"You are asking a lot, young one." Movarth rubbed his head. "So much so, that I'm not sure you know exactly what you are asking me to do."
"I'm asking for you to defend your home and the people you care about by helping us." Azriel answered taking a drink of water. "I know exactly what I'm asking for and I know the price. I need your help… we need your help. It's as simple as that."
Movarth dropped his hand to the table top. "You want our help in facing the ruling clan of vampires in Skyrim! It's suicide. You have no idea the power they possess."
"No more suicidal than resting idly in a cave as the world collapses around you, Vampire." Aela snapped at him. This conversation wasn't getting them anywhere in her opinion.
"I understand your fears, Movarth. My father is… well, an asshole to put it nicely." Serana interjected. She was glad Azriel was holding her hand under the table. It made her feel better. "If there is a war brewing between clans we need to end this as quickly as possible for all our sakes. My father will stop at nothing to fulfill a Prophecy that will destroy all of Nirn."
"Look, right now it's only myself, Aela, and Serana. Some vampire named Malkus was holding Lydia and Dexion…"
Movarth laughed deeply. "Malkus. Now there's a name I have longed to forget. His desires have always outstretched his capabilities. I assume he is dead?"
Azriel nodded. "Aela turned him into a pin cushion."
Aela smirked and drained the bottle of mead. She looked at Azriel and set her hand on her thigh.
Azriel pulled Serana's hand over to Aela's and held the two under the table. Both had given her hand a squeeze in return. Azriel loved the feeling of it. The fire and electricity of the pair was driving her insane. We really need to find a bed soon…
"No real loss. He wished to join forces with me to overthrow your father, Princess Serana. Either Lord Harkon would have him destroyed learning of his rebellious nature or one of his own would have killed him for his power in the end."
Movarth took a long drink from his goblet and toyed with it when he finished. "If the Priest remains here, I make my clan a target. We cannot stand up to Lord Harkon's trained hunters and they will eventually come here."
"Movarth, if he succeeds in fulfilling this Prophecy, all of Tamriel will march against you. Not to mention the madness a war with other clans would bring. Will you stand up to them any better?" Azriel asked calmly. "We have two Elder Scrolls not Harkon. We can stop this but we need your help in keeping Dexion safe. The Dawnguard can't be trusted and I can't keep him safe anywhere else in Skyrim."
Movarth thought about his answer. He was surprised by the light tap on his arm. He looked down at the small child holding her arms up for him. She shook him, she had been so quiet and his thoughts distracted, he had missed her little heartbeat. He smiled as he picked her up. "What is it, dearest?"
"You looked sad, Uncle. So I brought you this." She pulled a small flower from her pocket and tucked it into his hands. With a kiss on the cheek, the little girl wiggled free and disappeared.
The child had cheered him up and had given him his resolve. "This is my family, Dragonborn. I will see it protected at all costs. I will help you in any way that I can."
Serana wrapped her arm around Azriel as the wind whipped her hair. Her other hand held on to Aela's burning hand as the wings of the dragon beat rhythmically under them. Solitude looks so different from the air… so beautiful and lonely perched on that cliff.
"Where is this wreck?" Azriel turned over her shoulder, distracting Serana from the view.
Serana leaned down and felt Azriel's hand tighten on her arm. It warmed her knowing Azriel was tightening her grip for her safety. "Odahviing, there are three islands to the Northwest of Solitude. Where the pinnacles break the sea, you'll find the islands. It's between them. The largest island is the closest we can get to it."
"I know of where you speak." He turned in the air, flying over the brackish deltas of the Karth river, which formed the small islands East of Solitude at the confluence of the Hjaal River.
Serana watched the city pass in the snow. She longed to have a chance to visit the old city just to explore it fully. She watch with heavy heart as the dragon circled over the Sea of Ghosts and swooped low over the water. On the cliff she could see the old castle and wondered what it looked like inside. Books only told her so much. Time hadn't eroded the memories of each of her treasures, but had made the heartbreaking reality of how long ago she had read those books settle in her mind. So much has changed. So much time passed by, how much is true anymore? How much is history?
The werewolf behind her shifted uncomfortably as the wind picked up, breaking Serana from her thoughts. Serana pulled slightly on Azriel as Aela shivered behind her. "We need to get there soon, Aela is cold."
Aela leaned forward pushing into Serana, using her as a windbreaker. "I'm fine."
Azriel opened her bag and pulled out her flask. "Here, give this to her."
Serana passed the flask back and Aela took a healthy swig and tried not to cough fire. "What in the name of Hircine!" She yelled when she could catch her breath.
Serana looked back with concern and Aela waved her off. "What did you give her?"
"Daedric lava whiskey." Azriel laughed. "Guaranteed worst hangover you'll ever have! Just ask Aela."
"Where did you get this?" Aela yelled back.
"You have to ask?" Azriel grinned.
Aela gave her the filthiest look she could muster. The biting wind was worse on the North side of Solitude. "Sanguine…"
Azriel smiled brightly and turned back around.
Aela leaned forward, her mouth next to Serana's ear. "We are definitely tying that little bitch up later."
Serana laughed even though it bothered her Azriel carried Sanguine's favored drink. She wondered about her relation with the Prince and what Aela knew of it. Another discussion for later…
Azriel stoked the flames around their camp as they waited for Serana. "So you never got a chance to tell me what you learned with Paarthurnax."
"Quite a bit, actually. I'm beginning to understand their language as well. He said compared to other mortals, I'm the fastest learner he's ever taught." She smiled out of pride.
Azriel chuckled. "A dragon told you that you have a talented tongue?"
Aela rolled her eyes and punched her in the shoulder lightly. They settled into an easy quiet for a few more minutes. Aela watched Azriel pull serpents from the flames and return them on her fingertips.
"Azriel, there's something I wanted to talk to you about."
Azriel looked up at her slightly worried. "What is it?"
"Are you sure about… about us?" Aela felt ridiculous for blushing.
"Aela, you're the one that needs to be sure that this is what you want. You have a choice in the matter. There are three of us involved, not just me."
Aela pulled her cloak tighter. "She's immortal…"
Azriel sighed deeply. "Technically, so are you now. I was trying to tell you that before we got interrupted at the college."
Aela arched her eyebrow at her. "Explain."
"My life force and my blood are within you. Saaraadgraat tethered his soul to yours as well. With our souls tied to yours, you share our life force. You will know what we feel and when other dragons are near. By sharing my blood and wolf spirit with you, you are stronger than any werewolf or mortal could ever hope to be. Sharing your soul with other dragons like Saaraadgraat and myself, we take a part of you for ourselves." Azriel shifted slightly and continued without pause. "The dragons gain your knowledge and we will know when you are in need of us. In turn, you will never age. You share a small part of our knowledge freely. You are as immortal as a dragon or Serana now."
