(Disclaimer: I do not own Skyrim, just my OC's)
(Authors note: Hello dearest readers! I apologize for the long wait, but I promise I haven't been neglecting this story. I tend to work on multiple stories off and on depending if I'm not occupied with other tasks. I was actually away from my computer for almost a month because I was out visiting my sister and brother-in-law in Colorado. I haven't seen them since last year and wanted to spend some long overdue time with them. Now that I'm back home, I can return to my stories and hopefully post more chapters soon. Until then, stay safe and stay healthy.)
-Two days later-
As promised, Xana was finally going to learn about her birth Mother, for today was her 20th birthday. However, she wouldn't officially turn twenty until sunset, which meant she wouldn't be able to open Alua's chest until that time. Thankfully, the day had gone by quickly as she busied herself by assisting her Mother with altering her wedding dress and making a list of items and preparations needed for the ceremony.
Xana was eager to marry Odahviing in the joor way, but decided it was best to wait until his injuries were healed. Thankfully, his wing was mending nicely and wasn't showing any signs of tearing. With luck, the stitches would be able to come out in another day or two, which was perfect because they wanted to get their wedding over with so they could return home.
While she loved being back in Blackwind and spending time with her family, Xana was beginning to miss Skyrim and everything she had come to love about it during her time there. Of course, she also knew Odahviing missed flying through the open skies and conversing with Paarthurnax. It wasn't fair to him that he should have gone so long without flying, but he willingly sacrificed his comfort and preferences so that she could see her family and he could meet them.
Meanwhile, Swims-To-Sea and Runs-To-Shore had a long talk with their parents and told them that they planned to move to Skyrim with Xana and Odahviing. While they wanted to tell them about their duel relationship with Renessie, both of them knew they likely wouldn't approve of the three of them as one marriage unit. It was their secret to bear and Renessie felt the same when it came to her own family: they would never approve of her having two mates at once. They also wouldn't approve of her moving to Skyrim, so she planned to run away with Sea and Shore when they left with their sister and brother-in-law. Since their discussion, she had secretly packed her belongings and only left out a few articles of clothing until it was time to leave.
On the subject of relationships, Shastan and Marbella had decided to wait until after the spring planting to officially wed. Right now wasn't the best time as both of their families were busy harvesting crops for winter, and Xana's ceremony would be held within a few days. In this way, they would have some time to properly plan everything out. In the meantime, they would sneak off to spend some quality time in their stone cottage in the woods. They both decided that they would officially move into it once they were married. For now, it was their quiet getaway where they could be alone together.
XXXXX
Xana was currently sitting against Odahviing with an old key in her hands: it was the key to Alua's chest. For twenty years she had waited to see what was inside and now she would finally satisfy her curiosity. Swims-To-Sea and Runs-To-Shore stepped out of the house and placed the chest in a small cart where they then rolled it into the field where everyone was gathered round. They had celebrated Xana's birthday outside so that Odahviing wouldn't be left out. Thankfully, the weather was decent and it wasn't too cold at the moment.
Once the chest was brought over and placed in front of her, Xana emitted a sigh and asked, "Is it strange for me to feel nervous about opening this?"
Flower-Song lovingly placed a hand on her shoulder and shook her head, "No, it's perfectly understandable. You've waited a long time to see what was inside this chest. I still remember when you were little and I caught you trying to pick the lock."
At that, Xana blushed while Odahviing emitted a chuckle and gently nuzzled her, "Even as a kiir you tried your hand at thieving?"
She playfully rolled her eyes at his accusation, "It's only theft if you get caught, which I did. Now, I doubt I even need this key to open it. I could just pick the lock."
"Oh? Is that a challenge we hear," Reem-Sha asked with a smile. "Well then, by all means, return the key and show us your lockpicking skills."
Not wanting to disappoint, Xana handed him the key and pulled out her lockpicking tools from her belt satchel, to which she set to work carefully picking the master lock. With a steady and patient hand, she was able to pick it open after only two attempts. "Well, well, look at that. I guess I didn't need the key after all."
"By the Hist! That was a master lock and none of us have ever been able to open it. How did you manage to pick it so easily," Shastan asked with a look of bewilderment across his face.
