A/N – thedarkwolf95. Thanks for the review. I'm aware Thedas has their own languages, but for the purpose of this story, I needed to choose another language Uhtred couldn't comprehend. That's the reason why I chose German, as having them just speak 'English' to one another would have been unrealistic... Er, you know what I mean. It's also why I didn't translate, as noted by another reviewer, as I wanted the reader to be as confused as him. Might not have been the best decision, but I was confident people would understand what I was trying to do.

Anyway, hello! Now that I may have captured your attention, I figured I'd explain a bit.

The character I created for 'Land of My Fathers', originally Uhtred of Chorrol, later Uhtred of Whiterun, and finally Uhtred Dragonborn, will be the only POV of this story. I have grown very attached to Uhtred over the time I've written him, and I'll be honest, I just couldn't let him go. I've been wanting to write a Dragon Age story for a while, and since he's Dragonborn, I figured the two would come together nicely. Please note, this is primarily a Dragon Age story, covering Dragon Age: Origins (not sure about Awakenings yet) with the only crossover being the Dragonborn arriving and occasional references to his life before. It's barely a crossover, but still belongs in the category I've placed it.

What can you expect otherwise? Well, for those who read 'Land of My Fathers', Uhtred will be a little different here. He's already tall, strong, handsome, brave, confident, and all the positive attributes you would expect of a hero and warrior. The best way I can explain how he will be in this story is how Jack Reacher is described (if you've read the novels, NOT based on the movies) – Men want to be him, women want to be with him.

I've had a lot of fun writing this. Most of the chapters are relatively 'normal', matching the themes you'd expect from the game, and any I try and build myself. Some are a mix of serious and downright silly. Not comedy, as I don't try and write that, as my humour is either quite dry, or rather dark. A couple of chapters are quite smutty so, if you don't like that, be warned now.

I spent a little time deciding what to rate this. The more I wrote, the more it veered towards an M rating, particularly once I started forming relationships, so that's what I've gone with. There's a lot of violence, some swearing (as I like to drop a good f-bomb every now and then) and there are sex scenes. Nothing too excessive of the latter two, but it is different to 'Land of my Fathers', which was T-rated all the way.

Anyway, that's about it for now. I have a few chapters waiting in the wings, so I'll be doing one upload a week for the time being, on a Friday. Hope you like it, and if you don't, or at least have something to say, please share it. I find quiet readerships can be a problem, as I will assume all is okay if I don't hear anything. (And that's bitten me in the arse before.) So while I don't expect constant reviews, though those are always nice, I do like to know if people like or dislike certain things. So please let me know.

Anyway, you won't hear much from me going forward unless I need to reply to a review (such as above). The only thing I will say is that I'm aware some people don't like to read sex scenes, so I will leave a warning before whichever chapter it's in so you can skip certain parts.


The strange man returned with three people in tow. I didn't recognise any of them, but the fourth one I could figure out, as he was either some sort of priest, or perhaps even a healer. The strange man had obviously explained what was going on, as he gestured for me to sit on my bed without a word. That I could understand, at least.

He pointed at me. "Sie sind Uhtred," he said, before gesturing to himself. "Ich bin Harald. Ich bin ein Heiler."

I took a guess at what he said. I pointed at myself. "Uhtred." The healer nodded. I pointed at him. "Harald?" He nodded. "And you are a… healer?"

"Heiler. Ja." He gestured to the three others. "Kennst du sie?" It was easy to figure what he was asking. I shook my head. "Weißt du wo du bist?" I could only guess what he asked, so I shook my head again.

I pointed at myself. "I am Uhtred. I am a Nord. I am from Skyrim. From Tamriel."

The healer listened carefully, though still appeared confused. He shook his head. "Du bist Uhtred. Du bist Fereldan. Du lebst auf Thedas." He gestured to the others again. "Das ist dein Bruder und deine Eltern."

I put my head in my hands. This was all far too confusing, but I had a feeling he said I wasn't on Tamriel anymore. I looked up. "I am on… Thedas?"

