Cold darkness, unyielding. Red eyes, unblinking. Whispered words, unintelligible.

Aiedo woke with a start. She reflexively brought up her hand to shield her eyes from the sun's rays. She rose to a sit, and as she sat there trying to recollect her thoughts, she realized that she was nude and laying on stone that dug and grated against sensitive areas.

Aiedo turned her head and saw Alva in the lake, resting against the edge with her arms folded. She was watching her expectantly, gauging. Aiedo was still reeling.

"You're awake?" Alva said. "Good."

Aiedo shook her head, not really understanding. "What?"

"You were twitching in your sleep. Do you always do that?"

Aiedo felt a wave of nausea rise in the pit of her stomach. She crawled over to the water and stuck her whole head in. A full minute passed until she came back up for air. Aiedo felt cool fingers press into her brow. She looked and saw Alva studying her face.

"You're always so feverish," Alva told her. "And here I thought it was because of the delectable things I was doing to you."

Something was crackling, popping, like timbers in a fire. It took a moment for Aiedo to realize that it was Alva's skin. And in a mess of jumbled up memories, she recalled last night's occurrences.

Drinking at the tavern. Losing control of her beast. The exchange. The doubts. The chase, and almost everything that came after that. A part of Aiedo didn't like what she recalled. She jumped up, muscles tensed, and growled.

Alva rolled her eyes. She splashed water in her direction and said coolly, "I suggest that you relax. I know all about your kind; I know that you can only transform once a day."

Aiedo relented, a little perturbed at her knowledge, but Aiedo found some hope in her words. If she knew about that, then maybe- No. She didn't finish that thought. She couldn't. Alva was drifting on her back in the still waters, her naked body partially submerged. Partially.

Aiedo turned away quickly and started to look around. She frowned when she didn't see what she was searching for. "My clothes?"

Alva shrugged her shoulders elegantly, not caring that she couldn't see. "No use in trying to find them. Just wear mine."

Alva pointed out the small crag where her clothes lay, and Aiedo went over to pick up the torn dress. As she did so, she noticed the crag's shadow, and wondered that if the sun was so torturous, then why didn't she hide there?

More to the point, why didn't she simply leave?

Aiedo fiddled with the cloth between her fingers. "Why?" Alva turned to her, curious. Aiedo was looking at her now, her brow lined with irritation and confusion. "Why did you do it? Why did you pursue me?

Alva grinned, and the sun caught her sharp teeth. "I don't know, actually. When I realized what you were, I should have left you alone, but something told me that I would never get the chance again, and that I wouldn't regret it."

"And now that it is done?"

"Well, it was certainly... unique."

Aiedo's temper flared. "Is that all?"

Alva tilted head, as if confused at her outburst. Even Aiedo was confused as to why the comment had stung so much. Alva stepped out of the water, and Aiedo couldn't help but to look, to stare. Alva kept her in place with her eyes as she slowly made her way to her.

"My curiosity," she said, "is sated." She circled around Aiedo slowly, a lone finger trailing along the warrior's shoulder, smoldering the skin in its wake. When she was standing in front of her again, Alva wrapped her arms around her neck and brought her close. She stopped, and waited, almost daring her to close the gap between them.

Aiedo was tempted, too, but then Alva spoke. "But, I certainly wouldn't mind doing it again."

And then she kissed her. Aiedo closed her eyes, pressed into her, and the concerns of the situation went by unnoticed, if only for a moment.

.0.

The edge of the dress caught, and the tear was now up to mid-thigh. Cursing, Aiedo tugged the fabric free of the fallen branch and continued on, but then she abruptly stopped, turned. She cocked her head at an angle as she stared at the tree. Had she passed this very tree before? Aiedo turned right and continued walking.

In the end, Alva ended up staying at the lake for reasons unknown. She could have left at any time and let Aiedo fend for her own. Oblivion, she could have even killed Aiedo last night; her mind was in shambles. But she didn't. Aiedo didn't know how she felt about that, but Alva didn't kill her, and Aiedo briefly wondered if she has acquired a potential ally.

She wondered this, but then she had the fleeting thought that Alva instead gave her unreliable directions, and now she was going to trek through this land aimlessly before she died of starvation, or was mauled by wild animals and mauraders. Her stomach growled. The second stage had already started.

