(Disclaimer: I don't own Skyrim; just my OC's)
-Morning-
Xana awoke to the delightful smell of meat cooking, to which she slipped out of bed and adorned her slippers and robe before heading into the kitchen where her brothers were preparing a breakfast feast.
"Well, look who's finally awake," Reem-Sha smiled as he noticed his sister standing in the doorway. "Did you sleep well or did Hunter keep you awake all night?"
She rolled her eyes and smirked, "I slept fine, thank you. And no, Hunter didn't keep me awake all night. We slept rather soundly considering we're in a house full of snoring Argonians."
Stone-Scale chuckled as he cracked several eggs into a large cast iron skillet, "Hey now, I should think you'd be used to our snoring by now. After all, you grew up listening to it."
"Yea, yea, I know. By the way, why didn't any of you wake me? I would have gladly helped prepare breakfast."
Shastan shrugged as he turned over several large slices of thick-cut bacon in another skillet, "We didn't want to wake you and Hunter up, seeing as how you both spent the last few days traveling from Skyrim. We figured you two could use the extra rest."
"I appreciate it. We practically fell asleep as soon as we came back from the tavern. I'm sorry we didn't stay up late to chat some more, but we were exhausted from our long journey."
"I can imagine," Swims-To-Sea chimed in while removing pastries from the stone oven.
"Where's Hunter? Is he not a morning person," Runs-To-Shore curiously asked while Xana rubbed her baby bump and shook her head:
"Oh no, he is. He actually woke up earlier and informed me that he was going hunting. He'll probably return by tomorrow morning."
At that, Shore raised a brow, "Why would he need to go hunting? There's plenty of food here and we're certainly not short on meat."
"He just wants to get a good layout of the land and see what kind of game is out here in case you asked if he wanted to join you all on a morning hunt one day while we're here. Also, since learning about the baby, he's been extra attentive at making sure I eat regularly. He's even gone so far as to satisfy my cravings for a variety of meats. Like, this one time, I was desperately craving mammoth steak, and instead of purchasing meat from the local hunters, he actually went out into the planes of Whiterun and killed a mammoth so I could have all the meat I wanted! Of course, what we couldn't fit inside our larder, we donated to the local tavern. I also sold the tusks to one of the local merchants, and the hide was sold to the blacksmiths for use in crafting armor."
Hearing this, all five of her brothers stared at her with wide eyes before Reem-Sha finally spoke: "He successfully hunted and killed a mammoth?! How?! How was he able to do that all by himself?! Granted, none of us have ever seen a mammoth, but from what we've heard and read about them, they're huge!"
"Well of course they're huge: they're native creatures of Skyrim. All beasts there tend to be rather large and hearty on account of the harsh environment they reside in. I've hunted and killed many beasts during my time there thus far, and have nearly met my end from a few of them. Let's just say that coming face to face with a hungry sabercat isn't something I wish to relive anytime soon."
"Don't tell Mom and Dad that. I don't think they could handle the shock. They worry about you enough as it is," Stone-Scale smirked at his little sister and chuckled when she playfully rolled her eyes at him.
As they all sat down and dished up their breakfast, Swims-To-Sea asked, "So, what was that strange language you and Hunter were speaking last night at the Inn? You mentioned that you would explain it to us when we got home, but you both were too exhausted. Would you mind telling us about it now that you're awake?"
She gave a slight nod, "Sure. The language you heard us speaking is known as Dovah Zul: It's the language of the Dragons and, as the Dragonborn, it's part of my heritage. As a Dovahkiin, or Dragonborn, I was born a mortal, but my soul is that of a dragon, which means I can understand and speak the dragon language fluently and effortlessly, whereas an average mortal would have to spend decades to master simple words and form them into a thu'um or shout. Hunter is able to fluently speak in the dragon language because he has studied it practically all of his life and is an expert on dragons. So, not only do I learn about dragons and their language from the Greybeards, but I have my mate to teach me."
"Wow! You'll have to show us your skills sometime," Reem-Sha stated.