The doctor spent a few seconds obviously figuring out what I said before nodding. "Ja. Thedas," he said, making a sweeping gesture around the room, though I figured he meant the... world? The doctor picked up the bag he brought in, placing it beside me on the bed. He opened it up and pulled out a couple of instruments. He held them up. "Ich weiß, du verstehst das nicht, aber darf ich dich untersuchen, Uhtred?"

Assuming what he meant, I nodded. I know who I was, had no idea where I was, but I figured letting him check me over, if that's what he wanted, wouldn't hurt anyone. I glanced at the three others. The two men had serious looks on their faces, talking quietly between themselves in their language. The woman, who I guessed was the wife of the older gentleman, looked equally concerned and upset. I was left wondering who I was to these people, as they seemed to know me.

The healer spent at least twenty minutes treating me, asking me numerous questions I didn't understand, but with a few gestures, I managed to figure out what he wanted most of the time. It was a case of going through all manner of procedures, most of which left me even more confused. I knew who I was… Didn't I? But the fact the strange man who had first entered the room had known my name was surprising.

"Wie heißen Sie?" the healer asked, pointing at me again.

I thought for a few seconds. Sie… He said that earlier. Name? "Who am I? My name?" I asked. The healer thought before he nodded. "As I said, my name is Uhtred. Uhtred of Whiterun."

"White… run?"

"It is where I live. Skyrim."

"Skyrim? Du denkst das ist dein Zuhause?" I shrugged. I didn't know what he asked. "Und Sie erkennen mich oder sonst jemanden in diesem Raum nicht?"

I shrugged again. "I don't know you. I don't know them." I sighed. "I don't know what's going on."

The healer met my eyes, and there must have been something he could see, as he nodded, his own eyes reflecting sadness. He turned towards the other three. "Ich habe keine Ahnung, was passiert, mein Herr, aber ich glaube nicht, dass dies eine Tat ist. Was immer er sagt, die Sprache, die er benutzt, er glaubt es."

The lady standing next to the older gentleman started to cry softly. The strange man who first entered the room spoke softly to the similar looking young man standing next to him, who had entered while I was being examined. The two looked alike, so I assumed they were brothers. I couldn't hear what he said, but both looked concerned.

"Das ist kein komplizierter Streich, oder, Uhtred?" the older gentleman asked. Aimed at me, I could hear the tone.

I met his eyes. "I'm sorry, I don't understand you. But I can assure you I don't know where I am, don't know who you are and definitely don't know how I got here. It must be the will of the gods." I had no idea what he asked, but I think I got my point across. The man simply looked blank but nodded. My tone was obviously clear too.

"Gods? Gotter?" the healer asked, looking curious, pointing up.

"Gods," I said, immediately feeling for my necklace, which wasn't there. In fact, everything I had been wearing in Sovngarde had disappeared, which confused me even further. But there was little point worrying about it either. I held up nine fingers. "Nine gods."

The healer obviously understood. "Neun Götter?" he exclaimed, before chuckling.

"Hast du eine Ahnung, was mit ihm los ist, Harald?" the man who entered the room first asked.

The healer spoke for a good couple of minutes, I guess explaining my symptoms, not that I had any, but the fact I was speaking a different language and didn't know anyone was concerning enough. The healer then met my eyes, continuing on, "Aber die Aufrichtigkeit in seinen Augen, auf seinem Gesicht und in seiner Stimme deutet darauf hin, dass er wirklich glaubt, was er sagt."

I have no idea what he said, but the healer appeared saddened by it all, gently patting my forearm before getting to his feet, starting to pack away his things. Once he was done, the five of them gathered closely, the doctor and the older gentleman sharing some words before four of them walked out, leaving only the older man. He stayed by the door and gestured outside. Getting to my feet, I walked towards him and looked outside, surprised to see I was in… I wasn't exactly sure, but perhaps some sort of fort or castle.

"Das ist Schloss Cousland, Uhtred. Das ist dein Zuhause."

I had heard that word a few times from the healer. "Zu…hause?" I pointed at the ground. "Home?"

He nodded, so I figure he knew what I was trying to say. "Ja. Schloss Cousland." He pointed at himself. "Bryce Cousland."

