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Chapter Text

{Lucidnas POV}

"Sahrotaar, are you so easily swayed? No. Not yet. We should greet our guest first."

"- I know The stars above me are twinkling. I can't see them Mara, because he's here in front of me instead -"

I send my plea to Mara. Here in Apocrypha, i know sets the course for the rest of my life. One dragonborn against the other. I know my chances compared to his. Menacingly, I was eyed through his ominous, dampened mask. Although the face was obscured, I could feel the pyre of unadulterated desire. Freedom, power, blood, the lust for them all polluted the cobblestone and air between us. Shifting on my two feet, in my small shrouded boots; I think to myself,

" Maybe I should've brought heavy armor, I didn't know this guy would be this big."

All of a sudden, A chilling slap dropped over my consciousness. It was as if clairvoyance passed over my ghost as chills engulfed my soul, beginning in my head and working its way to the bottom of my feet; his voice rang through my being. Wisps of whispers drawing to full Screams in my pointed ears. Echoing off all the corners of my brain, I perceived,

" I would've brought a dagger if I knew my opponent would be this small of a man."

Clicking his tongue, shaking his head, then looking at his boots to rumble out a chuckle.
At this point I couldn't even be scared for my life, now I was just rageful. Of course with my many layers of light armor, I'm sure he couldn't see my feminine features but jeez. Barely any man in Tamriel would be this small anyway. Rolling my eyes; Not caring what he can hear, I decide to bite my tongue. Silence is better than paying that imbecile another thought or word of mine.

"Who does he think he is?"

I ponder to myself. Before another thought could worm its way between my eyes, the first dragon born roars with all his chest out into the musty air between us:

"And so the First Dragonborn meets the Last Dragonborn at the summit of Apocrypha. No doubt just as Hermaeus Mora intended. He is a fickle master, you know. But now I will be free of him. My time in Apocrypha is over. You are here in your full power, and thus subject to my full power. You will die. And with the power of your soul, I will return to Solstheim and be master of my own fate again. Kruziikrel! Relonikiv! Now!"

As all walls of the world I was standing in, began to close in; I pushed down the sickening knowledge that I was Unfit to fight someone with millenia upon millenia of skills. Looking at my shoes In all my ardor, I drew my dawn breaker, and plowed into battle.

As boots scrapped the ground, and swords chipped upon one another. I was drawing tired. I bended the will of miraak's multicolored dragons. I'm not crazy enough to take on all three nor strong enough. The potions that I had stocked up on to replenish my reserves were now running out.

" A finishing blow will have to be made soon if I wish to return home."

I figure to myself; eyes and blades locked with my towering opponent.

"You put up such a big fight for such a small man"

Miraak growled through clenched teeth. Blocking and redirecting my slash, he swung his elbow around and hit me square in the jaw, Crackling running down to my shoulder blades. His spiked armor caught my brotherhood cowl and tore it right from my face.

"DAMNIT, that mask was enchanted!"

I screamed, my green orbs burrowing into his. I could feel the damp air weigh on my long white strands I had hastily tied back before allowing the black book to engulf me. My wavy strands clung to the sweat on my neck. Honestly, I was irritated. That mask was a gift, of sorts.

His arms fell to his side, and so did mine. Miraak's eyes shone through his mask, and though I couldn't see his full face, I could see the confusion. I stayed tense, ready in defense to any sudden strike As the confusion ran its course through his glowing green orbs, I saw the anger creep back into his murky pupils. Plainly, matter of fact like, he said,

" You're a lady."

To which i replied,

"I know."

"Why?"

"Why am I a woman?"

I ask him, arms still at my side. patronizing him and his foolish demeanor.

"No."

he scoffs and shakes his head.

"I meant, why did Mora send you here? You're tiny. You're a lady. This is just awful, and is making me feel awful too. I was a dragon priest, not a woman beater."

Shocked at his attitude toward my gender, I giggled a little and put my bloody, bruised hand on my Clicking, sore hip.

"If I knew you were such a gentleman, I would've taken off my mask a while ago. I bet you feel like crap for taking all those dragon souls from me now."

Placing one hand against his chest defensively, and the other on his hip with enough attitude to kill a dragon, he again used his matter of fact voice to say,

"I simply wished to leave this place, dragonborn... and now that we're both here, neither of us will get out of here without one of us dying first. Quite a shame, I'm sure the men back home find you to be quite a looker."

I watched him eye me up and down, I figure it's been a while since he's seen anyone, let alone a girl. He keeps a pretty good poker face behind that ugly mask. I, in response, eye him up and down. Crossing my tender arms, I prepare to sneer when all of a sudden a booming that sends us both to the floor echoes over all corners of this musty place. For a second I swear I hear all the book pages in this world tremble.

"My champion, Miraak, you are living proof that biology is more reliable than blind faith. You're right of course, but being right won't save you."

Sounds of slithering filtered through the air. Black tendrils found their way onto the summit, coming from all sides. Mora himself, a glob of black goo and eyes appeared in the air above the summit. A tentacle began to protrude from him. Dripping with tar, littering the ground and splattering on our clothing. I felt the nausea work its way through my being. Another booming echo filled the air,

"Did you think to escape me, Miraak? You can hide nothing from me here. No matter. I have found a new Dragonborn to serve me."

Both miraak and I perceived what is to become of this battle. Miraak, in all of his smug glory, retorted,

"May she be rewarded for her service as I am!"

The protruding tentacle of Hermaeus Mora made a direct shot for Miraak's chest. The tendrils that were closing in on all sides previously, melted into the ground. As this played out before me, it felt like I too was beginning to melt into the cobblestone beneath me. All time slowed immensely as my adrenaline clawed its way through me. The singe of my veins, either opened my eyes or broke my mind; An extraordinary idea washed through me as the tendril just grazed Miraak's robe. Time dragged as I drew in a violent breath; throwing my head up. My voice launched forward.

"GOL HAH DOV!"

Heat tore through my veins and arteries as I released my shout on Hermaeus. The tendril that was going to pierce miraak now crumbled away. Countenance of what I just did roared through my soul.

" I just shouted on a physical manifestation of a daedra..."

I thought to myself, not realizing I was locked in my stance, wide eyed staring up at the writhing, screaming ball of eyes and tar. A strong, gloved hand grabbed my forearm and tore me out of my horrified trance. There wasn't much to run to, we were stuck on this summit, the dead dragons laying on the ground can't help us. Even if I used arcane necromancy, we'd be sitting ducks on their backs in Mora's dingy sky. Miraak pulled me along and put my back against a stone arch.

"In oblivion's name, what did you just do?!"

His hands are squeezing my shoulders. I can hear the screams of a dying god in the distance. Miraak is on his knees, panting into my face, hopefully not on purpose.

"I used a shout on a god, it worked, didn't it?"

My eyes are still wide as I give my response in a hushed tone. As were his behind his dark mask.

"By... well, what God do you devote yourself to, dragonborn?"

He looked into my eyes, I could see the wild curiosity pull through his mind. He's still squeezing my shoulders

"Mara..."

Was all I could get out, I was so breathless after all this ordeal. Gratefully he breathed out,

"By Mara, you're a genius."

With that, he gave my shoulders a painful squeeze, getting to his feet, and relaxing his breathing; He ran out from behind the pillar and used the full shout against the writhing mass. Again, mora screamed and writhed, even falling to the ground out of the air. I slid to my feet, back against that pillar. All of my wounds began to creep up on me, my adrenaline was starting to fall. Warm euphoria began its descent upon my body.

"I can't let him kill a god by himself."

I thought in my ringing, pounding head. With a few breaths, I got up. I was so unsteady, black swarmed my vision for a few seconds. Dropping back onto my hands and knees, I exasperated out a breath. I used healing on myself, and drank a potion to make my sword skills a little better.
Springing out, drawing my dawnbreaker as I run into battle with my counterpart and a dying God.

"Grace me, Mara, with your endurance."

I focus my thoughts into a fleeting prayer, hoping for protection as I brandish my sword against Hermaeus. Crunching and shouting turns the seconds to hours. Slowly my dizziness fades away. Miraak and I take turns using his shout against Mora. I can't believe he is starting to succumb. Neither miraak nor I are able to dodge every swing of moras tentacles. I take a good swipe to my left wrist, leaving only my right arm to effectively work with. Miraak takes a jarring jab to the right side of his chest. Falling to his knees for mere seconds to heal himself, I take initiative. Deciding to land several finishing blows, I stagger; I am only able to look, as mora gives a sky shattering screech, and then becomes like black tar on the ground. Ozone, and the metallic zing of blood fills the air. All's done. All silent.
Soul strands singe the air as they make their way toward me.

"I've defeated a god."

A violent chant rings through my head. Feeling as though my brain just imploded. All goes black. I drop to the floor.

Chapter Text

{Miraak's POV}

*Thud*

My vision blurs at the corners. I had to crawl away from Mora and let the last dragonborn land the killshot. I've just spent the last few minutes healing the Gash on my side that was left by Mora. I hope there aren't permanent consequences to all of this, but I'm sure there are. I know how that demon deals. I fill my lungs deeply. My heart is hitting my ribs. I look around.

"It's all so hazy."

I drear to myself. What was that noise?

"Is mora dead?"

I mutter to myself. A fight with a daedric prince is enough to render anyone mad. Let alone the one of knowledge. After his dying scream, there was a Thud.

"The dragonborn!"

I exclaim to the bones littering the ground. I look around, eyes wide. Trying to find that girl. I rush to the tar pit that Hermaeus melted into. Laying to the far left side, I barely can see, is the last dragonborn bathed in black goo.

"Disgusting."

I gag out loud to myself as I stagger over to her. Why would akatosh make a dragoness? Especially one so small? She must capitalize in magic I figure. The metallic hint that sits heavy in the air doesn't help my nausea. I make my way to the side of her. Kneeling down, I don't put my hands on her right away, I just look. She looks like she's asleep, she has such a calm expression on her face.

"Imagine being both beautiful and powerful."

I think to myself, stroking my beard with my right hand momentarily. I look at her small frame again. I roll her onto her back, loop my arms under her neck and lower thighs, then I get up. With her in my arms I look around.

"How am I supposed to get out of here? It's been so long since i've seen the stars!"

Is the last thought that crosses my mind before the sky starts cracking. My senses heighten as my neck hair stands on end. Her small frame held tight against my torso, still in my arms. I figure any second now this world will crumble away before us, as its creator is now dead. As the sky itself begins raining down in little shards, the ground begins to shake. It's like the world beneath me is waking up. I'm jostled a little as a cold wind envelopes us. Apocrypha melts away around me, my strength follows; as I too watch my world goes black.

Chapter Text

{3rd person POV}

The world is quiet. The snow and ash dances softly on the tranquil breeze. Solstheims sky glows above the two dragonborn. Both blank to the world. Opening her eyes first, Lucidna senses that she's on her stomach, she turns her face to the side. surrounded by snow, but not chilled at all, she tries to get her bearings. Placing both her hands under her torso, she pushes herself up. Looking around she sees she's back in Solstheim. as she realizes there's a heat underneath her she looks down. And freezes.

"It's him!"

She startles quickly in her brain. Throwing herself from him into the cold snow, she quickly regrets this decision but sticks to it anyway.

"I can't let him think I'm cuddling him, that smugness of his is already too annoying as is."

Thinking to herself, whether she leave him to his own devices or wait for him to wake up, an even grander idea crosses Lucidna's mind.

" I want to see this asshole's face!"

She mistakenly exclaimed that into the frigid air. Quickly covering her mouth, looking at the mammoth man in the snow. She didn't wake him. Hurriedly crawling over to him, she kneels near his shoulders, and goes to remove his mask. Undoing the straps, tucking her fingers under. Just as she goes to lift, a large gloved hand suddenly grabs her wrist, hard. Causing her to shriek.

" I'd expect more manners from a dragonborn."

Miraak growls out. Still laying in the snow, piercing her with his ominous green eyes.

"Manners!?! YOU want to talk about manners? Just a few hours ago you were set on killing me! You quite literally tried to enslave an entire island in case you forgot!!"

Lucidna Screams out to him.
Sitting up and slouching forward, keeping a hand against the front of his mask, and using his other to redo his straps. He glares at her from the side.

"I still could if you gave me a reason to, Mal dovah."

Miraak growled out through gritted teeth. Lucidna rolled her eyes, getting to her feet and placing her purple and blue hands on her hips. She spat back,

"You've given me every reason to just leave you by your sorry self out here. Do you even know where you are? Or is your head too far up your ass?"

Still sitting like a child in the snow, miraak looks up at her, visibly rolls his eyes and exasperated,

" I'm in Solstheim, a few good miles south of Atmora, my home land. And as far as my head goes, it's not up any asses, yet"

There was a smirk following his last sentence. Lucidna could sense it behind his mask and she was no fan of it. Rolling her eyes, and looking further around at her surroundings. She takes a breath and asks,

"Miraak, would you rather set up camp here or start walking to raven rock?"

"It matters not to me."

"I see you'd rather freeze!"

Lucidna huffed while placing her sore hands on her hips. Tapping her foot as well. Rolling his eyes, Miraak huffs and climbs to his feet. Staggering, and Groaning a little, before clutching his injured side.

"Miraak?"

Lucidna asked softly, wide eyed at his sudden weakness.

"Leave me be damnit!"

Miraak barked out while summoning the warm golden glow in his hands.

"I can take care of myself, dragonborn…"

He sneered. Finishing the spell, and wiping the blood from his left hand. He looked across the few feet between him and the wide eyed half elf. Something was itching him wrong, but he couldn't put his finger on it.

"Should we get going then?"

Lucidna asked softly, her eyes taking on a inquisitive look behind her long white bangs. Miraak had stood up straight and looked back at her, hard. For a second, he could've swore he saw mercy radiating in the last's large, green eyes. Or pity. He growled at the thought of her pitying him.

"Cmon, I know a place to warm up."

Lucidna smiled softly and motioned for Miraak to follow. Begrudgingly he followed her soft steps. As ash and snow fell. He looked around at the world he returned to. No stars to be seen above them. All he knew was he was in shock at the idea of being back. Both of them had yet to realize this is only the beginning of a long journey.

Chapter Text

{Lucidnas POV}

" so, I figure your plans for world domination are kind of foiled now that we're both here, right?"

"What makes you think you could stop me, dragonborn?"

I stop and look this towering man in the eyes. Placing my hands on my hips I say,

"I killed your God, what makes you think I couldn't kill you?"

"You, kill me? Mora was one thing, I'm a whole other story, Mal dovah."

Miraak had came closer and bent a little toward me, laughing in his idiotic deep voice.

"Since you're so big on pet names, I figure I'll call you old man. Since you rotted in that dingy place for a few millennia."

Looking at me in full offense, miraak scoffed. Shook his head and started walking ahead of me. Pretending to know where he was going.

"Raven rock is south west, not south east, old man."

I sneered. As quickly as my sharp words left my mouth he spun around and stomped back toward me.

"I'm not old, damnit. Apolgize now!"

"Oh, Is your old self so fragile that you have to be apologized to now? Maybe if you took a second to learn my name I wouldn't have to resort to ugly truths."

I spat out, sore arms crossing over each other. He crossed his too.

"I should've killed you when I had the chance."

He barked out, his eyes glowing in anger.

"I should've spared mora and killed you instead."

"A much preferable fate than dealing with your Mongrel ass."

"Agreed!"

With that, I continued my venture to raven rock, not caring whether or not my awful counterpart followed.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

{Miraak's POV}

"Dammit that woman is insufferable!! Why in akatosh's name does that beast have to be dragonborn!?"

I exclaimed to myself, while throwing a few punches out on a tree. I admit that it feels nice to feel again, even if it's painful.

"I'd rather travel tamriel on my own, without the likes of her."

"The dragon in me is domineering anyway. It's probably for the best that we stay apart. I won't get in her way, and she won't get in my way."

I figure.

Aaaand then, I hear it. A sky shaking roar.

"Close, I'd say 3 miles away?"

I say to no one in particular.

"Shit."

"A legendary dragon, of course… and it's probably bearing down on that minx."

I think with a sneer. As much as I'd love to see her die from a brother of ours, and I could absorb her soul. She did save me from permanent solitude. I owe her that much I figure. Using my shout of dragon aspect, It'll get me to the battle quicker.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

{Lucidnas POV}

As I leave that jerk behind, I use my whirlwind shout to move toward raven rock quicker. With only 6 more miles to go I should be there in no time. Or so I thought, before I heard the screech above me.

"Dammit!! It's a legendary one too!"

Having almost lost to the last one while in good health, I know I'm in no condition now to fight.

"If only I hadn't left that moron behind…"

My hindsight would be useful if it guided the future instead, I suppose. It must've been my shouts that signaled him. I shouldn't have wasted time arguing with the first. I should've spent that time healing myself I realize, as the legendary dovah bears down on me. I ready the marked for death shout, allowing it to rest on the end of my tongue. I'm doing my best to be ready. As the dov circles above and descends down using its powerful wings. I use all my fury to shout,

"KRII LUN AUS"

Before he touched the ground, he was blasted with a leaching death sentence. The dov screaming before unleashing its ice blast on me. As I throw up a master ward, I feel slightly grateful for biting ice rather than burning flames. As the ice dies down I run in quickly with my dawnbreaker and I stab right into the dragon's gums. Screeching in a violent fury, the dov lifted off the ground and began its vulture-like circling again. And again, I release a shout of death above me. Thank auri-el for my adrenaline, otherwise this ordeal would be even more painful.

As the dov comes to land again, I rush right in to slice its scaled throat. As I attempt to deliver a final blow, I'm swept off my feet by its giant tail.

"What a sight for sore eyes…"

I snide to myself as the dragon stands over me, maw open and ready to crunch me. In a final attempt to save my life I mark the dragon yet again with my death shout. As purple magic flies toward it, I hear another powerful booming.

