Skyrim: Return to the Fold

Chapter 1 of a new Skyrim story, a sequel to my previous one, hope you enjoy it :)

Disclaimer: Skyrim belongs to Bethesda.

Chapter 1

Sixteen year old Lars Battle-Born ran a hand through his auburn hair, letting out a slow breath, his brown eyes narrowed in concern. He was aware his hand was shaking; he flinched when he heard the scream. He was currently in the home of his wife, Braith, where he had lived with her and her parents since being disowned by his own family for marrying Braith.

Despite being part of the noble and prestigious Battle-Born family, a family of 'true Nords', Lars fell in love with and finally married Braith, a Redguard common girl, despite the cost. Before they were married, it was discovered she was pregnant with his child and now, now Braith was ready to give birth to the child.

As such Lars was waiting; almost a complete nervous wreck, downstairs in Braith's family's house. Braith was upstairs with her mother, Saffir, and the local healer in Whiterun, Danica. Lars meanwhile had to remain downstairs with Braith's father Amren. He flinched as Braith screamed again.

"Divines…Braith…" He whispered.

Amren looked up at him and smiled sympathetically. "It will be alright Lars; I know it's hard, but this will end well. By the end of all this…You'll have a son or daughter."

Lars sighed. "I know; I know…It's just; I wish I could be there, helping Braith, she's in pain."

"True, but Danica knows what she's doing and Saffir has experience in dealing with this." Amren told him. "It's for the best."

Lars nodded and sat down, still nervous.

Attempting to find some way to distract himself; he cast his mind back to his and Braith's wedding.

FLASHBACK

Lars couldn't help but smile as he stood in the Temple of Mara in Riften. Since his family background was well-known throughout Skyrim, he knew this would be somewhat controversial, but he didn't care. He was about to marry the girl he loved; despite being disowned by his family, despite practically losing everything his noble bloodline gave him and that was a price he was happy to pay.

'For Braith, I would gladly pay any price…So what if there isn't anything really, fancy here. We love each other, that's all that matters.' He told himself.

His smile widened as Braith finally appeared; as her family wasn't wealthy, the gown she wore for their wedding wasn't exactly well-made, or fancy, the main difference between it and the dress she usually wore, apart from colour, was the lack of patching.

But to Lars, she was as beautiful as ever, if not more so. She smiled softly as she approached him; they immediately linked hands as soon as they were close enough. Lars' other hand gently touched the small swell of her belly, the beginning signs of her pregnancy. They then turned and stood, ready as the Priest of Mara began the ceremony.

END FLASHBACK

Lars smiled as he remembered that moment well. It had been one of the most important moments in his life and had gifted him with a day of supreme happiness. Now, he realized, he was about to receive more, for yet another important moment.

It was then suddenly that Braith's screams were replaced by another sound, the sound of an infant's cries. Lars started and leapt to his feet, Amren gently held onto his arm.

"Not yet, just hold on, Danica will come and tell us." He said softly.

Lars bit his lip but nodded. "I…Alright."

Amren smiled. "Congratulations."

Lars couldn't help but grin; finally, Danica emerged from the upper floor and smiled at him.

"Congratulations Lars, you have a son." She said warmly.

Lars approached, still grinning. "That's…Wow, thank you. Can I, are they…?"

Danica nodded. "Braith and your son are both fine; come, they are waiting for you."

Lars followed her upstairs, grinning as he saw his wife. Braith smiled wanly at him, her dark skin shining with perspiration, her dark hair plastered to her forehead. But her black eyes gleamed with happiness. In her arms she cradled their son, covered in a warm blanket. Lars approached; eyes wide and Braith grinned.

"Lars, we did it…" She said breathlessly.

He nodded as he sat down next to the bed. Saffir stood nearby, her expression jubilant; Amren also joined them as Braith gently passed their son to him. Lars cradled the boy, still in awe. He noted that, aside from Braith's black eyes and facial structure, their son had mostly inherited Lars' physical traits, such as hair colour, skin tone and such.

"We need to name him." He said at last.

Braith nodded. "Yes, what do you think?"

Lars was surprised she was leaving it up to him, but then grinned and answered. "Istarad."

Braith returned the grin and agreed, both of them happy.

They were both still seated upstairs, with their son, when they heard Amren and Saffir talking with somebody at the front door. Shortly afterwards they heard footsteps and a woman in her late thirties to early forties with blonde hair and brown eyes entered, Lars was surprised when he saw her.

"Mother?"

Alfhild Battle-Born smiled at her son; unlike the rest of her family, she had been on Lars' side from the moment the truth came out.

"Greetings Lars, Braith…Ah, I see I've arrived perhaps a little late." She said, smiling when she saw Istarad, who was right now snoozing in his mother's arms.

Braith smiled. "Oh, that's right. Allow me to introduce you to your grandson, Istarad."

Alfhild smiled warmly; but then her expression turned serious. "Lars, I have some…urgent and surprising news."

He tensed when he heard that. "What is it?"

"It looks like your grand-father has surrendered to the inevitable." She said softly. "He has lifted your banishment Lars…Not only that, he is prepared, to formally bring Braith and Istarad into the family."

They all froze, shocked at that; despite everything, despite his words, Olfrid had changed his mind. Needless to say they were suspicious, but they decided in the end to accept this. It did mean one thing though, all three of them would be moving to the Battle-Born House.

End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.