I figured it would be polite to offer my hand. He took it and the greeting was warm, a slight smile on his face. I then pointed outside before making a walking gesture with my fingers. "Look around?"

Again, despite the language barrier, he figured out what I meant. "Natürlich, Uhtred. Das ist dein Zuhause."

"Schloss Cousland?"

Bryce smiled again. "Ja. Zuhause."

I walked outside into an open hallway, sunlight streaming down from the sky, and I was pleased to find it pleasantly warm. Nothing looked or felt familiar, the design of the castle completely different to those in Skyrim. A few people walked by, speaking the different language. I think some of them tried to greet me, as I at least understood my name, but I could only return a blank stare. At least I recognised the warriors, dressed in gleaming steel, to what I guessed were servants.

I wandered the castle in circles a couple of times, opening the occasional door. One led into what appeared to be a kitchen, as I immediately smelled the food being cooked and my stomach rumbled. The woman at the pot turned and yelled something in their language, so I just turned around and quickly strode away. She could have been offering me something, but I would never have known.

Being a warrior, I eventually found myself in the armoury. The array of armour and weaponry on display was breath-taking. Even in the illumination of the few fires, the polished steel was exquisite, and I had to resist running my hand along nearly everything in the room. I eventually had to pick one up, choosing a sword that reminded me of the one I had carried into that final battle against Alduin. Walking into the middle of the room, I had a few practice swings, pleased with the weight of the sword in my hand.

"Ich hätte wissen müssen, dass ich dich hier finde, Uhtred," a voice stated behind me, followed by a chuckle. I turned to see the man who I had seen first enter. Realising I didn't understand, he picked up a sword and gestured. "Schwert."

"Sword."

He smiled and nodded, before picking up a shield. "Schild."

"Shield. But I understood that. Sort of."

"Nimm ein schild," he said, gesturing to more shields. Ah, he wants to spar. Why not? I guess I can prove something.

Picking up a shield, attaching it to my left forearm, I twirled the sword with my right hand as I got into some sort of fighting position. I must have amused the other man, as he started to chuckle, realising my stance was completely at odds with his. I assume he'd had different training, another sign that things were very different here.

"Nimm es einfach, Uhtred. Wir sind nur sparring."

I understood that last word. "Aye. Sparring."

Whoever the strange man was, he certainly had plenty of skill while wielding his sword. We took it easy for the first few minutes, simply moving back and forth, not putting too much effort in our swings. But I eventually upped the tempo, and he met the change, and soon enough the clang of steel would have echoed around the castle. Both of us were no doubt bathed in sweat, requiring the occasional wipe of the brow with my sword hand.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed we gained an audience. Bryce watched us spar, with what I assumed with other warriors, dressed in their steel or leather. The young man, who I assumed was the brother of the one I was fighting, also watched on with interest. I eventually stepped back and gestured with my head. The other man recognised and nodded.

"Nun, er kann wenigstens noch kämpfen," Bryce stated.

"Ja. In der Tat, ich würde sagen, er hat ein paar neue Fähigkeiten gelernt," the man I was fighting replied. He returned the sword and shield to their rightful place before he walked towards me, hand outstretched. "Guter kampf, Uhtred."

I didn't know what he said, but it actually sounded complimentary, so I replied with, "Thanks."

Bryce gained my attention and made a walking motion again. I nodded and made a circling gesture. He smiled and nodded in return, everyone leaving me alone once again. The castle was large, even larger than those I had been inside in Skyrim, such as Dragonsreach. There were plenty of rooms to explore, and I finally found myself in a library. It was extensive, and although I couldn't understand a single word, I finally found some sort of book full of maps. Though I couldn't read most of it, the maps had easy enough to decipher titles. The world was known as Thedas, which I already know. Then there was Ferelden, which I assumed was the country. Like Skyrim? There were other places, such as Orlais and Antiva, which also appeared to be countries nearby. As for the castle itself, I eventually found reference to it in a region called Highever.