"Well, I'd be happy to if I wasn't worried that my thu'um would attract unwanted attention. Some of my shouts are quite tame compared to the ones I often use in battle." She took a bite of bacon and eggs before speaking once more, "I don't want everybody in the village to fear me because of my abilities, nor do I want to be treated like a novelty."
"Don't worry, sis. We understand," Stone-Scale replied with a curt nod. "We don't want any unwanted attention brought upon you either. You and Hunter deserve to relax while you're here, instead of worrying about becoming the focus of everyone's curiosity."
"Thank you."
"Of course."
XXXXX
After breakfast, Stone-Scale headed off to work at the blacksmiths shop, while Shastan left to spend time with Marbella. Swims-To-Sea and Runs-To-Shore headed outside to tend to the fields, while Reem-Sha stayed behind to tidy up the kitchen with Xana.
Afterwards, the two of them headed over to the stables to tend to the animals. Braum brayed with joy upon seeing his mistress, to which Xana affectionately patted his neck before feeding him an apple.
"Your horse is quite large. I was actually surprised when I first saw him," Reem-Sha chuckled as she smiled and rubbed the stallion's neck:
"The horses in Skyrim are big and hearty to compensate for the cold weather. While they lack in speed, they make up for it in strength. Both Hunter and I rode on Braum's back during our journey while he also carried our supplies. We currently don't have a wagon, but with the baby on the way, we'll probably purchase one soon." She affectionately rubbed the equine's nose while he finished his apple, to which she then headed over to the sheep pen and scratched their heads, "I see their wool is coming in nicely. It'll keep them plenty warm during the coming winter months."
"Indeed. We still have some leftover from this year's shearing. You can use it to knit a blanket for the baby if you'd like."
"I'll be sure to do that sometime while I'm here. Depending on how much you all distract me, I might not be able to finish it before Hunter and I have to head back to Skyrim."
"Oh, I'm sure you'll finish it. Besides, when the folks get back, Mom will gladly help you if you require assistance. I know she'll definitely want to help out with your wedding dress when the time comes...assuming you'll be wearing her dress, or did you plan to purchase one or make your own?"
She shrugged, "I'm not sure. I'd have to make alterations to her gown in order for it to fit my growing midsection. I highly doubt she was pregnant when she got married."
He chuckled, "No, she wasn't. Though, from what she told me, she ended up getting pregnant on her wedding night and we all know what happened afterwards."
Xana couldn't help but laugh, "Yes, our very own terror twins were hatched from the same egg."
"Indeed," he smiled before gently coaxing the sheep out of their pens and herding them outside and over to a small pasture to graze for the day. As he did that, Xana cleaned out the pens and replaced/replenished the straw bedding, water and feed.
After almost two hours of tackling farm chores, Reem-Sha returned to see Xana sitting at the grindstone, sharpening some tools. He approached with a smile and asked, "So, have you and Hunter thought about what you want served at your wedding feast? I need an idea of what to fix so I can procure the necessary supplies in advance."
She finished sharpening a pair of hoof trimmers before facing her brother, "Hmm, I know Hunter enjoys a variety of meat but I don't recall him ever trying wild boar since they're not native to Skyrim. Oh! We absolutely must have something with strawberries in it! Skyrim is far too cold to grow strawberries and I'd love to have some."
He chuckled, "Then I guess I'll be making strawberry tarts as part of the dessert. As for the boar, I'm sure Hunter wouldn't mind joining me on a hunt; however, we'll have to do that the day before the ceremony so the blood can drain out overnight. Plus, Mom will want to use it to make pudding for later."
"Oh Gods, you're making me hungry again with all this talk of food."
He emitted a hearty laugh before placing a hand on her shoulder, "I'm sorry, sis. Would you like something to eat? I can fix you some chopped fruit or maybe a salad? I remember Mom would have Dad fix her some watermelon when she was pregnant."
Her eyes widened, "Oh my Gods, I would love some watermelon right now….and some oranges, and strawberries, and blackberries…."
"How about we gather up some fruit and vegetables from the garden, and afterwards we can round up our brothers for lunch."
