A.N: Another chapter out! Anyways, I do hope that this story is being enjoyed readers, and as always, I look forward to any reviews that it receives, positive or negative.
I also apologize for the time in between updates and stories in general, but work is demanding, and I am trying. I apologize that it does not seem like enough, but I hope that my work is being enjoyed nonetheless. I will be trying to actively post more, and edit some where it is needed, but until then, happy reading!

Also, I have brought in all of Paarthurnax's dialogue from the ending of Dragonslayer, and it is, of course, not owned by me.


The sound of steel meeting scales was the first thing that permeated his senses, followed by the bellow of a Thu'um he recalled hearing only once before. At Helgen, as his head was placed upon the chopping block, after a Stormcloak soldier had already been executed. He'd tried to tell them who he was, who his father was, but the Imperial Legate refused to listen, and her soldier sent him towards the block. The smell of fire brought his sense of smell back, and suddenly he was flooded with adrenaline. Eyes shooting open, Markus sprang to his feet, and, with air back in his lungs, he rejoined Felldir, Gormlaith, and Hakon who stood before Alduin, shielding the last Dragonborn behind wards, shields, and blades. As Markus rose to his feet, the trio of warriors nodded to him before running full on against the hulking dragon before them. Markus swung his sword heavily, lodging it into Alduin's chest, yet failing to puncture the dragon's hide. Gormlaith and Hakon, being the only other warriors at his side, both drove their blades towards Alduin's throat, catching the World-Eater by surprise. Felldir was able to cast a healing spell on Markus as he drove his sword further with each swing, gaining ground and momentum towards the World-Eater as his emotions took further hold of him.

Markus thought of Aela, safely at home with Dengen and Faith, probably sitting with Vilkas, who Dengen thought so highly of, wishing he could one day be as his father and unofficial uncle. He thought of Arnbjorn and Aela, traveling over various parts of Tamriel, nowhere near each other, and distancing further and further apart with each passing day, and further away from their daughter. He thought of his parents, Raiddin and Lielle, sitting in their home beneath the Jerall Mountains, reading letters from his siblings and himself, waiting for the day that they can meet their grandchildren in Skyrim. He thoughts of his sister, Eira, studying with the Mages in the Imperial City, honing her skills as both a healer and a battlemage. He thought of his brother, Raxas, and the strides he was making with the Fighter's Guild, making a name for himself as a skilled warrior, and perhaps lending his sword arm to a noble or two. With a new rage now boiling within him, Markus felt his canines elongate painfully as he focused on Alduin, and his swings progressed to become heavier, and yet more precise, finally allowing steel to meet scales. Blood soon began to spill from between Alduin's hide, and Markus could feel his rage peaking as he continued to hack into the World-Eater. He could hear the others behind him, shouting and filling the air with their own battle cries, but they soon fell away as he drove his blade into Alduin's throat.


It had been nearly two weeks since she'd gotten Markus' last letter, and almost two months prior to that. Aela knew that he'd been at High Hrothgar before his hasty departure to dismantle the World-Eater, but with each passing day, she grew even more concerned over his safety. Farkas and Vilkas had tried to help ease her mind by staying with her and the children for longer durations, even staying together with them, but Aela could not stop her constant pacing and fidgeting. If it weren't for the fact that Faith desperately needed her to survive, Aela would have gone absolutely stir crazy over Markus' lengthy absence. Which was why she was currently resting against the headboard of their bed, Faith sleeping soundly in her arms, and Dengen curled up at her side. She had maneuvered herself to be able to hold Faith securely with her left arm, while wrapping her right arm gently around Dengen's body. Her two pups were with her, and that would have to be enough at the moment. She sighed heavily before the sound of footfalls on the landing brought her from her thoughts. Within moments, Vilkas popped his head around the door frame.

"Vilkas? I thought Farkas was staying this time around?" Aela questioned softly as she shifted herself slightly on the bed.

"He will. He's running a bit late, but I told him I would stay until he arrived. I didn't know if you were still awake, so I thought I'd check on you and the pups. I guess it wasn't really needed." Vilkas chuckled as he came through the doorway. Aela gave a small smile in return.

