(Disclaimer: I do not own Skyrim, just my OC's)

(Author's Note: Hello darling readers, I apologize for the wait, but as I may have mentioned in previous chapters, I have other projects that keep me busy from time to time, but know that this story is still a work in progress and I plan to continue adding onto it until I deem it completed...in which I can then start the sequel. :D But in the meantime, enjoy the chapter and stay safe during these troubling times. Things will hopefully get better someday, but until that happens, never stop writing. Never stop reading. And never stop dreaming.)

-Three Days Later-

Odahviing and Xana were currently behind the barn as the alteration potion had worn off and left him in his draconic form once more. However, he needed a day or two to recover from being a joor for the last few days. Now the question is: what to tell everyone? Xana couldn't keep making up excuses and expecting them to believe her, but she had no choice. She couldn't ask her mate to don that false appearance for another four to five days (depending how strong the potion was) without serious repercussions. She didn't want to find out what prolonged use of it would have on him. At the moment, he was restless and itching to fly. "Are you sure you'll be alright, dii brit fahliil?"

She gave him a reassuring nod and smiled, "Of course my love. I have my brothers and my parents here to help me should I need assistance with anything. I may not be able to use my melee weapons at the moment, but I can still use my bow, my spells and my thu'um if needed. Besides, I can always call you if I need you."

He emitted a soft growl and nuzzled her cheek, "That you can, Dovahkiin."

Xana playfully rolled her eyes at the use of her title, "Oh shush. I'll have none of that from you, Odahviing."

A hushed chuckle was his response before he licked her cheek and nuzzled her belly, to which he then spoke to their unborn child, "Hahdrim him Monah ol Zu'u vod." A smile crossed his maw as he felt a small kick from his offspring, causing him to emit a 'hmm' of contentment. With a final nuzzle to his mate, Odahviing skulked towards the treeline where he then spread out his wings and took off in a plume of dust.

Xana watched him fly off over the treetops before silently sneaking back inside the house. Seeing as how it wasn't even dawn yet, she figured that she would catch a few more hours of sleep before everyone else woke up and aroused her from sleep with the delicious smells of bacon, eggs, sausages and sweetrolls.

Oh, that gave her an idea.

Seeing as how her family has been spoiling her with their homemade cooking, Xana decided it was time to return the favor. Today she would make them breakfast...or at least start breakfast. Knowing her family, they would arise from a dead sleep if they smelled bacon cooking in the skillet or homemade bread baking. She'd have to be careful not to draw too much attention to herself yet. She wanted this to be a surprise. 'It's a shame Odahviing will be missing out.'

XXXXX

Nearly an hour after she set to work preparing breakfast, Xana heard the distinct shuffling of her brothers emerging from their rooms. With a smile, she finished setting the table and began to evenly dish out everyone's portions. "Good morning," she cheerfully stated as her family entered the kitchen.

"Well, good morning to you too, sis," Reem-Sha replied with a smile.

"You made breakfast," Stone-Scale glanced at the spread across the table, to which she gave a nod as the rest of her family entered the kitchen/dining area.

"I sure did. I figured I'd return the favor seeing as how you all have been treating Hunter and I to your homemade cooking. I hope you're all hungry because I made stewed apples with eidar cheese, venison sausages and pan fried potatoes."

"Oh sweetie, you didn't have to do this for us," Flower-Song replied as she, Tenova, their sons' and Xana took their seats at the table.

The young Dunmer shook her head, "I know I didn't have to, but I wanted to. Besides, I was already awake and figured I'd surprise you all with a hearty breakfast."

"Well, we appreciate it dear. Thank you," Tenova smiled.

"You're welcome."

Swims-To-Sea looked over at the empty chair beside her and asked, "Where's Hunter?"

Xana poured herself a cup of apple cider and replied, "He's out exploring some of the caves north of the village. Like me, he also likes to explore old ruins, caves and forts. I figured he was getting a little stir-crazy and wanted some fresh air."

"Ah, so he went off for some peace and quiet," Runs-To-Shore chuckled.

She rolled her eyes and smirked, "Yes and no. He enjoys all of your company, but you must remember that before I came into his life, he was a bit of a loner and a recluse. He's not quite used to having people around him all the time and it's a bit overwhelming."

"Oh, the poor dear. I know you mentioned that he was a recluse before you came into his life, but I had no idea he felt this way. I imagine he's also feeling slightly out of his element being so far away from his homeland," Flower-Song chimed in.

