I own nothing which is recognisable, that belongs to Tolkien, or Bethesda.

Now enjoy my first story!

Chapter 1

When you've lived the life of the Last Dragonborn, one tends to not be so quite sane in the head. This Dragonborn has always been different, coming from a world of pain, into another world of pain, and thus the cycle continued for... whom knew how long. There was though, a time of peace in Tamriel, when the Dragonborn kept to them self at a temple kept at Labyrinthian, an advisor to all kings and folk not just from Skyrim, but all over Tamriel. A great hero they were hailed as, to the Dragonborn's discomfort and lack of care to the admiration. Though the Dragonborn was never far from a fight, many coming to test their worth against someone whom held too many titles and identities, and many more secrets. The world was aware that they were the Dragonborn, and a Thane, warrior and mage. But there were some shadier titles the Dragonborn held, though few knew of them. They did the bidding of Daedra and Aedra, for years, until the Dragonborn turned around and scorned the Daedra, threatening to dethrone them if they continued to hassle the powerful mortal.

They took their threat to heart, knowing even though mortal, the Dragonborn whom has dwelt in both Sovngard and the Soul Cairn, time no longer touched them. Making them mortal to wounds and illness, but immortal to time. The Aedra thought twice about annoying the Dragonborn, whom enjoyed not having orders given to them by statues and wisps in the twilight.

The Dragonborn was having a quiet day, moving through the restored ancient Nordic city smiling politely whenever someone greeted them, knowing their courtesy's still, when a strange, strange man came upon her path requesting an audience then and there.

He smiled, looking strange in his blue coat and hat, and with his yellow boots too. He was short for a man, with a beard and kind face, but could not be called a dwarf. Despite it all... the Dragonborn found them eerily familiar. He held out a weathered hand to her, his youthful eyes twinkling.

"Come my child" He called gently "It's time to return home"

"Home? Who are you strange man? Why do you speak as if you're my father?" The Dragonborn demanded

"I'm sorry for all which has befallen you. It was never my intention, and I was never far away. Why did you never call out to me? I would have answered you. I would have saved you. I only meant for you to spend easy, learning years here. But what you've endured..." He shook his head, tears welling. The Dragonborn stepped back, noting he lowered his hand seeing them edge away cautiously.

"I don't know who you are"

"I feared you wouldn't remember. You don't even know your true name. Stormblade you're called now, or with your various titles. None know your name, for you don't remember"

"Now, I usually delight in the crazy, but you... you are unnerving me old man. Speak your peace and leave before I forcibly remove you from my city"

"I am he, Mirabelle" He whispered her name. The only given name the Dragonborn could remember, for it was branded into her so her identity couldn't be forgotten or mistaken. The Dragonborn crossed her arms over her chest. Looking unimpressed. She was dressed in blue and grey, an overtunic and grey pants with boots. Lordly garbs, not one for dresses when trouble always seemed to be afoot. They had no cloak or coat, the cold not bothering them. Her appearance was not that of the nords, bretons or any race of men or mer. Many assumed she was mixed blood or her appearance has been altered due to being the Dragonborn and the magic in her blood. But she had brown hair with rivers of gold through it. With lazy waves and curls, cropped to her shoulders, with simple braids to hold her hair from her face. She was the height of a wood elf, but had small ears of men, and fair skin which held signs of a tan from being in the south occasionally. But it was her eyes which were odd. Such a pale grey, almost like a snowy-blue. Icy... undead in a way and her most distinguished feature along with her hair with rivers of gold through it.

"He who?"

"Who was, always is. Whom first sang and danced."

"Not ringing any bells old man" Mirabelle admitted blinking. She turned to glance at a guard to have him removed from the city, having little time for idiocy so early in the morning.

"Do you wish for us to escort him out my Thane?" A guard enquired as a small group approached, keen to do her bidding. Mirabelle nodded her head moving to walk away

"To think I would be so easily dismissed by my daughter, Mirabelle. I am your father. Your forefather"

She looked back at him, her brow furrowing and she sighed shaking her head.