"That sounds great." She then stood up from the grindstone and picked up a basket, while Reem-Sha grabbed a bucket, to which they then headed out of the barn and over to the garden, where they began harvesting a variety of ripe produce. Xana picked a large assortment of strawberries, blackberries and tomatoes, while Reem-Sha gathered some lettuce, carrots, potatoes, leeks and a watermelon. They then gathered some water from the well and washed off the produce before heading inside the house to prepare lunch.
While Reem-Sha set to work slicing up the fruit, Xana headed back outside to round up their brothers. As Runs-To-Shore returned with her to help prepare the midday meal, Swims-To-Sea headed off to fetch Stone-Scale and Shastan. Soon after, all six siblings were together and sitting around the table enjoying a sweet fruit salad and fresh tomato sandwiches.
XXXXX
After lunch, Stone-Scale returned to work while Reem-Sha and Shastan headed outside to tend the field. Meanwhile, Xana remained inside and tidied up the kitchen with Swims-To-Sea and Runs-To-Shore.
"So, I told Xana of our problem involving Renessie, and she figured out a solution to our dilemma," Sea addressed his twin with a smile across his face.
"Really," Shore asked in amazement before turning his attention towards their sister, "Is this true, Xana? Can you really help us?"
The young Dunmer gave a nod as she dried off the dishes, "Of course! I understand you both haven't spoken to either Mother or Father about this because you're worried they'll disapprove of the situation. I also understand that Renessie's family wouldn't approve of the three of you in a relationship because it's not traditional in their eyes. Well, I have an idea on how you both could marry her." She finished putting the dishes away before leading them into the sitting room where they sat across from one another:
"As I explained to Sea, one of you could marry her in Blackmarsh, and the other could marry her in Skyrim. I even suggested to Sea that the three of you could live with Hunter and I in our house seeing as how we've got plenty of room to accommodate everyone. Also, if you were to venture into town, you all would be among strangers who wouldn't be able to tell the difference between you two. So, if you were seen out with Renessie one day, and she went out with Sea the next day, no one would notice. Obviously you two wouldn't be able to take her out together at the same time, but that shouldn't be a problem."
Runs-To-Shore pondered this for a moment, "Hmm….this could actually work."
Swims-To-Sea smirked, "That's what I said when Xana brought it up to me. She also assured me that Mom and Dad would be fine without us here because they still have Reem-Sha, Shastan and Stone-Scale to help out with the farm. We could tell them that we want to live closer to Xana and help her out when the baby arrives, which is true. Plus, I'd like for us to live somewhere where we could be with Renessie."
"We should talk to her about this; I'm sure she'll love it! I'll go find her and bring her over so the four of us can sit down and discuss the situation." Runs-To-Shore then got up and headed outside where he took off towards Renessie's home.
After several minutes, he approached a modest-looking cottage where he saw a familiar pink-scaled Argonian woman working the millstone. She was roughly a foot shorter than him and rather thin-looking, with attractive curves, bright blue eyes and curled horns. A plain brown dress adorned her slender figure, while her feet were clad in worn leather shoes. Runs-To-Shore smiled at the lovely maiden before approaching, "Hey, Nessie! How are you on this lovely day?"
She stopped milling and faced him with a bright glimmer in her eyes, "Shore! It's wonderful to see you. I am well this afternoon….more so after seeing your handsome face."
He chuckled, "You flatter me, fair maiden." He then tenderly took her slender hand within his and kissed it, making her blush. "You taste exquisite."
"Hmm, and I'm sure you do too." She leaned close and sensually whispered, "Shall we find somewhere private so we can curb our appetites?"
Shore emitted a lustful growl before reluctantly shaking his head, "While I would love nothing more than to have my fill of your heavenly ambrosia, I'm afraid that I'll have to pass on that offer….for now," he winked. "I actually came over to see if you'd be up for a little visit back at my place. My sister, Xana, just returned home from Skyrim yesterday and she has a solution that can solve our problem."
Her eyes widened, "You mean…," she lowered her voice just above a whisper, "she can help the three of us be together as one unit?"
He nodded, "Yes. Sea asked me to escort you back to the house so the four of us could discuss it further and plan from there."
"Well then, what are we waiting for," she smiled and playfully grabbed his hand before they dashed off back the way he came.