"Don't tell me it's another one…"

I mutter, trying to roll out from under the dragon as a sheen of blue flies toward us.

"FUS RO DAH!"

The dragon is thrown off me with seismic power. Struggling in the fresh ashy snow, trying to clamber to my feet to face another one, I realize in that moment I am in fact in the presence of two dragons. Except this one is in the form of a large, infuriating atmoran.

______________________________________

{Miraak's POV}

"I'm still so new to this body of mine. I spent so many years barely physical. I didn't realize my body would feel this heavy. As good as it is to be back it also sucks to feel over encumbered."

I talk to myself As I reach the clearing where the screeching is coming from. I don't see the last, only the legendary dragon standing in one place looking at its front feet.

"Weird."

I mutter. Then I see the purple shock wave come from between its front feet and strands of white hair follow softly in the wake. Purple veins run through the dragon's body as I watch the last squirm around on the ground. I ready myself for battle, summoning destructive magic in my palms. The legendary dragon opens its mouth to go in for the kill, almost succeeding, I unhinged my jaw behind my mask and let out a shout myself.

"FUS RO DAH!"

Violently throwing the dragon off, I watch the last scramble to her feet and ready herself. She's tense, I watch it melt away a little as she catches sight of me. She's so wretched, green eyes and tangled white hair. She looks weak, too bad looks aren't deceiving in her case.

Surprisingly she runs to me, practically throwing herself on me in what appears to be an embrace. I feel so disgusted as she looks up at me through those long bangs.

"Thank you miraak, I had that handled but you made it so much more easier. First one to kill it absorbs its soul."

I stay silent, I give a nod, push her off, and run into battle. I feel all tingly inside and out. I figure it's my adrenaline,

"It's good to be physical again."

I whisper to myself as I unleash both spells and shouts on the dov. Lucidna runs around to its left flank and takes a deep stab. The dov screeches and I take that as a sign to go for the throat. Ramming my old dagger into its windpipe and twisting, I watch its scales start to melt away. Soul strands twist in the air and fly toward me. I absorb the soul, and the pain in my side completely disappears. It feels like a damn skooma rush.

"Asshole." The last says as she begins looting the still warm corpse.

"Hey, you said it yourself, first to kill it gets its soul. Looks like I finished first."

Triumphantly I gaze upon her Rolling eyes.

"Don't make it a habit Miraak."

The girl snides.

Chapter Text

{Third Person POV)

16th of sun's dawn, regarded as Hearts day around Tamriel, is known for its busy time of year. People all over are bustling to and fro to get to where they need to be; near someone they have a heart for. The two dovahkiin came I to raven rock a few days ago, and stayed at severin manor up until today. The northern maiden was making its last voyage for the next week, and lucidna itched to be back home.

The boat was crowded, many people were bringing valuable supplies back to skyrim, or making late love calls. Lucidna fidgeted with the few new beast rings she had on while attempting to buy two rooms.

"I'm sorry miss but this is a very serious day for both merchants and young lovers much like you two. "

Gesturing toward both the dragonborns.

Lucidna, getting choked up out of shock and disgust, and feeling Miraak tense beside her, she spat out, "do you have any rooms with two beds at least?"

Sogrlaf giggled a little and shook his head,"None miss, if you'd like we could possibly throw in an extra pillow or two. You two don't really look like the cuddling type."

"That will work." Miraak deeply rumbled out.

Lucidna rolled her eyes and payed the kind deckhand.

"This is going to be a long ride", she thought to herself.

☆a few minutes later☆

Miraak stumbled into the room first, not really being accustomed to water travel. He threw his bag onto the left side of the bed and plopped down next to it. Trying his best to relax he removed his mask and summoned calm in his hands. Moving his black hair out of his face then Holding two fingers up to his temples, miraak rubbed the light blue flecks of light around and around.

"Would you like a hand?" Lucidna said from the corner of the room. placing her bag and camping supplies near the desk while sitting down in the wooden chair, she looked at him with kind green eyes.

"I'm fine, thanks" he mumbled back.

Shrugging her shoulders, she began taking her armor off and weapons off. They sat in silence for a while. Not wanting to add awkwardness to the room, lucidna reached down into her bag. Grabbing her bearskin journal out, she filled in her field journal with illustrations of strange plants she's seen on her journeys. Miraak, being driven insane by the silence, decided to try to start a conversation with his counterpart.

"Dragonborn."

"Lucidna."

"What?" He asked in confusion.

"My name is lucidna, I'm not a fan of your pet names." She replied, side eyeing him.

"I like it."

"The pet names?" She looked a little shocked but still giggled.

"No" miraak scoffed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Your name, lucidna."

Hearing her name leave his tongue felt like a little achievement. She turned and smiled a little, again returning to her writings.

"Lucidna," he whispered.

"Yes?" She whispered back, giggling a little.

"What are you writing?" He asked, normal tone this time.

"Plants, discoveries. I like keeping my experiences on paper, Reminds me of lovely things." She mused.

Before he could say another word, she turned in her chair. Looking at him, she asked,

"What are your favorite memories?"

"M-mine?" He bumbled for a second. Cocking his head a bit and thinking. Tapping his finger against his chin, After a second he responded with,

"My days as a mere dragon priest. Before knowing I was dragonborn, and dealing with demons. I played a big role in my world at one point. Pity i can't go back.`

Miraak had much excitement in his eyes when regaling on his past. He pushed down the urge to mention his plans for this world. He instead gave lucidna some interesting details about the snow elves, from which she's descended. Apparently there's another in existence, her much older half brother gelebor. He was really excited to find that out.

"That explains your white mane!" He joked with her.

"What about your eyes?" Lucidna asked, pursing her lips, having fun with the conversation.

Getting a downcast look, miraak didn't look at her when he had said,
" All that time in Apocrypha changed certain parts of my body. My eyes as far as I know. My hair didn't even grow!"
He tried to joke and keep a poker face.

Lucidna knew better to press, and instead asked, "what are your plans for when we get to skyrim?"

Miraak froze, looking at her then his feet for a second. He looked at her again, calculating his thoughts. Quickly responding, " I didn't really think I'd return like this, especially not with you… I'm not sure. Do you have any suggestions?"

Lucidna hummed, slightly worried that her last comment bothered him, "you could stay with me for a while, I have a few properties you could look at if you'd rather have your own place."

"That works."
Miraak said, smiling. Hopeful for what the future held. While he still wished to rule the world, the desire didn't burn as high in him he felt. He was simply content, not wanting to disturb his peace with planning and questions. he realized he might not have to be a lone wolf like he planned. Laying back on the bed after removing his boots, he turned his back on the last and shut his eyes.

Lucidna looked over at him, smiled a bit to herself and continued illustrating her findings.

Chapter Text

{Miraak's POV}

I was drowning in the Inky black of Apocryphas waters, thick sticky tar filling my lungs; another suicide attempt failed. I'm getting so tired of these hopeless feelings.

"I'm never going to get out of here!"

Tearing my hair out, sitting at my desk. Scribbling and scribbling with no aim. Reading until my eyes shake. There's no way out of here, the edges of my vision darken as the realization hits me all over again.

"I don't have even half the mind to try to sleep anymore."

"Who am i?"

"What am i?"

Opening my eyes. I'm frozen in fear, on my back, I feel warmth next to me. The world rocks lazily back and forth. The ceiling stares back at me. I'm still in Tamriel, thank akatosh. Though I know he can't possibly be bothered with my struggles, he never was while i was in Apocrypha. I think bitter thoughts toward my creator as I slide my eyes to the side. I wanted to say it was early am, but my rhythm could be off with ocean travel. I breathe in relief at the source of the warmth at my left side,

"It's just lucidna…"

I reassure myself.

"OH SHIT."

I gasp. I spring up and as far to the edge of the bed as possible, teetering on the edge.
"How did we get into this position? Between the nightmares and now her-"
My mind is going a million miles an hour until the events of yesterday come to the front of my mind.

My sudden movement caused Lucidna as well to spring awake. Her wide green eyes looking at me through sleep swept bangs.

"Are you okay?" She asks sweetly. Her voice is still groggy. The eggshell sheets complimenting her cinnamon skin.

"Matches pretty well with her hair I suppose."

I didn't realize until it's too late that I was glancing a little hard at her. I chastise myself in silence, hoping she didn't catch me too. Then the feeling of embarrassment falls over me.

"Why am I embarrassed in her midst? she should be embarrassed in mine!" I think to myself.

I suddenly remember i didn't even remove my robes before dozing off. I facepalm mentally. "her guard must be lower than mine," I figure.

I'm flustered now. Debating whether I open up about my nightmare.
"Why do I feel so shy right now? It shouldn't matter if I fall under her scrutiny, I'm stronger than her."
Clutching the sheets at my hips, I instead begrudgingly bluff,

"I'm not too used to being this close to another person, going from pure isolation to close quarters is quite a shift."

She listens to my horseshit excuse as to why I'm so flustered. Is my face hot? Why is it hot? I rack my brain not realizing she's scanning my face.

"I agree." She says as she looks toward me. is that pity in her face? Or is it similarity? She looks down at her lap and mutters,

"I got so used to traveling alone, doing my own thing, moving at my own pace. I'm different from everyone else. Beside you of course. " She looked me deep in the eyes, while she leaned on one arm. The grogginess still in her throat. It must've been similarity I caught sight of. It was helpful hearing that.

"It's a shame you're not scared of me, I can be quite big and bad." I try my best to sneer at her, I figure I should at least try to keep my pride.

She giggles a little, "I slept next to you all night, you neither cuddled or stabbed me. I'm sure I'm safe enough." After that, she rolled her eyes and laid back down, her back toward me. I tear my gaze away as she adjusts herself. I would rather not get even more flustered.

"Do you need anything before I doze off, Miraak?"

I look at her, her back is still toward me.

"Why does it matter to you?" Confusion taking me over.

"I'm not sure yet." With that, she pulled the fur blanket up to her shoulders and stayed quiet. I was puzzled. "Why is she so nice? Or is it a trick?"

For the most part she's right about what she said previously, I don't have so much intent to hurt her. The dov part of me aggressively fights for dominance over others, with her though, not as much. It's weird. She is a little off putting come to think of it. The first human I feel I don't need to have the upper hand over. I suppose she's closer to being me than being human. My brain spins endlessly as I lay back down and try to get some more sleep before we dock.

Chapter Text

{Lucidnas POV}

As we were traveling south, toward whiterun. I elected to set up camp. The ground is still snow covered but putting our magic together helped make a clearance. We were somewhere near lake Jorgrim. The wind whipping over its waters were vicious, thankfully miraak was kind enough to place a powerful ward around our shared tent, keeping most of the wind out.

"A few thousand years of apprenticing for the dark prince of knowledge really pays off, doesn't it?" I said, hoping he wasn't catching too much of a high from impressing me.

Miraak, having completely abandoned his mask, looked at me, smirked, raised an eyebrow then raised his right arm and… FLEXED IT??

"Oh it paid off alright. you like what you see, Mal dovah?" Miraak growled persuasively. His green glowing irises focused on my face. His cat-like pupils had mischief all over in them.

And like a dork, I caught my face turning hot.

"What the hell is wrong with me?", asking myself, not realizing the towering man wanted a reaction from me. No, not wanted, EXPECTED. Or so I felt, the way he was crossing his arms and tapping his foot on the just uncovered, wilted grass.

Fine, I figure I will give him a reaction. And a good one too…

"Mmmm cats got your tongue I see…" miraak purred, his voice rumbling through the few feet of air between us. I rolled my eyes very visibly. His giggle came out deep and rumbly.

"You call me a minx? Look at your desperate attempts at seducing me, old man~" I giggled, placing my hands on my hips. The man's left eye started to twitch. I knew what was coming, and so I ran, and he ran after me. I jumped over logs, dodged around trees, and hurdled rocks. By Mara, he's too fast for me I started to think. By the aedra, as soon as that thought crossed my mind I tripped over an ABANDONED CHEESE WHEEL THAT WAS FROZEN TO THE GROUND, and my counterpart tripped over me.

It felt like 300 pounds of solid man sandwiching me to the ground, and maybe I would've appreciated his warmth, and his hands on either side of my torso, planted in the snow, trapping me under him had he not purred in my ear with that damned deep voice of his.

I pushed up as hard as I could, but it wasn't enough, my hands were pinned under my chest, and I was pinned under his chest, taking breaths of snow.

"This isn't enjoyable, old man." I mumbled, then he placed his mammoth hand on the back of my head and pushed down, pushing my face down into the snow.

"It is to me, Mal dovah."

"Say sorry and I'll let you up." He grumbled into my pointed ears. His breath tickled my neck. Honestly it made me rather ticklish, so I started to squirm. This was frustrating me, I'm not sure why, I've literally stared death in the face before but this man was going to be the death of me.

"I wish I left you in apocrypha."

"I wish you wouldn't call me old man."

"You can't be too young with the looks you shoot me and the trouble you cause, Miraak."

"I'm only 25, minus the last 5000 years I was imprisoned."

Oh. And then my blush returned. I don't know why I keep blushing around him. He isn't even cute. I mean, good looking is a whole nother thought. But he doesn't need to know. He's too smug anyway.

"Can't you go somewhere else?" I respond in defeat.

"No I really can't, I have to clue how to live in this world anymore, dragonborn." Miraak sneered, still squishing me into the ground. I began to shiver.

"I suppose, apparently you're talented when it comes to being helpless." I said through chattering teeth.

"Says the one that's 4,11"

"You know old man, if you wanted to cuddle so badly we could just go back to our tent instead of laying on the ground. I'm catching frostbite."

"Snow elves can't get frostbite." He responded, matter of factly so. I heard the stutter in his voice at the thought of cuddling however, glad to know I have leverage over him.

Rolling my eyes, I've had enough of this conversation.

"Please let me up Miraak."

"Oh also I ate your last sweet roll."

With that, he sprung up and ran back to the tent. He knew I was going to kill him. As fast as he ran I tried to run too, but my short legs can't keep up with him. So I use my whirlwind shout to try to keep pace. Not even that is enough.

"Damn atmorans, no wonder they went extinct. They're pains in the ass!"

I scream to the frosty trees around me before trudging through the snow back to the tent. I really don't understand that man.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

{Miraak's POV}

I raced Lucidna back to the tent, after lying to her about stealing her last sweet roll. I'm not too big on sweets myself, but I see why she likes them so much. They really are good! Really, I just like getting reactions out of her, she's quite cute when she's mad.

Wait.
Ew.
No I didn't mean cute I meant something else… ugh. At this point I'd say we're good friends, I doubt she could ever see me as anything else. I wouldn't want to subject any woman to the torture of being with me. I understand I'm not the best, between the awkward height, glowing eyes, and trauma, I'm sure not even she would want me like that. She's sweet at least, and really my only person in the world i'll probably ever be this close to.

As I sat on the floor of the tent, spaced out in thought, I barely noticed the billowing of the flap and lucidna coming in. It must've been a few minutes. I hear her smooth voice call to me.

"Miraak you asshole, you lied, My last sweetroll is right here."

She said, plucking it out of her elk skin bag and eating it, purposely taunting me with her sounds of enjoyment. I roll my eyes and look away, going back to scribbling in my own journal.

"Jealous old man?"

"No, I'm alright." I said, my mind still wandering.

Maybe she looked at me strange, as I felt the atmosphere change she asked,

"What's wrong?"

She asked, cheeks plump with a sweet roll. A little bit of glaze sticking to her lips.

I smiled a little, hoping that it would deter further questioning.

"Nothing, just thinking."

"I see."

☆a few hours later☆

{Lucidnas POV}

The sun is getting low in the sky, As I ask miraak to make the fire. Of course we start bickering. It began almost like,

"That's Not my job lucidna, what's wrong with your arms?"

And then,

"You won't have arms if I have to ask again."

Into

"What a tall demand made by someone who doesn't even come up to my chest."

Ending with a snide

"I'm the perfect height to gut you, dragonborn."

But that got his ass moving. Swearing under his breath the whole way out. I continued to make some pemican from our leftover scraps. I figure we will have to hunt soon. Weighing whether or not to do it now or later, I opt for now. There's still a little light left in the sky. Ignoring the annoying scratch in my throat. I cus to myself, hoping I'm not sick.

{Miraak's POV}

That worthless halfling, I could be out hunting or even building my strength, instead she sends me out for firewood. I'm no dog, I shouldn't be fetching wood.

I spend the entire time cussing about that girl as I scavenge for twigs and downed trees. It feels pretty good harboring sour thoughts toward her while I swing my ax. Let me fantasize about stealing this world from her and making it all mine.

Then a dangerous thought goes into my head,

"Her included."

My pupils became almost a sliver. I felt my essence tingle at the quick, rancid thought. I know what it sounds like to have a god talk to oneself, but I've never heard this one. Was it even a god? Or was it just my damned brain?
Could it have been Mara?

As I ask myself that, I hear an ethereal feminine giggle.

"Ahhh, it is mara."

I chuckle to myself.

Then my eyes shoot wide at the implications.

"Woah hold up wait, Me and that Minx??? No never! The most we could be is friends."

"Is that so? Your dov soul says otherwise."

The disembodied voice said again. Through the trees, carried by the wind. I dropped my head, darkness flashed over my face.

"Listen Mara, you're in no position to get wild thoughts stirred up in my head."

"Dear miraak, You're in no position to refuse my blessing."

The voice echoed through my brain again. I grew cold,

"What blessing?"

"You both are so powerful, together, you two are unstoppable. Skyrim could use demigods instead of men as rulers. Don't you see that as well?"

I felt heat on my neck, an anger I couldn't stiffle.

"I don't need her, not at all! I can rule this world by myself. She'd only get in the way."

Another ethereal chuckle invaded my head as I could sense this conversation ending.