"It is certainly appreciated Vilkas. Thank you." She whispered as she adjusted Faith closer to her chest. Faith squirmed for just a moment before falling back into a restful sleep.

"You know, for werewolves, they sleep pretty soundly." Vilkas remarked as he looked between Faith and Dengen.

"Vilkas, they haven't yet tapped into that power yet. Once they do, say goodbye to this." Aela chuckled as she motioned towards both children with quick nods of her head. Vilkas merely chuckled at her response before Faith began to whimper in her sleep, breaking the peaceful moment.

Aela shifted the girl in her arms, causing Dengen to shift against her side and wake. His bleary eyes looked up towards his mother, focusing on her eyes. She looked from Faith and into her son's eyes. Her eyes softened as she looked at him, and then she shifted her head to look over at Farkas, who gathered Dengen for some sword practice, which Dengen happily accepted. As the two of them left the room, Aela once again focused on Faith, trying to sooth her as she squirmed and whimpered in her arms. A vision soon flashed in her mind as she smoothed back Faith's silver hair.

Black wings, unfolding towards a purple sky. Fire and destruction, mist and wanderers. Steel flashed against black scales and red eyes. Crimson blood splashed to the ground as golden energy expelled from the large dragon before her. Within moments, the body disintegrated before her, leaving empty space before her. She was propelled back against a large stone, and her eyes caught sight of golden eyes shining through the mist as black smoke filtered in. She was once again brought back to the spot where those eyes were and could see Kodlak coming towards her from the dissipating mist; her heart clenched painfully at the sight of him. He was smiling, with life shimmering in his gray eyes. This was how she always wanted to remember him, and he was before her once again.

"Well done Markus." He spoke as he reached his arms out to grip her shoulders.

With his words, she was thrown back out of the vision and brought back to reality in Windhelm.

"Markus... Markus you did it." She whispered, eyes brimming with tears at the thought.

Faith immediately stopped squirming within moments of Aela coming back from the vision, and Aela looked down at her with a small smile. She brought Faith up towards her and kissed her forehead.

"You amaze me little one. Only you could have shared that vision with me." Aela whispered as she gently rocked Faith against her chest.

Faith yawned in response before slowly opening her soft green eyes. She gazed up at Aela, and broke out into soft giggles, reaching her hands up towards Aela. Aela laughed as she brought Faith towards her once again, placing gentle kisses upon her cheeks and forehead. She lowered Faith towards her chest once again and just stared at the young one with a smile that would go unmatched.


Markus approached Tsun after the battle against Alduin, and found him smiling with relief on his face. They conversed for mere moments before Markus asked to be sent back to Skyrim, all with fond memories renewed of his time with Kodlak. Tsun obliged, and Markus was hit by his shout. His vision was blurry as light returned to them, and when his vision cleared, he found himself on the Throat of the World with Paarthurnax looking down at him from his word wall. The elder dragon had concern etched into his expression, but he looked down upon Markus with a relief that he did not die amid Alduin's terror.

"So, it is done. Alduin dilon. The Eldest is no more, he who came before all others, and has always been." Paarthurnax spoke, his voice low in his throat. Markus looked at him with confusion.

"Have I done wrong, Paarthurnax?" Markus questioned as he looked up towards the elder dragon.

"Krosis Dovahkiin. You did what was necessary. Alduin had flown far from the path of right action in his pahlok- the arrogance of his power. Alduin wahlaan daanii. His doom was written when he claimed for himself the lordship that properly belongs to Bormahu - our father Akatosh." Paarthurnax explained as his gaze shifted between Markus and the sky above the mountain.

"Yet... You seem distant about Alduin's defeat. I do not sense regret in your voice, but perhaps disappointment? A frustration about this whole situation perhaps?" Markus prodded, stepping forwards towards Paarthurnax.

"Perhaps, but Zu'u tiiraaz ahst ok mah. He was my brother once." Paarthurnax lamented, bringing his massive head back towards Markus.