Azriel popped the top of a bottle of ale and passed it to Aela. It was obvious the news hit her like a mammoth herd in a charge. "Aela, I won't push you for anything. But, you need to know that for me this cannot be undone, no matter your choice. I am bound to you as Saaraadgraat is, but it is different. I claimed you as a mate and I will always pine for you. Even if you tell us to leave, we will always be with you. Only death breaks our bond. You will feel it and know it to be true if that ever happens. We do not make this bond lightly for that very reason."
Aela sat quietly with Azriel for a few moments.
"You already know what I want, Azriel. I've wanted it for a very long time." She took a long pull from the bottle. "And that damn vampire is too beautiful for her own good."
Azriel laughed. "That she is." Azriel cleared her throat, taking a more serious tone. "Then again, so are you."
Aela smiled at her and slid a finger down her cheek. "Says the Dragonborn…"
Azriel caught her hand. "Aela, I promised you I would be honest and there are things I need to say to you."
Aela let her fingers wrapped around Azriel's hand. "Go on…"
Azriel took a deep breath. "I'm sorry I've spent so much time pushing you away. I thought if we got involved… I thought it would make you a target. I couldn't live knowing someone or something hurt you because of me. When we were in Riften, I was going to tell you how I felt about you even after we argued. Then that dragon attacked…"
Azriel took a drink of her ale to give herself a chance to form the words she had been meaning to say for so long. "…after it went for you, I knew I couldn't. I barely made it out from under that wall. When Bryn got to you, I was so thankful. You were hurt and there was nothing I could do. When it attacked again, I made the choice I would make a thousand times over, you're too important to me to lose."
Aela pulled her arm close and lifted the wool sleeve, looking at the long jagged scar on her right arm. "He told me how you threw yourself into its way to protect us. You were unconscious and the priests were doing everything they could for you. I knew it wasn't just your arm, Azriel. I wasn't knocked out when they spoke. I knew killing that dragon broke every bone in your body and how close to death you were." Her fingers traced the long jagged scar on her right arm. "I have never in my life cried for anyone like I cried for you that night. Not even Skjor or the old man."
Aela took a deep breath and pulled Azriel close. "I wish I'd have kept that stupid amulet you tried to give me. I would have asked you a long time ago to marry me. My stubborn pride has always been my biggest downfall. Kodlak saw it. It's why I didn't deserve to be named Harbinger."
Azriel cleared her throat and reached into her bag. She pulled the amulet of Mara from its depths. "The Priest told me what it was when I woke up. I didn't know when I tried to give it to you. I never meant to cause that argument with you. I swear I didn't. I just thought it would look good on you." Azriel smiled sheepishly at first, but her smile became a frown at with her memory of their argument.
Aela took the amulet from her hand. Azriel had pried the dragon's tooth from the edge of it, but for some reason it didn't surprise her she still had it. This one amulet almost cost Azriel her life. Aela folded her fingers around it and closed her eyes trying to remember her reasons for being so cross with Azriel. The memory was ripe with confusion and hurt on Azriel's part. "Azriel, I never apologized to you…"
Azriel shook her head and sat up. "Don't. It was my fault. I honestly didn't know it meant people wanted to get married. I just thought you should have it. I'm sorry for my ignorance of what it meant. I know I embarrassed you and how much you hate that."
Aela brushed her hair from her face. "You left Riften too quickly. I wanted to talk to you about it. I never got that chance."
"I was mortified. You looked like you were going to kill me when I tried to give it to you. Then that Priest told me what it was and the custom in Skyrim. I thought I'd messed everything up between us. I thought I'd lost my best friend. Aela, you were so angry I couldn't look at you without feeling foolish because of this stupid thing."
"My reaction was poor, to say the least. I should have known you wouldn't understand the meaning behind it. The reality is, I was angry with you for not knowing. For that, I cannot apologize enough. I should have never said those things to you. I wanted to hurt you and I accomplished my goal. I didn't deserve to see you after everything I said to you."
Azriel blushed as she entwined her fingers with Aela's. She wanted a topic change, she was getting too emotional. "So, what did you learn?"
Aela heave a sad sigh. Azriel wasn't good with sharing her feelings or being open. It wasn't surprising she want to change the subject. Aela decided to let it go for now. "Fus, Feim, Yol, and how to clear the sky."
Azriel was stunned. "You learned all of those?"
Odahviing stretched his wings and yawned. "Kiir."
Azriel gave him a playful swat on the nose and the dragon feigned a wounded expression.
"Show me." Azriel stood with her back to the water where Serana had disappeared.
Aela stood and took a deep breath. "YOL!"
Azriel laughed happily as the flames rushed past her. "That was awesome!"
"It kills me that you don't even get a scorched hair from that." Aela said flipping her hair from her face.
"Pisses off dragons too." Azriel smiled. "Let's hear fus."
Aela took another breath. "FUS!"
Azriel's body didn't move except with her laughter. "You are plotting vengeance on Draugr everywhere aren't you?"
"Damn right I am." Aela smiled and walked forward to the rock Azriel stood on.
"Want to learn that word Gaafahviing taught you?"
"Without a doubt." Aela murmured, running her fingers through Azriel's hair. She couldn't get over how soft it was no matter how windblown it looked.
"Step back…" Azriel looked at the large boulder. "Ro."
The word appeared on the ground at Aela's feet. "It means 'balance'. It can be used in other ways too. Here watch…"
Azriel stepped to the top of the rock and balanced herself with her arms and leg out, with just her toes touching. "Ro."
She let herself spin gently on the top of the rock, barely touching the surface with her toes. "Words are powerful. They are a means to channel energy to accomplish something. It's magic in the most elemental form and uses your life force. Fus or force, combined with Ro or balance, pushes one form of energy against the world around you." Azriel dropped her feet and arms.
"Try it. Say Fus followed by Ro." Azriel hopped off the rock.
Azriel smiled watching the golden glow surround Aela. "You'll learn much faster now that we've bonded. But, I want to make sure of it."
Aela cleared her throat as Azriel's heat engulfed her. The tingling sensation wrapped around her and she smiled. "FUS RO!"
The shout collided with Azriel, and her feet move across the sand about six inches. Azriel smiled brightly. She jumped onto Aela knocking her onto the sand. "You… are awesome!"
Aela pulled Azriel closer. "Do I win a reward for my awesomeness, Dragonborn?"
"Maybe."
Aela rolled up on her back and kicked Azriel over her head, watching her land near the water. "Maybe?!"
Azriel couldn't stop laughing as Aela growled at her playfully. Azriel wiped the tears from her eyes as the dragon snored loudly.
Both were convinced he was just acting.
"I think we bore Odahviing." Azriel brushed the sand from her body as she stood.
The dragon's eye split open and he focused on her. "I would not be foolish enough to argue with either of your mates, Dovahkiin."