"Miraak, the top is lonely. Have you forgotten so soon?"

The wind began to whip. It's awful we ended up south of the lake. The north wind is rather dangerous this close to the water, I think to myself as I trudge back to camp. I'm still fuming after the talk with Lucidnas patron. Why the hell would I want to rule the world with her? Yes, being the best has left me feeling rather lonely, but she'll never be versed in knowledge like me. It'd waste far too much of my time teaching her proper etiquette, let alone even harnessing divine dominance to rule over other lives.

My blood boils as I get back to camp, dropping the sorry pile of wood and sticks by the tent, where the other wood was being stored. The fire was already going, a large rabbit roasting on top of it.

Finally she did something productive.

Inside the tent, she had already fallen asleep in her bed roll. I hated admitting that she looked pretty laying there, breathing calmly under her many blankets. She was shivering a little, I noticed there was a draft coming in through the tent wall. Serves her well.

I sit outside, in the snow, as I finish off the rabbit lucidna had left over the fire. Without much spices, I admit she made it taste pretty good. Without much other thoughts, I left the fire and went back into the tent. My wards haven't worn off the tent yet, but I put a little more magica into it to reinforce. I don't want to wake up sick, I'm sure lucidna doesn't want to either.

Chapter Text

{Lucidnas POV}

It felt like I was melting. Had a dragon bathed me in its fire? I moved in my spot, writhing from the discomfort gushing through my veins. I groaned a little, Refusing to open my eyes. Really I think I had no choice.

Beside me was some rustling, I felt draconian eyes burn into my flesh but at the same time all the fight in my blood was fighting my invisible assailant, rather than miraak.

"What's wrong with you?" He asked, it seemed so harsh yet so muffled. Why is the air so thick right now? Is miraak even here beside me?

"Lucidna, hey." The deep, rumbling voice asked again. All I could do was whimper.

I felt large, warm hands gently grab my shoulder and shake it. I whimpered out in discomfort. The loudest I was able to get sounded like a mumble, even to me. I hope it's miraak. I know he wouldn't hurt me, at least I hope he wouldn't… miraak, or so assuming, still had his hand on my shoulder as he stated. I notice how swollen my throat is and how sore my limbs are at the contact.

"Y-You're scaring me lucidna."

I forced my eyes open just a smidge. The white from the sunny tundra shining in from between the tent gaps forced them back shut immediately.

"...miraak..?" I tried my best to mutter, at best coming out as a whisper.

"I'm here." Was all I could make out. The former dragon priest gently grabbed me under my neck and thighs, lifting me up and into his lap as he sat cross legged to the right of me.

I can barely see or hear but I feel him. I know it's him. There's a dragon inhabiting his being and it's almost all I can feel. I'm tingling, or maybe-

Gasping, " Why are you shivering so bad?"

I could hear the panic in his voice clearly. Why is he so concerned? I could fend for myself.

Well, it's funny to think that as my little frame rests in his lap. His robes still bear the scent of musted books and humid tar. As much as I should fear it, I feel comfort when the scent is near. My beast blood picks up so well on scents, and that one I think is bookmarked somewhere in my soul. No two dragonborns have ever existed at the same time.

Is this all fate?

A monologue plays in my head but stops completely when I feel his touch against my cheek. Oh, he's so gentle.

Could I hear tears in his voice? I called myself crazy when I questioned if it was momentary love. I've got no strength to open my eyes and his finger trails from my cheek, down my neck. Feeling nothing then the back of a large warm hand against my sternum, that's when his magic hit me.

I've never felt this way, at someone else's complete mercy as they infiltrate my being with their calming, healing magica. It felt like a loving lighting lit up every inch of my veins. Power has never been cast on me like this. I've fought him before, but never imagined he'd end up healing me.

As my voice came back just a bit, I asked, writhing as my voice box strained, "why are you healing me..? Miraak..?"

The world started to close out around me as the calm made its way up my spine, into the back of my head.

"...You're all I have lucidna…"

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _ __ _ _

{Miraak's POV}

Tears stream down my face as she begins to go dark to the world. I rack my brain trying to figure out how we got here. Flashbacks play Violently in my head as my memories taunt me.

"Snow elves can't get frostbite."

Grabbing the bridge of my nose so hard my knuckles go white. I'm such a fool! I should've known better, she wasn't built like me, what have I done? Her sweltering form lays meek in my scarred arms. I caress her cheek, then trail it down her neck, moving her head to the side slightly, I follow swelling and heat. I lift off before hitting her chest, I can't scare her. Not now. I instead place the back of my hand against her sternum. Focusing my magica into a healing, golden heat, I use all the power I have to send it through her body.

Her weak voice innocently asks me through her daze, " why are you healing me…? Miraak..?"

I answer in a panic, "You're all I have lucidna!" Instantly wrapping her in my arms tightly and using every inch of our contact to send my magica through her.

"I did this, didn't I? She killed my God, and maybe I just killed mine… my savior…" My thoughts torture me.

I sob.

Clutching her tight to my chest as I force my magica against her being. I play with her hair softly, moving it out of her sweaty face. I'm expending all my strength into helping her. Healing her. Cradling her as a mother would a child. I feel such deep shame.

"I regret letting her save me!"

I scream in my head over and over, my temples pound under my clammy skin. Yet my mouth stays silent, except for my sobs of self pity.

I don't have much magica left as I summon a healing ward over her. I set her down in her sleep roll, hoping my spell will last for a good while. giving me time to recharge, I restart our fire outside the door of the tent. The wind has died down, it seems the big blue sky is our spectator today.

"It's true, for a while yet I need her…"

I reassure myself over and over.

"No matter what, I should be fine. I'm strong."

This pang enters my chest and radiates through my body. I know God hood, this feeling is holy, desperate, and grotesque.
I can't help but continue to glance back over at her. I don't want to take my eyes off of her until I know she's well!

The fire is fed by what little flames I summon. It must favor me today, instantly it grows to a good cooking heat. I fill my canister with packed snow and place it next to the embers. The stew pot I tie over the fire, filling with scraps of meat and snow. I spend the rest of my magica to bring the broth to a Rolling boil. I grab my canister with the melted snow in it and I set it in the tent. Then I grab a wooden bowl from lucidnas bag and I fill it with the steaming broth.

I return to my patient, offering the broth. She drank a little as i held the bowl to her plump lips,
I then collected her back in my arms. My soul feels so mournful, it's as if a grief eats me up on the inside entirely everytime I look at her in this state. She moved her head a little and looked up at me with glazed eyes.

"I'm so cold… can I lay with you for a while Miraak?"

She asked softly. Her eyes closed again before she pushed herself deeper into my lap, Still shivering.

"As long as you're comfortable with that..."

I said, confusion and anxiety shaking my voice. This isn't my first choice to keep her warm, but it is the most doable right now.

I laid her down as soft as possible on my bed roll and tucked her small frame in. Then I grabbed her bed roll to lay over us. I don't really know how to position her so I lay flat next to her and move her to rest against my torso, tucking my left arm under her head.

She groaned a little and rolled even closer to me, burying her face in my chest and using her arms to weakly hug my torso.

My heart is racing, I hope that doesn't disturb her. Damn All these contradicting feelings, I'm going mad! I'd just like to see her well again. But she can't get in my way. It's so easy for me to let my guard down with her. This is no state of health for a dragonborn, both her and i. I use controlled breaths to calm my heart, I can tell I won't be able to get up for a while.

Chapter Text

{Lucidnas POV}

The musty air swirled around me, dust invaded my lungs. How did I end up back here again?
I looked up at what I expected to be the dingy sky, but instead, there were an infinite amount of stars. It was beautiful. What's going on here?

"Why are there stars in Apocrypha?"

A deep, velvet voice came from behind me. When I whipped around, our eyes met. It's miraak. Donning his mask and enchanted dragon priest robes. I felt joy at the sight of him, for some reason.

"What are you doing here?"

We both said in unison.

"Do you think mora trapped us?"

I asked my counterpart, I began to panic and inch closer to him. Tears sprang at the corners of my eyes.

Miraak closed the distance between us by reaching out and softly grabbing my forearm, pulling me close to him. He wrapped me delicately in his arms like a little gift. And I felt relieved. My head rested against his diaphragm, I was too short to feel his heartbeat.

"You killed Lucinda, it's okay, it's just a nightmare."

"It feels so real though…"

"They always do…"

—---------------------------------------------------------

{3rd POV}

The two dragonborn shot awake at the same time, for a moment, all was well in Tamriel. Then realization set in.

"Why are we cuddling?"

The little half elf looked up at Miraak, through her messy white tresses. She was laying on top of him, her head against his chest, and his arms wrapped around her torso. Miraak, not letting go, smiled down at lucinda and exclaimed,

"You're better!"

Still not released from his grasp, lucidna chuckled a little and in a raspy voice replied,

"I'm going to live, that cold kicked my ass. And what was that dream about? Did you have it too? "

Miraak scoffed out, "I've had one every night since we've been back. I don't think moras as dead as we wished for."

"By Mara, only time can tell I suppose." Lucidna attempted to whisper to herself.

"There won't be any time to tell If they return, but that's a discussion for a different day." Moraak muttered into the air above them.

The two dragonborn fell deep into thought before lucidna came back to skyrim and realized they were both still cuddling. Slowly, miraak's arms fell to his side, and lucidna slowly got up. For a small second they were on the same wavelength. Or so they were, when lucidnas feet faltered.

"My head…" She groaned out while heading to her knees. The floor of the tent wrinkling under the sudden stress.

"You're still not healed fully, would you mind letting me have a go?" Miraak asked gleefully as he climbed to his feet.

"My only option right now, go ahead…" She whined out, both of her palms pushing into her temples.

Miraak summoned the familiar golden glow into his palms. Gently placing his larger hands over lucidnas, he eased warm healing magica through her being. She groaned in relief. The rigidness slowly dissipated throughout her body. She began leaning harder into his touch. Closing her eyes.

"How does that feel?" His glowing green orbs searched her face.

Softly she pursed her lips. She hummed in relief and opened her eyes, locking with his, her pupils dilated. Miraak didn't realize, but his pupils dilated too.

Softly she said, " it feels wonderful, thank you miraak…" Before closing her eyes pleasurably

Chapter Text

{3rd person pov}

The guards made way for the familiar face, and dared not look in the eyes of the unfamiliar one. Heavy wooden gates opened wide revealing the beautiful home of the gildergreen and companions. The sun was still overhead as the two dovahkiin stumbled into breezehome. Sage and cedarwood wafted through the home. It was dark, Lydia must be out on some business. Turning and looking miraak in the face, lucidna stood in the middle of the room, arms at her side, breathing in deep relief with a smile on her face. " What do you think old man?"

Miraak pinched the bridge of his nose, "you'll never stop calling me that will you"

"Nope!" Cheerfully as ever, she gave a little jump and ran upstairs. From the top of the steps she giggled, "You're going to sleep with me, Lydia wouldn't be happy if you stole her room."

"She sounds like a peach." Sarcasticly as he trudged up the stairs behind his smaller counterpart. He knew it was going to be a long night here.

☆a few hours later☆

"The drunken huntsman is a staple in the white run community, they've got pretty decent mead for the area, and they have awesome sweet roles!"
Lucidna was nothing short of excited to show her new found friend around one of the many settlements skyrim had to offer. He was tense, he wasnt used to the sudden shock of large community, and he was smack dab in the middle. Eyes dark, full of concealing nature, and a rigid stiff form, Miraak listened intently as she went on and on about everything in white run she could think to mention. Belethors, the apothecary, even the cloud district *side eyes Nazeem*, there wasn't much light left in the day as they came to the end of their very short lived adventure.

"Should we get a drink, old man?" Lucidna impishly winked while grabbing him by the spikes on his armor, leading him into the previously mentioned tavern, snapping him out of his culture shock. Miraaks darkened eyes only rolled as he was taken in tow. Eyes followed them as they waltzed into the candle light and over to the bar. On the same wavelength they sat down simultaneously. Elrindir immediately put himself infront of lucidna and asked for her order, glad to see a familiar face back in town.

"Ehhh, I see the trip to Solstheim didn't kill you, did you get your stuff figured out?

"Oh its a long story, but, for now it's all alright. I even brought back a souvenir!" Lucidna shreieked excitedly as she jestured to the monster like man next to her. If looks could kill, there would be great genocide in the land of skyrim.

"It's quite nice being objectified by some elf who is perfect fallacio height." Mumbles were the only thing that fell from miraaks mouth. Too busy to realize there were two sweetrolls set down infront of the pair. He really just wanted to drink or sleep.

Lucidna picked up her roll and giggled out, "I'm sure some sugar would do your decrepit self some good!" Before scarfing it down. Miraak felt nothing but grotesque wonder at the scene. He savored his for a good while before he caught impish eyes peering into him.

"What do you want, Lucidna?" He said with a strong sneer at the end. Eyes trained on good beyond the counter.

"I want to know, if you wanted to get fucking wasted too?"

His pupils constricted into felinesque black pinpoints. He slid his eyes over then the direction of his head followed. Miraak spent a few too many seconds looking back into lucidnas soft green eyes before realizing his pride once more. Puffing his chest, he rumbled back as deeply as possible,

"First one to throw up loses." They both shot devil grins at one another. Lucidna was happy to learn she had a new traveling buddy. Possibly also an advantage in the impending war. And against those dragons.

"Them damn dragons." They shared the thought, eyes met again, and they giggled.

☆Later that day☆

The sun had grown closer to the horizon as lucidna and miraak left the tavern, bound for breezehome, both staggering like the old beggar.

"Good things myy house isn't farthher.." lucidna slurred and grabbed her partners sleeve to stop her from hitting the ground.

"You said you weren't a light… weight e-elf."

"You ne-ver told me you were such an a-sshole when I saved your w-weak ass."

In Beautiful, full offense. The delicate miraak, slapped his hand to his chest so hard he stumbled back, taking lucidna with him. When she hit his torso, he fell back. He didn't bother to hide his dazed, drunken smile. The world gets to see him at his best.

Lucidna was in a euphoric stupor. And it only grew when nazeem was mid sentence about his cloud district when he tripped over the grinning lumps in the middle of the street.

A cacophony of several noises, some unerving, others mind boggling, echoed through the streets of whiterun. The pompous nazeem was tangled in the dragonborn mass, and screaming in horror at the thought of his imported robes touching the likes of two lowly, drunken wanderers.

Lucidna, annoyed and disgusted being sandwiched between two insufferable men, began screaming almost like a goat, for her trusty Lydia.

"LYDDDIAAAAAAAAAA—- PLEASE MAAA'AM PLEASE DEAREST LYDIAAAAAAA. GET ME OUT OF THE PILE, LYDIAAA!!!!!!!"

Miraak decided to add to the noise by what sounded like tongues, but was actually the atmoran alphabet in dovahzul. He had a large smile on his face although his head was just kicked in by nazeems ridiculous pointy shoes. He was attempting to count how many lucidnas he had on him, he was sure the God of madness had hijacked his brain.

A door slammed in the distance, and the mess in the street was cleaned up, and nazeem left in the middle of the street, cussing that he had to get new robes and take a bath. He didn't bother to move and was eventually stepped on by a small child, he went home crying.

Hours later, Lucidna was the first to wake. The room was dark, but she wasn't cold.

"Lydia must've started a fire downstairs, thank god…"

As she laid there, she heard breathing. Figuring it was Lydia's snoring through the wall, she went back to sleep completely oblivious there was a large, hungover man sleeping next to her.

Morning snuck through the lambskin curtains, shooting miraak right in his angry left eye.

"I'm going to kill the sun."

"Right after I kill that wench of a housecarl."

It was decided, in their sheepishness, they would commit mass murder, taking tamriel as their own. Ruling as violent business partners. Right after their headaches went away. Which would be a while.

Chapter Text

{Miraaks POV)

"There has been talk of violent, malicious, usurpation, and neither of us are the cause, aren't you even a little disappointed, Lucidna?"

I call ahead to the young woman dragging her feet a good block ahead of me. We've been annoying each other again, and now she won't walk next to me. Apparently she, "wants to see me kill my lungs." So that I may no longer speak actual sense to her. She's infuriating.

"You're infuriating, Miraak, is compensation the only thing your miniscule brain can focus on? We're going to this potential war meeting, and we're not taking it by force! Do! You! Hear! ME?!"

Lucidna exclaimed, snapping her wretched dark fingers in-between her loud words.

"I wish I could say I didnt…" I grumble to myself, not wanting her pointy ears to hear my objections. " How can she not seize power for herself, does she really like it laying down? That's ridiculous for a dragonborn!" Or would be… if she were a real dragonborn!

As my thoughts weave their way across my mind; a smile creeps up to my face. I decide I'm going to have fun with this; as much as possible anyhow.

Breathing out through my clenched teeth, I whirlwind shout. Instantly I'm next to my partners side.

"I refuse to give you the honor of having my beautiful eyes look upon your wretched self." The little dame says side eyeing me, as she speaks poison with every word, arms crossed against her chest.

I look ahead of us, annoyed. It's nothing but stairs ahead of us; and I'd rather not walk. I pause dead in my tracks and part my feet a little. I look up at the sky while lucidna takes a second to realize I'm going to shout. She runs back to stop me, but by the time her little hands touch my cloak I've summoned Odahviing; much to Luci's displeasure.

{Lucidnas POV}

"So much for a humble entrance to pick at their heart strings…"

I begrudgingly think to myself as I clutch Miraak's dark, tattered robe. In the blink of an eye, a cool, dark shadow dances on the crystalline show around us as miraak's shout dissipates around us. Miraak always mentioned flying on the backs of dragons; I can't say I've really done so myself…

"It's either your way or no way." I shoot draconic eyes at him as I sneer. It's best to keep my pride with this man.

As Odahviing settles in closer to us; Miraak smirks at me like a daedric prince before throwing me over his shoulder like a sorry sack of potatoes.