She lovingly rubbed Odahviing's snout and answered, "I've had to open quite a few locks during my time in Skyrim thus far."
"Please don't tell us you're a thief. We raised you better than that," Tenova raised a brow at his daughter, to which she shook her head:
"No, no, no! Papa, I'm not a thief. Sure, I was asked to join the thieves guild, but I politely turned them down. Yes, I stole a few things from the Blades at Skyhaven Temple, but to be fair, they didn't even know that secret room existed. Nor did they have a use for that book on recorded dragon deaths: It was just a sick checklist for them and I felt they no longer needed to have it in their possession."
Odahviing emitted a snarl at the mention of the Blades, to which Xana lovingly rubbed his neck and softly began speaking in his tongue, "Pah los pruzah, Odahviing. Nust nis ahraan hi nu. Fod nust drey Zu'u krii niin."
At that, he chuckled and nuzzled her cheek, "I do not doubt your word on that claim, Xana."
"Okay, seriously, when did you suddenly master this dragon language you were speaking just now," Stone-Scale asked his little sister with a smirk.
She shrugged, "I wouldn't quite call myself a master, I just have great teachers who taught me well. That, and I'm a fast learner. Speaking the dragon language is much easier than reading it, because I only recognize the words I've learned to form a shout. The rest is unknown to me, but I hope to be able to properly master the language within the next few years or so."
"I'm sure you'll manage it, considering you're quick to learn almost any new skill you set your mind to," Reem-Sha replied with a smile. "Like lockpicking for instance. Before you left for Skyrim, you could barely pick the lock to the front door."
She playfully rolled her eyes, "Yes, yes. But enough of my lockpicking skills, let's finally see what's inside this chest." With an eager smile, Xana opened the lid and reached inside. Her eyes widened when she pulled out an array of beautiful dresses and gowns. "Oh my, aren't these gorgeous?!" She admired the lovely craftsmanship as she unfolded each garment. "Obviously these came from Cryodiil because I've never seen anything like these in Skyrim, nor here before. And this one gown is nothing like I've ever seen," she held up a rather ornate wine-colored ball gown and studied the elegant craftsmanship, "It's lovely. Did Alua ever wear this when you saw her," she asked her parents.
Flower-Song nodded her head and smiled, "I remember she wore that particular gown for her wedding, but she was often seen wearing the black and gold dress when Aifa and I trained with her. I asked her where she acquired her dresses and she said that most of them came from the Imperial City, but that was back during the Oblivion Crisis." She then added, "There's matching shoes to go with all of her gowns."
Reaching in, Xana pulled out one pair of shoes after another until she had at least several pairs. "My goodness, she obviously loved fancy clothes. I've never seen such beautiful dresses before...other than your wedding gown, of course." She then pulled out a familiar set of Akaviri armor and a katana, "Oh no...Oh Gods no...was Alua a member of the Blades?!"
Odahviing narrowed his eyes at the wretched armor and sword before gently rubbing his snout on her cheek, "She may have been a member of that accursed faction, but she was not alive during the Dragon Wars to have harmed any of my kind."
"But still...I have questions," she finally came across a collection of journals and emitted a sigh, "Maybe these will give me an explanation. I guess I should read them before I dig any further inside this chest."
And she did.
After receiving further birthday wishes and hugs from her family, Xana snuggled against her mate and began reading Alua's journals, starting with the first/oldest one:
27th Last Seed, 3E 433 The year of Akatosh
When I awoke this morning, I found myself in a rather precarious situation: I was in the Imperial City prison! For what reason? I cannot say. Nor can I remember how or why I was there to begin with. I hoped to get some answers, but the prisoner across from me was rather lewd and I dare not say what he propositioned me with for I am not comfortable speaking about it.
On another note, I had a rather unexpected visitor to my cell shortly after I awoke: Emperor Uriel Septim! He explained to me that his three sons had been assassinated and the Blades were escorting him out of the city through an old escape route through the sewers; however, the entrance to said route led through my cell of all places. According to the Emperor, I am destined for greatness and he trusts me with taking the Amulet of Kings to Jauffre and finding the location of his last son. In Uriel's final words, "Find him. And close shut the Jaws of Oblivion." I'm not entirely sure what he meant, but I suppose Jauffre will have answers for me. According to Uriel's remaining Blade, Baurus, I will find Jauffre in Weynon Priory outside the city of Chorrol. Apparently he's the Grandmaster of the Blades and would be the only person who knows of the Emperor's last heir.