"That cannot be possible old man. We are probably similar in age"

"Not at all. But you are indeed elder then the common race of men, particularly those of this earth Child. It seems you don't remember my face nor manner, but perhaps my name shall help you remember" Mirabelle waited after he said that, looking expectant. At least willing to hear him out. "I am Tom Bombadil, though my children tend to call me father or Eru"

Mirabelle felt a familiar ache in her head, a feeling she's associated with her lost memories. She's heard of the name. She knew it...

"Tom is a merry fellow. Bright blue his jacket is and his boots are yellow..." Mirabelle mumbled recalling a line from somewhere. Though she couldn't place it. Tom let out a happy cry, smiling from ear to ear. "Where have I heard your name before Tom?"

"Are you ready to come home?" Tom enquired "And put this place behind you?"

Mirabelle approached once more. Contemplating his meaning, and the possibilities. She watched as he removed something from his pocket and held it out to her.

"Long ago I promised upon this necklace. As long as it dwells in this land, it shall exist. But to return, you must take it" Tom stated holding the Amulet of Kings out to her. The guardsmen gasped, hearing what this strange man was saying and that their Thane was at least believing it.

If Mirabelle took the Amulet, Tamriel and all of Nirn shall be gone. Is she leaves, this world shall crumble.

"Is this world that we hail from kinder then this?"

"Yes. But it has the potential to harbour even more evil. Even still, it is more gentle and kind. What you've always strived for this land to be like even in your subconscious." Tom pointed to the hanging flags in sight "There is a reason why your flag is grey trimmed with blue."

"My Thane, no" A guard mumbled to her and Mirabelle looked between Tom and those nearby.

The thirst for adventure, knowledge and peace has always been in the forefront of her mind. A desire she's always held, despite it all. After years of dwelling in darkness, Mirabelle has done well for herself in Skyrim. Has improved the land and saved it more times than she could count. Tamriel included in her guard-ship. But there has always been a lingering resentment, no matter how long she dwelt here, no matter how well the wounds were healed. Mirabelle could not forget the distant memory of what occurred to her in this land. A haunting nightmare which lingered painfully over her, and half of the reason to her slight insanity, or lack of sympathy towards certain things. No longer knowing the weight or severity of heresy. People would tell her their woes, but she would feel nothing when she helped them. No sympathy or empathy. No pain or understanding. But she'd help them still, more out of the desire to do good and something with her time. But this... this was a chance to unlock what was sealed away in her heart. What she couldn't remember anymore. This land has annoyed her long enough, perhaps it was time to find a place she could love instead.

Without another thought she swiftly reached out, grasping the Amulet of Kings, and Mirabelle felt cold wash over her. She could see nothing, but a vale of darkness which was completely consuming.

Then she woke, within a forest with nothing but the clothes upon her back. Tom was before her, smiling gently.

"Welcome home my daughter" He greeted helping her to her feet. Mirabelle got up and looked around, a gloomy, moody and magic filled forest.

"What is this place? Can you feel that on the air Tom?" Mirabelle enquired, reaching out her hand to the air to allow magic to gather in her palms. It hummed with strength and power, and Tom gently lowered her hand.

"We have much to speak on. Here, this necklace has always been yours" Tom pressed the Amulet of Kings into her palm and began to lead the way along a small path. Mirabelle followed whilst securing the Amulet around her neck. They eventually came to a small cottage, where suddenly Tom broke out into song, and swiftly a feminine voice joined into the merry nonsensical tune, with no words, but broken phrases and sounds. Mirabelle was a little struck by the oddity of the man, and then the woman whom stepped out of the cottage whom was almost alarmingly beautiful compared to the weathered man. But it seems she's just as much as a loon as Tom was.

Mirabelle was brought inside where she was fed by Goldberry, whom greeted her with a hug and kiss, to Mirabelle's deep, deep discomfort, though oddly she did not mind it when Goldberry embraced her. For it was unassuming, and in a way, wanted, though Mirabelle couldn't understand why. Then after a meal, a seriousness descended upon the cottage.

"You've lived many years and a hard life. Now you must forge one anew. Be careful what friends you make and what enemies."

"So you're pushing me out the door, with no answers to my questions?" Mirabelle enquired suddenly rather annoyed and Tom nodded

"You must learn for yourself Mirabelle. And you will in time. None in this world know who you are, or your power. I caution you against using magic or any gift you have which ordinary men cannot wield themselves. I do believe you are aware of this, but the Aedra and Daedra of Nirn feared the power you began to wield and that you would not obey them."

