(Disclaimer: I don't own Skyrim; just Xana and my other OC's)

After nearly five hours of travel, a small farming village finally came into view along the border of Black Marsh and Morrowind. Only slightly bigger than Morthal, the village consisted of several farms, an Inn/tavern, a blacksmiths shop, an alchemy shop, and a general merchants shop. The area in which said village was located resembled Falkreath, in that the surrounding forests were thick and the trees were tall, which provided shelter for the beasts that resided within and gave said forests a dark (almost eerie) appearance.

As they came closer towards their final destination, Xana's eyes lit up upon seeing her family's home in the distance, "I can't believe I'm actually here."

Odahviing smiled and nuzzled her neck, while his hands tenderly cradled her lower abdomen, "I'm sure your brod will be overjoyed to see you again."

"Of course they will. I just hope my brothers won't harass you."

He chuckled, "I doubt your zeymah's could inflict any damage on me if they tried. Even in this weakened form, my strength would easily overpower theirs."

"That may be so, but it'd be five against one."

"I've taken on more opponents than that."

"As a dragon," she reminded as they rode along. "Regardless, I wouldn't let them harm you. Although, I can't guarantee you'll be safe from any of their pranks. They may be older than me, but they still enjoy childish jests every now and then."

"Hmm, I will keep that in mind," he kissed her neck and rubbed her baby bump. Odahviing emitted a slight purr when he felt her thumb caress his fingers, to which he then asked, "How do you think your bormah and monah will react to our pairing and kiir?"

Xana softly giggled and leaned back into his chest as they rode onward towards their destination, "I know they'll be surprised, and maybe a little frustrated at the fact that I got 'married' and forgot to tell them about it in my letters."

"You and I both know your sonaak's would never marry us if I was in my true form," he hugged her a bit tighter in a protective embrace. "But, if you really want our bond to be recognized by your fellow joor, we could wed while I'm in this form. It's my understanding that a woman who is with kiir and not wed is considered shameful in joor society, but by dovah standards, we are mates. I cannot bring myself to understand why going before a sonaak to declare one's love for their mate is necessary…. But if it will ease your mind, I would be willing to stand by your side and make a vow of everlasting love to you, so that all would know of our union and my unyielding affection towards you, dii brit fahliil."

At his words, Xana suddenly stopped Braum before looking back at her mate with wide eyes, "You'd do that for me?"

With a nod, Odahviing gently cupped her cheek, "I would….just like you did for me. The night we consummated our love, we became mates in the dovah way. Now, I wish to marry you in the joor way." His ice blue eyes locked onto her ruby red ones as a smile crossed his lips, "Xana, will you marry me?"

She tearfully nodded as a smile graced her lips, "Yes! Yes, of course I'll marry you!" Even though she couldn't turn completely around while atop her horse, Xana hugged him as best she could and kissed his cheek, "I love you, Odahviing. I love you…" He smiled and held her close before peppering her neck with kisses.

After a few minutes of unbridled affection, the two of them steered Braum towards a large, well-kept farmhouse. In the front garden were two (identical-looking) Argonian men adorned in simple clothing and thick boots. Both were tall, well-toned and dark scaled in color, with hues of blue and grey tinting, while dark blue feathers adorned their heads and were paired with long horns. Just by observation, Odahviing guessed they were Xana's eldest brothers: twins, Swims-To-Sea and Runs-To-Shore.

"Xana!" Upon seeing their baby sister, both brothers ran over to where she was now standing beside her horse and wrapped their arms around her in a tight hug.

While Odahviing dismounted Braum, Xana emitted a laugh and embraced her eldest brothers, "Sea! Shore! It's so good to see you two again! I've missed you both so much!"

"We've missed you too, sis," Swims-To-Sea beamed as he hugged her.

"Mom and Dad are going to lose it when they see you," Runs-To-Shore added. "They're currently in Helstrom visiting Aunt Takara and Uncle Hunts-In-Water. They should be back in a week or two."

