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

It was late afternoon when Shastan finished tidying up the small woodland cottage with Xana, Hunter, Renessie and his eldest brothers' help, but thankfully, the rain had stopped shortly before they started, which made things easier for them. Once everything was ready and everyone else left to return home to fix dinner, Shastan ventured over towards Marbella's house with the engagement ring secure in his pocket.

As he approached the familiar farmstead, the young Argonian soon spotted his beloved Breton among the vegetable garden, tending to the crops and harvesting some for later use. Her dress was plain and patchy, while her shoes were old and worn. Though her earth brown hair was tied back to keep it out of her face, a few strands danced in the gentle autumn breeze. A warm smile graced Shastan's scaly face as he gazed upon the divine goddess before him. Truly, there was no one in this world more beautiful than her, at least in his eyes.

Sensing a familiar presence nearby, Marbella looked up from her gardening and saw the yellow-scaled Argonian casually leaning on the fence, which upon being noticed, he then spoke in a gentle, poetic voice:

"Beauty I see before me. Her eyes are innocent and bright. Loveliness looks upon me. Her heart is pure and full of light. Fairest maiden, wilt thou walk with me on this clear autumn night? Dearest Marbella, wilt thou take my hand and share your love with me tonight?" He then offered his hand to the young Breton, to which she approached and happily took it as a warm blush appeared across her cheeks:

"Oh, Shastan, of course I will!" She carefully climbed over the fence, but accidentally tripped in the process, to which she was instantly caught in his strong, scaly arms.

"Careful now. It's still a bit slippery from the rain."

"So I noticed...Thank you for catching me."

He placed a chaste kiss upon her wrist and gave a nod, "Of course. But you should know that I will always be here to catch you if you fall."

She blushed a darker shade at his sincerity before asking, "Are you sure you're not a bard? You have the charms of one and your poetry is lovely."

"I'm afraid not, fair maiden. Though your compliments are well appreciated." He then pulled out a blindfold and asked, "Would you mind putting this on? There's something I want to show you but it's a surprise."

"Oh, a surprise? Is it going to be similar to the time you surprised me with a morning picnic atop the grassy knoll and we watched the sunrise?"

He shook his head and smiled, "Not exactly. Though the picnic was a wonderful surprise, it pales in comparison to what I have in store."

"Oooh now I really want to know what it is," she beamed before donning the blindfold and grabbing a hold of his hand, allowing him to guide her to where the surprise was waiting.

Shastan carefully led Marbella out of the village and into the woods where the cottage sat nestled in their special grove. As they neared the stone structure, she emitted a small giggle and lovingly squeezed his hand, "Are we almost there? I don't recall our last venture to be this far out of the village."

He stopped walking and emitted a chuckle, "Actually, we're here. You may take off your blindfold now."

She did as instructed and removed the blindfold, to which she suddenly gasped at what she was suddenly faced with: it was the old stone cottage she had admired since childhood! The stones had been cleaned of ivy and moss, the roof had been replaced, the windows now had glass in them, and the entryway finally had a door! There was even a beautiful stone pathway leading towards the cottage, and the old willow tree was well trimmed and devoid of loose branches. Moving towards the back, there was a well for gathering fresh water as well as a tanning rack for creating leather. To the right side of the cottage was a modest-sized garden that was ready for planting come springtime. Marbella's eyes began to leak as she took in every detail of the cottage, "Oh, Shastan...it's beautiful!"

He smiled and gave a nod of agreement, "It's also beautiful on the inside." He then gently took a hold of her hand and led her over to the entryway where he then opened the door and allowed her to step inside before following suit and closing said door behind him. "I've been secretly working on this place for the past few months now. Do you like it?"