Azriel smirked, sitting down next to the fire with Aela. "She's been down there a while." Azriel leaned against the Huntress, letting her head rest on her shoulder. She felt suddenly very tired, the last day had been long one. Sitting in the sand trying to patiently wait for Serana, made it feel like minutes were dragging by.
Aela ran her hand over the woman's hair secretly jealous that it never tangled. "It's not like she needs to breathe. She'll be fine, Azriel. She said it was deeper than either of us could go." She felt Azriel shiver against her with fear. "You need to trust her."
Azriel thought back to the start of their conversation as she rubbed her ribs. Her entire body still hurt, but at least the black stain around her eyes was fading. "So did you make up your mind?" Azriel asked softly.
Aela let out a breath. "A long time ago I knew I wanted to be with you, even if I'm too pig-headed to acknowledge it even to myself. I just couldn't bring myself to accept the idea of sharing with Serana. No matter how gorgeous she is."
"Sharing isn't a bad thing…" Azriel slipped her fingers into Aela's, interlocking them. "Besides it's not like this is a fling."
"You and your numerous flings… They're irritating and I won't accept it if the three of us are going to try this." Aela let the words out a little too sharply.
"Look who's talking! At least I only bed women, you greedy Nord." Azriel snapped back at her.
"I don't want to argue about this again." Aela yawned and relaxed with Azriel. "We've done so too many times in the past."
"Says the person I wasn't with until today." She watched Aela bite her tongue. "Sorry." Azriel's thumb traced Aela's, she had no desire to argue further with either Serana or Aela. The warmth of the fire lured her to rest herself heavier onto Aela and Azriel soaked in the older werewolf's warmth. "Are you still jealous of Serana?"
"No. It will just take a little time to get use too sharing with her. Both you and myself I mean. I want to take things slowly and get to know her better and..." Aela wrapped herself around Azriel "…work on bettering us. Each of us has our own ideas and needs for this to work, which will involve patience from each of us. It will take a bit for us to establish our own selves in a manner that won't hurt another within this relationship."
"Tying me up is not taking this slow, ice-brain." Azriel chuckled.
"Ah, so you did hear me…" Aela kept her tone playful.
"Maybe you should start by being nice to her?" Azriel added.
"I am nice." Aela didn't hesitate with her answer.
"Threatening to knock her fangs earlier out wasn't nice." Azriel tossed back.
"I beg to differ, Harbinger. Had I of knocked her fangs out, that would have not been nice." Aela smiled answering, but the smile faltered with her thoughts. "I've seen the way you look at her…"
"Aela, I have been looking at you the same way for years. You're just too much of an snowberry to notice."
"No you haven't." Aela shot back at her.
Azriel lifted her head and looked her dead in the eyes. "Do you remember the first time we touched?"
"You helped me to my feet." Aela nodded thinking about the day the dragon had attacked Whiterun. Aela knew perfectly well what she meant, but she wanted to see where Azriel was going with it. "What of it?"
"I smelled the wolf's blood in each of you that morning. You were different than the rest. Your fire… the way you felt. You have always felt like the hottest flame to me. It's always been so alluring. I wanted to know you better because of it."
"I felt yours as well. I remember thinking you felt like standing near the Skyforge on a summer's day. It was almost unbearable, still is."
Azriel pulled her closer without looking away. "I saw the disgust on all of your faces when Kodlak called me Dragonborn. When Kodlak offered me a chance to join, I jumped at it. I know you lot were expecting another Talos."
Aela cleared her throat. "We grew up with the stories of dragons and heroes. We heard the songs about the Dragonborn and Talos. You know I grew up with Vilkas and Farkas at Jorrvaskr after I turned thirteen. When we were children we'd fight and hunt together. We talked about heroes and great deeds of Nords. We all had our ideas of the Dragonborn…"
"And I know I was none of the things you thought I would be." Azriel said sadly.
Aela rubbed the bridge of her nose. "You were an Imperial and I refused to believe that you were Dragonborn, even after hearing you shout and watching you as you fought that dragon. I am ashamed to admit that I actually argued with Kodlak about him asking you to join us."
"I figured you had." Azriel looked away. "I joined the Companions because I was lonely and tired of being alone. Every time you called me whelp or Imperial it hurt. You didn't treat the others the same way and I wondered why. You never treated Ria like you treated me. I wondered how I could wrong someone I didn't know. I never stayed around for long in the beginning because of the way you looked at me. You were so cold… when we fought a few months ago, it was a reminder of everything from the past. Your pride in being a Nord and for Skyrim after everything we'd been through as shield-siblings hurt. Then to hear you say Ulfric Stormcloak was right…"
"I know, Azriel."
"Aela, you don't know. I have fought with myself over you for so long."
Aela touched her cheek and Azriel looked at her. "Meaning?"
"I've been in love with you since I was sixteen. That morning when we touch I thought my wolf was never going to stop howling. Every day since, I've struggled with my feelings for you. You made it clear I wasn't good enough for you and I knew I'd just keep disappointing you because I was me. Every time we've parted ways, I have longed to be near you, but in way I needed to be away from you. I thought one day you'd change your mind about me, but after so many arguments…" Azriel's voice faltered. "The times you showed interest frightened me. I knew you cared, but I felt like I was a disappointment. I knew it made you angry every time I said no."
Aela pulled her into a tight hug. "You are good enough and the only way you could ever disappoint me is by being dishonest." She took a deep breath. She had so many things that needed to be said. "I have always regretted the way I treated you. It was arrogant and you'll never know how badly I've wanted to make it up to you. I've only ever seen you afraid once and not being able to console your fear tore at me. I vowed after that I'd do anything to never see that again. Azriel, I'd do anything for you." Aela hugged her tighter.
"I have more than just that one fear. There are too many to count at this point."
"Like what?" Her thumb traced Azriel's knuckles.
"One of them has been to lose you, I couldn't bear the thought. I'm not strong enough to lose someone I love. I couldn't let you go to the Hunting Grounds and I hope you forgive my selfishness."
"Azriel, I have a confession to make."
"Which is what?" Azriel twisted a lock of Aela's hair around her finger.
"Each time we've parted ways, I have wondered if I would see you again. I've prayed to anyone that would listen, hoping to hear about you. To know you were safe and not injured or worse. Not a day has passed apart, that I don't regret not being with you. I don't want to part ways with you again."
Bubbles broke the surface of the water in the distance as Serana ascended. Both women and the dragon turned to watch the vampire swim quickly to the shallows.
Azriel shivered again looking at the water and stood grabbing a towel. She let it warm in her hands as Serana rose bare and walked to the beach, clutching the Elder Scroll. Azriel walked across the water and wrapped the warm towel around her wordlessly. They were so close together, Azriel couldn't resist letting her hand rest for a moment on the vampire's nude back. The heat and the electricity collided with the stark coldness of the vampire's wet skin. The electricity sparked between them and both women's breath hitched as they touched. For that moment, they let one another's bodies touch with mutual longing.
Azriel's cheek brushed Serana's as they pulled away from one another.