"What are you doing you Imbeci-"

As I begin to beat my hands against his wide back, I scream out.
I'm cut off as he slams me down, almost into his lap, in front of him on the back of the familiar red dragon.

"You're the imbecile trying to waste our time"

He growls into my ear as his chest pushes against my back as he grasps grand Odahviings crown spikes.

"By Auri-el!" Echoes through my mind. A small blush creeps across my face. I must admit, i feel a little excited to show up to this war function like this.

"Delphine and Ulfric both won't know what to do with themselves" I glowered to myself mentally, feeling a mischievous smile sprawl across my face. I figure it best to ignore my moronic partners arms tight around me guiding loyal Odahviing. I figure it best to pay Miraak as little attention as possible, I simply give him my silence.

" He can make due with what he has", I figure to myself. I try to sit smug; but am painfully aware Miraak may be even more smug in this moment.

Chapter Text

{3rd POV}

"I tell you; I ain't ever seen something shake a greybeard's swear of silence like that!"

Lucidna squealed out, face buried in her hands.

"Are you kidding me? That's what you're stuck on!? What about Ulfric's face he made after my precious combo?!"

Cackles fell onto skyrims tundra from high above as the duo sailed back to Lakeview Manor on the back of the kind Odahviing.

Lucidna focused her vision on Miraak, turning against the sunset.

"Things are going to get mammothly cheesy up here if you keep looking at me like that."

Miraak grinned at her while raising an eyebrow, her white hair glowed like an aedra in the late day haze.

Not able to hold a straight face any longer, lucidna screamed out in laughter, headbutting miraak in his strong relaxed chest.

"Thank you miraak."

"For being so lovely?"

"What- no. Oh my God, we were supposed to have some kinda moment."

Lucidna said, offended, Rolling her eyes at his poor comedic timing and turning her back.

"Okay cmon sweet roll"

"Don't call me that" She huffed at him, back still turned.

"What were you going to thank me for?" Miraak dropped his voice, sending shivers up and down his partners spine.

"For standing up for me like that, why?"

"Well you're a dragon born, we share the same title I have to make sure it's being honored."

"You narcissistic whore"

Ludicna huffed out again, a slight giggle following.

"You made Delphine regret asking for us to slay Paarthurnax" lucidna smiled as her words left her plump soft lips, eyes twinkled as she beheld her counterpart.

"I had no other choice. The dov is like my brother"

"I would've done the same for him, Miraak. I truly commend you for what you did today."

Lucidna purred out, her eyes soft on Miraak as if she were in love.

"So I take it you also commend me for attempting to shout ulfric from the place?!"

Miraak asked jokingly, his cheeks darkened when she unexpectedly hugged him.

"More than anything"

It was a light response. The whole conversation was quite blurred with the high altitude air whipping around the three dov. And although he'd never admit it, Odahviing smiled. He was tickled pink on the inside listening to the two younger dovahkiin Rizz up on one another as they recounted their shenanigans they caused at the war meeting. A sly thought crossed his mind. In a booming voice, he addressed his once familiar friend, Miraak.

"Thur, the wind is becoming quite violent, I suggest you hang onto the little one"

The red dragon could barely hide the giggle in his voice, and his seriousness became even more fragile once he felt the two warm spots on his neck become one. To make his claim more convincing, he began to ride a bit more erratically; just to ensure his old friend would honor his request.

"I've been dov riding before Fahdon, I've never had a rough ride like this." Miraak questioned Odahviing suspiciously as his left arm brought lucidnas back tight against his chest.

"Are you feeling well dear?" The last dragonborn asked, as sweet as honey.

Odahviing purred at the sound of her voice; He had never met a she-dragon nor had ever been able to fathom what one would be like. To say the least, he found himself a little enamored; softly replying.

"Yes, jud."

Miraak tightened his right hand on Odahviings horn and his left arm tightened across lucidna. He was very aware of the energy around him; he couldn't stop himself from finding a little jealousy in how lucidna payed a kind attention to the red dragon they were sitting on. He understood dovahzul and within that, knew that his counterpart had just been called queen;by the same dov that called him master. He didn't understand exactly where his jealousy stemmed from. Was it because of her being addressed as higher than him, or her being addressed by someone other than him? He was left pondering the rest of the way home as he clutched lucidna close to him. He decided that he would find an end to his confusion, and would not stop until he did.

Chapter Text

{Miraak's POV}

The sun began to dip below the horizon. I must admit that it's darker on the ground. My thoughts swirl in my head as we approach the Lakeview. Lucidna is mumbling to herself; something about livestock? As I begin climbing the not yet familiar stairs, Lucidna ducks from beside me and trots to the left side of the house. With my hand on the door handle, I ponder whether or not I will enter without her. I figure it best to follow her. Coming around the corner and entering her little fenced off garden;

I see I was right.

Settled down in the hay, my snow haired friend clutched a bundle of light brown fur to her chest.

"She really is so petite" I thought to myself, it doesn't always register. I must admit, her personality is quite big compared to its container.

"What is it?" I ask her softly, nestling down in the hay next to her.

"My snowshoe rabbits had another batch of babies." She muttered with absolute hearts in her eyes. Batting her long, white eyelashes my way, she asked me softly, "would you like to hold them?"

"Yes of course." I Utter with not much breath.

She wiggled herself toward me with a calm soft look over herself; Kneeling her tiny kneecaps into my lap as she carefully put her fluffy little baby bunny in my arms. After the transfer, she kept her hands close to the little one, resting on my forearms.

"I quite like the little guys, lucidna. How many do you have?" I couldn't contain my smile at the silkiness of its pelt. In my head I told myself I wouldn't mind bedding down with these little guys every night. They're too cute to not fawn over.

Twilight settled over the garden during the time we spent together. A couple of lucidnas flowers she had planted were glowing in the soft moonlight. It all felt magical.
" It's painstaking how much of my time I wasted in Apocrypha, when I could've had these gorgeous stars above me." Thoughts forlorn like these and many more began to cloud my head.

I must've been wearing my thoughts a little too well on my face. Like the softness of starlight; lucidna looked at me, the moon catching her bright emerald eyes as well.

" are you alright, miraak?" She softly asked, her left hand touching me on the shoulder as I studied the stars above me. She looked up too, as if I were a star myself.

"Yes" I answered her back, a little winded from the weight and beauty of it all.

"We should get inside, there's enough beds for you to have your own."

"I may stay out here a bit longer, if that's alright with you."

"Of course it is, is it okay if I stay with you?"

I looked down, as she looked me up, and smiled at her. I get a little twisted up on the inside around her and I'm not sure why. "I must be falling insane." I think to myself. I wonder if the stars above us, look down upon me in envy; in envy that I'm the one to stand in her presence. "She did nothing to demand this adoration from me" I ponder silently to myself as Lucidna stands next to me in her moonlit garden.

"It's so beautiful tonight." She whispers into the air between us.

"Mhm."

"I'd be lost for words too, given all you lost in your time. I'm sorry." Lucidna teared a little upon saying that, I couldn't help but tear up too.

"You're too kind to be dovahkiin."

"I'd rather reign by respect, than reign by fear."

What was said that night in her garden, caught my soul in a standstill. Even if I didn't realize the bigger implications yet to come

Chapter Text

{3rd POV}

The morning was damp; the air was quite heavy. Skyrim's swamps and shores buzzed with life. The forests were trotted through by kind and ferocious fauna alike. The day is young; the air is quite fresh. Too bad the inside of Lakeview couldnt reflect akatosh's golden gift of a silent sunrise, or so raya felt.

“I'm just saying he's the perfect height to hang our wall decorations, my liege."

"Yeah luciana, I just played slave for thousands of years to some sorry eldritch horror, the least I could so is slave away for you now"

"By Auri-el, you two are going to make me pull my hair out!"

Then in unison, the two taller members of the three began to make fun of lucidna. Squealing "how cute!" When the last dragonborns ears turned angry tomato red.

"I never knew midgets ears could turn so red! I almost mistook you for Odahviing!"
Miraak cooed then dodged a glass armor boot pulled from akatosh knows where.

Raya quickly added to the flaming situation by stating in her deep accent, "Oh also my liege, I figure if you don't want to use your boyfriend to hang our decorations, we could just have him lift you and you can do the hanging."

As miraak and rayas laughter filled the entire downstairs of Lakeview, lucidna stomped heavily with every footprint out.

{Lucidnas POV}

"It's so beautiful outside of that hell hole. Why can't I go one day without my stupid elf features being mentioned?! Not like I asked to be some halfling…"

I stomped outside, grumbling. Miraak and raya have caused me so much stress this morning. I don't even know what I'm upset about honestly as I March down to the lake.

"I can't believe Raya would try to put Miraak to work; I should've thought to do that first. And then she called him my boyfriend?!"

I'm still huffing and puffing up and down the beach; until I trip on a stupid tree root and land face first in the water. Utter profanity leaves my mouth as I pull my face out. The water laps lazily around me. I could care less if either of the two fools I left back in my house heard my violent musings. The lake is calm and warm under the midmorning sun.

I decide to lay back into the water, it's deep enough only my face is left out. I close my eyes and try to release my body's tension through silent meditation.

After a few golden minutes, I feel a drop on my nose. Without opening my eyes I draw the conclusion that it must be a sprinkle from the morning dew. Another drop lands on my face, this time my eyelid. I use my wet hand to wipe it out of the corner of my eye and continue lazing.

A few seconds later, it's like all the aedra fell out of the sky at once. Water rushes and slams all over me and into me. A big imbecile has me in a hold and is rolling with me in his arms as I violently flail. I can't scream as every time I open my mouth to cuss at miraak, it gets sand, rocks, and water in it.

As my human steamroller tries to drown me, I think to myself that letting Raya slave him around might not be such a bad idea.

After a few minutes; He must have lost his gusto as he slowly rolls to a stop; still in the shallow water. He's on his back, my face is against his chest as I'm wrapped in his himbo arms.

"It's been a while since I've gone swimming." The first dovahkiin rumbles out underneath me.

"It's also been a while since you had a bath!" I say while scrunching up my nose.

I must admit, my anger truly did simmer down in his arms, surprisingly.

"Well girlfriend," miraak sasses, "should we get you back inside and dried, or are we swimming in your cute little lake now?"

I can only roll my eyes in his arms.

☆A few hours later☆

{Rayas POV}

"My I tell you; these, what do you call them again? Dragonkiin? DovBorne? I can't exactly remember the exact terms but I will for sure remember how these two behave."

I think to myself as I readjust my wet hair. Lucidna, Miraak, and I decided to spend some time outside. I was excited myself to wade through the shallows a little down the beach; looking for shells. "This morning, lucidna got a little spicy. She's quite defensive of miraak, very different compared to her usually complacent nature."

As I dig my hands deep into the crisp shallow water Into the soft, golden sand; I replay the silliest scene in my head that happened this morning. "Seeing how lucidnas cheeks and ears lit up when I called miraak her boyfriend, far too good I tell you; she could be a bard; and maybe so could I!!"

My, what a good day. The water is calm, in the distance I hear my liege screech a little. Squinting my eyes in the distance, I can see her and miraak are-? Throwing each other with their voices?! Ugh, everyday is something new with her, and now we've got two of them!

I giggle and shake my head side to side a little. I begun wading through the clear, shallow water toward them. Miraak, not even yelling, just sternly chanting some ancient roaring language; speaks just a few incoherent words and lucidna goes flying around 30 feet away; smacking the water Violently. I'm around 35 feet from this grand display of stupidity as I watch and squint toward where my liege was sent to. The water calms then she springs up, covered in flowering Seaweed. As if fire ignites beneath her skin, the weeds begin to smoke and the water in her clothes turns to steam as her eyes turn a stormy, poisonous shade of green. She begins swimming, eyes glued on miraak as she makes her way back to shore; beelining to him.

I begin running closer to the scene like a madman; simply I wish not to witness a murder. Lucidna is dragging herself now through chest deep water like a field ox as I reach miraaks side.

"Why, and what did you do?"

"She invited me to a shouting match and apparently I'm not going to win."

"But you threw her far out there. Is that not qualifying in your guy's book of dragon rules or whatever?"

"My aim was to assert dominance; not forfeit my life, Raya."

"Ah… would you like me to vouch for your life miraak? Or do you think you got this?" I say, cocking my head to the right, my thick, dark damp hair falling and forcing my head to tilt even more. Hands placed on my hips.

"Honestly, if I wanted to live, I'd probably apologize real quick; want to know what would be even more funny?"

"Oh god" I thought to myself. Rolling my eyes with a wicked smile on my face while shaking my head.

"You're going to shout again when she gets close, aren't you?"

"Yes" miraak says, a sick, suicidal glaze glasses over in his dark eyes.

"You, my friend, are one very stupid guy."

"Hey raya, it keeps it fun."

Lucidna is now running top speed still with a murderous glint in her eyes. Water is splashing all up around her; frankly, this is the scariest moment of my life.

"What is wrong with these two?"

I mentally laugh to myself, watching dragon induced chaos unfold in front of me.

Chapter Text

{Lucidnas POV}

I've known for some time I'd have to face alduin. Both Parthurnax and Odahviing have offered whatever assistance possible as the jarl of whiterun decided to hand this process over to me, "the dragonborn."

I think with a sneer in my head. Until I deal with him he will continue to put chaos into both the spirit and physical world. It's my duty to dispatch him as necessary; fortunately, facing him with miraak, another dragonborn, makes me feel less alone, less daunted.

I had spoken to miraak about my dilemma a few times, especially on the way from Solstheim to skyrim, though he was a little more reserved toward me then. Fortunately, he also knew what was ahead. He dealt directly with alduin." I repeat in my head, attempting to calm my errant nerves.

"Battling the self named God of death on a beautiful morndas, tell me, do you think we will get lucky enough to pop into that little Civil War on the way back?" Miraak asked, excitement leaking from all corners of his mouth.

I clenched tighter onto Odahviings scales, I'm not sure if I'll ever get used to flying.

"I will never understand how you have the energy to be this arrogant. I hope we don't spend too long in sovngarde."

"Lucidna, dearest." Miraak said, almost too feminine to be Just sassy, "I could beat him all alone, I just figured you'd need your hand held and I'd never pass up an offer like that."

A blush creeps across my cheeks. I'll admit, I've thought of him quite fondly now. Panic causes a rush in my heart when I consider my next words. I've been by his side a few months now I figure, and I wouldn't complain continuing to be by his side. Should I joke, or let my nerves sign my death sentence. Honestly, the latter settles better in me.

I turn from the haze that covers sovngarde in the distance as I look at him in his dark, gleaming eyes.

"Do you mean that miraak?" I ask softly.

At first he scoffs, attempting to play off my question without care. As blush creeps across his deep, timeless cheekbones I can't help but let my breath catch in my chest and throat. There's a storm behind my teeth as his next words spill out.

"Yes Lucidna, I do." He brushes the back of his fingertips across my blush as he tucks some of my tresses behind my ears. I remember I have yet to put my hair up, closing my eyes. I all of a sudden feel so shy under his gaze; I feel small to him in all aspects. I've never imagined him so grand before.

Miraak's hands creep into my hair, I feel him shift next to me. My eyes are still closed softly as he Mumbles into my ear, " as much as I'd hate for you to turn your face from me, I was wondering if you might want your hair up. Would you let me?"

"Yes."

My chest is so stiff as I turn away and he begins gently fixing my hair. I can't really tell what exactly his fingers are doing to my hair; but they are quick and firm.

"The women of my mothers tribe would wear their hair secure like this when engaging in sparring and battles. It won't slip loose and get in your face."

" you even got my bangs pulled back." Touching my hairline, as his strong hands continue to the back of my head.

"It's a braid that begins at the middle of the hairline and grows thicker as it comes to the back. My mother would end hers off in a bun. I've just got to tie it off."

"Oh hang on I've got-"

A ripping noise comes from behind me, I hate to admit but I do jump a little.

"Miraak?"

"I think it compliments your eyes perfectly."
I turned toward him and reached back, as I touched the bun at the back of my head, I felt a tattered piece of fabric. Miraak's eyes avoid mine as he blushes.

"Is it to your liking zok Shir ?" His voice rumbles deep as he asks. Eyes still avoiding mine.

I look for his hands. His sleeve is ripped above his left hand. I grab his hand and look him in the eyes.

"Can I keep the hair tie?"

"Only if you keep me too"

Smiles and blush creep up on us, making homes out of our faces. We sit in silence as sovngarde approaches us. I nestle my back against him as his cloaked arms wrap around me.

Slowly, his head lowers to my left ear, his grip tightening a little around me.

"Know that no harm will befall you in our battle tonight. That's my promise to you. I know you've been on edge."

I breathe out. Without turning to him, I responded with, " promise me you'll be here to hold me after the battle tonight."

"I promise."

Sovengarde closes in around us as Odahviings feet greet the ground. I know tonight will be long.

Chapter Text

{3rd POV}

As the two disembarked from the loyal Odahviing; they were met with many draugr shortly after. Odahviing had explained on the way it'd be against the will of the universe to aid them there. They were on their own. They fought tooth and nail, spilling, drawing, and shedding blood. The two strong, ferocious dovahkiin made light work of the bonemen. As if they were in sync, one would deflect while the other would deliver a finishing blow, then they'd spin; dodging and flailing. Upon reaching the temple that marked the door of sovengarde, Lucidna had become winded, worrying about bringing miraak from the fight to her side. They tucked themselves behind crates and drawers using spells of invisibility; for a moment, it was as if they were the only two under the stars.

{Miraak's POV}

" How are you" I gasp out, lucidna in my clutches, exasperated out,

"I'm fine, thank you, we're doing well miraak; but we've got a lot more ahead."

It weighs on me to be here, the veil between the land of the dead and the land of the living has been lifted. My only wish when we leave this place is to have her with me.

