(Disclaimer: I don't own Skyrim; just Xana)

XXX

Xana awoke to find herself lying in a warm bed rather than the cold mountain summit. Upon closer inspection, she realized that she was now within the monastery, to which she slowly sat up and asked herself in a tired voice, "What happened?"

Hearing her question, Master Argnier approached with a tray containing a hot bowl of soup, a slice of bread and a pint of mead, "You collapsed in the snow from exhaustion." He handed her the tray and sat in a chair beside her. "I can see it in your eyes. You've seen the land of the Gods and returned."

She took a sip of mead before speaking, "Yes, I found Alduin's portal to Sovngarde."

"Does this mean... it is done? Is Alduin truly defeated?"

*sigh* "I hope so. But I don't know if Alduin can ever be completely destroyed."

"Perhaps, perhaps not. Dragons are not like normal mortal creatures, and Alduin is unique even among dragonkind. He may be permitted to return at the end of time to fulfill his destiny as the World-Eater. But that is for the gods to decide. You have done your part."

A small nod was her response as he gently placed a hand on her shoulder, "You've shown yourself mighty, both in Voice and deed. In order to defeat Alduin, you've gained mastery of dreadful weapons. Now it is up to you to decide what to do with your power and skill. Will you be a hero whose name is remembered in song throughout the ages? Or will your name be a curse to future generations? Or will you merely fade from history, unremembered? Let the Way of the Voice be your guide, and the path of wisdom will be clear to you. Breath and focus, Dragonborn. Your future lies before you."

She gave him a tired smile before asking in a worried tone, "Where's Odahviing? Does he know I'm okay?"

Argnier gave a nod, "He's the one who brought you to the monastery after you collapsed from exhaustion and hunger. He's been patiently waiting for you to awaken for almost three days now."

Her eyes widened, "Three days?!"

"Indeed. Your final battle with Alduin had taken a great physical toll on your body, forcing you into a deep sleep. My fellow Greybeards and I have kept watch over you and regularly updated Odahviing of your condition. Since his arrival, he has refused to leave the courtyard for fear of your condition worsening."

Xana felt her cheeks blush at his words, "He...He did that? For me?"

Argnier nodded and gave her a warm smile, "Indeed. I was unaware of the bond you two seemed to have formed during your time together thus far."

A deeper shade of red formed along her cheeks as she brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ears, "Uh…well…he's agreed to assist me should I require his help in battle….He's kind to me and hasn't tried to attack me even though he's had plenty of opportunities."

He pondered this for a minute before answering, "It seems your futures are intertwined together. Whether he remains a loyal battle companion or something else entirely, that decision lies with the two of you."

Her eyes widened, "Are you saying…."

Before she could speak further, Xana was politely cut off as Argnier held up his hand and smiled. "I suggest you follow your instincts. But before you run outside to speak to your dragon companion, I would advise that you eat and replenish your strength."

She gave a slight nod before gradually consuming the meal Argnier provided her. Once finished, Xana climbed out of the bed and noticed she was only dressed in her chemise. Not bothering to adorn her armor or boots, she headed out the door leading to the courtyard, determined to see Odahviing.

Upon hearing the monastery doors open, the crimson dragon looked over to see the young Dunmer step out into the snow and approach. A relieved smiled crossed his face as he looked upon the maiden standing before him, "Xana...You're finally awake. I was worried abo..." he was suddenly cut off as the Dovahkiin embraced his snout and planted a kiss upon his maw. Odahviing's eyes widened at her unexpected gesture but he found himself thoroughly enjoying it as a soft growl rumbled within his throat. "…Xana…"

She smiled and met his gaze, "Odahviing…I'm sorry for worrying you. I appreciate you bringing me here to rest, but there's something I wanted to tell you." She blushed as her heart threatened to burst out of her chest from excitement and nervousness, "I love you."

He tenderly smiled at her, "Ahrk Zu'u lokaal hi, Xana…Dii brit fahliil." Odahviing softly nuzzled his beautiful elf before a chuckle rumbled in his throat, "You should probably head inside and dress. I'm not sure you're fit to be in such harsh elements without the…proper attire," he glanced down at the thin chemise with a strained groan: the urge to rip it off of her was rather tempting.

Xana blushed a deep shade of crimson as she glanced down at her current state of dress, or rather 'undress', "I suppose I should change into something more appropriate. But afterwards, I'm going to head off to Skyhaven Temple and inform the Blades that Alduin is defeated. I may not see eye to eye with them, but they did try to help me in my quest. The least I can do is assure them that the World isn't going to end…at least not today. Plus, maybe they have something I can use or 'borrow' that they won't miss."

Odahviing smirked, "I didn't take you for a thief, Xana."

She delicately ran her fingers along his maw, "There's a lot you don't know about me, Odahviing. But I'm not technically a thief. I'm more like an advent treasure hunter." She then planted a soft kiss upon his snout before she reluctantly parted from him and headed back inside the monastery to dress.

Once adorned in her armor and gear, Xana offered her thanks to Greybeards, followed by a temporary goodbye before heading out and making her way down the Throat of the World and off towards The Reach.