Serana could hear the woman's whispers as the breeze warmed around her. Her thirst burned her throat and the desire to capture Azriel in a kiss tore at her mind. Their lips so close together, every other thought fled from her.
Aela cleared her throat, interrupting them. Both women looked at her as she stood holding Serana's leather armor. "It needs to wait, there are people on the shore."
Azriel held out her hand and the flames leapt into it. She crushed them out of existence as Odahviing lifted his head looking at the shore line.
"Sosnaakke…" His voice was low as he watched them. "… many of them. They search for something."
Serana dressed quickly. Her fear bit at her as she wondered if her father's patrol had spotted them. "Hunters! They haven't seen us, mercifully."
They waited for almost an hour. The sun was just beginning to color the sky when Odahviing told them the vampires were gone and Serana agreed with him.
Azriel climbed Odahviing's neck and helped the two up. "Let's get the scroll to Dexion."
"I see a vision before me, an image of a great bow. I know this weapon! It is Auriel's Bow! Now a voice whispers saying… 'Among the night's children, a Dread Lord will rise. In an age of strife, when dragons return to the realm of men, darkness will mingle with light and the night and day will be as one'."
"The voice fades and the words begin to shimmer and distort. But wait, there is more here. The secret of the bow's power is written elsewhere. I think there is more to the prophecy, recorded in other scrolls. Yes, I see them now... One contains the ancient secrets of the dragons, and the other speaks of the potency of ancient blood. My vision darkens, and I see no more. To know the complete prophecy, we must have the other two scrolls. The Scroll of the Dragon and the Blood Scroll. I must have them to complete the reading."
Everyone stared at him, except Azriel.
Azriel hastily dug through her bag and produced her own Elder Scroll. "Here. I have the Scroll of the Dragon."
Dexion swayed, dropping the Scroll of the Sun. Aela caught him and Serana picked up the Scroll. "I… I must rest. I suddenly feel very tired. I'm sorry, Ahziial… I will read it after my respite."
Azriel silently swore multiple curses through her head at the use of her real name.
Movarth stared at her as the two women took Dexion back into the caves to rest. "I should have known."
He sat himself silently in his seat and pulled the pitcher of blood close to him.
Azriel watched him as he rubbed his head then poured his drink.
"It doesn't matter. There is still the matter of needing another Scroll." He took a long drink and motioned for her to sit.
"We have the Scroll of the Dragon. We just have one to find, mercifully." Azriel said calmly still watching him. "Maybe we'll get lucky."
Movarth ran his hand through his hair. "And just where do you plan to look, Grand Champion?" His eyes found hers and Azriel decided she needed to sit down.
"Don't call me that. I don't go by that name here for a reason." Azriel refused to look anywhere but Movarth's eyes.
He slammed the empty goblet on the table as he leaned forward. "They will cut you down the instant they find out that a Nibenean slave bested them at their game! How much danger do you put us on in with your recklessness? Do you even know where to look for a third Elder Scroll? This isn't a game, Dragonborn. Do you understand what they will do to you and everyone one you know? The Empire, the Thalmor, and the Stormcloaks will all hunt you!"
Azriel kept her face a stony mask. "I know."
Movarth leaned back in his chair and looked at the rock over his head. "How long has it been? I lose track of time."
"Not long enough… too long… time really doesn't matter." Azriel drew a breath.
"To whom, Grand Champion of the Arena? Because your very presence in Skyrim is dangerous to us all."
Azriel couldn't help the laughter that escaped her.
Movarth glared at her. "Why is this amusing to you?"
"Where would you have me go? I fled North away from Cyrodiil to escape. I hoped when I came here I could be a smith and eventually have a family of my own. That life will never happen." Azriel looked around the room to ensure Aela and Serana hadn't returned.
"Movarth, the hour of my death approaches. I know it with certainty. It won't matter to anyone when I'm gone who I really am. I am nothing more to most of these people than a reminder of the Empire they hate. Their disappointment that I'm not a Nord doesn't fail to reach me. I am either a mythical hero or a mistake. They forget I saved them from the Apocalypse. Now I watch as they destroy themselves." Azriel finished quietly.
"One that is fated to die an early and tragic death… Like so many Heroes of the past. Forgotten to all, but history…" He stared at her for a moment and refilled his goblet. "Except the two women you travel with would miss you, youngling. As would many others that you champion who are also immortal. Even here, I hear their words and silent prayers for you."
Movarth took a long drink from his goblet as Azriel sat wordless. "The races of beasts and mer both see you as a savior of sorts. And to many of my own kin you have become a champion of the night dwellers. They smell the wolf within you, yet do not fear your bite."
Movarth pulled wine close to her with a spell and she poured a goblet full.
"I cannot imagine the life you live, but I do know of the countless you have saved. Yet, it boggles me… the Blood Matron and the Companion… You love them, yet you have not told them of your fate, have you?"
Their eyes met and Azriel looked away ashamed. "I'm tired of being so alone. I'm so exhausted by being angry. I cannot rest nor can I find satisfaction in anything. I feel myself grow weaker as I grow stronger. I can't live this way and I know it's selfish to give them hope in a future that doesn't exist. But, I do love them. I can only hope when I go to the Void that they will find happiness with each other."
Movarth sighed gently in understanding.
"I forget how young you are. How romantic the ideas of the young..." He took another drink and stared at nothing in particular. "They would miss you immensely, dear girl. I sensed you share a bond with them. But, your future isn't written in stone, young Dragonborn. You have them to fight for and they are your family. Are you so willing to leave them behind?"
Azriel looked into the crimson eyes of the old vampire. "No, I'm not. If I can help it, I won't. I told you, I love them. I can only wish for their peace if I have to leave them. I will fight harder for them, even if it costs me my life."
The two grew silent when Aela and Serana returned.
"He's resting. We should as well. It's been a long day." Aela watched Azriel rise.
"Alright, let's go to Solitude." Azriel rubbed her chin thinking. "We can get some rest and privacy to talk there." Azriel looked at Movarth once more. "We'll be back soon for the next reading and with the other Elder Scroll. For now, I'll leave these two with you. They'll be safest here."
Movarth nodded, standing. "Perhaps when you return, your friend Lydia will able to have visitors as well."
Azriel thought for a moment as she handed him the Elder Scroll. "Movarth, where is Alva?"
Movarth smiled a toothy grin at her. "She is in the South aiding our friends."
Azriel and Aela walked wordlessly along with Serana into Solitude. Odahviing had taken them as far as the bridge leading to the hidden gate.
"I've been thinking…" Serana's voice was lax as she spoke. "My Mother had the other Scroll with her when we left the Castle."
Azriel glanced at Serana as they walked through the gates. "Where did she go?"
Serana shook her head. "I don't know. She just said she'd go someplace my Father would never look for her."
Aela tossed her a doubting look. "How long have you both been gone now?"