"Whatever you need, don't be afraid to scream for me, I'll be there right next to you as I am now."

"Thank you Miraak." Her sweet voice tickles my lungs in ways I could never imagine. We really are in the afterlife, and she's the foam atop my mead. I know I'm nothing without her. My thoughts dance in my head as she drinks a potion of unwavering strength, she said something about being strongest in her one handed skill before springing up and slashing more deadmen. I behold her in law as she makes mincemeat of our opponents. It wouldn't be long until we got to our final fight.

She clears the room with her master swordsmanship before I can get more than one kill. I chuckle, she's so good at out doing me. The room falls silent as our sweat lingers in the air. She smiles at me with stars in her eyes.

"If you were an aedra, even akatosh would bow to you." I say with a smile as well.

"The stars will bear witness to our victory miraak, thank you for being here with me." She says, almost breathless.

As we bake in silent adoration for one another all is still around us. A little too still.

Lucidna is across the room from me, around 20 feet.

Thunder echoes off all corners of the room as the roof of the temple comes down. I go to summon a whirlwind sprint to get to her, but the debris blocks me. There's a grand force bringing it down. Alduin found us before we found him.
_________________________________

{Lucidnas POV}

The stars had been orbiting us in that candlelit ballroom. His gaze caught me from across the way. After clearing the room of undead, I began making my way to Miraak. One step at a time. It was all silent, however, I could pick up on a faint humming from the roof. Thinking it was nothing more than the wind; the roof falling down onto me caught me in genuine surprise. Before I'm under the debris, I saw Miraak run toward me. He didn't make it in time, I hope he's alright.

Panic floods my brain as the smog clears from my vision. Two, beady red eyes are staring at me in mine. A grand black dov towers above me, breathing his vicious breath into me. Pushing my back into the ground with every angry breath, Alduin snarled,

"You have yet to know about losing." Alduin barked out while side eyeing miraak clawing his way through the debris toward me.

"Don't you dare alduin!-"

Was all my counterpart could get out before I was clutched in bloody claws, out of earshot, steadily rising into the air above the temple. I couldn't breathe, I was clutched too tight. Slowly, we came to a halt, stars all around us as my life is squeezed from me, my blood vessels clouding my vision.

"Akatosh is a joke for sending you to defeat me, tell me why I shouldn't swallow your puny world!"

Alduin released his claws just a little bit for me to take whatever air I could. In a deep, guttural gasp, I fill my lungs in a haste, looking the world eater in his blood Ruby eyes. My tongue is empty, still silent.

"Dov got your tongue, dinner?"

To admit, fear paralyzed me. I'm going to die, it's the end. "This is the end dear Auri-el, I'm sorry to bring dishonor upon you and my patron mara." I plead in my head with my gods. A sickening but releasing realization takes over me. There truly is such solace in helplessness. My life began to be squeezed from me again. I never thought claws of ebony and gore would be my gateway between nirn and death.

"Once I'm done with your little soul, the traitor is next."

Fire tore through me at the mention of his plan to devour my mate. Without even thinking I shouted marked for death, all three thu'um, right into alduin's face. His claws had just pierced into me as he let me go, we both began to fall through the crisp, howling air, before his wings struggled with all their might to lift him once again. He began circling, attempting to rebuild some strength before coming back for more. At least I'll die of impact, and not the world eaters meal. I close my eyes as droplets of my blood fall out and into the air above me. The stars and spatter all blur together as I approach the ground. That shout, I knew deep in me, already signed his death warrant. "It'll all be okay" I reassure myself as I succumb to the peaceful dark. Miraak can handle whatever comes next. I trust him.

_____________________________________

{Miraaks POV}

I had watched in burning hatred as my foe stole my mate from me.

"He's not getting out of this alive."

I snarled, then, with all the magika present that moment in my veins, I summoned my former dragon, Kruziikrel, to chase after alduin. As I began following their trail upward, I saw a bright purple flash hundreds of feet above me.

A wicked smile creeps across my face, " that marked for death was perfectly aimed love, you got him!" I screech up, still approaching the scene undoing above me. All of a sudden, I'm sprayed by something wet as something limp falls through the air beside me. The liquid begins to singe me and that's when I realize I'm wearing the blood of my beloved mate. I grab my dragon by the horns and put us in a dive. I catch lucidna by the tattered scraps of her brotherhood armor before pulling her close to my chest. She's already so cold, Unconscious as well. Tears bode in my eyes as I steer kruziikrel back to the now dilapidated temple. In dov, I command kruziikrel with bend will to wrap himself around lucidnas bloodied, limp form. I can't heal her unless Alduin is dead, or we both will be his meal. I quickly cast an unwavering illusion spell on the two dov to mask them also as debris before rolling into the empty courtyard alone to face the world eater.

The dark circling entity above me roars out in laughter before slamming himself into the earth in front of me.

I summon dragon aspect, the only soul getting swallowed tonight is his.

____________________________________

{3rd POV}

The fog swirled thickly around the little white-haired half elf. She found herself sitting in a misty swamp, although none of her was wet.

"Hello?" She called out, her voice calling back to her.

"Miraak!?" She calls, remembering where she had just come from.

"Can someone help me please?! Lucidna became frantic, she didn't know how to get back to sovngarde, back to the fight, back to her mate. Her dov soul could feel only her, so she set herself down on her knees and began to cry.

"Auri-el" She muttered out between sobs, "I don't know what I'm supposed to do here."

"Please Patron Mara, Akatosh, Auri-el, please I beg. I'll give all the souls I've taken, I beg for help. Please."

As she crumples on the ground, tears trickling from her cheeks to the ground as lucidna sobs into the moss below her. All hope is lost.

_____________________________________

Chapter Text

{Lucidnas POV}

I'm sure I'm dead, or absorbed, as I sob into this moss below me. I don't know where I am, but I know for sure this world is not corporeal. I can feel emotions but not pain where the pierce marks from alduin should be. I'm truly lost, or so it feels that way.

"CRaCkkk"

I snap out of my daze and swish my head around like I'm possessed by a daedra. A timeless looking woman comes into the forest clearing where I'm still on the ground.

"What are you doing here dear? You need to be by your king! You can't be late to your own coronation!"

"Ooh?"

I ask the green satin garbed woman in pure confusion. She seems so familiar. Long blonde tresses, I jog my mind for a minute before I take an innocent guess.

"Are you an angel of generosity?" I ask the well meaning woman, she has the same aura around her as I feel when I give to the poor and when I help others. I am sure she embodies love as part of her purpose.

Only giggling, she smiles then looks at me with sweet golden eyes.

Her eyes catch me, that's when I realize I'm standing in front of an aedra. My patron aedra, to be exact.

"Mara?!?"

I ask in embarrassed shock.

She giggles again, smiles, then tells me in another sweet voice. " You really shouldn't be late to your own wedding dear."

Eager to obey my Saint, I bow, then sadly tell her, " I did not come prepared for a wedding, great Mara, what shall I do?"

Without even taking a breath, her smile parts, and she answers, " here, let me."

Grabbing me by my hands, she brings me over to the birch trees growing in a patch off to the side of the clearing.

With her loving demeanor, she asks the great birch trees, "sisters. Let me take your beautiful skin to clothe my dear daughter in, so that she may be beautiful when the new king swears his heart to her."

I stand in confusion, silently I send a prayer to my creator. Auri-el, telling him, "dearest star giver, I ask that if I'm to be tied to anyone, it be my mate."

I ask silently to let my prayer be so before coming back to reality while I stand next to Mara.

The trees willingly shed their white flesh right into maras hands. Coming over to me, she begins tying the bark over my tattered clothes, using long blades of grass. I begin to cry, I realize a god wants to marry me off.

"Dear Mara, I hope not to offend your righteous judge, but my heart belongs to the first dragonborn, I can not bring myself to desire anyone but him. My heart is a slave to him, dear Mara."

She shushes me with a firm finger over my mouth before instructing me to watch her hands.

"Would you like to see what love is capable of, dear daughter?"

Through nervous sobs, I answer yes before forcing my eyes to focus on the activities of her fingers. Right under her hands as they carry over my wood and grass dress; the grass turns to a rich, royal green ribbon; as the birch bark turns to the most soft, bleached doe-skin. Before I can even process, I am wrapped in a beautiful traditional wedding dress from a tribe of elves long passed.

"A snowy elven style wedding dress?" I ask in pure aw. Not even my mother could obtain one of these when my dad married her. A white doeskin dress, it has a little cape over the shoulders with fringe hanging down. The most stunning white dress adorned with rich green ribbon lacing down the sides.

"H-how?"

"Love, dear."

I swallow and nod, twirling quick as my fringe flutters in the soft wind. she asks for my hand with hers, and I give it.

So swiftly, we leave the forest and in a flash we are standing in front of a grand temple. She looks at me kindly in my sore, bloodshot eyes.

"You have no need to worry dear, the gods simply wanted to bear witness to the first union of its kind."

My breath shakes in my throat as I ask, " what is it a union of?"

"Come dear."

She offers her hand yet again, and I take it. Gently, she leads me up the temple stairs and the grand gold doors swing open on their hinges, all by themselves.

A carpet painted with the scarlet of martyrs and heroes is laid in the middle of the floor. A hue of red I'd never seen before. A faceless being of golden light approaches from my right side.

"You won't recognize me, but you're my creation. It'd be an honor for you to let my wife and I walk you up the aisle."

I only nod, as I come to understand its implications. This being of light must be akatosh, for he just referred to Mara as his wife.

"Anything my god's desire of mine is theirs."

I humbly bow my head, as they begin to pull be toward the altar. I willingly follow, wishing not to anger my gods.

I study the floor, I do not want to look at who I'm to be married to, I simply desire to give my gods the trust they deserve.

A tall, dark skin and green eyed man stands at the altar, my heart swells in joy. I am brought to the altar, two goblets lay at the table, full of honey mead. I know this ceremony, it actually belongs to the wood elves, I grow excited. I feel so honored that the gods are knowing of my culture.

Miraak, smiling at me, tells me in his deep, draconic voice,

" an honor to stand before you, my queen."

My heart melts in my chest at his words, I reach out my hands,

"And an honor to stand before you, my king." At the end I stutter, there are so many emotions in me at once.

Mara, Stands behind the altar, and slides over her dagger. Asking that now we commence our vows. Miraak begins. Grabbing the dagger, and aiming it at his heart, he growls out,

"My dear mate, I will be your protector and your servant, you will rule over my mind as I wish to rule over your heart. I will stop at nothing to reassure you of my loyalty and devotion everyday. Down to the very blood in my veins, I am yours."

He then pricks his finger and a dark drop of his scarlet blood falls into my gobblet. Mixing and swirling with the mead.

My turn comes, my voice turns meek as I take the dagger and aim it at my chest, careful not to touch the bloody tip to my white gown. Before making my vows, my eyes take a quick scan of the room, everyone in the crowd, I've loved and lost. I feel so blessed they get to see me so loved now. I turn back and face my other half with Starry eyes.

"My-" I pause, drawing a blank on what to call him. Quickly happy moments of ours flash through my head. "Sweetroll" i address him as, recalling when i brought him to whiterun the first time. "I will serve and defend you as needed. I promise warmth and love for you to always wrap yourself in. I will stop at nothing to keep you warm under the northern lights, and I will stop at nothing to shield you from even the hottest dragonfire. I am yours."

With that, I prick my sun-kissed finger before dropping my bead of blood into miraaks gobblet. He takes my gobblet, and brings it to my lips so I can drink, I go to do the same for him but I can't reach. I bring my hands to my chest and get ready to apologize, then, in front of me, miraak comes to his knees and guides the gobblet in my hands to his mouth. He smiles before saying, "I'd rather be on my knees in front of you, rather than a throne in front of all of nirn."

Without getting up, he grabs my small hand in his large one, his other hand finds the small of my back. Pulling me into him, we kiss deeply, thus sanctifying our union. While mid-kiss, he lifts me in his arms, pulls back and nuzzles my neck. Somewhere up above us, I know even the stars are twinkling in celebration. Wedding bells sing in envy if us as miraak lifts keep into his arms and carries me out of the temple bridal style. Sahrotaar sits curled and waiting at the base of the steps. Upon reaching him, miraak climbs onto, not even stopping to adjust or put me down. He positions me in front of him as his arms wrap around my torso. Without saying a word, we lift off, into the big, starry sky above us. The morning sun crests the horizon and the grandiose of dawn flashes white across the sky. Blinding me fully while warming my skin.I smile in the bright daze of a new day and mumble under my breath," Bless you Auri-el, you never fail to amaze me."

Chapter Text

{Miraak's POV}

A thick red fog settled upon the ruins of the temple. Blood filled the air to such a degree that I began coughing it up. It's done. After using up all my magica between throwing spells and healing both lucidna and I. I was near death myself out of exhaustion alone.

I stumble weakly back toward my dragon and my lover. I have to check on her, she was so weak when I put her down. I got one potion of ultimate healing in her but her wounds still need to be mended. I could care less about my foe, he knows he's done for. I scramble back to lucidna.

As kruziikrel uncurls from her little frame, I see she's laid in a puddle of her own blood. I get to my knees beside her, looking for a pulse, anything to show she's able to be saved.

She's alive, but barely. I cast healing hands on her with all the magicka left in my being. It's not a lot and my veins begin to burn and tear at their seams, the spells draining my reserves and instead beginning to dissolve me from the inside out.

I take my love into my arms, tears flood down my face as I bargain with her and the 9s. I climb to my feet with her in my arms and I sob while looking at her in her pale, drained face, " I'd rather be in front of you, than on a throne ruling over nirn."

I make my way over to the dissolving dov laid out on the ground before me.

As Alduin takes his dying breaths, I tell him, "You're right, I do know of loss, but look at this, love is greater." he growls out, "I'll be back traitor, I promise. I'll see to it that your descendants have a slow, painful death." He can't even lift his head to look me in the eye as I approach with my mate in my arms.

"You shouldn't talk about yourself like that." I say with nothing but hatred in my lungs. I know of nothing else than to place lucidna in near proximity of the dying dov in hopes she absorbs his soul and not I. With his soul I could live forever, rule over all of nirn. It'd mean nothing though, without her. As alduin begins to turn into a dusty light. I kneel next to him, lucidna in my arms bridal style. Her breaths are shallow, she's cold. I did all I could to heal her wounds but I too have no magicka left. If it weren't for the summoned souls of my dragons hermaeus killed, both of us would be goners.

"I begin to pray as tears well up in my eyes. I watch as Alduin's force enters lucidnas core. Her hair and veins flash a grand gold before the light dissipates all around us. Its only us and the stars. The dominance in my dov soul is so disgruntled that I didn't consume the soul for myself. I push that feeling down. Lucidna is more important. I hold her close as her breathing becomes a little deeper.

"I'm not going to lose her," tears roll down my high cheeks. "Thank the 9s I will not lose her." I clutch her tight as I bury my wet face in her petite neck and softly run my fingers through her delicate strands. I call Odahviing, he comes quickly.

"I saw and felt the fight brother, I'm proud you ended him."

"Loyal Odahviing, I need to get back to nirn. Please help me."

Odahviing looks at the pitiful image I cast before him, and instead of roaring with laughter, looks at me with understanding eyes before coming beside me and curling us up in his neck and tail. Warm surrounding us on all sides

"Thuri, she has a good heart in her. Too good for a dov. Make sure to cherish and protect her."

"I couldn't dream of anything else."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
We were brought back to the throat of the world, While on the way, lucidna had woken in my arms. She had thanked auri-el, the elven version of akatosh, in a small mumble before opening her eyes fully and making eye contact with me. Her eyes are more draconic than before, her pupils are more slit like, and the greens in her eyes have a higher color variation. Red clouded her cheeks when i smiled at her. I can't help but pull her tight into my chest.

"I'm so glad you're with me again Lucidna, you had me so scared, I don't ever want to be put in that position again."

I sob into her ear, a part of my insides tell me I should be embarrassed to show this side of me, but the other needs nothing more than her.

All is well when we arrive at the throat of the world. Kind Paarthurnax greets us in common tongue, then me in dovahzul. He updates me on the status of the civil war as I carry lucidna with one arm.

Parthurnax calls me a show off in dovahzul. I tell him I at least have to appear close to her league. I think that's the first time I've ever seen him roll his eyes.

Deciding to find a cave and camp for the night, I tell lucidna we have a good few months it seems before the civil war is able to unfold. She's excited to hear she'll have time to heal before setting both the storm cloaks and the imperial straight. While sitting near the campfire, she told me about a vision she had while dying, said something about attending a wedding. The way her tears and the stars blended in her eyes, I can only hope it could be ours.

We both laugh and eat together at the mention of marriage, toasting to a long life and love to the both of us. The way the firelight bounces off of her soft lashes and sharp ears could steal anyone's soul; I'll never dream of stealing a soul like how she stole mine.

Chapter Text

(3rd POV)

The air was becoming warm, Rains Hand was upon the land. The dragonnduo decided they should start making their way north, toward where the civil war was set to take place in the coming weeks. Lucidna, being so curious; begged that they stop at a Dwarven hold along the way, she had plans to hopefully find a nice piece of Dwarven weaponry to enchant before hitting the battle field. Fortunately, their map show that there was a shaft not too far northeast of white run. Perfectly on route to the Northshore of skyrim, solitude.

It was a beautiful sunny morning, being too giddy and continually glancing at one another then trying to hide it; Lucidna and Miraak both didn't know what day it was. And not really caring either.

Lucidna decided it was her turn to try to impress her mate; as they left lake view, the clouds bobbed peacefully in the sky. Lucidna summoned a dark purple at her fingertips and casted a conjuration spell onto the dirt infront of them. Some would say her silence during the ordeal was admirable, but really she was just shy as could be. She summoned ardvak As red spread across her high cheeks, she looked at miraak, not being able to stop herself from smiling, she said,

"You can take that horse of mine over in the stable."