Her doe eyes darted from every surface as she admired over his beautiful craftsmanship: the hearth had a welcoming fire in it, while above the mantle hung a mounted stag's head. On her left was a beautiful wooden table and chairs, complete with dinnerware and utensils. Next to the dining area was a railing and a set of wooden stairs leading into the lower section of the cottage. To her right was a large wooden bed that was adorned with a soft mattress, lined with warm furs, soft woolen blankets and topped with a pair of comfortable-looking pillows. At the foot of the bed sat a wooden chest for belongings, and along the wall on the right side of the bed stood a small bookshelf lined with various works of literature, while on the left side, sat a small dresser for clothes. Atop said dresser was a bouquet of lavender flowers and two stamina potions.

Marbella could barely contain her emotions as she looked upon the beautiful interior, "I love it...I love it, I love it, I love it! Thank you, Shastan!" She wrapped her arms around his chest and hugged him, to which he chuckled and returned her affections. "I couldn't ask for anything more."

He smiled and brushed a loose strand of her hair behind her ear, "Well, there is one more thing I wish to give you, as well as something I've been meaning to ask you for quite some time now," he suddenly got down on one knee and pulled out the ring he made: "Marbella, will you marry me?"

She clasped her hands over her mouth and shrieked with unbridled happiness before answering, "YES! Yes, of course I'll marry you!"

He chuckled before standing back up and gently placing the ring on her finger. "I was hoping you'd say that."

"Oh Shastan, I can't even begin to describe how happy I am right now." She softly cried tears of joy as she looked up at her fiance, who tenderly cupped her cheek.

"Then allow your actions to speak for you," he placed a soft kiss upon her lips, to which she wrapped her arms around him and deepened their kiss, prompting him to do the same as they continued to embrace one another.

XXXXX

Meanwhile, at the farmstead, everyone else was about to sit down for dinner when the sound of a wagon rolling towards the barn caught their attention. Reem-Sha glanced out the window and smiled over at his little sister, "Mom and Dad are back. Do you want to go outside and greet them or stay inside and surprise them?"

Xana smiled at her options before deciding, "I want to surprise them." She then looked over at her mate and asked, "You don't mind if we hide for a few minutes, do you?"

At her mirth, Odahviing couldn't help but chuckle: she just looked so cute. "Nid, dii brit fahliil, I do not mind."

She kissed his cheek and whispered, "Thank you, Odahviing."

He smiled at the use of his dovah name before getting up from his chair and following her into the bedroom to hide, while her brothers and Renessie headed outside to greet Tenova and Flower-Song.

The patriarch was a tall male that was only slightly shorter than his eldest sons by less than half a foot. His scales were bluish grey in color and his feathers were dark, while his horns were curved. Though he was past his prime, he was by no means weak or frail-looking. He had strong, corded muscles from years of hard labor and his arms and tail were covered in faint scars from battles long since passed.

Flower-Song was a foot shorter than her husband and very petite in stature, but she was far from weak. On the contrary, she was tough and stubborn, but always gentle and compassionate when it came to her children. Her scales were yellow in color with traces of orange here and there. While lacking in feathers, she had an elegant pair of pointed horns atop her head. Her blue eyes met her husband's yellow ones as she emitted a tired sigh, "It's good to be back home. I hope the boys didn't get into too much trouble while we were gone."

The older male emitted a chuckle at his mate, "I doubt it. They're not as mischievous as they used to be." As he was about to unhinge their horses from the wagon, Tenova spotted four out of their five sons approach, followed by Renessie.

"Mom, Dad, welcome home," Reem-Sha smiled as his mother kissed his cheek and hugged him.

"Oh, it's so good to be home, my dear Reem-Sha. And it's good to see you again, Renessie," she smiled at the younger female who gave a polite nod.

"Likewise. I hope you don't mind me being over here at this hour. I was just visiting and helping the men prepare supper."

"Oh, you're more than welcomed to stay and dine with us. Goodness knows we always make plenty of food to go around. You know how hungry the boys get after a long day of working in the fields."

She smiled over at Sea and Shore, who in turn, gave her knowing smirks. "That I do."

Flower-Song looked around and asked, "Where's Shastan? Is he not here?"

