass floor and walls. "By every Daedra, what commands this power?"
Three arrows pieced his neck before he ever finished his thoughts.
The dragon bowed its head to the ground and closed its eyes waiting for Azriel's sword to find its way to freeing his soul.
"Zu'u fen ofan hi nahkriin waan hi kiibok zey, Zuwuth." The dragon's golden eye focused on her once more. A deep grumble filled it as footsteps made their way closer.
"Azriel?" Serana stopped shy of her, watching the silent exchange between Azriel and the dragon.
The dragon raised its neck slowly and dipping it head as much as he could.
Azriel smiled wickedly, ignoring Serana she stepped forward, cutting the first chain.
"Is that… a good idea?" Serana started backing away as the dragon eyed her.
With each chain she cut, the dragon moved a little more, its eyes never leaving Serana.
Azriel climbed its back cutting the steel mesh and pushing it away. The dragon stomped its shackled feet impatiently as she hopped off.
"Zu'u miik mir. Dreh hi eim?" She held her hands next to the lock, waiting for its answer.
The dragon spread its wings with a might flap and lowered its body to the ground. Its impatience was easy to read as she picked the simple lock and pulled the trap away.
The dragon stretched and roared, finally freed of its prison. "I, Gaafahviing, accept your offer, Dovahkiin. I wished for vengeance! You have made the sosnaakke pay for their betrayal." Gaafahviing leveled its gaze on Serana once more. "This one bears your mark… she will not be harmed. But, others shall taste of my Thu'um."
Azriel nodded, still ignoring Serana. "Stay here, I need to finish what I started. Kill any vampire but her. We'll speak again shortly."
The dark gray dragon bowed its head to her.
Azriel and Serana made their way up the steps to the first balcony.
"Azriel…" Serana grabbed her arm, stopping her. "I want to talk to you."
"I've said everything that should have been said a while ago. I don't care anymore."
Serana pinned her to the wall. "That's a lie and you know it. I feel every emotion you have, Ahziial. When I said take things slower, I meant because of Aela. I won't deny the attraction I have for her any more than you will. I want to take things slower between us, the three of us." Azriel squirmed, but Serana held on. "I am in love with you and I damn well know you are with me. I'm not letting you go anywhere without me, so just get that thought out of your fucking head right now. You are my Dragon and I will not let you simply walk out of my life. You promised me you'd never leave me and I expect you to make good on that promise!"
Aela appeared behind them, pulling down her hood. "Nor will I let you simply walk away again, Dragonborn. We should…" Aela sighed, finally feeling her wolf finally settle down. "We should go slowly, this is so very different."
Serana looked over her shoulder at the younger Nord with an understanding smile.
Azriel looked between the two. She silently cursed herself for giving them both enchanted cloaks. "Aela, I know damn well you've slept with more than one person at a time…"
Serana cocked her elegant eyebrow at the werewolf as a blush spread over Aela's cheeks.
"That was different, Dragonborn. Sex is one thing, this is another. This involves a life together between the three of us. It's difficult enough to balance between two, but to do between three people will be even harder."
Azriel leaned into Serana and grabbed Aela pulling the shorter Nord into them. "Get used to it, Storm Voice. I'm much more impatient than you think. I know what it involves and I'm willing to do anything for you both."
Aela's fingers snaked into Serana's hair as Azriel pulled Aela into a kiss.
Serana let the moan slip from her lips unintentionally watching them. The kiss lasted only a few seconds before Azriel pushed Aela away and kissed Serana.
Aela growled, wanting more than anything to be out of the cave. Serana kissing Azriel was too much for her to watch, even if the kiss was brief. She could feel the liquidity of her arousal as it ran down her legs.
Serana pulled away from Azriel and Aela pulled Serana into a blustering kiss. The divinely cool lips of the vampire made Aela's body burn hotly with desire. The hunger she felt for the vampire was cut short by Azriel's lust filled growl.
"Moth Priest first, then we're finding a bed. Fuck going slow… I want you both." Azriel was over backing down.
"Agreed." Serana said breathlessly looking between Aela to Azriel. She could barely contain herself. Their blood was driving her insane as it pumped through their veins with their exhilaration. Their scents and arousal were pushing her beyond her breaking point and she desperately needed a release.
Aela smiled wolfishly as she let her fingers uncoil from Serana's loose hair. "Preferably, some place we can't be interrupted."
Azriel pushed the pair towards the stairs. "One where we can't be interrupted for a very long time..." Azriel grinned as she thought about it. "Now let's get this over with before I tear off your armor."