"I won't obey you either, if you're not careful enough"

"Oh, I know this. But you are my daughter, and I know you better then you do yourself. They were hailed as Gods, but they never were"

Mirabelle caught the hidden warning loud and clear. Knowing this was someone she could not cross or truly disobey if he desired her to do something. She took heed to that, glancing at Goldberry whom merely smiled fondly between them, understanding also but having no input. Not needing to.

"Fine. I will need rudimentary things, but anything else, I'll be fine"

"Oh I know. I'll give you an axe, sword and dagger before you leave in the morning. Take tonight and the rest of the day to rest. You haven't rested in many years, and shan't be for a time to come"

"Great..."

Mirabelle turned northwards. Travelling two days on foot until she came to a road which spread from east to west. She crossed it and travelled to the nearest hill she could find. The forest extended north of the road a distance, but hardly as far south. Picking her hill, Mirabelle drew her axe and cut down the trees at the top, where the land was almost flat. She felled and rolled the logs away, working with familiarity recalling all the times she has done this in the past. The amount of homes she's built over the years for herself, and others. There was nothing that the forest couldn't provide her or the small foothills. The forest held a bounty of food, both plant and animal. Mirabelle worked and worked, for days and weeks until she was satisfied of her creation of a small manor which poked up from the treetops and could be seen by the road. She frowned at that fact and instantly fashioned a shovel to dig out a trench to fill with walls.

The day the wall was completed, the gates had a knock on them. Mirabelle could hear voices calling out to her from inside and curious went out to see what the fuss was and to send them packing, or invite them in. Depending on the person and their manners.

"Hello?" A man was calling as Mirabelle stood on the small platform which allowed her to look over the wall with ease. She leant against the sharpened log, looking down at the man with no doubt a traveling company. A caravan of merchants of some sort, only their cart which they've lumbered up the hill through the thicket to reach them, was empty except that of wounded.

Mirabelle whistled sharply, drawing all eyes to her. Eyes widened and some folk instantly fell to their knees

"Please lady! Let us in I beg of you! We were attacked on the road, and saw this place of safety. My family is injured. We have no gold to spare, but I can bring you anything of worth from our home in Bree if you let us in"

"The gate is open. All of you are welcome" Mirabelle stated about to leave, "Free of charge" She added as she began to descend down to the gate, which was pushed open and the horse and cart lumbered in with those whom were probably meant to be guards, and the man whom was almost weeping. Mirabelle grimaced at the state of them and motioned them in more moving to the gate to close it behind them. She assisted them inside, bringing them into the dining hall and settling people on the chairs and table

"Is anyone else here my lady?" The leader of the caravan enquired

"No. This is my home, only I dwell here" Mirabelle answered, shoving a bowl into his arms and dipping in a rag to assist cleaning wounds

"Alone? But this place was not here when we past west"

"I can be a diligent worker when I desire. Now shut up and work yourself. Clean the wounds before anyone gets sick." Mirabelle ordered firmly, brushing him off making the man flush and bow his head as he obeyed Mirabelle. Though she was shorter then he, and smaller Mirabelle's presence and voice was one which was alarmingly intimidating. Regal.

By evening everyone was washed, their wounds bound and their bellies full. Mirabelle sat at the table with them, observing the guards whom had poor armour and iron weapons, and the family of merchants they were escorting. The children were teenagers, and the wife and mother not so much older.

"So where do you hail? Bree?" Mirabelle enquired and the man nodded

"Yes, we were trading with the hobbits of the shire"

"Interesting..." Mirabelle murmured "Who attacked you and stole whatever you carried?"

"Bandits my lady"

"If you're going to address me with an insufferable title, let it be Miss. But you are not my people nor live under me, so you may simply call me Mirabelle"

"How did you build this home by yourself? Do you not fear the bandits and woodsmen of this region? These roads are hardly safe"

"I did build this home by myself, and no. I don't fear bandits or woodsmen. Considering that it couldn't have been far away where you were attacked, I expect their company tomorrow. I shall retrieve your goods if I can, and they shan't bother the world anymore" Mirabelle mumbled, taking a sip of water from her wooden goblet. She looked at it for a moment, contemplating further "And how far away is the nearest town or city?"