The older man, who I assumed was the father of the other two, eventually found me in the library. I had a few books piled up, as although I couldn't understand it, I figured I could possibly gain some understanding of the world I was in. I had to do something apart from feeling completely helpless about the situation I was in. He made a 'follow me' gesture, and I followed him back through the castle to a dining room. There were plenty of people sat around, though he led me to a specific chair, beckoning me to take a seat.

Platters of food were brought in by servants, and my stomach grumbled again, particularly once I saw the smorgasbord of food available. I waited until others had taken their turn before grabbing what looked edible, and I was pleased to find it tasted just as good as any food I'd had back home. Though I couldn't understand a word being said, I did listen into the conversations taking place around me. I had a feeling I was topic of conversation, as although I never heard my name, there were gestures made in my direction. There was laughter, possibly at my expense, but I wasn't going to take any offence to it. No doubt my plight would be amusing to everyone.

After lunch, Bryce once again gestured for me to follow, and we ended up in a quiet part of the castle. A chapel. He led me towards a statue of a woman, coming to a halt before it. "Andraste," he said, gesturing towards the statue, before he pointed up, "Der Macher. Gott."

Pointing at the statue, I asked, "Gott?"

He shook his head. "Nein. Andraste ist die Braut des Schöpfers." I figured out 'nein' meant 'no', so that answered that question at least. He pointed at me. "Was ist mit Ihnen?"

I took a guess and held up nine fingers. "Nine gotts."

"Neun gotter?" That made him laugh at least. "Was sind Sie?"

I recognised the word 'sie' again so assumed he asked for their names. I made a writing gesture and he disappeared into an anteroom, reappearing a minute later with a pencil and paper. Not knowing if numerals were the same, I wrote one through to nine, and he recognised those at least. I then wrote the names of the Nine Divines. I knew he probably wouldn't understand, so I simply said their names as I wrote them down. The last I wrote was Talos. I pointed at myself. "Man." Then pointed up. "Now a god."

Bryce understood what I mean. "Andraste?"

I made a gesture with my hand. "Similar."

I handed him the paper, as I figured that might be the best way of communication. He folded that up and beckoned me to follow again. "Kommen sie."

Finding myself in the library once again, we approached an elderly gentleman who wasn't present earlier. The two spoke between themselves before the older man approached. "Uhtred, ich bin Aldous. Ich war dein Lehrer."

I pointed at him. "Aldous?" He nodded. "And you're a… teacher?"

He had brains, as he knew what I meant. "Ja."

Pointing between us, I asked, "You taught me?"

Again, he appeared to realise what I meant, despite not understanding. "Ja." He made another gesture. "Seit du ein kleiner Junge warst." The gesture he made suggested he had known me a long time, which seemed impossible.

"Uhtred, morgen lernst du mit Aldous," Bryce stated.

"Morgen… Morning?"

"Ja."

"Lernst…" This was taxing my brain. I wasn't the smartest man, and trying to decipher what they meant was hard work. "Lernst? Tomorrow morning, you want me to learn?"

The two men knew what I meant, both replying with, "Ja."

I smiled. "Well, I guess it's a start."

I went to bed that night completely confused as to what had happened to me. I remembered Sovngarde, fighting Alduin, meeting my father, meeting Ysgramor and entering the Great Hall. I even remembered battling Tsun, and him sending me back. I assumed something happened when I was sent back. No idea what could have happened, but that was the only explanation I could think of.

Unsurprisingly, Bryce and who I figured was his wife came to bid me goodnight, as did the man who first greeted me, and the other I figured was his brother. Bryce gestured as he spoke. "Bryce. Eleanor. Fergus. Aedan." He then gestured again, starting with himself. "Vater. Mutter. Brüder."

That was a real surprise as, even though I couldn't understand, the words were similar enough to figure out. Even someone as thick as myself could do that. I pointed. "My father?" I asked, incredulous at the thought. He nodded as I asked, "But how?" He didn't understand the question, simply shrugging. Pointing at Eleanor, I asked, "And you're my mother?" before pointing at the other two, "And you're my brothers?" I sat down on the bed, shaking my head. "I don't understand."

"Schlaf, Uhtred. Wir werden es am Morgen herausfinden."