"I understand." Was all Markus could say.

He had been studying the Draconic language for the past three years with the Greybeards. He'd understood everything that Alduin had said to him in Sovngarde. He understood everything that Paarthurnax was saying to him now. He felt sorrow beside his Thu'um mentor, and he knew that this would never have been a celebratory thing to Paarthurnax anyways. He could relate to his desire not to destroy his brother, Markus certainly couldn't bring himself to kill Raxas anymore than Paarthurnax could to killing Alduin. He reached forward and gently placed his palm against Paarthurnax's snout, feeling the heat and age beneath his scales. They stood that way for only a moment before Markus retracted his hand.

"Rok funta koraav. Perhaps now you have some insight into the forces that shape the vennesetiid... the currents of Time. But I forget myself. Krosis. So los mid fahdon. Melancholy is an easy trap for a dovah to fall into. You have won a mighty victory. Sahrot krongrah- one that will echo through all the ages of this world for those who have eyes to see. Savor your triumph, Dovahkiin. This is not the last of what you will write upon the currents of Time." Paarthurnax spoke with wisdom in his voice.

Markus stood there and contemplated Paarthurnax's words before looking back at the elder dragon once again, nodding his head with a smile. Paarthurnax nodded as well, and with a flap of his great wings, he took to the sky and hovered above the ground.

"Goraan! I feel younger than I have in many an age." Paarthurnax's voice held a sense of joy that Markus had assumed the elder hadn't felt in quite some time. "Many of the dovah are now scattered across Keizaal. Without Alduin's lordship, they may yet bow to the vahzen... rightness of my Thu'um."

"I cannot think of a better leader or teacher." Markus called as he gazed up at Paarthurnax.

"But willing or no, they will hear it! Fare thee well, Dovahkiin!" Paarthurnax called before ascending, circling the top of the mountain, and then heading east towards Morrowind.

The other dragons that had gathered at the top of the mountain also took their leave, following Paarthurnax's example by traveling to other areas of Tamriel in search of the newly freed followers of Alduin. Markus stood at the word wall until the last of the dragons left, shifting from one foot to the other, before red scales landed next to him. He looked over at Odahviing, a smile playing at his lips. The crimson dragon bowed his head slightly towards Markus.

"Pruzah wundunne wah Wuth Gein. I wish the Old One luck in his... quest. But I doubt many will wish to exchange Alduin's lordship for the tyranny of Paarthurnax's 'Way of the Voice.' As for myself, you've proven your mastery twice over. Thuri, Dovahkiin. I gladly acknowledge the power of your Thu'um. Zu'u Odahviing. Call me when you have need, and I will come if I can." Odahviing commented as he looked between Markus and the remaining dragons that flew off overhead.

"I gladly accept your offer, Odahviing." Markus voiced as he looked at Odahviing. "Would it be too much to ask if I could get a ride back to Windhelm?" He inquired as he looked into Odahviing's eye.

"Krosis. No Dovahkiin, it would not." Odahviing responded before lowering his head and spreading his left wing onto the ground, granting Markus permission to mount his neck.


Aela busied herself in the kitchen, preparing food for Dengen and herself, when Vilkas walked in through the door. She looked over her shoulder and called him into the kitchen.

"Thought I smelled something good." He chuckled as he took a deep whiff of the elk roast on the spit.

"Figured you might be hungry." She laughed as she turned back to dicing carrots and potatoes.

"Well, only if there's enough to go around." Vilkas replied, taking a seat next to Dengen and the table.

Aela chuckled to herself as she kept ever mindful of the knife in her hand, carefully dicing in preparation for the stew she was going to make with the elk haunch. Lunch was ready within the hour, and while the boys ate, Aela occupied her thoughts with Faith in her arms, rocking the young pup after feeding her, away from the boys of course. She listened intently to Dengen going on about how badly he wanted to be versed in swordsmanship like his father, and how he couldn't wait to get started. She watched her baby with love and pride, knowing that, one day, he would accomplish all that he set his heart to; just like Markus. So busy with her thoughts, she didn't even blink when the front door opened, but chuckled and said that there was food in the kitchen.