She gestured to the humble, wooden stable. Standing as proud as can be outside the front of her grand house. Inside was a beautiful black and white speckled horse, almost resembling the night sky.

Solitude bound, the two rode northward. The morning sun greeted them in all its splendor.

A while into their journey, they passed whiterun. Slowing her spectral steed down, lucidna looked out over the city in the distance. The sun was climbing in the sky, the scent of farm, cooking, and wood fires floated in the air.

"Mmmm."

Miraak had stopped his horse next to hers.

"What are you thinking?"

Lucidna turned and looked miraak in the eyes.

"I might take something out of my satchel to eat, would you like something?" She asked him with heart eyes.

Miraak choked on his breath a little bit and sputtered out," I'm good for a while longer, until we reach that cave." Smiling while looking at her; the sun glistened perfectly against his eyes, revealing emerald hues. Lucidna, looking at him from the side, secretly thanked her patrons that she got to get along with such a pretty boy.

The sun was falling from the top of the world now. Shimmering cave stood in the distance, so menacing and daunting to others. But to our grand dovakiin; was a treat. Miraak, after helping himself to lucidnas both legally and illegally obtained books, learned of a possible location of ancient artifacts belonging to his time. Anything able to itch his nostalgic nerve was enough for him to pursue. He figured it would be light compared to what the two are used to and in that, lucidna could rebuild her strength. With much excitement they stopped at the mouth of the cave; there's planning to be done.

As they sat at the entrance, they began to talk with one another after having started a little fire. Lucidna, a complete barrel of blush, asked what exactly he wishes to find down in the cave. Miraak explained that there could be many things deep in the earth from his time. With his years of studying science while bored in apocrypha, he concluded that many things had many years to travel and that it was a good opportunity to find any ancient artifacts he could either deconstruct or enchant. Lucidna gave him her attention and in return told him that she'd love to find a dagger of some kind. Though shy to admit, she loved blades of all kind, as seen displayed in her few properties across the holds.

"It makes me feel a certain way, I hate to admit, slashing apart members of my own bloodline long past." Tears licked the corner of lucidnas eyes. Her breathing hitched a bit.

"Mmm" miraak heavily considered his next few words nervously, "I can't even begin to imagine how it makes you feel."

"It's not often you see a Breton with dark skin and white hair. Wood elves are regarded as savages, and snow elves don't exist anymore." Lucidna look at miraak with knives in her eyes, not for him but for her hurt.

"I'm the only one of my kind that looks like me. My parents are gone, my brother gelebor stays up on his cliff away from the world. Where's my place miraak?" Emotions and tears were raising up in lucidna. Miraak scooted clossr and put his arms around her. She sobbed a little, then tried to catch her breath. After a few minutes she got herself a little bit back together.

Lucidna sat in silence for a few seconds. Thinking about the traditions, stories, and ceremonies of her own blood shed never get to behold. Slowly, she turned her eyes toward her partner.

"I'm one to talk miraak, look at you, you've outlived your time and place in this world. Or I bet it feels that way anyhow."

"It is a strange feeling, especially a lonesome one." Miraak glanced back, his own breathing had hitched. To hear lucidna speak of her own cultural displacement awoken something in miraak he forgot was a part of him.

"It truly is lonely." Lucidna answered back solemnly. Miraak gave a small sigh and continued to think. Until his mates voice interrupted him-

"Miraak." Lucidna softly purred.

"Hmm?" As miraak was still left without words.

"You know about them, you were alive while they were still above ground, could you tell me something about my heritage? Anything?"

Miraak grew quite reluctant, he didn't know what to do. Lucidna was begining to back him into a corner.

He sighed.

"It's going to come out sooner or later… oh lucidna I'm sorry. So very sorry." Miraak shook his head and scooted away from lucidna, placing himself away from the heat of the fire, not that he minded too much.

"What are you apologizing for?"

Without looking at her, miraak began to recount his words,

"The Nords and elves have been at each other's throats for many many years lucidna. Even in my time, before the nords, there existed my people. The atmorans."

Lucidna paid him all the attention her emerald green eyes had to offer. She rest her head in her hands.
—--------------
Miraaks (POV)

As my damsel sat looking at me in the soft fire light, fear rose up in my chest. I made so many mistakes in my life, why must I answer to her for them?

"The atmorans were tribesmen of their own. Belonging to snowy atmora. We made ice houses and lived off of mainly horker and the great finned beasts that used to inhabit the icy north waters."

I pause, catching my breath. Lucidna has looked away now; out at the forest around us. I see her sneakily wipe her eyes. I wish she knew she could be weak infront of me.

Catching my breath, I continue.

"We tamed the white bears, we tamed the white wolves. Unfortunately hatred carried tall in my people. The nords inherited their racism from us. We looked at difference and wrong as the same. And lucidna I need you to know thousands of years are between the man I was then, and the man I'm becoming now."

She was looking back at me now. The firelight turning her eyes an amber hue. Lucidna regarded me with eyes full of pain, fear and wonder. I hate this part…

"The atmorans were the ones that pushed the snow elves from the north shore of skyrim deep into the heart of the land. From there the dwemer brought them under ground. I wasn't present in nirn by the time the dwemer got to them…" I spilled out in just one breath; fearful of her response.

"But you were present at that time, when the massacre of the snow elves began.?"

"Not just present, I led the excursion against them…" lucidnas eyes opened and beheld me, her pupils became slits. I could do nothing but close my eyes in shame as the next few words left my mouth. " I entered the war blindly lucidna, I was drunk on my new found power!" I began to panic. What if I hurt her? What if she'll hate me? I open my eyes again, I see her face in her hands.

"If I would've known the weight of my crimes then, I swear on everything I am that I would've given my life for them, just as I'd give my life for you now. I'll serve you for the rest of my life if that's what it takes to make things right lucidna." I was worried now.

"You genocided my people…"

Lucidnas face didn't leave her hands.

"I did, it is my largest shame."

"Yet you love me?"

"Yes." I did not hesitate.

"Even with my long ears and barbaric heritage?" Hatred rode each syllable that left her mouth.

I sink into the snow on my knees, my head bowed toward her. I'm lost for words as she glares through me.

"You're the grandest form my karma could come in."

"Hmph." Lucdina scoffs then laughs a bit and I look up at her.

I put my head back down as tears cloud my eyes.

"You already got your karma when you lost your place in time."

Sickness grows in my guts as lucidna continues on.

"I see it only fair that we love each other, you give me simularity, and I give you atonement."

I look up at her as she rushes me and gathers me in a big hug.

Through the ages my name was regarded as synonymous with traitor; and it rang true, still could. I would've easily betrayed everything I ever was, all for her.

Chapter Text

( Lucidnas POV)

"Honestly miraak, your magelight is nice but mine's brighter."

"Nope."

"Cmon, casting a light spell in a dungeon isn't going to hurt me."

"You summoned a spectral steed and rode across half of skyrim, you don't need to use anymore magika."

Miraak stood tall and proud on the steps leading deep into nirn, looking at me with concerned eyes. Ever since the battle with Alduin, Miraak refuses to let me out of his sight. He's been doing so much for me as well, helping me hunt, cook, train, build. It's been nice getting doted on by him. But I also don't want him to be tired either. I giggle a little bit, it's fun, I admit, to be spoiled.

"Hmm, I think I want to rest for a bit, before we go any farther."

"Sure thing doll."

I giggled and blushed, he also giggled and blushed. We both sat at the top of the stairs. I was a few feet from him, he looked at the distance between us on that top step and closed it, wrapping his arm around me.

"Blackreach isn't too far below us now anyway, also, thank you for catching that draugr before it sliced me back there."

"Can't let the last dragonborn die on my watch."

"Oh c'mon miraak, I'm nothing special."

"You are to me, Lucidna."

He looked at me, he had stars in his dark eyes. He truly is so grand. His arm is still around me as I gaze into his pretty soul. The torches lit on the sides of the wall dance across his dark, high cheekbones as silence fills the distance between us. Feeling a blush creep across my cheeks once again, I bury my face into my hands. I don't know what to do with myself. Of course then be sputtered out,

"You also happen to be dragonborn, the last one at that. You can deny it all you please but that does make you special." His thick, deep voice rumbled out between us.

"Aw come here sweet roll, i'm not sure what the hell I'd be doing without you around." I stand a few steps below so I'm eye level with Miraak, then I throw my arms around him in a big hug. Sometimes I forget how big he is until we're close and I'm just all delicate against him. So crazy indeed.

I could hear the smile in his voice as he quickly pulled me into his lap. All I could do was bury my face in his shoulder. Then, he rumbles out from beneath me.

"How long are we gonna cuddle for sweetie? I can always pull out a bed roll for us."

He giggles and I lift my face and look him in the eyes.

"You are trouble, I swear."

Miraak giggles deeply then kisses me on my forehead before pulling me even tighter into him.

"I'd carry you down to and across blackreach if you wanted. I don't mind as long as I have my princess in my arms."

"MIRAAK" I scream, I get up to try to run away a little to catch my breath and calm my blush but he grabs me by my belt and pulls me back down into his lap.

"I offer my princess a throne and she doesn't even wanna sit on it."

I can only bury my face into his chest as my voice cracks out my response ," oh my gods miraak, I don't know what to do with you."

He giggles again and gets up with me in his arms. He begins to go down the stairs; I pull myself closer to him, I don't much like heights.

"I told you I'd carry you, there's things I've been itching to find down here as well. We will get you a Dwarven sword or dagger and I'll find some ruins from my time or something."

"Miraak, are these temples not from your time?"

"No no, they are. In all honesty, I can't tell what's itching at me, but something from my time is wanting to be found. I can feel it down here lucidna."

"Are the roaches in your dusty head finally coming out?" I ask snidely.

"Yes, yes they are." He replies with the biggest smile ever on his face. I just can't believe this boy.

Time carries on as Miraak carries me closer to blackreach. I begin to drift off into a daydream about what could be crafted with crimson nirnroots; but am interrupted by the sound of the lift bringing us down.

"Miraak, could you put me down?" Pieces of anxiety falling from my tongue.

Trusting that miraak can tell I feel off, I give him a second, to which he does listen, he does put me down. As the lift begins to slow its descent, I bring out my nightingale blade; I can see the envious reflection in Miraak's gaze.

"Would you like to trade?" I innocently asked while Gesturing to his custom sword.

"Hmmm," I watch as he weighs his decisions in his head. Looking back and forth between the swords, he finally answered with,

"Sure sweets, I'd love to see what you could do with my sword." While raising an eyebrow and smirking. Again I was fully red and even face palmed myself, oh my this man he's going to kill me before the falmers do.

☆some time later☆

Miraaks (POV)

It's been some time since we've poured into black reach. Surprisingly, there aren't as many falmer crawling around as we planned. Currently, I'm mining a mysterious vein in the wall while lucidna attempts to translate a book she found in a falmer camp. It'd endearing how set she is on learning more of her heritage. It was a tad heavily earlier at the entrance, however, with time I'll fill her in on all I knew about the once prominent snow elves. I won't lie, it's quite hard to have straight thoughts around her.

"Miraak!"

Though faint at first, her voice snapped me out of my love ridden trance. Her pickaxe was still in my hand as I turned and looked at her, she was fast approaching with a smile on her face, and her little leather bound falmer book in her right hand.

Slightly winded, she grabbed me by the fabric atop my rib cage and beamed up at me,

"We should go over there when you're done, we could find something good I bet."

Her almond shaped eyes were wide with excitement as she pointed to a dilapidated golden structure in the distance. A little higher in elevation as well.

"May take a while to get there dearest."

"I promise I'll walk fast."

I began to laugh,

"Lucidna, my gods, you know I can just carry you, right?"

"Miraak, my gods-"

"Here comes the sass" I thought to myself, before sitting cross legged on the ground next to the book she dropped. Giving her my full attention as she places her hands on her hips; she explains how if I carry her everywhere that'll make the journey easy and take the fun out.

I roll my eyes.

"What's that look for?

"For this-" I sneer out with a smirk as she looks at me in confusion. First I shove her book in my pocket while keeping eye contact. She's still looking at me concerned until I spring up and try to grab her. Agile like a bunny, lucidna darts and I'm left grabbing air; but not for long. I pursue her in chase as she runs down the thin, rough stone path ahead of us. She's nothing but laughs and gasps. Each time she looks back at me she squeals in delightful excitement, before turning her head and trying to sprint faster. I follow, slowly gaining. After a few seconds I begin gaining more ground behind her, and she begins to slow down. Coming to a slight stop before collapsing to the ground in front of me, she is Gasping, smiling, and giggling all at the same time. More Gasping than anything else of course.

Being honest with myself, I decide that I'm out of breath enough to invite myself to the ground next to her. Having breathing out a relieved breath, I grab lucidna, gently pulling her against my chest then laying back. A couple minutes go by as my heart thuds in my chest and ears. Everything is warm as lucidna lays on me, her head at my chest while one hand of hers draws what feels like stars on the other side of my chest.

"What are you drawing beautiful?"

"Stars" lucidna Mumbles.

"Why dear?"

"You're my star."

I feel her face bury into my chest and heat up.

"I'm honored."

I close my eyes as blush covers me in euphoria. Then I feel lucidna adjust a few moments until she comes to a stop. When I open my eyes and look up, She's staring down at me. She's sat on my chest as she straddles me, her long strands tickling my chin and neck.

"What are you up to?" I smile at her, blush has consumed her whole face as her pupils become almost slit like. She sends shivers down my spine with those eyes.

"Miraak, close your eyes."

"Your wish is my command" I do as she says and I place my arms behind my head to get a little more comfortable against the hard sod.

I guess I should've seen it coming, but nonetheless the time in all the universe stopped when her lips pressed against mine. I felt my heart flutter, then race as I stiffened up throughout my whole body. I open my eyes as she's pulling back, her face has taken on a darker red as she closes her eyes and faces off to the side of us. Her dainty hands rest on my chest, between her thighs as I grab them in mine, and squeeze.

My face is on fire and I know I'm sweating as I stutter out, "you're- that- I-I-I really l-iked that a lot Lucidna."

Mentally I slap myself, I've literally been alive for Like over 4 thousand years and I act like a fool after being kissed. Ugh.

Turning her head back she opens her eyes at me then smiles. She pulls her hands from my grasp before tilting her head and placing her hands on either side of my chin, playing with my beard, she leans over me for another kiss. I close my eyes and My fingers follow her white strands up to her head where I pull her in tighter. This kiss could last forever, not even akatosh could command me from her grasp.

Moments melt into minutes as we melt together in bliss. We kiss over and over again in each other's arms. Out of breath I pull back and gasp in excitement; I look up real quick, thanking Akatosh mentally. The sparkling specks in the ceiling, look like stars above us. Almost like they're twinkling as well.

We were both upright. I was sitting cross legged while lucidna sat in my lap, her legs wrapped around me. My arms wrapped around her.

______________________

(Lucidnas POV)

I had almost forgotten about the abandoned lift that I had wanted to explore earlier. This relic that's holding me has grown to be quite distracting. I kiss him once more, eliciting a small shriek from him before he blushes and again closes his deep eyes.

"You can get your bloomers in a bunch when we get to that lift!"

I pick at him once more, he opens his eyes and shoots me a rough little look before saying,

"I'll bunch your bloomers if you don't behave yourself little lady." Raising his eyebrows with a hint of sass In his throat.

I get up and he lets me. I tell him in return, " well I'll let you bunch 'em up when we get there. I'm bored, let's go!"

"Bored kissing me. Wow"

Even behind the sarcasm I could smell his excitement. I just adore him.

☆some more time later☆

(3rd POV)

The two had finally arrived outside of the dilapidated lift to the far edge of blackreach. There were not really many falmer active today in the reach, to which miraak found quite suspicious. Our dovakiin were even able to avoid the towering giant they met along the way.

Upon arriving to the grand Golden gate of the lift, lucidna sat down with her back against it and signed in relief before removing her shoes, then beginning to rub her feet.

"Here, let me help."

Miraak gently said, sitting down beside her and dropping the pack he had been carrying. He pulled lucidnas pack off as well.

"Oh miraak, you don't have t- o-h my"

Lucidna blushed so hard when miraak began working the pads and balls of her two, little, dusty feet.

"They're full of sweat, you really shouldn't." Lucidna mumbled out before closing her eyes and letting her head fall a bit to the side.

"I've touched much worse than sweaty elf toes."

"Oh my gods, ugh!" Lucidnas eyes snapped open quickly when miraak had sputtered out. She kicked at his smug face before trying to pull her right foot out of his hand. She was not successful in either attempt.

Laughing, miraak continues on.

"You're too cute, lucidna, really. I'd love to meet your parents. It must've took some interesting people to make you" He laughs again as lucidna again tries to kick at him.

"Oh my gods." Is all she has left to say.

Chapter Text

3rd Pov

Markarth came to sight, the two dragons decided to stay a while in markarth at another of lucidnas houses. Miraak was begining to worry about his mate. What business did she run before meeting him that made her able to obtain all this estate. In a quick decision, he decided not to ask as they went into Vlindrel Hall. Miraak however, had to admit, he did often wonder about the brotherhood uniform, nightingale blade, and thieves guild artifacts; again, some things are better left unknown.

The entryway boasted warmth as Miraak and Lucidna made their way to the center area of the house. Lucidnas housecarl came to her and asked for sleeping arrangements. Miraak's heart leaped into his throat when Lucidna told Argis that we'd need only the master bedroom prepared; she was set on making dinner. Again, Miraak found himself shifting aimlessly by lucidnas side. Not very fond of the feeling of being out of place. As if lines crossed spiritually, Lucidna broke the silence in the candle lit kitchen.