Serana let out a sigh watching the people around her through the snowfall. "Since the first era."
"He's had so much time to look for her…" Azriel mumbled as three children raced by.
"I doubt highly he hasn't searched for either of you." Aela added.
Serana remained quiet as they walked.
Azriel fished her key out to her home as they walked. "Serana, you're awfully quiet. Are you all right?"
"I'm fine… it's just." Serana took a breath. "Never mind."
Aela reached out and caught the vampire's hand. "How about you tell us what's running through that pretty head of yours."
Serana looked up at her and blushed. "I'm sorry, I'm still not use to people actually caring about what I think or how I feel."
Aela smiled. "Get used to it. We're not going anywhere."
Azriel agreed and ran her fingers over both their hands. She pushed the key in to the lock, but it didn't click. She pulled it out quickly and slipped it back into her ruck sack. She pulled a sword from her back and Serana hissed.
"What's wrong?" Aela asked Azriel drawing her sword.
"The door is unlocked. Jordis isn't that careless." Azriel whispered pushing open the door.
"I smell blood." Aela growled as the door cracked.
"It's a couple of days old." Serana hissed quietly back at them.
The lower basement level was a wreck. The three snuck through the lower rooms and Azriel stopped at the lower bedroom and pushed open the door. Clothing and parts of furniture were strewn around the room.
Azriel growled when Serana backed out of the room. "Azriel, there's a few drops of blood on the stairs. The smell is stronger and fresher coming from the upstairs." Serana whispered.
Aela and Azriel crept out of the room to where she was standing. Both sniffed the air near the stairs.
"Laas. Yah. Nir."
Both women watched her scan the upstairs.
Azriel growled taking the steps silently. The mid-level was torn up as badly as the down stairs. Blood was on the floor, but Azriel kept going up. She pulled the second sword from her back and kicked open the door to Jordis' bedroom. The smell of blood and bile hit Azriel with force. In the middle of Jordis' bed was a crumpled up figure, moaning.
Azriel ripped the covers off the bed revealing the young boy covered in blood.
"Who are you?" Azriel set down her swords realizing it was a child.
The boy opened his eyes and lifted the short sword lying next to him in bed. "Stay… back." The boy coughed and held his side.
Azriel held up her hands. "I'm not going to hurt you, young one. But, you are in my house, bleeding on my housecarl's bed. So let me help you and you can tell me what you are doing here."
The boy's strength failed and he dropped the sword with a groan.
Azriel stepped to the edge of the bed and knocked the sword away. She held her hands over him and the brilliant glow surrounded them. Once again, she silently thanked Colette for her extra lessons.
"What's your name? Mine's Azriel." Azriel asked the boy as she helped the boy sit up.
"I'm Theron. I'm Jordis' cousin on my mother's side. I'm sorry I'm in your house, but I had nowhere else to go. We were moving to Solitude from Bruma and my Father was killed on the road with his men. I made the trek with the survivors and the Legate told me to come here."
Azriel looked at the two women that sat next to the bed.
"What happened here?" Azriel asked.
"I was here for only a day. They came at night and we fought them. They took my amulet of Talos my mother gave me. They were looking for you, Dragonborn."
"Who was?"
"The Thalmor. They took Jordis after they stabbed me. I think they thought I was dead."
Azriel rubbed her burning eyes. She was so tired it hurt. "Theron, where is your mother?"
Theron looked down at his bloodied hands. "She died when I was twelve, two years ago in child birth. It was just my father and I for the last two years. Then we were attacked on the road by vampires south of Dragons Bridge. My father made me run. When I got back… there was nothing left of the centuria. It was just the support personnel left that had fled from the attack. The vampires had ripped the rest to pieces, my father included. How do a few vampires kill eighty soldiers?" He looked at her with tears in his eyes. "How can they be so unfeeling?"
Serana got up and walked out, obviously upset. Azriel watched her and shared a look with Aela. Aela wordlessly walked out after Serana.
"Theron, where are your other relatives?"
He shook his head. "I don't have any. In a year I'll be of age. I was going to join the Legion like my father and mother. But now… they're gone... What am I supposed to do?"
Azriel exhaled, her exhaustion crept in on her with a renewed force.
The boy was her age when she had escaped her own personal plane of Oblivion. She felt compelled to help him however she could. He reminded her too much of herself at his age. Lost, alone, scared… it clawed at her.
She reached into her ruck sack and pulled a small blue velvet back out. She fished out three flawless diamonds. "Here. You have a choice. You can take this and leave at first light after you clean yourself up. Or, you can remain here and become my Steward."
The boy's eyes lit up. "You'd let me stay? Here? With you?"
"Yes. But, there are conditions to it."
"What are they?" Doubt crept into his voice.
Azriel sat back on her chair. "First, you swear your loyalty to me. You carry every secret I have to your grave. Second, you never call me anything but my name. Third, you follow every command I give and only mine, without hesitation or failure."
"I swear it, Azriel!" He sat up happily.
"Good enough. Theron, as Thane of Solitude, I name you Steward of Proudspire Manor. Now, get yourself cleaned up and get this place tidy. First thing in the morning, go to Radiant Raiments and get yourself proper attire. See Beirand for a proper sword and get yourself signed up for fighting lessons at Castle Dour. Your cousin is well known here and her friend Alexia is also a sword maiden. Find her and tell her I sent you. Give her one of the gems and ask her politely to train you in combat. But, don't flirt with her. She'll beat your ass for weeks as retribution."
She handed him six more diamonds. "Take these in the morning, once you are dressed properly, to the Jarl's steward Falk Firebeard at the Blue Palace. If you get there by eight, you'll find him outside inspecting the grounds. Once you have everything you need from him go to Sayma at Bits and Pieces to get anything else for the manor that we're missing. I want everything replaced and the house filled again. The local merchants will deliver everything to the manor for you. Lastly, make sure you tell everyone you meet you are my Steward. They will treat you fairly and give you a good deal for those diamonds."
Azriel pushed herself off the bed. "Take the larger room in the basement as your own. The small room is off limits to anyone but Jordis, you, myself and my two companions. Make sure you don't stack anything against the back wall that isn't already there. Have the large room outfitted with furniture, clothing, and get yourself fitted for leather armor. When you are rested see this that place is cleaned thoroughly. If you don't have any questions, I need to go."
"I don't have questions." Azriel nodded to the boy and walked into her bedroom. Azriel heard the boy rise from the bloody bed and walk down the stairs. She fumed at the wreckage. She looked up to watch Aela sitting on the bed with Serana, talking quietly.
"I need to go." Azriel shut the door and stared to strip of her armor. "Serana are you alright?"
Both women sat up on the bed straighter and watched her with interest.
Azriel looked over at the vampire as she stripped.
"I'm…" She took a deep breath. "…I'm not alright. My father is just… ugh! He's doing everything he can to bring attention to us! He's going to get us all hunted."