Serana couldn't agree more.
Aela rubbed her head looking at the glowing prison. "Why can't things ever be easy?"
"I'm easy…" Azriel said playfully looking at the Weystone in her hand. She felt a thousand times lighter with the two finally being open with her.
Serana smirked looking around, crushing the note she held in her hand. So Father offers a position in his court? Serana let the note burn in her hand. "What's up there?"
"If you were easy, I would have bedded you already, sister. You're more of a wayward slut." Aela said looking up.
"Fuck you, Aela." Azriel laughed.
"Later, Dragonborn. Right now we have work to do." Aela countered with a relaxed smile.
"Wait, you haven't slept with her?" Serana asked as Aela walked past.
"I suppose you have?" Aela regarded the blushing vampire with a deep sigh. "Figures."
Azriel climbed the steps with a shrug. "You have to be quicker, Huntress."
Aela growled looking at Serana as they followed Azriel up the steps. "Help me tie her down later, I'm going to torture that Imperial and you're going to help me."
"Done and done." Serana let a devilish smile play across her face at the thought. She was thankful that Aela had finally lightened up. The uneasy tension between the three of them seemed to have dissipated almost instantly at their mutual admissions and for that she was thankful. One more day of bickering and she would have murdered them both.
"Are those cages?" Azriel called back to them, pointing farther up the fort to her left.
"I'll go check." Aela offered.
"Azriel, he may be enthralled when he comes out." Serana looked down at the glowing prison.
"Wouldn't that have ended when we killed his master?" Azriel looked at the pillar in front of her and the stone in her hand.
"Not necessarily. If he was enthralled by a stronger vampire, the enchantment remains for a while even after death." Serana watched Aela climbed the stairs.
"Well, we're about to find out."
Azriel set the Weystone into position and the blue barrier faded into the ground. The old man that was trapped inside fell to the floor with a grunt. "Stay here. He may freak out when he sees another vampire."
Azriel popped the Weystone out of its slot and into her bag.
Serana begrudgingly watch Azriel hop over the short stone railing and walk up to the scholar. "Hey… you okay?"
The man's hands erupted in fire and he pounced at her with unnatural speed. The fire engulfed both of them as Serana watched idly.
Azriel slammed the man down on the ground as the flames swirled around her harmlessly. She pinned him there for several minutes until the flames extinguished.
"By the Eight, where… where am I?"
"Well, for starters you're in an old underground fort." Azriel said gently, pulling the man to his feet.
"You are strong, young one." The man looked up as Serana strolled up next to them.
"You! You're a vampire!" His hands became a blaze once more while Serana looked at him impassively.
"I am, but I have no intentions of hurting you, young one."
"My name is Azriel the Dragonborn and we need your help." Azriel said pulling his hands gently down into her own.
"Dragonborn? My help? With what, pray tell?" The old man focused on Azriel for a moment looking her over. "You're so young, I would have thought you to be much older by your deeds, Dragonborn. Master Tolfdir spoke highly of you. I am Dexion Evicus and I would be honored to help you in any way I can."
Azriel smirked, she liked the old man. "I need your help with an Elder Scroll, Dexion."
"Azriel! Serana! Come up here!" Aela appeared from the high ledge.
Serana took off first, leaving Azriel with Dexion. "Dexion, I'll be right back. Here's some food and water. We'll be going in just a few minutes so grab some rest."
The Priest smiled at her taking the food and water skin she dug out her bag. "You are exactly what I expected."
Azriel arched an eyebrow. "You expected me?"
"No one has seen a Dragonborn in ages…" He beamed at her. "…Go. We can talk later."
Azriel took the stairs three at time and skidded to a halt at the top. She looked at the cages where Aela and Serana stood, staring at the feral vampire that huddled in the corner gnawing on a bone.
Azriel stepped forward in disbelief. "Lydia?"
"She's feral and it doesn't look like she's ever been fed." Serana said, trying to be gentle with her wording.
Azriel rubbed her head looking at the vampire. "Fuck me, now what do we do?"
Aela shook her head sadly and looked to Serana for guidance. "What do you do with a feral vampire besides kill it and put it out of its misery?"
Azriel glared at her, but she knew Aela spoke the truth. They might not be able to save Lydia.
"She'd require a lot of blood and the only person she could feed from is you, Aela." Serana kept her tone placid hoping the werewolf wouldn't chose to kill such a young vampire.
Aela grumbled. "Fine. Let's just get this over with."