In the meantime, I shall honor Uriel's final request by traveling to Weynon Priory and delivering the Amulet of Kings to Jauffre.
I must not fail the Emperor! I must not fail the Empire!
"Woah, Alua met Uriel Septim and he entrusted her with the Amulet of Kings?! Holy Akatosh...I've only read the first two pages and I'm already at a loss for words."
Odahviing emitted a slight chuckle and nuzzled her cheek, "It would appear that your Monah was more significant than you originally thought. I too am eager to learn more about her." He then softly purred in her ear, "But know that no matter what she did in life, her greatest achievement was having you, dii brit fahliil."
She smiled and kissed his snout, "I love you, Odahviing."
"And I love you, Xana."
XXXXX
-Later that night-
Xana was currently awake reading Alua's journals with Odahviing and learning more about her birth mother. From her findings thus far, she discovered that not only did Alua locate Uriel Septim's heir, Martin, but she was also the Hero of Kvatch, a member of the Blades, the Savior of Bruma, AND the Champion of Cyrodiil!
"Holy Akatosh...my birth Mother was the Champion of Cyrodiil?! I can't believe it. I honestly never thought I would be related to someone so significant." She fondly smirked at her mate, "Still think having me was Alua's greatest achievement?"
Odahviing fondly nuzzled her cheek, "Geh. But I suppose all of her other accomplishments were important as well. However, they hold no personal significance to me seeing how I had been in a dreamless sleep for thousands of mortal years. I was unaware of the events that had taken place during that time and am just now learning about them through your readings."
"Ah, I suppose that makes sense." She glanced down at the journals for a moment, "From what I've read, apparently she was my age when she saved Cyrodiil. I guess that's something the two of us have in common. But her adventure seemed more mentally taxing than mine was, considering that she entered the jaws of Oblivion numerous times and experienced its horrors firsthand."
"It seems that without her, this world may already have been destroyed before Alduin's return."
"I suppose you're right. But still, I can't believe it. I wonder now if this is why I was born a Dovahkiin: did the Gods see my Mother as someone worthy to bear a savior into the world? Or was it purely by chance that I was born to the Champion of Cyrodiil and just so happened to be born with the soul of a dragon?"
Odhaviing pondered her words for a moment before gently nuzzling her, "I cannot say for certain if it was by chance or not, but do not let it trouble you. Who your Monah was does not reflect on who you are as an individual."
She smiled and leaned into his touch, "You're such a kind dovah." He made a 'hmm' of appreciation before nuzzling her baby bump, to which she emitted a sigh and looked over at the remaining journals, "I think I'll have to continue reading Alua's writings when we get back home. I'm starting to feel tired and I'm almost afraid to read more at the moment. I left off after Martin sacrificed himself to save Tamriel. I still can't believe he and Alua were lovers! I mean, she mentioned that they were just friends at first, but over the course of a few weeks they grew very close and consummated their love a week before his death. That's so sad… I can't even imagine how devastated she must have been: To lose her best friend and her first love in such a terrible way…"
He licked her cheek and carefully draped his wing over her in an attempt at a hug, "At least they made the most out of the short time they had together."
"Yea, that's true. I suppose it's better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all. And at least she was able to move on and find happiness again."
"Indeed. For if she hadn't, you would not have existed."
"Yea, I'd rather not think about that." She then glanced over at the chest and frowned, "You know, I just realized that we're going to need a wagon to tow everything back home with us. I'm sure Sea, Shore and Renessie will have some things they'll want to bring with them as well, seeing as how they're coming back with us. I can't wait to help them settle in. They're going to be such a big help when the baby arrives."
"I am inclined to agree with you on that matter. They will be able to assist you with caring for our kiir when I am in this form."