Upon entering the house, Shore and Renessie headed over to the sitting room where his twin and Xana greeted them. "Nessie, it's great to see you again," Sea stood from his chair and approached the Argonian maiden where he then placed a tender kiss upon her cheek.
"It's wonderful to see you too, Sea." She then kissed him back and caressed his cheek, "Shore told me Xana has a solution to our problem."
He nodded and tenderly rubbed his thumb over her slender fingers, "That she does. Come, let us sit down and she'll explain everything." He and Shore then led her over to the snuggle bench where they sat down across from Xana.
The young Dunmer kindly smiled over at the Argonian maiden, "Greetings, Renessie. Sea and Shore told me about your dilemma and I believe that I have a solution in which the three of you can live peacefully as a unit without judgment or shame." She leaned back in her chair and placed a hand over her small baby bump, "I spoke with Swims-To-Sea and Runs-To-Shore, and they have agreed with me that you all should get married. Now, here's my idea: You marry one of them in Blackmarsh, and then the three of you move to Skyrim with me and my husband, where you then marry the other in Riften at the Temple of Mara. Afterwards, the three of you would be welcomed to live in my house with my husband and I."
A small smile crossed her dark lips as she continued to address the three of them, "My home is located in the woods outside of Falkreath, so there aren't any neighbors to question your relationship. Now, if you needed to venture into town, you'd simply have to go with either Sea or Shore, but not both of them at the same time. Seeing as how they're identical twins, no one would be able to tell the difference if you were seen with one or the other." She smiled at Renessie before facing her brothers, "While among the townsfolk, perhaps you two should go by a singular name: that way it'll be less confusing in the long run and people will know you both by one name."
Leaning back in his seat, Shore smiled over at Renessie and asked, "So, what do you think? Would you be willing to move to Skyrim and start a new life with us?"
She looked at the twins and happily nodded, "Yes, I would be honored to walk alongside the both of you until the trees themselves fade away. If you will have me?"
Sea gently took a hold of her slender hand and smiled, "Of course we'll have you."
"There's no one else we'd rather spend our lives with," Shore added while taking a hold of her other hand and planting a chaste kiss upon her wrist.
Xana smiled at the three of them before focusing on Renessie, "So, now the question is: which one of my brothers will you marry first?"
She gently squeezed both of their hands and emitted a sigh, "Well, why don't we let fate decide? We'll flip a Septim and if it lands on heads, I'll marry Swims-To-Sea first. If it lands on tails, then I'll marry Runs-To-Shore first."
"I think that's a wonderful idea," Xana stated as she reached into her coin purse and pulled out a Septim before flipping it high into the air and catching it, to which she then slapped it atop her palm, revealing the result: "Heads. Looks like Swims-To-Sea is going to get married first."
Runs-To-Shore emitted a slight chuckle, "Makes sense, seeing as how he was first to hatch out of the egg. Alright then; I'll just marry Nessie when we get to Riften."
At that, Renessie rested her head against his shoulder, "I hope you don't mind waiting."
He shook his head, "Nah, I don't mind. It'll just give me more time to write my vows and plan a romantic wedding night," he winked, causing her scaly cheeks to blush a deep shade of red.
Xana cleared her throat and sat back in her chair, "Right, well, I hope this solution is acceptable for you, Renessie."
"It is. Thank you so much for offering to help us out! I only hope to repay your kindness in the near future."
She shrugged and waved her hand, "There's no need. Family is supposed to help one another and seeing as how you're involved with my eldest brothers, you're now a part of my family." She then gently rubbed her small baby bump, "I'm looking forward to having all of you live with us in our home, and I know my husband will appreciate the extra help, especially when the baby arrives. He'll rest easier knowing you three will be close by to help me should he not be present."
Renessie smiled at her, "I'd be happy to assist however I can. When are you due?"
At her question, Xana emitted a content sigh, "The healer said that the baby should arrive by mid First Seed, but she also said that since this is my first pregnancy, I could deliver them a bit earlier."
"Ah; my congratulations to you and your husband….Where is he by the way? I've yet to meet him."