But then she spotted a cave. That was new. She kept walking, ill equipped for an adventure, but she made a mental note to come back to it later.

Aiedo smiled when she spotted Morthal in all of its broken down, grey and dreary glory. She kept close to the buildings, not wanting a run in with the town's residents or her companions in this state. She was about three houses down from the inn when she heard a bark behind her.

Stiffening and terrified, Aiedo slowly circled around. Standing there was a shaggy dog. Her dog. Vigilance perked up at the sight of his master, and he started to hop around, spinning, barking. Aiedo pressed a finger to her lips and waved at the dog to calm down, but he continued to bark, his tail wagging madly.

"Vigilance? What is it, boy?"

Aela. Aiedo turned in the other direction and tried to high tail away, but Vigilance saw her trying to escape, and he jumped forward and latched onto her clothing. Aiedo swatted him lightly on the nose. Vigilance growled playfully and shook his head, thinking that they were playing a game.

The shadow drew near, and Aiedo was frantic for an escape. As luck had it, the dress ripped and Aiedo was able to scramble away and turn the corner, out of sight. Vigilance was about to go after her, but he stopped at the sound of his other owner's voice.

"Vigilance? Come here."

He went to her and pressed his front paws onto the woman's chest. Aela grabbed the fabric sticking from his mouth, darkened by his saliva. She studied it, finding it odd and out of place.

"Where did you get this?"

He barked once, turned and trotted away. Aela didn't know if he was leading her somewhere, but she followed him anyway.

.0.

Aiedo fell onto the bed with a loud sigh and draped an arm over her eyes. She had managed to make it back to the tavern and to her room without being seen in that ridiculous attire. She was now back in her common clothes. With any luck, her new armor would be ready in the coming week.

She was starting to get use to the silence in the room when she heard someone clear their throat. Aiedo moved her arm to the side and saw Aela standing in the doorway.

"You smell funny," the Huntress said seriously as she stepped into the room.

Aiedo chuckled, masking her nervousness, and hoped that she couldn't hear the rampant beating of her heart. "That is not your finest welcome."

"Forgive me, but I speak the truth."

Aela took a seat next to her, and it was like fire was in her blood, sparks in her skin. Her fingers were itching. Aiedo couldn't explain it, but all she wanted to do was to touch the Huntress and to never stop.

She didn't like this foreign feeling. She tried to subtly move away from her without rousing suspicion, but Aela, with her keen eyes, noticed and frowned. "Are you alright?"

"I can feel her," Aiedo said simply, grimacing in pain. She could feel the pressure building in her temples. Feel the whispers ghosting inside her ear. Feel her beast pounding against her cage, trying to break free. "I know that she wants nothing to do with me, but when you're around, I can barely contain her."

Aela's eyes softened, and she touched her brow. "Why do you fight it?"

Strange. Alva had asked that very question, and the answer was relatively the same.

"I don't want to hurt you."

Aela smiled sadly, like she was in more pain than she was. And she could have been. Who was Aiedo to judge?

"I don't think that you can hurt me more than you already have." She brushed her jaw, skimming over the scar there. Her fingers trailed down to the hollow of her neck before they pulled at her collar.

"That's a nasty looking bruise," Aela said, and she could feel Aiedo tense as she brushed her hand across the blemish. Aela glanced at her. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine," Aiedo said, a little too quickly. She turned over, hoping that Aela would take that as her cue to leave, but the Huntress wasn't so hasty to depart.

Aela instead touched her shoulder, which Aiedo fought the urge to shake off because she could feel her resolve wearing thin. "I'm here if you need me, you know."

"I do," Aiedo replied through clinched teeth. She was starting to see red. "That's why I need you to leave. Now."

Aela was about to protest, but then she felt the warmth of Aiedo's skin, even through the thick fabric. Aiedo was sweating, trembling, and Aela decided to heed her words. After giving her shoulder a squeeze, she rose to her feet. She wished her well, and then she was gone.

Aiedo took in a shuddering breath, only then realizing that she could breathe properly. She swallowed thickly, and tasted the metallic tang of blood. She could feel the pressure in her temples receding, and only one thing could come to mind.

What am I going to do?

.0.