"This city is so shady, when I got caught up in a mining scheme a while back, no one could be trusted. Everyone here is an ear for someone else. Make sure you keep your cards close miraak."

Almost as if she were scowling, Lucidna peered down into the kettle, stirring the jumble of fragrant materials together, prepping it for the fire.

"What are you making, little one?"

Miraak stood a few feet to her right side. Attempting to make some small talk to distract from his off feeling.

"Was thinking of a roast or stew of some kind. Do you still have the meat from that elk or will we have to go down to the street?" Lucidna asked sternly, still determined to get dinner done.

Miraak rolled his eyes, he knew the answer already.

"We finished it off earlier, a few miles from the gate if you didn't remember."

"Oh yeah. Ugh. I'll go down if you want to wait here, I should be right back."

"Are you sure you're comfortable with that? You just mentioned this place is a little shifty and-"

"Yes miraak, I'll be just fine. They know not to mess with me here."

That was the conclusion of their conversation. Lucidna jiggled her small coin purse in her pocket to make sure it was there before walking out of the kitchen to the front door. Miraak stayed in the kitchen doorway, watching as lucidna left his sight. Unease still shifted in him.

Deciding to distract himself, miraak collected their traveling wares and brought them to the master bedroom. A large bed sat in the middle of the room with delicately carved sconces to light up the room.

"Not bad dragonborn."

Miraak mumbled to himself. As argis saw miraak enter, he left. Miraak paid little mind and decided to unlace his boots and welcome himself to the bed. It'd been a long day. As peace settled its silky finger upon Miraak's mind, he found it so hard to stay awake. Ontop the blankets, miraak began to drift. Imaginary colors inside of his eyelids began to mix and take form. He welcomed the visions that were ushering him to sleep. As haze swallowed him, he pictured lucidna and her green eyes; smiling in her kitchen as a savory meal took form in her hands. It was always sunny in her midst. Sovngarde couldn't begin to hold a candle to the beauty of her flame. Miraak dov soul specialized in ice, making sense of his northern origins. Lucidna happened to be quite the specimen. She was clearly a snow elf with a little Breton, it would make sense she would have a natural ice breath as well but instead she specialized in fire. Miraak could feel the singe In her aura, it complimented her warmth quite well.

A boisterous clattering of metal on stone stirred miraak from his dreamy musing. Miraak focuses on the textured stone above him, listening for his spry partner. Only opening his eyes when he heard more than just lucidna and Argus. It was another man. Curious, and partially furious. Miraak coldly sat up on the bed and got to his feet. Preparing himself for whatever may come he left the bedroom and came up into the kitchen through its humble archway. Lucidna was digging through the cupboards while an older man stood behind her a few paces. Interestingly with white skin and white hair. Curious, Miraak wasted no time interjecting.

"Any good deals on meat down in the commons?"

"I found some nice venison, I'm thinking venison stew then? Would that be enough for us four?"

"Uhm hmmmm." Miraak attempted to deflect, he didn't know what to feel about the man by lucidna. Awkwardly however, he felt like there was something he was left out of, and he was so right.

"Your hesitation miraak, it's wildly hot." Lucidna clapped back quickly.

Before miraak could respond with something equally witty. The older man standing behind lucidna scoffed then giggled out.

"Lucidna, jeez, at least wait until I leave the room."

Lucidna smiled a devilish grin then quickly turned around.

"To do what?"

"Nothing, the last thing I want to do is give a trouble maker like you ideas."

Dropping her jaw in fake offense, lucidna walked right up to the snow white man and said, "I can't believe you gelebor, it's been years since I've done anything wild." Lucidna couldn't help but clutch her gut. Miraak came to her side to try to steady her. He felt relief knowing that the very very white man was a relative of lucidnas. The whole time everyone was smiling, even argis could be heard scoffing outside the doorway.

"Right, right. Cause Killing a god and making his plaything your plaything is vanilla as all hell. Is that correct kid?" Gelebor smirked at his sister then turned toward miraak.

"My sister is horrible at introductions in case you couldn't tell." The white elf gestured at the tinier white elf in miraak's arms. Reaching out a hand, gelebor introduced himself as lucidnas older brother, and son of the Great and Last Queen of the Falmeri.

"Incase lucidna didn't tell you. She's royalty. And she hates every part."

"Mom was no Saint." Lucidna straightened and crossed her arms, letting out a huff.

"No wonder miraak plotted against her." Lucidna absent-mindedly slipped out.

Upon saying that, everyone's eyes in the room grew wide except for Argis's. Gelebors wide eyes focused on miraaks. No expression was made as the elf prince addressed miraaks avoiding gaze directly and said.

"You plotted against my mom… and you didn't even bother to get the job done. So much for the first dragonborn?!?!"

Miraak was in shock as lucidna and gelebor began to laugh like wild dogs.

"Leave him alone!"

"You told me he was old, but I wasn't expecting it to be the same Miraak that mom encountered in her youth."

"You mean when she was a war maiden."

" an old hag would describe her more. No wonder your boy toy helped get her away from his people. Hell, you know how vyrthur said that he caught vampirism from his follower? It was only an excuse to not have to look at her in daylight."

The two snow elves began cackling again. Lucidna couldn't contain her blush.

Miraak, still in shock asked, "is the high priest vyrthur related to you?"

Lucidna looked at miraak and nonchalantly mused, " he's the oldest of us three. Thank God I brought the roof down on him."

Gelebor laid on the floor and started to scream out of pure hilarity.

"Lucidna, oh my gods" was what came from the floor.

Miraak still was in shock, in his days, he brought a grand conquest against the family of these very falmer. Miraak knew of vyrthur in his time. Even going as far as trying to write a treaty to eventually going into combat against him. Miraak recalled the moment where vyrthur almost took his life on the snowy north shore of present day skyrim. That day was just a few Before Miraak's imprisonment. Fear and shame still sat deep in him for his actions, but seeing the love between the two remaining members of the falmeri royal family brought him hope. Maybe everything does have a place. Including him.

Over the dinner of venison stew and elsweyr fondue, Gelebor regaled miraak with stories and a few questions. Gelebor explained he was born a good few decades after Vrythur and a good many more decades before lucidna.

"Oh yeah, I can still remember the day mom brought home Lucidnas short, little brown daddy. Little did I know, the screams I heard from down the hall would result in my little princess of a sister." Gelebor shot teasing, antagonizing loving stares at lucidna and she kicked him under the table.

"Don't talk about them like that, imagine what they'd have to say about you Mr. Knight-Paladin." Lucidna responded in her own antagonizing tone.

"Like what? I 'kidnapped' you per their own words. I didn't want you in that environment, can you blame me?"

Lucidna rolled her eyes then thanked her brother, she then turned to miraak and told him,

" my brother did what he could to get me out of my mothers area. While it hurts so deeply knowing you led a conquest against my people; I can see where you were coming from with my mom. She wasn't any good to us two, or even the rest of her people. The more I think back, the more I remember." Lucidna looked a little gloomy into the bowl below her. Miraak simply hugged her and apologized, then kept his arm around her.

"It's Okay lulu, the man's getting his karma now."

Concerned, both miraak and lucidna looked up and shot gelebor a confused glance,

"What would that be?" Lucidna asked.

"You." Was gelebors only response
______________________________

(Miraaks POV)

Cobblestone stares down at me from above, in my left arm, the falmeri princess is fast asleep. I can't believe it. I, miraak the traitor, is currently laying in bed with a snow elf. My gods, I never knew it'd come to this. My heart races in my bare chest as I sit up, softly removing my arm from under lucinda, and pinch the bridge of my nose. Sitting on my side of the bed and thinking, the term never says never rings so true.

I get up from my spot, leaving the bedroom and going into the kitchen to find some water or ale to get rid of this cotton feeling in my mouth. This feeling, it's like lightning befell me in this humble, morthal, kitchen. As I was digging through the cupboard, I felt eyes on me. Whipping around fast, I see a snowy white man and I know it's lucidnas brother. Breathing a breath of relief, I quickly realize I'm in the presence of former royalty.

"I never thought my sister would have a type." A smile is spilled on his face as his groggy voice leaves his throat.

"She does?" I shyly question gelebors words.

"I don't actually know, I just wanted to pick on you a bit. If you don't mind some small talk, I think you're a good person to get to know. A blast from the past if one may." The snowy elf winked at me. I can't believe he harbors no hatred toward me. Maybe he was educated thoroughly on the atmoran-falmer war I figure to myself.

So we sat down, at the same table we sat at last night. Gelebor had grabbed a blackberry ale, and I found myself some cheap mead. Gelebor made a quick joke of my choice and I made a sarcastic quip at him. We both giggled.

For a while we talked about Skyrim's history, solstheim history. Even what happened after I fell into apocrypha. One thing led to another, Gelebor ended up asking me my intentions with his sister, as any respectable brother would.

"I can't help but think with this war coming up, it would put so much ease on my mind to know that lucidna has someone with great war experience on her side." He shot me suggestive side eyes, I have a feeling I know where this conversation is heading.

I answered back promptly and firmly that, "I couldn't imagine letting her go into combat alone. I'll be with her the whole way."

"So miraak. I guess my real question is, what are going to be you and lucidnas plan once you two win the war?"

"While I've been thinking about taking control of this place for myself, I also find myself exhausted at simply the notion. Paladin, I led a genocide of your people already. I'm tired of war, it's done no one good. How can I put myself at the head again?" I look at gelebor, hoping I don't seem weak. But to run a country again, especially a more modern one I didn't grow up in, is quite a tall task. I suggest that lucidna take reign, she swallowed alduin's soul after all.

"Do you really think skyrim's nords would be ready and willing to bow down to a woman? Much less a mer woman?" Gelebor snarled at me.

"Well.. I… as much as I hate it gelebor, you do have a point." I can't help but agree with him. He knew the nords all too well, so did I.

"I do have one idea in mind, but it's going to take you two being on board." Gelebor looked at me so slyly. What his mind was stuck on, really did interest me.

"And what's that?" I question quickly.

"Something to solidify lucidnas rule, and something to give you comfort through it. I suppose I'll have to think about it a bit longer before proposing the idea. But, I suppose proposing would be a huge part." Gelebor giggles at the end. I'm confused, while glad that gelebor approves of me being in lucidnas orbit, I worry with the civil war coming up. What's going to happen to my mate and new friends, I ask myself mentally. Only Akatosh knows. However, I do know that I should probably get a shirt on. And with that thought, I scamper back to Lucidnas room

Chapter Text

Lucidnas pov

I stirred awake In a tall candle lit bedroom. From outside the room I could hear the boisterous laughter of two men. One was my brother, the other my mate. My heart still swells at the thought of Miraak, I could never get over him. I'm glad my brother accepts him, especially with all that uhmm.. treachery in his past one could say.

Thoughts run through my head as my surroundings fade.

Pinpoints of stellar light prod at me and I pay them my attention.

“here in my shrine.”

“Oh my” I mutter to myself as I hear the ghosts of the past coming to my presence.

I know I'm looking up at the stars above me, although I'm reluctant to take in my surroundings in it has to be done. Slowly I move my eyes around me, lightly twirling on a tan, cobblestone floor. I realize my location and I drop my head. Listening to the once ominous mantra of my lover.

“That you have forgotten.”

This particular line struck me wrong. I catch myself thinking, when did apocrypha earn her stars? I look up again and wonder if me or miraak had anything to do with it. I get a sick feeling in my mind when a more innocent thought passes through me, maybe the stars are burning remnants of mora? His many eyes watching his playthings from afar. I wonder if when I culled him, if I absorbed him too... I send a few silent prayers to auriel and Mara as I walk along, sirened by my dragon priest.

“Here do I toil.”

I notice the small changes to miraak's mantra, I don't know where I'm going, simply running over cobble stone and dried sludge. I enter and leave rooms of books. There's so much, all knowledge passes through this world. A part of me understands why Miraak chose Hermaeus. There's power in wisdom.

“That we might remember”

The stars are still shining as I catch my breath. I'm only making circles, there's something else I have to do here besides find miraak.

Frustrated, I throw myself to the ground and simply listen.

“By night I'll reclaim

What by day was stolen.”

As I listen to miraak's voice I close my eyes, I'm on my back. I blush a little when I catch my mind straying a bit at the sound of his voice.

“Far from me, I grow ever near to you.”

Smiling, his mantra had changed. Maybe I helped. My heart swells at the thought.

“My eyes once were blinded,
now through you do I see.

My hands once were vile,
Now through you they are clean.

And when the world shall listen
And when the world shall see

And when the world remembers
That world is ours to be.”

I open my eyes, only to see stars, But as I glance to the side, a familiar face is there.

“Your voice is beautiful.” mine is raspy from the running earlier.

Miraak smiles at me and I sit up. We sit together on the cobblestone staring up at the sky.

“In all the eras, I never saw stars here. Not until you killed him.”

I feel eyes burn into me, waiting for my response.

I look at Miraak in his stern, expecting face.

“Do I scare you?”

I ask, not really knowing why.

“yes.”

A quick, quiet response shocked me. I sat back and widened my eyes.

He looked off, back towards the sky.

“There's no way miraak-”

He looked at me with stars in his eyes and said, “ You killed my God-”

“With reason of course miraak” I interrupted then-

“Let me talk dear, you killed my God. When you kill a ruler of a kingdom, are you not the new ruler?”

“I- uhm.”

Miraak chuckles,

“This world is yours dear, me included” miraak's deep voice melted through me.

My face got so hot I couldn't help but bolt straight up, I was still in bed. I layed down quickly in a breath of relief until I opened my eyes again and saw miraak sitting on the edge.

“Some dream you were having, huh?”

Miraak picked at me a little.

“ a little one, yes”

“Mmmm was it about me?”

“Yes”

And like that, my face went into a pillow. Unfortunately I didn't get to see miraak's face or reaction as he too put his face in a pillow.

As we were both steaming with embarrassment, I heard a light knock and then another entered the room. Gelebor.

“I was thinking on the way to solitude we could stop by my place.”

I could only scream

“Yes!”

Into my pillow. It is going to be yet a long journey with these two

—--------------

{Miraak's POV}

“Memories find their way back into my head, I've been alive for millenia, of course I'm going to forget. It's a shame, I knew so much about Lucidnas' people and culture. I get flashbacks every now and again but I really wish I could give her more. All that war was pointless back in the day. God, I still find myself dis-”

The earth flies out from under me as my damn face smacks the ground. It takes me a second to fall back into my mind.
I must've been daydreaming as my foot catches a root.

“FUCK”

“Miraak!!” “my god-”

Instantly lucidna was at my side, her brother not far behind her. They had been ahead of me a few paces, too bad I didn't take a dragon.
Lucidna said we shouldn't expend them before the war. So here I am.

Lucidnas frantic face finds my own ad she doesn't think twice about summoning her sweet golden spell between her digits and begins exploring my head and neck.

“Lucinda please I got it-”

I mumbled

“You always want to do stuff on your own.”

“I admit you make it hard to”

We're instantly snapped out of our shared world as gelebor clears his throat and settles down next to me.

“I swear those roots seem to have minds of their own.”

A smile flashes across his face as he looks to his sister.

“Would you like me to luci?”

“Hmmm.”

Rolling his eyes and laughing, I don't realize lucidna has my head in her lap until her giggle rumbles through me. I can't help but blush and close my eyes.

“The light isn't bothering you, right?”

Gelebor inquires,

I open my eyes and curtly reply,

“No, just looking at my old eyelids.”

He snickers and lucidna rolls her eyes,

“You're definitely okay.”

Fuck, these falmeri royals will be the death of me. If only my mother could see me now, God she’d slap me, or laugh, she never liked how much I was involved in the war. She'd call this my due karma.

I keep my head in lucidnas laps, before remembering her brother is right here.

Getting up quick, I shake my head and continue on the way, disregarding the red tinge in my cheeks, lucidna grabbing my arm and hugging it, walking in stride with me. I smile as I look down, she beams back up at me. The dappled light cradles her features angelically. God I can't believe she would want to hang on me.

_______________________

*some time later*

“That's some loyalty you got going on there”

“And what's that supposed to mean?”

“I'm just saying you bagged a good one.”

“Gele stop! Oh my God he's right here don't talk About us like that.” I could hear the blush in lucidnas voice.

“ Excuse me, we are scaling a mountain, to my home, wait no scratch that. Me and miraak are scaling a mountain, while you let Miraak carry you.”

I sputtered in small giggles, and lucidna knocks me in the back of the head and huffs
“Well I told him he could say no.”

“I saw the look you gave him”

“Dammit it I'm not talking to you anymore.”

“Well fine then I'll talk to your ride”

Oh shit.

“Miraak pal, you should come over here a little bit so she can't ignore me.”

I begin smiling, oh my God these two. I don't respond out of fear of lucidna in hitting distance.

“Miraak If you go Over there I'll never forgive you”

“Don't let her lie to you miraak if you get her elsweyr Fondue she'll probably accept that as a marriage proposal, since she thinks with her little pot belly”

“Gelebor I hope you die”

“Yeah okay I don't have another roof for you to drop on me too so rest in pieces to vyrthur but I'm built differently.”

I can do nothing but hold the bridge of my nose.

“Here up ahead!”

Lucidna huffs and Crosses her arms as gelebor Speeds Past us excitedly.

“Are you okay Sweet roll? “ I question the woman sitting in the nook if my left arm moves her right arm from the fold in front of her to rest on my left shoulder as her right arm wraps around my neck. She Brings her face close to mine and kisses my cheek Before blushing. She doesn't remove her arms but pulls her face back and says,

“I'll be fine, thank you, my brother annoys me sometimes. And he has no business embarrassing Me in front of you!”

I slow my gait so we don't get to the doors as fast. Gelebor had already gone inside but left the doors cracked behind him so we too could get in.

“don't be embarrassed, I get nothing but laughs hearing the two of you go at it, it's endearing. You remind me of me and my little sister.”