Stone-Scale shook his head, "No, he's with Marbella at the stone cottage in the forest."

"You mean…"

"Yep," Sea interrupted with a smile, "We helped him tidy the place up before he went out to retrieve Marbella and bring her there so he could finally propose to her."

Her eyes began to tear up, "Oh, my little Shastan...I'm so proud of him! Of both of them." She then glanced over at her mate, "Dearest husband, we must make preparations for their wedding."

He chuckled and gave her a wink, "In time, my love. In time. I'm sure they'll want to discuss their engagement with us when they return home. For now, let us finish putting the horses away and head inside for supper. We've traveled a great distance today and I am eager to rest for a while."

"You're right, my dear."

She started to unhinge the horses when Reem-Sha stated, "I can do that for you, Mother. You and Father just visit with Sea, Shore and Nessie while Stone and I take care of the horses."

"I can do it, dear."

"No, no, I insist," he didn't want them to see Braum and start asking questions as to whose horse he was, or spoil the surprise that Xana and her new mate were inside waiting for them.

"Alright then. Thank you for offering to take them inside. Poor things must be weary after such a long journey. Will you give them each an extra bucket of oats and some apples? They've more than earned them."

He smiled and gave a nod, "Of course." Reem-Sha then unhinged the two mares and, with Stone-Scale's help, led them into the barn and over to the stables for the night. Afterwards, they removed their gear and gave them their oats and apples before heading back over to their parents and helping them unload the wagon.

Afterwards, they all headed inside the house where they were greeted by the lovely smell of freshly baked bread and venison stew. "So, have there been any letters from Xana while we were away? We've been anxious to hear how she's been fairing lately. Last time she wrote, she mentioned that the Jarl of Whiterun had hosted a grand celebration in her honor." The matriarch had a sad look in her eyes as she spoke to her sons, "I wish she was here."

Her husband gently placed a hand on her shoulder and nuzzled her temple, "As do I, my love. But she has important Dragonborn duties to attend to now. We'll see her again someday…"

"Why not now," a familiar voice sounded from around the corner, to which Xana stepped out from the shadows with a smile across her face as she looked upon the loving faces of her parents.

"Xana!?" Both elders embraced their daughter and held her close while joyful tears streamed down Flower-Song's cheeks.

"Oh, my sweet girl, how we've missed you so much," she cupped her cheeks and studied her face, taking in every detail. "You're still as beautiful as I remember."

The young Dunmer felt her lower lip warble as she hugged her parents, "Oh, Mama...Papa...I've missed you both so much…"

"And we've missed you, dragonfly," Tenova nuzzled her hair and smiled as she giggled at her nickname. "When did you get here?"

"A few days ago...I was hoping to surprise you all, but you two were in Helstrom, so we've been helping the boys around the farmstead…"

"We?!" Both parents asked in unison, to which Xana blushed and nodded:

"Yes," she turned around and smiled as a strange man suddenly stepped into view. He was very tall in height and well-toned, with fiery red hair and piercing ice blue eyes. He approached and gently placed a hand on Xana's shoulder. "Mother, Father, I'd like you to meet Hunter, my mate."

"Mate?!" Both shockingly asked before Flower-Song questioned:

"How?! When did this happen?! Why weren't we informed or invited?!"

*sigh* "Mother, please let me explain...Hunter and I couldn't risk having a large wedding because of who I am: I'm the Dragonborn which means I am a threat to many people who desire power and control over others. Bringing attention to myself in such a way would endanger those I love and care about. We intend to have a wedding here because while we are married in the tradition Hunter was raised in, we also wish to marry in the tradition I was raised in."

Tenova looked at the 'human' male and smirked, "So, ya wish to marry my daughter in the Argonian way, lad?"

Odahviing held back the growl that threatened to erupt in his throat: he was a mighty and powerful dragon, not some lad! He felt Xana's hand squeeze his in a reassuring manner, to which he smiled at her before addressing her Bormah, "I do. We've been mates for a few months now, but I want to do right by her and give her the wedding she rightfully deserves."