Sensing the slight hurt in his voice, Xana lovingly rubbed his snout, "Odahviing, I understand you can't take on a mortal form for too long without it causing you great discomfort, so I won't ask you to constantly drink one of those alteration potions. But just because you won't be able to fit into the house or hold the baby as a dragon, doesn't mean you won't be able to care for our little one. You'll always be involved in our child's life, and we'll find a way to incorporate you in almost all household activities and child rearing responsibilities." She then playfully stated, "You're not getting out of changing nappies that easily."
He tilted his head in confusion, "I don't even know what those are."
She smirked, "Well, think of them as loincloths for infants...except an infant can't control their 'basic functions' when it comes to relieving oneself." At that, his eyes narrowed and he made a look of pure disgust, which made Xana laugh: she had never seen him make such a face before and it was hilarious! "Oh Gods, Odahviing...I wish you could see your face right now," she giggled.
A snort was his response as he rolled his eyes and emitted a 'hmm' sound before gently nuzzling her, "I suppose that will be a downside to this whole experience, but regardless, I still look forward to raising our kiir alongside you, dii brit fahliil." He then lovingly poked her belly with the tip of his snout and smiled when he felt their child kick in response.
XXXXX
-Two days later-
Odahviing's injuries were finally mended and he was able to fly once more. Of course he didn't want to cause panic among the village residents, so he flew at night to hide among the cover of darkness as he stretched his wings.
Meanwhile, Xana and Runs-To-Shore were returning from Stormhold with Braum pulling them in a new wagon, while Swims-To-Sea and Renessie followed behind in the old one, which was being pulled by Blossom and Merriweather. Renessie had been asked to join them for this trip because the four of them had planned this outing as a means to set everything into motion.
As planned, she married Sea in Black Marsh and would marry Shore in Riften as soon as they crossed the border into Skyrim to start their new lives. As a surprise, Xana had bought her a wedding dress when the two of them were browsing through the shops, while the men went off to purchase the wagon. Of course, after the wedding, she removed it and asked her (now) sister-in-law to hold onto it for her. The last thing she wanted was for her family to find it and demand an explanation.
No. She refused to tell them.
She didn't want her family to find out about her duel relationship with the brothers. It would break her heart to be kept away from them. Not to mention, she dreaded the punishment she would likely receive from her father if he were to find out. She'd probably be forced to work the grain mill again. Last time she was outside pushing that massive millstone for three hours straight until her father allowed her to finally rest. She often wondered why she was the only one who received punishments. Was it because her parents favored her two sisters over her? Perhaps. It's not her fault that she technically wasn't their daughter, but rather, their niece. Sadly, her birth parents were killed by bandits when she was two years old, so her aunt and uncle felt obligated to take her in and raise her as their own. However, they never really treated her as a daughter, but more like a farmhand. She was always forced to wear her sisters'/cousins' old clothes and slept on a bedroll instead of a proper bed.
Regardless, she was eager to get out of Blackwind and move to Skyrim with the men she loved. It was so kind of Xana and her mate to offer them to move into their home. She was eager to settle down and assist her sister-in-law with preparing for the baby. Her experience delivering livestock would hopefully be of some assistance. Of course, she remembered Xana mentioning that she already had a healer in mind to help her during the birth. Regardless, she would lend her aid when the time came. Right now, she was just enjoying the ride back to Blackwind with her new husband, Swims-To-Sea.
At the moment, he was driving the carriage, but would occasionally tease her with his tail, which caused her to blush in response. When they got back to the village, they would sadly have to part ways for the time being so as to not arouse suspicion from their families. They also had to refrain from wearing their wedding rings until they left for Skyrim.
XXXXX
Nearly an hour later, the four of them finally reached Blackwind and dropped Renessie off for the night. Afterwards, Xana, Sea and Shore headed to the homestead where their parents, brothers', and Odahviing were waiting for them.
After leading the horses over to the barn, they climbed down from the carriages and unhinged their equine companions for the night. Upon removing their gear, Xana placed Braum and Blossom in the same stall for the evening, seeing how they had been growing rather fond of each other. Hopefully, their joining would produce a foal or a colt by next harvest. The young Dunmer mentally frowned at having to take Braum away from Blossom in the coming days, but he was literally her ride back to Skyrim and would have to pull the wagon behind him. With that thought in mind, she made a mental note to ask her brothers to load Alua's chest into the wagon tomorrow morning. Right now, it was almost eleven at night and she was exhausted from her trip.