Her eyes get big before pushing farther,

“do you think she would've approved of me for you?”

I scoff,

“Of course she would, my mother would adore you too.”

I swear I watch her pupils become hearts as lucidna softly replies,

“My mom was horrible but nothing would've given me more joy than to bring you home and show you to my whole family. They'd be so proud of me for finding someone as willing to protect me as you.”

I move lucidna into both of my arms, cradling her as a bride, I blush as I say, “ I would have shaken your mother's hand to prove to you that I'm willing to do anything for you.”

I push a kiss to her forehead before walking in and closing the doors behind me. Lucidna, still in my arms, Screams for her brother before jumping out of my arms. She hugs me tight at my stomach and looks me in the eyes as she says,

“you really didn't need to carry me all that way.”

“I told you it'd be my honor”

“Hang on sweetie”

“Sure thing dea-”

“You better not have touched my room gelebor!”

“This is my house lucidna”

“And that's my room”

Darting off, lucidna runs down a hall to our right, I follow humbly, taking In the scenery. In all my years, to think I'd stand in the way shrine hall… my gods..
As I lose myself in thought while following my Little half elf, her brother comes up behind me, shocking me out of it.

“I can't believe she doesn't trust me enough to not touch Her room, what does she think I am, some ass hole?”

He snorts and looks at me, I look back At him and smirk

“To be fair I would've used it as a storage room if she was going to be this mean to you”

“That's a great idea! Why don't you take her with you so I can?”

“You give me permission to steal your sister?” I attempt to give gelebor some shit but instead he just laughs more and says,

“Gets her out of my hair, you seem to keep her happy too, “ he shoots me a sincere look before leading me to lucidnas room.

“Well here's the dragon's den, have fun, I'll cook a little bit later.” Gelebor says as he leaves me at an arched doorway, belonging to my love.

Her door is A rich, purple, velvet curtain embellished with gold stars. It's funny, these colors remind me so much of her, she really is a princess.

Musing to myself as I slip past the curtain and into a beautiful, sunlit room. There are lavender, silk curtains draped over gold rods above a lifted bed. The blankets are made out of snow fauna pelts. I gaze around some more, I can tell there's a connected washroom due to the doorway near the other corner of the room. I'm in awe. I can tell lucidna was loved so deeply to have all of this. Even so much as an enchanted vanity, boasting a mirror that emits soft lighting when one stands in front of it. There are a few skylights, all made out of stained glass. A couple scenes Look too familiar. I gaze up at the kaleidoscopic designs, realizing one of them is based on the war. Depicting a black dragon blazing a snowy landscape. My skin crawls, as Realization sets in.

That's alduin torching the north shore of skyrim, atmoras first distraction and initial hit against the falmer, meant to weaken outer forces. I start to wonder what stories her mother and brothers told her before again I'm snapped out of my haze.

“Were you on the back of Alduin?”

“What?” I shakily ask.

She pointed up at the skylight I was focusing On.

“N-no not exactly, that Was my forces first strike on your forces However..”

Nerves wrack my body in shame, I can't believe this.

“Come lay with me for A bit, you look so tired.” Lucidnas soft voice pulls me to instantly close the good few feet I am from her and her bed. I remove my boots And robe before laying out on the bed next to her. This whole room is enchanted, I felt the tingle in my fingers as soon as they'd touched her curtain door.

“Lucidna”

“Yes?”

“What will we do after the war?”

“Like us? Me and you?”

She links her hand with mine while I blush. Looking at me with her bright, almond shaped eyes. They're twinkling as she tells me,

“We'll ride Parthurnax Or Odahviing back here and drink good mead with my brother!”

She squeezes me with everything in her. My vision dots as I happily let her, I swing my arms around her and we embrace. My heart pounds as her head rests on my chest, she giggles as I breathe and play with her hair.

“do You think your brother could handle riding a dragon, or will we end up needing to walk?”

“Well I've Never watched him ride a dragon but I've gone riding with you and it wasn't so bad.”
She doesn't look up from my chest but instead starts caressing My arms and playing with my arm hair.

“Sweets stop it, that tickles.”
Lucidna Moves her head from my chest and uses her arms to perch herself up upon me.
“Or else what?” She smirks.

I decide to play along,
Quickly Flipping us over, I'm now above her straddling her as she attempts to push me off. I go to town tickling her and she squeals And screams through her laughter as I do too.
We toss around for a few minutes before I lay down, Our arms and Legs are tangled together.

“You look so beautiful” I pant out, lucidna blushes and tries to roll over but I stop her.

“Where are you going, let me look at you-”

“M-miraak! By talos I swear!”

“Talos!? That's a new one! Come here!” My left arm wraps fully around her squiggly self as my right hand secures her left arm. lucidna Is too flustered to look at me so she closes her eyes and pants, unable to escape an impending giggle.

“You're so insufferable! I can't believe I -”

I pull back and cut her off, kissing her deeply as her arms wrap Around my Neck and shoulders. She tugs me over her and I oblige willingly. Pulling back, The soft snow bear pelts below my taupe arms pale in contrast Against lucidnas bronze arms and wrists. My gods, look at her, I muse to myself. Her soft, white hair lines her head like a dragon's crown, as she opens her starry eyes and gazes at me, her hands and arms lay relaxed on the fluffy pillows above her head. I get to my knees, still straddling Her yet careful not to put too Much of myself upon her.

“I love you” She purrs out to me, then smiles sweetly. I never knew how frozen I was until she melted me. I feel Myself melting into her as I growl Out,

“I love you too” my voice still raspy From our kiss.

“What were your plans Miraak?”

“what for?”

“After the war.”

“Well… I-” it's so pitiful, murder meant nothing compared to what I feel right now. I feel her green eyes search mine, I know we have times where we can hear each other's thoughts, and maybe she's already heard mine. As I stutter, I wonder if I'm too far in now to Not trust her, and the answer is yes, gladly as I find my words and say,

“I plan on marrying you, if you'll have me.” It's my turn to search her eyes and she sits up, I scooch back to give her room. My heart is a war drum in my chest.

Touching her chest softly, Tears well in her eyes as she whispers brokenly,
“You want to marry me?”

I take her hands in mine,
“Yes, and genuinely I'm sorry about not waiting to see your amulet of Mara or-

“Honey, oh my, “ tears are Rolling down her cheeks as she smiles so big, “Snow elves don't do amulets, usually women are proposed to by being brought a successful hunt, or something else of high expertise” She can barely get out,

“good to know, I can't wait to propose to you lucidna, you don't know what you mean to -'' I can barely get my words out before she smashes her mouth against mine.

Apparently it was her turn to cut me off.

The force of her climbing into my lap and smashing her lips against mine pushed me into the golden hued bedpost behind me. her hands found my jawline And her arms snaked around my shoulders again as I grabbed her under her thighs And brought her in even closer to me. My nose pressed into her cheek as lucidna Ran Her fingers through my dark hair. I let her take control, I'm all hers. I feel an insatiable craving rising in me, I suppose I Can't blame myself but Damn this woman. Her fire and forest scent Assault my senses as her Tongue assaults mine. My hands start to wander from her thighs, to her hips. I begin creeping up her sides To get a good grip on her. The dov in me goes crazy with every Inch of warm, soft skin that I cover.

She sways a little, halting her tongues assault On mine and pulls back.

“Miraak-” She says playfully out of breath.

“That's my name” I growl back, as I eye her, it Seems as if she glows in the colored lighting.

“You know I love it.” Her pupils swell As her hand grazes my cheek. It puts a lump in my throat and a swarm of bees in my chest.

“You know I love you, dear?”

Upon asking, she blushes deeply And closes her eyes before opening them again and kissing me softly before replying,

“Yes, and I hope you never stop”

“Mara herself would strike me Down if She found out how much I love you. She could never compare in all her glory.”

“Oh miraak, she is a wonderful patron. I promise she knows what she's doing.”

“That's more than I can say for myself”

Lucidna scoffs, then through laughter asks,
“What's that supposed to mean?”

“Well, when it comes to love I'm not too skilled in that area. War, world Domination, you know-”

In my blubbering, lucidna eyes me like a soldier caught in talons of alduin himself,
“I could be your world.”

“Oh lucidna you are my world-, wait what?” shocked, at her poignant implication

“Don't act dumb.” lucidna growls, her gaze darkens. She leans back, hovering just above her silk and lace adorned pillows.

“I-”

“I could've sworn a While ago you would've jumped on the opportunity, unfortunately I read you wrong it seems.”

I point at her then me, I'm speechless. No wonder her brother called this her dungeon.

“Lucidna, your brother is expecting Us for dinner, I don't want to slight him.”

“Miraak, he'll be fine. I've got a good enchantment on that curtain anyway.” She winks then beckons me. I crawl toward her, my heart begins pumping harder and harder as I draw closer to her.

“I could imagine how protective he could be over you, you're an aedra, mal dovah.” I mumbled as I went in for a kiss. Lucidna wraps her arms around me and pulls me down on top of her. My blood begins to warm. I'm as helpless as a vampire in the midday sun.

“You protect me good too, handsome.” She says as a bundle of blush,, I blush too. I've pulled back to admire her. I take her in fully, her emerald eyes, white, straight tresses flowing down the length of her torso. For her petite frame, she's built muscular, her arms have seen countless fights, her hips, warm and welcoming. I hear my heartbeat upon that thought.

“You're mine, I'd kill anyone who said otherwise.”

“Make me yours, please thuri.” Her breathing hitches, I can smell the faint Scent of the various herbs she'd been carrying with her earlier. The Smell clung to her messy sewn pockets.

“It's not thuri to you, dii Jud. If you insist on something, call me your ahmul.”

“And what does That mean, dii ahmul?”

“My husband” I can't look her in the face, I close my eyes and turn my face away. I feel her hand grab The sides of my face and pull myself Back in to kiss. Her legs wrap around my waste and squeeze me lightly.

“Then I'll treat you as such, dii ahmul-”
Eyeing me dark Like prey in a corner.

“Please”

She pulls my top from my body, admiring and touching the scars on my chest and torso. Her little hands warm My chest as her fingers trace my marks. I grab her hands in mine and bring them to my mouth, pressing a kiss to each of her knuckles. As she blushes I let her hands go and bring my hand to the clasps on her brotherhood garments, a warmth erupting through Me.

“May I, dii jud?”

“Yes miraak”

She's breathy as I make light work of her armor. In a few Seconds she lay beneath Me as I straddle her, she gazes Up at me as blush consumes her. She's wearing doeskin wrappings on her chest and pelvic area; I allow my hands to falter and instead clutch her hair and blankets as I kiss her again And again.

“Lucidna I could eat you alive.”

“Don't keep me waiting, miraak.” Her arms left the bed and snaked around my neck, pulling me in for a few warm kisses again. Then her legs wrap around my waist.

“Do you want me?”

“More than you know, thuri.”

I pull my pants from my body and her wrappings from hers, The sun has passed the horizon, twilight fills the room now. Our Outlines dance and mingle against soft pelts. As I plant kisses to every part she lets me. I kiss her deeply And trail them down her neck, to her chest. I welcome her hardened points between My teeth, suckling like I've been thirsty my whole life. Her back arches, putting herself Deeper into my mouth and Gasping out my name.

“Is that okay dear?” My mouth leaves her Skin with a pop, lucidna whimpers and pants in response,

“Don't stop miraak.”

I smirk and remind her I wasn't planning on stopping, before I continue my teasing. I move from one breast to the other as I wrap lucidna tightly in one arm as my other arm brings my hand to her face, cupping and caressing her high cheeks. Again, my mouth leaves her skin with a pop Before I continue trailing my kisses south. I reach her belly button and place my cheek against her stomach,

“How are you feeling love?”

“I-im just lovely miraak.” A breathy giggle leaves lucidnas mouth as she runs her fingers through my hair.

“Can I taste you?” The room is black now, I hear movement as I wait for a response. I feel lucidna wiggle a bit beneath me, she goes to pull her legs up so I push my head and shoulders between them, my chin Is against her pelvis now as her legs start to quiver.

“What about you?” lucidna asks almost innocently, her fingers finding my arm and using it to find my hand, she begins holding it.

“What about me?”

“Your pleasure.” I can hear the insistence in her voice but I'm not having it. My woman isn't going to deny herself pleasure on my behalf.

“Yours comes first, it's the least I can do dii jud.” I growl in response, the Heat that's racking my body is driving me insane. I truly am a simple man after all i realize.

“As long as you're happy with it- ahh oh my Gods Miraakkk-” lucidna becomes inconsolable, she moans and groans out as i plant my face between her legs and begin lapping up her slick, then finding her bundle of nerves. I place my hands on her hips and grip So she can't wiggle away, her legs lay draped over my shoulders shaking. I could stay here forever, her musk and sweat filling my nose, her fingers tangling themselves in my hair. I assume a lazy pace, leaning my head into her left thigh, then grabbing her right thigh and pulling her legs more open.

She gasps my name as I focus my tongue and lips right on her clit. Her back arches again, forcing her body deeper into my mouth. I move my left hand up from her hip to grab her left breast. I begin squeezing and massaging all while lucidna whimpers And mewls. Her voice Takes On a whine in its quality as she inches closer and closer to finishing. Her hands become more aggressive in my hair as her breaths become Ragged. I take Both my hands, grab her thighs and shove her legs back, opening her up for me to get my fill.

“Mir-raak i-i-i -I'm so close I'm gonna-”

She goes incoherent for a few seconds as her legs start Spazzing. I continue lapping her up until Her gibberish melts into moans for Me. Her hands stay tangled in my hair as I slow my licking down then stop, Before kissing her on her ball of nerves. She gives one final shake in response before going limp. darkness And racing breaths fill the room. I hear a snap and the sconces I'd forgotten on the wall light. I get to see my masterpiece before me.

“Come here.” She calls softly and I obey. I'm on my forearms above her as she pulls me into an embrace. Her skin is slick from the previous excitement. She buries Her face into my neck and I can feel her quiver a little. Her hands wander between us for a few seconds before Lucidna giggles then whispers,

“I've never been with a man as big as you.”

I blush and giggle and respond, “if you have me i'll come gently dear.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

She places her hand between us. Against my chest she pushes and I again obey, I lean back on My knees admiring Her.

“I wish you wouldn't eye me like that.”

“I'm looking at my wife.”

She covers her face, not able to contain her smile. slowly she spreads her legs and puts them around me, tugging me closer. Im leaned over her as I lined myself up with her. Still covering her face slightly she Mumbles,

“Is it okay if the lights go back off?”

“Of course,” I nuzzle into her neck and bite a little, she squeaks and jumps before wrapping her arms around my shoulders. I assume the honor of turning the room dark, a simple energy drain cast on the room, and its dark. Slivers of moonlight filter through the stained glass, cutting the dark here and there in odd slashes. She's panting, waiting For our union. Her legs are still up and around me, her arms still wrap around my shoulder as her face rests in the crook of my neck. I move my hand between us to Guide me in as my other circles around her back. Right as my tip is lined up she whispers in my ear, a shake in her voice,

“I love you miraak”

“I love you too lucidna–aa holy fuck”

I slid in on my response, she gasped as well. It was a firm, warm squeeze around myself, figuring it'd take a few seconds to adjust I ask lucidna,

“Are you alright dear?”

She's panting heavily under me and against my shoulder when she responds,

“Mmmm I am, just go slow.”

“I will” I move my hand from her and get her between them on the bed. I don't Lay on her, not yet, I want to hear and look at her. Her outline is soft and fuzzy in the dark of her room.

I'm in her arms, lucidnas wrapped me tight in a sweet embrace and she's between my arms as I start rocking my hips back and forth. I bring my chest to touch hers, I wanna be as close as possible. Everytime I rock forward, the Bed gives a creak As Lucidna whimpers and moans against me.
It feels like heaven, her fire and herb scent, her soft hair falling against my hands, her Arms around my shoulders, hands scratching my back. Her back arches her chest against mine. She holds Me tighter for a few seconds while mewling,

“Oh my God you're so big.” Against my shoulder, I pray to talos her brother can't hear us. I can't get many words out, she takes my breath with each thrust. After a couple seconds of exchanging breaths I begin to feel the pressure build in me. I place my forehead against hers,

“Where do you Want me to finish, princess?”

Lucidna kisses me deeply and moans into my mouth before Pulling back and cupping her hand against my cheek, wrapping her legs tighter around my Waist, i couldn't pull out even if i wanted to, so i keep my pace as she Whimpers,

“Where do you think, dii a-ahmul.” Her responses have a whine to them, driving me even more mad. I wrap her tight In my arms, one hand going to the back of her head and tangling in her hair as I Pick Up pace. I feel lucidnas nails draw blood on my back as her whimpers and moans start melting into screams. In my few moments of clarity in the ever burning desire, I think to myself this is what the authors of old meant by the Beast of two backs. sovngarde Has nothing on lucidna, my very last thought as warm euphoria takes over. I release and melt into her as she welcomes me with loving whispers and kisses to the sides of my face. Her arms around me and mine around hers. We hold each other for a few warm minutes before I peel myself from above her and lay down to the side Of lucidna, pulling her close. My arm is under her head and my other wraps around the small of her back, her face is nuzzled into my chest. I play with her strands mindlessly as I bask in the afterglow. I can feel her fingers grazing across my chest, tugging on my hairs here and there.

I push my lips to her crown And kiss before giggling at her little straying touches. I find the edge of her fur blanket then I move onto My back, pulling her onto my chest, I don't want to let her go. I cover us with the blanket and wrap my arms back around lucidna, her hair falls all over my chest, tickling me a bit.

“are you comfortable?” she speaks softly into the dark.

“Yes, just stay here with me, please.” I don't even try to hide the beg in my voice.

“That's Not even a question.” Her last words before the room grows silent. My mind is still in disbelief.