The warm waters did nothing to still the ache in her muscles. Aiedo sighed and slide further into the stone tub. The small washroom was for one person only. The only light in the room was from the two candles on the chipped sink, and the moonlight drifting in from the small window that hung close to the ceiling.

Aiedo had locked the door to ensure that she was not disturbed, so when said locked door suddenly creaked open, Aiedo jumped to her feet, a dagger in one hand and fire playing at her fingers in the other.

Alva arched a brow at her, although she didn't seem the slightest bit surprised. Aiedo gave her a look, and then grew aware of her wet body growing cold in the air. She turned away and slowly descended back into the cooling water. She hid the dagger from sight. With the fire, she warmed the water to a decent temperature.

Satisfied, Aiedo dipped lower and closed her eyes. The door closed, but Aiedo could hear the subtle shuffling of cloth. The water rippled. Aiedo cracked open an eye and saw Alva stepping in, fully clothed. Both of her eyes open, she gaped at the woman.

"What in Oblivion are you doing?"

"What does it look like? I'm taking a bath."

Aiedo's legs were pried opened, and Alva settled between them. "You could have waited," she muttered bitterly, even as she maneuvered to give the other woman room. With the added mass, the water rose, overflowing the tub and drenching the floor. The tub wasn't built for two, but Alva didn't seem to care.

"Oh, is this for me?" Alva asked, indicating the tankard on the table. She grabbed it and took a swig before Aiedo could protest. "Wine? You're so romantic."

"I wanted to unwind," Aiedo justified herself with a frown. With a sudden smirk, she added, "Killing your kind was a chore."

Alva faltered, looking unsure, and Aiedo thought that the expression suited her well. But then her signature smirk returned. Alva placed down the tankard and met her gaze, challenging.

"You killed every single vampire in that cave expect for me."

"Disappointed?"

"Curious."

Aiedo laughed, feeling cocky, like the odds were in her favor. "If you really want, I have a dagger right here," she said. She even brought the weapon back out and pressed the sharp tip into Alva's chest, between her breasts.

Alva looked down at it, and then back at Aiedo. "You wouldn't dare."

"And why not?" Aiedo inquired. "You're not that special."

"And yet, here I am. I'm not stupid; I know you outed me to the Jarl, and now the whole town knows what I am. My question is, why am I still alive?"

Aiedo pursed her lips and shrugged like it was no big deal. She took the dagger away and twirled it between her fingers. "I managed to convince the Jarl to let you walk free."

"Why would you do that? What do you want from me?"

"You question my credibility. Can you not do something nice for someone without the thought of something in return? You wound me. You're so selfish, so conceited. And here I was just doing a favor for a friend."

"A friend that charmed people to do her bidding, and saw them nothing more than fresh livestock?"

Aiedo shrugged. "We all have our faults."

With the upturn of her lips, the glint in her eyes, Aiedo could tell that she was amused. With her arms braced against the tub, Alva leaned forward until she was a breath away, their chests touching. She smiled, before dipping her head and kissing Aiedo's neck.

Aiedo grunted, and her chest clinched in what she hoped was disgust. "Stop that. I'm trying to take a bath."

"You taste fine to me."

"That's not what I meant!" Despite her protests, she didn't make an attempt to push Alva away, even as her kisses dragged on lower down her body.

"Pay me no mind. You just...unwind." With a wink, her head disappeared under the water, and at the feel of her tongue, Aiedo tossed hers back.

.0.

Aiedo was in the middle of securing their belongings to Allie's saddle. When she was confident in the latches and knots, she turned and saw the Huntress heading her way.

"Is that everything?" Aiedo asked her.

Aela tossed a small pouch at her and nodded. "Everything that we wanted."

As Aiedo finished getting their things in order, Aela took the time to look around. Morthal was as dead as it was when they first arrived, and ever since their scourge of those vampires, there were even less people walking the streets. "Are you sure you wish to leave, O Mighty Thane of Hjaalmarch?"

Aiedo made a face, like the rope she was pulling at with her teeth was covered in mammoth dung. "Not my proudest title," she said when she took a step back. She, too, took some time to study Morthal. "But I must admit, this place has its own little charm. Perhaps I will return, someday."

"Someday," Aela agreed.