"I'll get her out when you're ready." Serana said beaming with joy watching Azriel pull a healing potion from her bag and handing it to Aela. She was genuinely happy that Aela would let the young vampire feed from her. Maybe now I'll get my turn…
Aela nodded and Azriel opened the cage.
Lydia hissed as Serana leaned in and pulled the weak vampire from the floor. She knew the girl was too frail to fight, bordering closely on madness from lack of blood. She lifted her easily, carrying her to the Huntress.
Aela started to undo the strap on her chest plate.
"She's too feeble to do much. I suggest just giving her your wrist." Serana said watching.
Aela shrugged the heavy armor back in place and removed her gauntlet instead.
"Can you handle this? I need to check on the dragon and Dexion." Azriel asked worriedly, her eyes lingered on Lydia.
"Go on. She'll sleep after feeding and I can carry her." Serana watched Aela draw her blade across her wrist and push it to Lydia's mouth.
Azriel walked down the steps to where Dexion sat. "How are you feeling?"
"Much better, thank you." He smiled at her taking her hand. "A Dragonborn… after all this time. You have no idea how happy you make this old man. Just sitting here with you is astounding."
Azriel pulled two apples from her bag and handed one to Dexion. "Why's that?" Azriel took a bite savoring the sweet flavor of the red apple. Aela would kill her if she saw her eating it, but she didn't care.
Dexion shuffled in place as he rolled the apple around in his hands. "You stopped the World Eater. You have an Elder Scroll and you have delicious apples." Dexion took a bite of his apple and looked at her. He watched her as he chewed slowly, choosing his words. "Times are grim, my dear. The Empire needs a Dragonborn Empress, Azriel."
"Is he joking?" Aela snorted, walking down the stairs holding her bleeding wrist.
Serana followed her, carrying an unconscious Lydia.
Azriel rubbed her eyes and chucked the core aside. She took Aela's wrist in her hands, healing it.
"Unfortunately, he's not." Azriel let Aela pull her to her feet and led the group down the stairs.
Aela let her eyebrow ride up, waiting on Azriel's explanation.
"By the Gods!" Dexion practically jumped into Aela's arms at the sight of the dragon curled up on the obsidian floor.
Gaafahviing opened his golden eyes and scrutinized them. His gaze landed on Serana again, watching her with interest. "Ofanaht?"
Serana narrowed her eyes at the dragon. "Niid. Daar los ungol ahrk zu'u lost siir nii."
The dark gray dragon shifted as a rumble filled its throat. Serana realized he was laughing.
Then it turned to Azriel.
Azriel looked at the ceiling of the cave and back to the dragon. "I freed you. The Sky is yours once more, Elder. I only ask in return you seek out the Old One and hear his Thu'um." Azriel paused for a moment. "My true name is Ahziial, I give you permission to call it."
Dexion gasped. "You are the Grand Champion of the Arena? My word, this is extraordinary! I wondered where the Champion had gone. But, it makes sense. You will be like Saint Alessia."
"Dexion, it is a secret. Please tell no one you know my name and who I am." Azriel pleaded gently with the old Priest.
The old man sighed heavily. "I never thought they gave those rewards to the victors. I've never seen you in the White-Gold Tower and trust me, I looked. I wanted to meet the young woman that fought so bravely…"
Azriel shook her head. "No, they didn't. Now you and Serana need to move. We're going to open that door."
Dexion walked with Serana to the entrance of the Fort.
Gaafahviing watched Aela. "You have learned the Thu'um as your ancestors, Kendov?"
Aela arched her eyebrow at the dragon. "I have begun to learn, yes."
"If you aid me in leaving this accursed burrow, I shall share my knowledge with you."
"How did you get down here?" Azriel asked curious.
"I was interested in the magic of this place. I am a collector of magical objects." Gaafahviing sighed. "I wished for the stone that the sosnaak used to create his prison. He did not understand the true power it possesses. Instead I was tricked. The sosnaak Malkus wished to use me to overthrow a sosnaak lord. I care nothing for their petty squabbles, only for my collection."
Azriel pulled the Weystone from her bag and looked at it. "I've never seen a Weystone here before."
"They are rare…" The dragon eyed the stone greedily. "This one is unique in its abilities."
Azriel set the stone on the ground in front of her foot. "And it's yours if you accept Grah-Zeymahzin."
The dragon's answer was immediate. "I accept! You may call me any time you wish, Dovahkiin."
Azriel kicked the stone to him and the dragon snatched it up. She looked at the ceiling and then to Aela who followed her line of sight.
