Chapter Text
Serana gazing off into the distance
"That's that," Strelka said with grim satisfaction, looking around at the remains of a Dwemer spider automaton. "Serves you right, you wicked little contraption. I think that's the last of them. Ready to move on, Serana?"
After a moment's silence she turned to her companion, puzzled.
"Serana? Are you OK? Serana?"
Her lover was motionless, staring far off at something unseen. Strelka tenderly took Serana's hand and stroked it, trying to get the Nord's attention.
"Serana my love? What's wrong? What do you see? Or are you hearing something, or catching a scent perhaps? What is it?" She reached up to softly cradle Serana's cheek, anxiety rising in her heart.
At the touch on her face, Serana gasped, flinching away from Strelka's warm hand, before looking around, dazed and confused.
"Strelka, I... Gods... what... oh, yes, we were here weren't we? I, uhm... sorry, did you say something?"
Strelka's eyes widened with concern and she wrapped Serana tightly in a comforting hug.
"Sshhh, I'm here. Whatever it was, you're OK, here with me. There's no danger, not anymore." She kicked the legs of the Dwemer spider away against a wall. "What just happened? Can you tell me?"
"I... I don't know... I heard his voice, in my head. But he sounded like he was right here, like he did then, that day -" She broke off and burst into tears, burying her face in Strelka's shoulder.
"I can't! I can't! I'm scared! I don't want to do it! Please! Mother, don't make me do it!"
"Whoa," Strelka whispered, pressing Serana closer to her, gently stroking her back. "Sshhh... I'm here. Sshhh... I love you, you are loved, and safe. No one's going to hurt you... I won't let them..."
She turned and pressed a soft kiss to Serana's cheek, then rested her head gently against her friend's and continued soothing murmurs.
"Ssshhh... Whatever has gotten you spooked, we'll get through it, together."
Serana's sobs died down and her trembling stilled, and still Strelka held her close. With a sniff Serana straightened up, wiping her eyes.
"Thank... thank you," she mumbled between more sniffs. "I'll be better in a moment."
"Are you sure? That was, uhm, something serious in your head just now!"
"It was... It was the ritual, Molag Bal commanding me, things... things he said, did..."
"Oh Gods!" Strelka's hand flew to her forehead in shock. "I'm sorry Serana! We've rarely talked about it." She wrapped her arms around Serana and hugged her friend tightly. "I've been wondering more and more what's going through your mind when you pause and stare off into the distance like that. You said you could hear him again?"
"Mmm... mmm-hmmm," Serana nodded.
"What is he saying? No, sorry, don't relive that, unless you're OK with it. I am curious, but if it hurts, well, let's find another way to help you past it."
"It's... It's OK... He's not really speaking clearly. I just hear his roars. Though it's been getting worse lately. More vivid. More... terrifying. New things, in addition to the ritual. Things I've not seen or heard before."
"That can't be good. Let's get you home to Breezehome and hopefully we can work through this together. I don't know what I can do to help, but I'll do anything I can, I promise."
"Thank you Strelka," Serana smiled weakly.
"Come on my love," Strelka said, slipping her arm around Serana's waist and the two women turned for the horses to continue their journey home.