"Oh, I was hoping they'd be here now," the young Dunmer replied with a frown. "I haven't seen them in so long and I have so much I wanted to tell them, but now all that's going to have to wait."

Sea placed a hand on her shoulder and gave a reassuring smile, "Hey now, don't be sad. They'll be back before you know it." He then glanced over at the newcomer standing behind her before adding, "Now, how about you introduce Shore and I to your travel companion."

She blushed, "Oh! Of course!" She looped an arm through Odahviing's and smiled, "Sea, Shore, this is 'Hunter'….my mate."

Both of their yellow eyes widened as they looked upon the tall 'man' standing beside their little sister. "Mate?! Since when did you get married? How come we weren't invited? Why didn't you mention it in your letters?" Both of them questioned her while mentally boring holes into the man's skull.

Xana held up her hand and emitted a sigh, "I know I should have said something sooner….but we didn't want to attract a lot of attention to ourselves. As you know, I'm the Dragonborn, which has unfortunately drawn the eyes of many foes. But, if it'll make you both feel better, Hunter suggested that we also marry in the Argonian tradition. Granted, we're married according to his culture, but he wanted to make it official in our culture too."

Shore raised a brow and smirked at the newcomer, "Is that so?"

"Indeed." Odahviing gently placed a hand on Xana's shoulder and looked at the brothers, "I wish to do right by her and marry her in the tradition she was raised with. I only ask that you respect our reason why the secrecy was necessary. She may not mention it in her letters, but Xana has made quite a few enemies during her time in Skyrim. Some have attempted to end her life, but were unsuccessful and perished by her blade and my wrath." He took a moment to smile down at the Dunmer woman before facing the pair once more, "I love Xana...I don't know which of the Divines decided that I was worthy of such a wonderful gift, but I am grateful to have been blessed with her in my life thus far."

With a tearful smile, the Dragonborn hugged his side, while he gently rubbed her shoulder and planted a chaste kiss upon her soft, crimson hair. At their tender display of affection, Sea asked his sister, "Do you love him, Xana?"

She nodded, "I do. I love him so much. He helped me defeat Alduin, which means he helped save Skyrim and all of Tamriel. He opened my eyes to the vast beauty that is Skyrim: Where most would see a frozen land full of war, death and dragons, he showed me that underneath its rough exterior lies a beautiful gem full of history and wonder." A small blush appeared along her cheeks, "He's one of the few who actually calls me by my name instead of my title as Dragonborn. He never asks ridiculous favors from me, nor does he talk down to me. He also never doubts my skills and abilities, but rather, helps me better understand them. His kind and patient, and he's supportive and fun."

At her response, Shore crossed his arms and glanced over at his twin, "Well Sea, I guess we have another brother." He then offered his hand for 'Hunter' to shake, to which he did. "Welcome to the family, Hunter! We'll be sure to inform Reem-Sha, Shastan and Stone-Scale of your marriage to our baby sister and we'll explain how you two are obviously in love with one another, and also wish to marry according to our customs."

Odahviing gave a nod, "I appreciate it. Xana mentioned that you're all rather protective of her."

Sea chuckled and gave a sharp smirk, "Indeed. Since she was a wriggling newborn we've protected and looked out for her. Now that you're in her life, we can rest easy knowing someone else has her back for a change."

At that, Xana playfully rolled her eyes before asking, "Where are the others? I thought they'd be out here with you two."

"Reem-Sha is out back feeding the animals and cleaning the stables, while Stone-Scale is working as an apprentice to Dagger-Fang, the blacksmith," Shore answered before crossing his arms with a smirk, "Shastan is probably out visiting Marbella again. I swear, he's head over heels in love with that Breton girl: She's all he ever talks about."

"Aww, I remember Marbella! She and I used to ride sheep together out in the fields and play tag during twilight."