Xana gave a nod and gently rubbed her baby bump, "Yea, there's that too. I'm not even sure if he's ever left Skyrim before we came down here, so he's probably a little homesick. Even though I'm not a native born resident of Skyrim, I miss it already. I love the crisp mountain air on my skin, the smell of pine trees, and the sound of dragons in the distance...as crazy as that seems."

"Wait, you're actually comfortable with that," Shastan asked, shocked at such a notion.

"Well...yes. I may be the Dragonborn, but that doesn't mean I have to kill all the dragons I encounter or that I should be afraid of them. Being a Dragonborn or Dovahkiin, as it is pronounced in the dragon tongue, I was born with the soul of a dragon. This means that I'm not only able to understand and speak their language, but I'm also more accustomed to their presence than most mortals would be. I've encountered dozens of dragons during my time in Skyrim thus far and have actually aided several of them rather than kill them and vice versa."

At the questioning looks, Xana emitted a sigh and explained: "I was returning from an errand in Solitude when I happened to see a dragon engaged in combat with a group of bandits. They had somehow managed to bring it down by injuring its wing and were attacking it with their swords while it fought back by breathing fire on them. Some were killed and some kept fighting. I wasn't about to let those bandits kill the dragon, so I rushed in and shouted them down with my thu'um before combating them with my blade, while the dragon fought by my side. When the last bandit fell, I cautiously approached the dragon and threw down my sword to let him know that I wasn't going to hurt him. He never tried to attack me, nor did he give me a reason to be afraid of him. With that, I used my restoration magic to mend his torn wing and seal his wounds. He couldn't speak in the common tongue, but I saw the gratitude in his eyes before he took to the skies and flew away."

"I may be a Dragonborn, but that doesn't mean I'm without mercy towards dragons. Despite what those damn Blades think, I have no desire to go out into the world and kill every dragon I see, nor do I wish to kill dragons for them. They have just as much right to exist in this realm as we do and they're not all savage beasts like the old tales say. Many of them are kindhearted individuals who have spent centuries regretting and reflecting on their past deeds and actions. They have lived countless mortal lives in quiet solitude and have sought atonement for their past wrongdoings. Who am I to judge and condemn them all to death?"

"Oh Xana, you have such a kind heart. Few would ever show mercy upon a dragon," Flower-Song responded with a motherly smile.

"Exactly. Which is why I prefer to study and learn from them rather than attack. Now, I will attack them if they attack me first, or if they're laying waste to a city or settlement and my thu'um isn't enough to calm them. I don't enjoy doing it, but sometimes I don't have a choice in the matter."

"So, what have you learned from the dragons," Stone-Scale curiously asked as he took a bite of his breakfast.

She finished chewing a piece of sausage before answering, "Well, from my observations, I've learned that dragons are curious by nature just like we are. Sometimes they'll sit on a stone wall or an arch and observe the land around them or they'll fly overhead and circle around a few times before flying off. Now, this doesn't always mean they'll attack. Rather, it often means they're curious or they're hunting game. I've learned they're not fond of giants and sometimes pick fights with them to test their strength. While all dragons are able to withstand the cold, some of them are more adapted than others and they usually attack with a frost shout. I've learned that a lot of dragons sleep with one eye open so they can always be on the lookout for intruders on their territory. Some will guard hoards of treasure with their lives and attack those they deem a threat, while others will provide their assistance should you best them in fair combat or help them in some way. Unlike most people, dragons do not go back on their promises and are fiercely loyal should you have the honor of befriending one."

"So, I take it that you're friends with some dragons," Shastan inquired.

Xana took a sip of cider and nodded, "Indeed. My mentor is a dragon and Hunter…," she stopped herself before she accidentally spilled the beans about her mate being a dragon as well.

"What about Hunter," Tenova asked as he looked at his daughter.

"Oh, well, he actually studied under his guidance far longer than I have. You could say their history goes back a ways." Xana mentally sighed, 'That was close.'

XXXXX

Shortly after breakfast Xana got dressed for the day and equipped her daedric bow (as a precaution) before heading outside to tend to the animals with her parents while her brothers worked in the garden or headed into town. At the moment, she and her parents were leading the animals out into the field so they could graze on some grass while Sea and Shore cleaned out the stables and pens.

Upon seeing her daughter's massive dapple grey stallion, Flower-Song gasped, "Oh my, what a big horse you have, Xana."

She chuckled and patted Braum's neck, "Yea, he's pretty big, but he's the most gentle creature you'll ever meet."

Tenova turned their two mares loose into the field after his wife herded the sheep through the gate, to which he then approached the enormous steed and offered him a carrot, which Braum happily accepted. "Where on Nirn did you acquire such a magnificent steed?"