"He's out hunting and should be back later tonight or tomorrow morning He didn't specify when, but knowing him, it'll be after sunset. Often he'll sit in silence and just listen to his surroundings while scoping out the landscape to see what game is available." Xana traced a finger over her thigh and smiled, "I imagine he's thoroughly surveying the forests outside the village, seeing as how he hasn't left Skyrim in years." She softly and unexpectedly started to cry as she thought about Odahviing: her hormones were in overdrive and causing her to become emotional over the littlest things, like missing her mate.
Swims-To-Sea immediately noticed her change in demeanor and asked, "Are you okay?"
*sniff* "Yes, I'm fine. I'm just missing Od-Hunter….Damn these mood swings." *sniff* "I just want him back here with me."
"Do you want us to go out searching for him," Runs-To-Shore asked in a concerned, brotherly tone.
At that, she shook her head, "No, he'll be alright. Thanks for asking though. I appreciate it…. What did I do to deserve such loving brothers?"
"Aw, Xana…," Swims-To-Sea got up from his seat and sat beside her with Runs-To-Shore following suit and sitting on the other side so that she was in between the both of them. "You didn't do anything to deserve us. If anything, we should be asking what we did to deserve you."
"Yea," Shore chimed in while rubbing her shoulder, "How did we get so lucky to be blessed with such an amazingly kindhearted and fun-loving sister?"
*sniff* "Well, I think Mom and Dad are better suited to answer that question." She wiped away her tears and leaned back in her seat, "I'm sorry for being so overly emotional right now." *sigh* "That aside, I hope the three of you are okay with moving to Skyrim with Hunter and I. It'll be quite a cultural change and you'll have to get used to the cold."
Renessie emitted a content sigh as a smile lined her face, "I'd be willing to adapt so long as Sea and Shore are by my side. In truth, I don't care about the snow: I'd gladly live in an ice cave if it meant that I could be with the both of them."
At that, Xana emitted a giggle, "Well, you needn't worry about living in an icy cave while there. You three will be living with Hunter and I in the house I built shortly after I arrived in Skyrim. Of course, that was after I acquired enough gold to purchase the land and building materials. Oddly enough, I first started with a small cottage, but then I thought I should expand in case I one day decided to marry and start a family. Thus, I added a main hall and a cellar before deciding to add a master bedroom on the lower level, as well as a proper kitchen, complete with a stone oven and hearth. There's also an alchemy tower in the back that I often use to mix potions and store rare, preserved ingredients. Also, the upper level provides ample sleeping accommodations." At their surprised looks she smiled and added, "There's also a blacksmiths forge in the cellar, as well as a bath and a shrine to the Nine should you feel the need to repent for any sins you may commit."
"Damn, Xana. We knew you were a busy woman, what with your Dragonborn duties and all, but when did you find the time to build all that," Runs-To-Shore asked in a curious/surprised tone.
At his question, she shrugged, "I honestly don't know. I guess I was just inspired to build a home for myself after learning of my Dragonborn destiny. I figured that if I was going to be living in Skyrim for the foreseeable future, I should have a proper homestead. Sure, I could have just bought a home within one of the cities, but I wanted my own piece of land that I could cultivate and build upon. Plus, I liked the idea of having some privacy, especially considering the amount of attention I've brought upon myself for fulfilling my destiny. In truth, I can no longer walk into a city or settlement without someone recognizing me as the Dragonborn. Not that I mind, but I prefer my privacy. Besides, I like the tranquility of the forest and I feel more relaxed among nature."
Swims-To-Sea made a content 'hmm' sound before a smile crossed his scaly face, "It sounds like a wonderful place to live. I can't even begin to thank you for offering us to move in with you and Hunter. We'll be sure to earn our keep while we're there."
At that, Xana waved it off, "You three don't need to earn your keep to prove your worth to me. But I will gladly appreciate all the help you're willing to give, considering I won't be of much use later in my pregnancy. Also, you three needn't worry about intruding as I'm really looking forward to having you all living there with us."
"Well, we're looking forward to living with you too, sis," Runs-To-Shore stated before giving her a brotherly hug.