"Love, that's not what I want now." The voice replied, and she snapped her head up to look at the newcomer.

"Markus? Is it you?" She questioned hastily as she stood from the chair and made her way over to him.

"Of course it is She-wolf." He replied, cupping her cheek in his hand.

She leaned affectionately into his touch, and he gently wrapped her in his arms, mindful of Faith cradled in Aela's arms. Aela wrinkled her nose at the smell of smoke and death, but amongst those scents, she also found Kodlak's, and a single tear rolled down her cheek. Markus brushed it away with his thumb, and pressed his forehead to hers, their eyes closing. He showed her images of his battle with Alduin, the three ancient hero's who aided him in battle, and of Tsun testing his mettle at the Whale Bone Bridge. As the images slowly played in her mind, the image of Kodlak walking up to Markus and taking his shoulders in his hands played once more, just like it had when she had first seen it.

"Well done lad. You've saved our souls from Alduin's hunger." Kodlak spoke as he looked Markus in the eyes.

"What else was a Harbinger to do Kodlak." Markus chuckled as he returned Kodlak's gaze.

"Yes, and you've done a fine job thus far as the Harbinger. But tell me lad, how is Aela?" Kodlak asked with concern beginning to color his speech.

"She's been well. Though you never got to meet them, the children are also doing well. Our boy Dengen will make a fine Companion one day." Markus beamed with pride as he spoke of his boy. "And our adopted daughter Faith will also have that opportunity. She'll be a strong warrior one day." He concluded with the biggest smile Kodlak had ever seen from him.

"I'd expect nothing less of your children." Kodlak concluded, returning Markus' smile with one of his own. "But, I do think you're missed, and I'd like to take my place in Shor's Hall. Give Aela and the children my best, and take care of them." Kodlak called as he made his way towards the Mead Hall of legend.

"I will Kodlak!" Markus replied as he made his way towards Tsun.

Aela was positively glowing as the images ceased playing, and she looked up into Markus' eyes with the most heart warming smile he'd ever seen on her face.

"You've saved him again, my dear. He's finally where his soul has always wanted to go." Aela whispered as she looked deeply into her husband's eyes.

"Yes, and even in death, his soul was burning with his passion for life." Markus replied as he brushed a lock of hair back behind her ear.

"Papa!" Dengen yelled happily as he latched onto his father's leg.

"There's my pup! Did you have fun with momma and your uncles Farkas and Vilkas?" Markus asked as he scooped Dengen up into his arms.

Dengen went on to describe, in great deal, the time he'd spent with his mother and uncles. He recounted tales of sword training, archery with his mother in the small nook behind the house, bedtime stories told to him by all three, and days spent snuggling in with his mother and sister. Markus listened intently, even chuckling, as Dengen told him story upon story. So when he was asked about his time away, Markus returned his son's enthusiasm with his own, and told him all about his battle with Alduin, and the new friends he made with warriors from a time long before their own. Dengen was awestruck as he listened to his father, and even paid close attention to every detail his father told him of Sovngarde, even down to the smallest patch of flowers. He told him stories of his adventures well into the night, and within that time, Dengen finally began falling asleep. Markus tucked him in and said goodnight before making his way upstairs to the master bedroom. Aela was sitting on the bed, back to the headboard, feeding Faith before she would be ready to be put down to sleep. Markus climbed into bed next to her, and pulled her close to his body, feeling her skin against his own. He placed kisses on her shoulders and neck, teasing her skin with his breath, and waited patiently for her to burp Faith and put her in her crib before focusing all of her attention back on him. They had an incredibly passionate night to make up for lost time, and in the morning, Aela and Markus cooked breakfast for the first time in months together, and neither of them had ever felt so much happiness in the last few years, excluding Dengen's birth and Faith's adoption of course. They all enjoyed their meal together before Markus made his way outside with Dengen to make up some of their sword training that he'd missed out on. Aela watched them from the doorway, smiling as Markus taught Dengen some new stances to make his blade swing easier with his body.