"They're already hunting vampires, Serana." Aela rubbed the bridge of her nose. "And where are you going?" She asked, letting her hand drop and looking at Azriel.
Azriel pulled her tunic over her head. She grabbed her ruck sack and pulled out a black swaddle of leather wrapped in an unusual shimmering cloth. The coldness radiated from it pulled Serana's attention from watching naked Dragonborn to the leathers she unfolded.
"Where did you get that?" Serana's question was ignored as Azriel quickly dressed. She could feel the power of the Prince that had created them and it unsettled her. Azriel's casual use of the Princes' items bothered her greatly.
Azriel pulled the last buckle tight and the leather glowed purple as it encased her and fitted itself to her body. She braided her hair as the other two watched her.
Aela let her eyes fall for a moment on the cloak that seemed to be made from shadows. It moved with a life of its own in a breeze that didn't exist.
"I'm going out." Azriel finally said. "You two…" She smiled mischievously at them. "…just don't get too far along without me. I'd be sad being left out from the fun."
Aela got up and Serana quickly followed her lead. "We're coming with you."
Azriel laughed as she walked to the window adjusting her swords under her cape. "If you can find me, you can follow me."
She pulled the mask over her face as she stepped into the open window.
"Is that a challenge, Harbinger?" Aela had never seen the black armor she wore until now.
Azriel turned around to face them, her black mask made Aela shiver as she looked at it. The coldness that rolled from her felt like the night breeze.
"Wait. Is that… a nightingale on your chest?" Aela eyes were fixed on the symbol.
Azriel took a single step backwards out the window and disappeared without a sound.
Aela stared at the spot she had just been standing. "What just happened?"
Serana rubbed her temples with worry. "I think she just shadow traveled."
Aela looked at her. "She did… what?"
"The symbol on her chest… it's the Nightingale of Nocturnal. It's a symbol older than I am and not very well recognized. I think… she travels through the shadows on the Ebonmere. They can use the Ebonmere to travel the edge of shadows which touch the Evergloam. They can travel anywhere in a short amount of time. Supposedly, it's a blessing given by Nocturnal herself to those she deems worthy of such a gift. That's at least what I read about the Agents of Nocturnal."
"I need a drink." Aela grumbled. Nocturnal is the Prince Thieves revere… why did I ever think she'd give up that life? "We are defiantly tying that little bitch up."
"I take it Azriel being a thief isn't lost on you?"
"She isn't the only one that can sneak around in the dark, Serana. I've been curious where she goes before. I should have guessed she wouldn't give it up. She makes too much gold that way."
"It sounds like it bothers you." Serana reached for her hand, but Aela pulled away.
"Yes, it bothers me. We're Companions. We're Honor bound to help people. Not steal from them." Aela got up and kicked around the debris. "None of my shield-siblings know and I haven't exactly seen fit to tell them the Harbinger is a criminal. It would disgrace them."
Serana followed her with her eyes as she walked around the room. "Have you talked to her about it?"
Aela stopped next to the shelves looking at the unbroken bottles. "Yes and then she left us, again."
"Why?" Serana asked curious taking a place at the table.
"We had a fight over it." Aela fixed her with a piercing stare. "She left after I punched her a few times to get my point across."
"Harsh." Serana adjusted on the bed.
"We're Companions. I know you don't understand, but being a thief is shameful in our eyes. Azriel thinks she can flout the rules for everything. She acts like her actions don't have any consequences or repercussions."
"So you are worried how it will look if she gets caught…" Serana finished.
Aela crossed her arms, frustrated. "Exactly."
Serana smirked. "So instead of explaining that to her, you came to blows."
Aela glared at her. "It got the message through to her that I didn't like it."
"Oh, obviously." Serana couldn't help her sarcasm. Aela was just as bad as Azriel. Both of them were too hot-headed for their own good. "She a Nightingale, Aela. She represents everything a thief admires in gaining favor with Nocturnal."
"You're blaming me for that?"
Serana watched her uncross her arms slowly.
"No. I'm not blaming you for that. Azriel makes her own decisions. All I'm trying to say is maybe you should consider the fact that her life hasn't been an easy one. She hasn't learned morals the way you have and she certainly hasn't been given a reason not to look for an easy way about things."
"I didn't know about her past." Aela snapped back at her.
"That mistake lies with you, Aela. You should have asked her and not been so judgmental in the first place. I asked her questions and she answered them honestly. I don't judge her for her lifestyle."
Aela growled at her in warning.
"Maybe if you weren't just like her, you'd see how hard she's trying to please you." Serana finished defiantly.
Aela kicked the broken dresser in frustration. She leaned over it and took a deep breath. Serana was right, but didn't know everything. How could she explain it all? Years of frustration, waxing and waning their lives apart and together as friends. She had barely scratched the surface of Azriel and now they were apart again. Just for a little while… relax. She's not going to disappear forever.
"Tell me…" Aela asked quietly. "What did you think of this?"
"About Azriel being a criminal? It bothers me, but I really don't have room to talk… I've certainly done worse in my own life."
"No, I mean about us. I know what you told me in that filthy cavern." Aela took a calming breath turning around. "I want to know you think and feel, Serana. What do you want from this?"
Serana rubbed her hands together and looked at them as she threaded her fingers together. "We definitely need a drink for this."
Azriel sat motionless, looking down at the sleeping woman in her bed. How many nights had the two shared her bed together over the last two years? Azriel smiled under her mask. She had always thought the Jarl of Solitude was gorgeous, even in her grief.
She pulled her mask over her face and lowered her hood. Azriel sat in the darkness watching the older Nord woman. Finally, she placed her fingers on the woman's rosy lips. "Elisif… Wake."
The sleeping woman's eyes blinked open and she tried to jump away. "It's me. You're safe." Azriel whispered to her.
Elisif smiled and sat up in her bed, letting her covers fall from her. "Azriel… I didn't expect your visit."
Azriel smirked, looking at the flimsy nightgown the woman wore. "I think you say that every time I've ever come here."
Elisif blushed at her playful remark. "That's because every time you're here, I lose sleep and show up late to court."
"Apologies, my Jarl." Azriel stood slowly. "I didn't realize I was interrupting your beauty sleep and all those frivolous obligations that involve a lot of ass kissing on the part of your Thanes."
Elisif grabbed for her hand, instead catching her thigh. "Wait. I didn't mean to sound like I was complaining. I do enjoy your visits and you know better than to call me Jarl in my bed chamber."
Azriel chuckled softly and sat back down.
Elisif leaned closer, wrapping her arms around her lover's cool body. "You've been gone for so long. I was hoping you'd visit sooner." The moonlight cast a shadow over the widow's face, but Azriel could still see her clearly.
"Miss me then?" Azriel said playfully.
Azriel's wolf grumbled. Shut up… I know what's waiting for us, but I still need to talk to her. Go away or no Thalmor for you.