"Schlaf…" I muttered. I made a gesture with my hands as I said, "Sleep?"

"Ja. Sleep. Wir sehen uns am Morgen."

"Morning. Ja."

The four left me alone in the bedroom. I figured it was my room, as there appeared to be an element of personality to some of the decoration. Opening and closing the few wardrobes, there were fine clothes available to wear, trying some on to find they fit perfectly. I finally found a mirror and, in all honesty, wasn't surprised that the face returned wasn't exactly the same. Eye and hair colour was, blue and blonde as always, but while there were other similarities, there were enough differences. The most obvious were the scars on my body. Or the fact all of them had disappeared. I'm sure there was a word to describe two near identical people, who are not related, though how that explained my arrival on Thedas… I don't think I'd even figure it out. Where was my body? Was all this just an illusion? Perhaps some sort of dream or, if things got worse, nightmare? How did I end up on Thedas? Was I whole or was it just my… soul? If that was the case, would I ever return to Skyrim whole?

Feeling exhausted after such a day of confusion, and a little revelation, I finally collapsed into bed and found drifting off to sleep not as difficult as one would imagine.


Six months later…

"You've done well in such a short space of time, Uhtred."

"Thank you, sir. As long as people talk a bit slower, and don't use long words, I will understand you."

We walked into the library as usual, Bryce taking a seat across the table from me. Since that second morning, I had been learning the language with Aldous. We did two sessions every single day. I was surprised at how quickly I picked it up, as though most words were completely different, it was quite easy to figure out once you gave it a little thought. I still used my own language in error at times, but my adopted family had taken it upon themselves to learn a little themselves. Certainly not to be fluent, but to understand what I meant whenever I had difficulty explaining.

And boy, had there been some explaining to do once I finally understood what they were trying to say. My name was Uhtred. That alone still baffled me. And, according to them, I was their adopted son. Bryce wasn't sure of my background, but said I more than likely came from a tribe of warriors to the south. Whatever the case, I had been part of the family since no more than the age of two or three. I was now in my early twenties, and was a warrior, just like back on Skyrim, though what they called a knight.

As I learned my place in the world, I learned about the world itself. Castle Cousland. Highever. Ferelden. Thedas. Andraste and the Maker. King Cailan and Queen Anora in Denerim. The Orlesian Empire. Even a group of warriors called the Grey Wardens. Once I could understand and read the language, the library became my second home. The first being the armoury, obviously. I devoured the written word, remembering the extensive library of books back in my home in Whiterun, left wondering what had become of everyone back there. Did time stand still there until my return? Or did life continue without the Dragonborn? Perhaps Lydia had to explain that I had disappeared and had possibly died. I assumed they would have had a funeral for me.

Trying to explain who I was and where I was from led to some humorous moments. I explained that I was Dragonborn, what that meant to me and the world I was from. I think my adopted family thought I had lost my mind, as they were adamant I must have… I'm not sure, but I think there were suggestions I had gone mad. When I tried to Shout and prove who I was, all I did was yell loudly and hurt my throat.

There were two examples I could use to prove I was telling the truth was the fact I could fight. The first was that I fought differently to how I had obviously been trained. When they thought I was in the right frame of mind to really spar and fight, I fought with every single knight that served Bryce Cousland. And once he realised I fought differently, he instructed me to keep doing it.

Every single knight I faced down was defeated. Bryce Cousland may not have believed everything I said, but the way I fought suggested there was at least an element of truth.

The second example was my religious devotion to the Nine Divines, but in particular Talos. I prayed for strength, wisdom and guidance every night, believing it was the will of the gods that had sent me to Thedas. I knew not why, but if this was a test, then I was going to pass it. Eleanor was particularly interested to hear of my faith, and one evening, I told her about the necklace and amulet I had once worn, and how much I missed having it. She asked me to provide a drawing of it, which I gladly handed over.

A month later, she approached me with a cloth once I had finished lunch, laying it on the table. "Open it, Uhtred."