Stepping out of the barn, Xana glanced up to see Odahviing casually flying overhead. Even though it was dark outside, the young Dunmer was well adjusted to the night sky and could tell if a dragon was flying quietly overhead. She waved him down, to which he landed in the nearby field and stalked over towards her. "Drem yol lok, dii brit fahliil. How was your journey?"
She tiredly smiled and rubbed his scales, "It was nice, thank you. Sea and Shore acquired a wagon so the trip back to Skyrim will be easier for everyone. I'll tell you more after we head inside...assuming you want to change forms tonight. We can wait until morning if you'd like?"
He shook his head, "Nid. While I have enjoyed being in my true form, I realized that I missed holding you close to me. I wish to experience that feeling again."
Xana couldn't help the slight dusting of red on her cheeks, for she too desired to wrap her arms around his firm muscles and warm body again. With a nod, she pulled out one of the potions from her satchel and poured it into his mouth, to which he transformed from a dovah into a man. The young Dunmer felt her insides flutter as he gave her a charming smile before reaching over and gently caressing her cheek. The two of them shared a kiss before heading inside for the night. The last thing they needed was for him to catch a chill because he was now naked.
Upon entering the house (after making sure the coast was clear) and climbing into bed, Odahviing gently pulled Xana close to him and protectively held her while rubbing circles across her belly. The sense of touch continued to fascinate him and every opportunity he got to touch her, or her belly, he would. Of course, she didn't mind it in the slightest, considering how affectionate and gentle he was with her. From the way he doted on her, Xana knew Odahviing would make a great parent.
XXXXX
-The next morning-
Xana awoke to find herself alone in the bed and Odahviing nowhere to be found. A bit perturbed and disheartened, she slipped out from under the covers and adorned her shoes and robe before tiredly heading out of the bedroom and into the kitchen/dining area where she was greeted by the delicious smell of baked goods, while Renessie, Marbella and Flower-Song were seated at the table drinking tea. Upon seeing her enter, they warmly smiled.
"Good morning, Xana."
"Morning, Marbella. What's going on," the young Dunmer tiredly looked at the three of them in confusion while rubbing the sleep from her ruby eyes.
"You're getting married today, sweetie," Flower-Song joyfully informed her daughter.
"W-What?! Today?! But...but what about all the preparations?"
"Already taken care of," she waved it off with a smile. "Odahviing approached us the other day and planned everything out. He's currently in town with Stone-Scale, crafting your ring, while Shastan and Reem-Sha are outside decorating and setting everything up."
"Also, Tenova, Sea and Shore went hunting earlier this morning and shot a boar for the reception dinner while we've been in here baking pastries for dessert," Renessie stated as a matter-of-factly.
"And you needn't worry about a large guest list,"Marbella chimed in. "We only invited a small handful of people to keep it simple, so you needn't worry about Brody showing up. As I recall, Odahviing was very adamant that he not attend."
Xana smirked and sat down at the table, "Well, that's good to know. May I ask what time the ceremony is to take place?"
"Oh, don't worry, it's not until dusk. You'll have plenty of time to get dressed and ready. Right now, you should eat some breakfast. Later, I'll draw you up a nice, hot bath," Flower-Song warmly smiled and handed her daughter a bowl of mixed fruit and a small plate of sweetrolls.
"And after your bath, Renessie and I will help you dress and fix up your hair," Marbella stated as she poured her a cup of tea.
"I'd appreciate that. Thank you," Xana graciously took the cup and sipped her tea, savoring the flavor. "I guess seeing as how the ceremony will be later today, perhaps tomorrow we'll leave for Skyrim."
"But it feels like you just got here," her Mother frowned. "Plus, your brothers aren't finished packing. Can't you stay just a few more days? Please?"