"Ready?" Azriel asked with a smirk.
"FUS…" Aela shout rang out with Azriel and Gaafahviing's. "…RO DAH!" Azriel and Gaafahviing roared together.
The wooded doors blew upward and out of sight in millions of pieces. Only the dust from the ceiling rained down on them.
Azriel smiled as Gaafahviing looked at Aela. He looked at the ground. "I grant you the second word of power. Ro!" The word burned into the glass floor and Aela looked down as the pale golden glow surrounded her.
Aela mouthed the word as the glow faded. "I'll need to meditate on this." She mumbled to herself.
"Later, Huntress. We need to get out of here before any more vampires show up." Azriel looked to Gaafahviing. "Go. Find the Old One."
The women walked to where Serana and Dexion waited.
"That was incredible!" Dexion clapped happily as the two approached.
"You can worship her later. Azriel, where are we going?" Serana adjusted Lydia in her arms.
"We should go to Jorrvaskr." Aela offered, her wolf yipped sleepily ready to go home.
Azriel thought about the best course of action. "Too dangerous and right now Lydia needs help that only one person can provide. We're going to take her and Dexion to Movarth." Azriel looked at Dexion without pause. "Do you trust me?"
"Of course, Azriel. You've been nothing but helpful thus far." He answered.
"In the marshes are a group of vampires who live in harmony with others. I need to ensure your safety and the safety of my friend. The only place I can do that is with a vampire named Movarth. I need you to trust that I will not let you be harmed. Now let's go."
Dexion shifted uncomfortably, but mumbled his assent.
Aela racked her brain trying to remember where she had heard that name before.
The Orsimer vampire slumbered in his chair and Azriel smirked. "You really suck at guard duty."
The vampire fell out of his chair with a curse on his breath.
"Announce me and my companions to Movarth, or you know what will happen." Azriel commanded, a single flame dancing in her hand. The wolf growling, it shifted warily beneath her skin.
The vampire brushed himself off and threw her a scowl, disappearing through the passageway behind him.
"What stinks in here?" Serana covered her nose at the stench.
"An alpha that has marked his home." Aela replied with disgust. "It's also why Azriel looks so uncomfortable. Alpha pack leaders always fight and usually to the death."
Dexion looked at the two women anxiously. "You're werewolves? Aren't werewolves hunted in Skyrim?"
Azriel laughed and Aela scowled at the man. "You're asked that standing next to an ancient vampire after riding on a dragon to a lair filled with vampires, witches, and wolves. You, my dear sir, are adorable. Yes we are werewolves and no we won't eat you."
Dexion flushed with embarrassment. "Forgive me Dragonborn, it was a foolish question. I trust you, you have already saved my life once."
Azriel growled at him. "It's Azriel. I hate being called Dragonborn."
The man shaded to a deep crimson. "Forgive me, Lady Azriel."
Azriel smacked her face with her hand.
"She's no Lady." Serana couldn't help the smug retort at Azriel's expense. She felt the young werewolf's agitation as if it were her own. Secretly, she hoped that the calmness would return, but after Aela's remark she was worried about a fight. Not to mention the reactions of the vampires that lived underground to her.
Hurried footsteps echoed on the stone.
The Orsimer vampire reappeared. "Movarth will see you now, Dragonborn."
"Akatosh give me strength." Azriel mumbled shoving her way past the Orc.
Azriel lead the group through the corridor to the overhang. The massive cavern was filled with all sorts of people. The smell of the alpha made Azriel growl, her bloodlust rising. It was obvious the evening meal was shared as a group and even children were seated enjoying food together.
She heard the other's behind her gasp watching vampires and humans together as equals.
Azriel smiled over her shoulder at Aela and Dexion. "Told you they were different…" She quirked an eyebrow at Serana for wearing her hood, but figured she hadn't put it down yet because she was carrying Lydia.
Azriel continued down the path towards the large table at the center of the room. She picked her way past the children playing, to the vampire at the head of the banquet table that stood. Other vampire stood as well, joining Movarth to greet the entourage.
"Ah, Azriel… What do I owe for the pleasure of your visit this time?" Gone was the condescending air the vampire once held with her.
He seemed genuinely pleased to see her and Azriel was relieved. What she needed to ask of him was going to test her new found friendship with the vampire. Azriel looked around the large room with a smile. Movarth had banished the other alpha to the depths and her own wolf settled down. The place itself was brighter and held more things. The people, including the vampires seemed happier. "Looks like our little arrangement has benefited you well. I'm glad."