The patriarch made a slight grunt and smiled, "Good, lad."

And there it was again. Odahviing internally snarled at the damn name.

Flower-Song approached the young 'man' and placed a hand on his arm, "Welcome to the family, Hunter."

He looked down at the smaller female and gave her a nod, "I am honored to have Xana as my mate and to be a part of this family."

"Well, we're just glad our little dragonfly has finally found someone to look after her when she's not busy saving the world from dragons and whatnot. We worry for her safety, and we hate the idea of her being alone all the time."

Odahviing warmly smiled down at his mate before stating, "I can assure you both that she isn't alone anymore. Since our first meeting, I swore to protect and defend her to the best of my abilities. Now that she is my mate, I can assure you that I have no intentions of leaving her side." He looked at the older Argonians while gently squeezing Xana's hand, "Your daughter has given me a second chance at life and has brought me a newfound sense of joy I never imagined was possible, or that I was worthy of. I thank you both for raising such an amazing woman. And, with your permission, I'd like to properly ask for your blessing on our marriage."

Tenova crossed his arms and studied the two of them for a moment before a smirk crossed his face, "Well, lad, I can see you love our daughter and are willing to walk alongside her throughout life's journey. As her Father, I hereby bless your union."

"As do I," Flower-Song chimed in with a motherly smile.

Reem-Sha spoke up and stated, "Well, why don't we all sit down for supper and hear how your trip to Helstrom went. Xana and Hunter can tell you more about how they met after we eat. I imagine you two must be famished after your long journey."

"Aye, that we are," Tenova chuckled and sat at the head of the table with his wife following suit, while Reem-Sha then began dishing out bowls of stew and passing them down the line until everyone was served. Stone-Scale poured drinks and placed a bowl of freshly baked rolls in the center of the table before taking a seat beside his sister, while her mate sat on her other side.

As they ate, Swims-To-Sea asked, "Did you two have a nice visit with Aunt Takarra and Uncle Hunts-In-Water?"

His Father gave a nod, "For the most part, but there were some mishaps along the way."

"What happened," Runs-To-Shore asked as he took a sip of cider.

Flower-Song emitted a sigh and answered, "Your cousin, Ashtanna, nearly lost her husband, Thornhook, to a Naga ambush when he and his fellow guardsmen were escorting a caravan from Helstrom to Blackrose. Thankfully, no one was killed, but he was severely injured and nearly bled to death. If it wasn't for a passing healer, he wouldn't have survived his wounds."

"Oh Gods, that's terrible. Poor Ashtanna and poor Thornhook. Is he recovering okay," Xana asked with concern. Odahviing slipped his hand under the table and gently rubbed her thigh in a comforting manner. It was his way of telling her to keep calm for the baby and focus on his touch, which she did. She emitted a sigh and laced her fingers with his, while her Mother gave a reassuring nod:

"He's fine. A bit sore, but otherwise okay. Thankfully, the two of them live with Hunts-In-Water and Takarra, so Ashtanna has help to make sure he stays on bed rest. But he's a stubborn male and always thinks he has to be doing something."

Xana emitted a soft chuckle, "That sounds like Od-Hunter…He can't sit still for too long without finding something to keep him busy."

At that, Odahviing squeezed her thigh and whispered, "You do a fine job at keeping me busy, dii brit fahliil."

She blushed and softly giggled while her family shared knowing looks and smiled at the loving couple. As they continued to enjoy their supper, Xana felt a tiny kick from her unborn baby which caused her to emit a contented sigh.

"Is everything alright, dear," Flower-Song asked her daughter worriedly.

The young Dunmer gave her a nod and smiled, "I'm fine. No need to fret over me." She wanted to tell them about the baby but figured now might not be the best time, seeing as how they just got home and were already in shock at her marriage and Shastan's proposal to Marbella. There was just too much for them to process at the moment. Plus, they were exhausted from their trip and eager for some much needed rest.