Not wanting to say no to her Mother, Xana emitted a sigh of defeat and gave a nod, "Alright, but we must head back before weeks end. The frost is likely upon the ground in Riften and we'll have to take the long way back home because the road through the mountain pass near Helgen is always covered in a thick layer of ice, which means it'll be too dangerous for the wagon to safely travel through. This means we'll likely stop in Whiterun so I can have Danica examine me. I'm just glad that I informed her that I wouldn't be in Skyrim for a few weeks. I'd hate for her to worry."
"I'm sure she understands," she reassured. "Now, enjoy your breakfast and afterwards, we'll gather the boar blood from outside and make pudding for tonight. How does that sound?"
At the mention of blood pudding, Xana's stomach emitted a loud growling sound before her unborn baby suddenly berated her insides with a soft, yet firm kick. Apparently, he or she wanted pudding too and was adorably demanding that she consume some to satisfy its cravings. With a soft laugh, Xana rubbed her small baby bump where her child's foot was currently at, "Apparently, I'm not the only one who's hungry."
"Aww, is my little grandchild being fussy this morning," Flower-Song asked as she gently placed a hand on her daughter's belly, feeling the tiny baby softly kick at her palm. "I can tell this little one is going to be strong and healthy by the way it's moving around."
"Well, that's reassuring to know. Thank you, Mother."
"Anytime, sweetie."
XXXXX
-Later-
After hours of planning and preparing, Xana was finally ready for her wedding. As she stepped out of the house, she felt happy tears form in her eyes. This was really happening! She was finally getting married to the dovah she loved! With a smile, she elegantly made her way over to her awaiting groom.
Odahviing felt his heart race as he looked upon his approaching bride: she was absolutely stunning. Her crimson hair cascaded down her back in elegant waves, while a crown of wildflowers adorned her head. Her dress had been skillfully altered to accommodate their unborn child, while enhancing her divine figure quite elegantly.
Once the two of them stood facing one another, the priest addressed the small crowd of guests:
"Marsh friends and land striders, we are gathered here tonight to bear witness to this young couple as they join together in divine unity. Now they will feel no rain, for they will be shelter to each other. Now they will feel no cold, for each of them will bring warmth to the other. Now there is no more loneliness, for each of them will be a companion to the other. Now they are two bodies, but there is only one life before them. May their days be good and long upon the earth, and may the ground beneath their feet be always soft." He then asked, "Do either of you wish to add your own vows?"
Odahviing gave a nod, "I do." He then faced his bride and tenderly grabbed a hold of her hand, "Xana, mere words cannot even begin to describe how much you mean to me. In the short time that I've known you, you've shown me a form of kindness that I had been denied my entire life. I am forever grateful to have met you and I can no longer imagine my life without you." A fond smile lined his face as he gently placed his other hand over her baby bump, "I admit that until you appeared in my life, becoming a parent was never my intention, nor had it ever crossed my mind. But then, we created this kiir, this child, together, and now my eyes are opened to a new world of possibilities. I understand there will be struggles and hardships in our future, but I am confident we'll overcome them together. I love you, Xana, and I am honored to take you as my kiim, my wife, my mate, dii brit fahliil." He then reached into his pocket and pulled out a ring, to which he then placed it upon her finger. Unlike the traditional gold and amethyst rings commonly presented in Argonian weddings, this ring was adorned with three flawless rubies.
Xana felt joyful tears roll down her cheeks as she looked upon her mate. With a smile, she composed herself and spoke: "Odahviing, I honestly wasn't expecting our wedding to take place today, but apparently you wanted to surprise me," she blushed as he gave her a smug, yet charming smirk and a wink. She lovingly squeezed his hand before continuing, "When I first came to Skyrim, I honestly never thought I'd find my soulmate. In truth, I wasn't pursuing any sort of romantic relationship because I was so focused on fulfilling my destiny as the Dragonborn. But when I met you, that changed. We may have met under precarious circumstances, but I'm glad we were able to set aside our differences and grow close. I love you with all my heart and soul, Odahviing. You see me as a person and not just the Dragonborn, and you complete me. Like you, I too was not planning or expecting to be a parent at this point in my life, but I look forward to welcoming our child into the world, so long as you are by my side." She smiled as he handed her a gold band, to which she slipped it on his finger.
The two of them then shared a kiss, thereby sealing their marriage as husband and wife.