"Yep. Shastan is practically welded to her hip now-a-days. I'm really happy for them, though I think her parents would rather see her with someone else. They've been trying to pair her up with that Imperial, Brody. You remember, the Innkeeper's son?"

She narrowed her eyes and frowned, "Yes, I remember him. He used to put frogs down my back and chase me through the field while wearing a bearskin."

At that, Odahviing made a soft growling sound: he already hated this Brody character despite not knowing him.

"So, Shastan has a lady friend, but what of you two? Are either of you courting someone," Xana curiously asked before Sea emitted a sigh and spoke in a hushed tone:

"It's best if we continue this conversation inside. Come, let's get you and Hunter settled in. I'll help carry your bags while Shore takes your horse to the stables and informs Reem-Sha of your arrival. He'll be excited to see you again," he then took a hold of their bags and led them towards the large house, while Shore took Braum back towards the stables.

Once inside the familiar dwelling, Xana asked, "What's going on, Sea?"

*sigh* "Shore and I…are in a relationship with the same woman." He held up his hands to silence her questioning, "I know what you're thinking, but I can explain: You see, Renessie is special to us. Shore and I fell in love with her almost as soon as she moved here about five years ago. Last year we both finally mustered up the courage and approached her about our feelings, to which she confessed that she loves us too. She can't bring herself to choose one over the other and she knows no one in the village would approve of the three of us as one unit. So, we've been trying to figure out what to do. We want to get married, but…I just…I don't know how we'll go about it."

Hunter sat in silent observation, not wanting to disrupt the peace so soon after being accepted by the eldest brothers. Xana leaned against her mate and rubbed her thumb over his fingers in thought, "Have either you or Shore spoken to Mom and Dad about this?"

He shook his head, "No. We haven't spoken to them about it because we know they wouldn't approve. And Renessie certainly hasn't spoken to her family about it because they're very traditional when it comes to marriage." *sigh* "I don't know what we're going to do."

"Hmm….What if the three of you eloped? One of you could marry Renessie here in Black Marsh, while the other marries her in Skyrim. Then the three of you could live with Hunter and I in our home, or I could help you acquire some land for you to build your own home. Gods know I have more than enough gold from my adventures to help the three of you move and settle down. In this way you'd all be safe from scrutiny. Granted, you'd still have to keep your true relationship at bay while among others, but you'd be among strangers who wouldn't know the difference if they saw you with Renessie one day, and her with Runs-To-Shore another day."

His eyes lit up, "You really think that could work?"

She shrugged, "I don't see why not. Besides, Mom and Dad have plenty of help around the farm what with Reem-Sha, Shastan and Stone-Scale still living here. And if Shastan ends up marrying Marbella, they'll probably end up staying here to raise their own family."

"You make a good point: Mom and Dad certainly don't need all of their sons still living at home. Plus, we could always say that we're moving to Skyrim to be closer to you, seeing as how you're our baby sister and need our protection," he winked making her roll her eyes and scoff in amusement.

Hunter finally spoke up and addressed the Argonian, "While the concept of having more than one mate is strange to me, I am in agreement with Xana: You three should have the freedom to live how you desire. If leaving your home to be with your beloved is what it takes for you all to be at peace, then so be it." He fondly looked at his mate before facing Swims-To-Sea once more, "I've risked much to be with Xana as she has to be with me. We both understand your plight and would be willing to assist you, your brother and your intended mate as necessary."

As Sea was about to respond, the door opened and in stepped Reem-Sha, followed by Runs-To-Shore.

"Xana," the younger brother beamed and ran over to greet his baby sister, to which the young Dunmer was immediately swept off the snuggle bench and hugged against a scaly yellowish orange chest:

"It's good to see you too, Reem-Sha! I take it that you missed me?"

He emitted a hearty chuckle, "You could say that. When Shore came out back toting that large stallion behind him, I knew something was amiss. He said you and your 'mate' traveled all the way from Skyrim to visit us for a few weeks." He then gently set her down and glanced at the strange man, "Is this your mate?"