I wondered what it was, and slowly uncovered whatever it was. Once I realised what it was, I'll admit I nearly wept, picking up the amulet and gently kissing the symbol. "From everything you said, I know how much it means to you. We all still have no idea… what's happening, what happened to you, but if this brings you comfort, so be it."

I met her eyes. "Thank you," I said quietly, before I looped the chain around my neck, kissing the amulet again, "Praise Talos. May he provide guidance in this latest quest."

"You really believe in this Talos?"

I nodded. "He is my god. One of the Nine, but all Nords revere Talos. He was once us, now he is risen."

"If it brings you comfort in this world, that is all that matters." A noticed the smirk. "Oh, I'm sure the Chantry will disapprove."

"I'll keep it hidden. Don't want to stir any trouble. I'm sure there are enough rumours about me as it is."

I must have been smiling, as Bryce asked, "What are you remembering?" My hand automatically went to the amulet, causing him to chuckle. "Like all of us, we don't understand what has happened. One would think you had simply lost your memory, for whatever reason, but these new memories, this new life you have apparently lived, it is… difficult to grasp. I look at you and still see the little boy I brought home all those years ago, who I watched as he developed into a man and one of my finest warriors." Then he smiled. "The one good thing is that you are still the decent, honourable man I remember. At least that never changed."

"Trust me, I don't understand any of it either. But I'm starting to feel at home here at least."

"Good. So, what should we discuss today? Your language skills are improving daily. You've learned quite a bit about the world around us." I shrugged, and Bryce appeared thoughtful before asking, "In fact, there is one subject we haven't really broached since that day."

"And that is?"

"Your life back where you believe you were. I mean, we all know about your religious devotion, but haven't really discussed everything else. The language barrier hasn't helped, but would you care to tell me about this other life?"

"Are you sure?" He nodded. So I explained everything, no doubt going over certain things I'd already told him before. I'm surprised Aldous hadn't shared the things I'd told him as I had slowly learned their language, and as he had learned mine, but I guess he figured that was for his ears only.

"I was born near a city called Chorrol, which is located in a nation known as Cyrodiil. Cyrodiil is part of the Empire. However, while I was born there, my heritage is that of a Nord, who are from a region to the north, called Skyrim. My father was a Nord called Ragnar. He fought for the Imperial Legion and died in battle against the Thalmor around the time I was born."

"Thalmor? Who are they?"

"Elven bastards." I paused, before adding, "I'm aware of how elves are treated here. The elven situation on Tamriel is what one would call remarkably different. Anyway, he died and so mother, a beautiful woman by the name of Julia, raised me alone until she passed from an illness when I was around the age of sixteen."

"No siblings?"

"No. Mother never remarried after father died. We had lived on a farm, but I couldn't work that alone after mother passed, so I eventually sold up and headed off to be a warrior. After a year or so, I headed to my homeland of Skyrim and it wasn't long after arriving that I discovered I was Dragonborn. I can try and explain what all that means. In very simple turns, I share the blood of dragons and can absorb their souls upon their death."

"And you were a warrior?"

I smiled. "Not like one of your knights here. I worked as… well, one would call it mercenary work, for a group called the Companions. Eventually became their Harbinger, which sounds like a leader, though more like an advisor."

"Describe Skyrim."

I thought about it for a few moments before I could only shrug. "It was home. A land of contrasts. Whiterun was on this vast plain, green grass, colourful flowers, surrounded by forests thick with evergreen trees. To the north and south were snow-capped mountains, the people who lived in the cities there as hard as the terrain. It was a land of rugged beauty."

"You miss it?"

"Every day. But, as I said, I have made my home here. The gods have chosen to send me here for some reason. I just don't know why as yet."

"Or perhaps you have always been here? I hesitate to say delusion but… Can you at least see where I am coming from?"

I shook my head. "It is far too vivid to have just been some sort of dream, fantasy or illusion. I remember the faces of my friends, the touch of… certain people. Smells. Sounds. Sights. No, while I no longer feel like a stranger in this land, it is still different to what I am used to."

Bryce was quiet for a few moments before he leaned forward. "Are you happy here, Uhtred? And, please, be absolutely honest."