Aela suddenly remember looking at the vampire where she had heard the name before. He had led the clan that hunted the bandits near Whiterun and she relaxed a little.
"What arrangement?" Aela murmured not really expecting a reply.
Movarth inclined his head to Aela in greeting and offered her a smile, before answering Azriel. "It has. We can fully face our challenges with a bit more comfort and…" Movarth stopped, looking past Azriel to the last person of her group.
Azriel turned to see who he was looking at. Serana...
Movarth's eyes grew wide with horror and he dropped to his knees bowing his head to the floor. The other vampires followed suit, while the humans eating, stopped to watch the display. Each human rose from their seat and followed suit behind their leader.
Azriel looked from Movarth to Serana. Serana was shifting uncomfortably from foot to foot. Her glowing eyes fixed on the kneeling vampires and humans.
"Um… did you drop something?" Azriel smirked at the display of submission.
Movarth shook in place and Azriel noticed the others shook in fear as well. "Do you not know with whom you travel?" He kept his face to the ground, still cowering.
Azriel could barely make out his words since his voice sounded muffled by the ground. But, Movarth was definitely shaking in fear as were the rest of the people around him.
Azriel watched Serana.
Serana handed Lydia to Aela and removed her hood.
"Why are you groveling in front of us?" Aela asked, disgusted by their pathetic display. She had noticed the vampire's freighted face as he had dropped to the ground.
Movarth kept his face down, not answering.
"Because of me…" Serana walked to the table, picking up a pitcher and sniffed it. She made a disgusted face as she pulled her hood down. Animal blood? Explains how you can live together. Serana watched the cowering vampires for a second before carrying the pitcher back to Aela. She pressed on Lydia's jaw, slowing pouring the blood into her mouth. "Please get up."
Movarth took a chance, looking up as Serana finished.
She looked right at him. "I said, get up." Her voice was firm, but her tone was kind.
Movarth slowly stood and looked directly into Azriel's amused smile.
"You didn't tell me you had worshippers, Princess." Azriel chuckled quietly, knowing how Serana would react.
Aela snickered as Serana hissed playfully at Azriel.
Dexion looked more confused than ever.
"It is only proper to kneel to a Pure-Blooded Matron." Movarth hissed at Azriel.
Dexion fainted at his words.
Azriel leaned over Dexion and picked him up, carrying him to a chair. "A what?" She looked at Serana for clarification. "What in Oblivion is that?"
The other humans quickly gathered their children and herded them out of the cavernous room.
Serana watched them go, slipping a blood potion out of the pocket in her cloak. She took a drink, feeling sorry for the Priest as she picked him up. "Well, it's what I would be if I were to have created a vampire."
"You haven't created any of your kind?" Aela set Lydia in a chair father away from Dexion.
"No. I haven't." Serana muttered watching Azriel carefully for her reaction. "I never wanted to. Can we discuss this later?"
"I believe we should." Aela said carefully, watching Movarth. "When your worshipers aren't around anyways."
Serana threw her a playful scowl.
"Why are you here, Azriel?" Movarth watched the three women warily.
Azriel turned her attention from Serana to Movarth once more. "My friend Lydia was feral when we found her. She needs help and I know you take in vampires. Can you please help her? Aela have given her blood, but we don't have the resources you have to rehabilitate her." Azriel thought for a moment. "Or the ability to help her with… questions she may have. I don't want her to feel lost or alone."
The sentiment struck a chord in Serana as she watched Azriel. Becoming a vampire wasn't easy and she was fairly certain the young woman would face difficulties adjusting. She smiled at Azriel, wordlessly thanking her for being understanding.
Azriel returned the smile briefly before returning her attention to Movarth.
Movarth looked at the young Nord. "I can help her." He signaled for the lingering vampires to take her away. "But, I sense you are here for another purpose." He looked again at Serana. "You travel with a Daughter of Coldharbour. A pure-blooded matron of the night, so I expect there is a significant reason you are here."
Serana rolled her eyes angrily. She knew it was only cause more questions about her past from the two wolves that gaped at her. She could see the questions forming in their eyes. She knew it would be unavoidable to have the discussion she never wanted to have.
"There are and this is going to take a while." Azriel said, pulling up a chair. "Have a seat, we need to talk."
Say goodbye to black & white. This is where things will start to get interesting.
The chapters will be kind of long for the next few. (Okay, they are long shhh.) But, there really is a lot that needs to happen and well... that requires a lot of writing. :)
Your turn. What did you think?