King-Fall

XV. The Door of Mirrors

It was right there...

Funny, it didn't even look resemble a looking-glass.

It was like a part of the night sky but with no moon, no auroras, just stars. That is, until you got close enough. Then it would light up with light like fire in a reflection of your shape.

I slipped off my potion pouch and sighed. The Daedroth had crushed all our potions, so I dumped the glass shards and liquids onto the floor. Before I slipped the bag back on Serana touched my arm and I stopped.

Her touch was so gentle that I stiffened. She stepped closer and enveloped me, hugging me tightly around my middle. For a moment I was frozen, just basking in her arms. She glanced up at me, her chin on my chest and she smirked.

"Your heart's pounding."

"Serana-"

"You still love me, accept it, Talion."

Sighing, I carefully tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. I didn't deny it.

No.

I can't deny it.

"It's like you said, Serana." I uttered as I wrapped her in my arms. "Marriage, isn't so much of a love thing, as it is a commitment."

"Talion-" her voice cracked.

"I may still love you, but I am committed to another." I whispered, "Till death, do us part."

"Talion, just a few minutes."

I raked my hands through her hair, saying nothing. She pleaded,

"For five minutes, like old times."

I just wiped the tears from her eyes. Smearing a bit of black gunk on her face.

"One minute."

I didn't say anything. What could I say? I just held her close and breathed a shaking sigh.

"One second." She whispered weakly. Then she reached out and tentatively took my crown. I let her and she cast it to the ground. "Just one, Talion." She then gripped the shroud and pulled it slowly off my head. "One." She gently tossed the mask away and pulled away my coif letting out my helmet hair.

Talion, my mind chastised, what are you doing?

Nothing.

Serana closed her eyes and slowly got on her tippie-toes.

Yes, my mind stated again, but what aren't you doing?

Stopping her.

I put a finger on her lips and smiled. "Serana," I kissed her head, "compromise. If I die, I'm a loyal husband," I kissed her temple, "and you die knowing that you were loved." Then I kissed her cheek and-

Stopped.

She didn't need to hear my heart pounding harder than it has in ages, I could see my face's reflection off of her eyes. She smiled a beautiful grin, she pecked my neck and cheek before pulling away.

"Compromise." She agreed, wiping the Twilight-monster gunk off of her face and checking her inventory and weapons. I retreated back a few steps and turned my back on Serana. Looking at the air confused, how do I do this?

I started, "Umm, Neloth?"

"Don't worry," he groaned as if he knew what I was about to say, "I won't tell." He yelled at someone in the background, "Bring me more tea! It was just getting good!"