"I've pretty much accepted that I am here for… Well, maybe forever, or until such time the gods believe I should return home. So, am I happy? Yes, because there is no point being miserable about it. I still have opportunities here so I will make the best of it."

"Good. I'll admit to being relieved to hear you say that."

"It's actually been enjoyable. Learning a new language, learning about a new world and all its history."

"I hear you've also been into the city and perhaps become sweet on a girl?"

I groaned. "Aedan or Fergus?"

He smirked. "Who do you think?"

"Definitely Aedan!" I replied, unable to stop the chuckle. "She's a sweet girl. Knew all about me, though. 'The brother with the bizarre memories.' It was a surprisingly good way of introducing myself. Helps that she runs a bookstore, so I have plenty of reasons to visit."

"Will she be visiting soon?"

"I've only begun courting her, sir." I still couldn't bring myself to call him 'father'. But he understood. Eleanor was a different story though. I knew it hurt every time I called her 'mam' instead of 'mother'. "Once it's serious enough, I'll ask if she wishes to meet you."


Six months later…

She was such a reminder of Aela, it wasn't funny. She wasn't an absolute dead ringer, but there was enough in common, whether she was in clothes or without, to remind me of what I had left behind. The only thing missing was face paint. I wasn't going to suggest she start wearing it, lest she scare off any potential customer. We continued to chat, holding hands, as we walked along the path. "They're not going to like me because I'm a commoner," she said for what must have been the tenth time since inviting her to dinner.

"They're going to like you just fine. And they're going to like you because I love you."

I glanced sideways and noticed her smile at those words. "I love you too."

"Then stop worrying. My mother and father will accept you because I love you. And, in the end, all they care about is my, and therefore our, happiness."

Her name was Alexandra and I had been smitten since the day I met her. She owned a small bookshop in Highever. I had met her six months ago on one of my many journeys into town. The first time I saw Alexandra was through the window of her shop, her flowing red hair and rather spectacular bust immediately drawing the eye. Then she turned my way, flashing her gorgeous green eyes, and I know I stood there slack-jawed, heart thumping deep in my chest, throat immediately dry, as Aedan dug me in the ribs. "Go and say hello," he suggested.

"Oh, I couldn't possibly. She couldn't possibly..."

Aedan slapped me on the back of the head. "So go and introduce yourself then. Sheesh, and people say I'm useless."

"I still whoop your butt every time we spar."

"Not when it comes to the ladies, though."

He was right, though only in the sense that he was rather charming and had the ladies eating out of his hand whenever Bryce hosted a gathering. I certainly wasn't awkward, but the fact I still retained all the memories, and the stories had eventually spread, meant I was sometimes the object of amusement, most of it good natured but there were a few cruel jabs in my direction. Thankfully, Fergus and Aedan, as understanding as they were, always had my back.

So I took his advice and introduced myself to Alexandra. It was a slow burn of a relationship. She was focused on her bookshop, and was always incredibly busy. I had adapted to life after a year, but I was clueless as to how to approach a relationship considering I was the son, adopted or not, of a Cousland. So I asked Fergus, who said I should just see how it goes first, perhaps go on a few dates, and if it got serious, then we should announce.

It took longer than I expected, remembering how quickly I could tumble into bed with certain women back in Skyrim. But it was worth the wait. Sitting down with Bryce and Eleanor, they were delighted I had found a possible wife and were desperate to meet her. The evening they had planned was only to be a small, intimate affair. Myself and Alexandra, Eleanor and Bryce. Or, as I now called them, mutti and papa.

I'm sure you're wondering why I'm calling them that. Because I knew I had to accept the reality I was now living in. I still had no idea what happened. I retained all the memories of my old life. But after more than a year, they had dimmed ever so slightly, taken over by memories of the life I was now living. I accepted Bryce and Eleanor were the parents of Uhtred, and the day I called them mother and father helped ease any underlying sadness about the situation. It certainly made Eleanor incredibly happy, and in the end, it may me happy too. Having lost my own parents, I accepted them as my own adoptive parents, just like they had adopted me. It felt like the right thing to do.