She smiled and nodded, "Indeed. Reem-Sha, I'd like you to meet Hunter."

Said 'man' stood up from the snuggle bench and towered over the Argonian by at least a foot and a half. He looked at the shorter male and took in his appearance: he was a bit shorter than his twin brothers and was adorned in only a pair of green trousers and brown leather boots. He had a broad upper body with thick corded muscles and yellow eyes like his elder brothers. Atop his head was a plume of orange feathers, while a long scar ran down the right side of his face.

Reem-Sha glanced up at the man with a surprised expression, "Wow! Are all the folks up in Skyrim as tall as you, or are you just a special case?"

At his question, Odahviing couldn't help but smirk, "I'm not like most residents of Skyrim, if that's what you're implying."

"I see….Well, either way, welcome to the family! I was informed of your marriage to our little sister, but I understand you wish to also marry her in the Argonian tradition. That's very honorable of you."

"Perhaps, but I just want our union to be recognized by both of our cultures. Plus, I figured Xana would appreciate a wedding where her relatives would be able to attend."

"Well, I know I certainly appreciate it. It's not every day that our baby sister gets married. I'll have to prepare a feast for the celebration. You two plan to have it when Mom and Dad return home, yes?"

Xana giggled and nodded in affirmation, "Of course! Do you really think we'd have a wedding without them? I'd never hear the end of it. Plus, Mother always wanted to see me in her wedding dress."

"Yea, she can't exactly get any of us to wear it," Runs-To-Shore chimed in, to which everyone had a good laugh at his remark: even Odahviing emitted a slight chuckle. After a few moments, Xana and 'Hunter' sat down with the brothers following suit. The five of them conversed for several minutes before the front door opened, revealing the two younger brothers: Shastan and Stone-Scale.

Shastan was yellow scaled with bright blue eyes and a pair of curved horns atop his head, while his attire consisted of a cream colored belted tunic, a pair of tan trousers and brown leather boots. While not as broad as Reem-Sha, he was obviously well-toned like the twins, and just as tall.

Meanwhile, Stone-Scale was slightly shorter than the rest of his brothers, but he was every bit as lean and toned as they were. His shoulders and chest were broad like Reem-Sha's, and his muscles were corded and strong from his work as a blacksmiths apprentice. His scales were grayish blue in color and his eyes were blue like Shastan's. Atop his head was a pair of pointed horns, while across his left eye were three distinct claw marks. His attire consisted of blacksmiths clothes and leather boots, while an ebony dagger rested against his hip. Both he and Shastan greeted their elder siblings before suddenly noticing their sister in the room:

"Xana!"

Once again, the young Dunmer was picked up and pulled into a tight hug. "Goodness me, I didn't think I'd be missed this much."

"Well, you thought wrong," Stone-Scale heartily chuckled before gently placing her down, to which Shastan then hugged her:

"Why wouldn't we miss you, Xana? You're our little sister: Of course we missed you!"

At his remark, she smiled and hugged him close, "I missed you too, Shastan. You, Stone-Scale, Reem-Sha, Swims-To-Sea and Runs-To-Shore….I missed all of you, as well as Mom and Dad. But Sea and Shore informed me that they won't be back for a couple of weeks."

Stone-Scale gave a nod and smirked, "Yea, but until then, you're stuck with us." He then noticed Odahviing and asked, "Who's this, your travel companion?"

Reem-Sha crossed his arms and chuckled, "No; that's her mate."

Both of the younger brothers looked on in surprise, to which she emitted a sigh before calmly explaining everything to them while they all sat around and listened.

Once her story ended, Xana leaned against 'Hunter' and entwined her fingers with his, "So, now you all know of our current situation and relationship; however, Hunter and I have some more news that we're thankful to be sharing with the five of you all at once rather than separate."

"And what could that be," Shastan asked, curiously.

