(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, leaving left him in his draconic form once more. While he needed a day or two to recover from being a joor for the last few days, the question now was what to tell everyone? Xana couldn't keep making up excuses for his absence, but what choice did she have? She couldn't ask him to drink another potion and don that false appearance for another four to five days without serious repercussions. She honestly didn't want to find out what prolonged/continuous use of said potion would have on him.

At the moment, Odahviing was restless and itching to fly, but looked upon his little mate with concern. "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 tiny 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.

With a sigh, Xana watched him fly up and over the treetops before silently sneaking back inside the house. Seeing as how it wasn't even dawn yet, she thought about lying down for a few more hours of rest 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 brothers, 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, as she wanted this to be a surprise. 'It's a shame Odahviing will be missing out,' she sadly thought to herself as she silently started gathering ingredients for the dish she was hoping to create.

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 gradually entered the kitchen/dining area.

"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 stepped into view.

"I sure did. I figured I'd return the favor, seeing as how you've all 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 and everyone else took their seats at the table.

"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. Thank you, dragonfly," Tenova smiled as he began dishing up some stewed apples.

"You're welcome."

With a quirk of his scaly brow, Swims-To-Sea looked over at the empty chair beside her and asked, "Where's Hunter?"

Pouring herself a cup of apple cider, Xana 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 while dishing himself up some sausages and potatoes.

At his remark, Xana 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, to which Xana gave a nod and gently rubbed her baby bump:

"Yea, that too. I'm not sure if he's ever left Skyrim before, so he's probably a little homesick. Even though I'm not a native born resident of Skyrim, I miss it already. During my residence, I've come to 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's 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 up 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 and swinging its tail. Some were killed and some just kept fighting, despite the loss of their comrades. Although I initially had no part in their fight, I wasn't about to let those bandits succeed in killing the dragon. So, I rushed in and shouted them down with my thu'um before engaging them them with my blade, while the dragon fought by my side."

"When the last bandit fell, I threw down my sword to let the dragon 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 approached and used my restoration magic to mend his torn wing and seal his wounds. He didn't speak in the common tongue, but I could tell he was grateful for my help."

"I may be Dragonborn, but that doesn't mean I'm without mercy towards dragons. Despite what those damn Blades think or want of me, I have absolutely 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 reflecting on their wrongdoings in quiet solitude, and have sought atonement for their past sins. 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 wage war upon them. 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, just out of curiosity, what have you learned from your studies on dragons," Stone-Scale curiously asked as he took a bite of his breakfast, to which she finished chewing a piece of sausage before answering:

"Well, from my observations, I've learned that dragons are curious by nature, just like us. 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 to another location. Now, when they circle overhead, this doesn't always mean they'll attack. Rather, it often means they're curious about some sort of anomaly, or they're hunting game. I've learned they're not too fond of giants and sometimes pick fights with them to test their strength. All dragons are able to withstand the cold, and 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.

"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 upon his daughter.

"Oh, well, he actually studied under his guidance far longer than I have. You could say their history goes back a ways." 'That was close.' Xana mentally sighed as she took a sip of cider, while feeling soft flutters from within her womb. As much as she wanted to tell them the truth about Odahviing, she needed to bide her time until she deemed it necessary.

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 folks 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, to which 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 ewe's, "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, 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."

"What? It's true. Isn't it, Tenova?"

"Aye, that it is," he fondly smirked, prompting her to playfully roll her ruby eyes.

"That aside: in regards to breeding Braum, I don't see the harm in it. You all could certainly 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 elsewhere 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 an uneasy feeling suddenly hit her, alerting her of approaching danger. Glancing up, she emitted a gasp upon spotting a terrifying sight in the near distance: a flock of hackwings were swiftly nearing the farm! On instinct, she drew her bow and rushed over to the house, where she reached inside the door and pulled a large ox horn off the wall before blowing into it, signaling the immediate danger and alerting everyone within radius of the incoming threat.

Although Shastan and Stone-Scale were still in town, Xana prayed that they heard the alarm and were taking shelter indoors somewhere, for they would be vulnerable to an attack if they were out in the open.

Meanwhile, Tenova, Swims-To-Sea and Runs-To-Shore drew their weapons and prepared to 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 heard her, lads: 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 shuddered and watched in both fear and awe as the wind became a hurricane, while the sky darkened and began pouring rain. As this was happening, 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 bolt of lightning hit it, killing it instantly. 'One more down, five more to go.' While the Dragonborn couldn't risk her unborn child's life by facing the beasts in melee combat, she could still use her magic, archery skills and thu'um (once it regenerated) to fend them off. 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 quickly 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 in the air, 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 beasts, 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.

Having seen the commotion from the road, a pair of guards suddenly rode over and offered their aid by firing at the three hackwings that were still airborne, while Sea and Shore helped their Mother by finishing off the grounded one. Meanwhile, Reem-Sha aided his Father and helped to bring down another one before stabbing at its flesh, while avoiding its long beak-like jaws and saw-like teeth.

Scrapping against the roof of the barn, Odahviing 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 Xana 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, despite his injuries. 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 it onto the ground in a lifeless heap.

Not realizing that the dragon meant no harm, the guards suddenly began firing arrows 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 free 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 also dropped their weapons. The guards, however, kept their swords in hand.

"Do as she says," Swims-To-Sea hissed at them, to which 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 as 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, which she emitted a sigh and 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."