"Actually, I found him shortly after arriving in Skyrim. He was badly wounded with a large gash across his flank and several smaller cuts along his body, suggesting that either bandits or draugr had attacked him. He was scared, hurt and hungry, but I took him in, mended his wounds, fed him, bathed him and brushed him. Afterwards, he became my travel companion and has been with me ever since."

"Well, he's a fine horse. Have you thought about breeding him?"

She made a slight shrug, "Honestly, that thought hadn't crossed my mind until now. Why? Are you wanting to breed Blossom," she gestured over towards the painted mare.

He nodded, "I've been considering it lately. She just turned five years old last month and we're hoping to retire her mother, Merriweather, next year." He gestured over to the old bay mare grazing beside a pair of sheep, "She's given us almost 20 years of hard work and love, but it's time for the old girl to live out the rest of her days in comfort. We can't breed her anymore, but we certainly don't want to give her up. She's a member of this family and deserves to retire in peace."

Xana fondly smiled at the old bay mare, "I remember riding her around the farm with you when I was little. It's hard to believe she's older than me."

At that, Flower-Song emitted a chuckle, "Yes, I can hardly believe it myself. I remember she used to follow you around like a guard dog or a mother hen. You were her baby as much as you were ours. Of course, you're still our baby." She kissed her daughter's cheek, making Xana blush.

"Oh come on, Mom," she smirked and playfully rolled her eyes. "But in regards to breeding Braum, I don't see the harm in it. You certainly could use another horse on the farm if Merriweather is retiring. And it's likely that the foal would be really strong and hearty like Braum is, which would benefit you a lot, especially when it comes to plowing the fields or pulling heavy loads of goods in the wagon."

"My thoughts exactly," Tenova agreed. "As you noticed, there aren't any horses like him in our corner of the world and having one of that particular size and strength would benefit our farm greatly."

"Good point," Xana fondly scratched Braum's neck and emitted a giggle as he nuzzled her cheek. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Blossom approaching. "Oh, she's coming over to check him out," she smirked and watched as the two horses began sniffing one another and sharing breath. "I think they like each other. Of course they've probably been admiring one another since they met the other night."

"Perhaps," her Mother smiled. "Well, I suppose we should move these two lovebirds so they can get better acquainted with one another."

The young Dunmer nodded in agreement and led Braum over to the adjacent field while her Mother followed behind with Blossom in tow. Once they turned the two horses loose and closed the gate behind them, Xana and Flower-Song left them to their privacy and returned to tending to the farm chores with Tenova and the boys.

XXXXX

-A few hours later-

At the moment, Xana was busy hanging up laundry to dry when she glanced up and spotted a terrifying sight in the far off distance: a flock of hackwings were swiftly approaching the farm! On instinct, she drew her bow and rushed over to the house where she reached inside the door and pulled the large ox horn off the wall before blowing into it, signaling the immediate danger and alerting the patrolling guards and everyone within radius of the incoming threat. She prayed that Shastan and Stone-Scale heard it and were taking shelter indoors somewhere, for they were still in town and would be vulnerable to an attack if they were out in the open. Tenova, Swims-To-Sea and Runs-To-Shore drew their weapons and prepared for a fight while Flower-Song and Reem-Sha herded the animals into the barn.

"Xana, get inside now," her Father ordered as the hackwings began circling overhead, preparing to attack.

"No, I can help! Please, get inside the barn and stay under cover! I'm going to use my thu'um to bring them down! Do as I say!"

Not wanting to doubt his daughters abilities, he gave a nod and gestured to his sons', "Well, you boys heard her: get in the barn!"

Reluctantly, they did as asked and headed inside the structure while Xana stood under the safety of the porch roof and unleashed her voice: "STRUN BAH QO!"

A massive *CRASH* of thunder erupted from the sky as everyone inside the barn watched as the wind became a hurricane while the sky darkened and began pouring rain. They shuddered at the tremendous thundering sounds that shook the earth while lightning began striking several of the hackwings one by one, electrocuting them and sending them spiraling to their deaths. Seeing more approaching, Xana fired an array of arrows at the closest one, striking it in the wings and grounding it as another jolt of lightning hit it, killing it instantly. One more down, five more to go. Xana couldn't risk her unborn child's life by facing them in melee combat, but she could still use her magic, archery skills and thu'um (once it regenerated). She readied a fire blast spell and cast it at the nearest hackwing, hitting it in the side and scorching its flesh. It emitted a screech of anger and dove towards the young Dunmer, but she dodged out of the way and fired an arrow into its eye, blinding it in the process. It launched itself into the air once more and prepared to dive at her again, only to suddenly be attacked by a familiar crimson dragon.