"You know I have…" Elisif stroked her cheek gently. "I enjoy having something to look forward to after a long day of dealing with ass-kissers like Erikur." She giggled.
"Hmmm… You don't seem to mind when I kiss your… various parts."
Elisif could feel the blush spread from her face to her chest as she giggled. She let her hands slid over Azriel's chest.
Azriel removed her glove and reached out, covering Elisif's roaming hand. "Unfortunately, I'm here for another matter."
Elisif pulled away slightly to get a better look at Azriel, hearing the seriousness of her tone. "What's happened?"
"My home has been sacked. Jordis is missing and I found a boy there injured. There was too much blood for Jordis not to have put up a fight."
"Thieves?" Elisif was concerned.
"No, Thalmor. I know they took Jordis and they're probably torturing her." Azriel growled.
"I warned you angering Elenwen was a bad idea, Azriel."
"The boy had an amulet of Talos. They left him for dead in my home." Azriel took a deep breath and prepared for a fight. "Elisif, I'm going after Jordis."
Elisif pulled Azriel's hand between both of her own. "Azriel, don't. It's a set up. They'll proclaim you a worshipper of Talos and have you arrested. There's nothing I can do to protect you, you need to leave Solitude…"
"I'm not backing down and I don't need protection. Now is our chance. Lead Skyrim by kick the Thalmor out of your city and your Hold when they come for me. Let the people know you are willing to throw them out and take back your Hold from those scumbags. Show the Empire and the Nords you are fit to be High Queen and you won't let anyone step on your rights! I know you worship Talos. Stand up for yourself and your rights to worship him freely."
"We've talked about this. Azriel, we need the Empire and we have to honor the Concordat."
"The Empire is crumbling, Elisif. If you don't lead your people, Skyrim will be destroyed by the Thalmor. The Empire will fall no matter what, it's been crumbling since the Oblivion Crisis. You can save Skyrim from the Thalmor and the Empire you're so loyal too at the same time." Azriel whispered fiercely.
Elisif shook her head. "Azriel, I can't. I'm not strong enough to do this alone."
"You can!" Azriel climbed onto the bed and knelt in front of her. "Elisif, I implore you to listen to me. You can do this. We've talked about this in public and in private. You are a strong woman. You are a Nord woman! You must have confidence in yourself. I have so much faith in you… I believe in you, Elisif. You have to believe in yourself. People only follow Ulfric because of those elves and their desire to stomp on your rights."
Elisif watched her face as she spoke with a sad smile. She let Azriel's hand rest in her lap and placed her hands on either side of her face. "Marry me."
"What?" Azriel gaped at her and her wolf howled indignantly. All this time you're quiet and now you get mad? Go lay back down. The wolf huffed at her. "What did you just say?"
"I know you heard. Marry me." Elisif repeated.
Azriel caught her hands and pulled them away from her face. "Why are you asking me this right now?"
"I want to court you, publicly. We've been seeing each other for two years in private and it's been four years since Torygg died. I can't do this alone and I want you at my side."
"Why me?"
"I just told you why."
"No, you didn't. Why do you want me as your wife?"
"Ulfric Stormcloak may have painted you as a false hero, but to people everywhere you are their hope. With you at my side, it would show the Stormcloaks and all of Skyrim that you side with me. We couldn't lose with you here. You're Dragonborn and it means something to the people of Skyrim."
Azriel sat back on her heels. She knew it was purely political, but she had no intention of hurting Elisif.
"We both know our paths lead elsewhere in life. You also know it wouldn't work out. I'm not exactly the royalty type and you'd be sick of me in a week. Besides, I'd probably end up killing half of your court because they're idiots." Azriel tried to make the words come out as gently as possible.
Elisif fiddled with her blanket. She hadn't expected to be rejected in such a candid way.
"You're angry…" Azriel pulled her hands away from the blanket and held them tightly in her own.
"No. Not angry." Elisif looked away.
"Then what is it?"
"I want to protect you, Azriel. I'm afraid of what they might do to you. This was the only way I could think of to do so. I want to win this war as much as you can't stand either side. You need to be protected and I… I need someone strong by my side, someone who can give me courage."
Azriel sighed, the Jarl was scared. She already knew that much. Too much thrown at her and Azriel understood all too well what it felt like. "Elisif, courage comes from within. You are a good woman and I didn't need to sleep with you to know that. Who do I need to be protected from so much, that you are willing to share your rule with me?"
Elisif smiled in the darkness and let her finger trace Azriel's scars she could see in the pale light. The cold dark armor seemed to be absorbing the moonlight and it made her shiver. "The Thalmor are looking for a reason to snatch you. It's no secret that Elenwen hates you, but I fear she may want to make an example out of you because you are Dragonborn." She took a breath to calm her nerves. "I thought if we courted, she'd leave you be. Azriel, I care for you and..."
"Marriage needs more than that, Elisif. Besides, we both had our reasons for our trysts. We've kept being lovers private for a reason."
Elisif ran her fingers through her hair. "I never lied to you, I was lonely. Torygg was my world and that son of a bitch took him away. Azriel, our friendship means so much to me… you are my closest friend since Torygg was taken. I feel so lost trying to be Jarl and be as good as he was."
"You are better than you think, but you must let go of your fears. You have so much to offer, Elisif. You are so very kind that people view it as a weakness because you don't stand up for yourself. Stop letting Tullius make decisions for you. He's a General, not your father. You sat as Queen for ten years next to Torygg. When we've been alone, we've talked so much about your ideas… things you've wanted. Stop giving into that weakling Emperor. Be the Queen I see in you."
"But, you won't marry me?" Elisif couldn't hide her disappointment even if Azriel was right. They were good friends and to Elisif she was her silent Saint. The quiet of the night was the only place they could truly meet for as long as Elisif desired. For a moment Elisif's mind wandered to the first time the young Dragonborn entered the Blue Palace. The way Azriel had smiled at her had taken her breath away. Her attraction to the young and brash Dragonborn ran deep from that point on. Long nights together over shared late meals and intimate conversations led to them becoming lovers. Elisif regretted none of it. Azriel had brought her hope after Torygg died. She made her smile and laugh when the world around her was so dark. Elisif had made her Thane to keep her close, but Azriel's life kept her away for too long.
"Do you agree that we are good friends?" Azriel whispered softly sitting next to her after a few seconds of silence.
"Of course, but I am attracted to you." Elisif laid her head on Azriel's chest. She sighed contently as Azriel stroked her hair.
"What makes me attractive enough to want to marry?"
The question caught Elisif by surprise. There were so many things, but the answer rolled out faster than she could stop herself. "You're so brave. You have no fear of anything or anyone…"
Azriel let herself laugh and the sound of it made Elisif's stomach flutter. "Elisif, I'm not as brave as you think I am. I've been scared plenty of times, but the difference is, I do things because there's no one else that can or will. I can't even begin to tell you how many things truly frighten me or how many times I've questioned myself because of my fears."