"Bree is the closest City, and Newbury the closest town" He admitted "Both a day's ride away, two on foot"

"Hm" Mirabelle made a curious sound "Rest up here. Don't interfere when danger comes afoot. I don't want any of you dying after surviving so far"

"Yes my lady" She rolled her eyes when they all suddenly chorused it at once, but a fond smile crossed her lips also which made them all smile too.

It's been a few months now, and Mirabelle has gotten used to her privacy being intruded on by travel weary merchants whom came between the land of the hobbits then back to Bree. One evening, another knock sounded at her gate, and Mirabelle opened the gates up wide open, preparing to see just what she had to deal with today, but then she paused. Her eyes arrested upon the smiling figure before her. A wizard if she's ever saw one, but it was what he wore which made her curious. All grey, but with a fair blue scarf and blue-grey hat. Grey trimmed with blue. It rang an instant bell, but Mirabelle saw no clarity.

"Can I help you?" Mirabelle enquired politely and the wizard smiled genially

"You see it has been a long day of travel and my companions and I would like lodgings for the evening, if that is agreeable with you of course" Mirabelle looked past the wizard to see a mounted company of dwarves. She didn't even have to think. There was no way she was sending this wizard away, not when he seemed to be the alluded key to Mirabelle's answers.

"Of course, you are all welcome." Mirabelle stepped aside, to draw the gates open wider and she watched as the company rode in but the wizard stood by her, still smiling all the while almost as if he intended on distracting her.

"Do you attend to this manor, or are you its master?"

"Well, I'm the only one here, so I presume I am the master" Mirabelle closed the gate after the last one was through. "I'm sorry if you're disappointed"

"No of course!" The wizard declared then his eyes held a look of concern "Your here... alone?"

"Yep. I assume you're all hungry, so I best see to dinner" Mirabelle strode off humming flippantly. As she ascended the stairs, she looked back at the curious eyes and the setting sun of the day caught her eye, and most importantly her hair.

The dwarves and wizard stopped and stared for a moment. Seeing her hair glistening like molten gold throughout her brown hair, like rivers and her pale eyes gleam merrily and with kindness, like fresh fallen snow, or the colour of sweet clouds. She then turned, as if not noticing their bewilderment and went inside, her shoulder length hair bouncing as she went.

"Did any of ye lads see that lass' hair?"

"Aye... rivers of gold I saw"

Agreement was murmured about, and the wizard was the first to follow on inside, looking around at the well-made house, and moving into the dining hall which came from the entry way.

"Just take a seat!" Mirabelle called out from another room, carrying a barrel over her shoulder. The dwarves darted forward instantly to take it from her, they practically balking that she dared to carry it anyway. Mirabelle paused before thanking them, remembering that when dressed simply in her long tunic, pants and boots she seemed almost like a respectable lady, only she didn't wear a dress. But Mirabelle clearly wore a gold necklace, hidden beneath her tunic, and two rings. Not to mention her ears which were pierced also.

Most of the dwarves were content with ale, but some wanted tea.

"Alright, I'll be back. Just need to draw some water"

"I'll go with you dear. Also, where are my manners? I haven't even told you my name!" The wizard declared and Mirabelle laughed warmly

"We can walk and talk if you'd like."

"That's agreeable."

"I could start on dinner if you'd like my lady" A dwarf stated making her beam, which made several lips quirk up fondly, seeing Mirabelle's gentle merriness and how sweet and innocent she appeared. Some worried why she was here all by herself, in lands not quite safe at all.

"Go for it! You can help yourselves, I don't mind. Come sir" Mirabelle led the wizard out of the home, and past the gate towards a small stream which branched of a greater river far upstream.

"My name is Gandalf, by the way. Gandalf the Grey"

"Mirabelle Stormblade"

"Stormblade?"

"Aye" Mirabelle nodded as she dunked her bucket in "Why? Is it a curious name?"

"No, no. Only interesting, which I guess is the same thing as curious" Gandalf stated with a merry chuckle. Both paused smelling the scent of smoke on the air, and then a resounding boom coming from the hilltop.

xxx

There's my first chapter! Hope you all enjoyed it!

-Katherine