Odahviing had seen the hackwings from a distance and had flown back to protect his mate and unborn offspring. Fury was laced in his eyes as he emitted a torrent of flames that completely engulfed the foul beast, burning it to a crisp where it then fell from the sky and landed in a charred heap upon the ground. Two out of the four remaining hackwings suddenly charged and latched onto Odahviing where they began tearing at his wings and neck with their saw-like teeth, making him roar in pain and anger. He thrashed and kicked, trying to pry them off, but they persisted and continued to tear at his scales and sensitive wing membrane.

Meanwhile, Xana's family emerged from the barn and began firing at the other two, effectively hitting them in the wings and bringing one of them down to the ground where Tenova began to stab at it with his sword. The beast struck him with its large wing, launching him to the side, but Flower-Song charged it from behind and sliced its other wing with her dagger. A pair of guards suddenly rode over and offered their aid by firing at the three that were still airborne, while Sea and Shore helped their Mother by finishing off the grounded one. Reem-Sha aided his Father and helped bring down another one before stabbing at its flesh while avoiding its long beak-like jaws and saw-like teeth.

Odahviing scraped against the roof of the barn and finally dislodged the hackwing that was latched onto his neck before emitting a torrent of flames in its direction while Xana, the guards and her family launched an array of arrows at it, bringing it down where Tenova and Flower-Song could stab at it with their sons' help. From what she could see, Odahviing was heavily bleeding from his left wing and neck. She knew his scales were tough, but even dragons could be brought down by hackwings' if they were outnumbered. He was losing stamina, but still continued to fight. He soon managed to shake off the last hackwing, flinging it higher into the air and launching himself at it before clamping his powerful jaws around its neck and killing it with a sickening *crack* before dropping to the ground in a lifeless heap.

Not realizing that the dragon meant no harm, the guards suddenly began firing at Odahviing, hitting him in the wings. "Stop! Don't shoot," Xana pleaded.

"Miss, get inside the house, we'll handle the dragon!" One guard said as he prepared to fire another arrow.

Not wanting anymore harm to come to her mate, Xana did the only thing she could without needlessly hurting/killing the guards: "ZUN HAAL VIIK!" She shouted in their direction, effectively disarming them of their weapons.

There was a thundering roar as Odahviing fell from the sky and crash landed in the field where the sheep had been grazing prior to the attack. The guards dismounted from their horses and charged into the field with Xana's brothers, while her parents tried to restrain her. "NO! LEAVE HIM ALONE!"

She wretched herself from her parents grasp and shouted: "WULD NAH KEST!" In a flash, she was by Odahviing's side and shielding him with a ward spell. "Drop your weapons now or I will be forced to unleash my thu'um upon you all!"

"...Xana…," Reem-Sha spoke in a worried tone, but did as asked while his brothers followed suit and dropped their weapons. The guards, however, kept their swords in hand.

"Do as she says," Swims-To-Sea hissed at them.

Both men hesitantly dropped their swords as Flower-Song and Tenova approached. "Xana!? What in Oblivion has gotten into you?!" Her Father asked while keeping a firm grip on his sword.

"Father...please...drop your weapon. Odahviing is not going to hurt me or any one of you. I promise."

He looked at his wife before they too dropped their weapons to the ground. "Sweetie...what's going on," the matriarch questioned her daughter with concern as she watched her use a healing spell on the crimson dragon.

Odahviing laid upon the ground and emitted a pained groan as she began mending the wounds on his neck. "Xana...los hi ahraan?"

She shook her head, "No, I'm fine. Please rest and let me tend to your injuries." The young Dunmer then glanced over at the guards, "You two: head back into town and inform the villagers that the hackwings' have been dealt with. However, this dragon is not to be harmed. Is that clear?!"

Both nodded, to which the first one replied, "Yes mam."

"Good. Because if anyone comes back here and tries to inflict any kind of harm upon him, I will not hesitate to use my thu'um and unleash my wrath," her ruby eyes burned with rage as she suddenly emitted a feral growl, which surprised her family. She's never growled before.

With that in mind, the men hurried back to their horses and rode off to town while Xana's family calmly approached. "Sis, you know this dragon," Runs-To-Shore asked.

She nodded, "I do. As do all of you, but you know him by a different name." Xana looked upon her mate for a moment before continuing, "Everyone, this is Odahviing, also known as Hunter. My mate."