A blush lined her cheeks as she suddenly felt Odahviing's hand rest upon her midsection, "We're having a baby!"

"A baby!?" All five of them gasped as she gestured towards her small bump. Immediately, they looked at the young couple as if asking for permission, to which she gave a nod, allowing each of them to come up and feel her stomach.

"Wow, to think we've all been smothering you with affection and didn't even notice," Reem-Sha smirked as Xana playfully rolled her eyes:

"Yes, well, it's hard to notice when distracted. I'm sure in the next few weeks, my condition will be more noticeable. I mean, it is a little bit when I'm not wearing as many layers of clothes and when I stand to the side. Of course it's really noticeable when I'm not wearing any clothes at all," she smirked and gave Odahviing a knowing wink, bringing a smug look to his face.

At her statement, all five of her bothers recoiled at the thought of their little sister naked. "By the Hist, we could have lived without that image implanted in our minds," Swims-To-Sea crossed his arms and shook his head. "But, in all seriousness, I'm happy for you both."

"Indeed," Stone-Scale added. "It's not every day we learn that our little sister is married and has a baby on the way. We're going to be Uncles! This calls for a celebration! Come, let us head over to the tavern for a round of drinks. Hunter, you like Ale right?"

He gave a nod, "Aye, at times I partake in a drink or two…"

"Perfect! I'm sure you're tired of drinking mead or whatever it is that Nord's serve in their taverns. Wait until you try some of the local brew," he clapped him on the shoulder before ushering him and Xana up and out the door with their brothers following suit.

The group left the homestead and headed towards the Scythe and Sickle (the Inn/tavern), whereupon entering, they were greeted by a young Imperial man: "Well, look who's here! It's been a while since I last saw your pretty face, Xana."

The young Dunmer donned a fake smile as she, Odahviing and her brothers all sat down at a large table, "Hello, Brody." She felt her mate tense as he squeezed her hand: clearly he did not like this Imperial man, but he kept his composure.

"So, what brings you back to Blackwind? I thought you were living in Skyrim."

"I am. I'm just visiting the family for a few weeks and wanted to introduce them to my mate."

"Mate?! Since when did you get married?" He narrowed his eyes at Odahviing, to which he then smirked and asked, "Is this guy your husband?"

She nodded, "Yes. Brody, this is Hunter. He and I became mates a few months ago," she gently squeezed Odahviing's hand, to which he smiled at her before glaring at the young Imperial man.

However, before he could say anything, Reem-Sha spoke up: "That's why we're here celebrating. With that being said, we'll take a large platter of sweetrolls, six pints of your strongest Ale and a pint of apple cider."

"Oh, does Hunter not like to drink? I know you can handle your liquor, Xana," he gave her a flirtatious wink, bringing a frown to her face.

At his remark, Odahviing softly growled before answering in a stern, powerful tone, "Actually, Boy, the cider is for Xana as she is with child and cannot consume alcohol at this time. Now, I would appreciate it if you kept your remarks and your eyes to yourself before I am forced to deal with your insufferable arrogance."

Brody raised his hands up slightly in surrender and backed away, "Fine, fine, I'll leave her be. I don't want any trouble." He then returned to the back of the tavern to fill their order.

Once he left, Xana squeezed Odahviing's hand and rubbed his shoulder while speaking in a soft soothing voice, "Drem, dii ahmul, rok los ni balaan krif. Mindol do fin kiir."

He emitted a sigh before tenderly placing a hand over her lower abdomen, cradling their unborn child, "Losei vahzah…Krosis, Xana." He softly brushed a strand of hair behind her ear before planting a chaste kiss to her cheek, "Dii brit fahliil."

At their exchange, all five of her brothers sat wide-eyed before Shastan asked, "What in Oblivion did you two say? What language was that?"

Xana blushed as she glanced at her brothers, "Oh, um….well you see…." Before she could explain, Brody returned with their drinks and set them down, to which she diverted the question, "Oh, would you look at that: our drinks are here. Thank you, Brody."