Alexandra and I entered the dining room, where a small table had been set. Waiting for us were my parents. I made introductions. "Alexandra, please meet my parents, Bryce and Eleanor Cousland."

"Delighted to meet you," my father said, kissing her on each cheek, mother performing the same gesture.

"Thank you, your Lordship."

My father laughed. "Please, Alexandra. My name is Bryce, and my wife is Eleanor. There is no need for fancy titles if we dine alone. Isn't that right, Uhtred?"

"Of course, papa."

The dinner went off without a hitch. Although incredibly nervous at first, something both my parents recognised, she eventually warmed to them both, as they warmed to her, and soon the conversation was flowing with ease, with plenty of jokes and laughter. Of course, I knew one of my parents was going to drop me in it.

"So when do you intend to marry?" my mother asked, hiding her smirk by taking a sip of wine.

I almost spat out my drink while Alexandra's cheeks glowed bright red. "Um… Er…" I tried to reply but nothing would come out.

Then she grabbed my hand. "I would be hoping as soon as possible so we could start a family."

Now I know I stared at her, wide-eyed, though not because I was scared. It was something I had hoped for eventually. We had discussed it, of course, but it was never completely serious. Guess that's changed as of this moment.

"Uhtred?" my father asked.

Looking at Alexandra, I replied, "I guess we'll need to be engaged first. Then we can think about a wedding."

I proposed the next weekend. Not because I felt any pressure, from my parents or from her. I had wanted to, but was waiting for the right time. That dinner, and what she said, suggested as soon as possible would be the right time. Once we told my father, he insisted the wedding be held at the castle. News spread far and wide, and excitement about another wedding soon gripped the region. Fergus was already married with a son, while Aedan was still single, though he had received numerous propositions once he was of age. Neither mother or father were desperate for him to marry. The line of succession was secure with Fergus and his son. Aedan was truly the 'spare heir'. If you're wondering, I was not part of the line as I was not of the same blood. It didn't worry me one bit. I lived a good life.

Alexandra and I were married in 9:27 Dragon in the eyes of the Chantry. Accepting of my private beliefs, Alexandra, mother and father allowed me a private prayer once the Chantry sister had departed. One thing I would never give up would be my own faith. All those close to me were aware and said nothing. They knew it still brought me comfort after all this time.

As a gift, father gave my now wife and I our very own home, a house barely a stone's throw away from the castle. We didn't know what to say, trying our best to thank him for his generosity. He waved it away with laughter. "You are now a married couple and would no doubt like privacy, particularly once you have your own family."

While it was nothing like the castle, the house was still large enough to more than satisfy. There were four bedrooms spread over two floors, Alexandra giving me a look when she suggested there was plenty of room for children, with at least three rooms for entertaining, a large kitchen, a study and library and finally a wash room. There was even servant's quarters, as a steward and servant from the castle would join us at the house. When I'd first 'arrived', I had been taken aback by the servants, wondering if they were nothing but slaves, but I learned that, in our castle at least, they were all cared for, paid well and treated properly. Most importantly, they were happy and, if they were not, father would either find them a task that did make them happy or would release them so they could find happiness somewhere else.

The house came with plenty of land, so although I was a warrior, I asked father about planting crops. Although amused by the idea, he also thought it was a good one, and knew from my experience on Skyrim that I did know a thing or two about farming. "Nothing like being self-sufficient, Uhtred. And you could even make a little bit of coin of your own."

After six months, we had a ripe crop of fruit and vegetables growing, plenty for Alexandra and I to eat, with plenty to spare to take into town and sell at the market. But there was even better news for us.

Alexandra was four months pregnant. I was going to be a father.


A/N – Just one more thing! The reason I went this route is that I usually play as a Cousland warrior in DA:O, and my characters for the Elder Scrolls and Dragon Age are usually the same. Always named Uhtred. Always based on the archetypal Viking warrior of fantasy (and history) – flowing blonde locks and beard, tall, broad, strong, fearsome, brave. Yes, he's been a character for longer than 'Land of My Fathers'. (If you're wondering about the origin of Uhtred himself, he's based on a character in Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Stories.)