She was about to mount the saddle when she was grabbed by the hand. Aela turned back, a little cautious as her hand fell to her hilt. There was a strange look in the warrior's eyes, but at the moment, she could tell that Aiedo was still Aiedo.

"Listen," Aiedo began, looking nervous and sheepish, something so unlike her. "Even though I'm shit at showing it, I'm glad to have you here with me. Like, really glad. Ecstatic, really." A pause. She was red in the cheeks. "And I just wanted to apologize for the way that I've been treating you lately."

Aela eyed her suspiciously, because it wasn't everyday that Aiedo apologized, or at best, admitted that she was at fault for something. When she sensed the genuineness in her tone, she motioned for her to continue, and Aiedo laughed.

"And," she continued, "if you still want to have that talk, then I wanted you to know that I am up for it."

"You will tell me everything?" Aela asked.

Aiedo looked down, and Aela wondered if she had pushed her luck. Aiedo looked back up, and then over Aela's shoulder. The Huntress turned around, and when she did, she had to bite down a growl at what she saw.

Alva was leaning casually against a wooden pole, watching them. She cocked her head, smiling, but said nothing as she crooked a finger and beckoned for Aiedo.

"Go on ahead," Aiedo told Aela.

"But-" A sharp look cut her off, but Aiedo gave her hand a squeeze before letting go.

"We will talk," Aiedo told her firmly. Aela tried to look at the other woman again, but Aiedo took a hold of her face and forced their eyes to meet. "I promise you."

Aiedo stroked her cheek before grasping her shoulders and stirring her in the other direction. Aela put up some resistance, but then the attempt seemed useless. With a weary sigh, she took Allie by the reigns and went off. Vigilance went after her without prompting.

When they were out of sight, Aiedo turned to Alva. "You're not going to get sentimental on me, are you?"

Alva scoffed. "You were good, but I had better."

"Yes, because sex that is less than earth shattering is just mind blowing."

"Mind blowing?"

Aiedo smiled. It was the sort of easy banter that they were used to, but Alva's sudden appearance, in the daytime, no less, was still troubling to her.

"What are you doing here?"

Alva pushed herself off of the pole and clasped her hands together, looking positively thrilled. "Now that is the question you need to be asking. Why, I want to wish you the best of journeys! See it as a friend returning the favor of a favor with a favor."

"Is that so?" Aiedo questioned in rhetoric.

Just then, a guard circled past them. The guard's dark, beady eyes were on Alva, and the fact that she had flashed the sharp edge of her sword was not lost to them.

The guard continued on without incident, but Aiedo still frowned. "You can't stay here, you know," she said, her eyes still on the guard. "With me gone, they won't hesitate to run you through."

Alva laughed in a way that could make blood run cold, and Aiedo looked at her and saw the childish glee in her hungry eyes. "They can certainly try."

Alva tried to walk off, but Aiedo sidestepped into her path. The warrior's brow was furrowed together in a frown, and she looked like the same pretentious hard-ass Alva had first mistaken her for when they'd first met.

"I will not let you harm these innocent people anymore, either."

"Innocent?" Alva echoed, eyes going wide in feigned surprise. "Surely you are not so dense, friend. You even said it yourself: we all have our faults."

Aiedo growled. What a bore she was becoming. "I mean it, Alva. I've already spared you once, but I have killed people for less than what you've done."

Alva gave her a look that practically read, you can't be serious. When she saw the seriousness, however, she shook her head ruefully and sighed. "Arguing with you is pointless, and not much fun. I hate that you found more things to do with that tongue of yours."

Alva turned away and looked at the trees. The way that her eyes searched, it was like she was sensing something that Aiedo couldn't, but before she could comment on it, Alva turned to her and said, "Fine. I will leave, and I won't kill anyone before I do. But you have to promise me something, as well."

Aiedo, still stunned that she had agreed, nodded her head. "What is it?"

Alva looked at the trees again, and Aiedo could have sworn that she saw her tense. When she spoke, her tone shook with something she had never heard before. Trepidation. Fear.

"I want you to watch yourself out there, little pup."

This is not my finest chapter. This was originally a lot longer, but I decided to cut it down, otherwise it would have taken even longer to put up. Sincerest apologies to everyone, especially to Professional Ninja, for the long wait.