"..." He grunted before heading back to tend to the sweetrolls.

Once he was gone, Xana emitted a sigh before addressing her brothers once more: "Let's just say, it's a long story and leave it at that. I'll tell you all later when we're back at the house. I really don't wish to discuss such matters in public. Besides, we're here to celebrate, not fret. Let's be merry and just enjoy each other's company."

"I'll gladly drink to that," Stone-Scale smirked before taking a swig of his Ale.

Minutes later, Brody returned with a large platter of sweetrolls, and placed them upon the table for the group before heading back into the kitchen.

As Xana ate with her brothers, she suddenly noticed a young Breton woman enter the tavern: her skin was fair, while her hair was earthly brown and hung down to her shoulders in thick, wavy locks. Her brown, doe eyes scanned the area until they spotted the group, to which she emitted a gasp upon seeing the Dark Elf:

"By the Gods….Xana?!"

Said Dunmer stood up and gave her a smile, "Hello, Marbella."

Quick as a flash, the Breton rushed over and warmly embraced her childhood friend, "I missed you!"

"I missed you too! I'm sorry I've been gone for so long."

"No, no, it's alright. I know you've been busy with your traveling and hero stuff. Shastan tells me all about your adventures from the letters you send." She glanced over at the yellow scaled Argonian and blushed as he gave her a flirtatious smile and winked at her. Mentally shaking her head of the lewd thoughts that suddenly appeared, she turned her attention back to Xana and asked, "So, how have you been lately?"

"Well, you tell me," she quipped with a smile as she then turned sideways, revealing her small bump.

"Is that…"

"It is," she nodded in confirmation. "I became pregnant shortly after saving Skyrim and marrying my mate, Hunter," she gestured towards the crimson haired 'man' sitting beside Reem-Sha, to which she then properly introduced Marbella to her mate before asking her to join all of them in their celebration, which she happily did while sitting beside Shastan as they all ate, drank and made merry.

XXXXX

-Later That Night-

Xana awoke to a gentle shake of her shoulder and sleepily asked, "Whasgoingon? Didthesheepgetlooseagain?"

Odahviing couldn't help but smirk at her tired voice, "Nid, Xana. I fear my transformation is upon me…"

At that, she fully awakened and sat upright, "Let's get you outside then. I know being in this smaller form takes its toll on you, which is why I won't ask that you drink another potion right away. If my brothers ask where you went, I'll just tell them you're off hunting." She quietly led him outside and over to the back of the barn where he then shifted back into his true form. "Odahviing, are you alright?"

He gave her a sharp draconic smile and a slight nod, "Geh, Xana, I am fine." His icy blue eyes met her ruby ones as he nuzzled her cheek, "I will have to stay like this for at least a day or two, but I will remain close and well hidden."

"Alright, but if you must fly, please do so while it's dark out. Last time I checked, dragons were not a common sight in this area," she gave him a smile while trying to remain serious. "I don't want people to see you and panic, nor do I want them to try and hurt you."

Odahviing emitted a soft 'hmm' before nuzzling her neck, "Fear not, dii brit falhiil, I won't allow myself to be seen by your fellow joor." He then lowered his head and tenderly nuzzled her baby bump, "Zu'u laan hi wah hahdrim hin Monah ol Zu'u los vod."

Xana blushed at his words and smiled, "You're going to be such a wonderful Father, Odahviing."

"Geh, Zu'u mindok," he stated in a cocky tone, making her playfully roll her eyes up at him. "You'd better head back inside before you catch a chill."

She nodded in agreement before planting a kiss upon his maw, "Be safe. I love you, Odahviing."

"And I love you, dii brit fahliil," he licked her cheek before quietly stalking towards the open field where he then spread out his mighty wings and took off into the cool night sky. Once he was out of sight, Xana stealthily made her way back inside the house and over to her room where she slipped underneath the warm covers and drifted back to sleep.