"That's not how you act."
"It's not what I show the world. There's a difference." Azriel pulled the woman onto her lap to face her. "Elisif, I am scared to death of drowning. It doesn't matter if it's a puddle or the sea. It terrifies me so badly I can't bring myself to go deeper in it than my waist. Yet, I still cross water, I still bathe, and I still drink it. I work around my fears because I must. Just because I have a fear of drowning doesn't mean I prevent it from stopping me from doing the things I know I need to do."
Elisif stroked her hand across Azriel's chest. "Water can be avoided, Azriel. You're asking me to do more than go for a swim."
Azriel groaned softly, partially out of frustration and the other part from being turned on by the woman's touch. "I am asking you to face your fears. How many times have we talked about your ideas, not just for the Hold but for Skyrim? How can you not want to take what is rightfully yours as a Nord?"
"I can't just thumb my nose at the Emperor." Elisif let her hands search for the buckles on the woman's armor. Being so close to her was too much to bear after being apart for so long.
Azriel's hand traced the woman's side to her exposed thigh. She was trying to restrain herself, but was failing miserably. Gods, I am such a whore... "Do you want to be High Queen?"
Elisif gave up on the buckles. Instead she bent her head down and started kissing Azriel's neck. "Yes… with you by my side and in my bed as my wife."
Azriel was losing every bit of control while her wolf was snapping at her to stop. She pulled Elisif under her and pushed her into the fluffy bedding. "No."
For a moment the two women stared at one another.
"You still refuse?" Elisif's disappointment colored her every word.
"Nowhere in your reasons did you ever say you loved me and I will never replace your husband." Elisif made to protest and Azriel placed her fingers on her lips. "I care for you, Elisif. I know that you care for me as well, but it isn't the right kind of love. Help me in another way, help me as my friend. Help me show these ice-brained Nords that we can stand up for ourselves. Help me show the Empire that Skyrim will fight tooth and nail for its rights. We can save the Empire you love if we fight for Skyrim first. Lead us, Elisif."
"We need the Empire to help us…" She tried to climb out from under Azriel, but Azriel held her in place.
"No we don't! We can cast the Elves out. We can show the Empire that Skyrim isn't afraid of the Dominion. Stand up to them… if not for yourself, for your people that they snatch away under a proclamation made by a cowardly Emperor! Your people conquered this land. Ysgramor led five hundred men and women against impossible odds. Your people held the Empire together only to watch Titus Mede give everything to the Dominion it asked for! I told you I'd fight for you and I meant it. But, I need your help. I need you to lead, Elisif. I will stand behind my Queen. I would give my life to save yours. I will follow your every command."
"Then marry me… be at my side. Help me, Azriel." Elisif's pleading words dug into Azriel.
I should have ended this sooner... "I cannot marry you. We both know we don't love each other like that and I won't lose what we have to a hatred you would bear for me in an unhappy marriage. I am your friend. I was your lover because it suited both of us, because we both needed it. We needed the comfort it gave both of us."
Azriel sat up, letting her go.
"It's not that simple and…" Elisif couldn't finish her sentence.
"It can be that simple." Azriel stroked her cheek. "Elisif, I truly care for you, but we cannot marry. I want you to marry someone for love, not to protect me because I am Dragonborn."
Elisif sat up angrily. "Azriel, I…
"Tell me you're in love with me." Azriel interrupted her.
Elisif looked away, blinking back tears.
Azriel slipped her fingers under her chin, turning her head. "You can't, can you? You can say you care for me, but you are not in love with me."
"I do love you, but no, I'm not in love with you. You are my confidante, my lover, my friend, and I cherish you beyond words. I don't want to see you harmed and those damned Thalmor want to kill you."
Azriel smiled at her. "You are a treasure, Elisif. Marry someone you are in love with, don't settle for less no matter who they are." Azriel let the smile change to a wolfish grin. "Now I need to go before I destroy another nightgown of yours. Your scent is killing me."
Elisif blushed madly. "You could stay with me tonight. Azriel, I won't deny the fact I'd keep you here every night if I could."
"Woman, stop tempting me!" Azriel kissed her and jumped off the bed. "I won't deny that I have relished being your lover, but we also knew it would end at some point."
Elisif felt her heart sink. She nodded in agreement even if it wasn't what she wanted.
Azriel took her hand again. "Elisif, it must. You want marriage and it would… I would only hurt you. I want your friendship more than anything, but to continue being lovers would destroy that."
Azriel let go of her and stepped to the window. "I'll return later while you are holding court."
"Where are you going?"
"To show the Thalmor the error of their ways and give you a reason to lead your people." Azriel pulled her mask over her face and pulled open the window. "Skyrim deserves better, Elisif. They deserve a Queen who will fight against impossible odds and command respect from the Empire. The Empire needs us, we do not need the Empire and it's time everyone learns that lesson."
"Azriel, no. You can't!" Elisif stopped when Azriel disappeared. She pushed against her pillows and slammed her fist down in frustration. "You're going to get yourself killed!"
Elisif stared at the window. "Talos guide you, Dragonborn. You have no idea what kind of fight you are starting." She took a long calming breath. "May the Gods have mercy on us all if you don't succeed." Elisif slipped her robe on and quietly exited her bed chambers. She needed to talk to Sybille.
Azriel stepped silently through the shadows in the courtyard. She leaned against the black wall and took a few minutes to think.
A hand reached out of the blackness and around her covering her mouth, catching her off-guard.
"Easy, youngling." Karliah whispered, feeling Azriel relax. "I'd hoped to catch you at home, but your friends make things more difficult."
"Why are you following me? What's happened?" Azriel asked worried.
"Bryn and I need your help with a little project." Azriel could hear the smile in her voice. "But, if you're too busy with the women in your life…"
"No, you bitch. I'm not too busy with the women in my life…" Azriel wished she was already in bed. Karliah teasing her wasn't helping.
Karliah chuckled. "Ever hear of the Jagged Crown?"
Karliah's question pulled her from her thoughts. Azriel suddenly realized it was going to be a long night. "Nope. But, I suppose you're going to fill me in on the way to wherever it is we are going."
Karliah smiled under her mask. "I am, Sister. Unless you want to take the Jarl up on her offer and stay for the night."
"Oh shut up, Karliah." Azriel said with a groan.
"On the way, you can tell me how you manage to bed so many women." Karliah couldn't resist torturing her.
"Don't start with me, Elf." Azriel knew her glare was lost under the mask she wore.
Karliah laughed softly, hearing the irritation in her voice. "I believe this will make for an interesting trip…"
Thank you for all the reviews! Dark Affliction has broken 200! WOOHOO!
* A/N: Criticism is very welcome, but needs to be constructive. As a language, this form of English has been around since the mid 14th century. Profanities, including the word 'fuck' have been around for centuries. Reviews on a rated 'M' story about profanity are hardly what I consider constructive.