"Sounds fun."

Back to walking.

"She was working on a way to extract magicka from soul gems to power normal spells, not just enchantments, before the prophecy diverted her attention."

"Huh. Based on the life drain, or something else?"

"To act as an external reservoir and purifier, more or less." The details are more than a bit arcane, and Elana is not entirely up to date with Valerica's latest progress.

She nods, humming. "Your magic system's interesting."

"I find it an engaging area of study."

"I can tell."

"Incredible powers of observation."

"I miss nothing."

"Except, perhaps, the particular speed at which a troll may strike."

She sticks her tongue out at Elana. 

She laughs, and kisses it.

She kisses back, giggling.

Cute little girl.

Heeeeeeeeee! 

It's late in the afternoon when they reach the point on the shore nearest the Volkihar island. A thick, cold fog rolls off the Ghost Sea, shrouding all but a single looming spire of the castle. The sunlight is watery and grey. There's a boat tied off by the pier. The water is still and calm, and there's no wind.

"Perfect weather," she says. "See that tower? That is our destination."

She squints at it. "They'll have a hell of a time seeing us coming, if nothing else."

"That is what makes the weather perfect. Castle Volkihar is on an island off the coast. We will take the boat around to the western edge, where there is a sewer entrance that connects, eventually to a garden of my mother's."

She nods. "Still water's easier to navigate in, too." And into the boat, which rocks as she moves. She keeps steady, but makes a face.

"Do you get seasick?"

"Nah. I just don't like boats much..."

"This will be a short trip." Elana casts them off and takes the oars.

Lace is careful not to move too much.

The fog keeps them covered as they approach. Luckily, it's thin enough that Elana's able to navigate around outlying rocks. The sewer entrance has a small area they can pull the boat up onto, and doesn't look like it's been disturbed at all recently.

Lace should be happy to get out.

"Neither Valerica nor Harkon paid much interest to the details of the castle's construction. As far as they know, this sewer has no exits anywhere interesting. Expect traps, but no serious opposition."