XXXXXX

After nearly two days of traveling, Xana finally reached Skyhaven Temple, whereupon she then entered the forgotten fortress and stepped into the main hall containing Alduin's Wall. A sad smile crossed her lips as she looked upon the ancient carving. While she was glad Alduin was gone, she felt...lost: like she no longer had a purpose. She brushed those negative thoughts aside and emitted a sigh, 'I have the rest of my life ahead of me and I no longer have to worry about the world ending. I can finally take a break from being the Dragonborn,' she thought to herself.

With that, she walked past the Wall and over towards the living quarters, hoping Esbern was there: she really didn't want to speak to Delphine at the moment. She was still pissed at her for asking her to kill Paarthurnax. 'Like I would even consider killing him. He's my mentor and one of my dearest friends. He deserves to live as much as I do.' Stepping into another room, Xana curiously began looking around when she discovered a secret lever hidden behind a nearby shelf. Upon pulling it, the stone wall shifted and moved, revealing a passageway that led deeper into the temple.

As her curiosity continued to rise, Xana used a candlelight spell to light her path as she carefully followed the passageway until it opened into a large chamber. Upon inspection, she immediately recognized it as a torture chamber. There were cells lining against the walls and various contraptions used to inflict pain upon prisoners. Xana stood in shock, 'What in Oblivion were those ancient Blades doing with such malicious devices?' She shook her head of such horrible thoughts before she noticed an alchemy table in the corner of the room along with a large bookshelf. There were a variety of dusty, ruined books and preserved ingredients lining the shelves, but none of those struck her attention as much as the large chest in between the alchemy table and the bookshelf. Upon further inspection, Xana noticed it was a master lock chest, which meant it must contain something of great value. Using her skills, she thankfully managed to pick the lock after only three failed attempts.

When she opened the chest, Xana was shocked and appalled at what she found: inside the chest were dozens of dragon bones and scales, along with a wooden crate containing several vials of a strange purple liquid, and a large bottle of what appeared to be blood. Of course, she had a sickening feeling that it was dragon blood. Pushing those thoughts aside, she then spotted a small journal among the vials. Picking it up and opening it, Xana noticed the date had been smudged away, but the entry was still legible. Curiously, she mentally began to read it:

Finally! After months of testing, I've finally created a potion that would transform a dragon into a human! Unfortunately, the transformation only lasts a few days and apparently makes the subjects much stronger than normal humans. How am I supposed to interrogate dragons properly if I can't weaken them?! Oh well, at least in human form, they're easier to kill. I shall have to conduct further studies to see if there is a way to suppress their thu'um while in human form. At the moment, it seems that while they are still able to shout, their voices are not as strong. Maybe if I cut out their tongues... No! I need to be able to understand them. I need information. In the meantime, I shall continue to craft more of these potions as my supply is dwindling. Perhaps I should also use this opportunity to extract more blood from my newly acquired test subjects.

Xana felt the urge to vomit: the Blades captured and tortured dragons?! For what purpose?! She flipped through the journal and discovered the recipe for the potion. A part of her wanted to destroy it, but another part of her was curious to see of it actually worked. If a dragon could be turned into a human, then that would mean she and Odahviing could… She blushed and packed the journal and potions within her knapsack before quietly heading back through the tunnel and out of the passage, where she then closed it up and hid it from view once more.

Once finished, Xana quietly headed back into the main hall where she noticed Esbern's desk piled with books pertaining to dragons and various conquests of the ancient Blades. One book in particular contained a list of dragon names and burial locations. Oddly enough, she remembered skimming through this book shortly before heading off to Dragonsreach to summon Odahviing. That's how she learned he'd been killed by the ancient Blades and why Alduin resurrected him. Anger clouded her mind: she didn't want the Blades to possess this book any longer. She didn't want them hunting down the remaining dragons on that list. She would not allow them to kill Paarthurnax or Odahviing (again). Checking to make sure that the coast was clear, Xana took the book and placed it within her bag before hastily scribbling a note on a piece of parchment:

Alduin has been defeated. My Dragonborn destiny is fulfilled and my services to the Blades are no longer needed. Attempt to harm Paarthurnax or any other dragon seeking atonement for their past deeds, and I will see to it that you no longer remain hidden from your enemies. This is my ONLY warning.

Xana then placed the note on top of the stone table across from Alduin's Wall. She figured Delphine and Esbern were outside in the courtyard training; but after finding the hidden torture chamber, she didn't have the stomach to speak to them. Nor did she feel that they were worthy of her presence, seeing as how they wanted her to kill the very dragon who aided her throughout the majority of her quest. Paarthurnax was patient and kind towards her, whereas most dragons were all too eager to challenge her thu'um and skill with a blade or bow. He took her under his wing and gave her a greater understanding at what it meant to be a dovahkiin and to harness the strength of her voice. Ultimately, her victory over Alduin would not have been possible if not for his guidance and support.

Once outside, Xana left Skyhaven Temple behind her and made her way towards Falkreath for some much needed rest from Dragonborn business.